Contents November 2015
36 12
charity 12 26
features 14 Capturing Holiday Memories 16 20 22 24 30
36 38 39
32
Outdoor Favorites
Teaching Your Kids to Give Community Partnerships for Children
education 18 43
Take Stock in Children Flagler County School News
fashion
Practicing Gratitude
28
Adoption Resource Directory
kids in the kitchen
Joys and Challenges of Adopting a Tween Thanksgiving Themed Playdates for Toddlers
32
Fall Meets Fashion
Family Thanksgiving
health 10
Dietary Lessons from Diabetes
every issue 34
10 Traditions for Fall
42
Family Freeze Frame
44
Holiday Events Directory
On The Cover
Reel Life with Jane Movie Reviews Flagler County Library Programs November Calendar of Events
Coming Up...
Steven and Joey Photo by:
4 • November 2015 / www.flaglerparent.com
December
January
• Big Holiday Issue
• Family Health & Wellness
• Year-in-Review
• Top Docs
• Ultimate Toy Guide
• School Nurses
School Children Supporting Our Vets!
Here’s a feel good story… I received a note from school in my son’s book bag a couple of weeks ago, announcing that his class was gathering items to make care packages for their classmate’s father, who is currently deployed overseas with the Army. I’ve always wanted to do something a bit more patriotic on the covers of the magazines and this act of kindness by the children helped me realize that now is the perfect time. So, in the spirit of celebrating our veterans, all of our November covers will feature veterans and their family members! Below are some photos of Mrs. Amy Self’s 2nd grade class from Old Kings Elementary School participating in packing the boxes of donated items. Photography by teacher, Danielle Berryhill
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.
Subscriptions We now have subscription service direct to your home. We are offering these services for only $10 per year for 11 issues of Flagler Parent Magazine. You can also subscribe for FREE to our digital edition for your iPad, iPhone, NOOK, Kindle Fire, or Android Device. Visit our website www.bradymediainc.com and click SUBSCRIBE.
Feedback: We Welcome Your Feedback & Thoughts. In our continuous effort to improve our publications, we look forward to your thoughts, questions and feedback on how we can better tailor information to your families needs. Please feel free to send me an email at Charlie@bradymediainc.com
www.flaglerparent.com / November 2015 • 5
with
What’s New in Print & Online
Flagler Parent
Submit Your Item for the 2015 Holiday Gift Guide!
We are working on this year’s Holiday Gift Guide! Each year it gets bigger and better and this year will be no exception. This year’s Gift Guide will be filled with great products for the family and loved ones, friends, co-workers, and much more! The Holiday Gift Guide will be published in all three Parent Magazines and will also be available on our website, e-Newsletters, and social media. Having your product featured will give your business the much-needed exposure you’re always looking for during the holiday season.
Each featured product will receive: • A detailed review of the product with photos, links, and information on how to purchase.
• Social Media promotion with postings on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for a minimum of three times per site.
• Inclusion in the Holiday Gift Guide that will be easily accessed from our website.
New In Schools, On Newsstands & Online
Space is limited, so email us today to reserve a spot! charlie@bradymediainc.com
Florida Baby - Fall 2015 A special publication that caters to pregnancy, birth, babies, and toddlers, showcasing products, services and ideas for young families. This publication will compliment the 6th Annual Ultimate Baby Shower & Children’s Expo.
Special Child – Winter 2015 Advice for parents of children with special needs, resources, education, occupational and physical therapy, as well as speech, language and hearing therapies.
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Parent to Parent Publisher / Editor Charlene Michaux charlie@bradymediainc.com 386-547-0161 Social Media Management Marketing 2 Go www.marketing2go.biz
Mom, and Brady Charlene Michaux Publisher/Editor charlie@bradymediainc.com Thanksgiving, A time for reflection and gratitude This month we are celebrating our 6th year of bringing you and your family the quality content that you have come to enjoy every month. As we continue to work hard to bring you the stories and resources that you have come to expect from us, we can’t help but be filled with an abundant amount of gratitude. Our hearts are filled with so much gratefulness for the support we have received from our communities in Flagler, Volusia, and St. Johns counties. For our advertisers who have continued to support our publications by trusting us with their advertising dollars, our distribution points who have allowed us to come in to your business, school, store, and library, to our readers who pick up their copy just as soon as its placed on the shelf. We are so thankful for all of you who have been there for us over six years. Thank you for your support! We look forward to many more years to come of bringing you the quality family resource magazine that you have come to expect! Speaking of finding your copy, did you realize that you can read our magazines digitally? Whether you’re just interested in reading our digital issue through the link on our web page or you want to download our current issues to your smart device, it has never been easier to read our magazines wherever you are! Just visit www.bradymediainc.com, and click on ‘Magazines’ at the top drop down menu. From there you can choose the current issue of your choice. Or, you can download to your newsstand on your IOS or Android device through Magzter. So, if you can’t find your Flagler, Volusia, or St. Johns Parent magazine at any of our current distribution points, your only just a click away from reading our most current issue. As we head into holiday season us ‘Moms’ know how hectic it can get with shopping, preparing holiday meals, readjusting our normal routine with the kids being on holiday break from school, etc. So take a moment and a deep breath, relax and enjoy this month’s issue! And from our family to yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Charlie
Editorial Content Manager Deb Wind deb@bradymediainc.com Advertising Consultant Deb Wind deb@bradymediainc.com 386-299-6684 Cover Photography Danielle Berryhill 386-283-3662 Contributing Writers Deb Wind Kerrie McLoughlin Rachel Moshman Sue LeBreton Jennifer L. Jacobson Gretchen Barry Sara Manchessault Ashley Talmadge Alexa Bigwarfe Lee Krupicka Fashion Marriah Soldevilla 386-283-3662
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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www.flaglerparent.com / November 2015 • 9
health
Dietary Lessons from Diabetes
by Sue LeBreton
My 12-year-old son has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for almost five years. Diabetes is a challenging disease to manage and I have come to respect it as an adversary. We monitor him 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We prick his fingers up to 12 times day to check the level of glucose (sugar) in his blood. We accept that no matter how diligent we are, some days we do not get it right. Yet when I put myself into a scientific frame of mind and place my mommy concerns aside, I marvel at this rare opportunity to see physiology at work. Diabetes offers a glimpse of how normal bodies seamlessly manage whatever we put into them without us even having to give it a thought. Here are some tips about healthy lifestyle that have been reinforced since diabetes joined our family. Eat fruit not the juice Juice is a great rescue food when a person with diabetes needs to get their blood sugar to rise quickly back into the normal zone. But that is not the effect you and I are looking for. Thanks to the fiber, whole fruit is absorbed more slowly making us feel full longer. To help your blood sugar stay stable when eating fruit, add some protein to your snack. Apple slices and nut butters or fruit with cheese help maintain energy over the long haul. You want to avoid that quick burst of energy followed by an energy crash. Fiber Counts Not only is fiber important to the health of your digestive system, it helps stabilize your blood sugar. When we calculate the number of carbohydrates my son is eating we subtract the grams of fiber because these grams reduce the amount insulin he requires. The fiber is digested more slowly, helping to keep blood sugar level. When you are buying cereal look for brands that have at least 3 g of fiber per serving. Consider sneaking extra fiber into foods. I 10 • November 2015
have made chocolate chip oatmeal cookies with cooked lentils and my son ate them, happily unaware of the added fiber. The result? No blood sugar spike after eating cookies. Eating at home is healthier Restaurant food is higher in fat and sodium and should be a rare treat. When you cook at home you can control the ingredients. When our son eats restaurant food his body requires extra insulin for up to eight hours after eating. Not so when we eat at home. The Pizza factor The toughest food we have found to adjust for is pizza. Eating restaurant or delivery pizza strains his body for hours. When we make pizza at home using either a homemade, pita or naan bread crust and low fat cheese, we do not need to make any special adjustments to his insulin. After watching how hard it is for his body to cope with pizza we know the rest of our bodies are working overtime as well. Candy can be dandy People with diabetes can still eat candy
or sugary treats but they need to compensate for them with insulin. Candy makes a great rescue food bringing blood sugar levels up quickly when they drop below normal (a dangerous thing for people taking insulin). When might non-diabetic people benefit from a sugar boost? Candy can help during an athletic event to compensate for the impact of exercise, say on a long run or bike race when there is no time to stop and eat a piece of fruit. And of course, candy and sweets have a place in celebrating special occasions. Move your body When my son sits in front of his game console for any length of time I need to give him extra insulin as his blood sugar begins to rise from lack of activity. Exercise helps keep him closer to his normal range. This simply reinforces that our bodies are made to move. Exercise helps our heart and lungs and our evens out blood sugar levels. When you hear that someone is following a diabetic diet it should mean that they are eating healthy and exercising, behaviors that can benefit us all.
November 2015 • 11
charity
Teaching Your Kids to Give
by Jennifer L. Jacobson and Gretchen Barry
While raising kids has never been easy, it can be one of the most rewarding things that some people do–especially when children grow up to be productive, contributing members to society, and that includes knowing how to give back and enrich the communities in which they live. When should children start participating in the giving process? As early as possible. Even if they’re still toddlers; observing charitable acts that happen regularly and eventually understanding them, will leave a big impression. Learning how to give and developing that skillset is a lifelong journey. Giving is more than a task; it’s a mindset. A way of life, a way of looking at the world and asking, how can I help? How can I make connections between needs and time and resources? How can I bring awareness to specific needs and evoke action?
