Contents December 2015
12
features
12 14 16 18
19-23 20 24 28
32 34 36 38
14
34
Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Stay in Harmony This Holiday Season Holiday Favorites Making Holiday Magic 2015 Hot Toy List Christmas Tree Safety
education Best Christmas Gifts for Grandparents
10 43
Sensory Kids Holiday Events Directory
Winter Camp Directory Cheers to a Neat New Year
Flagler County School News
business spotlight 26
Ho Ho Hanukkah!
Age Appropriate Toys
30 46
Loads of Smiles Paragon Ocean Walk 10 Theater Integral Math Academy
every issue Coming Up... January • Family Health & Wellness • Top Docs • School Nurses 4 • December 2015 / www.flaglerparent.com
40 42 44
Reel Life with Jane Movie Reviews Flagler County Library Programs December Calendar of Events
24
www.FlaglerParent.com (386) 437-0300
Reader Services Calendar Submissions: We publish information about family events within and surrounding our county. We would love to hear from you! If you have a family event, fundraiser or childrens activity/program please send your information to editor@bradymediainc.com Deadline for submitting information is approximately one month prior to the month in which the event will occur.
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What’s New in Print & Online
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The Camp Fair & Summer Vacation Expo showcases places that build life-long memories for children! Volusia & Flagler County parents will find it much easier and faster to choose a summer camp for their children at the only expo of its kind in the area. The 2016 Camp Fair & Summer Vacation Expo provides busy parents with a onestop resource for information regarding available daily activities, cost, and much more, with a variety of summer conveniences assembled under one roof. The expo features demonstrations all day long by karate classes, the police department, the fire department, and much more. Date and time for this years expo are still to be determined. Check our website often for details.
Special Child A quarterly magazine dedicated to special needs families and care-givers. Parents and caregivers of children with special needs often face a whole different situation and set of challenges and joys. They require more resources, education and support. Special Child Magazine is a resource dedicated to providing just that. Filled with educational articles, local resources, easy-to-use directories, product reviews, shopping guides and much more. Special Child Magazine does the research and provides the resources available in our area for special families. Special Child Magazine will give you all the tools you need to be informed and proactively parent and care for your special child, Our expert advices helps you make the best decisions that are right for your family. Inside you’ll find: product reviews; local resources; ask an expert; recopies’ DIY decor ideas and much, much more!
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Parent to Parent Publisher / Editor Charlene Michaux charlie@bradymediainc.com 386-547-0161 Director of Sales Robert Ludwig robert@bradymediainc.com 386-222-2276
Mom, and Brady Charlene Michaux Publisher/Editor charlie@bradymediainc.com Family holiday traditions spice childhood with magical joy and anticipation. Like me, you likely cherish wonderful memories of your own family’s annual rituals, a powerful and welcome way of creating strong family bonds. Extra creativity comes into play when partners find ways to combine and blend favorite childhood customs as a springboard for starting new ones. Whatever your tradition, old or new, we understand from experience how important those traditions can be in the eyes of our children. As a child, reaching the month of December was very exciting; it was the end of another year and the best holiday of all: Christmas. It was a month filled with anticipation and expectations. Hoping the items I put on my Christmas wish list would come true. It was so much fun to shop for gifts and share in the joy of the season with those I love. School plays, church gathering, holiday recitals, and lots of outdoor fun. With the chaotic days of December we’ve brought you some great content in this month’s issue. With great reads like Healthy Wealthy & Wise, Use Music to Stay in Harmony this Holiday Season, Making Holiday Magic, and Christmas Tree Safety are articles to help you get through this busy time of year. We hope we have saved you some time by bringing you a list of the ‘Hottest Toys’ for this holiday season. To this day, Christmas is still one of my favorite holidays for many reasons. Our staff wishes all of you a wonderful and magical holiday. A special thank you to all of our advertisers and to you, our loyal readers. It is has been our pleasure to be of service to you for six years. Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy season of refreshingly fun traditions, and fresh beginnings as we start the New Year!
Charlie
Social Media Management Marketing 2 Go www.marketing2go.biz Editorial Content Manager Deb Wind deb@bradymediainc.com Advertising Consultant Deb Wind deb@bradymediainc.com 386-299-6684 Contributing Writers Deb Wind Christina Katz Sue Lebreton Laura Reagan-Porras Beth N. Davis Jan Pierce, M.Ed. Meagan Ruffing
Flagler Parent, Volusia Parent, and St. Johns Parent Magazines are published by Brady Media, Inc. and are copyrighted 2008. Brady Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from Brady Media, Inc. is prohibited. Flagler Parent and Volusia Parent reserve the right to reject advertisements or listings that are not in keeping with the publication’s satndard. Submissions are welcome, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited materials. Flagler Parent and Volusia Parent do not endorse or assume responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The Flagler County or Volusia County School Boards are not affiliated with these publications in any manner, nor do they endorse ro assume any responsibility for any of the information or advertisements contained in therein.
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December 2015 • 9
education
Age Appropriate Toys It’s the holiday season which means it’s the season for gift giving! Sometimes it can be overwhelming to purchase the right toys for your young children, especially when they are super young (think ages birth to 5 years-old). Not only do toys need to be safe for your young child to play with, they also have to be developmentally age appropriate. Here are some ideas for your little ones this holiday season: Birth though 6 Months:
2-year-olds (toddlers):
• Rattles, large rings, squeeze toys, teething toys, soft dolls, textured balls, and vinyl and board books
• Wood puzzles (with 4 to 12 pieces), blocks that snap together, objects to sort (by size, shape, color, smell)
• Recordings of lullabies and simple songs
• Blocks, smaller (and sturdy) transportation toys, play food, dress-up clothes, dolls with accessories, puppets, and sand and water play toys
• Pictures of faces hung so baby can see them and unbreakable mirrors 7 to 12 Months: • Baby dolls, puppets, plastic and wood vehicles with wheels, and water toys • Large soft blocks and wooden cubes • Large balls, push and pull toys, and low, soft things to crawl over 1-Year-Olds:
• Large non-toxic, washable crayons and markers, large paintbrushes and fingerpaint, large paper for drawing and painting, chalkboard and large chalk, and rhythm instruments • Picture books with more details than books for younger children
• Board books with simple illustrations or photographs of real objects
• Large and small balls for kicking and throwing, ride-on equipment (but probably not tricycles until children are 3)
• Recordings with songs, rhymes, simple stories, and pictures
3- to 6-year-olds (preschoolers and kindergarteners):
• Toy phones, dolls and doll beds, baby carriages and strollers, dress-up accessories (scarves, purses), puppets, plastic animals, and plastic and wood “realistic” vehicles
• Puzzles (with 12 to 20+ pieces)
• Wood blocks , puzzles, and large and small balls 10 • December 2015
• Blocks for building complex structures, dress-up clothes, dolls with accessories, puppets and simple puppet theaters, and sand and water play toys • Preschooler-sized scissors, chalkboard and large and small chalk, modeling clay
and play dough, modeling tools, paste and instruments • Picture books with more words and more detailed pictures than toddler books • Large and small balls for kicking and throwing/catching, ride-on equipment including tricycles, tunnels, wagons and wheelbarrows, plastic bats and balls, plastic bowling pins, and a workbench Remember, safety is very important when choosing toys. Make sure toys have no sharp parts or splinters and do not pinch; painted with nontoxic, lead-free paint; shatter-proof; and easily cleaned. Wear and tear on toys typically can make a once safe toy then hazardous. Please check toys frequently to make sure they are in good shape. For a list of toys that have been recalled by manufacturers, visit http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/. Sources: Good toys for young children age by stage. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.naeyc.org/toys Recent recalls. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/
December 2015 • 11
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Healthy, Wealthy & Wise:
25 Simple Ways To Save While Still Enjoying The Splendors Of The Holiday Season
by Christina Katz
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, when money is tight, stress runs high. In lean financial times, holiday family fun can become scarce. Don't let financial concerns rob your family of holiday memories. Saving cash during the happiest time of the year does not have to leave your family feeling unhappy. Teach your kids to feel savvy and empowered about saving money during the holiday season, when over-spending is a common pitfall. Thrifty families have more time, money, and energy to give back to the world during the season of giving. And being money-mindful may even spark some new favorite family traditions.Here are 25 ways your family can enjoy the season to the fullest without spending too much and going into debt. 1. Be sure that everyone understands the deeper meanings of the holidays beyond the mere exchange of gifts. When you anchor the holidays in meaning rather than spending, everyone feels wealthier. Have a holiday family keyword like gratitude, abundance, or generosity. Explore your word together throughout the season. 2. Instead of buying whole holiday albums, let each child download four or five songs to make their own holiday mix. Combine everyone's choices into a family album for the year and keep it on shuffle. In the future, you'll remember each year by its unique soundtrack. 12 • December 2015
3. Serve bowls of hot, steaming oatmeal for breakfast as a tasty, satisfying way to start each day. Add a dash of ancient grains to your usual dried fruit and nuts for some added crunch and nutrition. It's cheaper, healthier and more satisfying than box cereals. 4. Scour the house for plugged-in appliances you do not use in the winter. Unplug everything you can. Store items away you will not use in cool weather to make room for holiday dĂŠcor. 5. If you need several baked goods for the week, make them all in one day. Then you won't need to repeatedly pre-heat
the oven. As a bonus, your kitchen will be toasty all day. Offer homemade cocoa to anyone who pitches in and helps. 6. Before you head out to shop, visit websites where you can search for relevant coupons. Spend five minutes checking recent mail and email to see if you received any discounts for stores on your list. Scan store flyers once you arrive at each store. Avoid using any discounts on items you don't want or need. 7. Visit a tree farm and cut your own tree. Cut branches from the bottom of the tree for wreaths and garlands. Make it a day of tree decorating. You'll gain a family memory,
16. Avoid cabin-fever-induced bickering by giving kids an hour or two of reflective time each day. Everyone retreats without devices to read or do something creative. Ask kids to make an appreciation list before they make a gift list. 17. Use leftovers from roasted meats for lunchtime sandwiches instead of hitting the deli. Or chop up leftover meat and veggies and add them to brown rice for an easy teriyaki bowl you can warm in the microwave. 18. Cancel your cable TV and use a streaming device instead. You won't miss that extra bill one bit and the TV schedule will stop holding your family's attention hostage. Make it a lesson in delayed gratification. 19. Offer to pay older kids for jobs that make your holiday prep easier. Take advantage of their skills like cookie decorating, closet cleaning, pet care, grocery shopping, digital photo sorting, and homemade gift preparation. 20. Test-drive movies before you buy them with your steaming service for a couple bucks each. Only purchase the few you can't live without, including the holiday treasures your family will watch together every year.
photos for the album, and fresh greens that last longer than store-bought.
wants one during an hour when everyone has to partake or be quiet.
8. Go for engaging gifts. One of my best holiday shopping tricks is to make sure my daughter will fall in love with at least three of her gifts. A book she'll cherish, a DVD she has been wanting, or some kind of kit or craft will hold her attention for hours rather than just minutes after wrapping is torn away.
