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20saryanniverYE ARSServing the St. Johns County CommunityA Florida NewsLine PublicationSEPTEMBER 2020 Volume 20 Issue 9Nease NJROTC, the No. 1 programin northern Florida and the state ofGeorgia and one of the top 10 programsnationally, restocked its high-performingcadet leadership ranks by successfullygraduating seven cadets at the Area-12NJROTC Leadership Academy in ClayCounty in July.Photo courtesy Scott La RochelleNease NJROTC instructors and cadets completed theArea-12 Leadership Academy in Clay County: GYSGTDuane Hanson, MCPO Duane Spears, Amber Vidler,Dylan Dosio, Brandon Donovan, Daniel Mahoney, BrodieMongon, Juan Castillo, Haylie Spell, Isabella Rivera, KaitlynBoggs and Captain Scott LaRochelle.The NJROTC Leadership Academyhistorically brings together the top 200cadets from Area-12’s 60 high schoolprograms across northern Florida andthe state of Georgia; however, thisyear to ensure the proper health andsafety of the trainees, smaller LeadershipAcademy clusters were organized acrossthe area. The Clay County LeadershipAcademy included 30 cadets from Clay,Fleming Island, Middleburg, Oakleaf,Orange Park, Ridgeview and Nease highschools.page 16PuzzlesThread of community support holdsbusinesses togetherBy Heidy Brosofsky-Weavermail@floridanewsline.com“Success in life largely depends upon one’sability to adapt to change,” a wise friendonce shared. This idea rings true formany small businesses during therecent pandemic, and ownersare creatively finding ways toadjust with support fromtheir customers.practice in Bunnell for five years beforeopening Crosswinds. She took great carein designing the brand new facilitywhere pets are greeted by a signwith their name. Additionally,each room offers pet snacksand toys, informativevideos, and an Echo Dotfor customized music.At All About Ballroomin Fruit Cove, managerZeljko “Jake” Lukichis appreciative of loyalclients who took lessonsthrough ZOOM duringthe state-mandated closingof businesses. Now, afterreopening, the studio providesmasks, gloves, and hand sanitizer,taking all precautions recommendedby the Centers for Disease Control.For example, the number of dancers on theexpansive ballroom floor is now limited to10 per group, and there are separate doorsfor entry and exit.“People feel safe, and that’s the mainthing,” said Lukich, who opened the studiosix years ago.Rebecca Mullensof the TwistedCompass Brewing Co. also paysclose attention tothe ever-changingrequirements.“We want the animalsto feel comfortable,” shesaid.Photos courtesy Heidy Brosofsky-WeaverZeljko “Jake” Lukich of All About Ballroom.While some businesses can rely on anestablished customer base, veterinarianJennifer Lockwood opened CrosswindsVeterinary Hospital in late February, justweeks before the pandemic began. Heroffice is tuckedaway behind Memorial EmergencyCenter on RaceDavid, a barista at Twisted Compass Brewing Co.Mullens said customers have beenfaithful throughout the pandemic, takingadvantage of to-go and online ordering options. Some even purchased gift cards forhealthcare workers, firefighters, and policeofficers.Track Road, andshe said peoplewere hesitant toventure out ingeneral, muchless visit a newveterinarian.At this point, Dr.Lockwood relies a lot onword of mouth and socialplatforms, and her practice isgrowing as “people see value inwhat we offer.” Her priorities includeeducation and communication with petowners so they can be more active in theiranimal’s health.Communication is also important toChantal Bearchen, owner of the Belgian Sweet House. A native of Belgium,Bearchen is not eligible for small businessassistance. Another challenge is that manyof her regular customers are elderly andconfined to assisted living facilities. Infact, she calls some of her dearly-missedcustomers regularly to check on them.“The people who visit myshop are not customers.I like to treat everyone asa friend,” said Bearchen.In addition to itemslike fresh crepes andwaffles, the shop has awide array of importedBelgian goods, includingchocolate from the familybusiness.“We make sure weput customer andemployee safetyfirst,” she said.To help Bearchen, anumber of customerspost videos and photoson social platforms, andthere is a GoFundMe acDr. Jennifer Lockwood with cat Charlie at CrosswindsVeterinary Hospital. count, as well.A business partner with Creekside HighSchool and Durbin Creek Elementary,Dr. Lockwood worked at a mixed animalClearly, the thread of support that runs through this communityis an important part of the small businesstapestry.Residential Customer“We live and take pride in our wonderfulcommunity,” she said. “Great coffee shopconversations, in these times, have helpedus form new friendships and bonds that wecherish and do not take for granted.”**************ECRWSSEDDM****Florida NewsLine102 State Road 13, Suite 1,St. Johns, Florida 32259Presorted StandardECRWSSUS Postage PaidJacksonville, FLPermit No. 1858Navy JROTC cont. on pg. 15Get to Know . . .Henrietta ThreattBeloved art teacherretiresBFF Best Furry FriendBy NewsLine Staffmail@floridanewsline.compage 15page 10page 3Nease cadetsgraduate fromNavy JROTCLeadershipAcademyCreekLineTheOffer valid until 9/30/20Must show ad to redeem offer

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