Daniel serves as an invaluable resource to an average 5,000 children and families each year. 
The 139-year-old nonprofit was a life-changing resource for Victoria, who initially dropped out of high school after leaving an unhealthy home environment.


Yet Victoria was determined to change her life – paying rent at her friend’s house and starting school again. She was poised to graduate on time, but worried about what to do when school ended. 


Fortunately, her social worker introduced her to Project Prepare, Daniel’s nationally recognized independent living program. She secured a safe, low-cost place to stay in the agency’s Independent Living Village and learned independent living and job preparatory skills. 
“Project Prepare was a lifesaver for me,” said Victoria, who is now a successful realtor, wife, and mother of three. “The staff there instilled a lot of great qualities in me that I still use to this day.”


This program is one of many Daniel provides to help improve the odds for local children and families. The nonprofit is Florida’s oldest child-service agency, assisting an average of 5,000 children and families annually. 


Daniel’s professional team connects hundreds of children with foster and adoptive homes each year. The agency is also a leader in child abuse prevention, strengthening at-risk families and safely reunifying families who’ve experienced previous challenges. 


Yet Daniel is perhaps best known for its truly unique residential treatment center on Belfort Road where youth with the most serious emotional and behavioral issues live short term. Daniel’s team provides intensive individual, group/family therapy, psychiatric and behavioral care, as well as academic and recreational services, to help children and teens find new ways to thrive by overcoming traumas they’ve experienced.
“When it comes to local children in crisis on any level, Daniel has always been there,” said Lesley Wells, Daniel’s CEO and president. “And, with the continued help of generous donors and partners, we’ll be able to continue this vital support well into the future.” 


For more information about how you can help the children and families Daniel serves through donations or corporate sponsorships, please visit danielkids.org or call 904-296-1055 ext 1033.

To learn more visit www.hellovetjax.com

​

The idea for HelloVet, a high quality mobile veterinary service, first came to Dr. Erika Pitkat and her husband Frank during the pandemic. She explains how during that time they recognized people were concerned about dropping their pets off without their owners at brick and mortar veterinary hospitals. HelloVet opened in July of 2021 offering a solution: an at-home veterinary experience to relieve pet owners’ fears and create less stress for the animals themselves. 
     But even post-pandemic, the fact remains that many cats and dogs get panicked by riding in the car or visiting the vet at the office, and owners are thrilled by the idea that they can have HelloVet come to them. Busy parents with children, disabled and elderly people also benefit from the convenience of having their pets cared for at home.
     “Overall, people have been both receptive and appreciative to have less stressful vet visits in the comfort of their own home,” says Dr. Pitkat.


What Services 
Are Offered?
     The HelloVet mobile clinic is a state-of-the-art exam space where dogs and cats are treated by a professional staff and Veterinarian without ever having to leave home. With a hybrid approach, dogs and cats can also be seen inside the home if a visit to the mobile clinic is too stressful. This is especially beneficial to our feline friends.
     HelloVet offers a wide range of in-home services including wellness and sick exams, vaccinations, laboratory testing, allergy testing, microchipping, dermatology, nutrition, and pharmacy delivery services as well as superior hospice and end-of-life care. They also offer specialty services such as Cold Laser Therapy, which assists with wound healing, osteoarthritis, spinal injuries, and skin infections. Tele-health visits are also available after a veterinary-client-patient relationship has been established. Multi-pet appointments are also available. The goal is to accommodate each client’s needs with top-notch care for their furry companions.
     If your pet needs emergency services, advanced surgeries, dental cleanings or hospitalization, HelloVet has partnered with Pet Urgent Response And Emergency, Elite Veterinary Surgery of Florida and San Jose Beauclerc Animal Hospital. The process is fully integrated and guided by HelloVet’s staff so that patients may receive the care they need when they need it. HelloVet also partners with a certified dog trainer, pet sitting services, and an in home groomer.

What Happens At 
An Appointment?
     First, clients may call or go online at www.hellovetjax.com and complete their registration. The process is remote but personalized. “We are not corporate and proud of it!” says Dr. Pitkat. The receptionist then contacts the owner via email, phone or text to determine what type of appointment is needed, and in what area of Jacksonville / St Johns County the client resides.  The appointment is scheduled based on availability of both the owner and area of town HelloVet is operating.
     For the actual visit, Dr. Pitkat says they are flexible.  When the mobile clinic arrives, the client has the choice to either bring their pet out to the van, or Dr. Pitkat and her team will go into the home with all diagnostic equipment. Dr. Pitkat says the focus is always to make the pet more comfortable during what could be a stressful experience.  In every instance, their dedicated and compassionate staff is always ready to serve the client.
     Based on feedback from happy clients, HelloVet Pet Care At Home has already made a difference in countless pets' lives and their owners' lives. Dr. Pitkat says she loves to see the joy on their faces when they arrive at a client’s home to provide quality veterinary care without the usual stresses of transport, time, and energy.
     HelloVet hopes to grow in the future with a few more vans on the road in the next few years, as well as a separate specialty van for technician services such as vaccine administration, injections for allergies etc, fluid administration , nail trimming and basic grooming.

by Brad Deckard, Owner, Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital

Owning and operating a family-owned business is still a wonderful dream in America.   Did you know that 90% of businesses in the United States are family owned and operated.   That means that over 5.5M family-owned businesses exist today in the US and employee 60% of our countries workforce.  Those statistics have a very dynamic financial and employment impact on our nation.  Family-owned companies are the life blood of our country and the pride and quality of our communities.


We all have our favorite pizza place, our favorite hairdresser, our favorite dentist and veterinarian in the areas in which we live.   But have you ever stopped and thought about the number of local, family-owned businesses that are in our area that make up the texture of our community?   These places are the fabric of what makes us proud to live in the Saint Johns area.   Certainly we all have our corporate chains that offer something to our palate of family needs.    But it’s the family owned and operated companies that make us special, and bonded together.   There’s a special feeling we all get when we realize the owners are neighbors, or remember when their retail store began.   In a country with a free market system, we get excited to “Buy Local” as we support those around us that have a real point of difference in the quality and type of products they sell.   And when exhibiting American Pride, is there any better way than to support those who have dedicated, worked and sacrificed to provide a good or service to the community in which they live.    
Our family moved onto CR 210 twenty-five years ago.   At that time there was little more than rows of pine trees on both sides of the two-lane road.  We had to drive to the truck stops near I-95 to get a gallon of milk, and over 10 miles to the nearest grocery or drug store.  Certainly many things have changed over that time, including the lanes of traffic.   One of the most impactful, exciting and alluring changes has been the growth of family-owned businesses.  So many of our neighbors and friends have taken the risk and the dedication to bring CR 210 a cornucopia of offerings to meet the needs of the amazing influx of people moving to this area.  And whether you are looking for retail goods or service needs, you can find a business here that is locally owned and operated.  


As a family that has chosen this path, we can tell you first-hand that our decision to start a local company first came from the love of our community.   We declared this wonderful place home when there was virtually nothing here.   And as it grew, our excitement for variety and community grew with it.  We’ve seen the growth of our neighborhoods and schools, church’s and ballfields.   We’ve experienced the exciting addition of grocery stores and doctors offices, and enjoyed the variety of dining experiences we now have.   And as part of that community of business’s, we longed to invest in our community and provide needed services to those who call it home.  And for us, as with many, it was a desire to raise a family, and invest in the area we live.  

​

​This is how many small businesses begin.   It’s a dream to be part of something bigger than yourself, and to serve those around you.   And with it comes a long-term dedication to quality as you provide for the clients that are your neighbors.   What a joy to work and live in the area where your children go to school, and where your family is involved in church activities.   What an amazing honor to care and support those you call friends and family with a business you operate from your heart.


The truly amazing result from our locally owned businesses, is without a doubt, the quality and dedication our community receives.   As a local business owner, I can attest to the fact that there is no better quality control agent, than to be serving someone you know and love.   The level of heartfelt effort is truly endless, and nothing is more satisfying than to serve them well.   In direct relation to that effort, is the level of joy that caring for a local client brings those of us who are part of this community.   The satisfaction of accomplishment in knowing that you provided a truly positive outcome for a person you live near is second to none.   


The level of personal and financial sacrifice to be a local business owner is absolutely a challenge to us all.   There’s not a small or large family business that hasn’t felt the impact of time and money in starting a business and then keeping it going successfully.  It’s a deep and heartfelt dedication to the companies business plan and the impact on the community.   But it’s a labor of love, and a focus on the great things the business can provide those it serves.               I can share that our family has absolutely felt the influence of many dedicated hours in the office that can stretch our few hours at home together very thin.   But the rewards of our families involvement in a dedicated effort to serve our community, is a family bonding experience with lasting impact on us.  I’m not sure there’s a better way to raise children than in a family-owned company, dedicated to serving.   


