St. Augustine Woman's Journal - Dec/Jan 2015-16 by Northeast Florida Woman's Journals Inc

‘Tis the Season to be Generous & Thankful!

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.

Suzanne Egeln, Publisher

e are thankful this issue to those in the community who were generous, kind, giving and provided spiritual guidance in the passing of my mother in October, and then my father in November. After many years of being on steroid medications for an autoimmune disease, my mom fell one last time and shattered her back. Her prognosis for recovery from the back surgery was hopeful. Sadly, she succumbed soon, as many in the hospital do, to pneumonia. One month later my father followed her after receiving hospice care for 12 days. My parents were married for 58 years. It is not uncommon for couples to follow each other closely in death. What my sisters and I learned from this experience is that we will grieve for a long time,

and that it is okay to remember and talk about their lives with family and friends. It is also important to have a plan. Honoring Choices Florida’s mission is to promote the benefits of, and improve the processes for, advance care planning. More information can be found by visiting their website (http://www.honoringchoicesfl.com). What is important to note is that you can discuss this with your physician, and it is never too early to have a plan for final care. As we continue to be thankful throughout the holiday season and into the New Year, remember that it’s not always about being able to make a monetary donation. I invite you to review your “time” spent in 2016, to find time to volunteer for a cause in St. Johns County. Please do this, whether your passion is literacy, the arts, homeless shelter or a church. We can all make a difference. Here are a few organizations that are in need of help… Haven Hospice (http://www.havenhospice.org).

St. Augustine Youth Services (A therapeutic group home for boys who have been victims of child abuse and/or extreme neglect SAYS provides a safe, stable home in which the boys can live, learn, grown and heal: www.saykids.org). St. Gerard Campus (www.stgerardcampus.org). Habitat for Humanity (www.habitatstjohns.org). St. Francis House (http://stfrancisshelter.org). Horse Haven Ranch (equine therapy Horses used to teach children basic life principles and physical therapy: havenhorseranch.org). As always we invite you to enjoy these articles and support our Contributors. We welcome your suggestions for future Contributors and for our Women In Profile pages.

The Woman’s Journal family wishes you and Home Again St. Johns yours a very safe and healthy holiday season. (to support homelessness in St. Johns County: Slainte! Suzanne Egeln http://www.homeagainsj.org).

Find us on the web at: staugustinewomansjournal.com

In This Issue

st. augustine woman’s journal | December 2015/January 2016

34 29

35 43 32 Health & Medicine

Health & Fitness

17 | Harbour Island Tennis Centre

Life Services

19 | Haven Connects with Veterans in St. Augustine 20 | Why to Make Prearrangements

26 | Bankruptcy May be the Right Option

35 | 6th Annual Oyster Roast to Benefit Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Patients 36 | Sweetheart Gala Bellydance Show 37 | Adoption: A Beautiful Option Choosing Life and Choosing Parents 38 | We succeed or fail based on our volunteers and can always use another helping hand 39 | Community Education Offers Lifelong Learning 40 | Local Gymnast Qualifies for Pre-Elite Gymnastics Program Through the USA Gymnastics Tops/ Hopes Program

Women in Profile

Fashion & Beauty

21 | Simply Susie. Let us clean, cook and run errands for you! It’s just a part of what we do!

Business & Finance

22 | Why Facebook Should NOT Be Your Website

Travel

24 | Jensen’s on the Gulf 25 | Experience River Cruising at its Best

Legal

27 | Mary K. Schupp, Diane Dew, Ellen Heekin

and Joy Holsonback

Community 29 | 30 | 31 | 32| 33 | 34 |

A Home for the Holidays Receives State of the Arts License Plate Grant Go Beyond the Giving Season St Augustine Film Festival 3,000 Newborn Caps and Counting! Rodeheaver Foundation Grant Challenge ELC and Sykes Farm Continue Annual Early Literacy Event

42 | A-Muse! 43 | Types of Hair Styling

Food & Entertainment

44 | Ichiban Buffet 45 | Augustine Interactive Radio 46 | Treat Your Taste Buds at PJ’s Asia One Market 47 | The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Back Cover

48 | Lee F. Slaughter Fine Cars

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

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

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.

December 2015/January 2016

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.

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

Prevent Colon Cancer Now!

Daniel J. Gassert, M.D. GI Associates

olon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Ever year, approximately 150,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer and 50,000 die from it. The sad truth is that a majority of these cancer victims could have been saved by proper screening. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that a third of adults over the age of 50 (22 million people) have not had any colorectal cancer screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all Americans - men and women - begin colon cancer screening no later than age 50. In fact, colon cancer is one of only

three cancers for which the USPSTF recommends preventative screening (breast and cervical cancer are the other two). Most women are well aware of the importance of mammograms for breast cancer screening yet ironically public awareness for colon cancer prevention lags far behind. It is important to note that both men AND women are at risk for colon cancer and should undergo screening. What are the options? Part of the confusion, on the part of both patients and at times physicians, is that there are many options for colorectal cancer screening. These options include: stool testing for blood, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Other tests such as barium enemas, CT colonography (“virtual colonoscopy”) and stool DNA testing are not recommended by the USPSTF but they may be used in certain settings. That said, the USPSTF clearly states: “Colonoscopy is a necessary step in any screening program that reduces mortality from colorectal cancer.” Why is colonoscopy so effective? Colon cancer nearly always begins as a harmless growth in the colon called a polyp. When these polyps are removed they can no longer grow and in turn they cannot grow into cancer. One out of four Americans over the age of 50 can have polyps without any symptoms. This is the reason to begin screening at age 50. When there is a family history of colon cancer, screening should begin no later than age 40. How does a colonoscopy work? For

most people the test itself is fairly simple. The day prior to the test, patients must drink a laxative in order to clean out the colon. Admittedly, the “prep day” is not very pleasant, but most people can finish the laxative by the early evening and sleep through the night. The day of the exam, an anesthetic is provided which generally allows patients to drift off to sleep. A thin flexible camera is then used to exam the entire colon, beginning at the rectum. Nearly all polyps can be removed immediately. The exam usually lasts 1530 minutes. Afterwards, patients are monitored for a period of time until they wake up. No pain or discomfort should be experienced when the test is performed by a properly trained physician. Many patients wake up and don’t even realize the colonoscopy was already done. If no polyps were removed, a follow up colonoscopy does not have to be repeated for 10 years (assuming no prior history of polyps or family history of cancer). Most insurance plans including Medicare provide coverage for a screening colonoscopy. There’s no reason to wait, get screened today and prevent colon cancer now! For more information, please visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/screenforlife (Center for Disease Control) www.screen4coloncancer.org (American Society of GI Endoscopy) www.gi-associates.com (GI Associates of St. Augustine)

Daniel J. Gassert, M.D. is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and Board Certified in Gastroenterology. After graduating with honors from Duke University, Dr. Gassert received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine in 2000. While at NYU, he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical school honor society. Dr. Gassert trained at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Cornell University and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for his internal medicine residency. He completed a three-year Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Gassert joined G.I. Associates in 2006. Gastroenterology Associates, specialist in disorders of the digestive system are committed to giving our patients the best care possible. All our physicians are American Board in Internal Medicine and Board Certified in Gastroenterology. G.I. Associates (Gastroenterology Associates of St. Augustine) offers the highest quality comprehensive service in St. Johns County for more than twenty years. Also, as a benefit to our patients, we perform many of our out-patient procedures in our AAAHC(Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care) accredited free-standing surgery center, conveniently located next to our office.

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

Flagler Hospital Earns Innovation in Patient Care Award

lagler Hospital was recently recognized at the Florida Hospital Association’s annual Celebration of Achievement in Quality and Service Awards for its innovative approach to emergency care. The event recognized caregivers, hospital trustees and hospitals across the state that have achieved successes in improving quality and patient safety, made significant impacts on their local communities, engaged hospital staff, transformed care delivery and increased efficiency. FHA President Bruce Rueben presented the Innovation in Patient Care Award to Flagler Hospital Chief Operating Officer Chris Schmidt in recognition of Flagler’s Physician First Emergency Care initiative, which has cut ER patient wait time in half and significantly reduced the number of patients who leave without receiving care. “It is truly an honor to accept this award on behalf of our entire team,” stated Schmidt. “With more than 57,000 visits to our ER every year, providing fast, efficient, quality care is vitally important to our community. I am so proud of every member of our team, from the nurse who brought this idea forward, to our staff who provided input every step of the way, to our ER leadership Dr. Matt Rill and Barbara Kincade - and all the way up to our EVP, CEO and board of directors who gave us their full support. Together, we truly transformed the way we deliver emergency care to St. Johns County.” The rapid evaluation concept bypasses traditional triage, increases capacity and ensures that every patient is immediately evaluated by a team consisting of a physician, nurse and paramedic. Also key to the process is placing ambulatory patients in lounges while waiting for test results, rather than placing them in patient rooms. Use of the lounges frees up needed bed space in the main emergency care center, where higher acuity patients are also treated more quickly. “Every day, Florida caregivers and trustees

work to deliver the best quality care at the best value,” said Bruce Rueben, FHA president. “The hospitals and leaders recognized this year have demonstrated innovative ways to impact patient care and their communities.” How does it work? See the Physician First At Flagler Hospital, we know that health emergencies are a scary and anxious time for patients and their families - and that’s one reason we’ve redesigned our process to ensure all our patients see a physician right away. We call it Physician First Emergency Care. By seeing a physician first, our patients can be more rapidly evaluated and know that their diagnosis, testing and treatmetnt plan is underway within minutes. To make sure patients see a doctor right away, we’ve changed some things that might be different. The following information should help patients understand what to expect during an emergency care visit. What to Expect Upon arrival, we ask patients to check in at the reception desk. After we obtain a little information, take a photograph and place an ID band on your wrist, we will be escort you to the appropriate care area. Please note that your photo is an important part of your health record, for your safety and privacy. Most p atients will go to our new physician assessment area. This area is super-staffed to immediately assess patient needs. If you need an x-ray or a lab test, the physician will get those started. Due to space limitations in this area, we will ask your family to wait for you in one of our lounge areas. Once you’ve seen a doctor, you will be escorted to our new results pending lounge. While there, we’ll continually reassess your needs and do our best to help you stay as comfortable as possible. We

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appreciate your patience. Completing tests and receiving results can take from one to three hours, and sometimes longer for specialized tests. Going Home Once your doctor has reviewed the results, he or she will take you to a private area to discuss your diagnosis and treatment and go over your discharge instructions if you are going home. Both your doctor and your nurse will review this information with you, to make sure you understand everything you need to know and also answer any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to ask any question at all. You are the most important member of your care team. Before you go, you may need to complete some final paperwork at our registration desk.

Observation & Admission Sometimes, patients require longer monitoring, diagnostic testing, therapy and assessment of symptoms. This allows your physician to make accurate determinations whether further treatment as an inpatient is required, or if you are ready to return home. If your illness requires admission to the hospital, you may be transported to our transitional admissions unit until an appropriate inpatient room for your condition is available. Our Admission of Excellence Guide provides all the information you and your family need to know about your hospital stay.

