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HRT for Women in Pine Castle, FL
Discover Effortless Aging with Hormone Therapy for Women
There's real substance to the notion that every woman is different. No two person's attitudes, bodies, or goals in life are ever exactly the same. But if there's one thing that every person shares, it's that our bodies change as we get older. That's especially true for females over the age of 50. One day you wake up, roll out of bed, and attack the day with vigor and positivity.
The next day, it seems like your emotions are out of control. Despite dieting and healthy life choices, your weight won't go down. It seems like you're having to deal with uncomfortable hot flashes every other hour of the day. Life can be hard after 50, especially when it seems like your body is plotting against you.
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But the truth is, these changes are a completely normal part of the aging process for women. As you might be aware, this change is called menopause, and according to the NIH, more than one million women go through it every year. This change in life marks the end of your period. During this time, your hormones begin to deplete, causing a range of symptoms that can be difficult to deal with without professional help. Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot Flashes
- Vaginal Dryness
- Low Libido or Sexual Desire
- Mood Swings
- Lack of Focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic Tiredness
- Increased Body Weight
Trying to juggle and cope with the symptoms of hormone deficiency can be rough for women and their partners because many of them are linked to nutrition, stress, and lack of exercise.
Fortunately, getting older and going through menopause doesn't have to be the worst time in your life. Hormone replacement therapy for women in Pine Castle, FL, can help correct the imbalances in your body that are brought on by menopause. These safe, proven treatments from NV Medical Orlando can help balance your hormones during menopause and even help you reclaim your youth.
AboutWhat is HRT for Women?
As a locally owned and operated shutter business, doing right by our customers is our top priority. We know that there are many options out there, so we at the Shutter Shop specialize in providing our customers the highest quality product at the most reasonable price.
We're able to offer impeccable customer service and high-quality shutters and blinds at low prices because, unlike others, we are the manufacturers. That means everything you order from the Shutter Shop is made right here in Georgetown, FL by our talented team. We're proud to say that products made here at The Shutter Shop are shipped to builders and homeowners all across the United States.
It all started when Shawn Reardon, The Shutter Shop's sole owner, and his wife moved from Santee to Georgetown in 2003. They were new to the ins and outs of shutters but wanted to start up a new business on the coast of South Carolina. They started out manufacturing plantation shutters only and a couple years later began manufacturing all exterior window coverings also.
How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women Work?
At NV Medical Orlando, our HRT treatments for women include the use of pellets, which are about the size of a tic-tac and contain hormones like estrogen and testosterone. These pellets are implanted subcutaneously to supply your body with the hormones it needs. Each pellet contains a tiny number of bioidentical hormones that are released steadily into your bloodstream for up to five months.
Unlike other sexual health centers, every HRT treatment provided by our women's sexual health clinic is tailored to our patients. While natural hormone replacement therapy is effective for many women, every patient is different. That's why it's important that you speak with a board-certified doctor, like Gina Kirkpatrick, before starting any HRT treatment to make sure it's right for you.
Is HRT for Women in Pine Castle, FL, Right for You?
When a woman's hormones are balanced, there's a better chance that she will be able to live a happy, normal life. That's where the beauty of HRT for women begins to unfold because it balances hormones in your body that would otherwise be disrupted due to menopause.
HRT treatments for women are revolutionary in that they allow you to enjoy life without suffering through all the pitfalls associated with getting older. However, at NV Medical Orlando, our team understands that no two women have the same bodies or hormone imbalances. That's why our board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist, Gina Kirkpatrick, D.O., provides personalized HRT therapy options for women.
Is HRT treatment from NV Medical Orlando the answer to your mood, weight, and exhaustion problems? That's the million-dollar question we get almost every day. And honestly, it's difficult to say until we can see you in our office and conduct a thorough examination. What we can say is that when your hormones are balanced optimally during menopause, you have a much better chance of living a normal life without the overwhelming symptoms that many women experience.