So what’s the bid deal?   Why focus on “locally and family owned?”   First of all, these are the people of your community that are sacrificing to serve your community.   They have taken the risk to provide the goods and services your community needs and wants.   So support them!   Take a chance on them as they took for you.  Second, these business owners are most likely, supporting a level of quality that you may not find in a large corporation or entity that is so much larger than a community business.   And thirdly, these businesses are the independent texture of who we are in the Saint Johns area.   Is there a better way to differentiate ourselves as a community, than through the quality, customer caring businesses we propagate?


Buy local and invest in local.   Our Saint Johns Family businesses and our community thank you!


Brad and Dr. Kathleen Deckard with their children Abigail and Gavin Deckard, are the owners of Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital on CR 210 since 2015.

Pets R Family  ││•  3035 County Road 210 West  •  ││904-452-7387
www.PetsRFamilyVet.com

​Kristy and Craig have always had a simple goal in mind. “To spread happiness on four wheels by offering the joy of the golf cart experience.” As Kristy says, “It is such a fun way to get around!” 

In the beginning, back in 2017,  Kristy and Craig started selling refurbished golf carts out of their garage. They were talented and they understood how to build relationships with their customers and the business grew.  Then, in 2022, the self-described ‘serial entrepreneurs’ jumped at the chance to expand even more.  When a retail location became available less than five minutes from their house, they opened a full showroom. Conveniently located less than 1/4 mile west of I-95 on County Road 210, they are located right next to Starbucks.

Both Kristy and Craig are not new at owning a business, having run several successful businesses over the last 20+ years, everything from private label sales on Amazon to a camper rental business to landscaping and of course, selling golf carts. 

“One common element in every business we've run is stellar customer service. At the end of the day, the customer is who we report to and we have a solid track record of positive customer experiences.”

At the St. Johns showroom customers can test out Royal EV golf carts.  As one of the best golf carts on the market, Royal Electric Vehicles come standard with many upgraded features such as lithium batteries, plush seats, custom rims and tires, extended roofs, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, top speeds of 30mph, and more.

Signature customer service combined with an ideal price point, same-day delivery, and onsite mobile repair in your own driveway, offers a seamless, five-star experience that customers value and rave about.

​It is often said that your home is your sanctuary.  In this busy world, an organized home creates a sense of peace, relieves stress, and increases the time you have to spend on endeavors that bring you joy. One of the best ways to accomplish home organization is with a custom-designed closet system that utilizes the space you have to your advantage. That is where the Closet Factory comes in. This month, St. Johns Magazine had the opportunity to ask owner Jill Flores more about this creative and life-enhancing local business.

Mother and daughter team Jill and Sierra Flores opened The Closet Factory Jax one year ago and since then they have never looked back. It was the perfect fit for Jill and Sierra whose deep connection to the community combined with their background in sales, property management, and real estate gave them the desire to put their creativity to work to help people organize their lives. Jill says she loves owning a business and has a great sense of accomplishment in the fact that it is a woman-owned enterprise.
Jill and Sierra specialize in custom-designed storage solutions for homeowners in northern St. Johns, pairing organization with beauty and functionality.  Projects include custom closet systems, pantries, home offices, entertainment centers, wall beds, garage organization, and wine rooms using a wide range of materials to fit any budget from basic white melamine to fully stained hardwood. The possibilities are endless says Jill. "Closet Factory has a diversified line of products that allows us to help all of our clients with their organizational needs, no matter how large or small the project is."

What sets The Closet Factory apart is superior customer service. When you contact Jill and Sierra, you will connect with a locally owned business. The first step is meeting with an experienced designer in your home who listens to your needs and, with your input, creates a functional and great-looking system that complements your home décor. For those who are uncertain about where to begin, they bring Idea Books filled with past projects they have designed and installed.  

Jill and Sierra are excited every time they meet with a new client to hear their ideas and help them formulate a plan.  “I love helping our clients to organize their life.  This really helps them to spend time in other areas of their lives, without worrying about the need to spend their valuable time on organization,” Jill said.

Jill makes it a priority to continually increase her value to clients by learning about the latest design trends and new technology in closet systems with the goal of helping clients make the perfect unique design for their homes.  She has learned that since people are more often staying at home, working from home, and entertaining at home there is a desire to not only beautify, but also organize their space. On trend right now are the use of vibrant colors; the addition of lighting; accessories that further increase organization; and using closets as multi-purpose spaces with things like pull-out ironing boards, dressing tables, and more. Home office design and entertainment spaces are popular trends as well.

For those hoping to bring organization, functionality, and beauty into www.closetfactory.com/locations/jacksonvilleyour home as a way to transform not only the space but your entire life, The Closet Factory is your ideal solution. 

For more information please visit www.closetfactory.com/locations/jacksonville or call 1-800-838-7995. Located at 2628 Port Industrial Drive Jacksonville FL 32226,  

​Terri Rampone, owner of Nouveau Image Permanent Cosmetics LLC, is an expert at micro pigmentation also known as cosmetic tattooing, permanent makeup and microblading.  Her unique story about how she decided to go into the field is a true inspiration.

Terri has always been an artist from early childhood. From as far back as she can remember, she enjoyed playing with color and many types of mediums and later in life she became the talented artist she is today. (Her work was even featured in St. Johns Magazine’s Art issue). At the age of fifty, she was drawn to the field of permanent makeup after life threw her a curveball, and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her mastectomy surgery, Terri discovered she was unable to receive a nipple reconstruction but was a candidate for a 3D areola tattoo. 

“After all the surgeries, chemo and healing were complete, my private nurse asked if I would like to complete my journey with a tattooed nipple. I agreed. While watching the technician do her job, I fell in love with the process and realized why cancer had been a part of my life.”  

Terri says at that moment she decided to go back to school and become a Permanent Makeup Artist herself so she could use her artistic talent and first-hand knowledge as a cancer survivor to help as many people as possible.  For Terri, her work is more of a calling than a job.

Terri’s personal experience as a cancer survivor gives her an advantage when it comes to serving her clients. She understands what it is like to lose her eyebrows, all of her hair, and her areola. She has been in their shoes and relates to why a person may want permanent makeup as a way to feel complete again. “I enjoy looking in the mirror every day and seeing a survivor with a tattoo that is natural looking.”

Today she does all kinds of artistically styled permanent makeup for breast cancer survivors, alopecia clients, and people who need scar or burn camouflage.  Her goal is to help women and men, or even young adults who need or desire to look and feel their best from their heart with a simple and subtle change through permanent makeup.  She specializes in eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, and 3D areola for cancer survivors. 

According to Terri, permanent makeup doesn't replace makeup, rather it improves your natural beauty.  The application of medical cosmetic tattooing and permanent makeup can resolve time and convenience issues or solve problems when applying makeup such as allergies to ingredients of makeup, eye issues, unclear vision, arthritis, loss of hair from aging, alopecia, chemotherapy, accidents, burns or cosmetic surgery, and replacement of skin colors. 

Terri says she is grateful the permanent makeup industry is non-competitive and client-centered. Each technician brings something special to a client, and as a result, they are like a sisterhood that supports one another.  Terri loves it when she is able to collaborate with others and by doing so, help more people. She shared the story of a client who had come to her for Permanent Makeup. While doing her eyebrows, they discussed their backgrounds, discovering they were both breast cancer survivors. The woman made an appointment to complete her journey and have her breasts tattooed which changed her life. Terri decided to video the process and the results for future survivor clients so they could see the power of permanent makeup.  Through a series of surprising connections, Terri's educational video was used by a local Plastic Surgeon to inform their own patients.

Knowing she is changing the way someone feels about themselves is Terri's greatest accomplishment.  “The hugs, the tears, the thank you's, the referrals!  When I see a client in local stores and they stop me and say thank you and introduce me as "This is Terri, the woman who changed my life", that makes my heart beat.

While Nouveau Image Permanent Cosmetics has been in business locally for ten years, Terri has recently opened a new location in World Golf in St. Johns at 319 W Town Place, Suite 21, St Augustine Fl 32092. For more information about Nouveau Image Permanent Cosmetics, please visit www.nouveaupc.com or call Terri directly at 917-584-8863 for a free consultation.  

I See You NICU is an organization started by NICU mom, Jennifer Sesniak, who saw the lack of available support in the experience of parents with preemies who stay in the NICU and wanted to do something to fill the need. 