1. Ask Your Kids How They Would Like to Help If giving to a cause is new to your household, involve your kids as early as possible; tell them that your family has the chance to give back. Then, engage them in a conversation about the types of causes they may feel strongly about and ways they think they can help. This could involve helping families, working to save open spaces, caring for nature or a community garden, helping to save an endangered species, or helping those in need. Once you’ve identified key topics that your family is interested in, (make a list, as this helps visualize everything), start researching specific local organizations (add them to the list). 12 • November 2015
• Food kitchens • Pet shelters and animal rescues • Nature conservation efforts
Gamify it to some degree with tasks that turn into goals that turn into accomplishment, that result in stickers.
• Fundraising for various activities for lowincome kids, like camp
3. Quick Tasks and Ideas That Can Make a Big Difference
• Zoos, museums, and aquariums
• Clear the clutter. Every 6 to 12 months, have a household closet cleaning day (that includes the toy chest, and maybe even the garage). Get everyone in the family to help.
• Schools and local libraries (these days, even they need as much help as they can get) • Visitation of patients in hospitals • Visitation of the elderly in nursing homes
2. Make a Game Plan Get creative about how your family can help the organization(s) you choose. Bake sales are traditional, but there are other ways to help. Talk it through with your family, map it out, and post the results somewhere in the home that is highly visible.
• Make a donate box. Put it out where your kids can add to it. Donate often, even if it’s small. • Make Detours to Giving. When shopping, make a trip down the canned foods isle. Ask your kids to pick a can of food to put in your donate box at home. • Find ways to raise money for donations. Hold a yard sale and give all or a portion of
Books That Keep On Giving
My Friend Fred by Hiawyn Oram Preschool-1st Grade
it to a selected charity. Do the same with a bake sale, an art sale, etc. Involve our kids at all stages. • Associate getting with giving. For birthdays and holidays, aside from their other gifts, give your kids a hand-written gift “certificate of giving” with a specified amount of money that they can gift to their favorite charity. Take your child to the charity to donate that money in person if you can. For non-local organizations, write a check, and have your child include a letter. • Volunteer time in your local community. From public gardens that need weeding, to historic buildings that need painting, or food banks that need help, find something age-appropriate that can engage your family.
4. Growing the Mindset • Tell stories. There are lots of real-life stories about kids or groups of kids who have found creative ways to give back. Encourage empathy. Share appropriate stories of struggle. Ask kids; what would you do in this situation? How would you want people to help you? • Walk them through the cycle. If your kids are very young, say, "We're going to give this can of food/winter coat/gift to ______. (Then explain the results.) “It will
give them something to eat/keep them warm this winter/help them __________."
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein All Ages
• Explain why you are doing it and what you’re looking for. “We don't need to store all this stuff, when someone else could really use it.” Or, “I bet there is a kid out there who would really enjoy playing with that toy. I know you used to love it but how about if you pass it along to someone else, so they can enjoy it as much as you have?” Keep the focus on the people in need and your child’s ability to share an experience through an item. Establishing an impermanent relationship to “things” can help kids better understand the important of relationships over acquiring goods.
One of Each by Mary Ann Hoberman Preschool-1st Grade
• Develop a language of giving in your household. Find creative opportunities to incorporate it into regular conversation. Nothing is permanent. We are stewards of the planet, and the things we think we own. Everything is in change, and it is our duty to help those in need when we have abundance. If ever there is a time when we are without, we hope that others will think of us and help us. Teaching children about the struggles of others not only develops a lifelong giving mindset, it also helps children understand how their words and actions impact those around them–a lesson that bears repeating.
A Chair For My Mother by Vera Williams K-3rd Grade November 2015 • 13
feature
Capturing Holiday Memories
by Sara Marchessault
The holidays are approaching and one small task that usually happens after the shopping, baking, and wrapping, is to charge your camera. The plan is usually to keep it close by and snap lots of photos. We may have the best intentions for those photos, but for a lot busy parents, memory book projects are put aside as we juggle our everyday tasks. What if we tried capturing holiday memories in a way that engages friends and family and results in something tangible to share? Here are six ideas for capturing holiday memories that take the bulk of the responsibility off you and give you something to help you remember this holiday season. Keep a holiday journal. Have you ever stayed in a rented cabin or house that leaves a notebook for guests to sign? This is like that. A blank book or notebook will do the job. Put the journal in a visible place at the start of the season and leave it available to write journal entries in throughout the holidays. Ask people to sign it at parties, sort of like signing a high school yearbook. They can write something about a specific celebration or share a seasonal story from their past. You can add to the same journal year after year and ultimately create a running written record of holiday activities. Reading entries from previous years with your loved ones will be an easy and fun way to rekindle holiday spirit. Request a memory email. It can be nice to give friends and family members a little time to wind down from the busy holiday season. Send an email after the festivities and request an anecdote about their recent celebrations. If you want something more specific, send a short list of questions. Explain your intentions for the responses they send so they know where their story is going. Will you post them on a family blog? Will you create a PDF with photos and quotes to send out to everyone who partic14 • November 2015
ipates? A little booklet can be created using a digital photo book tool or something as simple as a Word doc. Interview with a video or audio recorder. This can be a great project for an older child. All you need is a video or audio recording device and a few questions to get the conversation started. Questions can be about celebrations, traditions, best childhood gift, favorite holiday food, music, stories, etc. If interviewing young children, ask what they are most excited about. The video or audio may be edited if you have the software and the inclination, or you could simply share it as is. It will be something that can be enjoyed for years to come. Post a question on Facebook. Similar to writing an email, you could post a question about the holidays on Facebook. You may want to send it as a message to only specific friends and family, or you could post it on your home page and open it up to all of your Facebook friends. It’s unlikely you’ll receive lengthy responses here, but if you want short quotes to enhance another project this is an easy way to get them. This capture method is another you could ask any of your kids on Facebook to spearhead. Writing activity for kids. If you’re trying to
Writing activity for kids. If you’re trying to keep the kids engaged during the holiday break, try writing about events and activities. Their experience will likely be very different from yours and it would be fun to have it captured in their own words to enjoy as they grow. Kids who like to share their work can write their own story and distribute it. It can be posted to a family website or blog, shared through a social media site, or printed and mailed to family and friends who were a part of the story. Place a photo mat out for people to sign. You’ve seen these before at weddings and baby showers. Try putting out a photo mat with a holiday inspired photo. This is a great idea to have available at a large party or open house. It provides a fun record of who came and a chance for guests to share a message of holiday cheer. You can hang it somewhere afterward as a reminder of a celebratory time. Whichever capture you choose, it’s probably best to have a designated person assigned to request others to participate. That might be you or it might be your tenyear-old. However you do it, this year you can enjoy the process of capturing memories and appreciate the finished product for years to come.
November 2015 • 15
Outdoor Favorites
Picks from our staff that we know you’ll enjoy!
