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Barnabas Center Nassau Press Release Alexandra Winsor Communications Manager Email: awinsor@barnabasnassau.org www.BarnabasNassau.org Date: May 27, 2021  A box loaded with Barnabas' Rx for Healthy Living Christie Patterson has lived in Nassau County for 11 years. Her husband is disabled. She is unemployed because she must stay at home to care for him. They do not have health insurance. Christie found out she had diabetes in 2013. That is when she contacted Barnabas for help. Thanks to ongoing participation in Barnabas’ Rx for Healthy Living Program, Christie’s diabetes has improved, and she is benefiting even more from a new Barnabas partnership with Amelia Fresh, a local food hub. Amelia Fresh is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local farmers and producers, as well as addressing food waste and food insecurity in Nassau County. Their mission is to provide convenient, economical and environmentally friendly access to healthy and fresh local goods. Access to nutritious foods is a challenge for many Nassau County residents like Christie. But Barnabas’ Rx for Healthy Living Program encourages patients like her to take charge of their health and future by eating healthy foods. The patients who are enrolled in this program have one or more chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease or other chronic illnesses. Relatedly, more than 13 percent of our Nassau County neighbors don’t know from where or when they will get their next meal. That’s called food insecurity. And, that’s equal to 1 of 6 adults and 1 of 4 children in our community who are hungry. Food insecurity is defined as a lack of access, at times, to enough food, including limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods. A few of the most significant factors that influence food insecurity and lack of access to nutritious foods include poverty, unemployment and spending trade-offs such as paying housing or medical bills versus not purchasing healthy foods. Without warning, the need for food nearly tripled as the pandemic caused a significant increase in unemployment. The past year, Barnabas’ food programs provided 207,815 meals of healthy food to 3,939 food insecure households with 20,882 family members. Barnabas is thankful for the outpouring of support from the community, food partners and volunteers who donated produce, food and time to help distribute thousands of pounds of food to Nassau County neighbors in need.  Barnabas volunteers delivering ‘Amelia Fresh’ boxes to Barnabas Rx for Healthy Living patients. In addition, several years ago Barnabas developed the Rx for Healthy Living Program to support those patients who have limited access to nutritious foods. The new partnership with Amelia Fresh serves to not only provide access, but to also educate patients about produce and ways to prepare it at home.
Every other week, Barnabas’ twenty-five RX for Healthy Living participants receive one no-cost fresh produce box from Amelia Fresh. Barnabas adds to each box a variety of no- or low-sugar and low-sodium items, based on the patients’ needs. If a patient has mobility or transportation barriers, several members of the Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise generously volunteer their time to deliver those much-needed 50 boxes each month. “I love the Rx for Healthy Living program because it helps me resist eating sweets,” Christie said. “Receiving fruit in my produce box is great. I’ve lost some weight and have learned what kinds of produce is best for me to eat. I am so happy my diabetes is under control.” The RX for Healthy Living Program has proven to be successful with 58% of patients with high blood pressure having achieved improved readings and meeting their target goals, and 35% of patients accomplishing weight loss of 4 to 40 pounds. For Amelia Fresh’s regular customers who are placing orders on ameliafresh.com, the food hub offers two options to donate to Barnabas’ RX for Healthy Living Program: a monthly $5 and a one-time $20 donation, which go directly toward purchasing a box of produce for Barnabas’ patients. Amelia Fresh Local Food Hub is located in Fernandina Beach where you’ll find locally grown seasonal produce, meats, dairy, locally roasted coffee, tea, fresh baked breads, grains, honey, soaps and other artisan goods. You can order online at AmeliaFresh.com. Orders can be picked up or delivered to your home. Barnabas is deeply grateful to Amelia Fresh, the Rotary Club of Amelia Island Sunrise and the many donors who support this beneficial program. For information about Barnabas’ health services and qualifications, call (904) 261-7000.