At NV Medical Orlando, we prioritize helping women balance their hormones to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Our HRT therapy options aren't just about getting you on a regimen - it's about giving your body the nutrition and love it deserves through a patient-first approach.
DifferenceThe NV Medical Orlando Difference
Unlike some clinics that rush their patients into therapy, our team focuses on our patient's needs and goals first. To achieve those goals, we conduct thorough blood tests and comprehensively examine your health during your first visit. That way, we can discover your underlying problems, determine your hormone levels, and get a better sense of your needs.
After that, our dedicated physician will develop a personalized treatment plan for you. The goal of this plan is to outline your HRT journey so that we can balance your hormones and your whole body. During this process, we'll keep a close eye on your hormone replacement therapy for women in Pine Castle, FL. Like a web, HRT therapy covers several facets of female health. Each piece of that web works in tandem with others to make up how you feel. If we need to tweak aspects of your plan to help you feel better, we'll let you know and will adjust accordingly.
At the end of the day, we want you to feel safe, empowered, and like you're part of our family. After all, true HRT for women doesn't just balance hormones - it optimizes wellbeing and health, too. That's why NV Medical Orlando is dedicated to giving you a one-of-a-kind experience and specialized care, so you'll never feel like you're falling through the cracks.
Up to this point, we've talked about all the greatness that can come with HRT from NV Medical Orlando - but what are the actual benefits? Let's take a look.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women in Pine Castle, FL
Most women who consider natural hormone therapy are curious about its benefits and the results of long-term clinical investigations. Who wouldn't be? When it comes to the symptoms of menopause, natural estrogen therapy can be incredibly effective for conditions like lack of sleep, weight gain, excessive sweating, mood swings, and more.
In addition to promoting overall health, HRT for women can help reverse sexual symptoms of menopause, like vaginal dryness and general discomfort during intercourse.
When used as part of a comprehensive preventive healthcare plan, HRT can be an invaluable tool for women. That's because hormone therapies like estrogen treatment have been shown in clinical investigations to reduce the risk of serious concerns like osteoporosis and bone loss.
But that's just the start. Clinical studies report a wide range of HRT benefits, including:
- Improved Mood
- Better Memory
- Improved Concentration
- Longer and Healthier Sleep
- Fewer Hot Flashes
- Less Chance of Depression
- Optimized Vaginal Health
- Improved Muscle Mass and Strength
- Improved Blood Pressure
- Better Cholesterol Levels
- Less Risk of Alzheimer's
- Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer
To learn more about the benefits of HRT and whether treatment is right for you, contact our office today. If you're ready to feel better about getting older, NV Medical Orlando is here to help you every step of the way.
Your HRT Timeline
As we mentioned earlier, no two women will have the same hormone levels or HRT therapy needs. As such, every woman's timeline for menopause relief will be different. Generally, however, a standard HRT timeline may look like this:
Around week one, many women notice that they experience fewer hot flashes than normal. Some women notice these improvements only a few days after their first treatment.
After about two to three weeks of HRT for women in Pine Castle, FL, many women notice that they have less irritability, anxiety, and fewer mood swings. During this phase, hot flashes should continue diminishing, and sleep may improve. Other benefits of HRT, like increased libido and more energy, are also expected during this phase.
Starting around weeks three to four, many HRT patients will notice drastic improvements in menopausal symptoms.
Around weeks five and six, it's common for women to notice physical differences like healthier skin, less hair loss, and even weight loss. With time, these improvements become even more pronounced.
Additional Services for Optimal Female Health
At NV Medical Orlando, we don't only treat our patients for sexual health and wellness. Because Dr. Gina Kirkpatrick is a fellowship-trained urologist, our clinic has the capacity to treat all matters related to sexual health and wellness, including certain urologic conditions.