The statistics are alarming and going in the wrong direction.

• 1 in 10 U.S. babies are born preterm -- a statistic increasing yearly and is one of the worst among high-resource nations. 
• As many as 60% of NICU parents experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 
• On a positive note, 98% of babies survive the NICU due to the latest care and technical developments.

After what seemed like a picture-perfect pregnancy, I went into premature labor at 28 weeks. Logan arrived fast and furious in an operating room filled with doctors and nurses at 2 lbs, 8 oz, and 14 inches. He breathed on his own, a blessing given the laundry list of potential possibilities. Whisked away to the Wolfson Children's NICU for an 81-day stay.

"The experience of seeing my tiny, fragile baby in a plastic box with wires connected everywhere, depleted all my strength. I thought, is this my fault, did I eat healthy enough, and why did my body fail me? "

This inner dialog sent me into the darkness of postpartum depression and anxiety with PTSD symptoms. I lost what being a first-time mom should look like and found there was no help on how to navigate my mental health, work life, insurance questions, or any sense of normalcy.

NICU professionals provided extraordinary care and were patient but our new normal meant permission had to be granted even to hold Logan. Depending upon his condition, some days we couldn't. I’ll never forget the alarms and late-night phone calls we hoped would never come, but day by day, Logan grew stronger, achieving milestones that seemed like mountains!

Today Logan is a strong-willed, happy four-year-old. We still reflect upon our journey as if no time elapsed. "We appreciate how lucky we are -- we could have used more support beyond one lone Facebook group. We didn’t know who to turn to for help during this time. I now know none of this was my fault, but we want to make sure others benefit from networking with those who share their experiences."

Unfortunately, the road of being a NICU parent doesn’t end at discharge. Our experience became the inspiration for I See You NICU, whose mission is to develop a network of past, present, and future NICU families. Also providing support, awareness, and education to our community. The goal this year is to grow our support network and build relationships with hospital NICUs to improve the process and patient outcomes.

Interested in getting involved or supporting the cause? You can share, like, volunteer or donate. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Let's all support the NICU community better. Remember, I See You NICU really does see NICU families.

​When someone asks, “What are you?”, my response is usually - I’m an American.

Proud and bold. But of course, one can be many things. With a little more context, you may find out that I am a husband, a father, a Texan, and a photographer.

I have been married to my lovely wife, Rebecca, for over 14 years. She is my best friend, my trusted advisor, and my voice of reason. She motivates me to be more and to be better at everything. She is the definition of a muse.

I have been blessed with two incredibly wonderful kids. Young, healthy, and curious - I couldn’t ask for better children. Their joy and humor is a constant uplifting light in my life.

Born a Texan, I’ll always feel a sense of pride tied to the Lone Star State, but after moving to the DC area for a few years, and after living in Florida for 5 years, I’m happy to say that I’m hopeful to stay in St. Johns for a very long time. St. Johns has become our favorite area by far. The location, the climate, the people… I feel that my family and I fit right in.

I was always the artistic kid growing up. My favorite toys were sharpened pencils, a clipboard, and a stack of blank paper. I grew up knowing I wanted to do something artistic but never really knew what that was until my senior year of high school. I was introduced to graphic design and found it was a great way to express my creativity. Photography came out of necessity during my graphic design work. I did not have access to the images that I needed in order to complete the projects at hand. A company I used to work for purchased a Canon DSLR camera, handed it to me, and said “I’m sure you can figure it out.” From that point on I read blogs, I watched YouTube videos, and I watched other photographers.

​Years later, I was lucky enough to work alongside other talented photographers. It quickly became my primary source of creative expression to where I have almost left graphic design work completely behind. 

Photography is just another outlet for creating something from nothing, and impacting the viewer in a different way. 

After photographing families, weddings, pets, and many other genres, I have found that commercial and stylized portraiture are my passion. Commercial photography allows me to solve an issue by figuring out the best approach and expressing the message that the client needs. Stylized portraiture gives me the opportunity to photograph many interesting people and visually creating a concept or an emotion. 

To sum it up, Jessica Huffman once wrote, “Ozzy is an editorial photographer that captures his subject’s energy leveraging their individual strengths and interests. His ability to curate the perfect image communicates creativity, vibrance, and drama that speaks to the proper audience,”

In 2023, I will be setting specific business goals in order to grow. A friend of mine often says, “Goals that are not written down are just a wish”. Go, write them down, but be realistic. One completed goal is better than no goals reached. Make smaller, more obtainable goals, and hold yourself accountable.

As a small business owner, I will be making more of an effort to find the clientele searching for my style who have an appreciation for my type of imagery. My style is not for everyone. It has taken years for me to be comfortable with that. I feel any business owner should find that following and focus on that group of individuals. Build your own brand by doing what you love, how you love it. 

Learn from the past, but focus on the future. I wish you the best at the start of this new year. From my family to yours, we wish you nothing but success and happiness!

The pet industry, on its face, seems that it would be such an amazing effort to be part of based on the true joy of animal care.   What could be more fun than to cuddle with a cute little kitten, or to romp around with a playful pup?    And it absolutely is all those things!  But it’s also an amazing dedication to giving.   Giving that takes a truly dedicated heart, mind and soul to accomplish the extreme challenges the industry brings.  And we aren’t just talking about giving in relation to the beautiful pets that fill our days.   We are also talking about giving of ourselves to the people we serve every day.   

Imagine going to work each day, and the patients you are caring and providing for, cannot speak to you.   Meanwhile these beautiful loving patients have sometimes serious issues that require an all in effort to prevent extreme suffering even death.   Now add to that the hurt and suffering of the parents of these patients, along with their mood swings, judgement and fears.   These are the challenges of the Veterinary Industry every single day. 

 We are in a unique situation, as are so many care giving industries, where we are the advocates for our patients, even through their suffering.   That is why so often, professionals in the Veterinary Industry, suffer along with the pets and clients.   It is a transference of the challenges that a voiceless patient experiences.   And those feelings are big and they are real.   

So many of us began our focus on this industry as an honest passion to care for Gods beautiful creatures.   And that passion drove us to Colleges, Universities and institutions where we spent many years studying (8 years to achieve a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine) to learn our craft of animal medicine.   Often times, many more years were spent in a specialty or particular line of study.  But it was the true love and dedication to giving of ourselves and our talents to help those who cannot help themselves, that drives us all to be those advocates.  In the midst of beginning to practice animal medicine, we realize that this is the pinnacle of our passion.   Caregiving, saving lives, and providing better health for our furry friends is a noble and wonderful calling.   

​And it is this calling that requires a giving spirit, a giving heart and a drive to “help them all” that is the root of our industry.  

This passion and heart that drives so many of us every day does truly come at a price.   Our industry is riddled with burnout, suicide, compassion fatigue and a shortage of dedicated leaders and true practitioners of high-quality medicine because of the heavy weight it bares.  It’s an industry that requires a solid support system to provide for each others needs.   Our people have to learn how to cope with not only the challenges of loss of life of a patient, and lack of complete control over the needs of the pet, but also the results of human abuse and pet parent anger and frustrations toward those in the industry.  

Often as we approach Christmas, we think of giving and caring as synonymous with our hearts special attempts to provide gifts and offerings to others.    However, in our industry, the true spirit of giving, is a daily dedicated approach to our chosen passion of loving our patients beyond a simple offering.    We give our hearts and minds every day to provide a happy healthy life to an innocent animal, who is simply counting on us, to do our very best for them.   We give our very best to the pet parent who is suffering along with their beautiful pet, as we comfort, support and educate them in the process of caregiving.   And we give to each other, as we support, guide, administer to, and love, our co-workers who need our group help, to overcome the weight on our souls as we go through each day of work.   

You see the true spirit of giving, comes from the heart, which is the soul’s true compass.  So in the Veterinary Industry, and certainly within our amazing staff at Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital, we believe that the spirit of giving lives in us every single day we are alive.   

We wish all of our amazing clients and each of you in our Saint Johns Community a blessed Christmas season.   And may the spirit of giving of ourselves be the commonality we see in us all. 
​

Photos by Ozzy Trevino Photography

​

It’s often the vision of any young, aspiring  professional to go after a dream,  achieve it and then practice it in your home town, with the people you love the most.    So often in life we may find that isn’t the path we obtain.   And for all the right reason’s end up in another place focused on life details that became our existing priorities at that time.   However, in this case, the dream was achieved.   


