Springing into Summer! Publisher of: The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal
Publisher/Editor Suzanne Egeln publisher@NEFLWomansJournals.com
Business Manager Anthony Egeln bizmgr@NEFLWomansJournals.com
Graphic Design Samantha Angeli samantha.angeli74@gmail.com
Photography Christine Cousart Christine@Cousartstudios.com
Email / Web info@neflwomansjournals.com www.NEFLWomansJournals.com P.O. Box 3655, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004 Voice & Fax: 904-280-0788 U.S. Mail • Direct Drop Distributors • Subscription The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal is published bimonthly by Northeast Florida Woman’s Journals and is available free of charge, by display stands in approved private and public establishments and by authorized distributors only. Subscriptions are available.Trademark laws and U.S. copyright laws protect The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal. No part of this paper may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal is not responsible for (1) any editorial comment (other than its own), (2) typographical errors from advertisements submitted as camera ready or (3) any reproductions of advertisements submitted as camera ready. If an advertisement does not meet our standards of acceptance, we may revise or cancel it at any time, whether or not it has been already acknowledged and/or previously published. The advertiser assumes sole responsibility for all statements contained in submitted copy and will protect and indemnify The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal, its owners, publishers, and employees, against any and all liability, loss or expense arising out of claims for libel, unfair trade names, patents, copyrights and proprietary rights, and all violations of the right of privacy or other violations resulting from the publication by this newspaper or its advertising copy. Publisher shall be under no liability for failure, for any reason, to insert an advertisement. Publisher shall not be liable by reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement. Publisher will not be liable for delay or failure in performance in publication and/or distribution if all or any portion of an issue is delayed or suspended for any reason. The publisher will exercise reasonable judgment in these instances and will make adjustments for the advertiser where and when appropriate. The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or reproductions made by advertisers. Representations by The St. Augustine Woman’s Journal™, Copyright 2009.
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Suzanne Egeln, Publisher
pril showers bring May flowers, or perhaps a “royal” Mother’s Day spa treatment! Nominations for “Queen for the Day” will be accepted through April 22 at Debbie’s Day Spa. The inspiration for the competition came to Debbie Kresge, owner of Debbie’s Day Spa, due to a desire to honor her mom. “A mother’s love is powerful and I want to honor that,” said Ms. Kresge. It is with this spirit and the loving memory of her mother that Ms. Kresge decided to hold a very special event this year. Ms. Kresge will take nomination stories from people telling her why that special woman so positively impacted their life. The “royal” treatment includes five hours of pam-
pering at Debbie’s Day Spa, lunch by Gas Restaurant, flowers from Flower Works and dinner at the Raintree Restaurant. As a local businesswoman, Debbie is proud of the fact that all businesses participating in the event are owned by women. To participate in the “Queen for the Day” contest, nominations should be emailed to debbie@debbiesdayspasalon. com or mailed or dropped off at Debbie’s Day Spa, 403 Anastasia Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32080. It is that time of year to protect our environment. We are fortunate to live in the NE Florida region which supports many habitats. When visiting our coastal region, remember to take back what you bring (including trash and cigarette butts), protect the environment (stay out of the dunes) and respect the animals that live there (including sea turtles, March 1st through October). Keep in mind the following guidelines when enjoying an evening stroll on the beach: Here are five ways you can help sea turtles survive: • Limit light on or near the beach at night. Lights can confuse and disrupt adults and hatchlings on their way to and from the ocean.
Find us on the web at: staugustinewomansjournal.com
• Clean up the beach. Participate in a beach or shoreline cleanup and never leave your trash on the beach that can tangle up adult and baby sea turtles. • Avoid sea turtles and sea turtle nesting sites. Leave plenty of space between the animals, nesting sites and you. • Become a citizen scientist. Educate yourself and others about sea turtle nesting, as well as sea turtles’ important role in ocean ecosystems and food webs • If you see a nesting turtle, stay at least 25 yards behind her at all times. If hatchlings are present, do not touch them or interfere with their progress to the ocean. Immediately report any problems to Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) at 1-888-404-3922. As always we invite you to enjoy the articles enclosed in these pages and to support our Contributors. We welcome your suggestions for new ideas and Contributors for the Woman’s Journal, and recommendations for our Women in Profile section. Happy Spring and Mothers Day!
Slainte! Suzanne Egeln
In This Issue
st. augustine woman’s journal | APRIL/MAY 2016
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26 36 43 37
18 25
Health & Medicine
4 | The Art of Spider Vein Treatment: Sclerotherapy & Laser Therapy 5 | Inflammatory Bowel Disease 6 | Flagler Hospital’s Heart Program Has Been Named Among the Top in the Nation A Local Resident Shares His Story 7 | Flagler Hospital Nurse Dedicates Time to Saving Sea Turtles 8 | Are you ready to go to the hospital? 10 | Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) 12 | The All Important “Fourth Trimester” 14 | Are You Wearing the Right Size Bra? Did You Know 80% of us ARE NOT? 16 | Know Your Diabetes Management Team 17 | Is it Time For a Mommy Makeover? 18 | Puzzling Relationships
Life Services
20 | Quality Time – Haven Makes it Possible 21 | Simply Susie. Let us clean, cook and run errands for you! It’s just a part of what we do!
Business & Finance
22 | 3 Reasons Your Business Website Hosting
Could Affect Your Search Engine Rankings
Travel
24 | Jensen’s on the Gulf 25 | Iceland – An Amazing Land of Fire and Ice
Legal 26 | 27 |
“PROCRASTINATION” (DOING NOTHING) “The worst estate planning strategy of all time” Life After Chapter 7 Better Than You Can Imagine –How Bankruptcy Can Improve Your Life
37 | St. Francis House Graduates First 2016 Fresh Starts in Culinary Arts Class 38 | A Classic Theatre presents an original musical play, “Sweet Emmaline: The Musical Journey of Debbie McDade” 39 | What and Why’s of Equine Assisted Therapy? 40 | “A Great Gatsby Affair” is BACK!” 41 | Delores Barr Weaver Establishes $20 Million Endowed Fund at The Community Foundation
Women in Profile
Fashion & Beauty
Community
Food & Entertainment
28 | Sharell Holverson, Colleen Messner, Robin Maronel, Elizabeth Smith, Irish Jones, Shirley LeDuc and Renee Wauldron
32 | Seniors Bring Service – And More! To Trout Creek Park 33 | Brighter Futures for Habitat for Humanity Homeowners 34 | Volunteer “Reading Pals” Program Brings Lasting Benefits to Local Children 35 | St. Johns Cultural Council Announces 2016 Women in the Arts Award Recipients 36 | Masterworks Concert Performance by The St. Augustine Community Chorus
42 | Get a Great Haircut! 43 | Do You Have a Signature Look? 44 | We are Living in a Visual World!
45 | Ichiban Buffet 46 | WFOY 47 | Treat Your Taste Buds at PJ’s Asia One Market
Back Cover
48 | St. Augustine Ballet Presents Peter Pan
Health & Medicine The Art of Spider Vein Treatment: Sclerotherapy & Laser Therapy -Restoring the youth in your legs
characteristics of spider veins. Some of the treatment options that have been used for the treatment of spider veins are: • Lifestyle changes • Support stockings • Vein stripping surgery • Radiofrequency Occlusion • Sclerotherapy • Laser therapy For the purpose of this article I will focus on sclerotherapy and laser therapy
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By: Ryan Pereira, DPM, FACFAS
f you are one of the many who suffer from discomfort, pain, or poor self-image due to varicose veins, spider veins, or venous reflux, a wide array of minimally invasive treatment options are available at The Centre for Advanced Vein Care (CAV Care) which has been treating venous disease since 2005. Spider veins and varicose veins, although considered a cosmetic problem are actually a sign of an underlying disorder called Venous Insufficiency. Nearly 20-25 million Americans are afflicted by this condition. By age sixty, approximately 70 percent of women and 40 percent of men will be afflicted with venous insufficiency. Left untreated, it can lead to a chronic, debilitating, and sometimes limb-threatening condition. Spider veins present as small webs of red, purple or blue clusters or lines that disfigure the skin surface. Varicose veins appear as dark blue veins or bulging ropes beneath the skin. While these veins are not usually life threatening, they can disrupt and interfere with a person’s quality of life. There are various treatment options available depending on the size, location and For more information about vein treatments, please visit: www.anastasiamedicalgroup.com or contact the office at 904-461-0821. The Center for Advance Vein Care (CAV care) treats all of the aspects of venous disease, the most common of which are varicose veins, spider veins, venous ulcers, and refluxing veins. We utilize the VNUS® Closure® procedure and treatments usually last approximately 45 minutes. In order to provide for total comprehensive vein care, vein stripping, ambulatory phlebectomy and sclerotherapy are also performed at the Center for Advance Vein Care. Dr. Ryan J. Pereira (pictured above) has been in
April/May 2016
Sclerotherapy Sclerotherapy is the most common treatment for both spider veins and varicose veins. Dr. Pereira uses a needle to inject a liquid chemical into the vein. The chemical causes injury to the vein walls thereby causing it to stick together, and seal shut. This stops the flow of blood, and the vein turns into scar tissue. In a few weeks, the vein fades away. Sclerotherapy treatment does not require anesthesia and is performed in the office setting. Patients may return to normal activity immediately after treatment. Patients normally require between 2 and 5 treatments sessions every 4-6 weeks to obtain optimal results. After sclerotherapy patients may be asked to wear compression stockings. This treatment is very effective when done correctly. Side effects of Sclerotherapy Common temporary side effects of sclerotherapy are stinging, redness, raised patches of skin, bruising where the injection are performed. These subside immediately after treatment. Spots, brown lines, or groups of fine red blood vessels around the treated vein recede shortly after treatment. Finally blood trapping in the vein may cause a mild inflammation which is usually treated either by draining the trapped blood or applying warm moist. Laser therapy Laser transmits laser light through the skin to the practice since 2002 and has been treating venous disease since 2005. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is Board Certified in both Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/ Ankle surgery. He is also a Fellow of the American ColDr. David S. Ross lege of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine with his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine.
target blood vessel up to 3 mm in size. After the laser light is absorbed, the light is converted to heat and damage the target vessel. As the vessel is damaged, circualtion stops and the blood vessel disappears shortly thereafter. This procedure is quick and can be done in about 15-20 minutes depending on the area, size and number of spider veins to be treated. The laser has a built in cooling device that prevents thermal injury to the skin and assists in the reduction of pain with the laser therapy. Laser therapy may require between 2-4 treatments in 4-8 week intervals. Side Effects of Laser Therapy Common temporary side effects are swelling, redness, mild pain and hypo-pigmentation or hyperpigmentation. These side effects will gradually disappear as the lesion heals, which may take from few days to several weeks depending on the severity of the spider vein. At CAV Care, we evaluate many patients for treatment of their spider veins, who have had these Dr. David S. Ross has been in practice since 1977 and has been treating venous disease since 2008. He is Board Certified in both Emergency Medicine and Family Practice and is a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. He graduated with a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Florida.
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previously treated where only the cosmetic appearance was addressed, only to see reappearance after 6-12 months. Those who opt only for superficial treatments of leg spider veins exchange the veins for dark blotches in the skin. The underlying problem is never considered or treated. A careful ultrasound vein mapping may show a deeper source of reflux in a larger source vein. We offer minimally invasive treatment options like VNUS Closure procedure to address the larger source veins. Once any underlying large vein insufficiency has been excluded or treated. Sclerotherapy, laser therapy and combination therapy are utilized to restore your legs to a more youthful appearance.
Health & Medicine
Inflammatory Bowel Disease urgent bowel movements. In addition, patient’s can have unique symptoms outside the GI tract, including rashes, visual changes, or joint aches.
PREVALENCE IN THE UNITED STATES
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Anis Ahmadi, MD GI Associates of Saint Augustine
nflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises two different disease processes, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). Both diseases are immune-mediated chronic intestinal conditions that result in inflammation within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. IBD is a progressive disease characterized by periods of disease activity, periods of disease remission with no symptoms, and relapses. Although both Crohn’s disease and UC can present with similar symptoms, the underlying pathology is very different. Crohn’s disease most commonly affects the end of the small intestine (the ileum) and start of the colon, but may affect any segment of the GI tract from the mouth to the anus. On the contrary, UC only affects the colon. The main symptoms of Crohn’s disease are chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss. Patients with UC will often present with bloody diarrhea, crampy abdominal pain, and
The overall worldwide prevalence of IBD has increased tremendously since 1960, particularly in the United States and Europe. An estimated 1.4 million individuals have IBD in the United States. Men and women are equally affected with IBD. Although both UC and Crohn’s disease can occur at any age, they are more prevalent among adolescents and young adults.
WHAT CAUSES INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE?
Substantial progress has been made in IBD research. However, we do not exactly know what causes IBD. It is most likely the result of several factors: our genes, the environment, and the immune system. The immune system is responsible for mounting an inflammatory response to any foreign infection. In IBD, the immune system becomes activated by a foreign infection or harmless bacteria in the GI tract, resulting in persistent inflammation of the intestinal wall which may not subside. This inflammation results in ulceration and thickening of the walls of the intestine which then ultimately causes symptoms.
HOW IS IBD DIAGNOSED?
IBD symptoms are shared by many other conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), infectious diarrhea, thyroid disease, and celiac disease. Therefore, the diagnosis relies on several tests to distinguish among these causes. Laboratory investigation includes blood
work, stool studies, and imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs. Ultimately, a colonoscopy (and possibly an upper endoscopy) is required to visualize the intestinal lining and to perform biopsies.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF IBD?
Patients with IBD can experience a range of complications. Symptoms, as noted above, can persist and result in increased doctor visits, hospital admission, lost time at work, need for surgery, and potentially death. Disease severity is variable, ranging from mild disease to severe disease. Crohn’s patients can develop intestinal narrowing (strictures) which may result in bowel obstruction, infectious fluid collections (abscesses), or abnormal channels (fistulas) to adjacent organs or skin. Patients with UC can develop significant GI bleeding, liver disease, and bowel dilation resulting in possible perforation. Additionally, UC patients have a higher risk of developing colon cancer and require more frequent surveillance colonoscopies.
IBD TREATMENT
There are many medications available for the treatment of IBD. Although we do not have a cure for IBD, we have several options to treat symptoms and prevent flares. Treatment is targeted at arresting the overactive inflammatory process in the GI tract. Treatment options include oral medications, subcutaneous injections performed at home, and intravenous infusions performed in the office. Surgery is reserved for patients with severe disease that is refractory to medications. The key to preventing flares, complications, or the need for surgery is prompt investigation of worrisome symptoms with early diagnosis and early treatment.
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Anis A. Ahmadi, M.D. is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Board Certified in Gastroenterology. Dr. Ahmadi attended the University of Florida for both his undergraduate and post-graduate degrees. He completed his residency at Shands Hospital, Gainesville from 1998-2002. He was Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Miami before accepting a position with G.I. Associates in 2010.
What our patients say: Well organized & efficient staff! • I feel the level of care and the gentle and kind manner I was treated in was excellent. I think you should be proud of your staff. • This was my first colonoscopy and the entire staff made the experience less nerve racking, than I thought it was going to be. Everyone made me feel comfortable. • Well done from start to finish. Thank you!! • I had high anxiety over the procedure but staff put me at complete ease! Thank you! • I went in quivering in fear and left with no trauma. Thank you! • Very satisfied, would refer my family to you all.