12. Visit a Christmas Bazaar or holiday gift shop and give each family member five dollars to spend any way they wish. The only caveat is that it must be a present for them.
9. Love holiday music? Check neighboring towns for free performances and festivals. Meet up with friends for a lowkey afternoon or evening of listening. High schools and colleges often have free or inexpensive holiday music performances right before school gets out. Or go caroling and make your own sound. 10. Visit the library each week for a steady supply of reading materials and educational media over holiday breaks from school. Keep a large, sturdy tote bag n the upstairs hallway where everyone can fetch or deposit items between library visits. 11. Stay healthy by getting adequate rest. Encourage napping by adding comfortable pillows and blankets to couches and beds. Set a daily naptime for anyone who
13. Use your slow cooker more and give your oven a break for a fraction of the cost. Double healthy, economical recipes and freeze leftovers to pull out on busy nights when you are not in the mood to cook. 14. Exchange kid-free shopping nights. Pop popcorn, pour apple cider, and have a holiday movie night for neighborhood kids. Switch off with other parents, so you can shop with less time-pressure and interruptions. 15. Can't afford a gym membership? Create your own workout space at home. Put workout tools like hand weights, jump ropes and hula hoops in a basket. Gather all of your audio and video fitness programs and spend at least 30 minutes a day getting your heart rate up.
21. Rather than take an expensive getaway, camp out in the living room next to the tree. Haul out the camping gear, make a fire in the hearth, and toast some s'mores while you sing carols or play board games. 22. Create some homemade gifts for teachers and friends. Tackle a family art project at the kitchen table that won't break the bank. You'll find plenty of inspiration or on Pinterest. 23. Make sure you take daily mental breaks from all the holiday prep. Stress leads to overspending. Set up a giant puzzle on an out-of-the way table for everyone to work on for fifteen minutes when they just need to chill out. 24. Relax more. On Sunday nights, don't use overhead lights. Use your fireplace, lamps, twinkle lights, and real or electric candles instead. Enjoy the hush an under-lit home can provide as you reflect on the week ahead. 25. Save money on heat by adding extra blankets to beds and turning down the thermostat at night. Change the direction on ceiling fans to drive the rising heat back down into rooms during the daytime. Happy holiday savings! December 2015 • 13
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Stay in Harmony This Holiday Season by Sue LeBreton
In the race to the holidays that seems to begin with Thanksgiving, there is ample opportunity to feel only stress and lose the essence of the season. The antidote is closer than you think. Tap into the sounds in your life and use them to create the effect you desire at the moment, whether that be energizing or soothing. According to Sharon Carne, author of Listen From the Inside Out, sound moves through our bodies four and a half times faster than it moves through air. These sound vibrations affect the atoms of the human body and can create a positive or negative effect depending upon the characteristics of the sound. Traffic noise increases the amount of stress hormones a body releases. Conversely, the feel-good, bonding hormone is released when people play music or sing together. Your heartbeat and breath rate change to match the beat of the music surrounding you, so keep that in mind as you plan your holiday activities. Here are some tips about how and when to use sound to help you stay in harmony during the holidays. Before a shopping trip. On the way to the stores, consider listening to some lively music to get energized for your outing. Carne says we seem neurologically wired to like certain music but whether this is caused by nature or nurture is a topic of debate. Choose music that you love, music that makes you happy and use it to get those feel-good hormones flowing. After a shopping trip. If the hustle and bustle of shopping leaves your heart racing and your shoulders tense, consider a slower rhythm to decrease your heartbeat and breathing rate. It can even slow racing brain waves. Think about how much more pleasant your interactions with your family will be when you arrive home refreshed not frazzled. Before the family meal. If you love the chaotic energy of preparing for a large family meal you might choose lively music to help you accomplish all your tasks. If you are already feeling tense, turn on a slower beat or maybe some nature sounds. Carne says nature sounds such as 14 • December 2015
wind, water and birds are always soothing because we evolved with these sounds. It is no coincidence that spas tend to play these nature tunes to relax guests. During the family meal. Soft, slow rhythms help guests relax and savor the meal. Carols playing quietly in the background can be a nice, seasonal touch. However, if any of your guests work in retail that may be stress inducing after listening to holiday music all day. Whatever you choose, keep the volume low so that guests can talk comfortably. After the meal. "Singing and playing music together releases the bonding hormone oxytocin," says Carne. She asserts that it is about the shared experience and laughter not how well you can sing. How about family karaoke? If you are not musical an interactive group game like Charades or Guesstures will help everyone reap the beneficial vibration of the sound of laughter on your body. During clean up. Look to your body for clues as you clean
up after your gathering. If you feel sluggish but still want the house tidied before you retire, put on some faster music to motivate you and your helpers. Choose music you love and the chore will go quickly. If you are tense after navigating the family dynamics, turn to the slower rhythms or even consider the sound of silence as way to self soothe. Watch how your body responds and follow its lead. Use the science of sound to help you care for your body and mind. The right choice of music can: • Reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in ten minutes • Reduce anxiety • Slow heart beat (relaxed is between 50-70 beats per minute) • Slow breathing rate • Evoke the body's relaxation response • Boost the immune system • Reduce pain
December 2015 • 15
Holiday Favorites
Picks from our staff that we know you’ll enjoy!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Children ages 3-6 will love to read this Little Golden Book retelling of the classic 1964 holiday TV special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. All of the other reindeer make fun of Rudolph and won't let him play in their reindeer games because he's different. But when Christmas is almost cancelled because of a huge snowstorm, Rudolph comes to the rescue with his wonderful shiny red nose.
Frosty the Snowman Everyone's favorite snowman with a magic hat, a button nose, and eyes made out of coal comes to life on Christmas every year. Based on the beloved 1969 television special, this Little Golden Book retells the whole magical story of Frosty the Snowman for boys and girls 2–5!
The Christmas Story First published in 1952, this classic Little Golden Book retelling of the Christmas story was illustrated by beloved artist Eloise Wilkin. Its simple but poetic text gently invites children to hear the story of Jesus' birth in a stable in Bethlehem.
The Littlest Elf Oliver may be the littlest elf in the North Pole, but he has a big desire to discover his very special job in Santa's workshop! But after getting lost in the toy shop, making a mess at the book shop, and falling in the mixing machine at the bakery, is the littlest elf just too little? Perhaps he just needs the littlest reindeer to remind him what Christmas is all about!
The Christmas Baby This beautiful retelling of the Nativity story that celebrates the timeless joy of Christmas and of welcoming a new baby into the world. When Mary and Joseph’s child was born, the good tidings spread from the animals in the manger, to the shepherds in the fields, to the kings in distant lands, and even to the angels in the heavens! Filled with lyrical text and lush illustrations, this Classic Board Book is the perfect gift for baby’s first Christmas! 16 • December 2015
Dr. Seuss Camera, The Grinch Edition $0.99 Create “Grinchmas cards” by inserting your photo into Grinch backgrounds and faces, and adding Seuss stamps and borders— then email the results to friends and family.
Letters to Santa free Your kids can send a "letter" to Santa using this app, and get a personal reply.
Lights Finder $1.99 “The most comprehensive Christmas light directory” contains over 1750 locations across the country that are specially lit for the holidays. Even if there’s no location near you for you to visit in person, even just looking at the included photos is fun.
Christmas Cookies $0.99 Over 300 cookie recipes for the holiday.
The Christmas List $0.99 Stay organized while planning Xmas gifts. Track spending, plan shopping trips by store, and count down the number of shopping days you’ve got left.
Super Dreidel $0.99 This app allows up to 8 people to play the dreidel game together. See the dreidel spin and let the iPhone track everyone's gelt.
feature to enhance memory. If you sing off key and giggle, that’s even better. 5. Volunteer together. Provide a list of volunteer activities and let your child choose. You may choose to walk or bathe a dog at your local shelter, giving him a holiday treat. You may choose to volunteer to pack family food boxes at your local food bank or organize clothing racks at your local homeless shelter. Your child may want to gather gently loved books to the children’s wing of your local hospital. Your child may enjoy staying close to home and raking leaves in the neighbor’s yard. Or encourage your child to think of their own volunteer activity.
Making Holiday Magic
Spending One on One Time with Kids
by Laura Reagan-Porras
The holidays are here! You’ve planned and prepared but the holidays can be a hectic, often chaotic swirl of shopping, entertaining, and traveling. Kids may be looking forward to doing absolutely nothing during the holidays. They may be a little burned out from the structure and regiment of school, tutoring sessions and sports activities. If we aren’t careful, we can overbook the holidays too. It’s easy to get swept up in the shopping, gift-giving, parties and the cousin chaos of extended family. We may even schedule an elaborate holiday vacation to get away from it all. In an attempt to create the "perfect holiday," we busy ourselves to the point of forgetting to enjoy the simple moments of the season and we teach our children how to stress over the holidays rather than how to enjoy relationships. Zig Zigler may have communicated it best. Love = time to a child. Why don’t we create magical holiday moments by slowing down and making a concerted effort to spend some simple one on one time with each one of our children individually? One on one time with each child can fuel strong lifelong bonds and create holiday memories for years to come. It may seem counter intuitive to keep a list of possible “spontaneous” holiday activities to cultivate but the truth is, many of us aren’t good at letting go, truly attending our kid’s emotional needs and having fun. Here are some ideas for spending one on one time with each child that doesn’t require a big budget and may be shared regardless of age or gender. 1. Holiday baking. Let your child lead the way. Find a recipe with simple ingredients they can follow without a lot of fuss. Or buy a tube of cookie dough from the grocery store and keep it simple. Talk and listen to each other while you are decorating cookies. Give some to the neighbors to introduce community building and talk about holiday values. 2. Play Outside! Even play in the rain or snow with your child and enjoy your child’s smiles and giggles with no agenda or time limit. 18 • December 2015
3. Organize old family photos into a holiday album or start a scrapbook of a beloved family holiday. Talking about the memories can help kids re-live the experience and draw you closer. 4. Homemade Seasons Greetings. Buy a new box of crayons and construction paper. If you are really adventurous buy glitter or glitter glue. Make New Year’s cards. You may get really wild and make homemade ornaments. Put on some Christmas music if that’s your tradition and sing along while you create. Music is proven
6. Movie Day! Ask your child to pick his favorite holiday flick, Home Alone, Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph or other. Make popcorn and binge watch, snuggled up on the couch together – just you and your child. You may even string popcorn while you watch. 7. Holiday Book Binge. Go to your local library, check out holiday books. Make hot chocolate and sit and binge read together one right after the other. Be sure to ask your child which is her favorite and why. Talk about the stories. Take turns reading out loud and use funny voices to animate the characters. 8. Holiday Storytelling. Tell stories to each other with the listener providing the first lines. Here are some story ideas: Rudolph the Untold Story, Frosty’s Vacation, the Zoo Holiday or Little Drummer Boy and the Flute Girl. 9. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree! Put on your favorite Christmas music and rock out together! Get your groove on and give your child a spontaneous dance lesson. They may find out how cool you are. 10. Holiday Lights Tour. Take an evening drive before bedtime in your pajamas. Pipe in holiday tunes and drive around town looking at Christmas lights. Ooh and ah over what you see. (This one has become a tradition for my daughter and me.) Add one on one kid time to your holiday to do list. Cut this list out of the magazine or print it up and put it on the refrigerator as a reminder to seize the holiday moments and simply enjoy each other. Some activities may only take 10 minutes, others an hour. Perhaps you will pick more than one for each child. Think about which of your children might enjoy a particular activity. Then add to the list to make your own holiday homespun memories. Who knows? It may help you remember the fun and purpose of childhood and parenthood.