Dr. Kathleen Deckard DVM, has been a resident of Saint Johns County for over 45 years.   She moved here as a young girl, in the area of Fruit Cove, near Julington Creek.   Access to Fruit Cove was a two-lane road across the Julington Creek Bridge, where pavement left the suburban area of Mandarin and entered the country.   Race Track Rd was still just two lanes as well back then, and our County Road 210 corridor, was only a road down to the Greenbriar area, which was then still dirt.  The Community of Cimarrone was the only neighborhood on County Rd 210 during those early years in the 1990’s, and the local Truck Stops at I-95 were the only place to pick up supplies unless you drove into town.


Dr. Deckard had a dream to become a Veterinarian.    It was a dream she had enjoyed for many years, and after graduating from the University of North Florida in Biology, she headed off to the University of Florida to finish her degree in Veterinary Medicine.   Upon completion in 1999, she knew her absolute desire was to come home to Saint Johns County, the place she had grown and loved for so many years.    You see her dream was to bring her knowledge of animal medicine to the people she loved the most.   She always longed to serve her community in a way that impacted peoples lives.    And her love for animals allowed her to reach her community with love, care and compassion for the beautiful fur babies that were their pets.   


She began in Saint Augustine, FL, as an Associate DVM for a large practice in town.   In her 16 years there she prioritized the three most important things for her life; honing her animal medicine skills, caring for people around her, and having children as she started her family with her husband.   These key ingredients make up the distinct character that is the heart of this amazing care giver, and they still define her today.   


Dr. Deckard had one piece of her dream left to attain in 2015.   Her hearts desire had always been to have her own Veterinary practice, in her own community, and to live nearby so that her three lifes priorities could be practiced daily.   Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital was opened to the public on June 1 in that year, and her dream was made complete.   

Pets R Family is a full-scale pet care facility, with a focus on high quality medicine and exceptional client care and service.   Per Dr. Deckard’s design, PRF is a five Doctor practice, with over 55 employees.     Their 11,000 square foot facility has state of the art surgical suites, and a recently remodeled Hospital Treatment area that can accommodate and care for many pets of all types and sizes.   Dr. Deckard designed her hospital to be a place of comfort and care.   And the design and flow in function are specifically created to best provide that for their clients.   


Dr. Deckard shared her thoughts on her dream with us, and encapsulated it this way.   “I always knew that achieving my degree in Veterinary Medicine and returning to my home to practice it to the best of my ability for the people I know and love, was my life’s dream.   And to be able to achieve that in my own family owned and operated company, where my children and husband work alongside me, is beyond what I ever could have truly imagined.   My hope as we continue to grow in serving our community in pet and client care, is that we never lose sight of the key tenets in our foundation of approaching each person and pet with love, care and compassion.   And if we achieve that each day, then we are truly, living my life’s dream.”  Dr. Deckard also shared that her daughter, Abigail Deckard, is also on track to follow in her mothers’ footsteps and become a Veterinarian, one day working alongside her.   


Not often in life are we able to achieve all the things we wished we could do.   And quite often, life finds a way to steer us in other directions and into other places than we expected.   However, this local, hometown lady, has found a way to stay on course, achieve her life goals and bring them home so that we all can benefit from her talents in pet care and in the human care.      

​How did you get your start 
as a photographer?
I started as an actual BUSINESS (license, insurance, the works) when I moved down here from Missouri in October of 2014. I had always had a camera around my neck BEFORE that, but in October, all the teaching jobs are FILLED, and no one needs a substitute yet, either. :D Rather than mope around on the couch, I decided to chase my other passion…photography – and I still get to work with kids! <3

What has been your biggest challenge as a small business owner?
Back end work. Keeping up with all the permits, licensing, insurance, advertising…I do it, of course, but I’d MUCH rather be creating art. :D

What is nature's child photography 
known for in our community?
Gosh. I would LIKE to say it’s my amazing personality and bodacious body…BUT I’m going to go with my ability to capture your genuine selves, timeless non-fad artwork, quality heirloom prints, albums, and other commissioned pieces, and excellent customer service. 

I’m also pretty active in the volunteer community with Momcology and V for Victory – both of which help families affected by cancer. In 2019, I created a calendar that helped raise funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand – a non profit organization that also helps families affected. I had to take a break for 2020 and 2021 due to the spread of the virus and the viral sensitivity of the subjects, but I PLAN to be able to do it again in 2022.

What is your favorite part of 
being a photographer? 
Seeing people come alive…with love, with happiness, with raw emotion. And when I get goosebumps? I know it’s a win. 

What is your perfect photoshoot? 
Honestly? Anytime a family trusts me completely, from styling ideas, to location, to posing/unposing. THAT’S when the magic gets to truly happen, and the good times flow…and you see it on your pictures later!

What are your hopes for the future?
I’m pretty happy right now, to be honest. MAYBE, in the far future, expanding my studio space for my Santa experience sessions? We’re cozy right now, (and I like it like that), but a little space never hurt anyone either. :D  

Pets R Family
3035 County Road 210 West, St Johns, FL 32259
(904) 452-7387
www.petsrfamilyvet.com

​In the world in which we live, we have all seen the continued transition of Privately Owned Businesses being purchased by large Corporations and Investment Groups, to add to their geographical footprint and overall sales volume.   It has happened in every category, and in every service type.  This is also true of the Animal Industry.  We have seen so many of the privately owned, family owned or single Doctor owned practices, sell to large entities and groups, as supply costs continue to increase,  HR management becomes more of a hurdle, and services become an ongoing challenge to manage and balance.  This has been going on for over 30 years in our industry, but has reached a critical mass in the past 5 years in our market area.  This transition has created a divide between the “Traditional Quality Vet Medicine” that most Doctors entered into the Veterinary Industry to practice and be part of, and the “New Corporate Vet Medicine” that is becoming more prevalent, and less focused on being a quality medicine practice.   

This is a key industry shift, and one that sets apart the “Total Quality Pet Care” focus vs, the “Budget Package” focus of the Corporate Vet practices.   Consumers need to fully understand the difference, and there needs to be an awareness of the details and services within, as you make decisions for the very best medical care for your pet.  
Corporately run Vet practices have done research and completed studies that show what the very best opportunities are to reach a high percentage of the population with pet care, devise a “Budget Based” system for the pet owner, and achieve a “Turn Rate” of clients that is high enough to achieve a maximum profitable ratio. 

Then, just like a fast food chain, they create cookie cutter outlets of that format, where they can offer the exact same design, to then increase their footprint and overall dollar volume.  Certainly these companies still have caring and well trained people looking after the pets and clients within this format.

​However, those same well trained employees who got into the industry to offer great pet care, are now adhering to sales quotas and working within tight parameters on what they can do.   Additionally, the Corporate “Package” entity that has taken ahold of the pet industry and consumer base, leaves out one clear medical fact……..that the health of living animals cannot be defined by a “Package”.    It is our belief, and the belief and practice of “Quality Medical” facilities everywhere, that if you treat the “Package” you win some you lose some, but if you treat the “Patient”, you win every time, no matter the medical facts.   Veterinary practices, with the exception of Low Cost Clinics, and Shelter Medical facilities, certainly are “For Profit” businesses.  

We all have to pay our personnel, buy our expensive equipment, and pay back our student loans for our Vet Degrees, and keep the lights on in our buildings.   So certainly we all must have some focus on pricing and the optimal ways to reach as many people as we can with the knowledge of our practices.   However the key difference that is evolving, is that the “Quality Medicine” focus of private practices, is completely focused on total pet care from the tip of the pets nose to the tip of the pets tail.   A “package” does not define the limits of our scope, nor does it drive the register ring.   

Our practice at Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital, is totally focused on the highest quality pet care and client experience.   We approach pet medicine from a two tiered level of, quality and fact based medical research and resolution along with education of our client owners, for an improved “best life” opportunity for your pets.  We offer a leading edge facility with equipment, hospital and medical protocol design that is of the highest level.   And we operate with a trained, professional staff, that is built with a service ratio greater than other practices our size.   We have chosen this design to better serve our clients with attention, communication, education, and supporting services that make your pet care experience fulfilling and complete.    And we start each day with the promise that we operate under the tenants that have been offered to us by our Creator, of Love, Care and Compassion.  

At Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital, we believe that your pet is truly a part of your family, just as we feel about our own.  And we approach each patient with the focus of providing the very best in pet care.  Never will you hear us speak of a “package” or a designed program that has nothing to do with your pets needs.   We believe that each pet is a different and unique living creature, that deserves our upmost attention and effort to achieve the best medical care and quality life possible.  That’s why we say “At Pets R Family Veterinary Hospital, we are your other family Doctor!”