Consultants in Digestive Disorders Santiago A. Rosado M.D. • Steven Yu Villanueva M.D. Timothy J. Cavacini D.O. • Stuart A. Soroka, M.D. Daniel J. Gassert, M.D. • William J Barlow, M.D. Anis A. Ahmadi, M.D. • Camille A. McGaw M.D St. Augustine 216 Southpark Circle East St. Augustine, FL 32086 Phone: 904.824.6108 Fax: 904.823.9613 Murabella/WGV 52 Tuscan Way, Suite 203 St. Augustine, FL 32092 Phone: 904.824.6108 Palatka 199 S. Highway, Suite C East Palatka, FL 32177 Phone: 386.326.4060 PALM COAST 50 Cypress Point Pkwy, Condo C1 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Phone: 386.986.3400 www.GI-Associates.com info@gi-associates.com
Health & Medicine
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Flagler Hospital’s Heart Program Has Been Named Among the Top in the Nation A Local Resident Shares His Story
housands of lives have been touched by the Heart Center at Flagler Hospital since it opened more than a decade ago. From same day treatment procedures, to life-saving open heart surgery, area residents are receiving some of the nation’s highest ranked heart care in their own backyard. Most recently, Flagler Hospital was named among the top 10% in the nation for cardiology services for 2015 & 2016 by Healthgrades, and the hospital also received five stars for heart attack treatment. The level of care is particularly important to Christian “Chris” Bush who credits the team at Flagler for saving his life. Chris says he thought he had always been in generally good health. He effectively managed his diabetes and kept up with his regular doctor appointments. When he went in for his checkup last April, his physician noticed an unusual EKG and recommended that Chris see a cardiologist just to be sure everything was in tip-top shape. His cardiologist conducted more tests and during a heart catheterization procedure on April 24, 2015, he found the source of the problem. “I was awake during the procedure and the doctor stopped, looked at me and said there were 4 major blockages and I was going to need emergency open-heart surgery – a quadruple bypass,” Chris said. “This
was a complete shock! I told him I didn’t want to wait to have the surgery, so he called Flagler’s open heart surgeon and we scheduled the surgery for later that same day.” Chris’s wife Melody rushed to get their two children from school, 9 year old DJ and 8 year old Rachel, so they could see their dad before he went into surgery. They made it back to the hospital just in time, and Chris headed to the operating room. “The care team in open heart recovery truly saved my life,” said Chris. “There were times in the open heart recovery unit that were very rough, but they didn’t panic, they just saved my life.” Chris remained in open heart recovery for several days until he was stable enough to move to the cardiovascular unit and then home. “In the week that I was in the hospital I met over 50 people in various departments and I’ll say it was uniquely fantastic,” said Chris. “They not only loved me, but they loved my family and friends. I truly felt that they became my family. They are beautiful people and I love each one of them” When Chris arrived home, he had 17 stairs to climb to get to his bedroom, and every day those 17 stairs got easier and easier to manage. He is now fully recovered, back to work and most importantly, able to enjoy activities with his family again.
Chris holding the heart pillow he received during his recovery – signed by the staff of Flagler Hospital.
About Flagler Hospital Flagler Hospital is a 335 bed, acute care hospital that has consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the nation by leading ratings agencies. The hospital has operated as a not-for-profit healthcare institution in St. Augustine, Florida since its founding in 1889. Today, Flagler Hospital is part of Coastal Community Health, a regional affiliation between Baptist Health, Flagler Hospital and Southeast Georgia Health System - a highly integrated hospital network focused on enhancing the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. Flagler Hospital’s commitment to quality has resulted in numerous national accreditations including, designation as a Chest Pain Center and a Primary Stroke Care Center, ANCC Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence, national accreditation for its total hip and total knee replacement programs and accreditation of its Cancer Institute by the Commission on Cancer. To learn more about all of the hospital’s services log on to www.FlaglerHospital.org.
April/May 2016
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Health & Medicine
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Flagler Hospital Nurse Dedicates Time to Saving Sea Turtles
uring the months from May to October, the sea turtles of the area lay their eggs along our beaches. Each nest is stocked full of tiny turtles that hatch no bigger than your hand. These nests are buried in the sand of the beach right in the path of dangers like cars, tourists, and animals. That’s where people like Diana Justice come in. Diana, along with being a remarkable nurse at Flagler Hospital, is a proud permit holder for the protection of sea turtles in a seven mile span of St. Augustine Beach. This means she recruited 20 volunteers for morning and night shifts monitoring the seas turtle nests and protecting them from harm’s way. Diana is a permit holder that goes above and beyond to educate the community and especially the youth to get interested in the protection of sea turtles. She has pursued the preservation of sea turtles for around 15 years and is so passionate about her work that she obtained a permit from Florida Fish and Wildlife. The number of sea turtle nests is at a high this year as it usually comes in spikes every other year and during the past 35 years the number of sea turtles that survive to come back and lay eggs has increased which can be partly attributed to efforts of people like Diana who dedicate their time to saving the young turtles. In our region are three types of sea turtle: loggerheads (the smallest of the turtle breeds), green (medium sized), and leatherbacks (which are remarkably large in adulthood) each of them unique and beautiful breeds right on our local beaches. Each of them luckily surviving thanks to Diana and people like her who put their time and effort into preserving a safe environment for these little critters.
Turtle Patrol (Diana is fourth from the right)
Some beach habits that people can overlook put the newly hatched sea turtles in extreme danger. The top three dangers are: 1. Leaving lights on near the beach causing the newborn sea turtles to be disoriented not knowing light to follow 2. Leaving garbage on the beach that the turtles often get caught in and often suffocated 3. Holes in the sand innocently dug for some fun in the sun that the tiny sea turtles often fall in and cannot escape from.
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Health & Medicine
Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com
Are you ready to go to the hospital? Dr. Larry Lake is a licensed psychotherapist and is the CEO of BayView Healthcare. Lake says “as a local nonprofit healthcare provider, we are excited about how this FORUM can help share the knowledge and expertise of the more than 275 healthcare professionals at BayView and across our continuum of care. In each issue we will address an area of interest to help consumers be even more informed about their health and wellness.”
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lanning for a hospitalization or surgery is very important! Your active participation in making arrangements pre-surgical or pre-hospitalization will help in a safe transition to your next care setting. Health care is changing and we must be aware that staying in the hospital to convalesce is no longer an option. Medicare has made adjustments that determine appropriateness of how long you can remain in the hospital and if you are appropriate to go to a rehabilitation facility or receive home health services.
I have gathered a few ideas that I think will help you prepare: Make sure you have updated health care surrogate and living will forms. Many of us believe that we are too
April/May 2016
In this FORUM, Jill A. Yoerger, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker will help us to be the
most prepared when hospitalization is in our future. Jill relocated from Minnesota to St. Augustine in July of 1996 and began at Flagler Hospital in December as a member of the medical social work team. With the changes in health care this article will give you some tools you will need to actively participate in making presurgical or pre-hospitalization plans for safe transition to the necessary next level care settings and recovery. As if the hospital doesn’t keep Jill busy enough, she also has a private practice where she works with individuals and couples who are seeking counseling as a Medicare provider and keeps very flexible evening hours.
young or nothing bad will happen to us so we neglect this most basic paperwork. A health care surrogate form simply appoints a willing person who can speak for us if we are unable. This person should be available to medical personnel (i.e., not live out of the country) and have a good understanding of our wishes. A living will is a statement of our wishes. If we are unable to speak for ourselves, what is the extent of medical intervention we wish to have? Both the living will and health care surrogate forms should be discussed with those that we designate to be our decision makers and our primary care doctors. Both should have a copy of the paperwork. These forms are free and do not need to be notarized or purchased through an attorney. They can be obtained from any hospital, hospice agency or online.
Prior to any hospitalization or out-patient procedure appoint a care advocate for yourself. This can be a family member or friend. This person should be available to attend any pre-procedure doctor appointments or educational series. They should be available to assist you on the day of your procedure and several days after. They should be physically able to assist you if you need it and available to spend the night. Prepare for your time away from home or a decreased ability to perform daily responsibilities. Prepare meals in advance – considering dietary changes due to medical interventions. Pay bills in advance or have them stamped and ready to be sent. Hold mail or designate someone to collect it for you. Arrange for the care of your pets.
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Water all plants in advance and make arrangements for lawn care. Arrange your home for convenience. Move furniture that may become an obstacle or area rugs that could become a safety hazard. If you have extended family or out of state relatives, designate who will be the hospital/doctor contact person. Create a telephone tree or face book page to disseminate medical updates. The medical professionals will appreciate the chain of command that you have created and your loved ones will be kept abreast of you condition. Your care advocate should be armed with a current list of your medications and your medical history. It is recommended that they attend any preliminary doctor appointments with you. Discuss with your physician or surgeon your estimated recovery time. Ask them if you will have physical limitations during your recovery. If your doctor is recommending that you transition to a rehabilitation facility, have home nursing/physical therapy or need specialized equipment in the home call your insurance provider. If you have Medicare (white card with red and blue stripes on top) you can choose any rehabilitation facility or home health agency. Your physician may have an agency preference or companies they prefer to work with. The First Coast Health Alliance recently established to foster collaboration among area physicians and Flagler Hospital has chosen BayView Healthcare as the preferred provider of the extension of services to post discharge care. BayView Healthcare transitional services include postacute care in a short term rehabilitation setting, home health,
Health & Medicine appointments that you will have. When planning for assistance in your home also consider transportation home from the hospital, surgery center or out-patient facility and follow-up appointments. Many people are not aware that transportation is not a Medicare benefit. Although I have given you some tools to help in preparing for surgery or hospitalization, you may find yourself with additional questions or in an emergent situation that does not allow for you to plan ahead. There are social workers in the hospital that will assist you with your discharge needs. In collaboration with your physician(s) the social workers can assist you with arranging rehabilitation, home health, medical equipment, privately paid assistance in the home, and transportation.
“Planning for a hospitalization or surgery is very important! Your active participation in making arrangements pre-surgical or pre-hospitalization will help in a safe transition to your next care setting. Health care is changing and we must be aware that staying in the hospital to convalesce is no longer an option.” and outpatient therapy. As part of your recovery, BayView will use the same care pathways that was chosen by you, your physician and your care team at Flagler Hospital. If you have a Medicare replacement policy (Medicare AARP, Medicare Blue Cross etc.) or a Medicare HMO (Humana HMO) your insurance company will have a list of preferred providers for you to choose from. Using an agency that is not contracted with your insurance company will result
in a higher cost to you. You may also have additional co-pay for in-patient rehabilitation or home health services if you have a Medicare replacement or a Medicare HMO policy. If you will be in need of durable medical equipment (DME) such as a walker or wheelchair post procedure your surgeon’s office can assist in writing out a prescription or ordering the DME so you have it on the day of your procedure or discharge from the hospital. Discuss your follow up care and
Jill A. Yoerger, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Health & Wellness Forum
161 Marine Street, St. Augustine, FL (904) 829-3475 www.bayviewhealthcare.org BayView Healthcare is a private, not-for-profit comprehensive continuum of healthcare provider founded in 1920. Our superior level of services includes short-term inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing at BayView Rehab at the Samantha R. Wilson Care Center, BayView Home Health and BayView Assisted Living at The Pavilion and Buckingham Smith, an Emergency Charitable Assistance Program and BayView Wellness. Caring Hands-Caring Community is a separate 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in 2004 by our parent organization. It was formed to support the exceptional services and continuum of care provided to people in need of healthcare
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services and financial assistance. For further information about any of the programs offered through the BayView Healthcare continuum please call (904) 829-3475.
Health & Medicine
Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) and the stomach. When arteries that supply the heart are hardened or narrowed, it is called coronary artery disease or cardiovascular disease. The good news is that like other diseases related to the arteries, P.A.D. can be treated by making lifestyle changes, by taking medicines, or by undergoing leg artery angioplasty or other endovascular intervention type procedure ( laser, stents, atherectomy, rotational atherectomy etc) or tradional vascular surgery, if needed. And you can live well with P.A.D.
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Majdi Ashchi, DO, FACC, FSCAI, FABVM, FSVM Medical Director
hat is P.A.D.? P.A.D. is short for Peripheral Arterial Disease. The term PAD encompasses a large series of disorders that affect arterial beds exclusive of the coronary arteries. People have P.A.D. when the arteries in their legs become narrowed or clogged with fatty deposits, or plaque . The buildup of plaque causes the arteries to harden and narrow, which is called atherosclerosis . When leg arteries are hardened and clogged, blood flow to the legs and feet is reduced. Some people call this poor circulation. P.A.D. occurs most often in the arteries in the legs, but it also can affect other arteries that carry blood outside the heart. This includes arteries that go to the aorta, the brain, the arms, the kidneys
April/May 2016
Is P.A.D. serious? P.A.D. is a serious disease commonly affecting 1/3 Americans over the age of 50. The hardened arteries found in people with P.A.D. are a sign that they are likely to have hardened and narrowed arteries to the heart and the brain. That is why people with P.A.D. have a two- to six-times greater chance of death from a heart attack or a stroke with or without symptoms. Patient with symptoms from PAD have a higher risk of death than patient with P.A.D but no symptoms. P.A.D has higher risk of death than certain well known cancer such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and Hodgkin’s disease. When the blood flow to the legs is greatly (or severely) reduced, people with P.A.D. may have pain when walking. P.A.D. may cause other problems that can lead to amputation of a toe, foot or a leg. People with P.A.D. may become disabled and not be able to go to work. As
time goes on, they may have a very poor quality of life.
Who is at risk for P.A.D.? The chance of having P.A.D. increases as you get older. People over age 50 have a higher risk for P.A.D., but the risk is increased if you: • Smoke, or used to smoke • Have diabetes • Have high blood pressure • Have abnormal blood cholesterol levels • Are of African American ethnicity • Have had heart disease, a heart attack or a stroke • Have a family history of P.A.D., heart attack or stroke. What are the warning signs or symptoms of P.A.D.? P.A.D. develops slowly over many years. In the early stages, most people with P.A.D. have no symptoms. Only about one out of four people with P.A.D. actually feel typical symptoms of P.A.D. in their leg muscles (known as “claudication”, defined below). By that time, their arteries may be so clogged hardened that they are not getting enough oxygen to supply their leg muscles. The most common signs of P.A.D. include one or more of these problems: • Cramps, tiredness or pain in your legs, thighs or buttocks that always happens when you walk but that goes away when you rest. This is called claudication. • Foot or toe pain at rest that often disturbs your sleep. • Skin wounds or ulcers on your feet or toes that are slow to heal, or that do not heal. Sometimes, people ignore their leg pain and think it is just a sign that
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they are getting older. As a result, many people with P.A.D. do not know they have it and do not get treatment. It is important to discuss any leg or thigh pain you may be having with your health care provider since it may be a warning sign of a serious disease such as P.A.D. Ulcers can be on the hands or legs. Ischemic ulcers from arterial disease should be differentiated from non P.A.D ulcers. How do I find out if I have P.A.D.? If you think you have P.A.D., see your health care provider and talk about any symptoms you are having and go over your medical history and your risk factors for P.A.D. Your provider will examine the pulses in your feet and legs. If your provider finds those pulses are weak and thinks you may have P.A.D., your provider may order a test called the ABI, which stands for ankle-brachial index . The ABI is the best test for finding out if you have P.A.D. It uses sound waves to find out if there is reduced blood flow in the arteries. It also compares the blood pressure in your ankles with the blood pressure in your arms. P.A.D. also can be diagnosed by other tests that measure blood pressures in the leg (segmental pressure), toe pressures (toe-brachial index or TBI) or artery blood flow (with ultrasound). Other more sophisticated tests can be performed such as PVR (pulse volume recordings), CTA ( Cat scan), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or catheterization or angiography. How is P.A.D. treated? P.A.D. can be treated with lifestyle changes, medicines and surgery, if needed. Since people with P.A.D. are at high risk for heart attacks and stroke, they must take charge of controlling their risk factors related to cardiovascular disease. These life-saving steps will help to prevent and control P.A.D.: • Get help to quit smoking and set a quit date now. • Lower your blood pressure to less
Health & Medicine than 140/90 mmHg or less than 130/80 mmHg if you have diabetes or chronic kidney disease. • Lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol to less than 100 mg/dl or to less than 70 mg/ dl if you are at very high risk for a heart attack or stroke (if you smoke, have diabetes or have chronic kidney disease). • Manage your blood glucose to reach an A1C level of less than 7 and practice proper foot care if you have diabetes. • Talk to your doctor about taking antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix) to prevent clotting. Other meds are approved for PAD and vascular disease such as Pletal and Zontivity. • Follow a healthy eating plan to control your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose (for diabetes). • Get regular exercise such as walking for 30 minutes at least 3 or 4 times per week. • If you have pain or cramps in your
legs, ask your health care provider about an exercise program that will help improve your symptoms. If possible, get a referral to a specialist. P.A.D. exercise program. For most people with P.A.D., these life-saving steps may be enough to slow down the disease and even improve any symptoms. If needed, your health care provider can refer you to a specialist for procedures or surgery to treat arteries that are severely blocked. These procedures often help people with P.A.D. to improve symptoms and to avoid losing a foot or leg.
chi has an extensive experience with interventions to treat simple to complex vascular blockages in any vascular bed or organ including carotids ( neck arteries), arms, kidney arteries, stomach or intestinal arteries, leg arteries as well as heart arteries. Our experts use simple balloon angioplasty or medicated balloon angioplasty, bare metal
Remember: Finding and treating P.A.D. early can help keep your legs healthy, lower your risk for heart attack or stroke, and save your life and limbs. Our board certified interventional cardiologist and vascular specialist, Dr. Majdi Ash-
to medicated stents to more complex atherectomy devices, laser catheters, and clot buster catheters to remove clots or cholesterol plaques. If you wish to make an appointment with our doctors, please contact us at (904)-222-6656 or visit our web site (www.drashchiheart.com) for our locations or phone numbers in three counties.