Star Wars Episode 7 Remote Control BB-8 This remote control BB-8 figure rolls in any direction and makes expressive droid sounds as you lead him into adventure. Collect and battle with this and other figures, vehicles, and Star Wars toys. Ages 4 and up.
Creativity For Kids Grow 'n Glow Terrarium 1 Plastic TERRARIUM JAR, 5" x 3.25" (12.7 x 8.25cm). This mason-style jar has star- shaped air vents in the lid and a wide mouth for easy assembly. 45 Glow-in-the-Dark STICKERS, to light up your terrarium at night!
Girl Scouts Cookie Oven Real-working Girl Scouts Cookie Oven where young bakers can actually SEE cookies bake in the oven window. The oven comes complete with baking pan, spatula, measuring tool, and a Thin Mints starter mix to bake cookies that remind you of the real thing!
Uncle Milton Guardians of the Galaxy Grow and Glow Groot Science Kit Barbie Dreamhouse Mansion Dream up all kinds of stories with three floors, seven rooms, 70+ accessories and a working elevator with simple pull mechanism! Classic rooms with modern designs include the first-floor entryway and kitchen; secondfloor dining room and bathroom (with pet room between); and third-floor living room, bedroom and walk-in closet
Create a real light-up Groot plant! Grow two different plants that surround the potted Groot character. Then, turn on the light-up branches and display your growing Groot.
December 2015 • 19
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Christmas Tree Safety
by Beth N. Davis
During the holidays, tree related fires can turn holiday cheer into holiday fear. Each year, fire departments respond to over 200 Christmas tree related home fires. On average, one of every 40 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires. Additionally, trees can fall over onto children and cause injury. There are many things that you, as a family, can do to mitigate your risk. Follow these steps to ensure safety during this holiday season. Pick the Right Tree Choosing the right tree can help you avoid many of the most common problems that contribute to Christmas tree fires. If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled by the manufacturer as fire retardant. These trees are made of flame resistant materials that will be less likely to start or contribute to a fire. If you prefer to purchase a fresh tree, choose one with fresh, green needles that are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers do not break. Do not buy a dry or dying Christmas tree. No matter how appealing the idea of a “Charlie Brown” tree may be, if the tree is brown or dropping a lot of needles, it is not safe to keep in your home. The trunk butt of a fresh tree will be sticky with resin, and, when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles. Place the Tree Carefully Once you have selected your tree and bring it home, find the right place for it to sit. 20 • December 2015
bring it home, find the right place for it to sit. Place your tree securely in a tree stand that is designed to reduce tipping. Make sure your tree stands upright securely. If it shakes at all, fasten the base of the tree more firmly into the stand so that it does not fall over. Before placing a fresh tree in the stand, cut 1-2" from the base of the trunk and add an ample supply of water. Be sure to add water daily to fresh trees. The tree should be placed at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights and should not block any exits. Trees themselves do not often cause fires. Surrounding debris such as newspapers and magazines, boxes or bags and curtains and drapes are much more likely to catch fire. Decorate the Tree Responsibly Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Make certain you are using the right
both. Make certain you are using the right lights for your application. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections and do not connect more than three strands of mini string lights to one extension cord. Be sure to review manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum number of LED strands to connect. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Dispose of Your Tree Promptly After Christmas, a well-watered tree may survive 6 to 8 weeks, after which it will rapidly dry out. Be sure to dispose of your fresh tree as soon as needles begin to drop. Artificial trees should be inspected for any needed repairs before they are stored away for the year. Christmas trees are a wonderful addition to the holiday season and by caring for them properly you can avoid the dangers that they may pose.
Fisher-Price Imaginext Ultra T-Rex This huge Imaginext T-Rex playset has more than meets the eye. With 3 Power Pads that bring him to roaring life, LED lights in his eyes and spikes that thrill the fans and create fear in the foes and when you least expect it, watch him come to life and walk. Little Fisher-Price action figure warriors climb and work either with or against the T-Rex to accomplish their ultimate goals. The creative play and imagination fueled adventures go on for hours at a time with this much-loved toy.
Sky Viper Video Surveillance Drone Take playtime to new heights. This toy drone takes astounding high definition videos from up to 200 feet away with an onboard SkyProTM 720p HD camera. The camera can even pivot to capture astounding 360-degree panoramic views. Comes complete with a remote control, 4GB memory card that can capture up to 20 minutes of video and replacement propellers and screws.
Thames and Kosmos Remote-Control Machines DLX Build your own motorized vehicles and machines and control them with a wireless remote control unit Assemble 20 models demonstrating different ways in which the motors can be used You can design your own remote control creations!
VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX, Vivid Violet (2nd Generation) Features 3 fun activities, 5 games, 3 action challenges and a motion sensor. Kids watches are perfect for young photographers, this durable smartwatch has more memory so kids can take tons of pictures and videos.
December 2015 • 21
Fisher-Price Spinnyos Giant Yo-ller Coaster YOs trigger different wacky sounds and music at the top of the Giant YO-ller Coaster track. It may seem like magic, but actually, a kid-safe magnetic axle inside each YO attaches to the metallic edge on the track. 2 YOs are included, additional YOs and track sold separately. Ages 3 and up.
Meccano MeccaNoid G15
LEGO® Minecraft Creative Adventures Crafting Box Create your own Minecraft models to building fraom the 8-in-1 instructions. Includes a periodic table poster to identify all the LEGO Minecraft elements. Comes with Steve minifigure, skeleton, and a mooshroom. Features redstone and lapis elements, plus torches, plants, oven, TNT, and mature wheat. Also includes a skeleton’s bow and a pickaxe. 521 assorted LEGO® pieces.
Explore real engineering, using real tools. Now, experience Meccano’s new innovation in robotics. It’s easy to assemble, just use the real tools included. Uses Meccabrain to guide you through connecting its motors. As with any Meccano product, you can take the pieces apart and re-create. Rebuild Meccanoid as a dinosaur, or anything else you can dream up. With your imagination and 600 parts to play with, the possibilities are endless!
Paw Patrol- Paw Patroller
LA SIESTA Hanging Nest JOKI dolfy Hanging crow's nest seat and pod hammock: outer fabric: 100% pure very soft, tear proof durable cotton; cushion filling: 100% polyester. Optimized for the special needs of 3 - 9 year old children. Machine-washable.
22 • December 2015
Patroller is the ultimate rescue vehicle. Kids can drive their Paw Patrol for a brand new adventure. It comes with Ryder and his ATV vehicle, holds 3 Paw Patrol vehicles inside and displays 6 vehicles when open. Patrolling will be just like the show when you hear the Paw Patroller's authentic Paw Patrol sound effects. With a real working elevator to take the pup vehicles up to Ryder's Command Center!
Leonardo Ninja Turtle This giant 24-inch articulated Leonardo Ninja Turtle action figure transforms into a sewer lair play set. It features spring-activated surprises, false floors, a skate park, and more. Includes an 18-inch Katana sword. Compatible with most basic TMNT action figures.
This Snap Circuits LIGHT Electronics Kit Fisher-Price Bright Beats Smart Touch Play Space The interactive light bar responds to baby’s touch with music, lights, and songs. Grows with baby and teaches colors, numbers, the alphabet, and cause and effect, while keeping baby busy with ball ramps, a spinner, and more.
The one main advantage this kit has over other kits is that all of the projects involve LIGHT, and there are actually over 175 projects to work with. There is an interface to and iPod or other MP3 player, which plays a small electronic organ. We love interactive toys on this site, so this one gets our “thumbs up”. Recommended for ages 8-15 years (not for small kids)
VTech Kidizoom Action Cam – Yellow or Black Little videographers can capture their adventures with videos and photos. This Ddurable enough to handle drops and tumbles. Two included mounts so they can attach it to their bike or skateboard. Waterproof and can use it 6’ under water! Built-in rechargeable Li-ion Polymer battery included. Ages 4 and up.
VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels This play set features more than 13 feet of interchangeable track and a chunky car that toddlers and preschoolers can easily control with a two-button, steering wheel-shaped remote. The car moves forward and backward along the track or on the playroom floor. And, of course, no car is complete without a driver. December 2015 • 23
feature
Best Christmas Gifts for Grandparents
by Jan Pierce, M. Ed.
Are you stumped for a Christmas gift for Grandma and Grandpa this year? You want to give something meaningful and enjoyable, but you can’t think of a thing? Well here are some fun ideas, some unique ideas, and some downright homey ideas that might work for you. Gifts of the Month Gifts of the month are special because they are delivered monthly––they give the recipient something to look forward to and enjoy every month of the year. And there are creative things to order besides the usual fruit, candy and flowers. How about a Gourmet Pickle of the Month gift or coffee, hot sauces, salsa, pizza, sausage or even the doggie treat of the month! For more ideas on gifts of the month including beer, wine, steak and chocolate go to Club Offers on the internet. Gifts that Meet Needs Have a grandparent with special needs? A gift that helps out with one of those problems will be welcomed. Some will benefit from a TV Screen Enlarger for vision needs. They attach to the front of the screen and make it appear bigger. For those who enjoy 24 • December 2015
reading, but need help, there is the folding pocket magnifier from Bausch and Lomb or a hand-held magnifier. There are gadgets that increase the volume on a telephone for those hard of hearing. Just-right Technology Some ideas are great for everyone, including grandparents. If pouring coffee becomes hazardous, get a nifty coffeemaker that requires no more pouring! Small shopping carts are handy for seniors needing to move laundry, groceries and more. Reaching aids make it easy to get to items in cupboards or shelves. Adaptive grippers make opening jars or turning on switches possible. For more senior technology ideas see Euromedical. Personalized Gifts There are endless ideas for personalized gifts. Gifts with names on them or Grandma
or Grandpa, or Sexy Senior….you get the picture. Nickel Heritage has heritage trees on which to hang pictures of each child or grandchild. Personalization Mall has beautiful photo afghans and other personalized household items. And Light Affection has some truly unique personalized night lights created from your photo. Homemade Gifts You may think they’re corny, but grandparents love something the grandkids made with their own hands. A painting, drawing, or yes, even one of those handprints in clay, will make Grandma and Grandpa smile and place the revered item in a prominent position in their home or office. So get busy and plan for those special Christmas gifts for Grandma and Grandpa. Christmas will be here before you know it.