​Many kids in St Johns County are excited to be going back to school for the chance to see friends and classmates they haven't seen in over a year because of COVID.  Understandably, parents are both excited and cautiously optimistic. 

"Action News Jax This Morning" Anchor Dawn Lopez can relate to how parents may be feeling because she's going through it as well.  "We've shared news reports with our viewers on doctors warning about the mental and social toll the pandemic was having on families.  My family is no exception," reveals Dawn. "Even with the best efforts, my children fell behind in school. Between testy technology to virtual fatigue and cabin fever, there were lots of family meetings about keeping each other on the right track." 

It's been an unprecedented time dealing with the isolation that COVID has caused for parents and their children.  

"I spent a lot of time encouraging my kids to set time aside for video chats with friends so they could stay connected. My daughter was suffering but now there's light at the end of the tunnel! My twins are excited about learning in the classromm again and seeing their friends regularly."

While the Pandemic is far from over, there is a feeling of trying to get back to "normal" and Action News Jax is committed to providing the information needed to help communities get through it, safely. During back-to-school month, Dawn and her "Action News Jax This Morning" team will be covering many of the issues parents will need answers to.  Updates to the CDC Guidelines will be on-going.  Identifying the new safety measures in schools including food health safety and what St Johns County is requiring to keep COVID-19 out of the classrooms. And, if a student or staff member shows symptoms, what is the school's plan to deal with that?  Action News Jax will be looking into that for sure.

The new school year is here, and for now, it's all about getting back to normal.  
​

​In addition to coverage of back-to-school on "Action News Jax This Morning," look for their back-to-school special "Back to the Classroom," airing Thursday, August 5th at 7pm on CBS47 and Friday, August 6th at 7pm on FOX30.

​Shearwater, the master-planned residential community on County Road 210, hosted ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss Star Trainer and New York Times Best Selling Author, Chris Powell, in May as he launched his new nonprofit, Move ONE Million (M1M) on the East Coast.  

M1M is a completely free, online service that aims to bring health and togetherness back to humanity by reaching and moving one million people. The nonprofit’s mission is to standardize movement and mindfulness in our culture, giving every human the access to move daily, reduce stress, and feel connected with others for improved physical, mental, and social health. 

“Healthy living is at the heart of Shearwater’s commitment to our residents and the greater community,” Susan Moguel, Marketing Director, Shearwater. “We are dedicated to continuing to improve health and overall wellbeing. Move One Million is an incredible organization with a mission that is closely aligned with our own.”

​While on the First Coast, Chris met with local Duval County and St. John’s County Commissioners, School Board members and teachers at Shearwater’s Kayak Club to share Move ONE Million’s mission. On Saturday, Shearwater invited the community to their event lawn for a launch party where Chris spoke and taught families the 2.5 minute routine. Shearwater residents and local stakeholders attended the event, and it was live-streamed for the entire community to enjoy. You can replay the event www.facebook.com/shearwaterlife. 

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic I was inspired to give back and find a way to help others deal with the feelings of isolation and anxiousness,” said Chris Powell, founder of Move ONE Million. “Daily movement is the first step to positive life-long change and improving both physical and mental health. I truly believe we can change the world by changing one million lives together. I’m so grateful to Shearwater for believing in my mission and hosting the East Coast launch of my nonprofit.

At the top of every hour daily, M1M broadcasts the 2.5-minute routine that everyone, regardless of age or ability can do, followed by a 1-minute mindfulness exercise to reduce stress and positive affirmation to boost confidence and self-esteem. The broadcast is available to live stream across the globe on several social platform and on M1M’s App. 

Shearwater’s unique focus on lifestyle programming, healthy living, and the connection to neighbors and proximity to the outdoors sets it apart from other communities in the area, making it the ideal location to launch Move One Million on the East Coast.  

Shearwater is located at 100 Kayak Way, St. Augustine, FL 32092. 

To learn more about Shearwater, visit www.shearwaterliving.com. Shearwater currently offers home designs from David Weekley, Lennar, Dream Finders and MasterCraft.

This month is the grand opening of Bartram Dental Center just east of I-95 on CR210. The new facility offers a state-of-the-art, full-service dental office with expanded services including implant therapy, adult orthodontics and sleep treatment.  Bartram Dental is also home to its very own dental assisting school. The doctors, Dr. Jason Lewis, DDS, FAGD, and Dr. Royce Barlow, DMD, live and work in St. Johns along with their families.


Having been in business since 2005, Bartram Dental Center is all about positivity, compassion, teamwork, and family with the goal of providing patients with the best possible outcome. We had the opportunity to meet the dentists and their team, and tour this beautiful new dental practice right in the heart of northern St. Johns. When you step through the door of the new offices, you feel the relaxing comfort of a beautiful home and a welcome feeling pervades in every detail of the decor and energy of the staff.

​Why did you choose St. Johns? 
Dr. Lewis: We love the family-friendly spirit that thrives here in northern St Johns County. We see it daily with our patient family and our own family’s life. We are raising our twin sons Carson & Connor here and appreciate the world-class public schools, opportunities for youth sports, and the friendliness of our neighborhoods. We know that we are blessed with an amazing quality of life here.  We also did a lot of research before we moved to Jacksonville, and determined that St Johns County had the best school system. Traci was a high school math teacher, so it was important for both of us for her to have a great school district to work in.   

What is your practice’s mission? 
Dr. Lewis: We made an investment years ago in becoming a “Complete Health” dental practice. There are only a select few Complete Health dentists in the U.S. It involves training, resource commitments etc. For our patients it means we are focused on helping them maintain their very best “complete health” -- not just ideal “dental” health. Patients see our Complete Health mission when we ask about their sleeping habits, diet challenges, new medications, other health issues. We believe the mouth is the gateway to your overall health. We can help people with issues way beyond having a beautiful and fully-functioning smile.    Our mission statement is ‘We create healthy, happy people, one smile at a time’.  

What is important to you in providing dental care?
Dr. Lewis: We want our patients to relax and have a pleasant dental experience knowing that we will be compassionate while we expertly address their issues. We are fully aware that patients experience “dental anxiety” and we work to make sure that is minimized. We make sure you know what to expect and we are focused on minimizing any discomfort. Many patients also benefit from various forms of sedation dentistry. Ultimately, we know that patients need to have a pleasant experience if they are going to continue to be a member of our patient family.   Overall, the most important aspects to me in providing dental care are the patient experience, as well as the team experience.   If you have a happy team, patients can sense this, and it makes them feel more comfortable in our office.   

​What do you want your patients to know? 
Dr. Lewis: We want our current and "future" patients to know that we are committed to providing state-of-the-art dental services from our brand new facility just east of I-95 at CR-210. Our modern new office is designed with the patient experience in mind. We want you to be relaxed and confident that our dentists are going to successfully treat you. We want our patients to know that Bartram Dental is locally-owned -- our dentists live here and intend to be leading Bartram Dental for years to come. Any member of our team of dental health professionals at Bartram Dental could work anywhere, but they choose to be a part of our very special Practice.  Customer service is a lost art in the medical profession, and it is our passion to bring it back.  

How do you work together as a team to help patients?  
Dr. Lewis: Recently, we had a patient referred to us by another patient, who has very severe dental anxiety.   We listened to her concerns, and presented clinical and financial options to help with her anxiety about dental treatment.    We offered this patient conscious sedation, which is a form of sedation that involves taking a couple of pills.    When I followed up with the patient after treatment, she was ‘blown away’ about how wonderful her experience was (she had an extraction and 2 dental implants placed) and she was looking forward to coming to her future dental appointments.    She loved our customer service and overall work environment. We also communicated with her medical doctors to keep them informed of her treatment and how this procedure could impact other areas of her health.  This type of experience is one example of many that fuels our passion as an office to provide exceptional care to our patients.   

How do you keep up with current dental technology and education?  
 Dr. Lewis:  Our dentists and other dental health professionals are routinely enrolled in training classes and coursework to make certain we are providing our patients with the latest advances in Dentistry. It's part of who we are at Bartram Dental to fully embrace modern technology especially when it reduces patient discomfort and dramatically improves patient outcomes.  We also make sure we are up to date for our assisting school.  We are very proud of the men and women that have graduated our Florida Department of Education approved program.  We are honored that they have chosen us as a resource to better their lives and the lives of their future patients. 

What are some of the best new treatments people may not know about? 
Dr. Lewis: Our newest laser technology allows us to treat cavities and other minor procedures without anesthesia.   We also have 3D X-ray technology that gives us information about the patient’s airway.    Speaking of airway, our laser technology will also eliminate snoring by treating the palate area.   This can be done without anesthesia as well.  That is life changing!

