Volusia Parent Magazine

Contents

26

August 2015

32

charity 26

Surfers for Autism

education

20

features

10 12 14 16 18

20 22 24

34 38 43 17 46

Feeling Stuck

Volusia County After School Activities Volusia County School News

business spotlight

36

Classroom Connections

Volusia County Schools Calendar

The Parent Magazine Foundation Villari’s Martial Arts Jump for Joy Bouncers and Sliders

fashion

“Mompreneur”

28

Back-to-School Favorites

kids in the kitchen

Marineland Dolphin Adventure

32

Back-To-School

Back-to-School Healthy Lunches

every issue

Get Outta Town Volunteering at Your Child’s School Pack it Up! School Lunch Box Ideas

On The Cover

30 42 44

Reel Life with Jane Volusia County Library Programs August Calendar of Events

Coming Up...

Nalin Photo by:

4 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

September

October

• Working Moms

• Fall Festivals

• Grandparents Day

• Top Pediatricians

• Childhood Obesity

• Bully Prevention

www.VolusiaParent.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.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 5

with

What’s New in Print & Online

Volusia Parent

nual 6th An

Save The Date!

September 19, 2015 10AM - 4PM Mainland High School Prizes & Giveaways • Family Fun Zone • Cutest Kids Cover Contest Live Demonstrations • Bounce Houses • Facepainting, and much more!

New In Schools, On Newsstands & Online

Interested in Exhibiting? Call (386) 437-0300 email: events@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.

Ad Close: Sept. 1 Materials Due/Ad Builds: Sept. 5 Camera Ready: Sept. 8

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.

Ad Close: Oct 12 Materials Due/Ad Builds: Oct 14 Camera Ready: Oct 16

facebook.com/ volusiaparent

6 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

twitter.com/ volusiaparent

pinterestcom/ volusiaparent

instagramcom/ volusiaparent

www.volusiaparent.com /August 2015 • 7

Publisher / Editor Charlene Michaux charlie@bradymediainc.com 386-547-0161 Digital Development Director Creative Director/Special Sections Lois Duncan lois@bradymediainc.com

Brady, Mom, and Friend

Social Media Management Marketing 2 Go www.marketing2go.biz

Charlene Michaux Publisher/Editor charlie@bradymediainc.com

Editorial Content Manager Deb Wind deb@bradymediainc.com

Where did the summer go? Here we are getting ready for back to school and it seems like only yesterday I was searching for summer camps! This issue is packed with information to help you get ready to get back on schedule! From healthy lunches that you can engage your kids with to all the information you need from your school district; from bus schedules to open houses. If you don’t see your school, visit your county school website for up-to-date information on your child’s school. We have also included an after school directory to make it easier for you to review your choices for after school care.

We are excited to announce that we are launching our new digital app! Now our readers can view our editions directly from their smart phone, iPad, or tablet through the newsstand on their device, and our advertisers can incorporate their direct links to their web page and include direct information about their products and services that can’t be viewed through our printed editions.

We are equally excited that we have formed The Parent Magazine Foundation. As a new 501(c)3 we are thrilled to offer the ability to give back to the communities that support us. Our mission is “Through education and advocacy, The Parent Magazine Foundation, Inc. will bring parents the best information and resources available to assist them in tackling the most important job in the world – PARENTING”. Read more about our foundation on page 17.

There will be more details coming as we continue to build our board of trustees and meet with local groups in our community to consult with them about the the needs we parents face today concenring our children’s education.

We are anxiously looking forward to bringing you the 6th Annual Ultimate Baby Shower and Toddler Expo on September 19 at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach. This year our event is sponsored by The Parent Magazine Foundation. This year’s event will feature speakers and classes on a variety of topics, including cloth diapers, baby-wearing and education. There will be booths from exhibitors offering a variety of products and services such as health and beauty, education, cloth diapering, extracurricular activities, parenting, childcare, nursing and maternity.

The Expo will be the place to be for all things baby and toddler! Visit our Facebook page or go directly to www.ultimatebabyshowerandtoddlerexpo.com.

Preorder your tickets on Eventbrite and save!

With all this ahead of us and gearing up for the new school year, we have been quite busy! As aleays, we appreciate the support that our readers and advertisers provide. Without you, we could not continue to bring the high-quality content and programs that you have come to expect from us.

Here’s wishing you and your family a great new school year! And, thank you for your continued support of our magazine!

Charlie

8 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

Advertising Consultant Deb Wind deb@bradymediainc.com 386-299-6684 Advertising Consultant Sandy Kinney sandy@bradymediainc.com 386-931-1244 Graphic Design Lion Heart Graphic Design www.lionheartgraphicdesign.com Contributing Writers Deb Wind Tiffany Doerr Guerzon Beth & Rich Fornauf Heidi Smith Luedtke Contributing Photograper Jessica Gray Photography 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.

Brady Media, Inc. 800 Belle Terre Pkwy., Ste. 200-207 Palm Coast, FL 32164 (386) 437-0300 Office • (386) 246-2950 Fax www.BradyMediaInc.com Proud Member of

www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 9

feature 12 Ways to Support Your Child’s Teacher this Year

By Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. As kids go back to school, parents everywhere breathe a collective sigh of relief…but don’t relax too soon. “Children whose parents are involved in their education have higher self-esteem, more positive attitudes toward learning, and are generally more engaged than children whose parents are not involved,” says Candace Roberts, PhD, assistant professor of education at Saint Leo University in Florida. Kids of involved parents also have better attendance, higher grades, and are more likely to go to college.

To help kids get the most out of school, parents need to partner with teachers and share responsibility for kids’ learning.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Share your expertise.

Kids spend 70% of their time outside of school and you are an expert on your child.

Early in the term, fill the teacher in on your child’s strengths and interes ts, personality patterns, and specific learning challenges.

When you help the teacher connect with your child, you set everyone up for success.

2. Expect great things Research shows parents’ and teachers’ expectations have a huge impact on kids’ development. Set high but realistic expectations for your child that are consistent with his age and ability. Share your expectations with educators. Their expectations are likely to rise in response – and that’s good for your child.

3. Confront problems early Donna Henderson, PhD, professor of counseling at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, recommends parents contact the child’s teacher at the first sign of falling grades, changes in behavior, or increasing school-related complaints. Working together, you may be able to avert problems before they grow more complicated.

4. Respect teachers’ limits Your child isn’t the only kid in the class and the teacher has a responsibility to ensure everyone gets the attention they deserve. Don’t ask teachers to make exceptions that interfere with other kids’ learning, says Henderson. Ask the teacher to point you toward additional resources and provide extra tutoring at home.