Why Do Leaves Change Color? (Let's-Read-andFind-Out Science 2) It's fall! The leaves are changing color. This Let's-Read-and-Find-Out picture book explains the magical process of how leaves change their color in autumn. Paperback: $6.45
We're Going on a Leaf Hunt Join three friends on a fun leaf-finding adventure! This bouncy new version of the popular song begs to be read out loud. There are lots of beautiful fall leaves to find! Three friends have a big adventure hiking over a mountain and through a forest to collect leaves of all kinds and colors. What will they do with all their leaves at the end of the story? Jump and play in them, of course! Paperback: $6.80
Apples and Pumpkins A young girl spends a glorious fall day picking apples and searching for the perfect pumpkin in this refreshed classic. "When red and yellow leaves are on the trees," a little girl goes with her parents to a farm where they pick apples and choose "the best pumpkin of them all." Back home, she helps to carve a grinning jack-o'lantern face on the big orange pumpkin, which guards their doorstep on halloween night while her mother hands out shiny red apples and she and her father go trick-or-treating with the neighborhood ghosts and goblins. Paperback: $5.99
Fall Mixed Up "Every Septober, Every Octember, Fall fills my senses with scenes to remember." "Bears gather nuts. Geese hibernate. Squirrels fly south in big figure eights." Fall is all mixed up in this silly book from Bob Raczka! Can you find his mistakes in the words and pictures? Paperback: $16.15
16 • November 2015
AllTrails Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails, GPS Tracker, & Offline Topo Maps Description: #1 Outdoors app on iPhone! Free Category: Travel
Foliage Leaf Peepr | Find and Report Fall Colors in New England Description: Yankee Magazine's Leaf Peepr app helps fall-foliage fans find and report on the best and brightest colors in the United States. Free Category: Travel
Leafsnap Description: Leafsnap is the first in a series of electronic field guides being developed by researchers from Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. This free mobile app uses visual recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves. Free Category: Education
Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab of Ornithology Description:What’s that bird? Merlin Bird ID helps you solve the mystery. First, Merlin asks you a few simple questions. Then, almost like magic, it reveals the list of birds that best match your description. Pick your bird, then delve into more photos, sounds, and ID tips about your bird! Free Category: Reference
Yummly Recipes & Grocery Shopping List Yummly puts every recipe in the world in your pocket. The most powerful recipe search, the recipe sites you love, your digital recipe box, recipe recommendations just for you, and one-hour grocery delivery - all with you wherever you go. Free Category: Food & Drink
The Fantastic Gifts of Fall (Seasons Series)
Pumpkin Face
Autumn leaves turning color, pumpkins beside doorsteps, and family gathered around the table for Thanksgiving are just some of the wonders celebrated in Fantastic Gifts of Fall, the first book of a new seasonal four-book series by Dandi Daley Mackall. Paperback: $8.93
Description: Pumpkin Face is the perfect app for helping with the creative process! First take a picture of your pumpkin with your phone. Then open the app and simply choose trick for a selection of scary or spooky faces or treat for a selection of happy or funny faces. $0.99 Category: Entertainment
education
Strides for Education
FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools will present the Take Stock in Children Strides for Education 5K Run/Walk at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, November 14, at Creekside Middle School, 6801 Airport Road in Port Orange. Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race will take place on USATF Certified Course #FL4102EBM through the beautiful Water’s Edge subdivision. This year’s event will feature a Volusia County School District competition with the Volusia County Public School or Department with the most paid registrants earning a first place award of $250 and the year’s bragging rights and trophy. Second place shall receive $150 and third place $100. Runners/walkers receive a discount if they pre-register by Saturday, Oct 17. Adults are $25 while youth aged 18 & under are $20. Once the early registration discount concludes, adults are $30 and youth are $25 until race day when the entry fee is $35 and $30. The race, on a certified course, will be professionally timed and scored by RaceSmith who also is managing registration at www.racesmith.com/races/TakeStockInChildrenStridesForEducation5K.html. Medals shall be awarded for male and female participants and categories include Overall, Masters, Grandmasters, Senior Grandmaster and age categories beginning at 14 and under then every five years through age 75 and over. Statewide Strides For Education sponsors are Bealls Department Stores, Bealls Outlet Stores and the Florida Lottery. Local “Starting Gate” sponsors include Brown & Brown and LPGA. Corporate and individual sponsorship packages remain available and further information may be obtained at www.FuturesVolusia.org or by calling FUTURES Executive Director Cynthia Perrick Ramirez at 386.255.6475, ext. 50730. All race proceeds benefit the local Take Stock in Children Scholarship & Mentor Program facilitated by FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools. Take Stock in Children (TSIC) is a college tuition scholarship program for low income students. FUTURES’ TSIC scholars are selected in the eighth grade through an application and selection committee review process. TSIC scholars are paired with a mentor who meets with them for 30 minutes each week on school campus beginning in the ninth grade. FUTURES’ TSIC scholars must maintain a weighted cumulative GPA of 3.0 and maintain good citizenship (no drug, alcohol, crime or gang activity). Upon achieving these goals and graduating high school, they are awarded a Florida Prepaid four year college tuition scholarship. The Take Stock in Children Strides for Education 5K is one of the funding sources for these scholarships. All scholarship contributions currently are matched 100% with dollars from the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid Foundation’s STARS Scholarship Program which enhances each dollar donated locally. 18 • November 2015
FUTURES Foundation supports educational quality for the Volusia County Public School System by directing resources toward areas of identified need, increasing community involvement and support, and encouraging open communication between the community and our schools. It is a nonprofit, direct support organization founded in 1985 to support Volusia County Public Schools. The organization’s volunteer board of directors consists of business and community leaders who raise funds to produce student and staff programs, for which tax funding is not available, in the public schools. Through donations and events such as this 5K, it offers these Take Stock in Children scholarships. For additional information about the race or FUTURES Contact: Executive Director Cynthia Perrick Ramirez 386.255.6475, ext. 50730 email: caperric@volusia.k12.fl.us Administrative Assistant Missy Ballard 386.255.6475, ext. 50728 email: or djballar@volusia.k12.fl.us.
November 2015 • 19
feature
Practicing Gratitude
by Ashley Talmadge
It’s More Than Good Manners At the restaurant a young girl fidgets in her chair. The server places a tall glass of milk in front of her. “What do you say?” reminds her mother. “Thank you,” responds the child dutifully. As parents, we often play a role in this scene. But what are we teaching? Ben Hall, father of nine-year-old Ella, asks, “Does the child feel thankful when she says ‘thank you’ after being reminded? I don’t think so.” Reflecting on his own childhood, Hall believes such an interaction merely “forces good behavior or manners.” He suggests real gratitude is “similar to appreciation and awareness,” something he and Ella’s mother are mindful of teaching their child. Experts suggest Hall is onto something. Certainly good manners are important. But true gratitude runs deeper and does more than foster civility. Several recent studies suggest that gratitude is the single best predictor of well-being. A child who feels and 20 • November 2015
expresses gratitude for the people, experiences, and things in his life is more likely to demonstrate resilience, do well in school, and build lasting social connections. He is also less likely to suffer from depression or engage in antisocial behavior. But can gratitude be taught? Wendy Mather, social worker and former facilitator with The Virtues Project, believes a lot of the teaching amounts to good modeling. She says, parents “must cultivate the virtue of gratitude for themselves before they teach it to their children…It’s more than just writing ‘thank you’ cards. It’s the ability to convey our feelings of appreciation and thanks out loud and silently for the good and not so good in life.” The language we choose communicates much. Occasional venting to one’s spouse can provide relief at the end of a tough week. But it shouldn’t be common fodder for conversation with our kids. Instead of describing the cashier as “crabby,” we can
show empathy by saying, “She must not be having a very good day.” Or we can focus on the positive: “That woman behind us was so understanding when I couldn’t find my bank card. I really appreciated her patience.” As Mather says, “Model patience and understanding and optimism when it comes to dealing with trials and tribulations. Life’s challenges are our biggest teachers.” In addition to modeling, Mather encourages parents to “catch your child in the act of practicing gratitude,” and label it. During a snack you might say, “You are grateful for that juicy pear; I can tell by how much you smile as you eat it!” Or when your child becomes immersed in collecting stones at the creek rather than sticking to your scheduled hike, take time to notice her appreciation of nature’s offerings. Parenting can be all-encompassing. Busy moms and dads find it challenging to eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. But according to Mather, such self
13 Ways to Grow Gratitude Choose language of optimism. Focus on gifts, blessings, and abundance rather than needs and entitlements. Ask for help. Even when it’s not “time prudent,” ask your kids to help with household tasks.
care is important in our practice of gratitude. She says, “We tend to run on auto pilot when we feel run down, tired, and stressed. We can truly savor and appreciate our riches, in whatever form…when we take care of ourselves.” Ben Hall believes “we teach gratitude in times of quiet reflection.” He echoes the need for breathing space, both as an individual and as a family. In today’s 24/7 whirlwind of technology- enhanced communication and entertainment, creating those islands of tranquility can be difficult. Yet, intentional transitions between the varied spheres of our lives—work, school, community, home—allow us to reflect on,
learn from, and appreciate our experiences. Hall says a period of silence before a meal allows us to “consider the presence of the food, the cook, and the origin of the food.” Rather than an entitlement, the food becomes a blessing and a gift—one for which we are truly grateful. And the best part? Gratitude produces more of the same. A grateful person is more likely to reciprocate and to provide support to a third party, thus contributing to stronger familial and community bonds. As Mather says, “When we express appreciation we attract gratitude. It’s a language of love and connection.”