What are some special features you offer patients at your office to make their experience enjoyable? 
Dr. Lewis: Starbucks only wishes their coffee was as good as what we offer (haha).  In the mornings, we make freshly baked Otis Spunkmeyer cookies to give to our patients as they leave (there’s no job security there!).   During treatment, the patient has the option to watch one of their favorite shows on Netflix, Disney+ or Hulu.   We also offer warm, scented towels as a finishing touch to your visit with us.   Lastly, we have a beverage bar that includes coffee, water, and Gatorade.   You may just want to sit next to a fireplace and drink a nice cup of coffee or tea in one of our cozy sofas and relax as well!

How do you help people who are embarrassed by their smiles? 
Dr. Lewis: Our dentists will work with you to develop a “realistic” plan that will get you the beautiful and fully-functioning smile that you deserve. We will make sure you understand every step of the process and we will always be mindful of your budget. We also "listen" to your concerns and goals. We fully appreciate that we are working with you to create a smile that will last a lifetime.   

Do you live in St. Johns? 
Both Drs. Lewis and Barlow along with their wives and families live in St Johns County. Dr. Barlow and his wife, Jamie, are natives of St Augustine. Many of our team members are proud St Johns County residents as well. We all appreciate this very special place.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working? Dr. Lewis and his wife Traci, the Practice Manager, enjoy spending time with their twin sons. Their boys are very active in youth sports including baseball, basketball, flag football, etc. which keeps them busy. They also enjoy spending time at home and enjoying all the outdoor activities available in Northeast Florida.   Dr. Barlow, his wife Jamie, and their young daughter enjoy spending time with family and friends, riding bikes, going to the beach, and watching Georgia Football. 

Dr. Quinn is a mother, healer, teacher, woman advocate and unbound believer in the mind-body power to accomplish whatever your heart desires.


A single mother of four daughters who are living beautiful lives on their own terms, Dr. Quinn’s mission and commitment are to be a catalyst to empower her patients to do the same.  That means welcoming the choice to put self-care at the top of their priority lists, perhaps for the first time in their lives.  Patients value the results they welcome.  And most importantly, they treasure the way Dr. Quinn makes them feel by how she treats them.  Perceptive, compassionate, and intuitive, Dr. Quinn sees the real you even if you can’t.  And she sees the possibilities to create powerful transformation at the moment so you can imagine new possibilities for yourself.


Dr. Quinn has been in love with all things beautiful, colorful, and aligned for a lifetime.  And she knows that there is so much more to embrace to create a vibrant, healthy, beautiful life from the inside out.  When she is not practicing medicine, she is practicing yoga and meditation.  She is the walking-talking poster child for what it is to be a woman in mid-life or better who is loving the impact she makes for clients, one important, transformational treatment at a time.

L.A. Quinn M.D. is founded by certified ACOG, American Academy of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine physician Dr. Linda Quinn, M.D., FAARM, ABBARM. Over the years, Dr. Quinn has taken a multi-layer approach to provide patients with optimal health and flawless beauty. Specializing in regenerative medicine and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Quinn combines science and beauty to create miraculous results.


Everyone has the desire to look and feel younger, and at L.A. Quinn M.D., it's never been easier. With innovative procedures, including Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, and EuroThreads Lifting, your body does all of the hard work for you. "I've always sought-after natural alternatives to aesthetic and anti-aging procedures whenever possible," explained Dr. Quinn. "It's an ongoing passion of mine to provide patients with a variety of options that, when coupled with the power of their bodies, help to halt and reverse the aging process."


L.A. Quinn M.D. has recently introduced Euro Face, Neck, and Body Thread Lifting and volumizing to their list of services. The innovative procedure activates collagen growth. Time is seemingly reversed, leaving behind little to no scarring, instant results, and no downtime for those looking to achieve a firm, sculpted appearance. EuroThreads places resorbable surgical sutures below the skin, which will be fully absorbed in four to six months, leaving behind zero scar tissue. The threads help tighten and replace lost volume, providing patients with a sculpted and youthful appearance in various areas, including the face, neck, and body, such as abdomen, knees, and arms. Results can be seen immediately and will continue to improve over the next several months as new collagen growth is stimulated underneath the skin. The results reset the clock and can last up to 2 years or more, depending on the patient's skin, health, age, and overall lifestyle.


L.A. Quinn M.D. also offers natural facelifts using PRF and PRP therapy for patients seeking a natural approach to radiant, glowing skin. PRF Natural Face Lift procedure is best for those struggling with age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. The PRF facelift procedure creates filler from your body's plasma to achieve both volume and silkier skin. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, PRF thickens and tightens thinning skin while effectively smoothing wrinkles and fine lines and targeting dark circles and skin spots to create a more youthful appearance over time. PRF's effects are long-lasting, providing noticeable results for up to two years.


PRP and its components are the body's primary defense in the repair and healing process, helping restore, enhance, and rejuvenate the body. During PRP therapy, these cells are directed to troublesome areas, encouraging the body to repair physical ailments that typically don't respond to traditional methods. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy has become increasingly popular. It is used to treat various conditions, including hair loss, facial rejuvenation, acne scars, stretch marks, tendonitis, joint pain, and more.


"The body is an incredible structure," explained Dr. Quinn. "Using our own body in conjunction with these procedures is a natural alternative to achieve firmer, radiant, and more youthful results."


As a mother of four daughters, and expert in anti-aging medicine, Dr. Quinn has spent over fifteen years perfecting her practice to provide patients with a plan tailored to their specific needs. She is a catalyst to empower her patients to create powerful transformation and live their lives as the best version of themselves. Perceptive, compassionate, and intuitive, Dr. Quinn sees the real you even if you can't.


L.A. Quinn M.D. specializes in regenerative medicine and hormone balance, including laser therapies, micro-needling, fillers, PRP Treatments, hair regrowth therapies, stem cell therapies, Kundalini Yoga, meditation, and more. L.A. Quinn M.D. is conveniently located on the border of Ponte Vedra Beach and Jacksonville Beach at #410 Jacksonville Drive, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The office is open Monday through Friday by appointment. Learn more at www.laquinnmd.com or call 904-595-5980. Follow along on social media @laquinnmd

What are some of the special features you offer patients to make their experience enjoyable? This may sound cliché, but I truly believe it is one of our clinic’s greatest strengths or ‘special features’– our staff.  I’m surrounded by competent and empathetic support staff.  Patients tell me at least once a day, how awesome the staff is.  If it means expediting an urgent referral, escorting a patient in a wheelchair to another building, or hearing the story of the birth of a patient’s child,  or empathizing with stressors – I’ve witnessed our staff go above and beyond.  From check-in to check-out, they work tirelessly with me to advance the health of our patients and our patients see that and are better off for it.   I love this team!


What are the most common allergies people get in North Florida? Ragweed, Tree, Bahia grass and Bermuda grass are common outdoor allergens, but dust and pets can trigger symptoms as well.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time? Ha-ha.  Well, let’s see. In addition to being a physician, I’m a mom and a wife (my husband is Dr. Jim Kimberly, Borland Groover gastroenterologist), so my life is full in an awesome way.   When I’m not at work, you can find me planning the next family meal, or at sporting events; my daughter plays soccer and runs track and my son runs cross-country and track.  Jim and I do date nights once a week – we enjoy eating out at local restaurants, going for walks, or watching a Netflix series at home.  Lately, I’ve been setting crazy goals for myself; so you may see me at 5K events.  I ran a 5K recently and I’m training for one in March as well (March to get screened).  Well, I say training but the goal here is to finish. I love yoga and I try to practice being mindful in many aspects of my life, so you can catch me at the yoga studio once or twice a week, and most evenings, I spend walking or jogging, trying to get in my 10000 steps.   

​When you meet the owners of Rivertown Fine Wine and Spirits, Frank and Bonnie Dvoravic, their easy-going kindnesses, common sense and humility shine through. When you walk in the store, everyone is greeted like an old friend and it is surely a comfort in these crazy times. Perhaps Rivertown is the closest thing to an old fashioned Mom and Pop store we have in our rapidly growing and changing community.
Rivertown has served northern St. Johns for fifteen years and during that time they have learned what it means to be a successful small business. Frank and Bonnie say their success rests on four main cornerstones; flexibility in offering customers what they want, giving back to the community through charity events, understanding how to be competitive, and high-quality customer service with their own unique charm. St. Johns Magazine asked them about how they have met the challenges of recent times, and what others may learn from their experience.