A Message from Ashchi Heart & Vascular Center... I am pleased to announce the opening of my new medical practice dedicated to the delivery of high quality, comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for patients experiencing simple to complex heart and vascular diseases. My staff and I continue a sincere commitment to serve each patient with the highest level of integrity and ethics just as we have for the tens of thousands of patients who have grown to know and depend on us for more than 18 years. Truly, our reputation is built on mutual trust and respect. Visit our new dynamic website DrAshchiHeart.com. It offers ease of navigation, comprehensive information on health and wellness education, plus an interesting blog. For your convenience, we have a single Central Scheduling appointment line and six regional locations offering Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Vascular Medicine (arteries & veins) Endovascular Medicine & Electrophysiology. We will check and manage pacemakers and AICD (defibrillators), as well as treat simple arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation or flutter) to the most complex, life-threatening arrhythmias. Please let us know if we can be of service to you or your family
Majdi Ashchi, DO, FACC, FSCAI, FSVM, FABVM, is the president & medical director of Ashchi Heart & Vascular Center, PA. After graduating from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova-Southeastern University of The Health Sciences 1989, and the University of South Florida for his bachelor’s degree 1985, he was recruited to the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Foundation for his internal medicine residency. Dr. Ashchi completed his Cardiology fellowship from Case Western Reserve University (1996) and an interventional cardiology fellowship from the University of Connecticut in 1997. Dr. Ashchi has become a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease (arterial, aneurysm, vein disease) as well as carotid and coronary disease. Dr. Ashchi is currently assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine as well as adjunct clinical assistant professor of internal medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Central Scheduling 904.222.6656 • DrAshchiHeart.com
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Keep the Blood Flowing with an Active & Healthy Life
Health & Medicine
The All Important “Fourth Trimester”
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Elizabeth Meadows,
regnant moms excitedly count down each of the three trimesters of pregnancy looking forward to the day the baby arrives. But often not enough preparation is given for the time immediately after the baby arrives. These first weeks of the baby’s life are a time of huge changes for both baby and Mom. The first three months have come to be referred to as “The Fourth Trimester” so that people will start to think of it as a continuation of pregnancy and prepare accordingly. Your baby spent 40 weeks in the womb having his every need met in the most perfect way. It is always the right temperature, nutrients are constantly available, and the sound of Mom’s heartbeat is soothing. Birth suddenly changes all of that. Baby suddenly finds himself pushed out into the world of strange smells, different temperatures, and many sounds. Is it any wonder babies cry? During the first 3 months of life there are many things Mom (and Dad!) can do to help baby transition to life in the real world. • Skin to skin contact. Have the baby completely naked or diaper only and lay her directly on your skin. Many hospitals (including Flagler!) do this right after birth but there are advantages to it for the first few weeks
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of life. It promotes the release of oxytocin (the hormone that creates feelings of love and bonding), helps support breastfeeding, helps baby maintain normal temperature and heart rate, and your baby will be less likely to cry. • Wear your baby. This gives the sensation of being warm and snug just like in the womb. He can hear your heartbeat. The rocking motions of you going about your daily activities are soothing. A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that babies who received supplemental carrying cried up to 43% less overall when compared to babies who spent more time laying in cribs or seats. • Watch for those hunger cues. Feed your baby on demand regardless of whether you are breast feeding, formula feeding or a combination of both. Their tummies are tiny and they may need to eat small amount often during the first few weeks. Breastfeeding moms need to do this to help establish the milk supply their baby needs. Formula fed babies will have less gastric distress when fed only as much as they need when they need it. It is tempting to try to get baby into a routine so that life can “return to normal.” But letting go of strict schedules for a few weeks can lead to less frustration in the long run. • Let go of sleep expectations. Understandably sleep is one of the number one concerns of new parents. It can be tough to feel like you are getting even close enough. Keeping baby close can lead to longer stretches of rest as baby will know you are close by and she is safe. And you may need to adjust your own expectations. If baby’s longest stretch of sleep is from 8PM to midnight then you need to sleep then as well, even if it means going to bed when the sun is still
“These first weeks of the baby’s life are a time of huge changes for both baby and Mom. The first three months have come to be referred to as “The Fourth Trimester” so that people will start to think of it as a continuation of pregnancy and prepare accordingly.” up! And the best thing you can do is remember this stage does not last forever! • Think “Routine” instead of “Schedule”. Following baby’s cues doesn’t mean you have to let go of all semblance of order in your life. Babies actually do really well with routine and there are things you can do to encourage this. For example keeping things dark and quiet at night, even during diaper changes and feeding, will foster sleeping. Let the normal noise and brightness of your day to day life permeate the home in the daytime. This will eventually lead to the baby staying awake during the day to enjoy all the activity around him. • Don’t worry about creating “bad” habits. You can’t spoil a newborn! No matter how much you rock, carry, cuddle or hold your baby, he is going to become an independent little person.
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Children are never spoiled by love and affection. They thrive on it! And what about Mom during this 4th Trimester? She needs some TLC too! Her body is in for some major postpartum changes as it recovers from pregnancy and delivery. Whether becoming a new mom or adding another little one to the family, there are many physical and emotional demands that motherhood brings, but with planning and support Mom will adjust to her new role. • Identity crisis! Having your first child is a huge change in personal identity. Suddenly you are someone’s Mom. You are totally responsible for that little person’s every need. It can change your every priority. The feelings of insecurity that come with this identity change are completely normal. All new moms feel like they don’t know what they are doing every once in a
Health & Medicine And for moms adding another little one to their already busy family they often wonder how they will make sure everyone gets the time and attention they need. And most of us are our own harshest critic. Cut yourself some slack! You will find your new “normal” and learn to thrive there. • Hormones, hormones, hormones. Those hormone levels don’t go back to normal the second you deliver. It takes a few weeks for things to settle back down. Add the ebbing and flowing hormone levels to a state of sleep deprivation and it can be a little crazy. Try to get the rest you need. Eat a balanced diet. Get some fresh air every day. • Pain. And bleeding. And swelling. Oh my! Many moms are surprised by the physical feelings after baby. Your whole body can be achy from the rigors of labor. You bottom might be sore from delivery or you might be coping with the pain of having a c section. Use the pain medications and comforts your provider recommends. The bleeding will begin to decrease significantly after a week. It can be annoying but it is an important part of your body’s healing process. And don’t be surprised if your swollen feet and hands actually get worse for a few days after delivery. This is normal. Drink plenty of water and your body will process all the extra fluid out in no time. Don’t try to do too much physical activity the first several days. Allow your body time to heal. Pamper yourself. And more importantly, let others pamper you. Don’t be too proud to ask for a little help if you need it. This is the time to prioritize. Let the chores that don’t absolutely have to be done wait. Use paper plates for a few meals. Make life as easy as possible. Before you know it you will be back at 100% and ready to tackle it all again.
• Getting your pre-baby body back. Like it or not, pregnancy changes our bodies. Once your midwife or doctor gives the OK you can begin to exercise. But before that it is ok to get outside for a stroll, just nothing too vigorous. A little fresh air and activity can do a world of good. And remember it took
40 weeks for your body to change; it won’t be back to pre-baby shape overnight! Most importantly remember, you are not alone! Your midwife or doctor has a wealth of information and resources to help you through this time.
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Elizabeth Meadows is a Certified Nurse Midwife practicing at OB GYN Associates of St. Augustine. She is a native of Georgia. She has been practicing midwifery since 2003. She moved with her family to St. Augustine in 2010. When not happily delivering babies, Elizabeth enjoys the beach and cheering at her son’s football games.
Health & Medicine
Are You Wearing the Right Size Bra? Did You Know 80% of us ARE NOT?
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By: Susan Detar, CFm Owner, The Pink Door
ere are a few things that will tell you that you should be fitted for a new bra. ◆ Your bra rides up in back ◆ Straps fall off or leave indentations ◆ Under wire cuts into tissue ◆ Back tissue spills over the band ◆ Breast tissue spills out the top or pushes out the bottom ◆ You have gained or lost l0 pounds ◆ You purchased a different size top
While every woman should wear the right size bra, after mastectomy or lumpectomy, when a prosthesis is added to the equation, the fitting becomes even more important to ensure the “system” is completely in balance. Not replacing the lost tissue can create misalignment of the spine which after time can create shoulder droop or head and neck pain. These same chronic health conditions can also be caused by heavy breasts not being supported. Often women have purchased a bra they feel fits well and when they go shopping for new garments they purchase a different style or manufacturer in the same size without trying it on. This garment usually stays in the drawer because there is no standardization in the lingerie industry. So you can’t count on a 36B being a 36B. You must know what a proper fit looks and feels like and you must try it on.
Before
To care for your lingerie, hand or machine wash (in a lingerie bag) in cold water with your regular laundry soap. Do not use detergent with bleach. Always hang dry your bras. It is recommended that at a minimum every woman should have three new bras at each purchase— one to wear, one to wash
“For years I’ve just grabbed an armload of the biggest bras I could find and hoped for the best. My size was way off, and the regular stores don’t even carry what I need. Even the plus-size shops. Don’t suffer another day with less than adequate support!! Do your girls a favor and go see Susan at the Pink Door!!” - Robin “I was fitted for new bras to compensate for my disparate sized breasts. I couldn’t have asked for better service. This shop is a local treasure. Much better than having to drive out of town.” - Linda The store is a little farther than others, but Susan has given me a very personalized service and she goes out of her way to find what I need and fits me well. - Leticia I was overwhelmed with the service given to me, and the selection of bras. - Marilyn
After
A good fitting bra should be snug around the rib cage as that is where 90% of the work is done. This is where the lift happens. The straps are only to hold the fabric in place, not to hold up the tissue. Usually, decreasing the band size and increasing the cup size resolves most issues. Often, it takes a little time to become accustomed to the new “feel”, but once you have discovered what a proper fit does, you will be so much happier. A good fit makes you stand tall and confident. And your clothes look better. Susan Detar is a Certified Mastectomy Fitter. The Pink Door is an accredited post-mastectomy care center. Our mission statement: “The Pink Door will be recognized as the preferred provider of foundations to women affected by breast cancer. We will offer a wide selection of products in a knowledgeable and caring environment. Our goal is to fulfill 80% of our customers’ needs on the first visit.” This mission extends to all women who walk through the door. You will be served in a warm, inviting boutique occupying a home in the south historic district of Palatka. Our job is to provide products that will make you look and feel better.
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and one for a spare. And if you can, an entire wardrobe of bras. The life span of even the best bra is no more than 12 months. The fibers have begun to break down and will no longer be able to do the work. As a rule, you should be fitted annually.
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Health & Medicine
April/May 2016
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Health & Medicine
Know Your Diabetes Management Team • Vascular Specialist—Diabetes can increase the chances for development of several vascular diseases. Your risk of vascular disease increases with the length of time you have had diabetes, and your risk can increase if you have high blood pressure, smoke, are inactive, overweight, or eat a high-fat diet. • Pharmacist—Successfully managing diabetes usually requires taking prescription medication. Talk to your pharmacist to ensure you understand your over-the-counter (OTC) medications and your prescription medications.
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By Richard Johnson, DPM
Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center
hile diabetes affects all parts of the body, it can be controlled successfully with guidance and treatment from a team of medical specialists. • Primary Care Physician—A family physician or internist plays the important role of coordinator. Often, they are the first doctor one sees after being diagnosed diabetic. They make referrals to other specialists on the treatment team. • Endocrinologist—This specialist is often called upon to care for a person with diabetes who is having difficulty controlling the disease. • Podiatrist—Podiatrists are uniquely qualified to treat the foot and ankle. Diabetes can limit or restrict nerve function and blood flow to the feet. As a result, patients with diabetes can develop foot complications resulting in infection or amputation if left untreated. If you have diabetes or are at risk of the disease, have a podiatrist check your feet at least twice a year for circulation and symptoms such as numbness, burning, or tingling. • Dentist—Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and infections in the mouth due to excess blood sugar, so keeping up with regular dental appointments is important. • Ophthalmologist/Optometrist—Similar to the feet, diabetes can also affect blood flow to the eyes, resulting in diabetic eye disease. This condition is preventable if the disease is managed properly.
April/May 2016
Briefly test your knowledge about your diabetic feet:
1. Even though someone in my family has diabetes, I don’t need to worry about it. FALSE—Along with age and obesity, a family history of diabetes can increase your chances of developing diabetes. 2. I need to educate my family on the dangers of diabetes. TRUE—Diabetes is a family affair. Everyone in the family should know about the disease and help those with diabetes control it. 3. As long as my feet do not hurt, I don’t need to visit a podiatrist. FALSE—Diabetes can lead to loss of sensation or numbness of the extremities. You may not feel the pain, even if there is a significant problem. Any noticeable change in the feet such as redness swelling, sores that don’t heal, loss of toe/foot/leg hair, or scaly skin may indicate a more serious problem. 4. Having diabetes makes my feet more susceptible to common infections, such as athlete’s foot and fungal toenails. TRUE—People with diabetes have a decreased immune response, which can make common foot infections more prevalent. If you or someone you know has diabetes, visit a podiatrist regularly for proper foot exams and foot care to keep your feet healthy.
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We have been treating your feet in St Augustine and Palatka for over 12 years. Make an appointment today with Richard Johnson, DPM or Jose Concha, DPM at (904)826-1900 in St Augustine or (386)328-1122 in Palatka. At Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center, we are setting the highest standards for your foot and ankle care.
Health & Medicine
Is it Time For a Mommy Makeover?
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Dr. Michael Duffy, Jacksonville Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Center
as having children and breastfeeding changed the appearance of your breasts and abdomen? This is not due to decreased physical activity (you are likely running now more than ever), slow metabolism, or poor eating habits. These changes are due to structural alterations in your body’s tissues that can be explained and rejuvenated to restore your pre-pregnancy appearance. The Abdomen The abdominal wall is composed of skin, then fat, then the rectus abdominus muscles (the “six-pack”) encased in a non-elastic substance called fascia. To accommodate the enlarged uterus (or womb) during pregnancy, all three abdominal wall layers—skin, fat, and muscle encased in fascia—from just above the navel (belly-
button) to the pubic bone stretch at a rate that often outstrips a woman’s ability to make new tissues. How well these tissues bounce back after delivery is dependent on many factors including the mother’s age, health, skin elasticity, and weight gain during pregnancy. The abdominal wall tissues of mothers bearing multiple children (twin, triplets, etc.) are stretched to a more extreme degree. “Stretch marks”, or striate, are caused by a rate of skin stretch that overwhelms the skin’s elasticity or ability to create new skin. Even though women spend millions of dollars every year purchasing products to improve stretch marks, there are no FDA approved therapies to remove stretch marks. Stretch marks are irreversible. Although the abdominal wall muscles will snap back after pregnancy, the tissues that encases these muscles (the fascia) does not have the same elasticity and is weakened. The weakening of the fascia causes a paunch, or protruding belly. This can never be improved with exercise of diet—it is a mechanical change in the tissue. Often I’ll hear, “I work out regularly and still can’t improve my belly.” Fat stores on the back and flanks are increased during pregnancy. These new stores are often also resistant to exercise. This change is natural, but it masculizes the feminine hourglass appearance. The Breasts During pregnancy, the breasts enlarge due to hormonal factors in preparation for milk production. If the mother does breast-feed (a healthy option for mother and child), the internal breast tissue loses much of its structural integrity. This change causes a flatten-
ing of the natural teardrop appearance of the breast. The flattening and dropping of the nipples position is called ptosis, often referred to as “drooping breasts.” The Solution: A Mommy Makeover is a combination of: 1. Abdominoplasty 2. Breast augmentation and/or lift, and 3. Suction lipectomy of the back flanks and hips. • Abdominoplasty: removes the excess skin and stretch marks from the abdomen, and tightens and restores the “abdominal wall corset.” • Breast Augmentation/Lift:
•
Depending on the size of the breasts, the amount of drooping (ptosis) and the patient’s desires, a breast lift (mastopexy), breast augmentation (with silicone “gummy bear” or saline implants), or a combination of the two can be performed to restore and enhance the breast shape. Liposculpture: of the back and flanks is performed to permanently remove the excess fat
The results are striking and long-lasting. Patients, and their partners, are equally ecstatic post-operatively.