6-437-0300 8 3 ! e u s Is r ie m e In Our Pre is rt e v d A o T s U Call
December 2015 • 25
business spotlight
Loads of Smiles Now Enrolling in Palm Coast!
You can also stop by and visit with these wonderful ladies and their staff, welcome them to the community and tour their beautiful new state of the art facility in Palm Coast during the Common Center Plaza Holiday Party on December 6th from 12PM - 5PM.
Loads of Smiles, is a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care licensed through the Agency for Health Care Administration as PPEC. It is a day treatment center for medically complex children from newborn to 21 years of age. The original center located in South Daytona is licensed for 40 children. Now, Loads of Smiles has a new center located in Palm Coast which is licensed for 40 children as well.
Why Choose Loads of Smiles? Loads of Smiles offer families not only a choice for the care their loved one receives, but an alternative to provide all therapies and school services in one setting. Parents are able to enter the work force to provide for their families and have the comfort knowing that their child is in a safe environment receiving the best care while developing social skills with their peers. Loads of Smiles will provide exceptional, compassionate services for children with a variety of medically complex conditions and/or disorders. Christine Belz, R.N., owner and founder of Loads of Smiles was inspired to open this unique care center after enduring her own personal tragedy with the loss of her son Zachary. With the help and support of her sister, Sandy Cornelius Loads of Smiles was born. Their mission; ‘Through the endearing 26 • December 2015
spirit of my special son, Zachary, we will ensure the brightest future possible for all children we serve. We will strive to optimize each child's potential and provide him or her with the highest quality of life possible through caring and nurturing hands’. Loads of Smiles will be hosting an open house at their new Palm Coast location: 5 Utility Drive, Unit 26. Friday, January 15, 2016 3PM - 6PM Christine and Sandy invite you to stop in and tour their new Palm Coast facility and learn more about the services they provide.
New Location! 5 Utility Drive, Unit 26 Palm Coast, FL 32137 (386) 225-4866 NOW ENROLLING!
917 Beville Road, Suite G&H South Daytona, FL 32117 (386) 788-0012 www.loadsofsmiles.org
www.facebook.com/LoadsOfSmiles
Monique Dilling - Your Local Real Estate Source Monique Dilling, a long time resident of Ormond Beach returns to Real Estate after working in advertising and marketing most recently for the Daytona Beach News Journal and as a former partner in Brady Media, Inc. the publishers of Volusia, Flagler & St. John's Parent Magazine. She has two children: Alexa, now at Valencia College in Orlando, and Tyler who just enrolled at Daytona State College this past fall. They both attended Pine Trail Elementary, Ormond Beach Middle School and Seabreeze High School. Although her children are now in college, Monique is still well informed on the community programs available for school age children. Today, she brings her skills of local advertising and marketing knowledge to
If your family is ready for a home, we’re ready to help. Stop by Century 21 Sundance Realty or visit www.C21FamilyConnection.com
CENTURY 21: The Gold Standard
We understand that when you have a growing family, you need to find a home that can grow with you. If you are thinking of moving, contact Monique for a copy of our First TIme Home Buyers Guide, containing valuable checklists, and easy-to-use mortgage calculator and a glossary of terms to help you learn about local real estate. Monique will guide you on important local neighborhood and school information as well, and once you are ready we will make your move as seamless as possible - whether it be here or elsewhere; that is the Century 21 difference! If your family is ready for a move, Monique is ready to help.
Monique Dilling Century 21 Sundance Realty 386-547-1857 m.dilling@me.com www.C21FamilyConnection.com
Century 21 Sundance is excited to be a part of Volusia and Flagler Parent Magazines You can look forward to our "Ask the Expert" columns giving you the latest in local Real Estate Trends, Moving Tips and Family Facts - Monthly features in Volusia and Flagler Parent Magazines and in digital editions and the upcoming VOLUSIA PARENT APP! Look for current Real Estate Listings on www.VolusiaParent.com and www.FlaglerParent.com
December 2015 • 27
feature
Sensory Kids:
The Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts to Get Them
by Meagan Ruffing
Gifts can be tricky for kids like my son Dylan. Sure, they like all the same things that other kids do but when their world already seems overwhelming, a calming sensory-activity based toy is really what they crave. Think simple. Check out these top 10 gifts for your sensory seeking child. 1. Water Beads These things are amazing. They start out as tiny little beads (about the size of a tip of a pen) but when you soak them in water for 4-6 hours, they expand to marble-looking bubbles. This will probably be one of your child’s favorite gifts because it is so unique. 2. Rice bucket with small toys Just go to the dollar store and pick up a cheap shoe box container. Grab a (big) bag of rice and a few trinket-like toys. Dump the bag of rice in the shoebox container and hide the toys in the rice. This activity will keep your child busy for a long time. 3. Lego lunchbox This one is awesome. Do you have any old-school lunch boxes lying around? The tin ones that your kids like to play with? Take a Lego base, score it to fit the inside lid of the lunchbox. Superglue this down. Add a few Lego pieces inside the box. Voila! Your child now has their very own Lego lunchbox to 28 • December 2015
play with at home or on-the-go. 4. Moon Sand Hands-down one of the best sensorybased activities you will ever come across. Moon sand can be bought pretty much anywhere. All major retailers carry it so plan on spending around $10-20 for a nice sized kit. Moon sand is similar to playdough but it feels like sand. When you pick it up with your hand, it falls through your fingers just like sand does but without the mess. This is also great for hiding toys in. 5. Playdough A family favorite. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) like the way playdough feels because it is relaxing. The feeling of squishing something and molding something into whatever your imagination will come up with is such a soothing activity for really anyone but, especially those who have a hard time processing things around them.
6. Stress ball A simple stress ball is great for children with anxiety. This is also an ideal ‘tool’ to have in your child’s classroom. His teacher can store it in her desk and when she sees that your child is starting to feel overwhelmed, stressed or fidgety, she can give him the stress ball. This is a great way to get the child to refocus their attention without making a big deal about it in front of the rest of the class. 7. Balloons This was one I had never thought of before but my son’s occupational therapist used it in one of his sessions. Buy a bag of regular old balloons. Blow them up. Let your child toss it in the air, swat it around and watch his face light up with a smile. Better yet, join in on the fun and take turns hitting it back and forth with each other. 8. Gum, lollipops and Tic-Tacs These would make great stocking
stuffers. They are small, practical pieces of candy that help with oral stimulation. I use these all the time with my son when he is having a hard time focusing. Whether it be him being hyper, moody or a little bit of both, he knows he can go to the pantry in our home and take one of these items whenever he needs to. 9. Electric toothbrush There are so many cool toothbrushes out there for kids now. Chances are, your child has already showed you (and begged) for that new Barbie or Superman toothbrush. Use this as an opportunity to teach them about the right way to brush their teeth and invest in a quality, electric toothbrush. These are great for making sure your child is brushing their teeth for the suggested two minutes and the vibrating of the toothbrush head helps children actually feel the process of what they are doing. 10. Seamless socks and tag-less shirts and pants. Clothes can feel like the end-all be-all for children with SPD and most families steer clear of asking friends and family to buy clothes for their child for Christmas because what feels good one day for your child, doesn’t always feel good the next day. But, chances are, your child’s wardrobe consists of primarily seamless and tag-less items. Under Armor is a great brand because there are no tags on their clothes. Seamless socks can be found online and look for elastic-free pants so that your child doesn’t have to worry about getting their pants to ‘feel right’. Christmas is on its way and this top 10 list can get you squared away for the holiday season. You and your child’s daily lives are probably stressful enough. Make things as easy as possible on yourself this year and use this article as your go-to Christmas shopping checklist. December 2015 • 29
business spotlight
For an unrivaled movie experience on the fun coast, there’s just one place to go: Paragon Ocean Walk located in the Ocean Walk Shoppes! A few of the reasons no other theater comes close to Paragon Ocean Walk include: the electric recliners with footrests throughout, an Extreme Auditorium with an enormous screen and incredible sound offering 60 eye-popping feet of explosive action, ocean front party rooms for private events, a fantastic loyalty program (get a free ticket on your birthday) and don’t forget, every Tuesday is just $6, all movies, all day! You’ll get four hours of free parking with validation so enjoy a meal at My Pi Custom Pizza & Craft Beer before, after, or why not during your movie. This holiday season Paragon Theaters is also offering a generous gift card promotion. If you purchase $30 or more in gift cards, you will receive a free $10 concession voucher. If you purchase $50 or more in gift cards, you will receive a free $20 concession voucher. Gift cards are perfect for teachers, friends, family, and everyone else on your list. Purchase gift cards, plan an event, or reserve your recliner at paragontheaters.com and check out the My Pi menu at mypipizza.com.
30 • December 2015
December 2015 • 31
DEC 12 Toys for Tots Train in the LOOP Santa Claus will drive a Florida East Coast Railroad (FEC) train to a 20-minute stop in the NSB Waterfront LOOP at 10 a.m., Saturday, December 12, at the railroad tracks at Canal Street and US 1. Children attending the stop also may donate to the Toys for Tots drive. For more information, please call Justin Sikes at (386) 428-9041.
Now through – JAN 15 Stetson Mansion Christmas Tours Designer decorations from around the world will adorn the Mansion and the School House. Visitors will be guided through the 1st and second floors of the home by a knowledgeable tour guide, or maybe even one of the owners, as holiday music from the baby grand player piano wafts in the background. Reservations required by visiting www.stetsonmansion.com/christmas-tours. Tickets are $25 plus tax, children $15, age 5 and under free. Now through – JAN 31 St. Augustine Nights of Lights Over 2.5 million Christmas lights will transform the nation’s oldest city to the most charming Christmas destination in the states! The lighting ceremony starts at 6:30 at the Plaza de la Constiticion, Downtown, St. Augustine, on November 21. For more information visit www.simplystaugustine.com. Now through – DEC 19 Visit Santa in Christmas Park Santa will be greeting children in Christmas Park on the corner of Canal and Live Oak streets in New Smyrna Beach. For select dates in December, he will pose for photographs and make a note of the holiday wishes of children. To accommodate busy parents, Santa will open his doors for daytime and evening visits. Please check www.nsbwaterfrontloop.com for up to date schedule. Now through DEC 24 Visit Santa in Center Court through Christmas Eve The Volusia Mall welcomes Santa! Santa arrives November 8th at 10am, his visiting schedule will be: Monday - Saturday: 10am to 9pm, Sunday: Noon to 6pm, Christmas Eve: 10am to 6pm, Santa takes a break to feed his reindeer: Monday Saturday: 1pm -2pm, 5pm-6pm Sunday & Christmas Eve: 3pm-4pm. Visit http://www.volusiamall.net/holiday. DEC 5 Family Day at the Casements 10AM – 5PM Santa and Mrs. Clause will be in for a busy during their busy time to visit all the children here in our community. Balloons, face painting, glitter tattoos and more! The Casements, Ormond Beach. DEC 5 Family Day at the Casements 10AM – 5PM Santa and Mrs. Clause will be in for a busy during their busy time to visit all the children here in our community. Balloons, face painting, glitter tattoos and more! The Casements, Ormond Beach. DEC 5 NSB Christmas Parade The annual New Smyrna Beach Christmas parade will kick off at 4 p.m., Saturday, December 5, and travel the NSB Waterfront Loop from Flagler Avenue to Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach. The event is free. For more information, please call New Smyrna Beach Recreation Department (386) 424.2175.