Resources
For parents: Gratitude & Kindness: A Modern Parents Guide to Raising Children in an Era of Entitlement by Dr. Carla Fry and Dr. Lisa Ferrari (2015) Making Grateful Kids: The Science of Building Character by Jeffrey Froh and Giacomo Bono (2015) Thanks!: How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier by Robert Emmons (2008) For kids: The Best Part of the Day by Sarah Ban Breathnach (2014) [author of Simple Abundance] Gratitude Journal for Kids: My Gratitude Journal Mirabell Publishing (2013)
Thank specifically. Let your child know exactly why you’re grateful. “Thank you for reading to Sammy this afternoon. He really loved snuggling with you.” Silence before a meal. Take a few moments to think about the food and how it got to the table. Best of the day. At bedtime, ask your child to describe what was best about her day. Create a gratitude jar. Write (or draw) the things you’re grateful for, and collect them in a jar. Read them as a group each week. Make a collage. Use pictures, words, fabric, and small objects to represent the things you’re grateful for, and discuss as a family. Volunteer. Find organizations in your community with kid-friendly helping options. Pass it around. Sit in a circle. Each person tells something they like about the person on the right. Random acts of kindness. At the drivethru, pay for the car behind you—and let your child in on the secret. Don’t overindulge. Resist the “Everyone has___!” and “I need it for ___!” arguments. Make them earn it. Extra chores and helping neighbors are great ways to make some pocket money. Turn it around. When faced with a challenge, find the silver lining by asking: “What did I learn from this?” “Is there something I can be grateful for?” November 2015 • 21
Adoption Resource Directory
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Adoption Resources Serving Central and North Florida
A Guardian Angel (877) 742-6435 Adoption and Family Support Center, LLC Call or Text Angela 709 Hills Blvd., Port Orange, FL (386) 852-9098 http://www.adoptfloridafamily.com/ Adoption & Surrogacy Michelle Hausmann and Amy Hickmam Board Certified Adoption Attorneys Call/Text (386) 405-5501 www.adoptionandsurrogacy.com Adoption Support Services of Florida lori@adoptionsupportservices.com 407.366.6436 http://adoptionsupportservices.com/ American Adoptions of Florida (800) 230-7846
Children's Home Society of Florida 1485 South Semoran Blvd., Suite 1448 Winter Park, Florida 32792 (321) 397-3000 info@chsfl.org http://www.chsfl.org/ Community Partnership for Children Main Office 135 Executive Circle, Second Floor Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 (386) 238-4900 http://www.communitypartnershipforchildren.org/ Embraced by Grace, Inc. 620 North Wymore Road, Suite 220 Maitland, FL 32751 (407) 628-9051 http://www.embracedbygrace.org/
Life for Kids 315 North Wymore Road Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 629-5437 http://www.lifeforkids.com/ Love and Hope Florida Office (407) 374-7483 http://loveandhopeadoptions.org/ McCreary & Hancock, P.A. Adoption Attorneys (407) 730-5682 http://www.mikemorrislegal.com/Adoption/ Rick Brown Law Office 555 Ballough Road Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 255-0932 http://www.1brownlaw.com/familylaw
Family Support Services of North Florida 1300 Riverplace Blvd., Suite 700 Jacksonville, FL 32207 (904) 421-5800 www.fssjax.org/portal/adopt-a-child
Shepherd Care Orlando, Florida (407) 265-9599 http://adoptabsc.org/
Heart of Adoptions, Inc. 1604 South Bumby Ave Orlando, Florida 32806 (407) 898-8280 http://www.heartofadoptions.com/
Shorestein & Kelly Board Certified Adoption Attorneys 140 South Beach Street, Suite 302 Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 (386) 673-1234 www.adoptionusa.com
Catholic Charities Bureau Adoption Program (866)901-9647 www.adoptionsdosafl.com
Jewish Families & Community Services First Coast Adoption Professionals Dupont Station Court East Jacksonville FL. 32217 (904) 448-1933 https://jfcsjax.org/adoption-services/
St. Gerard Campus 1405 U.S. 1 South St. Augustine, FL 32084 (904) 829-5516 www.stgerardcampus.org/Adoption.html
Celebrate Children International Serving all of Central Florida P.O. Box 621387 Oviedo, FL 32762-1387 (407) 977-2810 http://www.celebratechildren.org/
Law Office of Richard S. Jackson 101 North Woodland Blvd. Suite 217 Deland, Florida 32720 (386) 738-1111 http://centralfloridaadoptionservices.com/
Catholic Charities of Central Florida Caring Choices & Adoption Programs Director: Geralyn Ryan, LCSW (386) 255-6521 Catholic Charities, Diocese of St. Augustine Serving Flagler, Volusia, & St. Johns 1701 NE 9th Street, Gainesville, FL 32609 352-224-6425 gryan@catholiccharitiesgainesville.org http://cflcc.org/adoption-services/
22 • November 2015
Sunshine State Adoption and Home Study Services (407) 422-9136 http://www.sunshinehomestudy.org/
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Joys and Challenges of Adopting a Tween
by Rachel Moshman
Our daughter came to us through straight adoption from the foster care system when she was nine years old. The first time we met her was in the administrative office of the group facility where she had been living for the six months prior to coming home with us. I loved her before I even laid eyes on her in person. We had been working to bring her home for six months (the entire time she was in the group facility). Mountains of paper work to read and sign, updates to our home study, more background checks, tons of red tape involving two states and multiple agencies. We were chosen to be her parents in November and didn’t get to meet her until May. I literally ground holes in two of my teeth in my sleep because I was so anxious to bring her home. She was 100% my daughter, my baby before she even knew we existed. When we finally got to see her, I was amazed at how tiny she was! She was so much smaller than she looked in the photos we’d been sent. She had huge, dark brown 24 • November 2015
eyes that were filled with fear and very greasy hair. (There was a lice problem at the group facility, so they greased her hair.) We met her on a Monday and she came home with us forever that Friday. She was all little girl! We played dress up and tea party. We did crafts, read storybooks and snuggled. Lots of cuddling and lap holding. I picked her up and carried her often, even when people scoffed at how ridiculous it was to treat a nine year old this way. We were immediately smitten with her. She was willing to bond and attach to us from the beginning. She had at least thirteen placements before us, so I think her willingness to let herself get close to us is just amazingly brave! What a difference five years has made! She’s now fourteen and just started high school. She’s grown over a foot she’s been home. Adopting an older child is a crazy ride. She came to us as a little girl and became a full blown Justin Bieber loving-training bra
wearing-lip glossed-tween in a matter of months. I’m grateful we had a short window together to work on attachment before puberty started knocking on our door. She spent her first four years dealing with abuse, neglect, poverty and abandonment. Then she spent the next five years bouncing around foster care. She came to us with an alphabet soup of mental health diagnoses. We knew parenting her would be a challenge. We also felt we could handle it and that she was capable of healing. She has come so far. In the beginning, she got stressed out if you asked her if she preferred a turkey or ham sandwich. That required looking inside to her own thoughts and feelings, something she fought vigilantly to avoid. She refused to talk about her past. She would not acknowledge any feelings other than happy and mad. Her “mad” was big. She could spend up to an hour hiding in her closet screaming like she was in a horror movie. We tried therapy with several mental health agencies. They did not get
trauma and attachment. Some therapists actually made things worse and another suggested we stop when our daughter stayed silent in sessions after five months of weekly visits. I have lived and breathed therapeutic parenting and attachment disorders since deciding to adopt from foster care. I'm constantly looking for new techniques and great support for helping her heal from her early start in life. I gave her the words for her feelings and told her about other kids with “hurt parts” like her. I repeated things like, “Stop, take a deep breath and relax” and, “You’re safe, you’re loved, you can handle this.” My husband and I both let her know that we are here to listen anytime she wanted to talk, but we couldn’t force her to share her memories or feelings with us. Slowly, she started to open up in spurts. One day in the car she randomly asked, “How long do you think my kids will get to live with me?” At nine years old, she was terrified of being a bad mom and having her
kids removed from her. “It’s in my history and people always say history repeats itself.” As she started to process her past, the behavior challenges actually increased. She was dealing with a whole lot of hurt and pain that she’d kept buried her whole life. She had meltdowns with screaming, wailing and flailing. There were episodes of defiance, disrespect and destruction. She became willing and able to talk about the real reason behind the meltdown (instead of just “You were mean to me!”) and feelings beyond “You made me mad!” Our first Easter together was especially challenging. It was the last holiday before we hit our one year together. We had three days of epic meltdowns, disrespect and defiance. Some of the highlights included: stabbing herself with a pencil, kicking me, screaming until she made herself ill and walking around the neighborhood barefoot when I told her not to leave the yard. She told us that she had to move several times right before holidays.
She was convinced that we are going to “get rid” of her “just like everyone else”. She thought she was a bad kid who didn’t deserve nice things or a family. Since we didn’t “get rid” of her at 4th of July, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc. she just knew it was going to be Easter. She was trying to hurry along what she felt was the inevitable by throwing out the worst possible behavior. Our adoption was finalized. We are a forever family. But...it’s hard to buy into “forever” when things didn’t work out with your biological parents. If your biological parents aren’t forever, how can you trust anyone else to be? She woke up that Easter morning to see that she was still home with us. She realized that we still loved her, despite her behavior; that we forgave her; that we were still taking care of her. There was still breakfast, clean clothes, hugs and the Easter Bunny even brought her presents! She spent the whole day hugging us, writing us love notes and pointing out that she hadn’t had a tantrum all day. It took about four years for her to finally believe our commitment to her is real. She's been with us longer than she was her biological family now. We've been through so much together and stuck by her. I still find separating her trauma from typical kid behavior to be a challenge. It’s hard to know when she’s moody, emotional, argumentative, cops an attitude, etc. if it’s stemming from her trauma and attachment issues or just typical tween hormones! I have a tendency to associate everything with her past. Sometimes she really is just upset because of an argument with a girl at school or nerves about saying “hi” to the boy she has a crush on. And sometimes she’s just acting like a brat because she’s a kid testing her boundaries and not because of post traumatic stress disorder trigger. She's shown me how quickly children grow and change and how fast time speeds by. I’m so honored I’m her mom and that she has allowed herself to love and trust me. I’m grateful that my husband and I are able to provide her with the safety and comfort to work on processing all that happened to her and the big feelings that go with it. Helping her heal has been difficult, exhausting and sometimes overwhelming, but amazing to watch. During the hardest times, I kept telling myself, "She is going to be okay." And she is okay. I've known all along my daughter would someday be healthy, happy, strong and healed. Five years after our adoption was finalized, I can confidently and proudly say she's made it. She truly is healthy, happy, strong and healed. November 2015 • 25
charity
Community Partnership for Children A Lead Agency in Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam Counties In 1996, the Florida Legislature passed legislation to begin the comprehensive redesign and privatization of child welfare. The new community-based care model allows the state to contract with respected local, non-profit agencies to provide child welfare services in their local communities for children who have been abused, neglected and/or abandoned. Currently, there are 19 lead agencies in Florida. Since 2001, Community Partnership for Children has been the lead agency selected to serve Volusia, Flagler and Putnam Counties. Under the community-based care initiative, child protective services are transitioned to local providers and directed by the lead agency and a community alliance of stakeholders. This leadership is in partnership with Florida's Department of Children and Families. Community Partnership for Children is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit agency. We have built a System-of-Care using 23 contracts with 13 local providers. Our System-of-Care overview shows the relationship between us and our contracted partners. It is through the efforts and involvement of the community that we are able to keep children safe and build strong families. Our robust community-based network also includes the partnership and support of other stakeholders including the 26 • November 2015
Department of Children and Families, county governments, the faith-based community, local businesses, volunteer mentors, foster parents, the Center for Business Excellence, and the Community Alliance. Community Partnership for Children is governed by a 100% community-based board of directors. Under the direction of the board and chief executive officer, Community Partnership for Children has designed and implemented a System-ofCare that draws on many local community business partnerships and has led the development of new service options in response to the ever-changing needs of children and families in the communities we serve.