“Dr. Michael Duffy is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon providing comprehensive aesthetic and reconstructive surgery services in Jacksonville, Florida and the surrounding areas of Ponte Vedra, North Florida and South Georgia. Dr. Duffy received his Plastics Reconstructive training at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN and is certified by the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Plastic Surgery. His plastic surgery treatments include breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, tummy tuck, facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, mommy makeovers and total body rejuvenations and more. Dr. Duffy also leads a team of experienced medical aesthetician specialists that offers a full range of services from medical spa treatments, advanced skin care and laser services at his Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery skin care center. Popular services includes Medical Spa Treatments, BOTOX®, Dysport®, Juvéderm®, Obagi and CLENZIderm M.D.™
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Health & Medicine
W
Puzzling Relationships
hen asked what she wanted her marriage to feel like, our client said: “Like puzzle pieces that fit together and connect.” This word picture can apply to many relationships and speaks to the way in which we were spiritually created. Just as our bodies require water to thrive, we also thrive when connected to others through God. Scripture teaches we were created to be known and loved by God. Being made in God’s image and likeness allows this source of unconditional love to be expressed in authentic, healthy and often-challenging relationships. Unconditionally loving relationships provide unbounded growth and joy but also demand we learn to master and thrive from relationship conflict. Taking the word picture of the puzzle further, we asked our client what the current state of her marriage felt like. “It seems that I have to fold my flap over to be alongside his straight edge…like I have to lose myself.” Codependency, or losing one’s identity in a relationship is not the intended model. Many relationships suffer from one partner being overly accommodating, while the other is isolated and detached. The symbol of the puzzle piece with the straight edge does not inter-lock but only coexists. Even an introvert needs to be connected, although it may be to fewer people than the extrovert. An intense barrier like this is created out of self-protection and fear, not just personality style or preference. Another form of unhealthy relationships exists when we try to force them to fit. Imagine doing this with puzzle pieces, even shaving off a section (more of losing self) in order to make it work. We may meet someone that has certain traits, but overlook other red flags, often because we are trying to have an unmet need fulfilled. In the urgency to have the puzzle completed, we inadvertently force it to fit when in reality, that piece was intended to be elsewhere. Just as in doing a puzzle, a relationship is easier to find and form with a picture to
Kathleen Abbott,
Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Clinical Director
guide us. A picture of the Grand Canyon looks quite different than Florida beaches, just as different as codependency is from an authentically loving relationship. The puzzle metaphor is meant to describe connection, not completion. Tom Cruise’s character in Jerry Maguire dramatically expresses his love for his wife by saying, “You complete me.” However, we see this differently. We see whole and complete individuals in each puzzle piece, and the connection is inspired by the joining of them. In this ideal scenario, the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts. No other person can make you whole! This expectation is like pouring water into a styrofoam cup with holes. While under the water source, there is a sensation of being filled, however, it is all going to leak out. Wholeness and healing of ones holes (incompleteness) really has to occur before we can have a healthy relationship. The highest form of relationship is to be true to God, self and others. If you are not feeling whole, complete, fulfilled and connected to others, and especially within your committed relationship, the experienced therapists at The LifeSource Group are here to help you. Courageously addressing dissatisfaction often appears painful until we finally experience the liberation that is authentic love.
ST. AUGUSTINE’S BEST COUNSELORS 2011-2014 April/May 2016
“Kate” has a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Florida State University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has over 25 years of experience as a therapist and as a business leader. She coaches managers on best practices, is a regular speaker on creative and practical life strategies and believes “transformation begins with a renewing of the mind.” Her clinical expertise is broad with specialties in eating disorders, PTSD, women, couples, teens and faith-based counseling. She is also highly experienced in providing counseling and crisis intervention training to various organizations in our community. A former licensed foster care parent and mother of two daughters, she is able to equip others in managing life’s many changes and challenges.
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John R. “Jack” Jones, Jr,
Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Certified Family Law Mediator
“Jack” has an MBA from Columbia University, a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Florida, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Certified Family Law Mediator. A former CPA with over 20 years of international business experience, he now specializes in working with teenage and adult substance abuse, family and couple discord, parental alienation syndrome, trauma, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Practicing what he calls Cognitive Soul Therapy, dramatic results are sought using both science and spirituality. He is also familiar with the courtroom through his experiences as a Family Law Mediator, Guardian Ad Litem volunteer, licensed foster care parent, and adoptive father.
Lasting Results Through Science & Spirituality an We are now ic Amen Clin Affiliate
Kathleen Abbott, LMHC John “Jack” Jones, LMHC Lisa Brice, LCSW Liggett M. Cato, CECP Barbara Jenkin, M.A., CAP Sarah Kamienski, LMHC Allison Masters, LMHC Melissa Muller, LMHC Melody Ott, LCSW Thomas Swisshelm, MEd, EdS Liz Villanueva, RMCHI
Free Counseling Through Our Graduate Intern Program Free Substance Abuse Groups Featuring Smart Recovery
(904) 797-5680
Displaying the Spiritual Paintings of Mary Lou Gibson Fax: (904) 797-5681 • www.TheLifeSourceGroup.com 248 Southpark Circle East • Saint Augustine, FL 32086
Health & Medicine
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Life Services Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com
Quality Time – Haven Makes it Possible
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Cathy Johnston Haven Hospice Administrator
rs. Barker recently celebrated her 98th birthday with her daughter, Candace and Haven Hospice staff. When she first enrolled with Haven services, Mrs. Barker suffered from chronic pain and open wounds while being on oxygen most of the time. Our attentive team got her symptoms under control to provide both mother and daughter with an opportunity to focus on what time they had left together. As a result, Mrs. Barker celebrated her last
April/May 2016
birthday with the Haven Hospice team where she enjoyed flowers, balloons, cake, birthday cards and the gift of a quilt. The joy and peace were evident on her face during the celebration, and this experience exemplifies how Haven provides quality time for patients and their caregivers. Mrs. Barker passed away peacefully and comfortably in her home just hours later. Haven Hospice encourages members of the community to find out more about Haven services and to consider enrolling in services before the time becomes critical to create a quality of life at the end of life. Once patients and families experience what Haven can provide, they often wish they had enrolled in hospice care earlier. Haven Hospice professionals provide expert pain and symptom management to promote and maximize quality of life. Some patients are able to engage in favorite activities, visit family and spend time with friends. Daughters, sons and spouses can resume their roles and enjoy time with their loved one while Haven manages the physical and medical needs. For example, Haven provides resources to support families and caregivers at night and on weekends to reduce the need for emergency
(l. to r.): Haven ARNP Mary Schupp, RN, Haven Case Manager Lori Chi, Haven Home Health Aide Stephanie Baker, Candace Delke, Haven Home Health Aide Toni Wright and Mrs. Barker.
room visits and hospital re-admissions. Haven takes care of patients wherever the call home in North Florida: a private residence, assisted living facility, nursing home or in the hospital. Haven provides all of the medications, medical supplies and medical equipment related to an individual’s hospice diagnosis. Volunteers provide companionship support and assistance to patients, and they can give a break to busy caregivers.
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Haven programs and services are allencompassing for patients, caregivers and families and also address the emotional and spiritual challenges associated with all types of life-limiting illness. There is no age minimum or age limit for obtaining hospice care, and if an individual has Medicare or Medicaid, the hospice benefit is covered 100 percent. Ask for Haven Hospice today. It’s your choice. Let us share how we can help you and your family.
Life Services Simply Susie: Let us clean, cook and run errands for you! Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com
It’s just a part of what we do!
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Testimonials:
Susie cleans my house and is always happy to do any special chore I happen to need. She is very reliable and my house looks and feels great. - Brenda L. St Augustine
By Susie Sullivan
Simply Susie brings me delicious home cooked meals each week. I have the monthly menu, call her on Friday to order for the following week, and get great tasting and healthy meals. Beats the hassle of having to eat out every night. - J. Sandifer St Augustine
Susie has been helping me declutter ear Friends: my home. We are taking our time While many more mature adults are and she understands sometimes it’s enjoying staying in their homes longer, difficult to let go of things. Already it some find they still need some extra looks so much better. She also takes “care”. That’s where I come in. I am me to my Dr. appointments and is very prompt and knows the area so well. offering a wide variety of “in home non - Pete O. St Augustine medical” services. They include but are not limited to: • Grocery Shopping (send me with a list or come with) • Companionship • Meal Planning (special diets invited) • Homemade meal delivery (up to 4 meals a week) • Budget and/or bill paying (snail mail or online thru your bank) • Decluttering • House Cleaning (special rates apply) Please call me to get my competitive rates! Minimum of 1 hour!
In other words… Make me your personal valet. Use me occasionally or put me on your regular schedule! I hope you will find some value in this opportunity and give me a call and let’s see how Simply Susie can help.
Hi friends, My husband Michael and I have been in St Augustine since 1980. We enjoy being active in our community and were lucky to raise 2 great daughters here. We are now proud grandparents of 9 awesome grandchildren! I am finally at the right place to where I can combine 2 of my long time passions: Cooking and providing services to others. The idea of “in home non medical” services is extremely appealing to me in that there is nothing in those words we can’t do for you. This allows you to get personal, reliable and quality care and attention without having to rely on several “agencies” to provide them for you. I have spent many years private catering and also residential cleaning as a 2nd income. Now it’s time to make Simply Susie and you, my client, my main focus. So, give me a call at 904-392-0423 and let’s get together and come up with a plan for you. Best regards, Susie Sullivan Simply Susie
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April Weekly Menu
Apr 4 Ham Steak/Cheesy Potatoes/Green Peas Chicken Cacciatore over Pasta/Garden Salad/Roll Healthy Choice Chicken Stir Fry w/ Veggies over Rice/Fortune Cookie Turkey Buger w/ Bun/Pineappls Slaw/Sweet n Sour Beets Apr 11 Chicken Broccoli Alfredo/Caeser Salad/Garlic Knot BBQ Pork Ribs/Potato Salad/Baked Beans Healthy Choice Baked Swai/Butternut Squash Bake/Corn Fritter Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast/Carrot Pudding/Green Beans April 18 Roasted Pork Loin/Sauerkraut/Glazed Apples Parmesan Crusted Chicken/Mashed Potatoes/Squash Casserole Healthy Choice BBQ Chicken Sliders/Roasted Sweet Potatoes/Corn on the Cob Herb Seasoned Swai over Brown Rice/St Asparagus Apr 25 Beef Pot Pie/Cranberry Applesauce Creamy Ham and Scalloped Potatoes/Sweet Corn/Roll Healthy Choice Pineapple Glazed Chicken w/ Sweet Potatoes/St Broccoli Sausage Penne in Marinara Sauce/Spinach Salad/Dinner Roll
Business & Finance
3 Reasons Your Business Website Hosting Could Affect Your Search Engine Rankings don’t want to send searchers to a destination that’s likely to frustrate them, or not be there when they need it – both good reasons to choose a quality business website hosting plan.
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By Jay Owen Owner, Design Extensions
s search engine optimization concerns go, business website hosting is usually pretty far down the list. After all, Google, Yahoo, and Bing care what’s on your site and who they can see linking to it rather than the server it lives on… don’t they? While it’s true that your on-page SEO and inbound linking strategy is likely to have the biggest direct effect on your search engine position, your choice for web hosting may factor into the mix more than you think. Here are three reasons finding the right post could affect your search engine rankings: A good hosting plan will load your site quickly and keep it online. All other things being equal, the major search engines seem to prefer websites that load quickly for users. They also place a preference on sites that don’t experience a lot of downtime. In other words, Google and the other engines
April/May 2016
Your business website could share server space with a blacklisted site. If another webmaster or business owner has been using the same server as you, and using it to spam people or run a shady online company, then there’s a small chance that you could be penalized for their indiscretions. Keeping good company, and staying in the right neighborhoods, is important to your SEO campaign. Having the right hosting company makes it easy to add new content. The easier it is for you to go into your site’s file manager or CMS, the fewer reasons you’ll have to put it off. You want it to be a simple process to update and optimize the content on your pages, which is an area where a good business website hosting plan can be worth its weight in gold. Fresh content is the cornerstone of any sustainable SEO plan, so choose a hosting plan with that in mind. Finding a business website hosting provider might not be your first SEO consideration, but it’s one that matters more than you might think. Given that the top spots on Google are more competitive than ever, doesn’t it make sense to have every possible advantage on your side? With all of the different ways Design Extensions can help your business be seen, isn’t it about time to give us a call?
“While it’s true that your on-page SEO and inbound linking strategy is likely to have the biggest direct effect on your search engine position, your choice for web hosting may factor into the mix more than you think.”
Design Extensions was founded by Jay Owen in St. Johns County in 1999. He and his team at Design Extensions design and develop websites for clients all over the country. His passion is for developing high quality web sites and graphic design work that help his clients businesses grow. When not working on websites, he is usually spending time with his wife, Claire, and four children.
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Why
should your business or practice become a contributor to the Woman’s Journal? “Over my five years of business, the SAWJ has been the most effective tool to bring customers to the shop. Everyone who opens this publication is impressed with its content and anxiously awaits the next issue. Partnering with Anthony and Suzanne has been an exceptional way to reach new customers and remind existing customers.”
Susan Detar, The Pink Door “I cannot tell you the number of patients that have found their way to our office in response to their having seen our articles in the Woman’s Journal. From former patients who lost touch years ago who were delighted to see a familiar face again, to brand new patients who have never seen a podiatrist before, but who felt so encouraged by what they read that they placed that important phone call. The Woman’s Journal is a publication that is informative, inviting and compassionate to it’s readers. We are proud to be associated with the Woman’s Journal and so pleased with the increased business we’ve experienced as a result!” Amy Smith– Practice Manager, Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center “The Woman’s Journal has been a great asset to our community. I love sitting in doctor’s offices and watching people pick up the Journal and enjoy the articles. It has certainly spread the word about our mission at St. Gerard Campus. We have had the opportunity to touch people’s minds and hearts with the plight of pregnant teens and teen mothers who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to finish high school and make a better life for themselves and their children. Through the Woman’s Journals we have been able to share the success stories of our graduates. We thank the Woman’s Journal for bringing attention and awareness of issues facing women today.” Maria Gleason - St. Gerard Campus, Inc. “I am always so pleased to have customers tell me how they came to our restaurant while browsing through the Woman’s Journal. The articles are informative and the distribution is widespread. We are very grateful to the staff of Woman’s Journal for encouraging us to update our ads. This has definitely increased our business.” Yvette Schindler – The Present Moment Café “The Woman’s Journal has really helped me build business for the AAA Travel department in St. Augustine. I ‘ve been contributing articles for just about a year now and hardly a day goes by that someone doesn’t mention the fact that they have seen us in the SAWJ. I have made some VERY profitable sales because of this exposure and feel so lucky to be partnering with Suzanne and Anthony . Thanks for all your support.” Kelly M. Monroe, The Auto Club Group “Working with Anthony and The Woman’s Journal has been a tremendously rewarding experience for our clinical counseling practice. We are reaching individuals and families who may or may not have heard of us, but most importantly, by reading our articles, they grow far more comfortable with the counseling process and who we are as therapist. It’s as if we are already having our first session together, addressing expectations and uncertain-
- Susan Detar, The Pink Door ties that are part of the deeply rewarding experience of psychotherapy. When the phone rings (and it does far more frequently now), our readers already feel a sense of knowing us and, we too, feel a special connection with them when they say they saw us in The Woman’s Journal. Finally, the publishing deadlines become a gift by forcing us to focus on the most important issues impacting individuals and families within our very special community. Thank you Woman’s Journal!” John R. Jones and Kathleen Abbott – The LifeSource Group “Thank you, Woman’s Journal for your many contributions to our community! Your paper is full of important information on issues that affect the quality of life for all of us who live in St. Johns County. I can’t tell you how many times someone has asked me for details about something they read in the COA column in your magazine...probably because the Woman’s Journal is one of only a very few publications that everyone I know reads from cover to cover...and because your distribution is awesome... this magazine is everywhere! People really do come up to me and say, “I read about you in the Woman’s Journal while I was at the library...or waiting at the doctor...or in my dentist’s office...!” Or better yet, “I know you...you’re in the Woman’s Journal!” You rock!” Susan Johnson – Council on Aging The woman’s journal is a superb educational tool and is a great resource for the community at large to gain factual knowledge written by leaders in their field. Dr. Ryan Pereira, DPM, FACFAS I would just like to say thank you very much for the last 3 1/2 years of allowing me to be a Contributor in your magazine. First, I want to say it is the smartest advertising exposure idea that my mother has ever had for my business. She recommended I call the Woman’s Journal when I first decided to go out on my own. When I first met with you your sincerity and genuineness shown through and you truly believed in what I had envisioned for my business. I am now living it and I thank you and the Women’s Journal for every step of my success. You and your magazine have truly let me realize my dream of being of service and providing a business that allows many a freedom to seniors to remain at home as long as they wish. I sincerely thank you. Susie Sullivan, Simply Susie
Travel
April/May 2016
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Travel
Iceland – An Amazing Land of Fire and Ice
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Kelly Maguire Monroe, AAA Travel Professional
et out with AAA Member Choice Vacations on a journey to Iceland a place full of dramatic contrasts. It’s a place where the land and culture have been forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature. Massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. In this land of many natural wonders, there is the rare opportunity to see the aurora borealis — one of nature’s most dazzling light displays, also known as the northern lights. Travel to Iceland on one of our perfectly balanced tours Inspiring Iceland or Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights. These tours are created by our expert product team who “know because they go,” and as a result of being there, they are able to create the perfect itineraries. From finding the perfect hotel to blending cultural experiences and free time
with dramatic ‘bucket-list’ inclusions, AAA Member Choice Vacations does it all for you on your Icelandic travel experience. Join us as we venture to the capital and largest city of Iceland, Reykjavik, said to be the location of the first permanent settlement established around A.D. 870. Spend time exploring this city that was rated among the cleanest, greenest and safest cities in the world. Travel outside the city to the Golden Circle home to the national park Thingvellir and the waterfall Gullfoss (Golden Falls). Discover the picturesque village of Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland. The village lies directly beneath the Myrdalsjokull glacier, which itself is on top of the Katla volcano. Get out and take a walk along the stunning beaches of unique black basalt sand where towering rugged cliffs rise along the shore. Keep an eye out for the array of seabirds, most notably, the colorful puffins.