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Consumers can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from tax during the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Friday, May 28 and extends through Sunday, June 6. Consumers During the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, the following qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax.  The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport. Have questions? The 2021 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday FAQs for Consumers might help. Businesses and Other Interested Parties During the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, the following qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax. The sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport. For more information on implementing the sales tax holiday, please see the Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Information Publication on the 2021 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday or the 2021 Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday FAQs for Businesses. At the Monday, May 24, 2021 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved the overall Conceptual Plan for the Westside Regional Park and authorized staff to begin contract negotiations for a firm to provide engineering and construction for Phase One. It is anticipated that the County will break ground on Phase One of the project in early 2022. The overall conceptual plan was devised from community input collected from a series of citizen surveys and public outreach events which concluded that residents want a variety of recreation facilities and programs that include far more than just youth athletics. The first phase of the park has a variety of amenities including pavilions throughout the park, outdoor event/green space, community playground with shade, restrooms, fishing pond, and multipurpose fields. Residents were also provided with the opportunity to provide input about the overall appearance of the park. As such, the entrance was designed to have a unique, forested access that is cohesive with the natural environment. Shawn Bliss, Vice President for Prosser, Inc., (the consultant hired to design the park) stated that this is one of the most exciting parks projects he's ever been involved in designing, stating, "This vibrant park with its vibrant opportunities and amenities will serve the entire spectrum of the public. It will be a community hub/park for the public to gather.... a regional destination delivering recreation, leisure, social interaction, and education, while embracing the idea of unity, resource stewardship, accessibility, health and wellness". To view the presentation, please click the link below. The presentation is accessible under "Tab C". If you have any questions, please contact Parks & Recreation at (904) 530-6120 or email Parks Director, Jay Robertson, at jrobertson@nassaucountyfl.com. https://nassaufl.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2...   Yulee, Fla. – This advisory is to inform community leaders and interested parties about upcoming scheduled lane closures, traffic shifts and other construction activity on State Road 200/A1A. For a complete list of scheduled lane closures in northeast Florida, interested parties may visit www.NFLRoads.com/TrafficReport.
Drivers can also set up real-time traffic alerts from FL511, a free service offered by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Motorists can visit www.FL511.com or call #511 for this up-to-date information. The Florida Department of Transportation has permitted multiple lane closures as part of the State Road 200/A1A improvement projects. Below are several lane closures planned for August 28 through September 4 weather permitting. Certain activities may require unexpected lane closures for the safety of both drivers and construction workers. Notable: FDOT will soon start implementing the first phase of the new Diverging Diamond Interchange at Interstate 95 and State Road 200. This innovative design will reduce traffic congestion and risk for accidents. To see how it works visit www.nflroads.com/DDI. Daytime lane closures: Interstate 95:
State Road 200:
Nighttime lane closures: Interstate 95:
State Road 200:
 Yulee, FL: On Monday, May 10th, 2021, Katrina Robinson-Wheeler, Community Liaison and Trainer at Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare (SPBH), accepted a Resolution from the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners declaring the month of May as Mental Health First Aid month. One week later, on May 18th, 2021, at a Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting, Katrina accepted a City Proclamation from Mayor Mike Lednovich declaring May 2021 as Mental Health First Aid month. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training certification course that teaches community members to identify and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training develops skills to provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. While accepting the Resolution from the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners, Robinson-Wheeler stated, “Learning these skills can help us to help each other. Life, in general, can cause us to feel some symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. It’s a very common reaction to different events.” Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare, in partnership with the Jacksonville NonProfit Hospital Partnership, hosts and facilitates MHFA trainings in Nassau County and Northeast Florida. SPBH recently received a four-year Florida Blue Foundation mental well-being grant. As part of this grant, in partnership with four other health care providers in the state of Florida, SPBH commits to training nearly 1,000 community members in Mental Health First Aid. For more information on MHFA, please click here. To receive details on upcoming MHFA trainings and other news at SPBH, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter.  Pictured: Katrina Robinson-Wheeler accepting the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners’ Resolution Nassau Humane Society
Press Release May 25, 2021 In an abundance of caution, the Nassau Humane Society has temporarily closed its cattery to prevent the spread of a contagious feline disease, panleukopenia. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease of cats caused by the feline parvovirus. Kittens are most severely affected by the virus, which is also called feline distemper. “In an abundance of care and precaution, we have decided to close our cattery for one month,” NHS Executive Director Debbie Chissell said. “This will allow us to treat and care for the cats currently residing with us and benefit all future cats that will be coming through our doors.” NHS will not be able to accept surrendered cats during this time. If you need to surrender or have found a stray or injured cat, please contact Nassau County Animal Services at (904) 530-6150. Dr. Mandy Kulbel, NHS’s veterinarian, said the shelter recently received two litters of young kittens who tested positive for panleukopenia virus while at NHS’s intake facility. A number of the kittens passed away, she said. “Once we realized the cause, unfortunately, due to the highly contagious nature and high morbidity associated with this virus, the few remaining kittens were euthanized. All were very ill and this was the best course of action for their comfort,” she said. Because of the possibility of contamination, all cats at the shelter have been tested and are currently isolated from each other in a 2-week quarantine, per recommended guidelines, Dr. Kulbel said. NHS vaccinates all cats and kittens who are old enough when they arrive at the shelter. Kittens are the population at highest risk, while vaccinated adults should be protected, she said. During the quarantine period, the shelter is undergoing a rigorous cleaning protocol and disinfecting and bleaching all its cat rooms. “Our goal is to prevent any further spread and possible loss of life,” Dr. Kulbel said. “Please be patient with us while we take every precaution we can to protect our feline friends.” The shelter remains open for dog adoptions, which are not affected. NHS has reached out to everyone who adopted a cat within the last 30 days to make them aware, said Stephanie Miller, Director of Adoption. “We ask if anyone has any questions or concerns to call us at (904) 321-1647 or email info@nassauhumane.org.” “Nassau Humane Society rescues dogs and cats from more than nine rescue partners and kill facilities up and down the East Coast, with the mission of alleviating pain and suffering in overcrowded shelters and to provide homeless animals with a second chance at life and a permanent loving home,” Chissell said. “NHS is, and continues to be, thankful to our wonderful community for their support during this time.” Community Hospice & Palliative Care is hosting multiple free virtual support sessions during the month of June.