Health & Medicine

Flagler Hospital Opens Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic

lagler Hospital recently opened a new behavioral health clinic for people in need of psychiatric services on an outpatient basis. This clinic features board certified psychiatrists, who work with patients to develop customized treatment plans within a private office setting. “Our community health needs assessment identified mental health services as one of the top areas of need in St. Johns County,” commented Flagler Hospital Chief Administrative Officer, Jason Barrett. “At Flagler, we believe in treating the whole person – body, mind and spirit. We know that stress, behavioral problems, and conditions like depression and anxiety affect thousands of people in our community and this new clinic will help reduce the amount of time people currently must wait in order to get the help they need.” The Flagler Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic is located on the Flagler Hospital campus in the Jakadofsky Building, suite 211. “We are extremely pleased to provide this additional service to the members of our community. It’s our top priority to deliver timely, quality care and to surround every experience with compassion and respect, while focusing on each individual’s unique needs,” added the outpatient behavioral health practice administrator Trey Blanchard.

Flagler Hospital also operates a 21-bed inpatient behavioral health unit and a partial hospitalization / intensive outpatient program, which provides an intensive level

of psychiatric treatment, including group therapy, medication management and individual therapy For more information about the clinic,

or to schedule an appointment with the outpatient clinic, call 904-819-2295 or visit our Behavioral Health Services page on our website at www.FlaglerHospital.org.

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. Flagler Hospital’s focus on quality has resulted in numerous national accreditations including, designation as a Chest Pain Center by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, ANCC Magnet Status for Nursing Excellence, the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Care Centers, 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.

Health & Medicine

Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

Hands of Healing: Reflexology

an Reflexology Help You Feel Better? What if there was a therapeutic discipline that stood the test of time (had been used around the world for about 4500 years), was known to support virtually every condition a person could have, and felt heavenly as it was being administered?

This forum is a regular contribution from BayView Healthcare to help share the knowledge and expertise of the more than 280 healthcare professionals across our continuum of care and those who support our efforts within the community. In each issue, an area of interest is addressed to help consumers be even more informed about their health and wellness. In this FORUM, Julie Wesling, LMT, shares with us the natural healing art in which comfortable pressure is applied to reflex points in the hands, feet and/or ears that correspond to all the organs, glands and parts of the body. Reflexology is a type of treatment that involves the manipulation of certain pressure points

Such a therapy does exist! It’s called reflexology, and it’s a natural healing art in which comfortable pressure is applied to reflex points in the hands, feet and/or ears that correspond to all the organs, glands and parts of the body. By relaxing the nervous system and improving circulation of blood, lymphatic fluid, nerve innervation and energy flow, reflexology can, indeed, help us feel better! How Does It Work? Much research has been done to try to understand how something that happens at the surface, like applying a bit of pressure to the superficial tissue on a specific point, can affect something that happens internally, such as increasing blood circulation in an organ, balancing the secretion of hormones from a gland, improving lymph flow so that we feel less sluggish and our immune system gets a boost. There’s no question that the external and internal workings of our bodies are

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linked -at minimum- through blood flow and nerve communication. Similarly, our physical bodies are

Here’s what we know for sure: reflexology has an effect on our nervous system. When we receive a reflexology treatment it is very relaxing. And it is when we are in this most relaxed state that our bodies are best able to repair and heal. (It is widely believed that micro-tears in muscle fibers heal while we sleep, for example.) Reflexology is extremely effective at activating our parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and repair mode (the opposite of a sympathetic state, which is “fight or flight” mode). Karen Ball, Director of the Academy of Ancient Reflexology, writes in one of her manuals Reflexology: “This state of deep relaxation allows the body to … correct the imbalances that are creating unwanted symptoms and conditions. Reflexology creates the internal environment of relaxation that allows for healing to occur.” Another specific way reflexology affects the nervous system is by treating

linked to our mind and spirit, our physical, emotional and even spiritual health is all intricately entwined. Is it something that can be explained through science? Some intercellular communication via chemical or electromagnetic energy? Or is it a more metaphysical “chi” (qi) or “life energy” that is affected by touch outside of the “nervous system” that we can measure?

an “overgrowth” of nerve tissue in the feet (or hands). In Reflexology, Karen Ball also writes “An increase in nervous tissue develops in the foot or hand in response to, and as an indicator of, an unhealthy organ. Specific reflexology techniques ‘untangle’ the excess congestion and break the biomechanical link between the nerve fibers making it possible for the nerves to transmit impulses freely again.”

and nerve endings that are located in the feet and hands in order to achieve a specific effect elsewhere in the body. Julie Wesling, LMT is a licensed massage therapist and reflexologist in St. Augustine; her private practice is Holistic Massage & Reflexology on SR 16. She feels passionate about helping people get out of pain, stay out of pain, and feel their best as naturally as possible. Active in the community, Julie is a member of Rotary (Coastal Club of St. Johns County) and the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about reflexology, contact her at 904-377-6696 or julie@holisticmassagetherapies.com, or visit St. Augustine resident Karen Ball’s Academy of Ancient Reflexology’s website: academyofancientreflexology.com

Health & Medicine New discoveries are being made all the time. Recent research shows that some women suffering with fibromyalgia have an overgrowth of blood vessels in the palms of their hands. While it is not known why this occurs, it may help explain why reflexology is so beneficial to support conditions like fibromyalgia—by improving blood flow and clearing any congestion or stagnation or inflammation in the hands. Another recent discovery is that the nervous system—specifically one of our cranial nerves called the vagus nerve—is a contributing factor in autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The vagus nerve is one of the main regulators of the parasympathetic nervous system, helping us return to calm after stress. When the vagus nerve is not doing regulating well, the person stays in a too-heightened state of stress almost all the time. This causes havoc with the immune system, sometimes resulting in autoimmune disorders. Doctors are having success with implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve to stimulate it and make it more effective. Therapies like reflexology help the body shift into the parasympathetic state naturally!

At a minimum , we know that reflexology: • is relaxing—by reducing tension it helps us overcome the ill effects of stress and can improve our feelings of wellbeing • increases lymph flow which is good for our immune system and can reduce swelling • increases blood flow which is good for healing—improved circulation of blood brings nutrients to cells and removes metabolic waste, which in turn… • promotes normal functioning of the body’s organs and glands, and • helps to maintain optimum health Why would someone choose reflexology as a treatment? 1. It is calming. Foot reflexology feels really good and it helps people relax. It’s an especially good choice for someone who has difficulty winding down, someone with anxiety or insomnia, or related disorders like tension headaches or digestive disorders.

2. It treats body systems not just specific tissues. Massage therapy endeavors to release tension in muscles and soft tissues—it works on our musculoskeletal structures. Reflexology works on our internal operating systems, such as the endocrine, respiratory and digestive systems. Although reflexology is good for the hands and feet themselves (and lots of people choose it because they have specific pain or issues in their hands or feet like arthritis of the hands or plantar fasciitis), the end goal can include helping the whole body function better—every gland, organ and body part. 3. It’s less invasive. This amazing therapy can treat the whole body just by touching the feet or hands or ears. This makes it a great choice for anyone who is uncomfortable with massage. The recipient does not have to get undressed. The recipient does not have to be able to lie on a massage table for an hour. It can be performed very gently and still be effective. It is a great choice for anyone who can’t tolerate a lot of pressure, including the elderly and medically fragile. What conditions can reflexology help? Virtually any condition can be supported and sometimes improved by helping the nervous system relax deeply. When we are truly relaxed, we can breathe more fully, digest food better, recover from stress and heal. Some conditions that respond well to reflexology include: • anxiety and related disorders such as insomnia • digestive issues such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome • women’s health issues such as menstrual symptoms and menopause • chronic painful conditions such as headaches, migraines and sciatica • autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis • sinus congestion or infection • and so much more How seniors can benefit from reflexology Reflexology doesn’t have to hurt to be effective. The pressure applied can be so gentle that even a medically fragile person can safely receive reflexology. A person doesn’t have to be particularly

Julie Wesling, LMT agile to receive reflexology—you don’t have to disrobe or roll over half way through treatment as in massage therapy. Reflexology is helpful for conditions like arthritis. If a person had arthritis in their hands, for example, as long as they aren’t having an acute flare-up, it usually feels very good to have the hands worked on. In the case of a flare-up, reflexology to the feet can help. And some people feel like reflexology helps keep them more mobile and flexible! Who wouldn’t want to feel healthier and

calmer and stay more active? Reflexology can improve our feelings of wellbeing at all stages of life. I had the great privilege of working on a Hospice patient at Bayview Healthcare’s Samantha Wilson Care Center in the final stages of her life. She was no longer able to be transported to an office to receive therapy; getting undressed and transfer to a table for treatment like massage therapy was out of the question for her. As she was confined more and more to her bed and wheelchair, she suffered from chronic back pain. But she looked forward to my visits, and she responded very well to hand and foot reflexology! In addition to enjoying it—because it does feel wonderful—she seemed to eat a little more easily and sleep more sound with better quality of lifestyle. I’ve seen exciting results in my own practice, and I encourage you to try reflexology for yourself and enjoy the benefits of this amazing application of healing touch!

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 and 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. 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 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

Shoe Inserts and Prescription Custom Orthotics Think about the purpose… Running? Working? Lounging? Look for a product that fits your level of activity. Bring your sneakers, dress shoes or work boots with you. Look for an insert that fits the contours of your shoe. Try them inside your shoeand walk around a little. Be sure it is comfortable! Be sure it is returnable!

By Richard Johnson, DPM

Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center

hat are Shoe Inserts? Shoe inserts can be found in stores, on TV and online. They are a non-prescription foot device worn inside a shoe. Orthotics are a prescription shoe insert custom made specifically for YOUR feet. Shoe inserts can be very helpful for a variety of foot ailments. They can cushion your feet and provide comfort and support. The most common types of shoe inserts are: Arch Supports: Arch supports are generally designed to gently support a high or low arch. Insoles: Insoles provide extra cushioning and support. They’re often made of gel, foam or plastic. Heel Liners: Heel liners provide extra cushioning for your heel. They may be useful for patients who have pain caused by the atrophy of the heels’ natural fat pads. Foot Cushions: Foot cushions come in many different shapes and sizes and are used to prevent rubbing between you and your shoe. Choosing an Over-the-Counter Shoe Insert Selecting a shoe insert from the wide variety of devices on the market can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help find the insert that best meets your needs: Consider your health….. Diabetes? Poor circulation? Both can increase your risk of foot ulcers and infections. Let your podiatrist help you select the correct insert.

December 2015/January 2016

What Are Prescription Custom Orthotics? Orthotics are custom-made devices designed to support and comfort YOUR feet. They match the contours of your feet precisely and are designed for the way you move. While they may cost more than the shoe inserts, they are frequently covered by insurance. Orthotics are made by your podiatrist after a complete biomechanical evaluation of your feet, so the orthotic can accommodate your unique foot structure and pathology. Clinical research studies have shown that podiatrist-prescribed foot orthotics decrease foot pain and improve function. Prescription orthotics are divided into two categories: Functional Orthotics are designed to relieve foot pain by controlling abnormal motion. They can also be used to treat injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints or tendonitis. Functional orthotics are usually made from semi-rigid material. Accommodative Orthotics are soft and meant to provide additional cushioning and minor support. They’re used to treat ulcers, painful calluses or other painful ailments. When to Visit a Podiatrist If you are simply looking for extra cushioning or support, you may wish to try an over-the-counter shoe insert first. But, if you have significant pain or disability, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist. Your podiatrist will assess your overall health and evaluate the biomechanics of your lower extremity. This evaluation will help determine if shoe inserts might be helpful or if you need prescription orthotics.