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Have you started to notice that things “down under†are different than they were years ago? Are you experiencing disconcerting symptoms such as:
- Burning
- Irritation After Sex
- Dryness
- Urinary Incontinence
- Unfulfilling Intercourse
- Vaginal Laxity (Lack of Tightness)
- Diminished Lubrication During Intercourse
If you've noticed any of the above symptoms, you may be dealing with vaginal or pelvic floor laxity. For women dealing with these issues, vaginal rejuvenation often answers their problems. Vaginal rejuvenation is an umbrella term that covers several vaginal corrective procedures. These procedures can correct problems that occur after giving birth or during menopause.
Traditionally, these conditions have been treated with invasive surgeries and with supplements like vaginal estrogen or hyaluronic acid. However, modern treatment options like laser vaginal rejuvenation are growing in popularity and can help women avoid the pitfalls of surgery.
In fact, study centers around the world are using monopolar radiofrequency for vaginal laxity in premenopausal women. Studies show that treatment is safe and helps improve vaginal laxity and other sexual dysfunctions. Additionally, anecdotal evidence shows that patients have less urine leakage when coughing, laughing, sneezing, and exercising.
If you're unsatisfied with the appearance of your vagina or have noticed increased looseness or diminished lubrication, don't lose hope. Vaginal rejuvenation, HRT for women in Pine Castle, FL, or a combo of the two may be right for you.
Vaginal Dryness
The primary cause of vaginal atrophy or vaginal dryness is the reduction of estrogen. Typically, women lose estrogen during and after menopause. Childbirth and hysterectomy can also be causes that reduce estrogen production. To help women restore natural levels of estrogen, thereby treating vaginal dryness, NV Medical Orlando offers three types of therapies:
Vaginal Therapy
Estrogen cream is applied intravaginally at night to improve vaginal blood flow, lubrication, and elasticity. Alternatively, women can choose s Hyaluronic Acid Vaginal Suppository, which provides hormone-free relief from vaginal dryness. This treatment is best for women who cannot undergo hormone replacement therapy.
Minimally Invasive Vaginal Therapy
Viveve Radiofrequency Technology, which uses cryogen-cooled radio frequencies to heat and cool vaginal tissue, is designed to improve:
- Blood Flow
- Vaginal Lubrication
- Vaginal Laxity
- Stress Urinary Incontinence
This popular treatment is performed discreetly, is painless, and usually takes less than an hour to complete.
Systemic Therapy
HRT for women in Pine Castle, FL, can be administered as oral pills, creams, pellets, or as injections under the skin. The specific type of hormones, their delivery mechanisms, and dosage levels are determined on a patient-by-patient basis after a detailed history, physical exam, and laboratory study.
Low Libido in Women
If you're a woman who finds herself lacking sexual desire or the act of sexual intercourse, you're not alone. In fact, research from 1999 shows that as much as 22% of women in the U.S. report low sex drive. Though this issue is often underreported, its causes and the available treatments are well-known.
Causes of low libido in women include:
Surgery
Hysterectomies often result in a drastic drop of testosterone and estrogen in a woman's body. This drop in hormones has been linked to low libido.
Medications
Some medicines that are used to treat depression and anxiety, specifically SSRIs that inhibit serotonin, have been demonstrated to reduce sexual arousal.
Hormones
Estrogen affects blood flow to vaginal and genital tissues. Reducing estrogen, which can occur during and after menopause, childbirth or surgical menopause created secondary to a hysterectomy can result in reduced vaginal blood flow and lubrication.
Overall Health
Studies on post-menopausal women have demonstrated that patients in poor health report lower sexual desire. In fact, symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and mood swings caused by chronic illnesses all contribute to decreased female libido.
Though low libido and the effects of unbalanced hormones can be concerning, treatment is available at NV Medical Orlando. First, a thorough physical exam and health history will be conducted to help our experts develop an optimal treatment plan for you. During your evaluation, you may be asked to complete a questionnaire that helps us assess your symptoms further. That way, we can craft an appropriate treatment regimen to address your symptoms and concerns.
The type of treatment recommended depends on your identified needs and may include hormone replacement therapy for women, vaginal treatments, oral medications, sexual therapies, or additional treatment regimens.