Coffee and Conversation: Bereavement Education and Support - We’re offering a new online support session called Coffee and Conversation which might be right for you. Hosted weekly, meetings discuss various topics related to grief and how you can find help. We encourage you to join us for support during this very difficult time. While social isolation is difficult, grieving makes it worse. Space is limited, so email engagement@communityhospice.com to register, and don’t forget to bring your coffee! Webinar dates: June 4 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. June 11 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. June 18 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. June 25 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Advance Care Planning: Summer Series - When you join an Advance Care Planning virtual session, you'll get the information you need to get the care you want in the event of a serious or sudden illness. Our free webinars guide you through writing out advance directives and learning more about advance care planning. Topics include: preparing a living will and important questions to consider when electing a health care surrogate. Finally, you understand why it’s important to talk with your family and healthcare providers about your values and desires when facing health challenges - you'll also get some helpful tips on how to start the conversation with you family! Webinar date: June 10 at 1:00 p.m. - Click here to register May 21, 2021 – Fernandina Beach, FL – Team New Beginnings Realtors Rick and Jessica Miller are conducting a fundraising raffle to benefit Foar From Home. Foar From Home is a group of four local Amelia Island veterans rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to raise funds and awareness for other veterans suffering PTSD and suicide. The amazing prize package is valued over $1,000. Ticket options include: 1 ticket for $10, 3 tickets for $25, and 10 tickets for $50. Tickets can be purchased in person at Keller Williams Realty, Atlantic Partners, 4800 1st Coast Highway, Suite 230, Fernandina Beach FL Monday through Friday from 10 am – 3 pm, or Amelia Toffee Company, 822 Sadler Road, Fernandina Beach, FL Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 am – 12 noon. Tickets may also be purchased online: http://teamnewbeginningsrealtors.square.site. The drawing will be held on the Team New Beginnings Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/newbeginningsrealtors) live at 10 am on Wednesday, June 30. For complete prize package details and more information, please visit: https://foarfromhome.com/event/row-the-boat-raffle/. Team New Beginnings Realtors Rick and Jessica Miller have been Amelia Island residents since 1998 and small business owners for 17 years. They are passionate about serving others and this island community. They have been selling real estate full time for Keller Williams Realty, Atlantic Partners since 2015. For more information about their real estate business, please contact them at 904-753-1715 or Amelia8Flags@gmail.com. Foar From Home is composed of four passionate veterans representing four different branches of the United States military rowing across the Atlantic Ocean to fight veteran PTSD and suicide: Billy Cimino, veteran United States Army, Cameron Hansen, veteran United States Air Force, A.M. ‘Hupp” Huppman, retired United States Navy, and Paul Lore, veteran United States Marine Corps. For information or to donate to Foar From Home, please visit https://foarfromhome.com.  Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Announces Updates to Executive Team5/24/2021 Christy Budnick promoted to CEO of global franchise network JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 24, 2021) – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, Northeast Florida’s leading residential real estate brokerage, proudly announces the following updates to its executive team. Kevin Waugaman, vice president of core services, has been promoted to chief executive officer of the company and Ann King, who is currently vice president of brokerage, has been promoted to president. Christy Budnick, current president and CEO of Florida Network Realty, has been promoted to CEO of HSF Affiliates, which operates and manages the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living Real Estate residential real estate brokerage franchise networks. These changes are effective immediately. As CEO, Waugaman, who has served as vice president of core services since 2018, is responsible for overseeing the Northeast Florida brokerage operation in addition to the company’s affiliated lending, relocation, title, and property management businesses. Waugaman will also oversee accounting and operations. An industry leader with more than 20 years of experience in real estate, mortgage and finance, Waugaman joined the company in 2014 as managing broker of the company's Ponte Vedra Beach/Nocatee branch office. In 2018 Waugaman was promoted to Vice President- Core Services where he worked with the leadership team in building out the "One Team" solution for clients to access in one place best in class brokerage, title, mortgage, property management and home warranty offerings. Prior to joining Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Waugaman spent nine years at a South Florida real estate company, including five years as the company's vice president of sales. His career began with Merrill Lynch, where his responsibilities included mortgage origination, asset management and technology implementation. King, who has served as vice president of brokerage since 2018, will continue to lead the brokerage division which includes nine offices and 475 agents, and additionally will oversee marketing, digital innovation, and brokerage expansion efforts. She will also work closely with Founder