While here make sure you take a dip in the country’s Geothermal Spa, formed in 1976 during operation at the nearby geothermal power plant. Bathe in the turquoise water and apply the mineral rich silica mud your skin that is said to have healing properties. Also, be sure to give “hakare” a try. Cured and hung to dry for 4 to 5 months, the meat of Greenland shark turns into an Icelandic delicacy. It is sure to be like nothing you have ever tried before. Each year – during the winter months – travelers venture out into the dark to see the magical but elusive northern lights (aurora borealis). This natural phenomenon produces streaks of colorful light that appears across the sky.
The colors can vary from white to pink or purple and, most commonly, green. This light show is truly dazzling and worth the pursuit.
One of the best parts of traveling to Iceland with AAA Member Choice Vacations is our industry-leading travel protection plan and round-trip home to airport sedan service that means fewer hassles. You can simply relax and have the ability to focus on your extraordinary travel experience. In addition, as an AAA member you have many exclusive benefits available to you, talk to your AAA agent to learn more. Traveling to Iceland with AAA Member Choice Vacations provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences while you relax take in all the excitement. It is the perfect way to see the best of Iceland and explore the roads less traveled.
SERVICE WITH A SMILE! Remember those days? AAA Travel St. Augustine does! Call or come by today and let our Travel Professional, Kelly Maguire Monroe, who has been sharing her passion for travel and creating memorable vacations for 30 years do all the work! Research, compare, and negotiate for the most competitive prices in town! Tours, cruises, hotels and cars. AAA Travel is equipped with the most up to date technology to ensure the best pricing for you! No fee to do on-line registrations, boarding passes or print electronic documents for all clients. Serving members and non members Monday thru Friday 8:30AM-5:30PM. Contact Kelly today and allow her to create a memorable vacation for you! (904) 825-0298 ext. 2225.
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Legal
Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com
“PROCRASTINATION” (DOING NOTHING) “The worst estate planning strategy of all time”
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Joseph L. Boles, Jr
ou’ve heard it said that if you DON’T know WHAT to do then DO NOTHING. Unfortunately, in the world of personal financial and legal protection strategies doing nothing is certain doom! Estate planning and asset protection (E.P.A.P) is really easily done once you get started. It’s like carrying an umbrella on a cloudy day. If it rains you won’t get wet, without it you get soaked, guaranteed! Out of our “Seven Deadly Sins of Bad Estate Planning” we told you in our last issue that the Number One Sin is putting someone’s name on your bank account and assets to “help” you if the need arose (or to avoid probate). Remember, BAD IDEA!! DEADLY SIN NUMBER TWO: DOING NOTHING is even worse! A case in point: a woman, 59 years old in a second marriage came into my office. Her husband, 67,
had gone into the hospital with severe symptoms. He was unable to speak and did not recognize her or family members. The physician indicated the probability of long term skilled nursing care. They had done no estate planning or asset protecting at all. They had a joint account that they put money into but each had separate accounts in their own names. His Ameris account, his Vystar account, and his large IRA were only in his name. Not only did SHE not have access to the funds, NO ONE had access and he was incompetent! Meanwhile the $10,000 per month skilled nursing home payments were starting up! So she began paying the nursing home out of her account. After some months and $40,000.00 later she finally came to see me for some advice. Soon she understood that if they had only taken some simple steps months earlier, she could not only have saved HER money we could have saved his as well with some basic Medicaid eligibility planning. Unfortunately we had to pursue a costly guardianship proceeding in the circuit court, (over $7,000 worth of doctors, lawyers, filing fees and accounting services). With the continuing nursing home payments and guardianship costs, this couple lost over $75,000.00 that could have been totally and completely saved. Now their affairs are in order (she has a living trust and a guardianship is in place for him, but it took a massive chunk out and of their long term survival funds). There is no excuse for putting this off. My office makes no charge for an initial consultation so it is free to learn about your
“In the world of personal financial and legal protection strategies doing nothing is certain doom!” best strategy. So give me a call at 904-824-4278 and ask for Suzi, our always cheerful and friendly scheduler! Don’t wait and make
your appointment today. Give me 15min of your time and we can save your money and give you peace of mind!
DEADLY SIN NUMBER TWO: “DOING NOTHING”
Joseph L. Boles, Jr. moved to St. Augustine with his parents in 1967. A native of North Carolina, he attended the University of Florida after graduating from St. Augustine High School in 1970. He initially obtained a Bachelor of Design and Advertising Design from the University of Florida, and also obtained his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. He was admitted to practice in the fall of 1984 and his areas of interest are Elder law, asset protection, estates and trusts. He is married to Jane Reynolds and they have 7 children between them: Hayley, Molly, and Kirby Catherine Boles and Kara, Willie, Emily and Bridey Masson. His office is located on the corner of Riberia and Saragossa Streets in St. Augustine. The office phone number is 904-824-4278.
April/May 2016
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Legal
Life After Chapter 7 Better Than You Can Imagine – How Bankruptcy Can Improve Your Life money to devote to your living expenses so you can stay current on all your bills and focus on living life instead of battling your debt. After bankruptcy: Collections calls end. As soon as you file bankruptcy, all collections calls from creditors will stop – by law – and for the debts that are discharged, there should be no calls again ever. This can take a lot of stress out of your life.
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Nina M. LaFleur, LaFleur Law Firm
ife is better without debt. The worst part about being in debt you can’t afford and struggling to pay your bills is the stress of living from paycheck to paycheck, dealing with harassing calls from debt collectors, and feeling like there’s no way out. Even with all of these known negative consequences of excess debt, though, most consumers think that life after Chapter 7 bankruptcy will be worse. Today we dispel this misunderstanding. After bankruptcy: More room in your budget. Most unsecured debt can be discharged in Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This includes medical bills, credit cards, older tax debts, signature loans and more. With these debts off your plate, you should have more
After bankruptcy: Credit score rebound. If you’re late on your bills, have maxed your credit cards and are missing payments or only paying minimums, your credit score is likely dropping every month. As long as you remain in over your head with debt and maxed out, your score will drop or be stuck lower than you’d like. Once you file Chapter 7, and your unsecured debts are gone, you can work on rebuilding your credit score. After bankruptcy: Set aside savings. People that are deep in debt often find it impossible to save up an emergency fund or set aside money for retirement or as a safety net. After a Chapter 7, with unaffordable debts discharged, a well-balanced budget with room built in for savings should be possible. After bankruptcy: Peace of mind. A number of studies have linked excessive debt to stress. Coping with collection calls, the stress of scraping by, and worrying that you’ll never have financial breathing room
Got debt? Need help? Get started now!
“Bankruptcy offers hope - hope for a stable financial future - hope for a life free of debt collectors harassing you – hope for a life of better opportunities thanks to less debt and a better credit score.” can make life difficult. After Chapter 7, the discharge of debt and end to collection calls can make a significant difference in your quality of life and peace of mind. After bankruptcy: A brighter future. When you’re mired in unmanageable debt, it can be hard to think beyond the next bill or the next paycheck. This means it’s hard to plan for the future because it can be difficult to see a future beyond the debt. After Chapter 7, with unsecured debt gone and more room in your budget, it’s possible to plan for tomorrow – whether it’s a college fund, retirement account, or a long overdue vacation.
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Bankruptcy is hope – not hopelessness… Most consumers view bankruptcy as an option of last resort – and it is definitely a serious step. But if you’re in too deep with debt you can’t afford to pay, it’s already serious. Bankruptcy offers hope - hope for a stable financial future - hope for a life free of debt collectors harassing you – hope for a life of better opportunities thanks to less debt and a better credit score. To find out more about how Chapter 7 bankruptcy can help you, for a free bankruptcy consultation. Call 904-797-7995 or email
nina@lafleurlaw.com.
Nina LaFleur has been a bankruptcy attorney for 25 years. Nina is a member of the Supreme Court of the United States, the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Women Judges and a founding member of the St. Johns Association for Women Lawyers.
Women in Profile
Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com
Sharell Holverson and Jennifer Starr, Haven Hospice Volunteers St. Augustine
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Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com
any people have had a pleasant experience with a dog at some point in their lives. Oftentimes dogs make them feel more relaxed,” said Sharell Holverson of the value she believes pet visits bring to Haven Hospice patients, specifically visits from her black and white cocker spaniel, Jenifer Star. “She is a very cheerful little dog. She loves to give and receive attention, and people seem to enjoy spending time with her.” Sharell and Jenifer plan to participate in the Haven Hospice Pet Visit Volunteer Program in St. Augustine. “We are completing all of the necessary paperwork so
Colleen Messner, Owner, The Spice & Tea Exchange of St. Augustine
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olleen is a native of the Philadelphia suburbs. She was born, raised and educated in Catholic schools and received a college degree in Business/Marketing at Ursinus College. That education led to her career in “Corporate America”. She had various jobs in the pharmaceutical, hosiery and bank lending industries. Even though Colleen grew up in the Philadelphia metro area, going to the “shore” meant weekend fun at the Jersey shore; boardwalks full of fresh home-made fudge, salt water taffy and good old’ nostalgia. As she traveled to many places, she discovered that her heart felt
April/May 2016
that we can start scheduling pet visits to local facilities,” said Haven Hospice St. Augustine Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Colee. “We are also obtaining permission from patients in facilities as well as private residences.” Sharell has been volunteering with Haven for about 18 months and is really looking forward to involving Jenifer Star in her volunteer work. “I have a lot of experience working with therapy dogs. The first therapy dog I worked with was Barkley at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind,” said Sharell who spent 35 years as a school psychologist, 23 of those years were spent at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. “There is something very special about dogs. They want to calm down situations and make their people feel comfortable.” Before the opportunity to involve Jenifer in her volunteering at Haven Hospice presented itself, Sharell volunteered as a patient caregiver volunteer. “I spent time visiting veterans at Clyde E. Lassen Veterans Nursing Home, a patient and his caregiver at home, and recently started visiting with two nuns at St. Joseph’s Convent,” said Sharell, a mother of two and a St. Augustine resident of over 29 years. “I enjoy visiting with patients. I think it gives them a social outlet and an opportunity to talk and feel valued. It seems like they look forward to the visits.” When she isn’t volunteering with Haven Hospice, Sharell enjoys playing with her dog, reading, doing yoga and going to church. She and her dog often travel to a small cabin near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. “I love hiking the Appalachian Trail with my dog. It is my favorite thing to do,” she said.
passionate in St. Augustine. Colleen knew she had to leave the very cold and snowy north Mid-Atlantic to go with her heart. She finally made a move to Jacksonville, but kept finding that she spent more time in St. Augustine. She met many people on her job in downtown St. Augustine, and became friends with the owners of Old Florida Spice Traders. Colleen was always passionate about cooking. She was the youngest of 5 brothers/sisters siblings, and her parents were of Slovak decent, and they had every meal made from scratch! Watching her mom, she learned many tricks of the kitchen, hearty and generous! So with that, cooking became Colleen’s hobby. Many adventures were created because of her “passion” for cooking. So her friends at Old Florida Spice Traders became a staple that led to where she is today: owner of The Spice & Tea Exchange of St. Augustine. The name change was due legal jargon. So Colleen left “Corporate America” to be more passionate in life as an owner. She loves her business, employees and customers, given that chance of smelling good spices! It is a priceless expression. The Spice & Tea Exchange of St. Augustine is a purveyor of hand-made spice blends from their own recipes, loose leaf teas, infused flavored sugars, grains, sea salts and spices from around the world. Colleen has been very involved in the community of St She has served on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Home Again St. Johns, EWLI Women’s Leadership, Sister Cities Organization, and the FCTC Steering Committee. She has also been a volunteer for St. Johns County Sea Turtle Conservation.
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Women in Profile
Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com
Robin Maronel: Defining Community Leadership
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Luckily for BayView Healthcare that did not happen. Robin has always strived to be on the production side of health care. She finally got her chance as the continuum of care liaison of The Samantha Wilson Care Center at BayView Healthcare. Being a continuum of care liaison provides the best transition to BayView’s multiple programs: skilled nursing and health care rehabilitation, home health and assisted living. Robin makes sure to provide the most efficient path connecting the healing process within BayView’s multistep continuum. She works with doctors, nurses, insurance companies, and hospitals to ensure the right transition for every resident and patient within the BayView community. “You get to see the progress along with the relationships that the residents form with their therapists, aides and nurses. It’s amazing to watch that relationship form and get stronger. You don’t always realize how much you can affect someone’s day to day lives until you are looking from the outside in.” Surviving cervical cancer for over two years, Robin has dedicated her life to giving back and seizing the moment. Her charitable involvement with BayView Healthcare’s fundraiser Caribbean Calypso Night has rocketed success for the event. She is also involved with local football teams and Saint Augustine High School fundraising. “It’s the passion that this community creates a fire to thrive. I believe we can all make a difference even for one person, or one senior citizen, or child we all can benefit for the sake of the community and the future. Being unabashedly blessed is where my heart finds its home…in good ol’ Saint Augustine.”
Elizabeth Smith: The ultimate care giver!
“Working with the residents fills me with joy. They see the value of care and the family style approach in daily activity. I’m grateful to be apart of their lives.” Within a few months Elizabeth became the weekend supervisor and received her medication assistance certification. This brought her career to becoming the Medication Supervisor with the responsibilities of ordering and passing of all medications for the fifty-nine bed facility all the while dealing with doctors offices ordering labs and assisting the administrator as needed. “Being a mother has taught me the art of multi tasking. I saw my new role as a challenge, but I knew I had the talent at the same time. I worked with all residents and staff to make sure that we complied with all Florida Assisted Living Facility Standards.” With the Love and Appreciation that comes along with all the work that she does caring for The BayView residents every day, Elizabeth rose to success as manager of BayView Assisted Living at Buckingham Smith. The 36 Bed facility is a skilled nursing facility for medicare residents. This extraordinary program dates back from 1920’s and is part of history to Saint Augustine. “When I was asked for this opportunity, I knew my story into leadership was a shining example for my children. My greatest advice would be to always follow your dreams and never give up. The sky is the limit. ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’(Philippians 4:13) Elizabeth’s strength, determination, and most of all my faith has got her where she is today. She is now in school for her licensed practical nursing certification as well as set her sights to get certified as an assisted living administrator. Her goals are to succeed in everything she does, leaving her with endless possibilities… The ultimate care giver!
Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com
riday night lights, where the football moms gather with pot lucks and hometown dreams of professional football. Robin Maronel, is not that cliche, rather is an extraordinary cancer survivor and health care professional at BayView Healthcare. She moved to Saint Augustine when she was in the 5th grade, and considers it as her hometown. Robin graduated from Saint Augustine High School making sure she never missed a football game. Now she enjoys being the number one football mom in our community. Her son was born to run and pass and score touchdowns in stadiums from coast to coast. But, as Robin can attest, it can also be a dirty job. “When my son started playing football I had no idea how much laundry I was going to have to do. I figured I should start working for a wash and fold laundry mat!”
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lizabeth Smith’s journey started in Phenix City, Alabama where she was introduced to her husband and became the mother of two wonderful children. After being a “stay at home” mother for several years, Elizabeth had the desire to further her education in order to be the ultimate care giver. “I received my general equivalency diploma in 2006 from Chattahoochee Community college. Within a few months I became a Certified Nursing Assistant. My heart desires the need for helping others which was instilled in me at a very young age by my two grandparents who raised me.” The family eventually broadened their horizons to Saint Augustine, Florida in 2009. Since Elizabeth’s education and passion drove her success, she found her talents were needed at The Assisted Living at the Pavilion at BayView Healthcare. Starting out as a resident service assistant, Elizabeth’s warm nature and kind heart filled the hallways with a mother’s touch.
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Women in Profile
and eventually management in a local grocery chain. Irish also studied Office Administration at St. Johns River State College. Irish is married to her wonderful husband Chuck and they have two beautiful daughters, Cherish and Faith. Irish accepted a temporary position at Flagler Hospital in the Food and Nutrition Department and started her current position in the Patient Engagement Department in November of last year. Irish’s favorite part of the position is interacting with patients and their families. She lifts their spirits with a kind gesture, a huge smile and a warm hug!
Irish Jones, Patient Liaison, Flagler Hospital, Employee of the Year 2016
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rish Jones serves as the Patient Liaison for the Patient Engagement Department at Flagler Hospital. In her new role as a liaison she ensures that patients and their families receive support, comfort and compassion throughout the entire hospital. Irish was born and raised in Florence, South Carolina. Upon graduation, she longed to travel and worked in sales traveling the country. She eventually relocated to St. Augustine where her love of the public led to a career in retail
encouraging the patients. After retirement, Shirley was encouraged to join the Chaplain Program by a fellow church member who was a chaplain at the hospital. Shirley has been in the Chaplain Program for over ten years. She loves being a chaplain because she has the time to listen, share and pray with patients and their families. Shirley says that there are “so many more blessings being a chaplain.� The chaplains offered her great solace and friendship when her husband passed away several years ago. One friendship blossomed into true love and the Reverend Gil LeDuc and Shirley married at one of the monthly chaplain meetings. Shirley has been happily married ever since and together they enjoy being members of the Chaplain Program.
Shirley LeDuc, Volunteer Chaplain at Flagler Hospital
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hirley LeDuc serves as a Volunteer Chaplain at Flagler Hospital. In this capacity she provides spiritual care for patients, their loved ones and staff members at the hospital. Shirley was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She worked as a nurse while happily raising her four children. Shirley is the proud grandmother of nine and great grandmother of five. Shirley worked at Flagler Hospital as a nurse in the medical / surgical unit until she retired in 2001. She enjoyed the action and fast pace of nursing and
April/May 2016
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Women in Profile
Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com
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Renee Wauldron
enee Wauldron was born in Livonia, Michigan, the ‘middle child’ of 5 siblings; one brother and four sisters! All the girls became licensed cosmetologists so her mother bought a beauty shop for them and became a hairdresser too! Renee worked in the cosmetology industry for 30 years, representing cosmetic giants Clinique and Lancome, among others. For the past 8 years, she has been the secretary for Carmelo’s Marketplace, and the Director of the Don Ausman Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that provides students at Michigan State University the opportunity to become involved in the Alternative Spring Break Program. Renee’s hobbies include exercise, music and cooking, but not necessarily in that order! She became involved in gymnastics and running when she was
very young and continues to exercise every day. She loves watching the Food Network, especially Guy Fieri, and listening to classic rock, disco and Motown music! By far her greatest love is hanging out with her husband, Jim, and cooking fantastic meals for him! She and Jim met and married 27 years ago and have three sons, Jim Jr., Mike and Don. They waited until they were empty nesters before making a move to Florida. Renee was hesitant about the change until Don, the youngest and a sophomore at MSU, encouraged her saying, “Mom, you lived your life for me...now live your life for YOU!” Shortly after moving to Florida, Renee and Jim lost Don in a tragic fall. They started the Don Ausman Foundation to honor his life. The first “Don’s Friends 5K Fundraiser” soon blossomed into 11 races in two states with over $60,000 donated for the Alternative Spring Break Program. Renee explains, “We started this foundation as a way to encourage students to open their hearts to service. Don spent 6 weeks in Africa and came back a changed man. He also painted elementary schools and provided food for hungry children in Mexico, harvested crops on a peach farm in California and learned yoga from the Monks. He was planning a trip to New Orleans to help HIV/Aids patients and families at Belle Reve Hospital before he died. A flower garden and magnolia tree are now planted there in his memory. He was a wonderful son, a wonderful human being, I am so proud of him and will never forget....ever.” You can learn more about Don, his life, and legacy by visiting his website; created and designed by Renee’s husband, Jim, at www.DonsFriend.com.
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Community
Seniors Bring Service – And More! - To Trout Creek Park
by Susan Johnson, Communications Coordinator Council on Aging
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t has long been accepted that service dogs can help people dealing with anxiety disorders, depression and other emotional diagnoses. K9s For Warriors is a unique program that helps veteran soldiers deal with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and/or traumatic brain injuries by utilizing these types of service dogs. But how does it work? These canine companions are specially trained to actually sense a panic attack even before the warrior veterans can see one coming. When a stressor is identified, the dogs respond in a manner that alerts their owner and signals to them that they need to take steps to avert a panic episode. Clarise Cunningham, Program Coordinator for the COA Trout Creek Park
Senior Center, located at 6795 Collier Rd. in Orangedale, learned about K9s For Warriors and wanted to help. Rather than raising money and writing a check, Clarise thought it would be more beneficial to involve the participants at the center in the project so everyone could see the benefits for themselves. What happened? Clarise explains: “We are now hosting Nash, a 3-month old Scottish terrier who is a service dog in training. He comes to the center two times every week to work on his socialization skills. If we pass all the regulations, we will become an official part of the organization and our center will be used as a place where the dogs can become accustomed to different noises and activity levels, etc.” And it’s easy to see why! Trout Creek Park is a hub of activity for older adults; there are games, speakers, dances, music and lunch...and lots of laughter, conversation and just plain fun!
Clarise Cunningham, Program Coordinator for the COA Trout Creek Park Senior Center
But what about the center participants? How do they feel about having a four-legged friend around during their activities? “Everyone loves Nash and we’re all very involved in making sure he learns his lessons” says Clarise. “ Besides, he’s not our first four-legged friend; we adopted two stray cats, Motor Mouth and Do Little quite awhile back so Nash is in good company!” And, thanks to Clarise and the generous and giving spirit of the Trout Creek center participants, K9s For Warriors is not the first service-oriented project the seniors at Trout Creek have been involved in. “Tim Miller was our representative from Vitas Hospice; he was deployed to Africa with the National Guard. So, we ‘adopted’ him and send care packages to him every six weeks or so. We fill a basket with afghans, treats like peanuts that contain a lot of protein, granola bars, funny little items that might make him smile...and we like to send the local newspaper so he can see what’s going on over here while he’s away.” For Valentine’s Day, the Trout Creek group sent enough candy canes for Tim and his entire company! Clarise has this tip for others who might be thinking about doing the same thing: “If you’re sending to military personnel, you can fill a box – just be sure to get the military box - with whatever you like and mail it for only $15.00. Some items, like alcohol and chocolate, are restricted though, so check before you start collecting goodies.” You would think these two projects alone would be enough to keep anyone busy...but think again! Clarise and the gang at Trout Creek also have a vegetable garden where elders plant, grow – and then
Nash - Service Dog in Training reap the benefits from – fresh produce and herbs like beans, lettuce, artichokes, basil and rosemary. According to Clarise, “the county provides the seeds and then we plant and fertilize; and all are welcome to enjoy the harvest!”
The COA Trout Creek Park Pavilion and Senior Center! A great place to be! For more information, call Clarise Cunningham at (904) 522-1611. And visit the website at www.coasjc.com.
Susan Johnson is the Communications Coordinator for the Council on Aging, 180 Marine St., the host of “The Joe and Susan Show” Thursday mornings at 8am on 102.1 FM WFOY, and the editor of gus! magazine, a publication of the COA, and the St. Augustine Record. She can be reached by phone at (904) 209-3700 or by e-mail to sjohnson@stjohnscoa.com.
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Community
Brighter Futures for Habitat for Humanity Homeowners
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Lindsey Rodea, Family Services Coordinator; Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County
t Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County, our homeowners and their families have a unique education opportunity. Because you, me, we — we’re all humans. And every single one of us deserves the chance for a better future. Our partner families are blessed not only with the opportunity of homeownership but also the opportunity of an education. Habitat for Humanity builds strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. Through shelter, we empower, and going one step further, our homeowners are empowered by furthering their education. We all deserve a shot at a better future and the Scheidel Foundation fosters that opportunity. The Scholarship The Scheidel Scholarship, founded by Herb and Miyuki Scheidel in 2002, provides Habitat families of St. Johns County and Jacksonville Beaches with an educational scholarship. This is a unique opportunity that is only available to these two local Habitat affiliates. The scholarship can be used at St. Johns River State College, Uni-
versity of North Florida, and Florida State College at Jacksonville. The eligibility requirements include being a child of a Habitat homeowner or the homeowner, meeting the college admission requirements, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and volunteering 12 hours per school year to maintain the scholarship. Here at Habitat we believe no matter who we are or where we come from, we all deserve to have a decent life. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. We deserve to know we have the power to take care of ourselves and build our own futures.
is held quarterly to award students for their accomplishments. One Prep Club member and high school senior, Miranda Brazzell, will soon be starting her freshman year at UNF! Miranda is one of the top academic performers and top earners in Prep Club. Miranda’s attending college will be a first in her family history – and even more importantly the opportunity will be made more affordable thanks to the Scheidel Foundation Scholarship.
Do You Qualify for a Habitat Home?
Four basic factors determine your eligibility: 1. Need for the home -Unsafe building structure, unaffordable rent, overcrowded conditions, etc. 2. Ability to pay -Gross income falls within range based on household size, must be verifiable with documents 3. Willingness to partner -Sweat equity hours required to be completed
Pictured above: Future Habitat homeowner, Amanda Bishop (right); Family Services Coordinator, Lindsey Rodea (center); and members of the Prep Club at the December 2015 ceremony
The Prep Club Also funded by the Scheidel Foundation is the Prep Club. This program is designed to provide incentives and educational support to students who live in Habitat homes. This program awards students in grades K-12 for perfect attendance and grades. The hope is that the students will learn the value and importance of education while also preparing them to enter college upon graduation from high school. All children of Habitat homeowners are eligible to participate. They must fill out a questionnaire and the students must sign a Drug Free Pledge. The students then submit their report cards to the Habitat office on a quarterly basis. Only letter grades in academic courses are considered and an awards ceremony
on a regular basis 4. Residency/ employment Pictured above: Miranda Brazzell, Prep Club Student and future UNF student
-Residency or employment
Everyone deserves a fair chance. Help us offer families the opportunity to help themselves. With your support, families in our community partner with Habitat for Humanity to build the strength, stability and independence they need for a better future. Please give your financial support, your time or your talents toward our vision of creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
least the past year
Are you curious if you or someone you know may qualify for a Habitat home? Please visit www.habitatstjohns.org for more information and FAQs.
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in St. Johns County for at
We build homes, communities and hope.
Donate, Qualify, Volunteer. Visit www.habitatstjohns.org or call 904-826-3252. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @habitatstjohns
Community
Volunteer “Reading Pals” Program Brings Lasting Benefits to Local Children
By Joan Whitson, Early Literacy Coordinator, Early Learning Coalition of North Florida
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he advantages to reading to children from ages birth through five years is substantial. This is why the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida (ELC) continues to expand its Reading Pals program in all six counties it serves (Baker, Bradford, Clay, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns). Reading
Volunteer reader Erika Bauserman reads Dora the Explorer to her class at Brandt’s Child Care in St. Augustine
Pals are trained by ELC and then connected with local preschool child care centers and VPK classrooms to simply read on a weekly basis to small groups of children. Of the advantages of reading to this formative age group, one major benefit of reading to children is building vocabulary. Studies show that the best opportunity to influence our children’s lifetime of learning is before kindergarten when their most rapid period of brain growth occurs. Instilling an early love for reading is crucial to children’s future success in school. Children also learn how to better communicate with others through reading. The interaction between characters in the book teaches valuable lessons of which the children can relate. Discussions afterward between children and their Reading Pal also builds their communication skills and memory retention. Finally, it provides preschoolers with a longer attention span. It fosters an environment where the children are sitting still and listening for a period of time and then asking related questions. As a result, children are better prepared for their elementary school years, which will carry on into adulthood. For the safety of the children, all Reading Pal applicants will sign an affidavit of good moral character and will also go through a background screening. Once the volunteers have successfully completed the requirements, ELC assists the volunteers through a classroom training to ensure future success with the children. Not only do children benefit through the Reading Pals program, but so do the volunteers in many ways. Through the training, Reading Pals learn the following skills: how to choose age-appropriate books; child development,
Ellen Prest
including the attention span of preschoolers; presenting books to preschoolers and promoting early literacy through phonetically reading. Volunteers become role models who directly impact the children through the program. Children are constantly monitoring the actions of adults, so volunteers will be able to see this first-hand when children begin to read from left-to-right and turn pages of books just like their Reading Pal. Reading Pals who volunteer their time may ultimately feel they have more time of their own as well. Wharton professor Cassie Mogilner recently reported to the Harvard Business Review that her research showed those who volunteer their time feel they actually have more of it; similar to those who donate their wealth feel to have more wealth of their own. Finally, as Reading Pals, volunteers have the opportunity to make their time near and dear to their own hearts and have fun. For example, Clay county Reading Pal Ellen Prest has been learning how to play the cello. Prest is a seasoned Reading Pal and knew this elegant instrument would win over the hearts of the children so she brought it in to perform for them. Prest also gave every child a turn to play the instrument. “It’s so much fun to walk into the classroom and hear the children cheer, ‘It’s the book lady!’ on a weekly basis,” Ellen Prest said.
If desired, ELC also encourages volunteers to dress up as characters from the specific book they are reading as well as use props and other creative ways to enhance the story. For example, volunteers quite often share personal photos with the children of their pets or of a recent vacation. These teachable moments enlarge the scope of a child’s world, bringing in new and interesting experiences they may not have had yet in their young lives. “We encourage Reading Pals to add their own personal experiences,” ELC’s Early Literacy Coordinator Joan Whitson said. “Just last week, Crescent City volunteers, Gerry and Kathy Miller read a book about worms and brought in fake worms, and real worms for the daring, so the children could get a visual aid.” Teachers are supportive of Reading Pals in their classrooms because it increases the children’s love for books. “I so appreciate your weekly reading pal volunteer,” said Director of Elkton Academy Erin Kochanski. “She lights up the room when she arrives and the kids so look forward to her coming each week. Every day they ask, is this the day Miss Julia will be coming? I have really seen the kids love for books increase since Miss Julia has been coming.” Applications for Reading Pals can be found under the “Volunteer” tab of ELC’s website: www.elcnorthflorida.org. Contact Joan Whitson for more information at jwhitson@elcnorthflorida.org or 904-342-2267. ELC coordinates services in North Florida for children birth to five years of age. Visit www.elcnorthflorida.org to learn more.