5. Spend time in the classroom If you can, volunteer in your child’s class.

Your presence shows your child you believe education is important. It also gives you the opportunity to see first-hand how the teacher works with your child and how relationships with other kids affect her learning.

6. Volunteer time outside the school day Parents don’t have to be present at school to support kids’ teachers, Roberts 10 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

says. Offer to prepare project materials or do research for an upcoming unit. Provide supplies for a class lesson or help grade papers in the evenings. Your kids will get excited when they see you doing homework, too!

7. Establish a family routine Build time into kids’ schedules for reading and study in a designated, distractionfree location. Homework is much easier to accomplish at the same time and place each day instead of on-the-fly between soccer and piano le ssons. Routines help kids manage stress and maintain healthy habits.

8. Plan regular face time with teachers Even if you stop in for only a few minutes before or after school, make the effort to say hello and check in often. Stay in contact frequently, but don’t monopolize teachers’ time. Ask what you can do to best help your student prepare for upcoming lessons and follow through.

9. Reinforce learning in real life Find teachable moments in your everyday routine and go over key concepts. Test math skills at the grocery store. Read books together and point out spelling words or

parts of speech. Take in a concert or play.

Kids need to see learning and problem solving as everyday activities.

10. Run interference If the demands of class work are overwhelming your child or family issues are disrupting his ability to concentrate, communicate what’s going on and advocate for your child’s interest. Collaboratively identify ways to maximize learning. If your child truly needs extra time or an alternate assignment – ask for it.

11. Watch your tone Present complaints calmly and respectfully, Henderson advises. Use specific examples and ask for the teacher’s ideas about what can be done. Remember, even if you disagree, you’re both on the same side. Your child is likely to lose if you get adversarial or aggressive.

12. Show your appreciation Send an email to say how much your child enjoyed last week’s science experiment or write a note to the principal to compliment a job well-done. Partnerships flourish when people feel appreciated.

www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 11

feature

A Teacher’s Guide to Problem-Solving for Kids Who Want to Learn (and Their Parents)

By Beth and Rich Fornauf Remember that feeling you used to get in school, when you’d stare at a question or problem for a good five minutes and think, “Hmmm.

Maybe it’s in a different language?”

When you’re a student, there are few feelings worse than thinking you don’t have a clue. Panic and anxiety set up camp and make it almost impossible to concentrate, let alone plan out a course of action. And even though kids today have a wealth of resources at their virtual fingertips, many are still stumped by difficult questions, especially in math. Add pressure to get the right answer (and get it fast), and many kids give up, shut down, and feel bad about themselves.

As a parent, it’s difficult to see your child struggle, particularly when there isn’t much you can do to help. For many moms and dads, things like math class and mind benders are distant memories.

But parents pay attention, we’ve got a teacher’s secret you should know: Remember those skills and strategies you learned in math class years ago? You use them all the time.

This may come as a shock, especially to those of you who don’t consider yourselves “math people.” But the truth is that problem solving is a skill that every child, regardless of interest, inclination and aptitude, needs to know. So get ready for a refresher, because we’ve got the how-to on what to do when you (and your child) feel stuck.

Step 1: Identify the question As kids get older they are faced with test and homework questions that are very involved. With a push toward practical, real-world application, many students are asked to solve complex, multi-step problems on a daily basis. In these cases, it’s important to figure out what the question is actually asking.

This is easier said than done. The first step is to look for that question mark. It may not be the problem’s only question, but it’s a start. Have your child highlight or underline it. Then go back and reread the entire problem. Usually the first sentence is an introduction, and the second gives information. Circle any sections that contain information for solving. When your 12 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

child gets to a section that is asking her to “find,” “calculate,” “solve,” or “evaluate,” take note: these are question words.

Have her rewrite the question(s) on a piece of scrap paper. Knowing what type of problem you’re supposed to solve is half the battle.

Step 2: Reword and rewrite Tackling a problem written in paragraph form is hard enough – but when there are a bunch of long, scary words you don’t recognize, the task feels insurmountable.

Once your child has figured out the question, have him go back and reread the problem again, and write down any words he doesn’t know. Even if he isn’t totally clear on a word, have him write it. Then

have him look them up in his math book, or the glossary, or even online. Find a synonym that he understands and replace the scary word to make the problem more readable.

Step 3: Find similarities The problems that students typically see on homework or class assessments are based on material that they’ve learned.

This is good news: even if your child is initially stuck, chances are there are examples she can use as a reference from notes or previous assignments.

Look back at that question from step one. Chances are there is a similar question that your child has done as classwork or homework, so take some time to look

cess. Once she’s successfully solved one or two friendly problems, go back and try the original.

Step 7: Try it again Once your child has made it through these steps, have him try it again. Ask the question, look at what he knows, maybe even draw another picture. Get everything organized and tell him to get as far as he can.

Even if your child doesn’t end up getting the answer, going through this process will empower her to struggle on her own. And struggling, though they don’t usually like it, is how kids learn best. If she successfully muddles through the first few steps, she can say to her teacher, “Here’s what I’ve done. What can I try next?” which always sounds better than, “I don’t know what to do” or “I don’t get it.”

Most important, having a course of action to follow will help your child the next time she feels stuck. Each time she tackles an unfamiliar problem, she’s more likely to stick with it and get further in the process until she gets it herself. And isn’t that what learning is all about? through her book and binder. If your child thinks the problem is totally new, that’s a different story. Skip to step five.

If she can’t find anything that looks familiar in her class materials, talk about it for a minute. See if asking, “where have you seen this before” or “what does this remind you of?” can spark her memory.

You can even share your own examples, if you have them. Draw a picture. So often seeing a visual can spark at least a starting point. Plus, you have evidence that she tried different approaches.

You can also look online to try to find a similar example. Reinforce the notion that finding the answer won’t help if she can’t explain how she got it.

Step 4: Break it down Remember all that highlighting and circling you did in the previous steps? Now is the time to put it to use. Have your child break the problem down into manageable chunks and see where he stands.

On his scrap paper, make two columns.

On the left, write all the information he gleaned from his reread. Usually this will include some background information and a few numbers needed to actually do the math. On the right, write down what you are trying to find. Label each unknown with a question mark. Organizing information will help your child weed out the important facts from the problem, and ignore the extraneous stuff.

Note what type of operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) are needed. Write those down too, so your

child can play with the numbers a bit, and get some practice. At this point, your child may be ready to try to solve the problem. If that’s the case, go for it. If he’s still stumped, keep reading.