Reflecting on the past year - How has Rivertown adapted and continued to be successful in the age of Covid?
Fortunately because of the type of business we have, we were able to easily adapt to restrictions and guidelines for COVID. We required masks  be worn, and provided them if customers did not have one. Early on, we offered curbside service and limited the number of customers in the store to accomplish social distancing. We have been blessed with the fact that we can continue to do business and feel very bad for the restaurants and bars  that have been closed and forced employees out of work. We thank our customers for their continued support and we will continue to try to help those people less fortunate.

How has Rivertown been flexible in terms of what you offer to the changing needs and taste of the community in recent years?

We constantly review our assortment of inventory and delete slow moving items. This allows us to utilize that space for new, popular and high demand products. In the past seven or eight years, bourbon has been the focus of many customers. We carry over 100 different Bourbons, and seek out rare, hard to find bourbons, many of which go into our Annual Bourbon Auction in February. We also do single barrel picks that are provided to us and we are the exclusive retailer for those products. For example our last barrel picked, Elijah Craig 8 year-old,  produced 250 bottles, bottled exclusively for RFWS. Another service we provide, that has been very successful is our ability to fulfill customers’ special order requests.

​How and why has Rivertown made giving back a priority? What are the benefits? 

We feel very blessed to have the customer base that we’ve had for almost 15 years now. May 22, 2021 we will be celebrating our 15 year anniversary. We feel it is important to give back to our community since they have given to us, and it has bonded our community.  We are lucky enough to be able to financially support individual charities with donations when requests are made to our store. In addition our charity, Pancan (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network), has been our focus charity for seven years now. Bonnie is a 13 year survivor and we know how lucky we are. We have raised over $80,000 since 2016 and most recently in the first nine months of 2020 we raised $23,400 of that amount. We do this through our barrel picks where we add a small amount to the charity on each bottle and also selling hard to find Bourbons throughout the year with a small amount to the charity. In addition, our customers are constantly donating money into our charity jar on our counter. 

How do you stay competitive?

We keep our prices as low as possible on all items in the store. We do this by buying in quantity. We have a warehouse with over 1400 cases in it and purchase most of our brands in 25  to 100 cases of each brand. This allows us to stay competitive with the other retailers in the marketplace. It has not been easy but with the quality service we provide, the cleanliness of our store and the large assortment, customers come back to us for items that the large chain stores don’t carry. We have a very good relationship with Publix next-door to us and if customers come in looking for wines that we don’t carry we can call their wine department manager and see if they do. They also will send customers to us for wine that they don’t carry. This helps all the customers in our community find what they’re looking for and builds our relationships with other businesses and our customers, and repeat business.

Your customer service is something that sets you apart - What is your philosophy regarding Customer Service?

I have been involved in the retail industry most of my life. I grew up working in my fathers grocery store, Joe’s Superette, in Pittsburgh, PA.  After graduating college in early 1973, I worked for Maas Bros department stores for 7 years. Then I got involved as a alcoholic beverage sales person in Sarasota and that got me started in this business. Over the years I have witnessed many retailers close their doors because they didn’t understand what good customer service was. One of  my favorite retailers to visit, is Orangedale Auto.... Terry, Nick , Pete and the guys are always there to service my classic cars and daily drivers. They stand behind everything they do and they provide the best service in their business. We strive for that in our store. We guarantee satisfaction on every product sold in our store no questions asked. Our customers Appreciate that and the service we provide on a daily basis. Our staff is trained to always make every customer happy before they leave with their purchase. Success does not come easily but we have strived to be the best small independent liquor/ wine shop and are very PROUD of what we’ve accomplished.  15 years and more to come!

Teri-ann Wigfield – entrepreneur, executive, mother, and wife – uses well-honed skills and knowledge from a successful retail career coupled with a laser-focused eye for design to create and manufacture a private brand of clothing for fast-growing toddlers to tweens called Jet & Ivy. Under this signature label, she and husband David Perez skillfully bring to life a new kind of store featuring an ultra-modern, light, and airy interior to showcase Jet & Ivy designs for fast and growing kids, which are uniquely complemented with a handpicked assortment of favorite upscale brands not found in our area that are of the same quality and stylish clothing children will love to wear.

​Inspired by her daughter, husband, and love of retailing, she’s a clothing designer for kids with a brilliant idea that Jet & Ivy clothes won’t just hang in the closet, but be worn to climb trees, jump in puddles, run on grassy fields or beach sand, and hop on bicycles as well as to church or the country club. Her clothes move, make a statement, and are good-looking, soft, and comfortable. Most of all kids come to Jet & Ivy to engage in a fun experience, and they’ll want to try on their favorites in-store for fit and feel. This clothing is for them. 

Kids shop alone or with adults to find the next apparel trend that reflects the Florida lifestyle. The mix n’ match line pairs with cool shoes and accessories, including matching pet apparel approved by the store mascot, Cooper the Terrier. Along with their daughter Bailey, each member of the family has a hand in design development. The label is complemented with high-end fashion brands, too – check the website. 

By being “hands-on”, Teri-ann is not locked-in to buying stock off market racks. She re-imagines each season and brings into reality designs kids want to wear, which is why kids choose Jet & Ivy clothing over mass-produced clothes.

Teri-ann and family enjoy being residents of St. Johns County. She also understands the importance of giving back. As her community commitment, $1 from every item sold is donated to St. Johns Cares, a valuable benefit of shopping at Jet & Ivy.

Opening a retail store is challenging, but Teri-ann is laser-focused on providing the best customer service possible using best practices. Open every day, she finds the rhythm of her customers’ buying habits including putting Jet & Ivy on their gift list. 

New customers receive 20%-off their first purchase until December 31. Come by The Forum at Greenbriar at 206 Ashourian Avenue, Ste. 110 (near corner of St. Johns Parkway and CR 210 W and central to Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Augustine, Nocatee, and Jacksonville). Teri-ann, David, and family – and, yes, Cooper the Dog – look forward to meeting you. Welcome to the Jet & Ivy Family.

60 Shops Blvd #30
St. Johns, Florida 32259
904-325-6223
​stjohns@hotspotpoweryoga.com
www.hotspotpoweryoga.com

​Opening Date? Our Grand Opening weekend is August 29-30, 2020. Regular schedule classes kick off Monday, August 31 at 6am.

What kind of classes will be offered? 
All 4 Hot Spot Power Yoga studios are Baptiste Affiliate studios, which means that we provide classes in the style of Baptiste Yoga, a rigorous vinyasa, or flow, practice made popular by Baron Baptiste. The majority of our classes take place in a room heated to 90 degrees, though we will also offer some restorative, less intense but still very beneficial classes, which will not be in a heated room.

What is hot yoga? How is it different from regular yoga? 
Heat, or tapas, is one of the 5 pillars of Baptiste yoga - the other 4 being breath (ujjayi), gaze (drishti), core stabilization (uddiyana bandha), and flow (vinyasa). The purpose of heat in Baptiste yoga is to facilitate warming up the body both from the inside and out, allowing for greater flexibility and a deeper practice. Heat brings an additional level of rigor to our yoga practice, loosens the muscles more quickly, and works together with breathwork to bring focus, clarity, and ultimately, physical and mental transformation. By learning and practicing these skills on our mats, we are better equipped to go out into the world and put them to use in our everyday lives.

What are some of the physical and mental benefits of yoga? 
Yoga is a beautiful and varied practice, and its benefits are vast. Physically, practitioners gain strength, flexibility, and stamina, bringing their heart rates up, toning the muscles, and strengthening the core. Mentally, yoga helps to reduce stress and anxiety, providing a time and space for individuals to breathe, move, and meditate. We often talk of taking our yoga off of our mats and out into the world. We learn so much about ourselves through our yoga practice, in terms of reactivity, expectation, and self worth. Yoga teaches us to be kinder to ourselves, that we don’t have to be perfect, and how to approach difficult situations.

What makes your yoga studio unique? 
Without a doubt, Hot Spot Power Yoga stands out because we are a COMMUNITY. We are a safe space where everyone is welcome and no one is judged. You can come as you are and know you will be accepted, whether you’ve practiced yoga for 25 years or it’s your first class, whether you’re wearing high-end yoga apparel or just picked up some leggings at the bargain basement. That doesn’t matter. We’re just happy you’ve joined us, and we want to support one another. We are all connected, and we embrace that connectivity, celebrating one another’s achievements, and holding each other up in times of difficulty. Often times, people come in to the studio to practice yoga, and they leave feeling part of something bigger than themselves. 