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

Uterine Bleeding - Should You be Concerned?

Dr. Kelly Jago

ost women enjoy good health and generally see their OB/GYN provider once a year for annual exams. However, sometimes issues arise and could cause a lot of distress when a woman has to present to the office with a problem. One common problem is abnormal uterine bleeding. Approximately one is five women experience menorrhagia, very long or heavy menstrual periods (filling a large pad or tampon within an hour). Other definitions encompass bleeding in between periods and bleeding after intercourse. Many causes are to be considered. One of the most important in a reproductive aged woman is pregnancy. Once pregnancy is ruled-out, several approaches can be used to diagnose and manage this abnormal bleeding. To prepare for your appointment, be prepared to discuss how often your bleeding occurs and for how long. If possible, have an estimation as to how often you change pads, tampons or even both at the same time. Be in tune to any symptoms, especially of anemia like dizziness, lightheadedness or fatigue. Is there any pelvic pain, pain with intercourse or abnormal vaginal discharge. Also, please make note of any medications that

you are taking on a regular basis. Some medications, especially blood thinners may cause a medical reason for the increased bleeding. Most importantly, prepare for the discussion as to how this bleeding effects your quality of life. Sadly, some patients feel embarrassed to discuss this issue. We as OB/GYN providers need to provide you with a comfortable, confidential environment to discuss these problems. Does this bleeding keep you from a healthy life? Home from work? Difficult to have intercourse? Afraid to leave the house? First studies to consider is a gynecology exam with an updated pap smear. Further studies could include but not limited to a blood count (CBC, hemoglobin and platelet level), thyroid studies, cultures for a potential infection and an ultrasound. In some patients, one could consider an evaluation of a bleeding disorder, especially in those women with a longstanding history of bleeding or in those with a family history. In other patients, they could benefit from a study called a saline sonohysterogram. This is an office study that could provide more information regarding structural abnormalities such as benign tumors of the lining of the uterus called fibroids or polyps. Finally, a consideration for some women could be for an endometrial biopsy to evaluate for a uterine malignancy. Provided that there is not a significant degree of anemia or a diagnosis of cancer, numerous options could be afforded to a patient. One such option is to watch and wait. Provided there are no contraindications, hormonal options like birth control or even the hormonal IUD are available. In the event there is a suspicion of those intrauterine polyps or fibroids, one could perform an outpatient procedure called a hysteroscopy, D&C (dilation and curettage). This is where the lining of the uterine cavity is visualized and scraped. For woman who have completed childbearing, one could consider a procedure called the endometrial

ablation. This is a permanent removal of the lining of the uterine cavity. Hysterectomy, removing the uterus, is also suitable for those women who have completed their childbearing. The approach to a hysterectomy varies from patient to patient. When considering surgery the risks, benefits and alternatives to surgery as well as the surgical approach, time off of work or from home activities, possible hospital time should be discussed at length with your OB/GYN provider. Many of us have chosen the profession of OB/GYN because of our interest in a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifecycle and, when necessary, the problems related to womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. It is our job to provide for you a listening ear, compassion and then choices when possible for this common issue of abnormal bleeding.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Jago received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and did her ObGyn residency at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA. She then served our countryâ&#x20AC;Ś..Katrina. After three years in private practice in Jacksonville, she found her home here at ObGyn Associates of St. Augustine in 2011. Kelly has a wealth of experience, a worm manner and a careful approach to medicine that makes her an excellent physician. She enjoys all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, but has a love her surgery and adolescent gynecology. B.S: University of Pittsburgh MD: Jefferson Medical College Residency: Naval Medical Center, San Diego CA

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.

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

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

December 2015/January 2016

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

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

Keep the Blood Flowing with an Active & Healthy Life

Health & Medicine

Have You Heard the Word “Lymphedema”? I. Skin Care - Avoid trauma/injury and reduce

By: Susan Detar, CFm Owner, The Pink Door

f you have had breast cancer surgery you likely have. However, hearing the word and knowing how it might affect you may not have crossed paths. Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired (primary), or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed (secondary). When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of proteinrich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. Left untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, but also reduces oxygen availability in the transport system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in infection. In this article we will discuss lymphedema as it might affect the upper extremity as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis. If you had breast surgery with axillary dissection, you were likely told to ensure no needle pricks or blood pressure cuffs on the surgery side arm. That is a good start to managing the risk of developing lymphedema, but there are many more tips to keep your lifelong risk minimized. If you also had radiation treatments, the system has had a double blow. Here is a list of things to keep in mind.

infection risk 1. Keep extremity clean and dry and apply moisturizer daily to prevent chaffing of skin. 2. Do not cut cuticles and be careful with razors to avoid nicks and skin irritation. 3. Protect exposed skin with sunscreen and insect repellent. 4. Wear gloves while doing activities that may cause skin injury (i.e., gardening, working with tools, using chemicals such as detergent). 5. If scratches/punctures to skin occur, wash with soap and water, apply antibiotics, and observe for signs of infection (i.e. redness). 6. If a rash, itching, redness, pain, increased skin temperature, fever or flu-like symptoms occur, contact your physician immediately.

II. Activity / Lifestyle 1. Gradually build up the duration and intensity

of any activity or exercise and take frequent rest periods during activity to allow for limb recovery. 2. Monitor the extremity during and after activity for any change in size, shape, tissue, texture, soreness, heaviness or firmness. 3. Maintain optimal weight.

III. Avoid limb constriction 1. If possible, avoid having blood pressure taken

on the at risk arm. 2. Wear loose clothing.

fitting

jewelry

could be from activity or weather changes, but it does represent a struggling lymphatic system. Other signs to keep a look out for are skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand or wrist, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness. Being aware of any changes is crucial to attending to the symptoms before the lymphedema becomes a significant problem. If you think you might have lymphedema you should make every attempt to be evaluated by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. This could well be a visit for peace of mind, but it also could lead to proper treatment and management of the condition by using their special training in Complete Decongestive Therapy. This is a four part therapy to help your body clear itself of metabolic waste and protect you from pathogens and toxins. The parts are Manual Lymph Drainage, compression, skin care and exercise. The therapist will use these steps in the treatment plan and teach you how to self manage the condition. There are many specialized garments to help move the fluid and maintain circumferences in the arm. Some are for daytime wear, some are for

and

IV. Compression Garments 1. Should be well-fitting and support the at risk

limb with a compression garment for strenuous activity (i.e. weight lifting, prolonged standing, running). 2. Wear a well-fitting compression garment for air travel (considered a significant preventive measure).

V. Extremes of Temperature 1. Avoid exposure to extreme cold, which can be

associated with rebound swelling, or chapping of skin. 2. Avoid prolonged (>15 minutes) exposure to heat, particularly hot tubs and saunas (never above 102° F.). If you have a feeling of fullness, heaviness, aching in the breast/chest or arm, these are indicators of a possible case of lymphedema. Sometimes the feeling is fleeting and the fluctuation

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.

December 2015/January 2016

Night Time Arm Sleeve

Bellisse Compressure Bra nighttime wear. If the condition develops in the breast, chest or back, there is a very specialized garment to do that work. Also, with a breast cancer diagnosis there are a number ways to receive financial assistance for these garments. Be wellinformed and your own advocate.

Health & Medicine

Is it Time For a Mommy Makeover?

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.™

Health & Medicine

The Art and Science of Letting Go

hy do we hold onto experiences that we no longer need or emotions that are painful or negative? Consider the idea that some purpose is being served, such as selfprotection or guarding against a future loss. Eckhardt Tolle even goes so far to say that we create and maintain problems because they give us a sense of identity. Liggett Cato states that many people are completely unaware that they are holding negative emotions such as fear, hurt or anger When we hold stress in our minds or bodies, the potential for serious illness or mood disorder increases. Many people struggle with letting go; it seems like a valuable concept with positive intent, but the actual process of it can be quite elusive. Here are some suggestions which will help you to let go; • Acknowledge your emotions, and feel them fully. If you stifle your emotions, they will eventually express themselves. Emotions have to be identified along with with a willingness to be released • Begin with changing your perception and considering the possibility that the problem may contain a blessing or lesson • Express your feelings through a creative outlet like writing, painting or music • Focus your energy on something you can control rather than something you cannot • Metaphorically throw it away-throw a tennis ball, shred a paper • Identify what the past experience taught you so you can have closure • Make a conscious choice to release the pain and forgive In addition to the emotional aspect of pain, the body holds the energetic memory as well. Sometimes even when the emotional work is done the somatization or shadow of the pain remains in the body. Energy Psychology addresses the relationship of energy systems to emotion, cognition, behavior and health. Our brain and body operate on electromagnetic fields, and the trained therapist can access and help shift these systems. When a person

Kathleen Abbott,

Licensed Mental Health Counselor & Clinical Director

experiences anxiety or emotional pain, it impacts both perception and perspective. Imagine it to be like static on a radio stationonce that is cleared, it is so much easier to not only comprehend the words but also follow the music. This reduction of static energy can be cleared with a variety of methods that accompany traditional psychotherapy, creating rapid and lasting results. Therapists at The LifeSource Group have additional training in EMDR, Creative Visualization, Neurofeedback, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Emotion Code Therapy and Kinesiology. We have seen amazing results for people suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, depression and many other issues. These techniques can also be used with couples, healing the mind loops therefore shifting belief systems along with energetic patterns. Couples are even more “energetically intertwined”, with mood and perceptions often being projected on to each other. The same process can be utilized with parent and child relationship. Letting go of the past pain is possible, and the therapists at TLG are available to equip you to reach this goal. As the initial physical and emotional responses of letting go balance out your system, you can turn toward the future, and open your heart to greater possibilities.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S BEST COUNSELORS 2011-2014 December 2015/January 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.

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 Villaneuva, 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 & Fitness

Harbour Island Tennis Centre Harbour Island Tennis Centre of St. Augustine, Florida is proud to announce they are hosting the 4th Annual Tropical Tennis Tournament on March 12 & 13th. All net proceeds from the tournament will be donated to The Rotary Club of Coastal St. Johns County, to be distributed to charities within the local community.

Marie Turnbull, Owner

here is a lot of tennis going on at Harbour Island. A fifth court will be opened in March and we are preparing for our Tournament season which kicks off with a Valentine Mixed Doubles Tournament on February 13. So grab your sweetheart and come out and play in this fun tournament. Historic Tennis Tournament Prepares for 4th Year

This revived annual event is actually a continuation of a tournament that took place in the late 1800’s and then ceased for generations. It was known in the tennis community as the first annual outdoor tournament of the year and took place on the wooden tennis courts (now a parking lot) behind The Alcazar Hotel & Casino. The tournament will include mixed, men’s and women’s singles and doubles events. To maintain the historical spirit of the tournament, players are strongly encouraged to dress in traditional tennis whites or attire from the period, including men in white trousers and women in long dresses. To heighten the stakes a little, the players will also be required to use wooden

racquets; the tennis centre will have some wooden racquets to use. A Gala Ball will be held at the Fountain of Youth Pavillion On March 12 @ 6:00 all are invited to join this fun event. If you are interested in participating, please reserve your spot by calling 904460-4217, emailing courts@HarbourIslandTennis.com or by visiting our web page www.harbourislandtennis.com.