Community Partnership for Children cares for children and families in crisis. Our staff and our Board of Directors make a professional and personal commitment to the organization, giving time, talent and treasure. Caring for our children could be left at a state level, but we believe it is an opportunity for us as a community to band together and help. This is our community and these are our children. As we carry out our mission to protect children and foster family stability, we join in partnership with businesses and residents alike. Each and every one of our treasured partners helps by giving and supporting in the effort to helping children and saving families. We thank you for your support!
Info For more information visit our website at http://www.communitypartnershipforchildren.org.
November 2015 • 27
fashion
Green textured knit dress: http://www.hm.com/us/product/20331?article=20331-D&cm_vc=SEARCH Tan November Boots: http://www.windsorstore.com/product/BASIC-SLOUCH-SHAFT-BOOT-074020370 Tan Leg Warmers: http://www.target.com/p/women-s-xhilaration-leg-warmer/-/A-17282038#prodSlot=medium_1_5&term=leg+warmers Mustard Cotton Cardigan: http://www.hm.com/us/product/84997?article=84997-T&cm_vc=SEARCH Patterned Scarf: http://www.hm.com/us/product/30524?article=30524-C Printed T-shirt: http://www.hm.com/us/product/30524?article=30524-C Chinos Slim Fit Pants: http://www.hm.com/us/product/60515?article=60515-G&cm_vc=GOES_WITH_PD Knit Cotton Sweater: http://www.hm.com/us/product/01852?article=01852-A Leather Brown Boots http://www.hm.com/us/product/30303?article=30303-A
Fashion page art provided by: Marriah C. Soldevilla /msoldevillaphotography@hotmail.com 28 • November 2015
November 2015 • 29
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Thanksgiving Themed Playdates for Toddlers
by Alexa Bigwarfe
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I love celebrating it with my children and teaching them fun ways to be thankful and grateful for all our many blessings. It's even more fun to do this with my friends and their kids too. I really love hosting a Thanksgiving Themed playdate with my friends and their toddlers or preschool aged children. Here are some ideas for simple, toddler approved activities and snacks for a Thanksgiving themed playdate:
1. Make a simple Thanksgiving craft Toddlers love gluing things, so my favorite, easy activity is what I call the "Build Your Own Turkey." Supplies: Brown, orange, and off white colored construction paper Glue sticks Wiggly eyes Feathers Instructions: 1. Cut the brown construction paper into something that resembles the shape of a turkeys body. It doesn't have to be perfect. The toddlers don't care. 2. Cut the orange into small ice cream cone shapes for the beak. 3. Cut some kidney bean shaped pieces for the abdomen or wherever they want to put it from the off white. 4. Place the feathers, googly eyes, glue sticks, and body pieces out. Give each child a body piece and let them go from there. 5. It may not result in a perfect turkey, but I assure you, they'll have fun! 30 • November 2015
Fingerprint Turkeys My second favorite craft for toddlers, preschoolers, or even younger school aged children is the finger print turkey. Finger painting is actually a really great activity for young children. It helps develop fine motor skills, identify different textures, and even learn new vocabulary. These fingerprint turkeys are so simple and you can have your kids make all kinds of fun things from Greeting Cards to place cards for Thanksgiving dinner, or just a couple of turkeys for fun. We like to make Thanksgiving cards to also teach about giving thanks while making our messy turkeys. Supplies: Card stock Paint (brown, red, yellow, orange) Black sharpie Place your child's thumb in the brown paint and make a brown body and head. Use the pointer finger to make colored feathers around the edge. Once this has dried, use your black marker to draw the face and feet. Be warned, your toddler may have their own ideas of how to make this, but you can still go with it! If finger prints are too difficult, they can always use their whole hand print to make a turkey.
2. Read some Thanksgiving books There are many good ones to choose from. Some of our favorites include: Five Silly Turkeys by Salina Yoon. 10 Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing What is Thanksgiving? By Michelle M Adams The First Thanksgiving by Nancy Davis T is for Turkey by Tony Lee Stone
3. Sing some fun Turkey songs Mr. Turkey (to the tune of Are you Sleeping) is super easy: Mr. Turkey, Mr. Turkey Run away, run away. If you are not careful, You will be a mouthful, On Thanksgiving Day, On Thanksgiving Day. There are many songs out there for toddlers.
4. And of course, serve fun Thanksgiving themed snacks There are so many amazing ideas for Thanksgiving themed snacks. They range from super simple like Turkey sugar cookies that you can buy pre-made and just bake to candy filled cornucopias and far more complicated snacks, like a fruit platter in the shape of a turkey.
As with all toddler play dates, just go with it and have fun. If all else fails, bust out the toddler dance music and bubbles. November 2015 • 31
kids in the kitchen
Family Thanksgiving
Letting the Kids Help Create the Feast Thanksgiving is all about family, so why not invite your most precious members -your kids into the kitchen this year to help you create part of the holiday feast. Here are some tips and recipes to get your children engaged in the kitchen this Thanksgiving. Set the stage The reality of having your kid’s help you in the kitchen is this: it's going to get messy, very, very messy. And that's okay as long as you are prepared for the mess and a little stress. Set out some towels on the counter top so when flour, sugar and whatever else spills, you can simply swipe messes away as they happen. Set some boundaries Make sure your kids know that cooking can be fun, but it is can also be dangerous. Let them know the things that are off limits, such as the oven/range and knives, then let them in on all the fun things they can help you with! Before you get the kids in the kitchen, map out age appropriate tasks for each of your children. Set up success The key to success in the kitchen with your novice chefs is to keep the recipes short and simple. Check out a few fun and easy recipes that are sure to keep your kids interested in the cooking and the eating this Thanksgiving.
Crunchy Chickpeas Baked chickpeas are a super easy and delicious Thanksgiving appetizer that kids will love to crunch (pssst -- they are healthy, too!). They can help pour the can of chickpeas into the colander to drain liquid, rinse them off and pour them onto the baking sheet. Ingredients: 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1-2 Tablespoons of olive oil Sea salt to taste Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. In a medium sized bowl, mix chickpeas with olive oil to coat. Spread chickpeas onto baking sheet. Sprinkle with desired amount of salt. Bake for 30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes to keep chickpeas from burning.
Pumpkin Cupcakes Drizzle a small amount of icing on these delicious cupcakes and suddenly pumpkin flavored food is much more desirable in the eyes of a child. These pumpkin cupcakes are a family favorite. Ingredients: 1 package yellow cake mix (look for a low-sugar variety) 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners I n a large bowl, blend cake mix, pumpkin puree, cinnamon and nutmeg until smooth Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out clean. For a quick and delicious frosting glaze, mix 2 tablespoons cream cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar and then add small amounts of water and stir until the frosting thins to a glaze of your desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cupcakes. 32 • November 2015
www.flaglerparent.com / November 2015 • 33
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. SPECTRE PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language Reel Preview: Directed by Sam Mendes, the latest 007 film centers on a cryptic message from the past that sends James Bond (Daniel Craig) on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal. Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organization known as SPECTRE.
THE PEANUTS MOVIE G Reel Preview: Directed by Steve Martino, this brand new Peanuts movie - CGI animated and 3D - finds Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle (and flying ace!) embarking on his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis. Meanwhile back home, his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest. So fun to see the Peanuts gang on the big screen.
THE 33 PG-13 for a disaster sequence and some language Reel Preview: In 2010, the eyes of the world turned to Chile, where 33 miners were buried alive by the catastrophic explosion and collapse of a 100-year-old gold and copper mine. Over the next 69 days, an international team worked night and day in a desperate attempt to rescue the trapped men, as their families, friends, and millions of people waited anxiously for any sign of hope. A story of resilience, personal transformation and triumph of the human spirit, "The 33" takes us to the Earth’s darkest depths, revealing the psyches of the men trapped in the mine, and depicting the courage of both the miners and their families who refused to give up. Directed by Patricia Riggen, this movie stars Antonio Banderas, Juliette Binoche, James Brolin and Lou Diamond Phillips.