The Premier Choice for FDA-Approved HRT for Women in Pine Castle, FL
If you're a woman suffering day-to-day from the symptoms of menopause, now is the time to balance your hormones and reclaim your life. Sure, menopause is a natural process that occurs in almost every woman's body. But that doesn't mean you must forego treatments like HRT to make your transition easier. Who says the second half of your life can't be better than the first?
At NV Medical Orlando, we have helped countless women overcome the life-changing symptoms associated with menopause and hormone imbalances, and we're here for you, too. Contact our office today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward long-term relief.
407-730-4244
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Latest News in Pine Castle, FL
Bomb testing in Ocala National Forest
Caroline Brauchlerhttps://www.ocalagazette.com/bomb-testing-in-ocala-national-forest/
Home » CommunityResidents may hear a little extra noise coming from the Ocala National Forest this week as the U.S. Navy conducts bomb testing at the Pinecastle Impact Range. But other than the noise, the only thing those near the range should be cautious about is wildlife that officials say may move around more frequently because of the disturbance.&ldqu...
Residents may hear a little extra noise coming from the Ocala National Forest this week as the U.S. Navy conducts bomb testing at the Pinecastle Impact Range. But other than the noise, the only thing those near the range should be cautious about is wildlife that officials say may move around more frequently because of the disturbance.
“During bombing periods, wildlife may be temporarily displaced. Use extra caution when driving through the Ocala National Forest and surrounding areas. Secure any items around your residence that could attract wildlife. Always be mindful of larger animals including black bears,” noted a news release from Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville.
Testing of live and inert, or inactive, bombs is occurring this week from Sept. 5-7, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m. each day, according to the news release. Bomb testing happens relatively frequently at this site, which is the only place on the East Coast of the United States where the Navy trains with live bombs.
The use of the range differs from week to week. Navy and Marine Corps commands use the Pinecastle range to activate either practice bombs or live bombs to prepare for deployment, said Kaylee Larocque, NAS Jacksonville spokesperson, via email.
Over the past few months, bomb testing occurred from June 28-July 2, July 5-9, Aug. 1, Aug. 22-24 and Aug. 28-31.
Ocala has played a pivotal role in naval operations since the early 1940s, when the War Department acquired more than 40,500 acres of the forest for what was then called the Lake Bryant Bombing and Gunnery Range, according to NAS Jacksonville.
Through World War II, the U.S. Army Air Force Command used this range, as part of the Pinecastle Army Field and Orlando Army Air Base, for rocket missions, bombing practice, ground gunnery and firefighting.
In 1951, the Navy acquired a portion of the range, which has continuously been in operation ever since to help train military personnel.
Today, this unique portion of the Ocala National Forest is used as a training location so military pilots can get real-life training in a realistic environment.
“The Pinecastle Range is the only U.S. East Coast training facility authorized for the release of explosive air-to-surface ordnance, including close air support, an essential factor in air warfare training,” according to NAS Jacksonville.
Synthetic training, such as the use of simulators, is commonly used within the Navy for training. The Ocala National Forest offers a kind of training that cannot be simulated, however, and is instrumental for pilots who specialize in air strikes, according to NAS Jacksonville.
To file a noise complaint about the bombs, email nasjax.noisecomplaints@us.navy.mil. For more information about the Ocala National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov.
Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Orange County’s District 3
OCFL Newsroomhttps://newsroom.ocfl.net/2021/04/top-5-things-you-need-to-know-about-orange-countys-district-3/
Orange County is home to six districts that each has a distinct personality when it comes to history, natural beauty, parks and recreation options, resident diversity and business opportunities. District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe gave us her Top 5 things to know about her district:The original Pine Castle was a private residence built by poet ...
Orange County is home to six districts that each has a distinct personality when it comes to history, natural beauty, parks and recreation options, resident diversity and business opportunities. District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe gave us her Top 5 things to know about her district:
The original Pine Castle was a private residence built by poet Will Harney, who settled in the area from Ohio immediately following the Civil War. After claiming the land on Lake Conway south of Orlando, he built a castle using the native pine trees naming the structure “Pine Castle.” Within a few years, the entire neighborhood was referred to as Pine Castle. In 1974, as the community continued to flourish and develop, residents created an annual festival – Pioneer Days – to celebrate their pioneer spirit.
