KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL.... AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
VOLUME 2 EDITION 6
JUNE 2021
LIVE
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Boys & Girls Clubs Summer Fun!
June is finally the start of the Summer season! Since summer is such a fun time for children to enjoy, we asked the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties what their favorite things to do during summer are! Each month we feature one submission from each of our club contributors on different topics and below are this month’s features. We hope that you enjoy reading them as much as we have and get some tips on what fun things there are to do this summer with kids!
LEARN
Ezra, 9 years old NSB-Oretha Bell Club
My name is Ezra, I am 9 years old. I go to the NSB Oretha Bell Boys & Girls Club. My favorite summer activity is swimming and hanging out with my friends and family, playing games, watching tv, reading books, cooking and exploring the nature. Because I get tons of exercise, it’s very fun and I have tons moments and laughts. I also like hanging out with Jacob and Lexie. I like exploring because it is very interesting. PAGE 3
Alana, 11 years old
WORK
Rymfire Club
My favorite summer activity is to go to the beach or to the pool, or I like to either play outside or inside with my friends because I get to hangout with my family and friends. I like to do this so that I can make new and good memories to keep forever.
Asher, 9 years old
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Jeep Beach Edgewater Club My favorite summer activity is going up in the moutains and hiking and making a fire and boating and running with my dog and watching YouTube and cooking with my grandma. I like this because it is fun to do and it makes me happy to do stuff together.
PLAY Gabriel
Rossmyer Family Holly Hill Club My favorite summer activity is to go to the pool because it is going to be hot and the pool is going to cool me down. I like to play with friends and family because my grandma is going to visit and my friend’s house is a couple blocks away. I am going to be exhausted with th esummer comes. PAGE 7
COMMUNITY UPDATES
Dalliyah, 7 years old
Lacey Family Club
My favorite summer acitivity is to play at the pool. I can play at the pool with my friends and family and pool noodles and swim.
LIVE ORLANDO
Coffee Hour with BEAT sion in the 1930’s, others talked about the end of United States economic power. And yet again after the global financial crisis in 2008 the end of the US capitalist system was declared. All of those predictions were wrong.
and I walked through the airport without seeing one other person.
the rest of the country and the world. And just in time to enjoy the summer months. The airWe are blessed ports in the US are to live in Florida, starting to be full where even during again, with planes the Pandemic, fam- packed to the last ily barbecues, going seat with business to the beach and and personal travmany more outdoor elers. The theme Never bet against activities were pos- parks and other America. There is no question sible. And while Florida attractions that the past year following the rules are getting busiSeveral times in re- has been filled with and recommendaer by the day. It cent history I have hardships from our tions outlined by is also great to get heard quite a few back to the gym people from other and see friends and AMERICA HAS ALWAYS parts of the globe neighbors at local AND CONTINUES TO say that they have stores and restaubeen convinced that HAVE THE ABILITY rants. All of these after a period of are great for FloridTO COME BACK political divide and ians, great for the FROM ADVERSITY BY pandemic that the economy, and great ‘American Dream’ CHANGING COURSE AND for America. is no longer achievTHEN BEING ABLE TO able. As we continue to PROSPER AGAIN. overcome the chalHowever, it is my lenges presented by belief that Amerihealth to the econo- the CDC and govCovid-19, we can ca has always and my and everything ernment, Avalon start getting back in continues to have in between. While Park Group was the community. We the ability to come travelling to Europe fortunate to be able will be hosting 4th back from adversity last year, I was on to keep our busiof July Celebrations by changing course flights that were ness activities in in our Orlando and and then being able more than 90% full swing. In fact, Wesley Chapel to prosper again. empty. On a few of many at APG have communities this One does not have those flights, with a expressed that we year and look forto be a historian to capacity well over never worked as ward to being able see how many times 300 passengers, I hard as we have to celebrate in Avathe United States was amongst just a during the past year lon Park Daytona has came back from handful of regular of the pandemic. Beach very soon! I disaster. I imagine travelers. At one Now, with much remain proud to England felt that point I arrived in of the population live in this free and America had lost all Zurich, Switzerland vaccinated, we are great country. power after the civil where all the stores, starting to see a war. And again, af- restaurants and of- shift back to norHave a great sumter the great depres- fices were closed, malcy for much of mer!