MY ALL AMERICAN No rating yet, likely PG-13 Reel Preview: What Freddie Steinmark (Finn Wittrock) wants most in the world is to play football. Deemed too small by the usual athletic standards, his father trains him hard, and Freddie brings a fight to the game that ultimately gets him noticed by legendary University of Texas coach Darrell Royal (Aaron Eckhart). Awarded a scholarship and a chance to play for the Longhorns, Freddie moves to Austin with his high school sweetheart Linda (Sarah Bolger), determined to make the team. Alongside his old teammate Bobby Mitchell (Rett Terrell) and new pal James Street (Juston Street), Freddie is put through the paces of a grueling practice schedule. But just as the team is reveling in the success of the season, Freddie suffers an injury that leads to a shocking diagnosis and the biggest challenge he will ever face.
LOVE THE COOPERS PG-13 for thematic elements, language and some sexuality Reel Preview: This comedy centers on the Cooper clan, four generations of extended family who come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration. As the evening unfolds, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn things upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday. Directed by Jessie Nelson, this movie features an allstar cast, including Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Ed Helms, Diane Keaton, Anthony Mackie, Amanda Seyfried, and Olivia Wilde.
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2 PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for some thematic material Reel Preview: Directed by Francis Lawrence, "The Hunger Games" franchise arrives at its final chapter with "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2," in which Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) now fully realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival, they are for the future. With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, she confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Teamed with her closest friends - including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) Katniss goes off mission, using the unit from District 13 to stage an assassination attempt on President Snow, who's intent on destroying her.
New on DVD/BLU--RAY INSIDE OUT PG for mild thematic elements and some action Reel Review: One of the cutest movies of 2015 is out on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital HD! When 11-year-old Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) moves to a new city, her Emotions team steps up to help her through the transition. Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) work together, but when Joy and Sadness get lost, they must journey through unfamiliar territory to get back home. This sweet family movie teaches kids that every emotion is important, because without sadness, loss and loneliness, there can be no joy.
ELF: BUDDY’S MUSICAL CHRISTMAS Not Rated Reel Review: Based on the Broadway musical adaptation of the hit Christmas movie "Elf," this animated movie tells the story of Buddy the Elf (Jim Parsons) and his quest to reunite with the human father he never knew existed. While Buddy's sincerity and idealism are commonplace at the North Pole, these attributes are rejected in cynical New York City. But through song, dance, and relentless good cheer, Buddy rekindles the spirit of Christmas for the entire city. Mark Hamill, Ed Asner, Fred Armisen, Kate Micucci and Gilbert Gottfried also voice characters in this cute movie.
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10 Traditions to Fall For
by Kerrie McLoughlin
Ah, fall! Hopefully it means a break from oppressive summer heat, and it definitely means fun times are ahead. Fall might find us grabbing my mom and heading to a local pumpkin patch. Another weekend we might be sampling banana-flavored milk at our nearby dairy farm. Below are 10 ideas for fall traditions to start with your own family. Pick and choose a few each year … or try to sneak them all in! 1. Go natural. A nature center is a great way to spend a cool fall day or evening. Many have walking or hiking trails nearby, so you get not only memories and education but also exercise. Some have night hikes and other fun programs for the kids where they can see animals like owls, snakes and bats up close. To find a nature center in your state, check out www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nature_ centers_in_the_United_States. In Canada, www.en.wikipedia.orgz/wiki/List_of_natur e_centres_in_Canada. 2. Animal instinct. Fall is a great time to head to the zoo (www.zoos-worldwide.de/) because the animals are more likely to be outside due to the break from the heat. Pack your lunch and a camera and make it a day! 3. Go to market. Many cities have outdoor markets with fresh fruit, veggies, flowers and other fun items (pumpkins and gourds!) local farmers bring in to sell. A farmer’s market is a cool way to spend a Saturday morning before heading out to another fall activity. A great source for finding local farmer’s markets is www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/. In Canada, check out http://www.farmersmarketscanada.ca/. 36 • November 2015
4. An apple a day. Head to a local apple orchard for some picking, and then make simple cobbler, pie, applesauce, cinnamon apples and more. PickYourOwn.org has by state (even by country!) listings for just about every U-Pick orchard fruit you can think of! Then fire up your computer and go to www.allrecipes.com to find unique and traditional recipes for any fruit dish you can think of. 5. Go milk a cow. My kids still talk about the time we went to a local dairy farm for a fall field trip. They got to see how cows are milked by machines, how they are cleaned, how milk is processed and – the best part – they got to sample different flavors of milk. I don’t have a cool website for you here, folks. You’ll just have to Google “dairy farms” then your city, then find out from there if they give tours. 6. Go find it … the old fashioned way. Have some of your kid’s friends over for a scavenger hunt, assign them to teams and give them a list of things you want them to go find. The team that comes back with all the items on the list first is the winner. For fun fall scavenger hunt ideas for kids of all ages, click on: www.buzzle.com/articles/scavengerhunt-for-kids.html.
7. Go find it … using technology. According to the website www.Geocaching.com, “geocaching is a realworld outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online.” On this site parents and kids can search for caches in their area then go hunt them down. When you find the cache, you sign a logbook, and sometimes there’s a small prize for you to take (but you must also leave something behind!). 8. Leaf it to the kids. Rake up the leaves and jump in them. Take lots of pictures and video! When you’re done, hunt down some favorite leaves in different colors and make a leaf collage. Glue leaves to a piece of construction paper and paint designs on them. 9. Light up the night. Get a bunch of families together from school, church or the neighborhood for a game of flashlight tag a park. Check out: www.ehow.com/how_2087247_playflashlight-tag.html for the rules. 10. Patch things up. Meet up with some friends at a pumpkin patch to hunt for pumpkins and funky gourds in colors like salmon and white. Visit www.PumpkinPatchesAndMore.org to find a patch near you.
November 2015 • 37
feature
Family Freeze Frame:
Aaron Blumensheine Photography
Photo Traditions to Mark the Years
by Lara Krupicka
Inspired by a photographer who took a picture of his son in the same men's flannel shirt and jeans every year from birth until adulthood, my husband and I began a similar tradition when our first child was born. We bought a large sweatshirt from our alma mater. And each year, from her first birthday on, we have taken a photo of our daughter in that shirt. Not every photo tradition is planned. Some families happen on a recurrent shot. Others find inspiration at a later date to replicate an old photograph, such as the three MacMillan brothers from Philadelphia who, as grown men, recreated a series of shots from their childhood, compiling the side-by-side comparisons into a surprise gift for their mom. If your family doesn't have a photo tradition, why not start one? It can be a way to track your children's growth, record milestones, or mark off achievements on a bucket list. Clothes, locations, poses, and occasions can all spark a tradition. See if one of these ideas inspires your family:
Clothing-related Adult-sized clothing. As with our college sweatshirts, choose an adult-sized garment and photograph your child in it over the years until he is grown. A special outfit. This doesn't refer to a photo where everyone matches, but rather one outfit, with multiple wearers. This works best with children of the same gender (or you can choose gender-neutral clothing). As each one grows into the outfit, catch a shot of them. This offers the opportunity to compare how similar (or not) your children look at the same age. It could be an heirloom garment such as a christening gown, a special ensemble made by a loved one, or a Halloween costume. 38 • November 2015
Christmas pajamas. It is not uncommon for families to give new (often matching) pajamas as Christmas gifts. Which in turn begs for a picture of everyone cozied up together by the tree in their new duds. This one becomes a two-for-one tradition: gift and photo.
Location Related locations. Ann Saiki's family keeps a tradition of taking pictures in front of National Park signs. To date her collection numbers 75, but with 405 units in the national parks system, Saiki's tradition can continue for years to come. "The signs themselves are interesting," Saiki says. "And the photo establishes the place in one shot." The photos are both a family tradition and a means of commemorating
each stop reached on their bucket list of national parks to visit. Maybe your family makes a point of visiting lighthouses, beaches or science museums. Whatever type of location pops up frequently for you can be a source of a photo tradition. Sentimental location.Row four, tree six of an apple orchard is where Angie Ryg's husband proposed to her. When their first child was born two years later they began returning to the orchard (row four, tree six) for an annual family photo. "I love that it is by a tree because it represents the roots we want to grow deep with our family," says Ryg. Think of places with sentimental significance like the Rygs' tree that you may want to use as a backdrop for your annual portrait. continued on page 40
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. The big guy and Mrs. Claus will provide toys to the local Toys for Tots program and greet local children and families. 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. These enchanting tours cover the history of the mansion, details of the decorations as well as relating the inspiring story of the current owners extensive restoration. 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 Ramp it up 1,000 times and you have St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights Festival! 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 – DEC19 Visit Santa in Christmas Park On the day after Thanksgiving, Santa will begin greeting children in Christmas Park on the corner of Canal and Live Oak streets in New Smyrna Beach. For select dates in November and December, he will pose for photographs and make a note of the holiday wishes of children in Southeast Volusia County. Please check www.nsbwaterfrontloop.com for up to date schedule. NOV 8 Visit Santa in Center Court through Christmas Eve 10 AM 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. For up to date information, visit http://www.volusiamall.net/holiday NOV 30 Palm Coast Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 6:00PM – 9PM Light up your holiday with a visit from Santa, an official tree lighting ceremony and a visit to the Flagler County Rotary's annual Fantasy Lights display. Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32137. Information at www.palmcoastgov.com/events or call 386-986-2323. 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. For more information, please call New Smyrna Beach Recreation Department 386.424.2175.