Barber Park has a dog park section (divided with one side for small dogs and one side for large dogs), a playground, soccer fields, volleyball area, basketball court, skate park and hockey rink. The skate park is free and the location of the 1st Annual District 3 Skate Event. A wide sidewalk surrounds the park and is perfect for walking or jogging. The Conway Community Market is also ideal for a Sunday family experience.
Cypress Grove Park is a 90-acre park located on beautiful Lake Jessamine. It features great walking trails and recreation areas. The park’s restored 1925 estate house is a highly sought-after venue for weddings, meetings, receptions and special occasions. There is plenty of picnic space, and the park’s pavilion and group area are also available for rental.
District 3 is the smallest but most populated district in the County with parts of three municipalities within its jurisdiction: the cities of Orlando, Edgewood and Belle Isle, each with its own distinct personality and offerings.
District 3 has a number of pristine lakes that offer boat ramps, including on Lake Conway, Lake Holden, Lake Jessamine, Lake Anderson and Lake Mary. The boat ramps give residents ample opportunity to enjoy recreational options such as fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding or simply relaxing on the open water.
For more on District 3 and Commissioner Mayra Uribe, go to the Orange County website.
Do you want to know what District you reside in and who your Commissioner is? Visit ocfl.net/bcc and type your street address and you can find your District and Orange County Commissioner.
Photo cutline: People skateboarding at Barber Park.
Pine Castle Celebrates Community History
OCFL Newsroomhttps://newsroom.ocfl.net/2014/03/pine-castle-celebrates-community-history/
Orange County, FL – Since 1974, the town of Pine Castle has been honoring their heritage with a celebration of unique Orange County history. Pioneer Days is a two-day festival held at Cypress Grove Park filled with demonstrations of original pioneer crafts, exciting historic reenactments, traditional music and storytelling and folk entertainment. On February 22 and 23, the residents and families of Pine Castle came together to celebrate this annual festivity. District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke was also in attendance, ...
Orange County, FL – Since 1974, the town of Pine Castle has been honoring their heritage with a celebration of unique Orange County history. Pioneer Days is a two-day festival held at Cypress Grove Park filled with demonstrations of original pioneer crafts, exciting historic reenactments, traditional music and storytelling and folk entertainment. On February 22 and 23, the residents and families of Pine Castle came together to celebrate this annual festivity. District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke was also in attendance, provided remarks and read the official proclamation of Pioneers Days.
“Residents of South Orange County have celebrated their pioneer roots at a variety of community gatherings spanning more than a century,” says Billy Morgan Pine Castle Pioneer Days Chairman. “Last year, when it became clear the festival was outgrowing its original site, Commissioner Pete Clarke came forward with an offer to strengthen the long standing community partnership with Orange County Government by making Cypress Grove Park available as a new venue. This year’s event was the first at the new site and thousands of area residents came together to celebrate the area’s long connection to trains and the railroad.”
The original Pine Castle was a private residence built by poet Will Harney who settled in the area from Ohio immediately following the Civil War. Harney composed many tributes to the tranquil virtues of the Central Florida frontier and endured many hardships pioneer settlers encountered in those days. After claiming the land on Lake Conway south of Orlando, he built a castle using the native pine trees naming the structure “Pine Castle.”
Within a matter of just a few years, the entire neighborhood was referred to as Pine Castle. It was often considered the “most striking landmark between Orlando and Kissimmee” and is situated near the cities of Edgewood and Belle Isle, including the pockets of unincorporated Orange County that surround the Conway chain of lakes. In 1974, as Pine Castle continued to flourish and develop, the residents created an annual festival to celebrate their pioneer spirit.