LEARN ORLANDO
Boys & Girls Club Updates Fun with chalk at the Mid-Florida Jeep/Lake Helen Club.
Our club members got the chance to purchase ice cream items from a local ice cream business owner on Friday. Thank you Da Ice Man for taking care of our kids.
WORK ORLANDO
PLAY ORLANDO
Keeping Up with West Volusia’s June Events!
Florida Day Trips for the Summer The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about things to do in Florida are the theme parks, but did you know there are many other enjoyable destinations that can be reached all within a day’s time? Here is a list of 5 of these places, and why they’re worth checking out! 1. The Salvador Dalí Museum in Tampa Nested in St. Petersburg, the Dalí museum is a wonderful place to visit for art lovers and others alike. This museum has the largest collection of Dalí’s work (outside of Europe!) as well as beautiful gardens and special exhibits. You are guaranteed to see something breathtaking at this museum! 2. The Beaches in Seaside Perhaps best known for being the shooting location of the 1998 film The Truman Show, Seaside,
located in Destin, is an incredible display of New Urbanism and dazzling beaches. From its quaint local shops and restaurants to clear, blue water, Seaside feels like a little utopia, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the Florida sun. 3. Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee Another film location— The Creature from the Black Lagoon—is Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee. Wakulla is one of the biggest and deepest natural springs in Florida, filled with crisp, cool water. Enjoy taking a dip in the spring, a jungle cruise
tour to discover the native wildlife, or staying at the historic lodge located within the park. It’s less than 20 miles south of Tallahassee, so a trip to Florida’s capital city can be added to your itinerary!
cionados. 5. Everglades National Park in Miami
Aside from the theme parks, the Everglades is perhaps the most wellknown Floridian destination, but have you ever 4. St. Augustine been? Take an airboat ride and explore the naConsider visiting St. Au- tion’s third largest nagustine, the country’s tional park and all of the oldest city! Take a guided native and endangered tour to see all the greatest species and wildlife withlandmarks, such as the in. And because it’s in Castillo de San Marcos South Florida, the city of and the famed Fountain Miami is worth checking of Youth. There are also out too, from its art dispremium outlets to get tricts to the zoo! your shopping fix, and the World Golf Village is By: Raven Halle close by for golfing afi-
Coming together to create a healthy community ORLANDO
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Wellness with Jen: Summer Lovin When kids get bored, they get crazy and to be quite frank, they can really get on your nerves, am I right??! It can be tempting to plop them in front of the TV or hand them an iPad or video game controller. While I am not trying to suggest that your kiddos can absolutely, without a doubt, NEVER watch TV or use technology, the speech therapist in me does feel the need to remind the world to put the technology down, especially for the littles. Not only is it not great for their brain development, but it is so important to be present with your kiddos and enjoy life with them to the fullest. On a side note, though, I do get that there are some moments in life when you just need 5 seconds, especially in the world’s current situation. In those moments, take the time you need. I like to work in pockets of time. During the summer months, it can be hard to keep the kiddos busy and entertained. Here are some fun ideas for being present with your kiddos during the summer while making lasting memories and keeping everyone sane <3 LEMONADE STAND! Don’t worry, we are not about to hype the kids up on lemonade full of processed ingredients. You have to be a label reader when advocating for your children’s health... and your own for that matter. Many store bought processed lemonades contain high fructose corn syrup, soy lecithin “natural flavors” - this is a great cover up for adding a bunch of crap and labeling it “natural” :-O Who would have thought?? So here is a perfect lemonade recipe for your lemonade stand: 14 cups water 1 cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup demerara sugar 8 drops Young Living Lemon Vitality Essential Oil 1 Drop Lavender Vitality Essential Oil optional drop of Peppermint Vitality Essential Oil - some people find this to be too strong for their tastes. I love it! Adult Beverage addition to the lemonade stand, if you so choose ;-) Mojitos!