Step 5: Use your resources At this point, it may be helpful to recruit additional expertise. If the problem is a little clearer at this point, take another look through your child’s math book to see if you can find a similar example. If not, get online.

Be careful at this step: you don’t want to just google the question and find an answer. Even if it’s correct, it’s not helping anyone down the road. Most teachers have a website, so start there. See if there are examples posted, or hints about this type of problem. Another good resource is Kahn Academy (www.kahnacademy.org), which can guide your child through problems similar to the ones he sees in school.

Try to find one that’s a little simpler to first get the understanding in place, then attempt more challenging ones.

Step 6: Make it friendly If your child thinks she might understand how to start solving, but is still unsure, have her make the problem friendlier. Some numbers just look scary to kids, so if there are a lot of decimals, for example, have her substitute whole numbers instead. Pretending she knows what to do, and going through the process with familiar numbers can build her confidence and let her feel some suc-

Worth a Click Many websites claim to have useful tools, games and activities, but not all are created equal. Here are a few teacher recommended sites to check out with your kids.

Nlvm.usu.edu Features K-12 interactive applets and manipulatives; also has explanations and help to show how to use it. www.Khanacademy.org Offers free information about math and many other subject areas; numerous videos walk students step-by-step on sample problems, helping them build confidence.

Coolmath-games.com Site with games in math logic and memory; levels go from easy to difficult, and are highly engaging ixl.com Provides free interactive math activities; ties math activities to work your child is doing in school (organized by grade level and topic).

www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 13

feature

Photos by Danilyn Photography

Meet Pam Stolsworth, P&L Stables Pam Stolsworth was born and raised in been retired to Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall New York’s, Long Island in the heart of of Fame. Pam graduated from Adelphi horse country on a farm named Hi University in May of 1977 with a Bachelor Neighbor Farm. As a young girl, Pam rode of Science Degree in Education. Pam chose in Hunt Seat Equitation, Junior Working education, because she had many mentors Hunter and Junior Jumpers Divisions. She and knew teaching would fulfill her profeswas a natural and growing up she competsionally and personally. ed in the tri-state area as junior and amaPam was married in 1977 to William teur, until becoming a proOswald and turned her fessional rider in 1977. hobby into a business.

As a senior in high school, Always encouraging children she was prompted by USET to learn the love and responCoach Bert DeNemethy to sibility of caring for horses. seek a member of the team She was lead instructor for to train under. Pam rode ‘The Long Island Riding for with Carol Hofman the Handicapped ‘which Thompson who gave her focused on special needs the opportunity to ride a children and adults. Pam variety of horses, fine-tunwent on to coach at the ing her skills. Pam tragically Hofstra University Equestrian lost her number one jumper Team for five years then the Pam Stolsworth to EIA. She bounced back Suffolk Community College and in June of 1973, while training with Equestrian Team leading to many regional mentor and professional rider Mrs. and national awards.

Thompson, Pam was selected to particiPam has two children. Her daughter, pate in the 1976 Olympic Screening Trials Meredith, followed in her footsteps and is an at Gladstone. She finished in the top 10 accomplished rider, having competed at the on a horse she had only ridden four times.

Meadowlands and Madison Square Garden.

Pam attended Adelphi University where She continues to ride and train horses in she competed in the Intercollegiate Horse New York’s, Long Island.

Pam’s son, Show Association. As Captain of her Christopher, is a Horse Farrier and trains his equestrian team, she became Reserve own horses. He focuses on ranch work and Champion Open Riders. During her senior disciplines such as, cutting and reining. year she was National Open High Point After the death of her first husband, Pam Rider. This particular trophy has recently moved to Palm Coast, Florida. She focused 14 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

her attention on education and began working with special needs children within Flagler County Schools. She has been working with the district for 16 years, now working at Bunnell Elementary School. Pam married Lewis Stolsworth in 1998 and wanted to get back to training students along with teaching. She knew with her work ethic; drive and support from her loving husband, she could make it all happen.

Pam and Lewis opened P & L Stables, Inc. in September of 2007. In this capacity she has the chance to train and give back. Many of her former students have gone on to have impressive careers in the horse industry and continue to enjoy the sport. Pam’s career has been extremely rewarding and lucrative, training many champion horses and students, along the way.

To train under Flagler County’s own, Mrs. Pam Stolsworth, contact P & L Stables for a listing of camps, lessons and boarding facilities available.

INFO P & L Stables 390 Sawgrass Road Bunnell, FL 32110 (386) 503-5058 www.p-lstables.com

www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 15

Picks from our staff that we know you’ll enjoy!

My Weird School Special: Back to School, Weird Kids Rule!

“A.J.’s peppy account, the teachers’ comical antics, plentiful hyperbolic humor, and cartoonlike illustrations make for an entertaining, fast-paced read that will draw series fans.”

Age Range- 6-10 Years, Grade Level1-5, Published by: Harper collins Price from: $4.00

The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School Grade 3-5 - Fifth-grader Tony Madison is a magnet for trouble. Irrepressible, unstoppable, and outrageous, he is constantly thinking up ways to make it on to David Letterman's show. He has his own collection of stupid human and pet tricks that he is sure will be his ticket to New York. After trying each new prank, he writes to the talk-show host and includes a top-10 list detailing his stunts.

Age Range- 4-8 Years, Grade Level- Preschool – Grade 3, Published by: Harper Festival, Price from: $5.99

Callbot Automated Calling Callbot will call a group of contacts for you in minutes to deliver a personally recorded voice message right from your iPhone.

Simply make a group from your contacts, and then record your own voice message, then let Callbot make all the calls for you.

FREE iOS7 iPad, iPhone

Artkive – Save Kids’ Art "An app you can't live without…the book they made of my kid's artwork is absolutely amazing!" $4.99 iOS6 iPad, iPhone

If You Take a Mouse to School If you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils. He'll probably want to share your backpack, too . . .

Age Range- 4-8 Years, Grade LevelPreschool – Grade 2, Published by: Harper Collins, Price from: $11.95

Digital Tutor Do you struggle to understand your child's homework? Does your child need to practice their spelling and times tables? Are you looking for inspiration for projects and assignments? FREE iOS6 iPad, iPhone

Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat!

This is a nice little book - about 20 pages. It tells of Splat the Cat's homework assignment on his first day back from summer vacation. He has a hard time with it, but once he thinks about it, he figures it out. And in the process, he discovers a nice little lesson about valuing his sibling.