This year, Pioneer Days offered a wholesome, old-fashion lifestyle experience full of family activities and folk traditions. The festival kicked off with a community parade that followed a theme of trains and railroads. Throughout the weekend attendees enjoyed various events that celebrated their unique history.
Preparations for the 2015 event are already underway. Organizers welcome volunteers with a passion for preserving our local history for future generations of pioneers. For more information, call (407) 427-9692, email pinecastlepioneerdays@hotmail.com, or visit the festival web site www.pinecastlepioneerdays.org.
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About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its citizens and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world famous theme parks, the nation’s second largest convention center, and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners including the Mayor who is elected countywide. For more information please visit www.OCFL.net or go to the Orange County facebook and twitter pages.
Historic Belle Isle house threatened with wrecking ball by charter school
Carolina Cardonahttps://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/07/13/historic-belle-isle-house-threatened-with-wrecking-ball-by-charter-school/
Cornerstone Charter Academy wants to use Lancaster House land for parking spacesBELLE ISLE, Fla. – A group of Belle Isle and Pine Castle residents is pleading for Cornerstone Charter Academy to reconsider their request to demolish the historic Lancaster House.The house was built in the 1880s and is named after Belle Isle’s first mayor.[TRENDING: ...
Cornerstone Charter Academy wants to use Lancaster House land for parking spaces
BELLE ISLE, Fla. – A group of Belle Isle and Pine Castle residents is pleading for Cornerstone Charter Academy to reconsider their request to demolish the historic Lancaster House.
The house was built in the 1880s and is named after Belle Isle’s first mayor.
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“I was grieved when I heard that they wanted to tear it down,” said Ginni Christopher, a resident of Pine Castle.
Christopher recalled holding bible study meetings at the house several years ago. “This home is very dear to my heart at a time, when we didn’t really have a space at our church.”
Lancaster House is located across from Cornerstone Charter Academy, which leases the property.
“We need the city of Belle Isle and the commissioners have been working so hard on this for so long, to stick to their original decision — this house is worth saving, don’t let it be torn down,” said Bill Morgan, chairman of the nonprofit, Pine Castle Pioneer Days.
The nonprofit is trying to save the house from the wrecking ball and told News 6 that the school wants the space for more parking.
“They really don’t need seven more parking spaces,” said Ben Bateman, vice-chair of the group.
Pine Castle Pioneer Days said the city of Belle Isle had already approved money to move the house, but then changed its mind.
“Five months ago, they made a decision to give $75,000 towards moving the house, then they came back and said, ‘No, it really needs to stay where it is for historical integrity. So would you guys be willing to come in and as Pioneer Days, come in and restore the house and maintain it?’ And we said, ‘Absolutely, yes,’” Morgan said.
On Wednesday evening, the city council discussed the fate of the house. According to the chairman of the nonprofit, it’s not the first time there have been talks about tearing down the house, but a previous 6-1 city council vote saved it.
“We began fundraising and getting the National Registry application put together and doing everything we had to do to make that happen, and now, they’re being asked to again come back and say, ‘Well, maybe we want to change our mind again,’” Morgan said.
Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe — a lifelong resident of Pine Castle — and former Belle Isle City Commissioner Bobby Lance spoke out at the meeting.
“We are an amazing county that has moved forward with everything we’re doing innovative, and it is an honor to have such a beautiful historic site in our community, and we just want to do everything we can to protect it,” Uribe said. “I’m even open to considering moving the house, but destroying it would be so detrimental to the history of Pine Castle, to Orange County and to this community as a whole.”
The council voted during the Wednesday meeting to have city leaders try to renegotiate the matter further.
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Special-needs adults make holiday luminaria kits to brighten Jacksonville
Beth Reese Craveyhttps://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/nonprofits/2020/11/16/jacksonville-luminaria-project-fulfills-special-needs-adults/6252464002/
At a workshop on Jacksonville's Southside, a group of special-needs adults gather this time of year to turn flat-bottom bags, votive candles and premium sand into luminaria kits that will light up neighborhoods all over town.They are proud to be part of the city's holiday tradition.“Well, I put the candles in the box because I can count," said Michelle Cooks, 56. ”I like that they will look nice at people's houses."The workshop is at ...