32 • December 2015
DEC 4, 5, 6 Coastal Christmas at The Casements 6PM The annual lighting of The Casements. This evening also includes the lighting of the 14' tall Christmas tree in the center of the home, horse and carriage rides, Santa's arrival and the Gift Shoppe, and Gourmet Shop are open for business and purchase. The "Treasure Trove" is open all weekend and features handmade crafts. Tickets are $5 for everyone 10 and older. For more information visit www.thecasements.net. DEC 6 Breakfast with Santa 9AM Join us for Breakfast with Santa in the food court on December 6th. Children 12 and under enjoy visits with Santa, musical entertainment, a balloon artist and face painting. RSVP to (386) 253.6785, ext 223 by Wednesday, December 3rd. Volusia Mall, 1700 W Int'l Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114. DEC 4 – 6 and DEC 11 – 13 Walk Through Bethlehem This is a free event. It is our gift to the community. As we get closer to the event there will be more updates. For more information at (386) 760-4806 or visit www.crbible.com. DEC 5 City of Holly Hill 55th Annual Christmas Parade 10AM -12:30PM For more information and parade route, please call the City of Holly Hill at (386) 248-9420. DEC 5 St. Augustine Christmas Parade 10AM St. Augustine's 61st Annual Christmas Parade is one of the largest in North Florida. The parade starts promptly at 10 a.m. by the Mission of Nombre de Dios, continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine and ends behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Dr. (904) 824-4997 DEC 6 47th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes 12PM – 5PM Sponsored by the Garden Club of St. Augustine. Visit 6 private homes in the Historic Downtown area dating from the 1800 s. Tickets $15 and will include an Afternoon Tea, and a visit to our Unique Boutique which features delicious homemade treats and beautifully hand designed items created by our members. Find more information by visiting www.christmastourofhomes.com. DEC 10-12 Palm Coast Living Nativity 6:30PM – 9PM Discover the true meaning of this holiday as you drive through the streets of Bethlehem with costumed cast, authentic sets, inspiring music and live animals. Parkview Baptist Church 5435 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast DEC 12 Annual Santa’s Post Office 9AM – 11 AM Bring yourr letter to the Palm Coast Library for special delivery right to the North Pole! Santa will be visiting from 9AM – 11AM for a special visit! 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, FL
DEC 12 & DEC 13 The Nutcracker 2015 presented by Civic Ballet of Volusia County This annual classic ballet is being performed at the Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd., Daytona Beach. Advance ticket purchase required at Peabody Box Office. Performance tickets also online at ticketmaster.com or by phone 800-7453000. More information can be found at www.civicballetvc.com. DEC 12 Palm Coast Starlight Holiday Parade & Event 4PM – 9PM An afternoon of holiday family fun includes music and entertainment followed by the annual holiday parade beginning at 7PM featuring lighted floats. Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32137. Info at www.palmcoastgov.com/events or call (386) 986-2323. DEC 12 Holiday Regatta of Lights Boat Parade 6PM A holiday parade of boats will light up St. Augustine's Matanzas Bay between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Marcos. For more information, call (904) 824-9725. DEC 13 RUDOLPH - The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical 1:30PM and 4PM The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts, located at St. Johns River State College, 283 College Drive, Orange Park. Tickets call (904) 2766815 or visit www.thcenter.org. DEC 13 St. Johns River Christmas Boat Parade 6PM The parade begins at Catfish Bend (Marker 36) north of Whitehair Bridge and will end at approximately 8PM at the North end of Lake Beresford. DEC 19 Santa's Breakfast at The Casement 8AM – 12PM 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach Visit www.tTheCasements@OrmondBeach.org or call (386) 676-3216. DEC 19 – DEC 20 St. Augustine Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2PM & 7:30PM Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St. St. Augustine. Visit www.saintaugustineballet.com for more information. DEC 26 Winter Holiday Event at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse 10AM – 2PM All activities are included with regular admission, no advance reservations required. Please contact Mary Wentzel at mwentzel@ponceinlet.org, or (386) 761-1821 ext. 18, for more information. To find these activities and much more visit our website at www.PonceInlet.org. DEC 31 St. Augustine Beach ‘Beach Blast Off’ 2015 4PM – 10PM Voted best family New Year’s Eve event in Florida! 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080. More info at www.beachblastoff.com.
December 2015 • 33
feature
Ho Ho Hanukkah!
How to Balance Hanukkah and Christmas
by Christina Katz
You don’t have to be an interfaith family to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas each year. Any family can choose to celebrate whichever holiday traditions they wish. Holiday joy can be doubled, rather than halved, when you choose to light the menorah and decorate the Christmas tree to honor the cultural and religious traditions of both parents. So forget the “December Dilemma.” When it comes to religion, families increasingly run the Judeo-Christian gamut. In our family, we have Orthodox Jews on one side of the family tree and Born-again Christians on the other side. But my husband and I both share the same beliefs about diversity, tolerance, and spirituality. And that’s what we intend to pass on to our daughter. As a woman who was raised Catholic and has been happily married to a Jewish man for the past thirteen years, I can attest that once you become the parent in an interfaith family, you quickly become accustomed to not being able to please everyone. But since the wisdom of your hearts brought you and your partner together in the first place, why not call on that same source of wisdom to guide you through creating your own version of happy holidays? Here are a few tips based on what our family has learned from holding the middle ground over the years: Talk To Each Other First & Last The bottom line on family celebrations, holiday or otherwise, is to always do whatever you and your spouse deem best for your family. The only way to come to an understanding about what this means is to discuss it with each other first and last. Be prepared for this to be an ongoing conversation, and probably one that you revisit each year. Protect Your Joint Point Of View Never let bossy or opinionated family members horn in on conversations that rightly belong between you and your partner. You only have one spouse, and that’s 34 • December 2015
the person whose opinion you should value most. Your kids come next and the grandparents after them. Don’t treat your parents like children or allow them to treat you like a child. This behavior will only create conflicts between you and your spouse. Ignore Disapproving Outsiders Never apologize for being an interfaith family, even if people in your extended family or circle of close friends do not approve of your union. You are not seeking their permission—as Perchick expressed so boldly in Fiddler On The Roof—you are asking for their blessing. Creating harmonious and joy-
Iful dual holidays in your own home is your parental right and your familial duty, even if it means agreeing to disagree with certain members of your extended family. Stick To Separate But Equal Christmas may be more common and commercial than Hanukkah, but don’t let that trump your holiday fun. The nice thing about Hanukkah is that it lasts for eight nights. Light the menorah candles and say the Hanukkah prayer every night, if you possibly can. You may be amazed at how moving and inspiring such simple rituals can be, even on busy school nights. Look for the
Fun Holiday Family Reads
Hanukkah Hanukkah! by Roni Schotter and Marilyn Hafner Lots Of Latkes, A Hanukkah Story by Sandy Lanton and Vicki Jo Redenbaugh When Mindy Saved Hanukkah by Eric Kimmel It’s A Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybook by Stephanie Spinner and Jill McElmurry
quieter, more awe-inspiring moments in Christmas as well, such as ending the day admiring the beauty of the decorated tree and window lights. Keep Both Sets Of Traditions At our house, we celebrate as much of both traditions as we can, without a worry about whether the holidays overlap or not. For me, this means the Christmas tree, the presents, the cookies, the big dinner. For my husband this means lighting two menorahs for eight nights (one for him and one for my daughter), having our daughter’s friends over for potato latkes and some lively dreidel games. Don’t Double Your Gift Budget We make an effort to celebrate the bounty of two holidays without going overboard. If you are an interfaith family, your kids’ friends may consider them “lucky” because they assume that they get double the gifts every holiday season. However, that’s not necessarily the case at our house. Our daughter typically gets a little present on the first day of Hanukkah and a bigger present on the last day of Hanukkah. One set of grandparents send a couple of little Hanukkah gifts and a check and the other sends a couple of stocking stuffers and a check. The amount of gifts she receives is essentially the same as it would be if we
only celebrated one holiday. Share The Love Another thing we enjoy about dual holidays is that our daughter can share traditions about both holidays with her friends, no matter what religion they follow, exposing them to a culture they may not have had the opportunity to learn about. Participate Wisely When invited to join a new or old tradition on either side of the family, give the ritual a chance. We will try just about anything once. But we reserve the right to say no to pressure or anything that makes us uncomfortable. Maintaining an atmosphere where you can say yes or no to your parents without stern chastisement may not come easily in your extended family system. But start trying it, or you’ll never get there. Honor The Choices Of Others. We don’t try to protect our family members from our choices. They need to be exposed to what we value, if we expect them to understand and accept our choices. However, we also try to respect the choices that each of our family members make without imposing our life choices on them. The Jewish families get Happy Hanukkah cards and the Christian families get Christmas cards. When we cross over, we go with “Happy Holidays.”