Age Range- 4-8 Years, Grade Level- Preschool – Grade 3, Published by: Harper Festival, Price from: $3.99

How to Organize a Backpack School supply lists will soon be on websites, in stores and in mailboxes.

School will be in session before we know it and that means it’s time to shop for school supplies. Before you head out with list in hand there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to school supplies and organization. Once you’ve selected the appropriate backpack follow these tips to organize your child’s backpack to help them stay organized and on track for a successful school year. https://www.pinterest.com/volusiaparent 16 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

Class Aide On top of everything inClass will help you take notes way more efficiently than ever before. Video notes, audio notes, photo notes! You name it! Just take out your iPhone or iPod Touch and start taking notes. inClass will even know which class you are in! Organize your schedule. Share your notes. Ace your classes. FREE iOS7 iPad, iPhone

Brain Booster Let KinderTown turn your device into an educational playground!

Overwhelmed by the number of educational apps available? KinderTown makes finding quality educational apps for your children easy, by showing you only the best educational apps. Our digital review process involves educators, kids, and parents, and we feature only apps that will help your kids learn and that they will also love to play. FREE iOS7 iPad, iPhone

Business Spotlight

Brady Media, Inc., publishers of Volusia, Flagler, & St. Johns Parent Magazine has announced the formation of its foundation, ‘The Parent Magazine Foundation. Inc.’ “As a parent with an elementary school age child, I understand the many unique needs that we parents face today in the education of our children. It’s not our intention to take anything from the all of the amazing local resources that we currently have available to us in our communities, but it is our hope and intention to offer some very unique resources for parents when it comes to making decisions regarding their children’s education”, says Charlene Michaux, the owner and founder of the Parent Magazine Foundation.

The Parent Magazine Foundation describes their mission staement thusly: “Through education and advocacy, The Parent Magazine Foundation, Inc. will bring parents the best information and resources available to assist them in tackling the most important job in the world – PARENTING”.

It will be the hope and intention of the foundation to host local events to educate parents on the needs they face in the education(s) of their children. In addition, the foundation will sponsor other events in our communities to advocate their support in the areas of academics, arts and athletics. The foundation plans to fund innovative programs that offer unique depth and breadth to our children’s educational experience.

As we work to build a sustainable endowment, we pledge to award grants annually out of our available funds to students and their parents so that parents can be educated in all areas of their children’s academic future.

The Foundation was established as a notfor-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Florida and received its IRS classification as a 501 (c)3 charitable organization. Board representation will include individuals from the public and private sector whose interest is specific to its mission statement. Founder Charlene Michaux

“Through education and advocacy, The Parent Magazine Foundation, Inc. will bring parents the best information and resources available to assist them in tackling the most important job in the world – PARENTING”

serves as the current Founder and President. Deb Wind is on the board of trustees as secretary. The Parent Magazine Foundation is currently seeking active local business professionals who have an interest in advocating its mission to complete its board of trustees.

The Foundation plans to have a gala kick off membership drive to educate our community on the important issues affecting

the decisions that parents. Your membership is tax deductible.

INFO

For information on the levels of membership or to make a donation please call our office at (386) 437-0300 or visit our website at www.parentmagazinefoundation.org.

August 2015 • 17

feature

5 Last Minute Summer Trip/Back-To-School Activities It’s that time of year again. Summer is winding down and families are getting ready for back to school. Whether it’s looking for a last minute summer trip with the kids or planning for educational back to school programming, Marineland Dolphin Adventure has a variety of fun and educational offerings for the entire family.

Last Minute Summer Trip Ideas 1. Marineland offers a variety of adventure programs that connect guests with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Activities include: • Interact with the dolphins in the shallow water and swim with them in the deep water to truly experience the power and grace of these animals.

• Befriend a dolphin artist who will paint a canvas with colors of your choice just for you.

• Touch, feed and learn about Atlantic bottlenose dolphins.

• Become a trainer for a day and prepare food, feed the dolphins and create lasting memories.

Pick one activity along with general admission, or combine multiple adventures for a full day of fun.

2. Families can also travel back in time and go “Behind the Seas” at Marineland to learn about the park’s fascinating history that started 75 years ago. The tour walks through eight new exhibits. Visitors will see some of the original Marine Studios equipment used to film movies and commercials, and see some of the first gear that marine researchers ever used.

18 • August 2015

3. Explore Marineland and the surrounding environment by planning an Eco-Excursion.

This fun package deal is for families who want to experience a real adventure: learn more about dolphins and interact with them in the shallow water, enjoy a professional guided kayak tour through the Matanzas River Estuary provided by Ripple Effect Ecotours, and take the “Behind the Seas” tour.

Back to School Programming The Education Department at Marineland Dolphin Adventure provides a variety of educational offerings to schools, groups and everyday guests. The education Marineland provides and the connection the facility creates between students and animals is valuable in instilling the importance of conservation in young people.

Here are some examples of educational programming Marineland provides: 4. In the recently renovated Neptune Park at Marineland, kids enter an educational area and see and learn more about sea turtles and sharks. This offering is included with general admission.

5. Art and nature merge at Marineland with the help of Ocean Art Gallery, one of the top fine art galleries in northeast

Florida. Students can register for a variety of acrylic painting and photography workshops under the personal instruction of professional artists. These classes on select Fridays and Saturdays include access to Marineland and a pass for one free Touch and Feed dolphin interactive program.

The education department also provides a variety of daily field trip programs September through May for teachers seeking educational experiences that teach students about the environment, animals and the importance of conservation.

Marineland, located 18 miles south of St. Augustine, offers interactive dolphin encounters and a variety of interactive adventures that educate guests to help them gain a better understanding of marine mammals and inspire them to value and respect animals and their environment.

INFO

To plan your visit and find more information about programming, prices and educational activities visit Marineland.net

August 2015 • 19

Get Outta Town!

A brand new monthly feature designed to provide some great getaway ideas for the entire family! This month’s destination: Cabana Bay Beach Resort For those of you who have fantasized about time travel or if you’ve simply longed to return to a time when things may have seemed somewhat simpler and less hectic, there is a place for you.

Located in the heart of Universal Studio’s theme parks is the retro-themed Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Capturing the iconic era of the 1950s and 60s, the Cabana Bay whisks you away to another time from the moment you pull into the circular drive.

Before you even enter the lobby you know there’s something different going on. From the bright colors of the building’s exterior to the vintage automobiles parked outside for everyone to admire.