Why did you decide to start the business?  Also, why St. Johns?
 I discovered Hot Spot Power Yoga when I was looking for a studio to practice in after my daughter was born 3 years ago. I needed time to myself to breathe, to move, and to de-stress from mommy duty. I showed up looking for a hot, sweaty workout, and I found so much more. Over time, my schedule changed such that I wasn’t able to get to classes at the existing HSPY studios, and I nearly cancelled my membership, as I just couldn’t make the commute anymore. While I am well aware that there are far greater decisions in life, I really struggled with this one. Ultimately, I was in yoga class and had the realization that if there wasn’t a studio close to where I lived, I should make it happen! I credit yoga for showing me this possibility, and empowering me to go for it! I took the next step and contacted Leah Hansen, the founder of Hot Spot Power Yoga, and I asked her to partner with me on this adventure. From day 1, she has been a steadfast support to me and to opening this 4th studio location in St. Johns, for which I will be eternally grateful. We both see great things ahead.

​How has  yoga transformed your life? 
I have practiced yoga for over 15 years. After the birth of my son 8 years ago, yoga helped me through a difficult bout of postpartum depression (in addition to the care of my physician). At that time, I would go to yoga class for that hour of stillness to clear my mind, but after class, I would return to life as normal, not yet aware of how to carry yoga into my everyday life. When I began practicing at Hot Spot, I continued to show up for that hour of peace, but little by little, the lessons I learned on my mat started to translate into my way of thinking, communicating, and being. Just like when I would confront a pose in my practice that challenged me, I learned to respond instead of react to difficult situations in my life, and take the process one step at a time. Similar to when I would fall out of a pose on my mat, I gained the perspective that if and when I don’t meet up to certain expectations in life, I can always try again, and value the effort. And in the same way that I return to my breath when I feel winded or defeated in class, I can come back to my breath when life inevitably overwhelms me. These practices and skills have changed my life for the better, and I want to share them with anyone and everyone.

What did you do before owning your own business?
I am a licensed and certified Physician Assistant. I have a Master’s Degree in Health Sciences from George Washington University, and I worked for 6 years in Boston, MA and Washington, DC as a Neurosurgical Physician Assistant, specializing in the treatment of the brain and spine. When my son was born, I chose to stay home to care for him, and I have, without regret, been a stay-at-home mom ever since. I always planned to go back to work eventually, and now that my son is 8 and my daughter is 3, I’m starting to spread my wings again, though in a different direction, as this opportunity to open a yoga studio presented itself to me at just the right time.

When you have time off, what is your favorite thing to do with your family in St. Johns? 
When I have time off, I like to practice yoga! Besides that, though, we love spending time with family at the beach, and feel blessed to have both my parents and my brother and his family nearby (he and his wife own and run Ridgewater Show Stables, an equestrian training center in St. Augustine). We love to travel to visit my husband’s family in Connecticut, where we get our taste of fall, winter, and lots of cousins, and we cherish our annual family ski vacations to Colorado. Beyond that, I’m a huge fan of trips to the spa, relaxing with friends, and a good brunch.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the selection of Lauren Philip of Saint Johns, Florida, who attends Creekside High School in Saint Johns, as a 2020 U.S. Presidential Scholar.
    Philip is one of 161 outstanding American high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community.  Philip is one of six students selected from Florida.
    Lauren Phillip, class of  2020 comes from St. Johns, Florida and graduated from Creekside High School. As an avid learner for all things engineering, she was president of Creekside’s Engineering Club and Science National Honor Society her senior year, in which she displayed organizational and communicative skills for volunteer projects and science fairs. Philip’s membership in Creekside’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) has provided her the chance to impart the experience of her internship at Ultratech International, Inc. to other young women. Furthermore, her involvement of the school’s engineering academy and Northeast Florida ACE Mentorship program means she holds certifications in several industry markers (i.e. OSHA, MSSC), and CAD software. In addition to engineering, Philip is deeply rooted in music, which has led to her position as section leader in her marching band. She will attend Florida Gulf Coast University in Fall ’20, pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering.

“Shaun Lourie, CWM Co-Owner, McKenna O’Neill, Donor Development Officer at American Red Cross, and Steve Lourie, CWM Co-Owner, proudly present a $10,000 donation to the Northeast Florida American Red Cross to help support the local community in this time of need.”

Shaun & Steve Lourie, the Co-Owners of Coastal Wine Market and Tasting Room in Nocatee did something amazing.  In the midst of the pandemic, as their customers continued to support them, they decided to pay it forward by donating $10,000 to the American Red Cross! The unprecedented move reflects the spirit of community and the best of the people of St. Johns.
“Coastal Wine Market & tasting room, Nocatee, is proud to be able to donate $10,000 to our local chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC) through the support of our guests who purchased gift cards and took part in our no-contact delivery and pickup during these challenging few months."  Steve remarks, “This is the best way to celebrate CWM’s 4th-Year Anniversary #payitforward #giveback #supportlocal”.
CWM has re-opened for business following CDC Guidelines and welcomes guests to visit.  Please refer to their website at www.coastalwinemarket.com and www.facebook.com/coastalwinemarket for live updates and current happenings.”

by Chris Shee

I’ve always enjoyed giving back to the community and have been involved in community outreach activities since high school.  However, it wasn’t until the planning of our first sporting clay tournament, Clays For A Cause, that I started becoming more aware of our local needs and the organizations that help those needs.  Once I started getting more intimately involved with some of these organizations, especially the orphanages, I knew that helping the community was to become a life long mission of mine.
    Several years ago I wanted to define who MasterCraft Builder Group was in a summarized form.  With the help of our marketing company, we developed what are now the pillars of MasterCraft known as the 4-C’s:  Craftsmanship, Choice, Customer Service, and Community.  Community involves helping and giving back to our LOCAL needs and it’s built into the DNA of this company as well as the other companies I now own—something I’m most proud of.
    My charity plans for 2020 had a big wrench thrown in them due to COVID.  One of the bigger endeavors I was planning was called Concerts For A Cause.  I own a large wedding venue in South St. Augustine that has a capacity of 300.  My plan was (and still is) to bring in big name musicians and have a more intimate, almost un-plugged, concert where we serve dinner and drinks, enjoy a large camp fire, etc. and enjoy a night of music and fellowship.  Part of the appeal will be attending a concert with a big name headliner and only having 300 people in attendance.  The other appealing part is that all profits from these concerts will go to a “cause” which will change with each concert.  It’s a fun way to generate $25,000 - 50,000+ per event for a local causes.  I am determined to make this happen and can’t wait until it does!
    Aside from Concerts For A Cause, we will be hosting the 8th Annual Clays For A Cause this year at Saltwater’s Shooting Club.  The tournament will benefit Seamark Ranch and St. Augustine Youth Services again—the two orphanages with whom we are closest.  Last year we raised $168,000 during this one day event which is just mind blowing.  My commitment to the event remains in that I’ll pay for everything including shooting, food, drinks, golf cart rentals, etc. so that every dollar donated by the participants actually goes to the charities and not towards paying for the event.  It’s become a wildly successful fundraising event and I feel so privileged to host it.
    I have also started working on a new independent living facility for St. Augusine Youth Services (SAYS) in hopes to break ground later this year or early next.  Since SAYS receives public assistance, they’re required to move kids out when they turn 18—regardless of where they are in school, their mental or physical health, ability to live independently, etc.  It’s a real problem for which many folks aren’t aware and it’s just wrong.  The purpose of the independent living facility is to provide apartment-style living to these new “adults" for 2-3 years while they acclimate into the real world of paying bills, cooking meals, doing laundry, and all of the other tasks they’re now required to do on their own.  The apartments will be subsidized in order to make them affordable.  I’ve been wanting to do this for many years and am really excited that we’re now working to make this a reality.
    Lastly, MasterCraft Builder Group will be building the “Home For The Heart” this year which benefits Builders Care—the charitable arm of The Northeast Florida Builders Association.  We are building a home in one of our newest communities, SilverLeaf, and will be donating all profits from this home to Builders Care when it sells.  In order to make the contribution even larger, we’ve asked our trade partners and suppliers to discount or donate any labor and/or materials they’re able to and we’ll pass the saving along to the Builders Care donation.  Our trades and suppliers have been unbelievably supportive as they always are with our charitable endeavors.  We’ll hopefully reach a 6 figure donation with this effort.
    One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in life so far is that the more I give, the wealthier I become.  Material things aren’t as important to me as they once were and that’s been very relieving.  Instead, being known as a good steward to my community and a good person overall  is way more important to me.  I hope my two boys, Brandon and Tyler, will continue to be influenced by my actions so that they too will be local philanthropists one day.  There’s hardly anything else that would make me more proud.