Christmas The Christmas Story by Jane Werner Watson and Eloise Wilkin ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Celebrating Both My Two Holidays, A Hanukkah and Christmas Story by Danielle Novack and Phyllis Harris Light The Lights, A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah And Christmas by Margaret Moorman Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko December 2015 • 35
Ace Gymnastics 4431 Eastport Parkway, Port Orange, FL (386) 760-1445 Dec 21 - 23 Dec 28 - 30 January 15 for Teacher Duty Day www.acegymnastics-daytona.com All Saints Lutheran Church 751 Dunlawton Avenue Port Orange, FL (386) 846-1150 director@afterschool-aslcpo.org $175 Winter Camp www.afterschool-aslcpo.org/after-school.html Child's World of Learning School Holiday Camps 2700 Enterprise Road, Orange City, FL (386) 775-7866 janel@childsworldoflearning.com www.childsworldoflearning.com FLAGLER COLLEGE BASEBALL WINTER PROSPECT CAMP Saturday, Jan 31 9AM – 5PM Ages 15 – 18 http://firstcitybaseball.com/?product=4 Gateway Center for the Arts Winter Break Camp 880 U.S. 17, DeBary, FL (386) 668-5553 www.gatewaycenterforthearts Gemini Springs Winter Break Program for children ages 6-12 Dec 21 -23 and Dec 28 - 30 7 Dirksen Drive, DeBary, FL (386) 736-5953 Kindercare Learning Center School Holiday Camps Angel Green, Center Director 1320 Beville Rd., Daytona Beach FL 32114 (386) 252-7193 Ages: 6 Weeks to 10 YEAR-OLDS Open: 6:30AM to 6:00PM, M-F Ormond Beach KinderCare Marie Thurston, Center Director 151 Sagebrush Trail, Ormond Beach ` (386) 673-4740 Ages: 6 Weeks to 12 Year-Olds Open: 6:30AM to 6:30PM, M-F www.kindercare.com 36 • December 2015
Lyonia Environmental Center School Holiday Camps 2150 Eustace Ave, FL From Parents Shopping Day out to Holiday Wreath Making. Visit our website for the most current schedule of our holiday programs being offered. (386) 789-7207 www.volusia.org Marine Discovery Center School Holiday Camps 520 Barracuda Blvd. New Smyrna Beach, FL (386) 428-4828 www.marinediscoverycenter.org Montessori School-Port Orange School Holiday Camps 3749 S Nova Rd., Port Orange, FL (386) 788-1088 info@montessoriportorange.com www.montessoriportorange.com My Gym on Beach Blvd. Winter Camp Beaches/Mayport, East Arlington, Intracoastal 13770 Beach Blvd Ste. 16, Jacksonville, FL (904) 223-4966 Dec 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th, 29th, 30th Hours: 9AM - 12:30PM, the afternoon from 1:30PM – 5PM, or all day from 8:30AM - 5:30PM jacksonville@mygym.com Palm Coast Community Center 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE Palm Coast, FL (386) 986-2323 Jack Frost-ivities Holiday Break Camp for Kids Register your K-8th grader to enjoy camp during this December holiday break from School. The City of Palm Coast offers crafts, games, hikes and music, with extended care available for an extra cost. Frost-ivities will be held Dec 21-23 and Dec 28-30. Registration is required 48 hours before your requested days. Daily camp fees are $15. www.palmcoastgov.com Ponte Vedra Ballet & Dance Company LLC Sugar & Spice Holiday Day Camp December 21, 22, 23 886 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Register online at www.fusionperformingartsacademy.com
Palm Coast Community Center 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE Palm Coast, FL (386) 986-2323 Jack Frost-ivities Holiday Break Camp for Kids Register your K-8th grader to enjoy camp during this December holiday break from School. The City of Palm Coast offers crafts, games, hikes and music, with extended care available for an extra cost. Frost-ivities will be held Dec 21-23 and Dec 28-30. Registration is required 48 hours before your requested days. Daily camp fees are $15. www.palmcoastgov.com Palm Coast Tennis Center 1290 Belle Terre Parkway Palm Coast, FL 32164 (386) 986-2550 Winter Break Tennis Camp Dec 21 – 23, 11:30AM-2:30PM $75 for all 3 days OR $30 per day AGES 7 thru 13 Campers will need to bring a water bottle, towel, hat and a lunch. Campers should wear comfortable clothes and smooth soled tennis shoes. Racquets will be provided if needed. There are NO refunds and Registration & Payment deadline is Thursday, Dec 17 at 12PM. http://www.palmcoasttenniscenter.com
The Little Gym of Port Orange 4645 S Clyde Morris Blvd. Port Orange, FL Designed for children 3-8 years of age, each day of camp involves a fun, creative storyline that will incorporate opportunities for the kids to exercise their muscles, their imaginations and cooperation skills – working together to complete each Quest! Camp Days: December 21 - 23 December 28 - 31 10AM – 1PM (386) 304-1401 www.tlgportorangefl.com Volusia County Parks & Recreation 202 N. Florida Ave., DeLand, FL Winter Break Program for children ages 6-12 Dec 21 - 23 and 28 - 30 This is a fun alternative for youths during their holiday break. Trips include roller skating, movie and bowling. West Volusia 386-736-5953 Daytona Beach 386-257-6000, ext. 15953
Wild Coward Company Winter Break Camp 424 Luna Bella Ln., Suite 120 New Smyrna Beach, FL (386) 227-7444 Winter Break Day Camp during the weeks Volusia schools are closed! We'll be holding a day camp between Dec 21-23, and Dec 28-30! Your child may attend each week for only $150 each or both weeks for $250! There are discounts for siblings as well. We'll be holding the camp from 9am-4pm with the ability to have early arrival arranged. The camps will have a heavy influence of art, but we'll take breaks for fun, get-on-your-feet activities as well! For more information or to register, contact us at wildecoward@gmail.com YMCA School Holiday Camp Kids Fun Days and Day Camps for winter break! Our child care programs provide a safe, nurturing environment under the supervision of our qualified, professional staff. Check with your local Y for a list of all the special programs we offer for kids! For your local YMCA visit www.vfymca.org
New Smyrna Beach (386) 423-3300, ext. 15953
PGA Tour Academy Winter Junior Golf Camp TPC Sawgrass Ponte Vedra Beach, FL This holiday season, give your aspiring junior golfer the chance to learn from the country’s top instructors, and experience a day in the life similar to a touring professional. TOURAcademy Winter Junior Golf Camps offer a variety of programs for boys and girls of all abilities, ages 7-18, from Elite Full-Day and Overnight Camps to Full-Day and Half-Day Camps at Dates and times visit http://www.pgatourexperiences.com/tour-academies/juniorgolf-camps/winter-camps/ Roma Court Academy 515 Palm Coast Parkway SW, Palm Coast, FL (386) 445-0834 Week One: Winter Wonderland, Dec 21, 22, 23 Week Two: Rockin in the New Year, Dec 28, 29. 30 Your child’s day will be filled with holiday themed activities and two exciting field trips! info@romacourtacademy.com St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum Winter Break Camp December 21 - 23 9AM – 1PM http://www.staugustinelighthouse.org/ December 2015 • 37
feature
Cheers to a Neat New Year A Clutter Free Holiday Gift Guide
by Beth N. Davis
If your children’s toys are already creeping into every room of the house, the idea of more toys coming through the door during the holiday season might be enough to make you break out in hives. Your friends and family love your children. They want to dote on them and treat them to fun things during the holiday season. But you can’t fathom where you are going to keep it all. So many parents go through this clutter phobia during the holiday season. Help yourself and your generous family members by suggesting some of these fun non toy gift ideas for the kids in your family. The better you, and they, know the interests of a gift recipient, the better chance you will all have of making sure your gift doesn’t wind up unused in a pile somewhere. Experiences When you think back on holidays past, the best memories aren’t about what you received as gifts but the time and unique experiences you had with the ones you care about. Harness that energy for your children and the ones on your list by gifting an experience they won’t forget. A special ride on a classic train (Thomas perhaps?) or a trip in a horse and buggy around the city can offer an exciting memory that you will share for years to come. Whether it is a dinner out, an afternoon making cookies or building a bird house together, experiences are one way to reduce the accumulation during the holidays. Other great experience gifts: • Movie Tickets • An afternoon of bowling 38 • December 2015
• Tickets to a theater performance • An outing to a sporting event • A day at the circus • Ice Skating (indoor or outdoor) • Mini Golf • Concert tickets On a similar note, you can gift an experience that can be re-lived by gifting season passes to a fun attraction in your area. Zoos, museums, aquariums, amusement parks and other attractions generally offer a flat fee membership for unlimited visits. If the child in your life has an affinity for one of these locations, season passes will be a welcome gift. Classes/Lessons Most kids are involved in after school activities but lessons can get costly. If a child in your life in interested in a particu-
lar topic, there is likely a class or series of lessons that they can be enrolled in. For this type of gift, if you are giving to a child other than your own, be sure to consult the parent for scheduling reasons. Your own children will be thrilled to attend an intensive workshop or spend one on one time with a favorite instructor. Some lessons and classes that are popular with kids: • Swimming • Sports (Clinics, one on one coaching, lessons) • Gymnastics • Dance • Karate • Music lessons (instrumental or voice) • Pottery or other art class • Craft class (ie. Sewing, knitting, etc.)
• Horseback riding lessons Adventurous Outings For the older child (and even for adults), an adventurous outing might be the most exciting gift they receive. Whether you take a whitewater rafting trip or spend a day climbing trees, fun and adrenaline are both at play with these gifts. Examples of these types of outings are: • • • • • •
Hot air balloon ride Zip lining Skiing or tubing Rock Climbing Camping Road trip
This is another instance where you will need to double check with the recipient’s parents (if the child is not yours) before giving. Useful Gifts While kids thrive on the fun, there are many essentials that, when purchased as a gift can be just as exciting. The promise of a redecorated bedroom, for example, can be the most exciting thing a teenage girl receives. Some examples of useful, fun gifts are: • • • • • • • • •
Kid furniture New bedding Bike Scooter Roller skates/blades Basketball hoop Trampoline A swing set Jewelry box
Kids can use these items year-round and most of them can be stored outside or in a garage. Learning Tools Who says learning isn’t fun? For the budding scientist in your life, a chemistry set will be more useful than any toy or game that will wind up as clutter in a corner. Some great examples of learning tools as gifts are: • • • • • • • •
A telescope Strong Magnet Science Kit Gardening tools Chalk or whiteboard with writing materials Bug-catching tools Binoculars Globe
Gift cards, books and other standard non-toy gifts are also appropriate for the family that is looking to de-clutter. Whether you are looking to be respectful to a minimalist family you know or are trying to keep from adding to the clutter in your own home, these gift ideas will have you ringing in a neat New Year. December 2015 • 39
JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it. Two Reels – Coulda been a contender Three Reels – Something to talk about. Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick! Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
Here’s a sneak peek at what's new in theaters and home entertainment this month. Note that release dates are subject to change. IN THE HEART OF THE SEA PG-13 for intense sequences of action and peril, brief startling violence, and thematic material Reel Preview: In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by a whale of mammoth size and will, with an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster inspired Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick," but that was only half the story. "In the Heart of the Sea" reveals the encounter's harrowing aftermath, as the ship's surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Directed by Ron Howard, this movie stars Chris Hemsworth as the ship's veteran first mate Owen Chase; Benjamin Walker as its inexperienced Captain, George Pollard; Cillian Murphy as second mate Matthew Joy; and Ben Whishaw as novelist Herman Melville, whose inquiries into the event 30 years later helped bring the story to light.
STAR WARS: EPISODE VII - THE FORCE AWAKENS Not yet rated; likely PG-13 Reel Preview: Get ready for more thrills from a galaxy far, far away! This installment in the popular "Star Wars" franchise takes place 30 years after the Rebel Alliance's victory over the second Death Star ("Return of the Jedi"). The galaxy is still at war, and a New Republic has arisen, but the First Order has sprung from the ashes of the Galactic Empire. Many of the heroes we all know and love - Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) - are still active and fighting in the Resistance against this group. They're joined in the fight by new heroes, including Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), a starfighter pilot; Finn (John Boyega), a former First Order Stormtrooper who uses the lightsaber that once belonged to Anakin Skywalker and later Luke Skywalker; Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger; and a rolling droid known as BB-8. They're opposed by powerful new forces, including Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) of the First Order and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a mysterious dark side user wielding a red lightsaber of unusual design. Directed by J.J. Abrams.