Entering the lobby the stage is set with mid-century style furniture and faux lug20 • August 2015

gage racks. With atmosphere this authentic you might find yourself looking over your should to see if Don Draper is checking in as well.

After check-in is when the real fun starts.

First, the accommodations: Each room boasts colorful decor featuring retro style furnishings and art. And if you’re a fan of attention to detail, you’re sure to get a kick out of the throwback toiletries. Each bathroom comes fully stocked with little bottles of VO5 shampoo and bars of Zest soap. But rest easy, modern day conveniences are included as well, such as flat screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Somehow those modern-day trappings never manage to disrupt the illusion of being transported to another time.

The Cabana Bay isn’t just about laying

low in your room, (no matter how much you may be tempted), no, this place was designed for fun!

Two massive pools including a waterslide and lazy river are available to keep you cool during your stay. They provide the perfect atmosphere for relaxation or straight up family fun.

Classic 50s and 60s era music is continuously pumped through poolside speakers and a snack counter and full service bar are located close by for those looking for a burger and fries or an adult beverage.

Once evening rolls around you can stay cool in the pool and enjoy a family-friendly poolside movie.

More of a land lubber? No problem.

Cabana Bay offers plenty to do indoors as well.

The Galaxy Bowl Located on the second floor of the main building, this 10-lane bowling alley is inspired by the Hollywood Star Lanes bowling alley made famous in the film The Big

Lebowski. The lanes are illuminated in wild, fluorescent colors at night, and large projection screens broadcast sporting events. The Galaxy Bowl also offers a limited menu of fast-food selections and beverages to help keep your mind off all of those gutter balls.

The Bayliner Diner Reminiscent of an old style cafeteria, the Bayliner Diner offers a vast array of comfort food favorites at several different stations. Everything from burgers, pizza, and paninis, to tofu stir fry. And after dinner you can munch on your favorite throw back candies while watching vintage NBC television clips on the Jumbotrons at either end of the diner.

The Bayliner Diner is also open for breakfast each morning to help get your busy day off to a delicious start.

Jack LaLanne In the mood for some exercise? No one did it better in the 50s than Jack LaLanne.

Having achieved fame as a fitness pioneer, Jack Lallane passed away in 2011 at the age of 96. But at Cabana Bay his legacy lives on. The enormous exercise room named for the fitness icon boasts modern iPhone enabled tread mills as well as the classic medicine balls and free weights.

While there you can break a sweat watching black-and-white reruns of LaLanne’s body building routines and check out an impressive LaLanne memorabilia collection.

Starbucks In case you’re beginning to feel like a person out of time, fear not, there is a Starbucks close by. But the Starbucks at Cabana Bay was the first full-service onsite Starbucks location at any Disney or Universal hotel, and is still the most stylish in town. The mermaid imagery from Weeki Wachee Springs is used in large murals evoking the spirit of Old Florida while other artistic flourishes (including creative uses of coffee beans and even coffee cups) help create a relaxing atmosphere.

So what do you think? Feel like hopping in a DeLorean and hitting 1.21 jigawatts?

Cabana Bay Beach Resort is the place for the entire family! Just 0.7 miles from Universal City Walk and 1.3 miles from Universal Studios, guest can enjoy benefits such as early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and complimentary shuttle buses to and from Universal Studios theme parks and Universal City Walk.

Experience the excitement of Universal Orlando® Resort in a whole new way at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort.

INFO

Cabana Bay Beach Resort 6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819

(407) 503-4000 www.universalorlando.com/CabanBay

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel In the mood for something more sophisticated? This Universal Orlando® Resort may be more to your liking.

You can celebrate la dolce vita - the sweet life - at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando®.

Located at Universal Orlando® Resort, this luxurious hotel re-creates the charm and romance of the famed seaside village of Portofino, Italy, right down to the cobblestone streets and outdoor cafes.

Hotel guests enjoy spacious guest rooms featuring custom designed furnishings, impeccable and attentive service, an opulent spa, three themed swimming pools and exceptional dining.

Early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and bus shuttle service to and from the parks is also offered.

Book your getaway today!

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel 5601 Universal Orlando Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 503-1000

August 2015 • 21

feature Tips for volunteering: • Spend your time with students equally; try not to favor your own child.

• The teacher is boss. If your child or another student asks to go to the bathroom etc., refer them to the teacher.

This is important for safety. The teacher needs to be aware of where students are at all times.

How and Why

By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon

Schools are always in need of parent helpers in the form of volunteers. But with jobs or younger children at home; it can be difficult to take the time to cut out triangles for the Kindergarten classroom. But volunteering for your child’s school does more than help out a busy teacher and give you a warm, fuzzy feeling. Many studies on the effect of parental and community involvement in school have shown an academic benefit for students. The evidence is consistent: students whose parents volunteer in the school setting have been shown to earn higher grades and test scores, have better social skills, and tend to pursue higher education.

“The importance of parents volunteering in the classroom is that it helps the child know that the parent is interested in the child, and invested in the child’s education,” said Jim Groth, a member of the California Teachers’ Association Board of Directors and elementary school teacher.

Parental involvement in the school does change according to the age and grade level of the student, from helping with craft projects in elementary to selling popcorn at the high school football game. Here’s a breakdown:

• Minimize disruptions. If your child wants to run up and hug you or crawl into your lap, gently guide them back to their assigned task. Avoid texting or answering cell phone calls unless absolutely necessary.

• Sign up early if possible. Most schools have a background check and/or paperwork that must be completed before parents are allowed to interact with students.

• For older kids, check in with your student to see the level of parental involvement with which they are comfortable.

Many teens and tweens regard school as their turf, and they may be happier if you stay behind the scenes.

If you are unable to volunteer during school hours: • Check with teachers or office staff about tasks that can be completed at home.

Teachers often need help with daily tasks, or you could help with the school newsletter or website.

• Attend parent-teacher conferences and open houses. Nothing can replace face time with your child’s teacher.

Middle school: When children enter middle school, parents often stop volunteering in the school. Opportunities are still available, but are different from elementary school. Classrooms are usually closed to parent helpers at the higher grade levels.

(Not to mention the fact that many tweens and teens would be mortified by Mommy showing up at their desk.) In middle school, help is still needed in the areas of fundraising and in parent-teacher organizations. Just by being involved, you show your child that school is important. Plus, by being in the school, you can pick up information to help in guide your child.

Elementary: In elementary school parent volunteers can often help directly in the classroom. Kids of elementary school age love seeing Mommy or Daddy interacting in their own class, and as a parent, this can be a valuable opportunity to put faces to the names of the kids your child talks about at the dinner table. Other benefits include seeing how the classroom operates, how your child interacts with others, and getting a sense of the teacher’s style.