Be a part of bringing history, tennis and tradition together again in St. Augustine, Florida! Professional Tennis Instruction is available daily at Harbour Island Tennis Center. Members & Non-Members are welcome to participate in our programs. We have something for everyone from the beginner to the experienced tennis player. Things are building at Harbour Island. Court 5 will be available first week of March. Discussions with the architect on club house plans are ongoing. With growth come higher rates so join today and save on the initiation fees before they go up again.

Health & Medicine

Life Services

Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

Haven Connects with Veterans in St. Augustine

Cathy Johnston Haven Hospice Administrator

hether through recognition, volunteer and staff education, or community partnerships, Haven Hospice continuously strives to live its mission of honoring life by providing comfort, care, and compassion to those we serve, especially our veterans. In 2014, Haven cared for more than 765 veterans. Of that number, 616 of them identified themselves as having served during times of conflict and approximately 277 of them chose

to receive veteran recognition from our veteran volunteers. Haven Hospice Veteran Volunteer Herb Zieglmeier first joined Haven Hospice four years ago while working with the Veteran’s History Project. Supported by Haven Hospice, interviews that Herb collected from St. Augustine veterans were submitted to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) through the local library. Today, Herb recognizes veteran patients at Haven Hospice through the We Honor Veterans Program. “Every recognition that I do is so emotional for the veterans, and it is absolutely touching and rewarding for me,” said Herb who is an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 1048, St. Augustine Elks Lodge 829 and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Most recently, Herb recognized St. Augustine residents Bernard “Bern” Ormont and Edward Wolff for their military service. Bern served in the United States (U.S.) Army Air Corps during World War II as a bomber pilot. “Bern told us that one of his proudest moments occurred when he had to ditch his bomber in the ocean after sustaining significant damage. He and his crew all survived,” said St. Augustine Patient Care Manager Cheryl Levesque. “Bern was the recipient of many medals including the Purple Heart.” Edward Wolff, who served in the U.S. Navy during the

Haven Hospice Veteran Volunteer Herb Zieglmeier and Edward Wolf. Korean War on an aircraft carrier, proudly wore his Korean War Veteran cap during the ceremony which was attended by his wife, Carol, of 64 years. After our Haven veteran volunteer presents a veteran patient with a Certificate of Appreciation and a thank you card signed by the staff, they proceed to pin and salute our veteran patient and their family. After a pinning ceremony, patients often share stories about their service that their family never knew. The experience is very healing for families and veterans involved in the recognition.

Haven also partners with community organizations to better recognize and serve our veterans. The St. Augustine Attic Resale Store works with Herb and the VVA 1048 who assists homeless veterans in St. Augustine. “The Attic Store has donated clothing, household items and other things these veterans need in our community. At Haven, everyone is open-hearted and will help anyone who needs it,” said Herb who is a retired U.S. Navy Veteran as well as a retiree from Northrup Grumman and the St. Johns County Sheriff ’s Office. After losing his wife Betty to cancer in 2009, Herb became passionate about hospice care. “I felt like I owed hospice a return favor after they took care of us.” Are you a veteran looking for a way to give back to the veteran community? Like Herb, you can volunteer in our We Honor Veterans program and have the opportunity to visit veteran patients wherever they call home. If you are interested in joining the program, please visit www.havenhospice. org/volunteer. If you have questions, please call Haven Hospice St. Augustine Volunteer Coordinator Michelle Colee at 904.810.2377.

Life Services

Why to Make Prearrangements

Presented by Pamela Smith Pe-Need Counselor & Cemetery Sales Craig Funeral Home

alking about death is often difficult. Yet a death in the family may create problems for survivors which may be eliminated by pre-planning. Cremation, funeral and/or burial arrangements are important and should be discussed openly and frankly with family members. Some people choose to pre-arrange and pre-finance a funeral or cremation to assist their survivors after a death occurs. There are many different reasons for preplanning a funeral or cremation. Some people who are alone in the world may want to assure their funeral and burial will meet their personal and religious beliefs. Others feel it is a responsibility to assist their survivors. Still others maintain summer and winter residences and want to be prepared regardless when and where the death occurs. Before making definite plans it is advisable to consider and consult those survivors who will be affected most by the death. This is important because when death occurs it may have strong

emotional impact on other members of the family. Allowing them to assist in making funeral, cremation and/or burial arrangements may alleviate some of the anxiety pertaining to death. Aside from personal reasons for discussing final arrangements in advance of need, there is an additional benefit. The subject of death is brought out into the open and families are given an opportunity to share their thoughts. Entering into a pre-arrangement agreement with a funeral home always provides an opportunity to indicate your own wishes and desires in writing. It also allows you to review current costs, funeral ceremonies and burial procedures as well as options pertaining to cremation.

of cash advance items (such as florists, clergy, death certificates, etc.) Revocable: The purchaser may withdraw all funds paid without penalty in most circumstances. Irrevocable: In the event the purchaser has needed to apply for state assistance the contract may be made irrevocable which means nonrefundable. This

eliminates the money paid from being considered an asset. This is usually done if the consumer is placed in a care facility. Selecting oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funeral or cremation in advance, and making the financial commitment for payment, gives a person peace of mind that all details will be carried out as previously instructed.

A pre-arrangement agreement provides an opportunity to indicate your own wishes and desires. Why to Pre-Finance

In many instances persons who prearrange will also wish to prefinance their final expenses. This can be done in various ways. Each state has a regulatory board to control and regulate prefinancing final expenses. In the state of Florida the most popular means of prefunding is through a trust, insurance or annuities.

Types of Purchase Agreements

Guaranteed price: The funeral home will guarantee to provided services and merchandise for the amount paid and any accrued interest, with the exception

December 2015/January 2016

Pam Smith moved to St. Augustine in 1973. She worked at Atlantic Bank for 10 years before coming to work for Craig Funeral Home in 1983 as a prearrangement counselor and cemetery representative. She is an active member of Faith Community Church, St. Johns, Florida. She has been married to her husband James for over 37 years. They have 1 son, Jay and his wife, Maria who are presently serving in the United States Air Force stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho. She also has 2 granddaughters. Craig Funeral Home has been serving the families of St. Augustine and all of St. Johns County for the past 95 years with dignified and respectful funeral and cremation services. Always sensitive to the needs of the people of St. Augustine, they were the first funeral home in St. Johns County to own and operate their own cemetery, crematory and Cremation Society. Craig Memorial Park is the only local cemetery that offers traditional ground burial but also offers families the option of both public mausoleums and cremation niches. An expansion and beautification project is underway to serve the future needs of our county. Dedicated to a tradition of caring for everyone as if they where our own family, we will be stand ready to be of service to all who need our services any hour of any dayâ&#x20AC;?.

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!

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) My rates are $20 hour with a 1 hour minimum

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

December lWeekly Menu

Dec 7 Baked Ziti/Garden Salad/Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes/Garlic Roasted Potatoes Healthy Choice Swai w/Sundried Tomato Sauce/Sauteed Cabbage/Carrot Raisin Salad Parmesan Chicken/Boiled Red Potatoes/St Broccoli Dec 14 Ham Steak/Mashed Potatoes/Shoepeg Corn Sicilian Chicken w/ Veggies over Orzo/Spring Mix Salad Healthy Choice Salmon w/ Dill Sauce/Lemon Herb Asparagus/Tomatoes n Cukes in Balsamic Vinegar Chicken Picatta/Garlic Herb Rice/St Broccoli Dec 21 Swiss Steak over Brown Rice/St Spinach Shrimp Scampi over Angel Hair Pasta/Spinach Salad Healthy Choice Pan Seared Swai in Herb Butter/Stir Fry Cabbage/Red Peppers & Peas Teriyaki Chicken/Sweet Potatoes/Brussels Sprouts Dec 28 Beef Chili/Cole Slaw/Dinner Roll Pork Ribs/Potato Salad/Baked Beans Healthy Choice Herbed Baked Salmon/Smoky Pinto Beans/Herbed Browned Tomato Slices Pesto Chicken Breast/Mashed Sweet Potatoes/St Asparagus

Business & Finance

Why Facebook Should NOT Be Your Website

By Jay Owen Owner, Design Extensions

acebook is great. We waste a ton of time on there like the rest of you — scrolling through endless images, comments, and videos. There has been a growing trend among small businesses, especially those with a physical location to make Facebook their ONLY website. Companies are starting to use Facebook as their primary place of storing all information about their company on the internet. The temptation for this is great — and the value can be deceiving. After all, Facebook is free, it’s easy to share with a bunch of people, and quick to update. The pitfalls of this strategy are not for the faint of heart, however. By making Facebook your only website, you’re putting all of the control in their hands. You could be totally happy with the layout, and they could change it on a whim. They could also change the address of your page, start charging for it or limit exposure whenever they want. They can do this because it’s free, and they own it. One of the best things about building

“By making Facebook your only website, you’re putting all of the control in their hands.” your website is that YOU OWN IT, and you can do whatever you’d like to the site. Don’t let your company be bound by Facebook’s rules and plans. While every business should have a Facebook page, that page should NOT be a complete substitute for their website.

December 2015/January 2016

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.

Why

should your business or practice become a contributor to the Woman’s Journal? 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

Dr. Ryan Pereira, DPM, FACFAS The Center for Advance Vein Care

“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

“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

”

“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 uncertainties 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

Travel

December 2015/January 2016

Travel

Experience River Cruising at its Best

Kelly Maguire Monroe, AAA Travel Professional

he rivers of Europe have shaped the continent’s history, culture and economy for millennia. Artists, poets, musicians and conquerors have all been inspired by the vineladen Rhine—Germany’s longest river—and the enchanting Danube, one of the world’s most international rivers, which flows through ten countries and links Eastern and Western Europe. Today, these extraordinary waterways—as well as the historic rivers of France, Italy’s legendary Venice Lagoon and the scenic Douro River Valley in Portugal and Spain—shape Uniworld’s collection of boutique river cruise adventures. Uniworld’s award-winning river cruise ships sail along Europe’s greatest rivers and dock in the heart of great capitals and fairytale villages—locations that are inaccessible to large ocean vessels. From the comfort of their luxuriously appointed stateroom or suite, travelers can view Venice’s Piazza San Marco or Budapest’s Hungarian Parliament Building. Picturesque landscapes and worldfamous landmarks are mere steps away. Once

onshore, travelers can explore these legendary and unforgettable destinations with included hosted excursions designed to please firsttime visitors and veteran globe-trotters alike. A canal tour in Amsterdam, a private after-hours opening of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, wine tasting at a private German wine estate—Uniworld guests enjoy authentic encounters and exclusive experiences that bring European history and culture to life. Themed cruises allow for an even greater exploration of European culture. In Austria, guests embarking on a Monarch Collection themed cruise can gain exclusive insider access to the country’s rich aristocratic heritage with behind-the-scenes views of Vienna’s famed Spanish Riding School and a cocktail reception at Artstetten Castle hosted by Princess Anita von Hohenberg. In France, Connoisseur Collection themed cruises explore the country’s cuisine, deemed a “world intangible heritage” by UNESCO. Excursions include an homage to Julia Child at the famous La Couronne restaurant where

she had her first French meal, which was the meal that changed her life, and a guided search for the “black diamond” at a truffle farm with the owner and his trusted canine companion. Europe is an alluring destination any time of year, but it is truly magical during the holiday season. Timeless traditions and breathtaking pageantry are on full display in cities and villages across the continent, many of which host Christmas Markets that date back several centuries. Rüdesheim’s life-sized Nativity scene, Heidelberg’s Christmas Pyramid, the celebrated department stores of Paris and Nuremberg’s famed Christkindlesmarkt are truly wonders to behold. Uniworld offers seven Holiday Season cruises, each with its own distinctive take on the season’s customs. When exploring the great sights of Europe, travelers may not expect their ship to be as

intriguing as the surrounding scenery. And yet, this is more than true for Uniworld’s fleet of luxurious “floating boutique hotels.” Each ship is a work of art designed to be as unique and inspiring as the destinations it

visits. Once aboard one of Uniworld’s awardwinning ships, it is impossible not to notice the touches, artistry and amenities that set Uniworld apart. A simple walk around the ship showcases countless original works from famous painters, master craftsmen and furniture designers commissioned exclusively for Uniworld ships, all complementing the region in which the ship cruises. Uniworld is also committed to providing exceptional service onboard, which begins with learning every traveler’s interests, preferences and style. With fewer staterooms and more onboard staff than any other river cruise line, there is always a highly trained, dedicated person ready to answer any request and exceed every expectation.