40 • December 2015
ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP PG-13 for some mild rude humor Reel Preview: Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) and Theodore (Jesse McCartney) come to believe that Dave (Jason Lee) is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami -- and dump them. They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave, but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother. Directed by Walt Becker, this cute family comedy also stars Bella Thorne, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kaley Cuoco, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate.
New on DVD/BLU--RAY PIGGY TALES: SEASON 1 Nor rated Reel Review: From the world of "Angry Birds," follow the everyday lives of the mischievous pigs, who solve problems with their limited wisdom. In this unique, clay-style CGI animation, the loved and long-suffering Bad Piggies face a series of challenges and unexpected events, leading to comical solutions.
THE GIANT KING PG for action violence and mild crude humor Reel Review: One thousand years after an epic robot battle, sworn enemies Zork and Pinky wake up with no memory of who they are or how they wound up chained together. In search of answers, they begin wandering the barren wasteland, looking for RAM, the creator of all robots – and making new friends, as well as a few enemies, along the way. But when they remember their past, will their newfound friendship prove to be stronger than an unbreakable chain? Voices include Bella Thorne, Russell Peters and Meg DeAngelis.
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Not Rated Reel Review: This 2-Disc DVD contains the final 12 episodes of Season 3 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Episodes 67-78), including The Noxious Avenger, The Creeping Doom, and Annihilation: Earth!
www.flaglerparent.com / December 2015 • 41
December 11 Kids in Motion 10:00 AM All Ages Build motor and listening skills. Music + movement + props = Fitness Fun! December 15 Holiday Magic Show Featuring Magician Scott Humston 6:30 PM All ages Come join the fun and feel the “magic of the season.” Free! Funded by The Friends of the Library
Flagler County Library December Children’s Activities December 1 Boys’ Book Club 4:30 – 5:30 Ages 8 - 11 Members read the same book and meet once a month for a lively discussion and book related snack and activities. Limited to 12 members. Club is currently FULL. Contact Children’s Dept. about wait list. December 2 Family Story Class 10:00 – 11:00 AMAges 6 and under Stories, songs, fingerplays and nursery rhymes – promotes early literacy skills. Adult participation required. Theme: Opposites
December 9 PAWS to Read 4–6 PM Ages 4–8 Beginning readers can practice their new skills by reading to a real dog. Builds confidence and makes reading fun. First come, first served. December 10 Baby Class with Ms. Brenda 10:00 AM Birth to fourteen months Books, songs, rhymes and fun for our youngest patrons. Adult participation required.
December 21 Morning Holiday Movie 10:00 AM All Ages Title to be determined. December 22 Morning Holiday Movie 10:00 AM All Ages Title to be determined.
December 28 Family Movie Night 6:00 PM All Ages Title to be determined.
December 5 Game Day 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Ages 6+ Yu-Gi-Oh! and other card or board games. Bring your own Yu-Gi-Oh! deck.
42 • December 2015 / www.flaglerparent.com
December 19 Crafts with Ms. Janelle 10:00 – 11:30 AM All ages Join us for a morning of fun with seasonal craft activities. All supplies provided.
December 28 Lego @ the Library 9:30 – 11:15 AM All ages A monthly multigenerational program providing families with an opportunity to work creatively together.
December 3 Baby Class with Ms. Brenda 10:00 AM Birth to fourteen months Books, songs, rhymes and fun for our youngest patrons. Adult participation required.
December 9 Family Story Class 10:00 – 11:00 AM Ages 6 and under Stories, songs, fingerplays and nursery rhymes – promotes early literacy skills. Adult participation required. Theme: Holidays
December 17 Baby Class with Ms. Brenda 10:00 AM Birth to fourteen months Books, songs, rhymes and fun for our youngest patrons. Adult participation required.
Info
December 10 Ravenous Readers 4:30 – 5:30 PM Ages 6 and up. For kids who like books and food. A fun read aloud, accompanied by a book related tasty treat, games and a craft.
Flagler County Library 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy., N.W. Palm Coast, FL 32137 (386) 446-6763
Bunnell Branch 103 E. Moody Blvd. Bunnell, FL 32110 (386) 437-7390
Flagler School News
education
DECEMBER 2015 Character Education Word of the Month: UNDERSTANDING
December 1 & 2 2:30 p.m. BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program Government Services Building, Third Floor December 1 3:30 p.m. Wadsworth Elementary School SAC/Title I Mtg. WES, Media Center December 1 5 p.m. Belle Terre Elementary School PTO Meeting BTES, Media Center December 1 5 p.m. School Board Workshop GSB, Board Chambers December 2 2:30 & 6 p.m. Town Hall Parent Informational Meeting ITMS, Dining Hall December 2 5:30 p.m. Old Kings Elementary School PTO Meeting OKES, Media Center December 2 6:30 p.m. Rymfire Elementary School PTO Meeting RES, Media Center December 3 4 p.m. VSA Art Class Session 3: Path of the Comet Government Services Building, Third Floor December 3 7 p.m. FPCHS presents “An Evening of Improv” Flagler Auditorium December 3 7 p.m. ITMS Band Concert MHS, Pirate Theater December 4 5:30 p.m. W.E.S. First Grade to perform at First Friday Flagler Beach Holiday at the Beach December 4 5:45 p.m. Old Kings Elementary to perform at First Friday Flagler Beach Holiday at the Beach
December 4 7:20 p.m. MHS Blue Steel Band perform at First Friday Flagler Beach December 4 7:20 p.m. FPCHS Band perform at First Friday Flagler Beach
December 11 7:30 p.m. MHS Thespian Coffee House MHS, Pirate Theater December 12 6 p.m. Town Center Holiday Parade Palm Coast, Town Center December 13 3 p.m. St. Augustine Orchestra Flagler Auditorium December 14-15 2:30 p.m. BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program Government Services Building, Third Floor December 14 7:30 p.m. Twelve Personalities – No Waiting Flagler Auditorium
December 4 7 p.m. MHS Band Concert MHS, Pirate Theater
December 15 9:15 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary 5th Grade Spelling Bee - WES, Cafeteria
December 5 7:30 p.m. “Tis the Seasons! The Hit Men Holiday Show” Flagler Auditorium Featuring former stars of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
December 15 10:15 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary 6th Grade Spelling Bee - WES, Cafeteria
December 7-9 2:30 p.m. BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program Government Services Building, Third Floor December 8 6:30 p.m. Rymfire Elementary School Winter Concert RES, Cafeteria December 8 7:30 p.m. Women of Ireland – Celtic Angels’ Christmas Flagler Auditorium December 9 5 p.m. FPCHS Dinner with Santa Flagler Auditorium December 9 7 p.m. Flagler Youth Orchestra Concert Flagler Auditorium December 10 6:30 p.m. RES Terrific Kids Assembly RES, Cafeteria December 10 6:30 p.m. BTES Christmas Musical BTES, Cafeteria December 10 7 p.m. FPC Band and Chorus Holiday Winter Festival Flagler Auditorium December 10 7 p.m. Buddy Taylor Middle School Winter Concert BTMS, Cafeteria December 11 6 p.m. ITMS Winter Formal Dance ITMS, Dining Hall
December 4 6:12 p.m. BTMS/ITMS Bands to perform at First Friday Flagler Beach Holiday at the Beach
December 11 6 p.m. Belle Terre Elementary School Kids’ Closet BTES, Cafeteria
December 4 7:10 p.m. FPCHS Formality Singers-Lighting of the Park Flagler Beach
December 11 6:30 p.m. Wadsworth Elementary PTO Movie Night WES, Cafeteria
December 15 5 p.m. School Board Workshop GSB, Board Chambers December 15 6 p.m. School Board Meeting GSB, Board Chambers December 16 9:15 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary 1st Grade Spelling Bee - WES, Cafeteria December 16 9:30 a.m. BTES Holiday Program (2nd Grade) BTES, Cafeteria December 16 10:15 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary 2nd Grade Spelling Bee - WES, Cafeteria December 16 2:30 p.m. BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program Government Services Building, Third Floor December 17 9:15 a.m. RES Kindergarten Sing-A-Long RES, Cafeteria December 17 9:15 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary 3rd Grade Spelling Bee WES, Cafeteria December 17 10:15 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary 4th Grade Spelling Bee WES, Cafeteria December 17 1:45 p.m. BTES First Grade Holiday Sing-A-Long BTES, Cafeteria December 18 7 p.m. Matanzas High School Dance Show MHS, Pirate Theater December 19 3 p.m. Dance Around Flagler Flagler Auditorium December 27 7:30 p.m. The Ten Tenors – Home for the Holidays Flagler Auditorium December 21- January 1 Winter Break www.flaglerparent.com / December 2015 • 43
events Cultural Educational and Museums
December 2015 We need to hear from you. Our magazines list local events for families. To submit an event, send your information by the 10th of the preceding month to:
charlie@bradymediainc.com or mail to: 800 Belle Terre Pkwy. Ste. 200-207 Palm Coast, FL 32164
DEC 26 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum Winter Holiday Tour 10AM – 2PM Explore our historical exhibits and climb the tallest lighthouse in Florida. Journey back 100 years ago, when the keepers and their families lived at the lighthouse. Visit with the "Old Lighthouse Keeper" as he describes his duties at the historic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. All activities are included with regular admission, no advance reservations required. 4931 South Peninsula Drive Ponce Inlet. For more info call (386) 7611821 or visit www. http://ponceinlet.org/
DEC 4 First Friday Art Walk 5PM – 9PM Art Galleries of St. Augustine feature new exhibits, refreshments and live music at more than 20 galleries. Historic Area, St. Augustine. (904) 779-2781.
Cultural Educational and Museums DEC 3 Soils of Volusia County 9AM – 11AM Authentically clad re-enactors will take a walk through Longleaf Pine Preserve’s flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps. Participants will learn about the connections between soils and the plant and animal communities of the wetlands. Meet at the west entrance, 3637 E. New York Ave., DeLand (386) 736-5927 DEC 8 Hickory Bluff Preserve 9AM – 11AM Explore the natural world and compare habitat characteristics during an upland and swamp hike of the St. Johns River watershed. Meet at 598 Guise Road, Osteen. Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division sponsors Explore Volusia to acquaint residents with the county’s conservation lands and land management practices. Reservations are requested and may be made by calling (386) 736-5927.