Getting to know—and be known—by the school office staff is helpful as well.

High School: Once children enter high school, parents are relegated to a more supportive role. Volunteering at school events or being involved in fundraising shows that you care about your child’s world. Volunteering also models community involvement. Parents who lead by example tend to have kids who grow up to be involved in their own communities.

22 • August 2015

• Join the PTA. Meetings keep you in touch with what is going on behind the scenes of the school and you can voice your opinion on school matters.

• Be involved at home by talking to your child about school, helping with homework and monitoring after school activities.

• Offer your talents. If you work in marketing, maybe you can help with flyers.

If you are an artist, perhaps a teacher could use a hand with art projects. Are you a great cook? Offer to organize a potluck dinner for teachers and staff on the nights they work late for conferences or donate cupcakes to the school bake sale.

For more information: www.PTA.org Source list: http://www.sedl.org/connections/resources/evidence.pdf A New Wave of Evidence – The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement – Annual Synthesis, 2002 by Anne T. Henderson and Karen L. Mapp.

Jim Groth (Member, Board of Directors, CA Teachers Association) email: jgroth@cta.org

August 2015 • 23

feature

By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon It’s an age old dilemma: how to pack a healthy, inexpensive lunch for school that your child will enjoy. While “brown bagging it” saves money over buying hot lunch from the school cafeteria, kids aren’t always excited about a homemade lunch. Try some of the ideas below to give kids healthy and interesting choices, and you’ll soon have them eating out of your hand…or rather, their lunch box.

Pack it: Start with a great lunchbox. Current styles often go on sale just after school starts. Soft- sided insulated bags are available and some online stores will even personalize the bag for you. Then, make cleaning up fun by picking up a pack of small party napkins in your kid’s favorite super hero or character theme and tuck these into their lunch box instead of plain napkins.

Freeze it: Try an ice pack alternative: freeze a juice box or water bottle and pack with perishables.

Heat it: Hot lunch can come from home if you have a good thermos.

Preheat the thermos by filling with hot water, leaving it in at least five minutes, then emptying and filling with something warm and yummy. This could be anything from canned soup to last night’s chili.

Stack it: Cut lunch meat and cheese into small squares and pack with your child’s favorite crackers and they can stack their own cracker sandwiches.

Roll it: Make roll-ups by rolling several slices of lunch meat together, then cut in half and secure with toothpicks. Or, roll lunch meat around cheese sticks. Either is great with a container of honey-mustard or ranch dressing for dipping.

Dip it: Lots of foods can be dipped, from carrot sticks in ranch dressing to apple slices in peanut butter. Flavored yogurt makes a great dip, too.

Wrap it: Turn their favorite sandwich into a wrap. Large tortillas can be found in a variety of flavors and made into almost any kind of wrap, from PB&J to turkey and avocado. Leftover barbeque beef or teriyaki makes a great wrap as well. Large lettuce leaves can substitute for tortillas, if desired.

Cut it: For the diehard sandwich eater, try using large cookie cutters to cut their favorite into interesting shapes.

Buy it: Invest in small reusable containers for sandwiches, dips, pudding, gelatin, fruit cups and more. It’s cheaper to make a batch of pudding and divide it up for lunches, and this also keeps trash out of the landfill.

Write it: A handwritten note from mom or dad in their lunch box makes a kid feel special. From a simple “I love you” to jokes or words of encouragement on test day, a note will let them know you care.

Online resources: Lunch bags: http://www.lillianvernon.com/Category/LunchBags http://www.landsend.com/ix/index.html?store=le&action=newSearch&search=lunch+box Thermos: http://www.thermos.com/product_catalog.aspx?CatCode=LUNC

24 • August 2015

August 2015 • 25

charity

As a national organization, Surfers for Autism is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit dedicated to the introduction of the sport of surfing to children with special needs. The therapeutic benefits of this activity to children and young adults within the autism spectrum cannot be put into words and must be experienced.

At a Surfers for Autism event, surfers are provided a safe, fun, and judgment free environment where highly skilled surf instructors carefully guide them into the waves. Surfers and their families are treated like rock stars and enjoy a day filled with a range of activities including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, live music, facepainting, games, fire engine tours and much more. A catered lunch is also provided, all at no cost to registered participants, their families and volunteers.

This is a very special day where children with developmental delays interact with typical peers and wow families with their capabilities.

As one testimonial reads on their website from mom Kara Collins: To understand life 26 • August 2015

through the eyes of a parent of a child with Special Needs is impossible. The crushing heartache that they are not “typical” and sometimes “weird” and the one kid in class that doesn’t get invited to a birthday party.

Instead of days filled with soccer, baseball, play dates and social outings they are filled with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and behavioral training. It is exhausting, but if there were more hours in the day we would fill those too, in any way, to help our children meet their maximum potential.

For 7 years I have lived this life and feel blessed to see the progress that has been the reward. I thought I knew about it all, every possible outlet, diet, therapy, music, movement, social group…and then I heard about surfing. Surfing?

My friend- a parent of a fellow Spectrum Child and an SFA volunteer convinced me to let my guard down and give it a chance because it would “change my life”.

Change my life? Come on. Really? It’s just surfing…right? Well, really. I will never forget the joy I saw on my daughter’s face that

day, the pride she felt that she was enoughjust the way she was.

She made friends and no one cared who spun in circles or said something inappropriate, they just welcomed you for who you were. Now we own boogie boards and sun shirts and count down the days until the next event, when she isn’t a girl with Asperser’s- she is just a girl who is 7 catching a wave.

What a wonderful heartwarming way to help these kids feel their full potential in an environment where they’re not judged.

We plan to be at the East Coast Surfers for Autism event taking place on August 22 at the Flagler Pier in Flagler Beach.

Look for photos in our community pages next month!

For learn more, visit www.surfersforautism.org.

August 2015 • 27

fashion

Fashion page art provided by: Marriah C. Soldevilla /msoldevillaphotography@hotmail.com

28 • August 2015

August 2015 • 29

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.

SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE PG | In Theaters 8/5 | Ok for Kids 5+ Reel Preview: Get ready for an avalanche of wool from the latest Aardman Animations film (I love these films). When Shaun the Sheep decides to take the day off and have some fun, his mischief inadvertently leads to The Farmer being taken away from the farm to the Big City.

