When we think of childhood, what we often visualize is images of riding bikes, family events and birthday parties. But there are too many kids in our community that see none of these things – only years filled with pain and loneliness. This is where St. Augustine Youth Services (SAYS) steps in, provides therapeutic care and love, and changes lives every day.

Founded in 1989 by Carl Simone, SAYS is a private, not-for-profit agency that provides three therapeutic residential homes for First Coast area boys ages six to 18 who have suffered from physical or sexual abuse, or extreme neglect. “Our goal is to build self-esteem in these boys and young men to help them lead positive, meaningful lives,” said Executive Director Schuyler Siefker, who was honored as 2014 Administrator of the Year by the Florida Coalition for Children.

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For many of us, Mother’s Day is all about greeting cards, bouquets of carnations, and breakfast in bed. While these gestures are all appreciated, why not surprise Mom this year with an unexpected present that matches her personality to a tee? We’ve compiled some ideas for gifts that will suit almost any type of Mom. Let’s start by considering what she likes. My Mom likes to …

… get outside and break a sweat!

Help your health-minded Mom keep track of her daily activity with a no pressure gadget that is simple to use: an activity tracker! There are many on the market, but the most affordable and highest rated trackers are the Fitbit and SYNC Fit brands. These tiny devices count steps, distance, and calories burned. They also sync wirelessly to Mom’s laptop so she can use online tools to set goals and track progress. No need to worry though; even the lowest tech Mom can use the simple, one-button device! They sell online for less than $100.

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Though Randy and Bernadette Slocum are new residents, the couple actually took an interest in World Golf Village when it was just starting to take root in the late 90s.

While they didn’t buy at that time, the community certainly made a lasting impression on the couple and they recently settled into the King & Bear community where they are enjoying the peace, beauty, and of course, golf. We caught up with Randy to learn more.

How long have you lived in World Golf Village?  We closed on our new home in December 2013. We have settled in on Crown Drive and are truly enjoying everything about this wonderful community. In fact, before we bought our home in Jacksonville 14 years ago we had looked at World Golf Village when it was in its infancy. 

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Easter is here, which means baskets filled with colored eggs and a day filled outdoor family fun! To celebrate this year, St. Augustine is gearing up for a hopping good time with exciting festivities. Here is a sampling of local events to consider on Easter Sunday, April 20.

Easter Sunday Brunch at Villagio Italian Grille

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — The Renaissance WGV Resort

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Davidson Realty is thrilled to welcome S.O.S. Diner, a local food truck company, to feature its fare at the Davidson Realty offices each Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

S.O.S. Diner serves a variety of lunchtime favorites, including sandwiches, wraps, tacos, scrumptious sides, and various soups and stews. Visit S.O.S. Diner’s Facebook page to see a menu and photos of their mouthwatering menu items!

Part of the proceeds will benefit Davidson Cares, which offers support through grants to several St. Johns County public schools, including Mill Creek Elementary School, Wards Creek Elementary School, Palencia Elementary School, and Pacetti Bay Middle School. The program also raises funds directly for the schools through an annual 5K race and other fundraising events.

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When it opened its doors in November 2007, Blackstone Grille set a new precedent for excellence in American Fusion cuisine for all of Northeast Florida. Since then, it has earned distinctions from Jacksonville Magazine as one of the area’s best eateries, and continues to gain traction as a top dining destination for Jacksonville and St. Augustine.

Blackstone’s executive chef and principal Charles Wang has been an integral part of the bistro’s success by utilizing his uniquely diverse culinary background. A more than 30-year restaurant veteran, Charles earned 1st Place honors at the 2002 TBS Superstation Dinner and a Movie, an invitation-only cooking competition held in New York. He has also been a cooking competition judge.

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Around eight months ago, I received an email from Sharon Arnold at the American Cancer Society explaining that, without the community stepping up, there would no longer be a World Golf Village Relay for Life supporting cancer research for the American Cancer Society. I forwarded that email out to Davidson Realty’s agents and to my surprise, Realtors Amy Anderson and Debra Pappas took the entire project on themselves. With the blood, sweat and tears of the amazing committee members, World Golf Village’s Relay for Life on Saturday, March 29, raised $7,000 in one day. A total of $29,135.90 was raised for the entire event.

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Davidson Realty’s VP of Marketing Peyton Davidson and Marketing Coordinator Matt Burkhart had so much fun delivering grant checks to Palencia Elementary School, Wards Creek Elementary School, Pacetti Bay Middle School and Mill Creek Elementary School! The Davidson Cares’ checks were awarded for the inspiring educational grant request videos submitted by teachers and PTO members for the needs within the schools. Voting for the videos took place from January 24th –  February 28th and teachers, students, parents, friends and the community were allowed to vote once a day for their favorite video from each school. All four schools received a $1,000 grant for the videos with the most votes and Pacetti Bay got an additional $500 for their anti-bullying efforts due to the importance of the cause. Congratulations to all the winners!

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The World Golf Village Relay For Life is coming to Mill Creek Elementary School on Saturday, March 29, at noon! More than 170 participants are expected to take part in the signature fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society. Eighteen teams have signed up so far.

Two of Davidson Realty’s agents are heading up the event’s planning and organization including Event Chair Amy Anderson and Co-Chair Debra Pappas. Other key contributors are Entertainment and Registration Chair Terri Bailey, Luminaria Pat Philo, Survivor Chair Ken Becker, and Online Chair Kathleen Richards.

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The business of food trucks has taken off in recent years and, thanks to the passionate dedication of food truck owners, people all over Northeast Florida have come to enjoy the delicious convenience of these eateries on wheels. Passion and dedication define the owners of S.O.S. Diner, who are in the process of taking the food truck movement to the next level – from the roads to the water.

Co-owner Jesse Dowling recently found a moment to let us in on the history of S.O.S. Diner, its scrumptious food, and the meaning behind its name.

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