DEC 4 Holly Hill Tree Lighting Ceremony 7PM – 8:30PM Come and Join your neighbor’s for the City of Holly Hill Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall. 1065 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill. For more information please call 386-248-9420. DEC 4, 5, 6 Celebrate a Coastal Christmas at The Casements 6PM The evening begins with 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 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 61th Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade 10AM 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 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, but you may always contact us for more information at 386-760-4806 or visit www.crbible.com. DEC 6 New Smyrna Beach Christmas Parade 4PM The annual New Smyrna Beach Christmas parade will travel the NSB Waterfront Loop from Flagler Avenue to Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach. For more information, please call the New Smyrna Beach Recreation Department at 386-424-2175. 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 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 800-745-3000. 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. Information at www.palmcoastgov.com/events or call 386-986-2323. DEC 12 Holiday Regatta of Lights Boat Parade 6PM Vessels featuring brilliant lighted displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical 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 904-276-6815 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. Awards ceremony at Lake Beresford Yacht Club immediately following the parade. DEC 19 – DEC 20 St. Augustine Ballet presents The Nutcracker 2PM & 7:30PM Our annual production of The Nutcracker includes a cast of over 100 participants that includes student dancers, adult celebrities, and professional dancers. Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada St. St. Augustine. Visit www.saintaugustineballet.com for info. DEC 26 Winter Holiday Event at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse 10AM – 2PM Enjoy a fun-filled day of family-oriented activities. 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! Fireworks and Ice Sculpting, Chili Cook off, Kids Zone with 10 inflatablesand mush more! 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32080. More info at www.beachblastoff.com.
November 2015 • 39
Pose Three children: posing a trio begs for the classic "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" pose. For fun, switch up which child takes which pose from year to year. Two children: have your pair stand backto-back, as Dana Gilbreath does with her son and daughter. Not only did it help her record their individual growth, but she also could witness her son shoot past his older sister when he reached middle school. One child: whether you're parenting an only child or have a full brood, capturing mother-and-child or father-and-child handin-hand, makes a touching vignette. You can vary the backdrops and seasons to highlight the focus on parent and child.
Occasion Milestones. A first lost tooth. Learning to ride a bike. The day your child gets their driver's license. We often commemorate special occasions like these by a photograph, so it may go without saying that they make great traditions. Just plan ahead to avoid shooting a photo of one child at those milestones and forgetting another. Seasonal occasions. Jumping off the pier at a family lake house. Tossing around in a leaf pile. Going back to school. For Jen Berg the annual first day of school photo tradition began in her childhood. Her father had 40 • November 2015
her and her sister pose, backpacks on with fingers raised to indicate their respective years in school. He even kept the tradition for her first day at a real job in high school. "I love that. It was special," she says. For her own daughters, Berg continued the tradition, complete with backpack and raised fingers. Consider how you can mark those seasons with a memorable photo. No matter which method you use, for it to be a worthwhile tradition, it should fit your family. As Berg says, "Make it unique. And know that you'll want the photos together, like in a single frame or a digital file." If it's too much pressure to remember an annual photo, take one as you are able. And yes, your kids may groan at having to assemble for the same picture every year, but the groans themselves can become a shared tradition ("look out, here comes Dad with the camera!"). "Make time to do it!" says Ryg. "The more simple you make a tradition, the easier it will be to continue through the years." If your children are older and you haven't found a family photo tradition, it's not too late. You can always sift through your old photos and choose a few of your favorites to replicate. Or, as in the case of the MacMillan brothers, you can leave it for your kids to do later!
Thrift Store Grab Bag Portrait Not every photo tradition needs to be a serious portrait. After posing for formal studio portraits, the Covert family was in need of some fun in front of the camera. So they came up with this activity that you may want to try with your family. Put the names of all family members on slips of paper. Then each person draws the name of another. With five dollars apiece in hand, set out for your local thrift store. Everyone is to shop for an article of clothing or accessory for their selected person to wear. Once the purchases are made, find a fun backdrop for your photo shoot. Exchange thrift shop purchases. Then each person dons their new duds and poses for a shot. "We decided the thrift store picture was more our style," admits Scott Covert. And who can blame him when everyone is smiling gleefully for the photo.
www.flaglerparent.com / November 2015 • 41
November 18 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: Thanksgiving November 18 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.
Flagler County Library November Children’s Activities November 4 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: At the Farm November 5 Baby Class with Ms. Brenda 10:00 AM Birth to fourteen months Books, songs, rhymes and fun for our youngest patrons. Adult participation required.
November 16 Native American Event 6:00 PM All Ages Join us as Jim Sawgrass, Native Floridian and a member of the Muskogee Creek Indian Tribe shares Native history, artifacts, dress, music and dance, stories and native games and toys. Open to the public, offered free of charge. Attendance may be limited to comply with Fire Laws. Funded by The Friends of the Library
42 • November 2015 / www.flaglerparent.com
November 21 Lego @ the Library 9:30 – 11:15 AM All ages A monthly multigenerational program providing families with an opportunity to work creatively together.
November 25 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.
November 12 Baby Class with Ms. Brenda 10:00 AM Birth to fourteen months Books, songs, rhymes and fun for our youngest patrons. Adult participation required.
Featured Character – Addy, a nine-yearold girl living during the Civil War who escapes the cruelty of slavery and has a new life in freedom.
November 20 Kids in Motion 10:00 AM All Ages Build motor and listening skills. Music + movement + props =Fitness Fun!
November 23 Family Movie Night 6:00 PM All Ages Rated: PG Two turkeys from opposite sides of the track must put aside their differences and team up to travel back in time to change the course of history and get turkey off the holiday menu for good.
November 7 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.
November 12 American Girl 4:30 – 5:30 PM Ages 6 and up. Stories, activities, crafts and refreshments based on books in the American Girl series.
November 19 Baby Class with Ms. Brenda 10:00 AM Birth to fourteen months Books, songs, rhymes and fun for our youngest patrons. Adult participation required.
November 17 Girls’ 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 activity. Limited to 12 members. Club is currently FULL. Contact Children’s Dept. about wait list.
Info
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
NOVEMBER 2015 Character Education Word of the Month: CITIZENSHIP
November 2-4 2:30 p.m. Brain Child After-School Tutoring Program November 2 9:15 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary School 2nd Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria 10 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary School 3rd Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria November 3 9:15 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary School 4th Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria 10 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary School 5th Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria
5:30 p.m. Exceptional Parent Support Group Meeting GSB, Rooms 3A&B 5:30 p.m. Grandparents As Parents GSB, Rooms 3A&B 6:30 p.m. RES Parent Technology Night RES, Media Center 7 p.m. FPCHS Drama: “You Can’t Take It With You” Flagler Auditorium
November 12 4 p.m. VSA Art Class Session 3: Path of the Coment 5:30 p.m. Exceptional Parent Support Group Meeting GSB, Rooms 3A&B 6:30 p.m. RES PTO Spaghetti Dinner RES, Cafeteria 7:30 p.m. Matanzas High School Fall Play MHS, Pirate Theater November 13 6:30 p.m. Wadsworth Elementary PTO Movie Night WES, Cafeteria 7:30 p.m. Matanzas High School Fall Play MHS, Pirate Theater November 14 7:30 p.m. Matanzas High School Fall Play MHS, Pirate Theater November 16-18 2:30 p.m. BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program
7:30 p.m. MHS Night of Stars (Thespian Showcase) MHS, Pirate Theater
November 17 3:30 p.m. Joint Meeting between School Board and GSB
5 p.m. Belle Terre Elementary School PTO Meeting BTES, Media Center
November 6 9:15 a.m. RES Career Day for Grades 3-6 RES, Bldg. 7, Gym
5 p.m. School Board Workshop GSB, Board Chambers
5 p.m. School Board Workshop GSB, Board Chambers
6:30 p.m. FCEF Gala-Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland The Island Grill, Flagler Beach
6 p.m. School Board Meeting GSB, Board Chambers
6 p.m. School Board Meeting GSB, Board Chambers
7 p.m. FPCHS Drama: “You Can’t Take It With You” Flagler Auditorium
November 4 9:15 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary School 1st Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria
November 7 10 a.m. Flagler Family Connection Buddy Taylor Middle School
10 a.m. Wadsworth Elementary School 6th Grade Awards WES, Cafeteria
2 p.m. & 7 p.m. FPCHS Drama: “You Can’t Take It With You” Flagler Auditorium
4 p.m. Old Kings Elementary School SAC Meeting OKES, Media Center
5:30 p.m. Flagler Auditorium 2015 Gala Halifax Plantation “You Should Be Dancing”Saturday Night Fever
5:30 p.m. Old Kings Elementary School PTO Meeting OKES, Media Center 6:30 p.m. Rymfire Elementary School PTO Meeting RES, Media Center November 5 9:30 a.m. FCEF “Breakfast With Champions” Grand Haven Country Club 4 p.m. VSA Art Class Session 3: Path of the Coment Government Services Building, Third Floor
November 8 3 p.m. National Dance Company of Siberia Flagler Auditorium November 9 2:30 p.m. BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program 6 p.m. Bunnell Elementary School PTO Meeting BES, Media Center November 10 5 p.m. BTES Watch Dogs Dads BTES, Media Center 6 p.m. Wadsworth Elementary School PTO Meeting WES, Media Center
5 p.m. Belle Terre Book Fair Family Night BTES, Media Center
November 11
5 p.m. Belle Terre Elementary School Fall Festival BTES, Outside Grounds, Campus Wide
7:30 p.m. “Flashdance” – The Musical Flagler Auditorium
Veteran’s Day Holiday
7 p.m. FPCHS Band Concert Flagler Auditorium November 19 4 p.m. VSA Art Class Session 3: Path of the Coment 5:30 p.m. OKES STEAM Night OKES, Gym and Cafeteria 5:30 p.m. Exceptional Parent Support Group Meeting GSB, Rooms 3A&B 5:30 p.m. District Parent Advisory Committee GSB, Room 3B 5:30 p.m. Indian Trails Middle School SAC Meeting ITMS, Media Center November 20 9:30 a.m. RES Career Day for Grades K-2 RES, Bldg. 7, Gym November 22 3 p.m. Red Hot Chili Pipers Flagler Auditorium November 23-24 2:30 p.m. BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program November 25- November 27 Thanksgiving Break November 29 3 p.m. The Toy Shoppe – National Touring Company Flagler Auditorium November 30 2:30 p.m. BrainChild After-School Tutoring Program
www.flaglerparent.com / November 2015 • 43
events
November 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. 200207 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Cultural Educational and Museums
Cultural Educational and Museums
Just for Fun Out and About
NOV 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.