Our mission is to serve parents, caregivers, and educators of children by managing and evaluating early childhood education programs through a quality school readiness delivery system in North Florida. Address: 2450 Old Moultrie Road, Ste. 103, St. Augustine, FL 32086 Phone: 904-342-2267 Fax: 904-342-2268 • E-mail: kbrumfield@elcnorthflorida.org Website: elcnorthflorida.org • facebook.com/elcnorthflorida
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Community
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St. Johns Cultural Council Announces 2016 Women in the Arts Award Recipients
he St Johns Cultural Council recently celebrated the 2016 Dr. Gail Pflaster ROWITA Awards at their Celebration Ceremony on March 13 at the Limelight Theatre. The women selected to receive the eighth annual Dr. Gail Pflaster Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts (ROWITA) Awards for their lifetime contributions to the arts in St Johns County are Elyse Brady, Manila Clough, Caren Goldman, Jan Tomlinson Master, JoAnn Nance, Rosamond Parrish and Shirley Williams-Collins. Brady has been involved in both visual and performing arts since childhood, first schooled in drawing, then going on to the theatre scene in Minneapolis and spending almost a decade as a professional singer performing in the US, Canada and Aruba. Holding three art degrees, Brady has for the past seven years been the Administrator for the St. Augustine Art Association where art, culture and history is showcased as part of our heritage. Never sitting still, she oversees new exhibitions, lectures, musical performances and Art Camp for children to name but a few activities to which she dedicates her energies.
Cassian Wang, recipient of the $1000 Jr. ROWITA Fellowship in the Performance Category
Clough studied at FSU, Georgetown and Tulane before her studies were interrupted by a move to Europe where she became a full-time artist. With a BA in Studio Art and English, an MA is Medieval English Lit and a fellowship as an ABD Doctoral Candidate, she has been a professor and gallery owner before making her mosaic works her fulltime passion for the past six years. Her work can be found in schools, offices, libraries, hospitals, municipal buildings and private homes. Her generosity, especially when it comes to children and art in public places, is widely known and appreciated. Goldman has worn many hats as author, award winning journalist, freelance writer for national magazines and metropolitan newspapers and a respected voice on spiritual thinking. Serving as executive director and co-founder of Compassionate St Augustine, the Obelisk Art 450 project was a 24/7 effort for 18 months from a grass roots beginning and assembling a team of community leaders ultimately leading to both international and national recognition. Compassion through the Eyes of Children is an ongoing program enriching and educating the younger generations. Master’s career is as rich as the many mediums with which she has worked from linoleum block printed fabric, antique beads, jewelry to large-scale mosaics including the historic map at our Visitor’s Information Center, 3-tiered piece with 160 species of indigenous birds at the Bird Island Park Amphitheatre and coordinated a student mosaic project for the fountain at Flagler College’s new admin building. Chosen to represent the City of St Augustine, she traveled to Aviles, Spain to create an obelisk for Compassion 450. Founder of the 1st Children’s Art Camp in the 80s, she is a partner at both Amiro galleries on Aviles Street and teaches master classes around the country. Nance apprenticed at the Hyde Park Playhouse as a child where she worked with notable actors inspiring her to study
Left to Right: ROWITA, Elyse Brady; ROWITA Chairperson, Joy D’Elia; ROWITA , Rosamond Parrish; ROWITA Shirley Williams-Collins; ROWITA, Jan Tomlinson Master; SJCC Executive Director, Andy Witt; ROWITA, JoAnne Nance; SJCC Board Member, Tommy Bledsoe; ROWITA, Caren Goldman; ROWITA, Manila Clough
voice and musical theatre at Florida School of the Arts and then earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre at Flagler College during that department’s infancy. She had a radio career in the 80s and 90s both locally and in New England. Her work as a teacher has encouraged many students to pursue the arts and her drama department has won countless awards. Outside of school she remains active in the theatre community, both performing and directing and singing at St Anastasia Catholic Church. Parrish is known throughout the County and beyond as an accomplished artist, passionate art teacher, generous volunteer for many nonprofit organizations, and dedicated community activist. In addition to serving with EMMA, St. Augustine Art Association, St. Augustine Historical Society, St. Auugstine Archaeological Association, and Rotary to list a few, she has designed playbills, brochures, hosted classes and most recently, written and illustrated her book, “Lincolnville – A Sketchbook Journal of St Augustine’s Historic Neighborhood.” An ambassador of Lincolnville and a champion of the arts, her contributions to the arts community are on-going. Williams-Collins’ name is perhaps not as familiar as some because she is always the face behind the camera. Thanks to her photography and poetry, she continues to preserve a St. Augustine history that might
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otherwise be lost forever. As a teacher she helped students find their own means of artistic expression. A native of St Augustine, her parents were avid photographers and she follows in the footsteps of Richard Twine and John Jackson. While photographing a building slated for demolition she found records of the Civil Rights Movement, a previously long lost archive of this important period. Ponte Vedra student, Cassia Wang also received a $1000 Jr. ROWITA Fellowship Award. She intends to use the Fellowship to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance at Cleveland Institute of Music/ Case Western Reserve University. The Dr Gail Pflaster ROWITA is awarded each year to honor the contributions women have made to the artistic environment in St Johns County. It was founded by the late Dr. Pflaster, a local writer and committed arts supporter. “There was no one in the community celebrating our local women arts leaders, so Dr. Pflaster contacted me to discuss what could be done to remedy that matter,” said Joy D’Elia, St. Johns CC ROWITA Coordinator and co-founder of the ROWITA and Jr. ROWITA Awards. “Thanks to her, we’ve been celebrating women in the arts since 2009. I am constantly amazed and inspired by the women we have celebrated each year.”
St. Johns County Cultural Council The St. Johns County Cultural Council is the designated Local Arts Agency for St. Johns County. We are a clearinghouse of information for artists, arts organizations, businesses, and the general public. Services provided include: • Arts information and artist referrals through the office • Weekly events e-newsletter sent to over 4,000 subscribers • Art exhibits in the St. Johns County Administration Building (Art in Public Places)
Community
Masterworks Concert Performance by The St. Augustine Community Chorus
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he St. Augustine Community Chorus, one of St. Augustine’s most recognized music organizations, is proud to announce its spring performance Masterworks Concert scheduled for Sunday May 15, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Ancient City Baptist Church, 27 Sevilla Street. Advance tickets can be purchased at these outlets: Sterry Piano Company, Carter’s Jewelry, Flowers by Shirley, Herb Wiles Insurance and Southern Horticulture, or online at www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org
April/May 2016
AN AMERICAN CHORAL SAMPLER features selections from twentieth and twentyfirst century composers: University of Florida’s own Paul Basler, Randall Thompson, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Paul Halley, and Gwyneth Walker. Two selected works, A Jubilant Song by Norman Dello Joio and Alleluia by Randall Thompson, will be performed by our chamber chorale. The chorus, led by Music Director Mike Sanflippo, will be accompanied by French horn and violin soloists and our chamber orchestra. Gwyneth Walker is the visiting composer for this concert and will be available for personal interviews.
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The St. Augustine Community Chorus has been performing choral music for St. Augustine and surrounding area since 1948. Its performances are highly anticipated and recognized for the quality and exciting performances every year. It is made up of 100 volunteer members performing three annual concerts. Ticket prices are $15 advance purchase and $20 at the door, and $5 for Students and active Military. Advanced tickets can be purchased for the Sunday, May 15th Ancient City Baptist Church performance from the outlets or online at www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org.
Community
St. Francis House Graduates First 2016 Fresh Starts in Culinary Arts Class
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hursday, March 31st marked the graduation of the first Fresh Starts in Culinary Arts class of 2016. Fresh Starts is a collaborative program between St. Francis House and First Coast Technical College to provide basic culinary training for those facing the challenges of homelessness. Executive Chef Ted Kowalski teaches the 4 week class, which gives students a hands-on education preparing the noon meal at St. Francis House for 100 plus along with the requisite class work to receive the Safe Serve certification needed to work in a commercial kitchen. The program began in 2013 and has graduated more than 30 individuals opening up the opportunity for a new career and a new lease on life. Graduating students can compete the full Culinary Arts Program at FCTC tuition free.
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St. Francis House is a comprehensive housing crisis center providing supportive programs, services and shelter for families and individuals facing the crisis of homelessness. For more information about Fresh Starts or St. Francis House contact Karen Hensel, Assistant Director at 904-829-8937 or Karen.hensel@stfrancisshelter.org.
Community
A Classic Theatre presents an original musical play, “Sweet Emmaline: The Musical Journey of Debbie McDade” written and directed by Deborah B. Dickey
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s part of the 2016 Romanza Festivale of the Arts, A Classic Theatre is presenting a musical tribute to St. Augustine’s own jazz singer, Debbie McDade. Debbie’s story is that of a young girl living in the segregated South of the 1940’s who eagerly listened to the daily radio broadcasts from the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem and dreamed of the bright lights of New York City. It took real strength and courage for this teenager to leave home and make
Sarah Sanders, also known as Mama Blue, performing in the Gazebo downtown St. Augustine
April/May 2016
her way to an unknown future in the Big Apple! But leave, she did. Born Emmaline Maultsby in St. Augustine’s Lincolnville, this talented young singer soon met the great jazz trumpeter, Louis Armstrong, who became her mentor and friend. After several incarnations and at Armstrong’s suggestion, she adopted the stage name Debby Moore. She became a soloist with the Count Basie band and sang with Earl “Fatha” Hines. Her career took her to clubs across America and ultimately around the world! Family obligations brought her back to St. Augustine in 1976 -- a time when she found few opportunities to share her extraordinary talent. Today, her friends know her as Debbie McDade, and in 2013 her hometown celebrated her achievements with a St. John’s Cultural Council ROWITA award, Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts. With a mix of classic blues and popular tunes of the 50’s and 60’s, Sweet Emmaline also features many of Debbie’s own compositions, including her best-known song,
Debbie McDade in her heyday in NYC.
“Five Months, Two Weeks, Two Days.” Celebrating her 90th birthday this May, Debbie is a St. Augustine treasure, and we want to honor this remarkable, talented woman with Sweet Emmaline: The Musical Journey of Debbie McDade. Cast in the role of Debbie is the beautiful and talented jazz singer Sarah Sanders, best known to North Florida audiences as the classy blues and jazz stylist Mama Blue. A native of Jacksonville, Mama Blue graduated from the prestigious Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and earned a talent scholarship to Jacksonville University. Majoring in vocal performance, her singing career has taken her across southeastern US and Europe. Mama Blue has performed at St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church Jazz Vespers and in the Gazebo in the Plaza downtown as part of Romaza’s Festivale of the Arts. Soranda Louis is making her ACT debut in the role of Amanda, the curious and bright young woman who joins Debbie on her journey and finds her own inspiration along the way. Soranda studies Theatre at
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Flagler College, where she has appeared in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Macbeth, and The Actor’s Nightmare. Rounding out the cast, A Classic Theatre is very excited to welcome Curtis Tucker, First Coast Opera’s Artistic Director, who will lend his special talents as a voice over artist to the production. Playwright/Director Deborah B. Dickey is also the author of CROSSROADS Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and Norton S. Baskin in Unguarded Moments and THREADS OF SILVER AND GOLD the Women of the Panama Canal, which were produced by A Classic Theatre in previous seasons.
Performances are Sunday May 8 at 3 pm and May 9-12 at 7: 30 pm at the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center located at 102 Martin Luther King Ave., downtown St. Augustine. Handicapped accessible. All tickets are $25. Tickets available online at www.aclassictheatre.org. For information or reservations call 904-501-5093 or aclassictheatre@hotmail.com.
Community
What and Why’s of Equine Assisted Therapy?
By Ric Lehman, Master Clinician, Master Instructor, Master EAT Therapist Haven Horse Ranch
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hat and Why’s of Equine Assisted Therapy? So many choices out there; Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Equine Assisted Therapy, and Licensed Metal Health Counseling. So why so many choices and which is best for you? Great question, I’m glad you asked. In this day and age of specialization, the type
of therapy prescribed will usually come from your primary care physician. They will prescribe a specific kind of therapy designed in their simplest forms, to achieve specific results whether it’s to re learn how to use a specific limb or muscle (PT) or to re learn how to do specific tasks (OT), how to improve your speech or vocabulary (SLT) or how to change behaviors or learn a new way of looking at things (LMHC). Equine Assisted Therapy is a form of all other various therapy’s involving a horse as a tool. In each case, the horse is what’s called a modality or tool. We know that riding a horse works the body or muscle groups on a way nothing else does. In any cases it works the entire group or body all at the same time; which in the end will magnify the therapy and the results. Many have tried to replicate the way a horse works the body. But the results have ranged from non-existent to dismal at best, so for now the only way to achieve the result is with a horse. So again, what does all of this have to do with all the options and which is best? So many questions… simple! At Haven Horse Ranch we have PT, OT, SLT, LMHC and EAT all taking place by licensed professionals and involving horses. So you can get your Physical Therapy on horseback or your Occupational Therapy or SLT or, well you get the idea. It’s performed by licensed professionals with your specific expertise; and the results? Suffice to say, they’re faster and greater because they include a horse. Not to mention a whole lot more fun. Accomplish your goals in a fun environment at a faster pace. What could be better? Why does Equine Therapy work so well? Another great question! Boy, you’re good at this. There are 3 good reasons. First, Medical research has proven the effectivity of the specialized movements a horse has on the physiological, psychological, neurological and vestibular systems within the human body. Various studies have proven it to work and work very well. Second, most therapists will tell you that typically, 22% to 28% of their patients look forward to the therapy sessions and give 100% effort. Include the horse and that jumps
to 100%. Any time you can get people to work harder, you can expect greater results. Finally, Winston Churchill said it best; “the best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse.” There is a bond that
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can’t be denied. Medical science is now studying the theory that just riding horses releases Serotonin to the brain (you know, that “feel good” hormone) and that is why it works so well. Riders will look at you and say… well duhhh. We knew that, why do you think we ride? Bottom line, Equine Therapy, regardless of the professional, form or fashion, works, and works better than anything else. Now if you’re a licensed Therapist and would like more information, contact us. We have Certification classes forming through the University of St Augustine and they qualify for CEU’s. We’ll even provide the space and the horses for your practice so you don’t have to. Or if you’d like to volunteer, give us a call. Contact Haven Horse Ranch at (904) 813-5710.
Haven Horse Ranch, a non-profit, 501c3 organization is a licensed SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center and member of PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). The ranch provides riding lessons, horse camps, clinics , retreats and trail rides to all individuals including those with special needs. “Horses just have a way of breaking down barriers,” explains Lehman. Whether child or adult, whether “normal” or “special needs” doesn’t matter to the horse. If you’re good to them, they’ll do right by you.” To sponsor a child, make a tax deductible contribution or for more information contact Haven Horse Ranch at 904-813-5710 or info@havenhorseranch.org or visit our website at www.havenhorseranch.org.
Community
“A Great Gatsby Affair” is BACK!”
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he time, 1922. The evening, unforgettable. From stylish décor to decadent entertainment, join the festivities and cavort without restraint. Escape from normality and satisfy your tender curiosities of all things magical in a magnificent evening of true luxury. Volkswagen of St. Augustine is hosting its third annual, “A Great Gatsby Affair,” at their location on US1 South on Friday, May 6th, 2016 from 7:30 -10:30 p.m. All proceeds go to support local non-profit, the St. Johns Cultural Council (SJCC). Guests are encouraged to get dressed in their finest 1920s attire. Two authentic, 1920s classic cars will be onsite as part of the backdrop with live jazz music provided by Danielle Eva, 3rd place winner of the Billie Holiday Vocal Competition. This year’s event will be kept “underground” and a secret passcode must be given for entry. To boot, a moonshine bar and craft cocktails slung by local mixologists from the St. Augustine Distillery have been added to fulfill the speakeasy theme. Silent auction items are all set with low reserves and include, but are not limited to skydiving tickets, pontoon rentals, a Colorado vacation home, a family membership to the Alligator Farm, restaurant certificates and many more! Tickets are currently on sale for $55 per person or $100 per couple, and can be purchased at Volkswagen of St. Augustine, Vienrich Allstate Agency in World Golf Village, or by visiting GatsbyForCharity.com. There will also be a spread of heavy Italian hors d’oeuvres provided by Café Atlantico that will be included with entry. Over the last two years, the event has raised over $17,000 to benefit local charities. This year’s beneficiary, SJCC, is active throughout St. Johns County furthering visual, literary and performing arts for students, the elderly, and aspiring artists who may not otherwise have the ability to expand their creative outlets. Volkswagen of St. Augustine owners, Joe & Sway DiFeo, are passionate about supporting local non-profits and are artists and musicians themselves. Since opening their doors in December of 2013, they have been able to contribute nearly $100,000 to local charities and continue to allocate an annual budget for community support and sponsorships. You can learn more about their community outreach efforts by visiting www.VWStAug.com/Giving-Back.
For more information please visit www.GatsbyForCharity.com.