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.

Legal

Bankruptcy May be the Right Option won’t know until you ask. Let’s start by busting a few bankruptcy myths. You must pay your credit card debt. That is a myth created by VISA. Credit card debt is unsecured debt and can be totally wiped out in a bankruptcy. Medical debt is not dischargeable. Not true. Medical debt can be wiped out too.

Nina M. LaFleur, LaFleur Law Firm

Many people believe that bankruptcy filing has become much more difficult, or is no longer an option, following the amendment of the bankruptcy laws in 2005. Likewise, many people are surprised to learn that bankruptcy is still available and, in some cases, may be just the right option. Bankruptcy attorney, Nina LaFleur, of the LaFleur Law Firm, explains the recent amendments and advises individuals and businesses about how the bankruptcy laws apply to their particular situation. Financial issues can be very stressful, especially for people who have worked hard, done everything right and then find themselves in an unexpected financial situation. Bankruptcy is still an option and it may be easier that you think! Making that initial call is often the hardest part, but most who eventually call and file often say at the end of the process, “I wish I had done this sooner!” An initial consultation can allow you to learn about the process, review your particular situation and find out if this is the right option for you. You

All of my assets will be liquidated. Not at all. While it is true that you can only protect a certain dollar amount of personal property, anything you own over and above that amount can be repurchased from the trustee, usually for a discount and paid over time. At the end of the day, you may have to pay some amount to the trustee, but in exchange for that, you keep all of your assets. Other assets, such as your house, IRA, and 401(k) are totally protected. My accounts will be frozen. No, your accounts are not frozen or attached due to a bankruptcy filing. My name will be printed in the local newspaper. No. While a bankruptcy petition is a public document, it is not published or publicly listed. The only people who are going to know are those who you tell and those who have access to the bankruptcy court record system. A short sale is better than bankruptcy. Often in a short sale, the bank will require that you sign a promissory note for the balance owed. Also, if it is not your primary residence, the bank may issue a 1099 for the short fall and you must pay

“Many people are surprised to learn that bankruptcy is still available and, in some cases, may be just the right option.” income tax on that amount. A bankruptcy simply wipes out that debt and lets you walk away. It is really hard to file now that the laws have changed. That is certainly the myth that the credit card companies wanted you to believe and it is not true at all. The 2005 changes to the law added a couple of extra steps, but it is still a very simple, painless process, usually completed within 30 days.

Bankruptcy is a sign of personal or moral failure. More than 90% of bankruptcy filings are traceable to job loss, illness, divorce or – most recently, dramatic declines in property values. Married couples must file together. Spouses may file a joint case but, if there is no joint debt, one spouse can file without including or affecting the other spouse.

Nina LaFleur has been a bankruptcy attorney for 25 years. Previously, she was a partner with the Jacksonville law firm of Stutsman, Thames & Markey, becoming the firm’s first woman partner. LaFleur Law Firm was established 2006. Nina LaFleur is a member of the Supreme Court of the United States, the American Bankruptcy Institute and the National Association of Women Judges. If you have any questions about bankruptcy, contact Nina LaFleur at 904.797.7995 or nina@lafleurlaw.com.

December 2015/January 2016

Women in Profile

Mary K. Schupp, DNP Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Haven Hospice

“I

just felt it was time to give back,” said Haven Hospice St. Augustine Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) Mary Schupp of her decision to pursue a job in the hospice and palliative care field. “I think it is a field that people are often shy about entering.” Mary has over 35 years of clinical experience in various fields of nursing including management, education, home health, critical care, post anesthesia care and medical and surgical care. Mary spent 10 years in advanced practice urology, over eight years at Flagler Hospital, and more than nine years working for Interim Healthcare, a home health agency in St. Augustine, prior to Haven. “I believe my time working for a home

Diane Dew, Managing Partner/ Owner at Converging Currents, LLC

iane Dew is currently the managing partner/owner at Converging Currents, LLC, est. 2012, and lives in St. Augustine, Florida. Originally from Northern Minnesota, her 25 plus year career in Advertising & Marketing, has taken her from Hearst Newspapers in Southern California to Morris Communications in Jacksonville, Florida. Mrs. Dew held the Advertising Director role at an award-winning Water’s Edge magazine for 8 1/2 years before being promoted to Publisher. Since then, at the behest

health agency really prepared me for hospice work. It is home-based, and that’s what I love about it,” said Mary who graduated from the nurse practitioner master’s program in 2005 and earned her doctorate in nursing practice in 2014 from the University of Southern Indiana. As an ARNP for Haven, Mary visits patients in their homes, assists registered nurses with patient needs, performs medical evaluations on newly admitted patients, and works with her interdisciplinary team to make sure every patient is properly cared for. “It is a team approach. I work closely with everyone on our team including physicians, nurses, nurse aides, social workers, volunteers and chaplains. Haven provides so many resources, and we have a comprehensive staff, with essential staff available around the clock.” Mary has been with Haven a short time but understands the fact that not all hospices are the same. “I didn’t realize it until I had family members receive hospice care. Everything Haven does is directed toward maintaining the quality of our patient’s lives,” said Mary a mother of five and a St. Augustine resident since 1980. “At Haven, our goal is to enable our patients to live longer and more comfortably despite their diagnoses.” When Mary isn’t in the office, she and her husband, Chris, of 17 years like to spend their time enjoying historic downtown St. Augustine. “We like walking down St. George Street, enjoying the nights of lights, the restaurants, and the views along the bay front. Sunday mornings we can be found at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, where I serve as a eucharistic minister. We also enjoy rowing out to our catamaran docked by the lighthouse, and occasionally sailing and spending the night aboard under the stars.

of the former employees of Water’s Edge magazine, started Converging Currents, a company that takes advantage of her project management, sales & marketing strengths. She takes her business to the next level by educating her clients on proper marketing and media strategies. When Diane isn’t working she enjoys snow skiing, teaching children, football (both College and NFL), loves art, volunteering for her Church in the Kid’s Department as well as a number of other charity organizations for their events. She is a proud Cayman Sponsor for BayView Healthcare’s annual FUNdraiser, Caribbean Calypso Night, which is held to benefit Caring Hands Caring Community. Also Diane is proud to be a continued supporter of The Celtic Festival, Romanza Festivale, and Holiday Shoppes for the Ponte Vedra Cultural Center to name just a few. Married 24 years to Robert, they have one child, Adam, 22, who is U.S. Marine Corps Reservist, and is a full-time student at UNF.

Women in Profile and working with local physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses and medical assistants to help their patients. Through education and outreach programs, she has been able to help numerous patients and made friendships in St. Augustine that will last a lifetime. Ellen has chaired several community programs such as BEAM and First Coast Pulse, the young professionals division of The American Heart Association. She supports the local healthcare programs of BayView Healthcare and is a regular in attendance the annual Caribbean Calypso Night. When she is not working in the field to help physicians and their patients, she is spending time with her husband Josh and two beautiful boys Alexander and Andrew.

Ellen Heekin

Photo by Christine Cousart www.cousartphotography.com

llen (Guenther) Heekin was born in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and moved to St. Augustine, Florida in 1992. She is the youngest of 6 kids with 3 of her siblings residing in St. Augustine. Ellen attended St. Joseph’s Academy where she played several sports representing the Flashes including volleyball, basketball and tennis and was also the Senior Class President. After high school she moved to Orlando to attend The University of Central Florida. She graduated from UCF in 2002 and began her career as a sales representative shortly thereafter. The first five years of her career were spent traveling nationally and internationally selling financial evaluation software to independent investors. In 2006 she joined the healthcare industry, selling many different products including pharmaceuticals, durable medical equipment and topical formulations to a variety of specialties throughout St. Johns County. It wasn’t long before she realized that her heart was in healthcare

Joy Holsonback, Medical Receptionist Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center

for students from pre-k through fifth grade. Joy and her husband moved to St. Augustine in March 2015 so they could be close to her in-laws. She was hired to work as the Medical Receptionist for Dr. Jose’ Concha, DPM and Dr. Richard Johnson, DPM at Coastal Foot & Ankle Wellness Center in August 2015. Joy says she loves working at Coastal because “the doctors and the staff here are the greatest”. With her warm smile and southern charm, Joy has fit in seamlessly with the group at Coastal, quickly earning the respect of both patients and co-workers. When not at work, Joy loves scrapbooking, card-making and baking. She also enjoys spending time with her cat, Spooky, and her Schnauzer, Heidi.

oy Holsonback was born and raised in Northwest Georgia and it was there that she raised her lovely daughter, Katie, and then later met her wonderful husband, Rick, with whom she has a stepdaughter and a stepson. Joy enjoys helping people and has a great deal of experience working in the medical field. She has worked with radiology, cardiology, gastroenterology and plastic surgery practices. Prior to moving to Florida, Joy also worked for three years as a substitute teacher

December 2015/January 2016

Community

Photo Credit: Julie Guintard Abella

A Home for the Holidays Receives State of the Arts License Plate Grant

he holidays will be a little brighter for twenty-five homeless students and their families this year. Thanks to a grant from the St. Johns Cultural Council, the Saint Augustine Ballet will be giving them the gift of the arts.

enrichment programs throughout St. Johns County. The Ballet’s program called, A Home for the Holidays, will provide tickets for homeless families to attend a performance of The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 19. “We worked with Chris Stone, Homeless Liaison for the St. Johns County School District to help identify possible recipients,” explained Joy D’Elia, Saint Augustine Ballet’s Communication Director. “ In many cases, these families have left behind their old lives. We hope the opportunity to attend this traditional event will brighten the holiday season

for the students and their families.” Saint Augustine Ballet is also asking their audience members to bring a canned good with them when they attend The Nutcracker. The collected food will be donated to the St. Francis House Food Pantry. Saint Augustine Ballet is a nonprofit arts organization committed to offering professional quality ballet performances to the diverse population of St. Johns County. Their multi-generational casts are a blend of aspiring dancers from St. Johns and surrounding counties, community ‘celebrities’, and professional guest artists.

Saint Augustine Ballet received the grant on Wednesday, November 18, during a ceremony to recognize the nine organizations, artists, and schools that received a State of the Arts License Plate Grant to fund arts

For more information about Saint Augustine Ballet visit www.saintaugustineballet.com.