At a workshop on Jacksonville's Southside, a group of special-needs adults gather this time of year to turn flat-bottom bags, votive candles and premium sand into luminaria kits that will light up neighborhoods all over town.
They are proud to be part of the city's holiday tradition.
“Well, I put the candles in the box because I can count," said Michelle Cooks, 56. ”I like that they will look nice at people's houses."
The workshop is at Pine Castle, a work- and life-skills training and activity center for adults with intellectual and developmental differences. Some clients get job opportunities at area businesses, others work onsite assembling and packaging for businesses or on Pine Castle product lines such as stakes for construction and survey companies and the holiday luminaria kits.
"Every time you walk into a Pine Castle workshop and see the participants hard at work you cannot help but smile," said Cory Clarkston, business and employment placement officer. "The participants bring an energy each and every day that lights up our campus and to see the pride they take in their work is an experience unlike any other."
"The ongoing development that the … employment program provides brings opportunities to each participant that they might not otherwise have and creates pathways that help them reach their highest potential," he said.
White luminaria bags — containing a small candle anchored by sand — are traditionally used to light and decorate walkways, paths, porches or entryways during the holidays. The 25-year-old Pine Castle project sells about 4,000 kits annually at $10 each plus tax. Each kit contains 12 white flat-bottom bags, 12 white votive candles and two bags of premium sand, as well as the story and a photo of a client who made the kit.
The 20 Pine Castle clients who participate "are hard workers and are very diligent in the assembly of each kit," Clarkston said. "They take great pride in ensuring their specific role in the process is done correctly and understand it is critical to the success of their team to produce a complete kit."
The reward for them, he said, comes not only with their paychecks but as they "see the kits being used around their communities to brighten up the holidays."
"They take great pride in their work," Clarkston said. "Like all of us, they want to work and earn money to take care of their needs and to buy things they want. … Others are excited to be able to go see a movie or to share a meal with a friend. But all of them are happy to be working each day, learning new skills and preparing themselves for future work in our community. You will not find a more enthusiastic workforce anywhere."
The clients are paid based on the number of pieces produced or hourly wages, or a combination of the two, according to spokeswoman Amber Sesnick. The U.S. Department of Labor allows "adults with differences the opportunity to do work at their pace and earn a paycheck based on their level of production," she said.
The kits are sold to homeowners associations and community organizations that host luminaria nights, as well as through local retailers, media advertisements, referrals to friends and neighbors and the Pine Castle website, digital newsletter and social media.
Riverside Avondale Preservation ordered kits two years ago.
"We thought that this special gift kit would be a nice addition to our inventory," said Executive Director Warren Jones. "We have not sold out of the kits yet, so we will reorder when we do so. We picked Pine Castle to do the work because of their mission. A staff member and I took a tour of the facility and were very impressed with the breadth of services and the work they are doing."
Brittany Patrick, 37, said she has the same reaction when she completes a kit and when she envisions them being placed outside Jacksonville homes.
"I feel happy," she said.
Alex Thomas, 28, was new to the process.
“This year is my first year. I never done it before," he said. "I put the sand in the bag and then I stack up the boxes when they are done.”
Seeing the finished product, he said, is “pretty good.” But helping create something special for the community, he said, is "great."
Beth Reese Cravey: bcravey@jacksonville.com
PINE CASTLE LUMINARIA PROJECT
To order a kit, contact Cory Clarkston at (904) 733-2650 ext. 245 or CClarkston@PineCastle.org or go to pinecastle.org/luminaria. Proceeds support Pine Castle.
PINE CASTLE LUMINARIA PROJECT
To order a kit, contact Cory Clarkston at (904) 733-2650 ext. 245 or CClarkston@PineCastle.org or go to pinecastle.org/luminaria. Proceeds support Pine Castle.
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