Farmers Markets DEC 4, 11, 18, 25 Flagler Beach Farmers Market 8AM – 12PM Downtown Flagler Beach, by the Ocean- Every Friday & Saturday, Year Round Rain or Shine. Sunrise to early afternoon. DEC 10, 17, 24, 31 Ormond Beach Farmers Market 8AM – 1PM Fresh Produce • Baked Goods • Honey • Flowers • Thai Cuisine • Meat • Jewelry • Art • Plants • Prepared Food and more from a select group of farmers and vendors. 22 S. Beach St. (City Hall Plaza), Ormond Beach. For more info visit www.ormondbeachmainstreet.com/farmers-market/. DEC 6, 13, 20, 27 Salt Air Farmers Market 10AM – 2PM Marineland Marina hosts the Salt Air Farmers Market every Sunday. Find an array of fresh, organically-grown produce and other yummy things.101 Tolstoy Lane, St. Augustine. (904) 814-9886 or www.saltairfarmersmarket.com.
DEC 12 Living History Day 10:30AM – 3:30PM Fort Matanzas National Monument, 8635 A1A S, St Augustine, FL 32080, United States (map) w w w. n p s . g o v / f o m a / p l a n y o u r v i s i t / e v e n t details.htm?eventID=359681-245777 DEC 16 Cracker Creek Gamble Place Tours 8AM – 5PM Come on out to Cracker Creek and Gamble Place to learn and enjoy Old Florida Pioneer history. Tours by reservation only. Adults $6; Senior Adults $5; Children $3. Cracker Creek, 1795 Taylor Road Port Orange, FL 32128. For more info call (386) 304-0778. 44 • December 2015 / www.flaglerparent.com
DEC 4 First Friday Flagler Beach 6PM – 9PM Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come for the live entertainment, local food vendors and flair. Family fun with Kids Zone sponsored by Flagler Parent. Veterans Park, Flagler Beach.
DEC 6, 13, 20, 27 Moose Market 10AM – 2PM From organic produce to local seafood and everything in between. Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona, 1637 North US Highway 1, Ormond Beach. (386) 316-2959 Just for Fun Out and About Now through DEC 11 Postcards from Santa Santa is making his list and checking it twice at Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division. As part of an annual tradition, recreation employees will send personalized postcards from Santa to children up to age 12. Parents can have their children added to Santa’s mailing list by sending the child’s full name and address to elves@volusia.org. Requests will be accepted through Dec. 11.
DEC 4 – 6 2015 Art & Antiques Show. ¡Viva España! Vibrant, colorful events celebrating the rich culture of Spain. Nationally recognized Speakers, 45 internationally recognized Art and Antiques Dealers, Opening Night Party featuring The RiverTown Band and Children's Fashion Show featuring current and former patients of Wolfson Children's Hospital Presented by The Women's Board. Benefiting Wolfson Children's Hospital. Prime Osborne Convention Center. More info visit www.artandantiquesshow.com or call (904) 202-2886 DEC 4, 6, 11, 13 Walk Through Bethlehem 6PM – 9PM Come and experience a Christmas gift to our community that you will never forget. Experience Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born! Crossroads Ministries 1851 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL http://www.crbible.com/ DEC 5 St. Augustine Christmas Parade 10AM – 11AM The parade begins at the Mission of Nombre de Dios at 27 Ocean Ave., proceeds south through downtown and then finishes behind the Visitors Center at 10 West Castillo Drive. Spectators can view the parade from the historic streets of downtown St. Augustine. After the parade, everyone is welcome to stop by the Plaza de la Constitución to have pictures taken with Santa.
events DEC 5 2015 Health & Wellness Expo 10AM – 2PM This event is to raise awareness and education to the community and to inform the community of the services that are available to them. This event is free to the public. 200 South Church Street, Bunnell, FL. 32110 (386) 866-1192 DEC 5 Tiny Trekkers 10AM Children ages 2 to 5 can listen to "Gingerbread Friend, take a short hike through Lyonia Preserve, and make a take-home craft. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of Lyonia Environmental Center. Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. Reservations are requested and may be made by calling 386-789-7207, ext. 21028.
DEC 5, 6 Home for the Holidays 1PM – 4PM Flagler County Association of REALTORS® is partnering with the City of Palm Coast to host an event "Home for the Holidays. If you would like to attend any of the open houses, they will be posted in the News-Journal the weekend of the event. For listing material or information regarding this event, please contact marketing@flaglercountyrealtors.com or call (386) 437-0095. DEC 5 Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade 5:30 PM – 6:30PM The boat parade will start on the north side of MG on the Halifax and travel south to the Chart House marina. For more info visit http://daytonabeachchristmasboatparade.com/route/ DEC 5 Palm Coast Boat Parade 6PM – 7PM Grand Marshalls for this year’s Boat Parade will be Flagler County Sheriff James L. Manfre and Palm Coast Mayor Jon Netts. The Parade will be accompanied by boats from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and Tow Boat U.S. Palm Coast Yacht Club 1 Yacht Club Dr, Palm Coast, FL For e vent information contact Captain Ulis at (386) 283-5166 or theulises@att.net.
DEC 5 Holiday Concert at DeBary Hall 2PM Members of the Central Florida Accordion Club will present a free holiday concert from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in DeBary Hall Historic Site’s hunting lodge, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. The not-for-profit organization promotes the accordion, encourages accordion players, and maintains public interest in accordion music. Members perform in many musical genres and with various skill levels from beginner to the highly accomplished. For more information, call Amber Osmun at 386-668-3840. Parking will be available near DeBary Hall’s visitor’s center. Attendees may tour DeBary Hall, an 1871 hunting lodge, for regular admission prices, which are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and younger. To learn about DeBary Hall and other upcoming events, visit www.debaryhall.com. DEC 5 Naturally Christmas Workshop 1PM Make one-of-a-kind holiday decorations from pine cones, twigs and other materials found in nature. Reservations are requested and may be made by calling 386-789-7207, ext. 21028. Meet in Lyonia Environmental Center's classroom, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona. DEC 5, 6 Basilica of St. Paul Christmas Bazaar 9AM Door prizes, raffle tickets, baked goods, craft show, money tree, Santa and Mrs. Claus and Silent Auction. 317 Mullally St., Daytona Beach. (386) 252-5422
DEC 5 Holiday Boat Parade 8PM Hosted by the Palm Coast Yacht Club, the annual Holiday Boat Parade is scheduled for December 5. Those interested in entering their boat in the parade, a festive display of holiday lights on the water, should visit the web site palmcoastyachtclub.com. Residents are encouraged to view and light the way of the parade as it passes the Tidelands, Canopy Walk, Waterfront Walk, and Island estates, before turning around at the Grand Haven Gazebo. Waterfront Park 150 Waterfront Park, Palm Coast, FL 32137 www.palmcoastyachtclub.com (386) 283-5166 DEC 5 The Hit Men's Holiday Show 7:30PM – 8PM It's a night of your favorite mega hits and holiday classics performed rock and roll and "Four Seasons style" by THE HIT MEN: Amazing performers, superb musicians, superior vocalists, arrangers and composers, whose members were stars of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Tommy James & the Shondells and other megahit acts of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Flagler Auditorium, www.flaglerauditorium.org or (386) 437-7547 DEC 12 Breakfast or Brunch with Santa Meet Santa at the Central Florida Zoo! Lots of fun holiday cheer for the whole family! Breakfast will be from 9AM – 10:30AM and brunch will be 11AM – 12:30PM. Call (407) 323-4450 ext. 123 or register online at www.centralfloridazoo.org.
DEC 12 City of Palm Coast Holiday Event & Parade 4PM Holiday Event • 7PM Parade Starlight Event from 4-6 p.m. - featuring games, pictures with Santa, and refreshments available for purchase. Entertainment is provided all afternoon by local and regional performers. Santa will be visiting children from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m., and a photographer will be available for photos. At 7 p.m., the Starlight Parade will get under way, featuring colorful lighted floats, marching bands and other entries. Prizes are awarded for the top entries. Central Park in Town Center 975 Central Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32137 DEC 19 Kids Fishing Day with a visit from Santa 9AM – 1PM Lunch, craft sale, and Santa! Riverside Park, New Smyrna Beach. More info cal (386) 576-3983. Admission is one non perishable food item. DEC 30 Teen Gaming Night 5PM – 7PM Teens ages 13 - 18 are invited to beat the postholiday blues with your friends by joining us for a special Winter Break Teen Gaming Night! Enjoy snacks while playing our Nintendo WiiU, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii set up on three separate TVs in our FOL Community Room. Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (904) 827-6950, www.sjcpls.org DEC 5 Kids Craft Club - Michael's Craft Store 10AM – 12PM Let your kids explore their creativity while you shop! It's just $2 per child, for 30 minutes of crafting fun. All supplies are included. Register for a session every half hour from 10am to 12pm. See an associate to reserve a spot today. 5250 Hwy 100 E, Palm Coast. Special Causes DEC 4 Christmas Come True Fundraiser 6:30PM – 10:30PM Join us for an evening of creative tastings from Carrabba's New Menu selections, Cocktails, Music, and Dancing enhanced with Silent Auction items all to benefit Christmas Come True's efforts to help Flagler County families in need. $35 per person. Tickets will also be available at the door. Whitney Laboratory 9505 Oceanshore Blvd. St. Augustine.
DEC 4, 5 Holiday Book Sale 10AM Do your holiday shopping and help raise funds or books, programs, and more for your library! Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library,101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. (904) 827-6950, www.sjcpls.org www.flaglerparent.com / December 2015 • 45
business spotlight
Integral Math Academy Filling the Need for a Comprehensive Tutoring Program
Co-founders, Marina Jarova and Galina Stingel are pleased to announce that they have launched Integral Math Academy. Marina is a former Flagler County School employee and Galina a former high school math teacher at Volusia County. The company held their ribbon cutting and grand opening on Wednesday, October 21st. Integral Math Academy offers one-onone tutoring and small group classes for grades K-8, Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II. They also offer prep classes for FSA, ECO, SAT, and Act tests. They have adopted a curriculum that is specially designed to focus on conceptual understanding and problem solving. Each lesson builds on the concepts introduced in previous lessons and preceding years. They emphasize development of logical and critical thinking over memorization. They also offer tutoring in reading comprehension (ELA), Physics and Russian language. “We saw a need in our community for a comprehensive math tutoring program,” says Marina. Upon meeting Galina, we realized that together we would be able to expand into a full time math academy,” she added. Having both witnessed first hand the difficulties with curriculums aimed to achieve results for standardized testing; the founders decided then, that their academy would focus on the application of the core 46 • November 2015 / www.flaglerparent.com
Co-founders, Marina Jarova and Gaina Stingel
mathematical concepts. They believe that students need more than memorization, but real world application with deeper understanding of the mathematical principles and hands on approach. The company has four certified teachers and is growing quickly into a learning center. They now offer not only Mathematics, but Reading/ELA, Physics, Chemistry and Russian language. The cofounders are inviting elementary and middle school students to join them for a free math class for grades 3 - Algebra on December 12th. On January 4th through January 22nd, they will run SAT prep course for high school students.
2 Pine Lakes Parkway North Suite 7, Palm Coast Open Monday through Friday and some weekends with various hours. Morning classes are available for homeschoolers. They can be found online at www.integralmathacademy.com or https://www.facebook.com/integralmathacademy
Call: (386) 264-7784