As Shaun, Bitzer and The Flock make plans to rescue the missing Farmer, it's a story about how we sometimes forget to appreciate the things we have in life and the people who love us. This movie introduces us to two new Aardman characters: Trumper, the animal warden who rules the city’s animal shelter with a rod of iron; and Slip, an inner city orphan dog who helps Shaun save the day.

FANTASTIC FOUR Not yet rated; likely PG-13 | In Theaters 8/7 | Ok for Kids 12+ Reel Preview: Directed by Josh Trank ("Chronicle") and inspired by the “Ultimate Fantastic Four” comics (the first arc of which was written

by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Millar, with Joe Kubert illustrating), this movie offers a modern take on Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team. The story centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The team must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy. The cast includes "Whiplash's" Miles Teller as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, "House of Cards" star Kate Mara as Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman, "Fruitvale Station's" Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, and "Snowpiercer's" Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm/The Thing. Stars also include Toby Kebbell as Doctor Doom, Reg E. Cathey as Dr. Franklin Storm, and Tim Blake Nelson as Harvey Elder/TheMole Man.

THE PROPHET Not yet rated; likely PG | In Theaters 8/7 | Ok for Kids 8+ Reel Preview: Based on Khalil Gibran's best known fictional work, this animated production involves collaborations across many borders. Each of the 89-year-old classic's chapters is directed by a different award-winning filmmaker, including Tomm Moore, Nina Paley, Michal Socha and others, with Roger Allers ("The Lion King") connecting the narratives together. Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, Quvenzhane Wallis, John Krasinski, Alfred Molina and Frank Langella are a few of the actors voicing characters in the film. One of the best-selling books of all time, "The Prophet" has sold more than 100 million copies since its original publication in 1923. The Lebanese-born Gibran is the third most-read poet in history, after Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu, and has been translated into more than 40 languages.

THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. PG-13 | In Theaters 8/14 | Ok for Kids 13+ Reel Preview: Oh boy! I loved this TV show when I was a kid, and the big screen version directed by Guy Ritchie doesn't disappoint. Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s at the height of the Cold War, this spy thriller centers on CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB agent Ilya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), who are forced to put aside longstanding hostilities and team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization that's bent on causing chaos via nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization. It's a race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe. Also stars Alicia Vikander, Jared Harris, Elizabeth Debicki, Luca Calvani and Hugh Grant.

New on DVD/BLU--RAY FREE WILLY Not Rated | On Blu-ray 8/4 | Ok for Kids 6+ Reel Review: Captured at sea and confined in a small tank at an aquatic park, Willy (Keiko the orca whale) is an unhappy and unpredictable attraction. No one understands Willy – except a scruffy street kid named Jesse (Jason James Richter) – who knows what it's like to be without a family. Together these two form a special bond...one so strong that they're willing to risk it all to find a way home! Lovely to see this 1993 classic family film on blu-ray.

DISNEYNATURE'S MONKEY KINGDOM Rated G | Release Date TBA | Ok for Kids 5+ Reel Review: This sweet film from Disneynature throws a spotlight on a newborn monkey and its mother. Struggling to survive within the competitive social hierarchy of the Temple Troop, a dynamic group of monkeys who live in ancient ruins in the jungles of South Asia, they're joined by a rich cast of forest characters. Life is grand, food is plentiful, and safety is assured -- but only if you're lucky enough to be born on the higher rungs of the Troop's social ladder. But this young mother and her infant find themselves in a constant state of hunger and peril from higherranking monkeys. It'll take a lot of ingenuity, hard work, and a little luck to change their place in the world.

PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 Rated PG for some violence | Release Date TBA | Ok for Kids 7+ Reel Review: The first "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" movie was fun and silly (because we need that sometimes, right?), and this sequel is more of the same, though perhaps not quite as good as the first movie. After six years of keeping our malls safe, Paul Blart has earned a well-deserved vacation. So he heads to Vegas with his teenage daughter Maya (super cute Raini Rodriguez) before she heads off to college. But safety never takes a holiday and when duty calls, Blart answers. Neal McDonough, D.B. Woodside and Nicholas Turturro also star in this movie directed by Andy Fickman ("The Game Plan").

kids in the kitchen

It’s August, which means summertime is winding down and Back-to-School season for your kids is gearing up! Time to trade in the flip flops for gym shoes and the pool tote for back packs.

Just because the school supplies are beginning to pile up in your house doesn’t mean it’s time to call it quits on the fun—summer isn’t over until the school bell rings! Make the most of your last blasts of summer and spend some quality time together by getting your kids in the kitchen to practice preparing some healthy back to school lunches!

Back to school time is the perfect opportunity to start packing a healthier lunchbox with some healthy kid’s lunch ideas. These easy lunches for kids are simple to prepare and quick to pack.

Your son or daughter won’t be willing to trade them!

For these recipes and more healthy school lunch ideas visit www.eatingwell.com.

Egg Salad Bento Lunch This egg salad bento box is a hearty lunch and snack all in one. Spoon the egg salad into a lettuce “bowl” to keep it looking pretty and enjoy with cocktail bread and veggies. Toss banana and blueberries with yogurt to keep the bananas from turning brown. Save the chocolate chips and pistachios for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Strawberry & Cream Cheese Sandwich Sliced strawberries and reduced-fat cream cheese come together in a sandwich for this quick and healthy lunchbox treat.

Pizza Roll-Up Bento Lunch This easy pizza-inspired roll-up is a kid-pleaser. Make crunchy vegetables more appealing by selecting colorful varieties like orange and purple cauliflower—and don't forget the dip! Keep them smiling with watermelon cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Toss leftover cooked chicken with barbecue sauce and crunchy carrots for a quick and healthy lunch.

Turkey, Corn & Sun-Dried Tomato Wraps Fresh corn kernels, tomatoes and lettuce fill these hearty turkey wraps. This wrap is great for lunch box, picnics, or when you need to have dinner on the run. Add some crumbled feta or shredded cheddar for another layer of flavor. Serve with carrot sticks, sliced bell pepper or other crunchy vegetables plus your favorite creamy dressing.

Salmon Salad Bento Lunch Watercress acts as a tasty divider between the salmon salad and crackers. Multicolored peppers and grapes add color to this bento and boost your daily servings of fruits and veggies.

Remember getting the kids in kitchen to help prepare their own meals helps them overlook your healthy food choices and allows them to savor their own flavors! Kids are more likely to eat the creations they’ve help prepare.