2 shots rum 1 shot agave syrup ½ squeezed lime sprig of mint splash of soda water 1 ½ cups ice 2 drops Spearmint Vitality Essential Oil 4 drops Lime Vitality Essential Oil By adding Young Living vitality essential oils into your foods and drinks, you are adding support to your immune system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, and more! PAINT! Paint paper, paint rocks, paint the driveway, put on some old clothes and get messy. BUG HUNTING! Read a book about bugs and go out for a walk to see what you can find. I recently saw a cute little bug collection activity in the under $5 section at Target. PLAY DOUGH! I hate the smell of store bought play dough, ick! There are some really simple DIY play dough recipes out there, and you can add essential oils to make it smell great and benefit your little ones at the same time. Here’s the simplest recipe: 1 cup water 1 cup salt 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 3 cups flour 2 tablespoons cornstarch Mix water, salt, oil, food coloring (if you choose) and essential oils (if you choose) in a bowl. Gradually add flour and cornstarch until the mixture reaches the consistency of bread dough. PLAY! My fav oils to add are Young Living Lavender, Seedlings Calm, Gentle Baby, Peace & Calming, Cedarwood, or any kind of citrus oils. When summer comes to an end, it can be sad for both the kiddos and the Mommies and Daddies. Even though there are crazy times during summer when you might be counting down the minutes until school returns, there are many more moments that make you think “I wish that these moments could last forever”. Make the memories last by collecting mementos of your summer activities. Pictures, sea shells,
sand, flowers,... and make a summer memories scrapbook or shadow box. Fill an empty bottle with sand and sea shells from your beach trip. Make a necklace or bracelet out of the sea shells or flowers that you collected over the summer. I know it is easy to feel like you don’t have the time for any of this, especially if you are like me and don’t get the summer months off from work with your kids, but do your best to make some summer memories, even if it is just a walk in the evening time after daycare/summer camp and work. Slather on the bug repellent (I’ve got a great natural recipe if you need one!), head out for a walk, collect some amazing colors from nature or just point out everything great in nature that you see and draw of picture of everything that you remember when you return home. Pack a picnic and head to the park for a picnic dinner. Whatever it might be, do what you can to make some amazing summer memories. I found this really great website, www.familyeducation.com with many great ideas for family activities and so much more! *I have done extensive research on products and companies and choose to recommend Young Living products whole heatedly. Young Living has a Seed to Seal promise that guarantees from the time that the seed is selected and planted to the time that the product arrives on your doorstep, no harmful ingredients will come in contact with that product at any step along the way. Young Living goes as far as testing their soil and using their own essential oils to protect against pest in lieu of using harmful pesticides. Young Living performs their own testing in addition to third party testing to guarantee that you receive the most effective and most beneficial products.
Follow me on social media or shoot me a message if you have any questions or concerns. Happy Summer, everyone! Jen Cosby jcdiamondwellness@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/yljennifercosby https://www.facebook.com/groups/ oilshowyouthewayed/ https://www.instagram.com/jen_cosby/
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LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Staying Healthy During the Summer for Seniors
Everyone enjoys some fun in the sun during the summer, including seniors. However, during the summertime, the sun and heat can be potentially dangerous to a senior’s health. While this does not mean that you or your senior loved one should completely avoid going outside during the summer months, you should take precautions during this particular time of the year if you plan on frequenting the outdoors. Here are some ways seniors can stay healthy and enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the summer heat.
er patterns: one minute it is sunny and hot, and the next it is thundering and lightning. Therefore, if you are heading outdoors for some fresh air this summer, check the weather first.
