Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
– Melody Beattie
Welcome to our Giving Thanks issue. November opens the door to many important seasons and holidays – Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and the holiday season. Amid the busy days and activities, taking a moment to think about your blessings and express your gratitude has been proven to provide a happier and healthier mental state. Take the time to stop and enjoy the life you have, not only in November and on Thanksgiving, but every day.
We are happy to provide some ideas on how to turn your gratitude into action. We have assembled some volunteer opportunities in which your family can participate. This list is not all inclusive, so keep your eyes open for opportunities that fit your family’s interests and passions.
If you need information about available area services and resources, or to find a volunteer opportunity or area charity, you can call the United Way at 2-1-1. It is a great resource that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Wondering how to teach your children how to thank a veteran? This issue covers some ideas and provides a list of local resources where you can interact with veterans in our area. We want to thank Sergeant Edgar Somera, an Army veteran, and his family for agreeing to be our cover family this issue! Thank you for your service!
This issue, we are premiering our Ask the Doctor column. If you have any questions or subjects that you would like to get more information on, please drop us a line at editor@parentmagazineflorida.com. Your subject may be covered in a future issue.
And our Giving Thanks issue would be remiss if we didn’t thank you – our readers – for your ideas, emails and interaction with Parent Magazine. We realize that you have many choices on what you read, follow and take the time to interact with, and we are so grateful to have you as a Parent Magazine parent!

We also want to recognize you – our readers! Your calls, emails and social media messages have given us great feedback. We hope you will continue to let us know what you want to read and see. Be sure to visit our Facebook page @StJohnsParentMagazine, and after liking/following, be sure to share our digital guides and stories with your friends and family.

Stephanie Robinson (Business Manager), Debbie Trask (Account Executive – Flagler and St. Johns Counties), Barbara Holley (Editor), Howard Holley (Publisher), Jeanne Coates (Managing Editor) and Gabrielle Gonzalez (Account Executive – Volusia County)
We also want to recognize you – our readers! Your calls, emails and social media messages have given us great feedback. We hope you will continue to let us know what you want to read and see. Be sure to visit our Facebook pages @FlaglerParentMagazine, @VolusiaParentMagazine and @StJohnsParentMagazine, and after liking/following, be sure to share our digital guides and stories with your friends and family.
Look for our Annual Health and Wellness issue this summer, available in racks throughout the community and on our website at http://ParentMagazineFlorida.com and app (St. Johns Parent). If you subscribe as a Parent Digital Subscriber, you will receive a link when it is available, a Weekly Things To Do eNewsletter and a Monthly Flagler Parent eNewsletter. It is the best way to make sure you do not miss anything!
We are honored to be able to give you this publication, and we hope May brings you sunshine and flowers!