Linda Sherrer to advance new builder business and community philanthropic outreach. King joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty in 2007, and quickly became a top producing Realtor specializing in luxury homes in St. Augustine and the beaches area. She was appointed Broker/Manager of the St. Augustine office in 2009 and began managing the Murabella office when it opened in 2016. Prior to joining Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, King spent nearly a decade working in retail management with an emphasis on marketing and merchandising. “I am extremely confident in our company’s future in the talented hands of Kevin and Ann,” Budnick said. “Their exceptional leadership skills, extensive experience and many accomplishments in agent recruiting, development and mentoring have been instrumental to our success. As they transition into these new roles, I know Kevin and Ann’s vision and actions will ensure a bright future for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty.” In her new role as CEO of HSF Affiliates, Budnick will oversee the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global real estate brokerage franchise network. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is one of the world’s fastest-growing residential real estate brokerage franchise networks, with more than 50,000 real estate professionals, nearly 1,500 offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Middle East. In 2021 the network associates facilitated more than $138 billion in real estate sales volume. “Christy is a smart, charismatic and highly respected leader who has inspired thousands of agents and employees,” said Gino Blefari, chairman of HSF Affiliates and CEO of HomeServices of America, the parent company to Florida Network Realty. “Her deep understanding of our business, together with her extraordinary leadership skills make her the perfect person to lead the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living franchise networks into the future.” Budnick, who joined the company in 2002 and was named President and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty in 2018, will maintain a role as Chairperson of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida. Network Realty. Founder and Chairman Linda Sherrer will continue her active role in leading the company’s builder services division and community service efforts. ‘Kevin and Ann bring exceptional leadership qualities to Florida Network Realty and the HomeServices executive team,” concluded Blefari. “And we look forward to supporting them as they lead Florida Network Realty to its next chapter of growth and success.” For more information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, visit FloridaNetworkRealty.com. For Immediate Release May 24, 2021 Alexandria, Va. – Mark VanLoh, A.A.E., Chief Executive Officer of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA), was honored with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Distinguished Service Award today at a meeting of the JAA Board of Directors. The award is presented to airport executives in honor of an exemplary career and contributions to the airport industry. “For more than three decades, Mark VanLoh has served as a model airport professional, a respected aviation industry voice, and an effective leader in the communities that have been fortunate enough to have his services,” said AAAE Chair Kelly Campbell, A.A.E., Executive Director of Aviation at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport. “Mark is the rare breed who has proven adept at getting things done while always being agreeable and respectful. It is fitting that AAAE is honoring him for his dedication, his professionalism, and his significant career achievements.” The Distinguished Service Award is one of AAAE’s highest levels of recognition. Individuals receive the award as a mark of accomplishments in their professional and personal lives. Respected leaders of their own communities, these individuals also contribute to other aviation organizations, serve AAAE and its chapters, and participate in civic and community affairs. Distinguished Service Award winners exemplify the best in airport management by continually bringing credit to the profession and the aviation community. All DSA winners are Accredited Airport Executives (A.A.E.) and exemplify the standards accreditation seeks to inspire. VanLoh, who became an accredited airport executive in 1989, has been active in many aspects of AAAE over the years, including continuous involvement at the chapter level and with service on the AAAE Board of Directors, the Policy Review Committee, and the International Association of Airport Executives (IAAE) Board of Directors. He has served on several committees, including as chair of the environmental committee, and previously has hosted a AAAE national conference on air service. He is also an active member of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA). VanLoh is a 34-year aviation industry veteran. He received his pilot’s license while serving in the Army and went to work for Pan Am in New York after graduating from college. While with Pan Am, he supervised the airport operations at several of the airports in the New York area operated by the airline. He has held the airport leadership position in Rockford, Illinois; Toledo, Cleveland, Chattanooga, Kansas City, and Tulsa. As the current CEO of the JAA, he oversees the operation of four Jacksonville-area airports. Mark has been active in the United Way throughout his career.  Pictured (l-r): Mark VanLoh, A.A.E.; Kelly L. Campbell, A.A.E., executive director of aviation at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport presenting Mark’s award on behalf of AAAE; Patrick Kilbane, JAA board chair. |
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