NOV 6 Movies on the Halifax 7PM – 9PM Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the movie! Refreshments available for purchase. Presented by the City of Ormond Beach Leisure Services and The Casements Guild. Movies start at sunset! Visit www.ormondbeach.org or call (386) 676-3216.
NOV 17 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum Visit the lighthouse, tour the historical museums, learn about lighthouse life over 100 years ago and climb the largest lighthouse in Florida. 4931 South Peninsula Drive Ponce Inlet. For more info call (386) 761-1821 or visit www. http://ponceinlet.org/ Farmers Markets NOV 6, 13, 20, 27 Flagler Beach Farmers Market 8AM – 12PM Downtown Flagler Beach, by the Ocean- Every Friday & Saturday, Year Round Rain or Shine. Sunrise to early afternoon.
NOV 6 Living History Day at Fort Matanzas 10:30AM – 3PM Authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish cannons at this fortress that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. This event is on the first Saturday of each month unless that weekend is a Holiday weekend. Then it will be held the second Saturday. Admission is free including the ferry ride to and from Rattlesnake Island. For additional information, please visit our website or call (904) 471-0116. NOV 8 Lillian Place Historic House Guided Tours 1PM – 5PM Recurring weekly on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Enjoy a tour of Lilian Place, the oldest house on Daytona's beachside and a fully furnished museum. This Italianate Victorian house was built in 1884 by one of the city's first settlers Laurence Thompson. Daily tours except Tuesday. 111 Silver Beach Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32118. For more info call (386) 256-4810. NOV 13, 14 Maritime Heritage Festival 9AM – 5PM The St. Augustine Maritime Heritage Foundation presents the Annual Maritime Heritage Festival at the Fountain of Youth. Quick and Dirty Boatbuilding, Dog Agility Contests, Food, and the popular Bartender's Challenge will be just a few of the activities this year. Come out and celebrate! General Admission Rates apply. Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, 11 Magnolia Ave, St Augustine. 44 • November 2015 / www.flaglerparent.com
NOV 5, 12, 19, 26 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/.
NOV 5 – 15 Volusia County Fair The Volusia County Fair & Youth Show provides a place for youth to learn and show their livestock products; residents of Volusia County are encouraged to participate in art, photography, music, agriculture, horticulture, home and craft projects. The fair gives students an opportunity to showcase their talents while competing for awards. Visit www.volusiacountyfair.com for details and schedules. NOV 6 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.
NOV 1, 8, 15, 22 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. NOV 1, 8, 15, 22 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
NOV 6 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 NOV 7 Flagler Fun Coast Bed Race The parade will begin at 3PM and the race will start immediately following the parade. Get a team together. Build a “bed” according to specifications and decorate it according to a theme Prizes will be awarded for Most Beautiful, Most Creative and Funniest, What Were You Thinking? To register your team or get more info, contact: Suzy Gamblain at 386-597-2950
events Just for Fun Out and About
Special Causes
NOV 27 Front Porch Fridays The Riverfront Shops of Daytona welcome you to the Front Porch Friday Festival, a local, monthly, all day festival. For more information about Front Porch Friday Festival or the Riverfront Shops of Daytona, including specific times of events, please visit www.RiverfrontShopsofDaytona.com
NOV 11 Veterans Day Ceremony 8AM The City of Palm Coast will host a ceremony with music, presentation of memorial wreaths and speakers to honor our military and veterans. Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast.
Kid Friendly
Just for Fun Out and About NOV 13 -15 Marineland 74th Anniversary The town of Marineland turns 75 this year and they want to celebrate with you. The festivities kick off Friday night with an outdoor screening of two films shot in Marineland. Saturday will host a Seafood and Music Festival with fireworks. Sunday's festivities will showcase a time capsule ceremony, weekly Salt Air Farmer's Market, a native plant sale, an renewable energy show, and a raffle/live auction. NOV 14 Movies in the Park 7:15PM Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast. Families will enjoy “The Box Trolls” on the park’s giant outdoor movie screen. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs and snacks and invite your friends and neighbors to join you at this monthly free, family activity. More info: 386-986-2323. NOV 7, 8 The 39th Annual Fall Country Jamboree This Fall Country Jamboree is one of the longest running events in Volusia County. This event features examples of pioneer living that included blacksmithing, cane grinding and a boil, spinning, pottery, and many more historical demonstrations. Visit http://www.pioneersettlement.org/#!barberville-fall-country-jamboree/c10si Nov 12 - 15 Greek Festival Be Greek for a day! Greek food, dancing and Greek culture. Free admission, free parking, and free shuttle. St Demetrios Church, 129 N Halifax Ave, Daytona Beach. For more info visit http://stdemetriosdaytona.org/greek-fesitval. NOV 14, 15 Riverfest Seafood Festival 7th Annual Ormond Beach Riverfest Seafood Festival. A community celebration of all things water! Whether you prefer active water play or just sitting back and enjoying the view with a plate of fresh seafood, Riverfest has something to love. Admission is free and so is parking. There will be music all day long on the main stage, plenty to eat and lots of vendors. For more info visit http://ormondbeachmainstreet.com/riverfest.
NOV 7 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. NOV 17 Little Chefs 10AM – 10:30AM Bring your "Little Chef" to the Palm Coast Community Center, where they will learn how to make a healthy, tasty snack and learn cognitive skills. Your "Little Chef" will grow in confidence and knowledge of different ingredients and textures. Ages 2-3. 305 Palm Coast Pkwy NE, Palm Coast, FL 32137. (386) 986-2323. NOV 19 Little Picassos 10AM – 10:30AM Lil Picassos is designed to help your little artists discover their inner "Picasso" as they discover their own unique style. Children will learn fundamental art concepts by creating a fun & unique work of art. Ages 2-3. 305 Palm Coast Pkwy NE, Palm Coast, FL 32137. (386) 986-2323. NOV 21 Holiday Event 5PM – 9PM Free photos with Anna & Elsa and Santa Clause. There will be a free kids zone, train rides, face painter as well as holiday shopping with local crafters. Palm Harbor Office Park, Corner of PC Pkwy West Bound and Club House Drive. Special Causes NOV 7 Days of Harvest Celebration Join us for a fun afternoon as we raise awareness for our friends with special needs. Hayrides, music, crafts, games and much more. All proceeds will help fund future activities at the ranch. Whispering Meadows Ranch, 5011 John Anderson Hwy, Flagler Beach. More info email info@whisperingmeadowsranch.org, or call (386) 503-6312
NOV 20 Toys for Tots Registration The Purpose Center, 210 Old Kings Rd S #700800, Flagler Beach, FL (Across from Old Kings Elementary). NOV 28 Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church: Special Needs Faith Formation 10AM – 2PM Religious Education classes will be held each Saturday for Special Needs students. Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, 915 N. Central Avenue, Flagler Beach. Contact the Parish office at 386-439-2791 or visit www.smdmcc.org for information. Worth the Drive Now through NOV 7 Amazing Grace Crop Maze $11 for ages 4 and up, with discounts available – read more here. Children 3 and under are FREE. Cash and Credit Cards are accepted for admission but, most vendors do not accept credit cards. Admission price includes all attractions. It does not include purchases you would like to make at the pumpkin patch, sno-cones, country store, concessions, etc. 2899 Wisteria Farms Road Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Visit www. http://agcropmaze.com. OCT 7 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. www.flaglerparent.com / November 2015 • 45
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
46 • November 2015 / www.flaglerparent.com