Community

Go Beyond the Giving Season ing to get outside of your comfort zone. I challenge you to say “Yes, and…” Find those opportunities that you may have turned your back on due to a busy schedule. Don’t be halfhearted in your giving, go all in. Be willing to say yes to the food drive donations and show up to serve food at the homeless shelter. Try saying yes to a donation to Habitat and get your hands dirty out on our build site. You may be surprised at where this simple phrase can take you.

Casey Schachner,

Volunteer/Programs Coordinator Habitat for Humanity of St. Johns County

Don’t Be a Visitor Having a background in the design field myself, I was incredibly excited to hear

watching people give back, she actively volunteered, donated, and rooted down in her community. Don’t miss out on the tangibility of helping out in your own backyard. St. Augustine is no stranger to substandard housing or lack of resources for the poor and it needs your help. Locally, Habitat for Humanity has built 130 homes since 1993, but the needs are growing. Connecting on a local level with those you are serving will have a meaningful impact on their lives and yours. Make a Sound As Habitat’s very first volunteer Clive Rain-

Above: Corporate sponsor Advanced Disposal employees put up siding on the house they sponsored. with that co-worker who is struggling about qualifying for a Habitat home? We all have personal stories that convey why we give. Being an advocate means actively sharing these stories and making a sound that lasts. Wherever you may give back in St. Augustine, allow yourself to go beyond in your charitable efforts. Should you decide to join Habitat for Humanity in our efforts to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live, please contact us at www.habitatstjohns.org/donate

arlier this month, I had the privilege of attending the 2015 Habitat for Humanity’s Young Leaders Conference in Atlanta. The energy surrounding these young professionals was inspiring to say the least as they dove head first into Habitat’s mission to end poverty housing. While the conference was filled with workshops to enhance our affiliate, it was the resounding determination among these young people to go beyond that made the lasting impact. As the giving season is upon us and many are thinking about giving back to our community of St. Johns County, I challenge you to remember these takeaways from the conference that might invigorate you to carry the spirit of the season all year.

Above: Volunteers, donors, and community partners lay their hands on a recently completed Habitat house to bless the home at a dedication.

Yes, and… Aaron Frumin, a young entrepreneur and Executive Director of Uncommon Construction, challenged us to say “Yes, and…” A simple yet effective phrase in our approach to serving others. Aaron encourages others to say yes to those obstacles in life that may change your path and be will-

from Atlanta architect Natalie Martinez during the conference, who is transforming historic homes in Atlanta. Her message was this: Don’t be a visitor. Natalie found herself not being present locally in Atlanta for her first eight years of living in Georgia. Finally, one day she decided to stop being a visitor in her own hometown. Instead of

ey says, “You don’t get an echo, if you don’t make a sound.” One of the most effective ways to give back is by being an advocate for the unheard. Consider your daily audience on a personal or corporate level. Who might you know who could be a corporate sponsor to one of our 20+ nonprofit agencies in St. Johns County? Have you talked

Casey Schachner graduated from Baylor University with a B.F.A in Sculpture and continued the pursuit of her craft as a resident artist at both the Carving Studio & Sculpture Center in Vermont and University of Georgia’s School of Art in Cortona, Italy. She serves as the Volunteer/Program Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County as well as coowner of Groundswell Creations sculpture studio in St. Augustine with her husband.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Augustine/St. Johns County We build homes, communities and hope.

Donate, Qualify, Volunteer.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit ecumenical (we work with people of all faiths and no faith) ministry that builds homes for people in need with the help of volunteer labor, some donated materials, donations, and homeowner mortgage payments. We build homes, communities, and hope. Our vision is ‘A world where everyone has a decent place to live.’ Volunteer, donate, or qualify for a home online: Visit www.habitatstjohns.org or call 904- 826-3252. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @habitatstjohns

December 2015/January 2016

Community

Lights, Camera, Action: The 6th Annual St Augustine Film Festival Comes to Historic Downtown January 29th – 31st

By Diane Scherff

he St Augustine Film Festival, presented by Flagler College, celebrates its sixth year as a part of the Ft Lauderdale Film Festival under the direction of Gregory Von Hausch. PASSES ARE ON SALE NOW for this amazing three-day Film Festival which will feature 35 films from around the world shown at five locations, offer three after-parties, and feature famous actors and filmmakers. The 2016 films come from all over the world with twenty-two feature films from Italy, France, Argentina, Israel, Canada, Jordan, Cuba, Korea, Japan, United States, India and Vietnam and twelve documentaries from Poland, South Africa, Japan, Vietnam, Germany, Patagonia, Philippines and the United States. The film venues include the Flagler College Lewis Auditorium, Gamache – Koger Theatre, and three theatres at the Corazon Cinema & Cafe. The Opening Night Film, LE PERE NOEL, will be shown at the Lewis Auditorium on Friday, January 29th and is open to all Pass Holders and individual ticket holders, This fabulous French film is about a little boy who doesn’t realize until it’s too late that Father Christmas is actually a thief. It’s a great film to kickoff the festival! All Access Pass Holders are invited to attend The Opening Night Gala. The exclusive Gala will take place in The Lightner Museum, with a Cocktail hour prior to the film, in the Lobby with live music by The Freenotes, drinks and Hors d’oeuvres. Following the film, dinner will be held in the former “indoor swimming pool” at The Lightner Museum beginning at 9pm featuring live music by The Datil Duo band. Individual tickets will not be available for this event. Saturday Night’s Party is at Centro Restaurant located on the Plaza de

Constitucion and will feature special guest star Gil Bellows (The Shawshank Redemption, 40+ films and the TV show Ally McBeall). Gil’s new film, 3 DAYS IN HAVANA, will be shown at 7:45pm prior to the party. This fabulous party will have complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar and is open to all patrons with festival passes or a ticket stub from Saturday’s films. The Festival will end with the Wrap Party on Sunday, January 31st in the magnificent Solarium atop Ponce Hall in historic downtown St Augustine. The party follows the Closing Night Film, which begins at 5:30pm at Lewis Auditorium. It is open to all Film Plus and All-Access Pass Holders. There will be a fantastic buffet and complimentary wine and beer. Festival Individual tickets are $10 (General Admission) and $8 (Seniors 60+, Military and Students. The All Access Pass is $125 and includes all films and parties. The All Film Plus Pass is $95 and includes the Saturday and Sunday parties. The All Film Pass is $70. BUY PASSES NOW. The Saint Augustine Film Festival is produced by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and is sponsored by Flagler College, The St John’s County Tourist Development Council and JetBlue Airlines. For information, passes or individual tickets go to www.staugfilmfest.com or email info@FLIFF.com.

Community

3,000 Newborn Caps and Counting!

Left to right: Joan Pappas, Mary Jo Wilson, Lily Bos and Ria Zimmer.

ecently some Marsh Creek Ladies brought another 200 handmade newborn baby caps to Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine. This donation was a major milestone, bringing our total to 3,000! Early in 2012 a group of ladies from the Allegro Senior Residence in St Augustine started knitting baby caps. Eventually the group expanded to include some Marsh Creek women. The ladies who contributed the most recently knitted caps were Lily Bos, Joan Pappas, Pat Richardson, Mary Jo Wilson and Ria Zimmer. The gift of time and talent from these ladies producing so many caps is always appreciated by the

December 2015/January 2016

staff at the hospital as well as the proud parents. Seeing the joy these caps bring provides great satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment to all of those who are involved..

Community

Rodeheaver Foundation Grant Challenge

Krista Purcell Director of Development Rodeheaver Foundation

he Rodeheaver Foundation has spent 20 years advocating for future generations of boys who need a caring and nurturing environment to become successful adults. Our priority is to provide financial stability for the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch to continue their legacy of high quality care in a loving and safe family setting, with open arms and necessary resources. In the words of Nelson Mandela “Safety and security don’t just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear.” We know this is no longer only true in South Africa, but the story of many children here at home.

Since 1995, the Rodeheaver Foundation has embraced the dream of Homer Rodeheaver by supporting his namesake, the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. Our mission is to nurture children in a safe environment, providing roots for them to become thriving adults. We believe that how we care for children, protect their well-being, and prepare them for the future are some of the most important issues we face today. In the words of Homer Rodeheaver, an acclaimed evangelist, successful musician and benevolent philanthropist, “It is better to build boys than to mend men.”

a safe and supportive environment. The Ranch, a full ‘working ranch’, teaches the boys responsibility and respect, and provides these young men with a second chance in life and an opportunity to build a strong foundation for their future.

Children make their way to Rodeheaver Boys Ranch because they have no home of their own due to parental death, desertion, divorce, disability or dysfunction. In 1950 Homer purchased 790 acres of land in Palatka, Florida with a dream to create a safe-haven for children in need of a home and a brighter future. Today, this location is known as the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch This plot of land includes eight cottages that provide over 40 boys with a strong foundation of faith, love and learning in

The Passenger Van Grant Challenge is supported by a grant from the Frank V. Oliver, Jr. Endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Help the Rodeheaver Foundation meet the challenge! Please consider supporting the boys at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch during this current giving season. We have just accepted a grant challenge where the Frank V. Oliver, Jr. Endowment at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida will donate towards a new 15-passenger van that the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch needs if we can raise the additional funds that are needed! The van would be used to transport the boys who reside at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. Save Time, Give Online! Visit www.RodeheaverFoundation.org/donate-now

Take part in helping give the gift of a great future this holiday season. Please feel free to contact Krista Purcell, Director of Development, directly anytime at (386) 983-0658 or KPurcell@RodeheaverFoundation.org. Information on the Rodeheaver Foundation and on our committed Board of Directors can be found on our new website Rodeheaverfoundation.org.

PO Box 5, Palatka, FL 32178 www.RodeheaverFoundation.org Email: KPurcell@RodeheaverFoundation.org Cell: (386)983-0658

Community

ELC and Sykes Farm Continue Annual Early Literacy Event

By Joan Whitson, Early Literacy Coordinator, Early Learning Coalition of North Florida

he Early Learning Coalition of North Florida (ELC) hosted their annual early literacy-fall event at Sykes Farms in Elkton, on October 12 and October 13, 2015. The Sykes Farm field trip included two special literacy corn mazes based on the books “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” and “Jack and the Cornstalk”. The venue held special events throughout the morning, including hay rides through pumpkin patches,

petting zoo, an up close and personal look at farm animals, play ground with corn box, tube slide and opportunities to jump on their gigantic tractor tires as well as an oversized corn popper (large jumping pillow). Throughout both days, ELC staff and volunteers were on-hand and provided extra craft activities and handed out copies of the book “Spookley” to every child who attended. Child care providers also received a bagful of assorted

“Spookley” books and other fall-related books. “I am so impressed with the emphasis on literacy and farm education that Sykes Farms introduces to young children.,” Joan Whitson, Early Literacy Coordinator said. Twenty-nine preschools attended for a total of 480 children. ELC will also be hosting a similar event at the Amazing Grace Crop Maze in Green Cove Springs on October 19, 2015.

For more information concerning the upcoming event as well as other future early literacy events, please contact Joan Whitson at 904-342-2267or jwhitson@elcnorthflorida.org.