April/May 2016
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Community
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Delores Barr Weaver Establishes $20 Million Endowed Fund at The Community Foundation
Her Gifts to Nonprofits Exceed $100 Million with the Addition of New Fund
railblazing philanthropist Delores Barr Weaver has established a $20 million endowed fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, adding to her already legendary history of giving back to the Jacksonville area and beyond. The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund will take on major challenges and make gifts to nonprofits that are transformative in nature when grantmaking begins. “With her usual boldness and foresight, Delores Barr Weaver has surpassed her own high bar to define a new and richer legacy of philanthropy in our community,” said Nina Waters, president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. “With the addition of this new endowment to her already robust history of charitable gifts, Delores Barr Weaver has directed more than $100 million worth of philanthropy, nearly all of which has stayed in Northeast Florida.” An original co-owner of the NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars, Delores Barr Weaver led the Jaguars Foundation, which granted more than $15 million from its inception in 1994 until the team was sold in 2012. That year, she established the Delores Barr Weaver Fund at The Community Foundation with an initial value of $50 million, the Foundation’s largest gift to date. She and her husband, J. Wayne Weaver, were also partners in the Weaver Family Foundation, which was converted to a fund at The Community Foundation
in 2012. Over the years, she along with Wayne established dedicated endowments for 33 local nonprofit organizations, and introduced numerous charitable giving challenges that have multiplied the ultimate benefit to organizations well beyond her gift. “My greatest hope is that others will join me in supporting important efforts with their charitable dollars,” noted Mrs. Weaver. “If I can help people see what a difference their donations can make, and encourage them to feel greater ownership in improving our community, then I will feel like my giving has made a difference beyond the agencies I have personally supported.” She often points to the years when she had little to contribute, and notes that ‘no one ever told me that whatever I could give would help make a difference.’ That’s one reason she often structures her recommended grants as challenges—the nonprofit must raise matching funds from others in order to secure the full amount. According to her, “you never know when someone will become a large donor because they were asked to help earlier and so learned ‘the joy of giving back’.” Delores Barr Weaver’s charitable focus crosses many dimensions. She is passionate about helping young people, and invests substantially in initiatives that support their success, such as education (Teach for America, the Kipp
Delores Barr Weaver School, and Quality Education for All), behavioral health (Baptist Foundation) and prevention of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (Straight Talk). She supports young girls and women on every level, from her founding grant to establish the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center led by Dr. Lawanda Ravoira, to co-founding the Women’s Giving Alliance, to her staunch backing of local shelters for victims of domestic violence.
She is especially sensitive to the plight of the fragile elderly, and established the Senior to Senior Fund at The Community Foundation to provide short term, emergency financial assistance to those elders in need through ElderSource. In recent years, she’s become focused on similar needs of military veterans through the American Red Cross, and she has provided strong support for Protect Our Defenders, which addresses rape and sexual assault in the military. “This new Fund is an extension of Delores’ philanthropic legacy; she has created a model for local philanthropic giving with each new chapter defined by her passion for the work, a deep commitment to results, and above all, a determination to bring as many people as possible to the effort,” Waters noted. “It is her desire to leave a lasting legacy in our community alongside truly visionary women philanthropists like Jessie Ball duPont, Lucy Gooding and Ninah Cummer. Our entire community has benefited, and we are all grateful for her presence and her generosity.” The Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund will reside at The Community Foundation in perpetuity. Delores will continue to make grants annually through the Delores Barr Weaver Fund (established 2012), allowing the corpus of the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund to grow over the next several years.
About The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida (www.jaxcf.org), Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation, works to stimulate philanthropy to build a better community. The Foundation helps donors invest their philanthropic gifts wisely, helps nonprofits serve the region effectively, and helps people come together to make the community a better place. Now in its 52nd year, the Foundation has assets of $313 million and has made grants of nearly $369 million since 1964.
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Fashion & Beauty
Get a Great Haircut!
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done prior to ever cutting, coloring or styling your hair. After all, you both want to be happy with the final results. And you want to build a lasting relationship with your stylist and the hair salon. And finally, listen to the advice from your hair stylist. Try the shampoos and conditioners that they recommend for your hair. Use the tools and techniques that they suggest. Set up a regularly scheduled maintenance program with your stylist. That allows you to keep and maintain your special hair style and cut with a great deal of ease. Plus it helps in the prevention of “bad hair days”!
Lisa Harris, Hair by Lisa
ow do you get a great haircut? First, you go to a professional hair stylist that really knows what they are doing. Next: a professional stylist will strongly urge you to have an in depth consultation
So what’s involved in a great hair cut? There are two major components in a great haircut: the wet cut and the dry cut. Both are very important to having a haircut that will lay down properly! Wet cut - this is
when the foundation of your hair cut will be done. It will allow for a beautiful fall when the hair is at rest. In other words, your hair will fall into place nicely. Dry cut - this is where bulk and shape can come into play. In this part of the total haircut, we’re only removing what is not needed. Having a great cut also involves having a great finish. When both a wet and dry cut have been done to your hair, it helps ensure that you can duplicate the look. That is what a truly professional hair dresser will do ~ finish the hair properly.
How often should you get your hair cut? How often you get your hair cut will depend on your particular hair and how you want it to look. In the world of hair dressers, that is referred to as the “goals” for your hair. When
you work with a professional hair stylist, they will customize a schedule for you, in order for you to maintain your particular cut or style. All of my clients have different schedules to maintain their locks. 4 weeks, 6 weeks, or 8 weeks are typical recommendations for a client returning to maintain their hair cut or to grow their hair out.
Men Hair services for men are equally important. All of our services encompass men as well as women. All services are unisex. Anything a woman has done and man can have as well. Give me a call for your free consultation; your hair will thank you! Best Regards, Hair By Lisa, 904-334-6888
Let me help you look your best! A great haircut can take you anywhere! And it’s important that you find a professional hair stylist that will not only listen to you, but one that will give you realistic advice about what can be achieved with your hair. You need to be able to tell your hairdresser what you like and don’t like. You want to build a good, long term relationship with them so that you can have a hair style and hair color that works for you, 365 days a year. I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and received my initial beauty school training at Brevard Community College. Very quickly I realized that I was truly passionate about learning the art and skill of professional hair cutting and hair styling. While living in Melbourne, Florida, I met my mentor. She encouraged me to continue training in my profession. I travelled to Miami on a monthly basis and began extensive Paul Mitchell training. Eventually I became a certified Paul Mitchell Educator. During my career I have been fortunate to be able to spend time in London, England. There I learned about the differences in techniques and consultations. The Vidal Sassoon academy in Santa Monica, California is the creme de la creme of hair cutting schools. It was there that I greatly expanded my horizons and my skill set in this wonderful world of hair! Over the years I have immersed myself in advanced training in hair coloring, hair cutting and hair design. Paul Mitchell conducts extensive educational events in Las Vegas, Nevada and Miami, Florida. I have attended their Hair Camp seven times and participated in advanced classes at their Signature Gathering on three occasions. I constantly strive to increase not only my abilities in this field, but also my creativity in all aspects of hair coloring, cutting, and styling. I now live in St. Augustine, Florida and work out of St. Augustine. My education: Paul Mitchell trained, Vidal Sassoon, and MBA in Business, St. Leo University. Are you ready to make a change? My specialty is making you look your best! Call me at 904-334-6888! Check out my website. Hairbylisaharris.com
Hair by Lisa April/May 2016
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HAIR DESIGNER • COLOR SPECIALIST • MAKEUP ARTIST By Appointment Only • On Location Available
904-334-6888 • Hairbylisaharris.com 5543 a1a South • Suite #101 • Saint Augustine Beach, FL 32080
Fashion & Beauty
Do You Have a Signature Look?
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Cindy Clardy, Certified Color and Image Consultant
omparing ourselves with the world’s standard of beauty, age, size, wealth or fashion is a temptation we face everyday. By discovering Your Signature Look you will know and celebrate that you are a perfectly designed original, never feeling “less than” or comparing yourself with others again. Being comfortable in your own skin, your clothing and uniqueness allows you to fulfill your purpose, dreams and goals without being self conscious or insecure. Wearing the right clothes in the most flattering colors, fabrics, shapes with supporting accessories will give you an authentic and terrific look. Whether a corporate executive or a stay at home mom, you’ll make a statement to yourself and your world that you are in the game and confident about who you are. It’s important to make a good visual impression so that people hear what we have to say. We remember about 90% of how someone looks and only 10% of what they say. And
right or wrong we form impressions about people in the first 6 -7 seconds of meeting them. It’s also been proven that people who are perceived as attractive have greater opportunity for success over those who are not. That fact has countless implications and certainly advocates dressing with intention. Dressing is a basic necessity that we do everyday. But how intentional are we about it? We get a lot of information about our food, water, air quality, and our physical, emotional and spiritual health. But we also need to have good information on dressing our bodies. Do you want to be ready to go when opportunity knocks or that special invite comes? Do you panic when you face your closet? Do you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? Or have you given up and wear the same clothes you wore 20 years ago? You can get dressed in 5 - 10 minutes and be satisfied knowing everyone you meet that day will have the very best impression of who you are. Shopping less and making better purchases saves time, money, and aggravation by not buying things that you will never wear.
“Wearing the right clothes in the most flattering colors, fabrics, shapes with supporting accessories will give you an authentic and terrific look.” Custom Color, Body Silhouette/ Proportion Analysis gives flattering choices that compliment your personal coloring and teaches you to balance and harmonize your body’s proportion and silhouette. A Closet Shop and Organization turns your closet from an enemy to a
friend, from stress to success. Reviewing your current wardrobe and eliminating outdated, ill-fitting, unflattering and uncomfortable clothing saves you valuable time, energy and money. You will enjoy dressing everyday and have peace, joy and order in your life. You won’t look like anybody else, you look like the best version of you!
Discovering your uniqueness and individuality, finding your Signature Look, is a three step process: • Personality Style Formula • Color, Body Silhouette/ Proportion Analysis • Closet Shop and Organization Personality Style Formula allows you to dress authentically matching your personality, lifestyle and passion with clothes, dressing authentically from the inside out.
Cindy Clardy is a Certified Color and Image Consultant passionate about discovering and defining the unique and personal style of her clients. She loves to help men and women relate their individual image and style into a wardrobe. Cindy’s experience with Image Consulting began in 1985 when she discovered her Signature Look, which was life changing for her, both personally and professionally. Image Consulting was a natural transition for Cindy with a mission to help all people fulfill their divine purpose. Combining a Fine Art degree, Aesthetician License, Massage Therapy License and Image Consultant Certification, Cindy founded Cindy Clardy’s Image Consulting. Cindy is a Flagler College alumni living in St. Augustine, Florida, with her teenage son, Jesse. To find out more about Cindy Clardy Image Consulting services, call Cindy at 904-540-6771.
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Fashion & Beauty
We are Living in a Visual World!
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Christine Cousart
Owner, Cousart Studios
adonna’s song “We are living in a material world and I am a material girl”, anyone remember that one from the 80’s? I would like to change one word in this phrase that would make it relevant to today and that is material. Yes, we are still living in a material world but we also an extremely visual world now. Long gone are the days of reading pages and pages of text and long scripts about products (by the way, that is one of the reasons the Women’s Journal articles are great, its a page and educating people about a business or service with photos). If you own a business, you are lucky to have 10 seconds to capture your audiences attention. Things are going fast and that is why as a business owner, you have to be on top of it. As a photographer, it has been a natural fit for me to plug a segment of my business into the social media arena for small
business. I have found that so many business owners are too stretched and need help in this area. social media is so connected not only with images but with strategies of knowing when to post and what to post. If you post too much, use too many hashtags or buy “followers”, you could possibly be “un-followed’ by your audience and perhaps even penalized by the social platform you are using. Engaging your audience is a must in this day and age. Even doctors and dental offices need to be creative in sharing information about their practices.
The competition between corporate medical and dental offices versus the private practice has become a real issue for the independent doctor. People in medicine do not have the luxury of focusing solely on their craft, they are having to market and work to get exposure.
The pictures on this page will give you an example of what I might post for a client (I have taken their branding off). Due to loyalty to my clients, I will only help one category of business in each city. One thing that companies also need to be careful of is making sure they either pay for
April/May 2016
stock photos or use a photographer for the task of creating company photos for the specific purpose of social media! I have heard of companies receiving letters from lawyers that cause them to shell out big dollars just for the use of one image without the image owners permission. If you need
help or have questions, please email me at christine@cousartstudios.com Cousart Studios of Fine Art & Photography 320 Hightide Drive #101 Saint Augustine, FL 32080 www.cousartphotography.com • 904.687.7700
Christine Cousart has lived in St. Augustine since 2004 and says that it is the closest to the life she had when growing up in New Zealand. She owns Cousart Studios of Fine Art & Photography. She enjoys painting in all mediums as well as photographing a variety of subjects. She and her husband Kevin have two children that have graduated from Flagler College and one child who attends Palm Beach Atlantic University. The family loves to travel frequently and loves their relationship with many friends in the community. Cousart Studios of Fine Art & Photography | www.cousartphotography.com | 904.687.7700 | 320 Hightide Drive #101 | Saint Augustine, FL 32080
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Food & Entertainment
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Food & Entertainment
April/May 2016
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Food & Entertainment
Treat Your Taste Buds at PJ’s Asia One Market Be it that one is interested in Asian cooking for healthy ingredients, economics, or an enjoyable dining experience PJ’S can provide the necessary products and whether you may be a novice cook or experienced chef PJ is available and can recommend and discuss the types and styles of most Asian style food preparation and presentation. So bring your recipe and appetite and experience “Kun heow rupaow” which translated from the Thai language means “Are you hungry”?
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J’S Asia One Market is proud to be St. Augustine’s first and only Asian grocery. Upon the coming second anniversary of the opening of the Asia One Market PJ would wish to thank all of her loyal patrons as well as recent customers. PJ’S Asia One Market stocks an inventory of over 2000 Asian and Asian inspired food products and related items. The market offers dry, refrigerated and frozen items from several Asian nations including Thailand, the Philippines, Viet Nam, Japan, China and Taiwan. For the curry enthusiast PJ’S stocks eleven styles of curry paste and other necessary ingredients for an enjoyable recipe. And for the sushi aficionado Asia One can provide the required products including sushi rice, vinegar, nori, pickled ginger, wasabi and soy as well as flash frozen sushi grade tuna, eel, octopus, shrimp, and squid. PJ’S also maintains a well stocked Asian produce section of the types not usually found in a conventional grocery store. Originally from northeast Thailand PJ came to St. Augustine in 1997 and shortly thereafter enrolled in the FCTC culinary arts program. Following her graduation with honors she worked as a chef in local establishments and at Flagler Hospital. After some consideration she decided to start her own business and opened the Asia One Market in late 2009.
Method: • To make the Dressing, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well, until the sugar is dissolved. • Blanch the shrimps in boiling water for 1 minute until just pink. Remove and set aside. • Blanch the fish in the same manner or Steam the fish fillets until they are opaque, but still moist. Set aside. • In the same boiling water, cook the squid about a minute or more. Drain and set-aside until ready to use.
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Toss the vegetables with the Dressing in a bowl then add all the seafood and gently toss to coat thoroughly with the Dressing. Serve with lettuce leaf or any fresh vegetable of your choice. PJ’S is open 9am to 7pm Tuesday thru Sunday. Tel # [904] 429-7587, FAX [904] 429-7542 website: staugustineasianmarket.com
Recently, I decided to prepare a special meal for my girlfriend. Since she really enjoys Asian food, I went to PJ’s market looking for some great ideas. PJ was really helpful; she gave me her own recipe for a Thai curry chicken served with a cold papaya salad. I was able to get almost all the ingredients I needed for the meal at PJ’s, plus some advice on how to prepare everything. My girlfriend was seriously impressed, and I owe it all to PJ! Thanks! -Ty Moore
Recipe:
Thai Spicy Seafood Salad Serves: 4 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes Ingredients: 8 oz fresh squid clean and cut to bite size pieces 8 oz fresh medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 8 oz white fish fillets such as snapper or halibut, sliced 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 tomato, sliced 2 spring onions cut into 1-inch pieces 3 stalks Chinese celery, cut into 1-inch Pieces Cup mint leaves for garnish Dressing 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice 3 tablespoons fish sauce 1/2 teaspoon sugar (palm sugar) 3-7 bird’s-eye chilies, crushed 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon Thai roasted chili paste in oil (optional)
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