Dress Appropriately While a temperature in the 80s may be fine for a stroll outdoors, you’ll want to dress appropriately. Avoid darker colored clothing as it can Pay Careful Atattract and absorb tention to the heat. Instead, wear Weather light weight clothIn many places, ing that is light in the weather can color to help revary dramatically flect UV-rays. You during the sumcan also invest mer. For instance, in dry-fit clothes summers in Flori- with moisture da are known for wicking properties their fickle weath- so you don’t get
beverages each day in other to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you have difficulty drinking that many glasses of water in one day, at least cut back soaked in sweat. on caffeine drinks While the right clothes can protect which can dehyyou to a degree, if drate the body. the temperature outside is pushing Invest in a Good 100 degrees Fahr- Sunscreen Wearing sunblock enheit, you may want to opt for an is another piece indoor activity in- of advice that applies to everyone stead. Also, pay during the sumspecial attention mer. If you are not to heat advisory already wearing warnings. sunscreen every Drink Lots of Wa- day, invest in a good one and start ter Regardless of your wearing it every time you go outage or what the weather looks like, side. Most dermayou should always tologists recommend wearing a stay hydrated; however, this ad- minimum of SPF 30 to shield your vice is especially skin. By taking important for sethis small step and niors venturing adding it to your outdoors during morning routine, the summer. A you can protect common recomyourself from the mendation is to drink at least eight risk of sunburn and skin cancer. glasses of water or other hydrating
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COMMUNITY CORNER
Try Some Honey on Your Hushpuppies
May has been a spectacular month for getting back outside! The moderate temperatures, plus the re-opening of the bountiful State Parks has been a perfect combo for resuming outdoor adventures. With the pandemic in its waning stages, it is time to reengage in Florida’s natural beauty and plentiful public amenities. You can pick your poison because it is all within an hour from home – regardless of which Avalon Park community you reside. Kayaking/canoe rentals and launches, fishing, beaches, biking and hiking trails are all close by just waiting to provide fresh air, bird watching, and the right amount of exercise for anyone – bring lots of sun block. Camping or glamping options are also abundant.
Google the Tomoka and easy to paddle. Pack a cooler and plan Outpost to see all the a picnic…beer optional! wonderful amenities and pricing. During May, I have Within Gamble Rogers, visited four municipal just paddle across the and state parks within minutes of Avalon Park Halifax and discover paradise in the layers - Daytona Beach new tidal creeks and streams project. Tomoka State forming this bird and Park (Ormond Beach) butterfly sanctuary – and Gamble Rogers don’t be startled by the Memorial State Recoccasional lumbering reation Area (Flagler manatee. On the east Beach) offer endless adventures fitting every side of A1A are red coral sand beaches. Be lifestyle with reasoncertain to look skyward ably priced kayak/caI have settled on kaynoe rentals, picnicking, so you don’t miss the aking as my summer majestic raptor Ospreys hiking trails and overof 2021 past time. It is riding the air currents night camping. affordable, with great spying their piscine access to see Florida’s prey as they execute Tomoka State Park is untouched rustic habinestled inside Ormond their dive bombing tats. With pole in hand, Beach’s historic “Loop,” raids. I can reach those fishing one of Florida’s most holes beyond the banks. Invest in a Florida Birds scenic oak hammock If you have never kayguide or make your drives. Once on the aked before, don’t fear own with pictures and water, you can head a thing…the tougheast across the Tomoka research. Ponce Inlet’s est part is getting out Basin and picnic on one Marine Science Center of the boat to stretch has a bird hospital and of the Halifax River’s your legs. There are islands, or paddle west aviary to learn about one-person kayaks and into the Tomoka River’s Florida’s unmanned air tandems crafts for two. force up close. A very backwaters. You can sit inside or sit worthwhile visit, with on top. They are stable
or without the visiting grandkids! Climbing the 203 Ponce Inlet Lighthouse steps is your choice. If you have your own SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard), canoe or kayak there are endless launch points. You can launch from both sides of Ormond’s Granada Bridge (SR 40) if you like the open waters of the Halifax. Ormond Beach’s Sanchez Park offers two paths out to the Tomoka River. Big Sanchez Creek has lots of spots to raft up and enjoy the sandy riverbanks while little Sanchez Creek is lined with high reeds and mangroves. When the day’s adventure is ended, there are causal waterfront restaurants with fabulous views and seaside charm. Four of my favs are High Tide Snack Jack’s (Flagler Beach), Loggerheads (Ormond Beach), The Beach Bucket (Ormond Beach) and Off The Hook (Ponce Inlet). While awaiting your seat, stroll down the beach and look for the turtle nests (but don’t touch)! It is one nature’s amazing stories! Oh yes, don’t forget, try some honey on your hushpuppies! - The Village Idiot