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

December 2015/January 2016

Community

6th Annual Oyster Roast to Benefit Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Patients

Jean-François and Amy Borie, Colin Turner, Yuliya Kubryakova, Dr. Anh Vu, Kelly Turner, Shannon Wilson, Brad Cooper, Kelly Wilson, Robin Cooper, Brett Malek, Cathy Burkhardt and Dr. Beverly Carmichael

he 6th Annual Oyster Roast, which will benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Program at Flagler Hospital, is scheduled for Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Boating Club of St. Augustine, 611 Boating Club Road. The event is coordinated by the North Shore Connectors for Flagler Hospital through Flagler Health Care Foundation. The North Shore Connectors are a group of concerned residents committed to making a difference in the community’s healthcare by increasing financial support for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Pediatric Program at Flagler Hospital, which provides special care for some of

our area’s youngest residents. “There are so many families who can stay close to their new babies because of the Neonatal ICU here in St. Augustine,” said Kai Long, one of the chairpersons for this year’s event. “It is an honor and a pleasure to help plan an event that will help the hospital take care of those families.” Previous roasts have raised funds to purchase additional supplies and equipment for the NICU, and some of the funds were also used to purchase four iPads with educational games and apps that pediatric patients can use while they are hospitalized for observation. Two years ago the examination room adjacent to the pediat-

ric hospital rooms was renovated to give it a kid-friendly makeover, complete with a turtle-shaped exam table, thanks to funds from the Oyster Roast events each year. “We are proud of what we have accomplished so far,” explained Janet Steiner, Long’s event co-chair. “This is a very fun event for a great cause, and we hope to continue this tradition for a long time to come.” Tickets to the Oyster Roast are $40 per adult and $15 per child (ages 12 and under); on the day of the event, adult tickets are $45 per person, but space is limited and advance reservations are recommended. Admission includes fresh roasted oysters, a variety of specialty chowders, chili, sausage pilau and a variety of wonderful desserts. Beverages will also be available, including beer and wine (two drinks per ticket), water, tea and coffee. There will be fun for the whole family, including a prize drawing.

Reservations will be available starting on Monday, January 4th. For more information, call the Flagler Health Care Foundation office at (904) 819-4625 or send an e-mail to Katie.Lay@flaglerhospital.org.

Upcoming Events 6th Annual Oyster Roast Sunday, January 31, 2016 St. Augustine Boating Club 3rd Annual FHCF Golf Classic Monday, March 7, 2016 Marsh Creek Country Club Gala XIV May 20-22, 2016 Hammock Beach Resort

Nangela Pulsfus (left) and Ashley Soard (right) accept a presentation of iPads from North Shore Connector Kai Long (center) for the pediatric patients at Flagler Hospital to use during their stay. The tablets were funded by a past Oyster Roast event and pre-loaded with educational activities and games to help make children’s time as inpatients more fun.

Through philanthropic efforts and community outreach, the mission of Flagler Health Care Foundation is to financially support Flagler Hospital’s goal of providing the best patient experience with the best staff and the best equipment.

Community

December 2015/January 2016

Community

Adoption: A Beautiful Option Choosing Life and Choosing Parents

By Caroline A. Wolff, Founder, St. Gerard Campus, St. Augustine

ometimes when a woman comes to St. Gerard Campus for a pregnancy test, we sometimes find, all too often, that what should be joyous, happy news is met with fear and panic. For some women, abortion will come to mind as a quick and “easy” solution to an unwanted pregnancy. What St. Gerard counselors will do is offer these women hope, love and practical options that will enable them to give their baby life. A most important option is adoption and at St. Gerard’s, we are proud of the work we do to bring birth mothers and qualified adoptive parents together. We have so many wonderful couples ready and waiting to give their love and homes to a special little angel. Through our adoption program, birthmothers get to select the adoptive parents, so they feel comfortable that their child will be loved and cared for. The selection begins when the birthmother chooses a family from the many candidates by reviewing the albums that are put together by the prospective adoptive parents. The scrapbooks are full of family history, photos, stories and letters. They give the birthmother a peek into the home, family and love that will be given to her child. The birth mother can even see photos of the family dog that her child may grow up playing with! All the prospective parents are required to have background checks and are cleared through the FBI. Adoptive families must have had a home study by a licensed social worker

“At St. Gerard’s, we are proud of the work we do to bring birth mothers and qualified adoptive parents together. We have so many wonderful couples ready and waiting to give their love and homes to a special little angel.” to qualify as fit to be parents. Birthmothers may choose to meet the adoptive parents and ask questions and get to know the family her child will grow up with; allowing the birthmother to have peace of mind concerning the parenting philosophy of the adoptive parents. The birthmother may also choose to allow the adoptive parents to be present or absent during labor and delivery. It is her decision. Financial support is often given to the birth mother during her pregnancy. Unfortunately, sometimes the birth mother will change her mind about giving her child for adoption, and that is her option. It can be heartbreaking for all concerned, but this rarely happens.

Birth mothers receive counseling from the beginning of the process to make sure she is comfortable with her decision. At St. Gerard, in most of the cases that we have handled, there is a strong display of love, and a bond, between the birth mother and the prospective parents that demonstrates a very deep gratitude in both parties. If the birth mother wishes to receive pictures of her child, they can be exchanged at certain time intervals. All of these decisions are granted to the birth mother in order to give her peace of mind as to the wellbeing of the baby, but also allowing and ensuring privacy for the adoptive family. An adoption attorney, specializing in

family law, coordinates all of the legal exchanges. Through this adoption process, we have seen the formation of so many happy families, with happy children, many already in their late teens and college bound by now! What a wonderful experience it is to share in such loving decisions made on behalf of the adopted children! If you are considering adoption, either for your child, or you would like to adopt a child of your own, please contact the St. Gerard Campus at 904-829-5516. Information is also on our website at www.stgerardcampus. org. St. Gerard will be host required adoption seminars periodically. This is where the instructions and costs would be presented. A family law attorney will be present as well as a social worker to explain their parts in the process. If you would like to receive an invitation to the next seminar, please call us at 904-829-5516 or send an email to director@stgerardcampus.org. One of the bravest and most unselfish acts a mother can do is to choose life for a child she does not feel she can raise for a number of reasons. These mothers can take heart from knowing that they did not end their child’s life by abortion and that they helped to create a family, bring them the ultimate joy of parenthood. We have so many happily ever after stories and testimonies from couples that were blessed with adoption and God bless those mothers that loved enough to give their child a life through adoption.

St. Gerard Campus 1405 US Highway 1 S St Augustine, FL 32084 (904)829-5516 www.stgerardcampus.org

Community

We succeed or fail based on our volunteers and can always use another helping hand.

Marjorie Sides Haven Horse Ranch

olunteers needed. We are like every other nonprofit organization; volunteers are a life line and a great part of the ranch. They are special because volunteers give unselfishly without asking or receiving anything. They give their time, talents, skills and abilities to each task. A volunteer may not understand why they do what they do, they just do what is asked of them. The effect of a volunteer giving of their special gifts is worth more than they know or can imagine. Our hope is that you will consider being a part of the Haven Horse Ranch volunteers and give of your time and talent. First, Haven Horse Ranch is a nonprofit

organization which is supported by outside resources such as grants, donations, and sponsorships. These monies go to help children and adults with special needs to have therapy on a horse while teaching them basic life skills. There are two therapist needed for this to happen. One is a human therapist, one seen in a doctor’s office to receive physical, speech, occupational, and/or psychotherapy. Then we have the second therapist, the horse. Yes, horses are fun to ride because they are gentle creatures, but to know they can help a person with physical issues, neurological issues, fear, trust, anger, stress, and even depression is amazing; isn’t it? Our volunteers help to care for these horse therapists and this is how.

are dirty, ungroomed and unattended, they will not be able to perform their job well. Just like you getting up and ready for work taking a shower, drying your hair, and getting dressed. A horse, unlike you, cannot do this without help, but a volunteer with a heart can help prepare them for their days work. Volunteers are needed. Volunteers also help by side-walking with therapy as well as handling the

horses during the actual therapy sessions. They help with maintaining the grounds, they help with fundraising and so much more. They help us to provide therapy for children with special needs like Autism, MS, MD, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord injuries, Learning Disabilities and so much more. In short, our volunteers help us to change the world, one child at a time.

Do you have the heart of service? Are you interested in giving of your time and talents? We would love for you to be a part of our volunteer program. Send an email to info@havenhorseranch.org or call 904-813-5710 to schedule your appointment to start volunteering today.

Just as a human needs sleep, food, water and rest; so does a horse. Some people may look at cleaning a stall as a lowly job, but in reality you are cleaning a stall just as you would change the sheets on your bed. It helps to keep the horses healthy. Making certain the horse has food and water, helps to keep them energized and hydrated. To ensure the horse is eating properly will assist in making sure they do not have parasites in their systems to slow them down or become ill. The smallest task in the barn may seem trivial to someone who does not understand the reason behind what they are doing for the horses on our ranch. Yes, horses are fun to ride, but if they

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.

December 2015/January 2016

Community

Community Education Offers Lifelong Learning

he St. Johns County School

courses twice annually at school loca-

matter, instructor availability and the

on the Community Education website

District has been ranked at the top in the

tions throughout the County. Courses

needs of the students.

by December 15. Classes will include

State for over six years. A lot of things

are taught by instructors with broad and

The classes begin after the students

Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, real

go into making that happen: effective,

deep knowledge of their subjects, usual-

have gone home, leaving school staff to

estate, drawing and painting, photog-

standards-based teaching, engaged stu-

ly gained from years of practical experi-

pick up, clean up and prepare the facili-

raphy, yoga, sewing, cooking, conversa-

dents, supportive parents and a com-

ence in the field. Some courses are purely

ties for the next day. So, usually between

tional Spanish, Italian and Japanese lan-

munity that values excellence. This is

for enjoyment, while others can provide

5:30 and 8:30 pm, the school belongs to

guage, belly dance, guitar, banjo, ukulele

good news for students, because success

workforce development skills. No credit

the lifelong learners. During the recent

and bluegrass string band. Most classes

locally can lead to expanded opportuni-

is given for the courses because, in most

fall session, courses were offered at Pa-

are appropriate for all ages, including

ties after graduation, as they head into

cases, the excitement and joy of learn-

triot Oaks Academy, Mill Creek, and

young learners.

college and prepare for careers.

ing something new, or just more about

Palencia elementary schools. In the St.

class descriptions and locations.

But what about the rest of us- the

something you love, is sufficient.

Augustine area, courses were held at

adults? Does our education have to end

Courses begin in mid-September

Osceola and R. B. Hunt Elementary and

as part of their commitment to life-

with a walk across the graduation stage?

and mid-January but on-line regis-

the Fullerwood Learning Center. In the

long learning in the community, with

The answer, of course, is “no,” thanks to

tration through their website opens

south, classes convened at Gamble Rog-

proceeds going to support extracur-

lifelong learning programs.

a month earlier. A typical class will

ers Middle School. A site in the north-

ricular programs at the host schools.

Fortunately for curious minds, the

meet one night per week for one to

east is being developed and should be

Information on becoming a Commu-

St. Johns County School District of-

two hours; classes will last from two to

ready for the winter session.

nity Education instructor is available on

fers a variety of Community Education

nine weeks, depending on the subject

the website.

Ukulele: Katherine Archer teaches Kathy Marsh, Joy D’Elia and Kathe O’Donnelly

Pottery: Jamie Wardley taught pottery hand-building techniques

Miriam Testasecca taught Microsoft Office

Classes will be posted for registration

Visit the website for

The School District offers the classes

Cecilia Feliciano demonstrates conversational Spanish

Visit the Community Education website at http://communityed.stjohns.k12.fl.us/

courses for full class descriptions, prices, and registration or call 547-7565 or 547-7510 for information.

Community

Local Gymnast Qualifies for Pre-Elite Gymnastics Program Through the Usa Gymnastics Tops/ Hopes Program

Lilly at WGV Training facility

illy Hudson has been selected to the USA Gymnastics Hopes Team, which is an honorary Pre-Elite Team designation. Lilly competed and qualified at the Hopes classic, Auburn, Washington, April 10-12, 2015, the highest level of pre-Elite competition. She placed fourth all around with a score of 52.10. Lilly is the only Gymnast from Florida to qualify for the HOPES TEAM 2015. USA Gymnastics is the governing body of Gymnastic competitive programs in the United States. “The Elite Program is designed to provide competitive experiences for athletes aspiring to the National Team or the Pre- Elite Training Squad. The National Gymnastic Teams (Senior and Junior) are selected from the USA Championships each

Lilly with Coach Vali at Hopes Classic

December 2015/January 2016

year. These athletes represent the United States in international competitions. The Pre- Elite training squad is selected from the Challenge Meets each year.” 1 Lilly is 12 years old. She trains six days a week with Coach Valentin Buse, VEGA Gymnastics, At the WGV Gymnastic training facility, located near World Golf Village, St. Augustine, Florida. Lilly is on track to qualify for the USA Lilly (far left) with 2015 HOPES TEAM Elite program. Her expenses for training, competitions and travel have been the re- personal sacrifices for the athlete and her sponsibility of her very supportive family. family. Lilly has made that commitment. WGV Gymnastics is also supporting Lilly Her dedication is without question, sincere. to achieve her dreams of becoming an Elite Her work ethic is without question, outcompetitor by helping to provide a com- standing, “Says Coach Vali. plete Gymnastic facility with the appropriate equipment to train at the Elite level. 1Quoted from USA Gymnastics, Women’s Elite/ PreThe VEGA Gymnastic program has also Elite/Tops Program Overview Submitted November 15, 2015, received financial support from Ellie Pichel- Paul Lietz; Program Director WGV Gymnastics mann, who has been instrumental in estab- mtxllc@bellsouth.net • 904 377 3606 lishing this Elite Training program. Along with the long hours of training that are required to achieve the Elite status required to represent the United States Gymnastics Team internationally, Lilly also has to travel to the National Gymnastics Training Center, located in Huntsville, Texas. Lilly and Coach Vali work with National Team staff under the guidance of Valeri Luikin. Lilly is also required to travel to numerous competitions throughout the country. Coach Vali has other Gymnasts preparing to enter the Elite track program. “The long hours of intense training in gymnasWe here at WGV Gymnastics, advanced dance, strength, flexibility and overall physical conditioning is not for tics and Vega Gymnastics every athlete aspiring to be active in gymare very proud of Lilly and nastics, (although any Gymnast is welcome all that she has accomto try). The dedication to train towards the USA Gymnastics Elite track program must plished. We wish her the be without compromise, as well as a total best of luck with her quest to commitment towards the high demands of the training regime required to succeed at represent The United States this, the highest level of Gymnastics in the as an Elite Gymnast. USA. The Elite training program requires

Fashion & Beauty

A-Muse!

Christine Cousart

Owner, Cousart Studios

hen you are a photographer or artist, there always seems to be a

subject that attracts your interest and you tend to devote yourself to capturing them in as many artistic ways that you can. A few of mine have been (and still are), St. Augustine, Jennie Belle (my niece) and my latest is Henry, my grandson! I thought I would share a few photos with you that have been taken over the years. He is one cute little bundle. Images are more important to me than ever. After recently losing my father to cancer, I am thankful for the many photos of him and it makes me realize how important they are after someone has gone. Even Henry has changed over the years so its great to have the little baby photos of him to enjoy alongside the current. A photographer who is used to being around children and who have been through experiences like hospice, or other life events, can very helpful to a family if they are going through a situation and want to have photos taken. Sensitivity, feeling, experience and a desire to create memories. Its part of what a photographer is made of! 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 that is in the AICE program at St. Augustine high school. 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

December 2015/January 2016

Fashion & Beauty

Types of Hair Styling Working with your hair stylist to create the look you want can be a fun experience! But sometimes it’s a bit harder to re-create your look outside of the salon. Here are some choices for getting and keeping your special hair syle: Lessons Book a lesson with me and learn how to duplicate your style. Do you want volume andbounce or do you want to tame your hair to be sleek and smooth? You bring with you the tools you have, such as your blow dryer, brushes and liquid products. We then go over techniques to make your job easier when duplicating your style.

Lisa Harris, Hair by Lisa

Styling Appointment Come into the salon for a shampoo and blow dry. Leave in style with freshly cleaned hair that has lots of bounce and movement.

Smooth and Sleek Appointment Relax and make it flat; also known as flat ironing hair. This entails having a shampoo and then a blow dry. Next a flat iron finishes up the style. Weather Resistant Appointment Blown out or rolled hair with humidity blockers in the hair will help your hair be humidity resistant. Typically, rolled hair will last longer than a blow out. Keratin Straightening Treatment This is a temporary fix for anyone who wants sleek, smooth hair. Keratin is infused onto the hair with molecular bond

technology. Curl can be reduced up to about 70%. This treatment will leave hair revitalized, reconditioned and silky smooth. It is formaldehyde free. This service is temporary; shampoo and conditioner must be used for maintenance. This typically lasts for 3 to 6 months. The appointment takes about 3 hours but your particular texture and length can vary the time and the price. An advance consultation is required with a 50% deposit when booking. Cancellations are required 72 hours in advance. 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

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

Food & Entertainment

December 2015/January 2016

Food & Entertainment

It’s an exciting time at Phillips Broadcasting. On the heels of the 450th, we are launching a brand new format on 96.5 FM WAOC, (which stands for America’s Oldest City). The format is about everything great America’s Oldest City has to offer. St. Augustine didn’t get to be on the top of so many Best Of lists (best romantic city, best small city live in, just to name 2) without having a lot going for it. WAOC, or Augustine Interactive Radio, is great for locals who want to know what’s going on this weekend, where to eat, or what to do. It’s great for tourists who want to get to know about the place they’re visiting. You can listen locally at 96.5 FM.....or from anywhere in the world at staugair.com. I hope you’ll give it a try! Kristine Phillips is President of Phillips Broadcasting LLC, which owns Newstalk 102.1 WFOY and 96.5 WAOC. She is a former Communications Director of a U.S. Senate Committee, and a former television reporter and weathercaster. Kris has won national awards for radio ad production and her on-air work as a talk show host. She hosts the St. Johns County Morning News every weekday from 8-9am on WFOY. She is the proud mom of a son, a daughter, and 9 year old Teddy the Wonder Dog. Kris can be reached at kris@1021news.com.

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”?

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)

December 2015/January 2016

Food & Entertainment

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

he Best Christmas Pageant Ever is on stage Dec. 11-Jan. 3 at Limelight Theatre. Seventeen local children and eight adults portray characters in this popular Christmas story. In the play, a couple struggles to produce a church Christmas pageant. They must cast the six Herdman children, the town delinquents. They spend their days stealing, lying, smoking, bullying and vandalizing the community. “The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world,” says the play’s narrator Beth, played by local middle school student Mack Hazel, age 12. The six Herdmans are: Will Gooden as Leroy Herdman; Kyler Unsworth as Imogene Herdman; Ella Escamilla as Gladys Herdman; Zachary Davis as Ralph Herdman; Caragh Zeigler as Ollie Herdman; and Alexander Lawless as Claude Herdman. The cast also includes Hayden Owen as Charlie (Beth’s younger brother); Christopher Doody as the Father; Megan Morton as the Mother; Theresa Buchanan as Mrs. Armstrong; Ashley Herbert as prim and proper Alice; Savannah Lawless as Maxine; Chanel Boll as Juanita; Parker Colon as Peter; Molly Farrow as Shirley; Adalynn Fowler as Doris; Madeline Pidcock as Julia; Nicholas Rodillas as Hobie; Madison Tiller as Beverly; Mary Jung-Martin as Mrs. McCarthy; and Matthew Whaley as Reverend Hopkins. Three Limelight guild members also have roles - Guild President Vivian Lampard as Mrs. Slocum; Guild Vice President Gaye Farris as Mrs. Clark; and Brenda Sawyer as Mrs. Clausing. After the Herdmans bully their way into taking over the main Christmas

pageant parts, they learn the nativity story for the first time. Their crazy interpretations of the Christmas Story help the whole town to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas, while they reenact the most memorable and “best Christmas pageant ever.” What some feared would be the worst pageant in church history turns out to have a special quality that causes the community to rethink the real meaning of the Christmas story. Shelli Long is the director. She directed Limelight’s 2014 Christmas show, Miracle on 4th Street. She’s also the theatre’s music director and properties supervisor. “I got lucky with this cast, many are veterans of the Limelight stage and know the commitment necessary. They also have very supportive families,” Long explains. “I love it when our audiences bring out of town relatives in to see our holiday shows. It’s nice to share Christmas with not only St. Augustine, but other parts of the country as well. We often hear that a relative saw the same show in NYC, and thinks ours was better!” Show times are 7:30 p.m. ThursdaySaturday, and 7:30 p.m. on Terrific Tuesday, with 2 p.m. Sunday matinee performances. Tickets are $26 for adults; $24 for seniors; $20 for military and students; $10 for student rush (30 minutes prior to each performance); and children age 12 and younger receive a free tickets with each full price paid adult ticket. The show is sponsored by Hyundai of St. Augustine. In addition, funds will be collected during performances for the Therapeutic Learning Center of St. Augustine. Founded in 1986, the center provides education and therapy for children with special needs under the age of 5.

For reservations, call 904-825-1164 or go to limelight-theatre.org. Limelight Theatre is located at 11 Old Mission Ave., uptown St. Augustine. Free parking is available streetside and in a parking lot on site.

SHOW DATES December 11, 2015 - January 3, 2016 Matuza Main Stage Preview: Dec. 10 - Terrific Tuesday; Dec. 15 No shows: Dec. 24-25 New Year’s Eve Event: Dec. 31

SHOWTIMES 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. Terrific Tuesday 2 p.m. Sunday matinee

TICKETS NEW YEAR’S EVE

Spend New Year’s Eve at Limelight Theatre! All tickets are $50 and include pre-show hors d’oeuvres, champagne toast with cast, and desserts during a 30-minute intermission of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Party begins at 6:30 p.m., and show starts at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call 904-825-1164 or go to limelighttheatre.org and pick your seats.

New Year’s Eve menu • Italian Herb and Parmesan • Stuffed Mushrooms • BBQ Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites • Teriyaki Chicken Skewers • Beef & Bleu Crostinis • Salmon Crostinis • Fruit and Vegetable Platters • Assorted Desserts

$26 for adults $24 for seniors $20 for military and students FREE child ticket will full price adult tickets (12 and younger) $10 student rush (30 minutes prior to curtain)

BOX OFFICE 904-825-1164 limelight-theatre.org (pick your seats online!)