32 • August 2015

www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 33

34 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

Business Spotlight

I have known Sensei Dave Grabner for many years. He is a humble man with incredible passion for his schools and community. He is charitable, raising thousands of dollars for local charities, he supports the local educators providing free enrichment outreach programs and much more. When Parent Magazine started (DATE), it was my pleasure to have Villari’s Martial Arts as the first ever business spotlight.

Now, (number) years later, I’m excited to present his company again with this informative interview.

CM: Sensei Dave, as your students call you, when did you get your start in the Martial Arts and what kept you involved for so long?

SD: I have been involved in the Martial Arts since the age of 12. I started during a time I was bullied and wanted to protect myself. My parents were more interested in the character side of the arts to help guide me to a more successful future. It was the mentoring of my Karate Instructor that helped me realize a more rewarding path. This was the catalyst that pointed me in the direction to become an instructor. My “thank you” to the man that helped mold my life is to help another child as he did for me. To do so for our community is how I gauge my success.

36 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

CM: Your Ormond Beach school has been successful since opening in 2008, during a time of economic strain, and you’ve recently opened a second location in Port Orange … to what do you attribute your success?

CM: You mentioned “Early Childhood Development”, what is that and how can our readers benefit from it?

SD: Villari’s Martial Arts offers the most current, comprehensive programing in the area.

Our certified Black Belt Instructors and I specialize in early childhood development, character enhancement, and the most complete martial arts system available. You see, character development is inherent in most karate schools, but at Villari’s Martial Arts, we go beyond and partner with the most innovative, educational, and powerful programs anywhere. Our clients see the value in a good character

SD: I’m glad you asked that. This is science and psychology combined with the martial arts. We’re proud to announce our newest partnership with Skillz Connect.

Developed by Melody Shuman, The Skillz Programs include an international evolution of Martial Arts training that targets agespecific needs in children. We’ve taken the coolest parts of the Martial Arts and combined them into action-packed curriculums that help children build skills that they can apply into every area of their life. This means children between the ages of 3 to 6 will have a blast in their Martial Arts class while learning valuable skills that enable them to be the best they can possibly be.

driven school. We’re not just a karate place but your Family Resource Center.

The age groups are: Early Skillz: Ages 3 & 4 – Three to four year olds love physical activity and anything involving play.

During this class we focus on core development, improve hand/eye coordination, and increase balance while learning the fundamentals of the Martial Arts: Kicking Punching and Blocking using a game drill format. The process of introducing early skill based training in Martial Arts proved to be very successful.

Basic Skillz: Ages 5 & 6 – Five and six year olds are very enthusiastic students. They enjoy creativity and problem solving, which makes them ideal students for the Martial Arts. They are now at a stage where basic skill development plays an important role in their overall growth and development.

These basic skills include developing focus and team work, increasing memory and self-discipline, while improving fitness and coordination.

The progression is so significant that by the time the students graduate from each program, they fall into the top 10% of their age group!

CM: That sounds amazing!

How do our readers get started with the SKILLZ program?

SD: We provide free pre-evaluations for children starting at the age of three. This evaluation will tell us if the child is ready to begin and which group they may attend.

Contact Villari’s Martial Arts to schedule your free pre-evaluation.

CM: You mentioned that you provide Character Development beyond what is inherent in the martial arts, can you elaborate?

SD: That would be my pleasure. Villari’s Martial Arts has teamed up with the national organization Creative Connections Through the Martial Arts. This innovative character development program was designed by Ken Caputo with the vision of “Positively impacting communities through the martial arts”. This happens two ways, external outreach programs that provide educators and groups with its 21st century enrichment programs, free to all. Just contact Villari’s Martial Arts to schedule cultural presentations, personal safety workshops, interactive readings, and more.

Secondly, our in-school Black Belt Explorations program that provides lessons to our students well beyond the punches and kicks. Students may earn collectable Power Cards by performing character-based tasks, join us

us during our many Community Connection events, and learn to live Safer, Healthier, Happier, and much more.

Educators and families are welcome to view the free Creative Connections website at www.creativeconnectionsTTMA.com CM: I’m certain parents and your students appreciate your dedication to life skills taught at Villari’s Martial Arts, however, those joining will also want to learn karate.

What style is taught in your schools?

SD: We teach the venerable art of Shaolin Kempo Karate & Ju Jitsu developed by Great Grand Master Fred Villari nearly 50 years ago. This is a very self-defense oriented system providing the most well-rounded martial arts in the world.

CM: Thank you, Sensei Dave for taking the time to educate our readers about the benefits of attending such a great martial arts school.

INFO

Villaris Martial Arts Ormond Beach 1930 W. Granada Blvd.

386-672-4545 Port Orange 5820 S. Williamson Ave 386-681-8802 www.CFmartialarts.com

www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 37

education

If you’re looking for something recreational as well as educational to help keep the kids busy for a little while after school, we’ve compiled this list of some of the area’s finest after school programs to help give you a hand in your search.

A Kids Place Christian 124 Highland Ave., Holly Hill (386) 310-4810 Academy of Martial Arts After School Program 333 W. Granada Blvd. Ormond Beach (386) 677-6811 www.amafl.com

Deltona Adventist School After School Program 1725 Catalina Blvd.

Deltona (386) 532-9333 www.deltonafl.netadvent.org/school1.htm DTA Academy 1649 Providence Blvd.

Deltona (386) 860-4408 www.premierchildcarenetwork.com

ACE Gymnastics After School Program 4431 Eastport Parkway Port Orange 386) 760-1445 www.acegymnastics-daytona.com All Saints Lutheran Church After School Care 751 Dunlawton Avenue Port Orange (386) 846-1150 www. afterschool-aslcpo.org/after-school.html American Martial Arts After School Program 323 N Orange St New Smyrna Beach (386) 428-1316 www.americanmartialarts.com Calvary Christian Academy 1687 W Granada Blvd.

Ormond Beach FL (386) 672-5574 Care Bear Cottage 231 Hernandez Ave Ormond Beach (386) 673-1401 www.carebearcottage.com Child's World of Learning After School Program 2700 Enterprise Road Orange City (386) 775-7866 www.childsworldoflearning.com Children's House 55 N Washington St. Ormond Beach (386) 672-1620

First Baptist Church Preschool 975 E Graves Ave. Orange City (386) 775-4846 www.thejourneyoc.net First Smyrna Learning Center Inc 2379 Pioneer Trail New Smyrna Beach (386) 409-5400 Fit Club School Pick-up Program 196 N. Industrial Drive Orange City (386) 774-4348 www.fitclubgymnastics.com Friendship Academy 404 Charles St. Daytona Beach (386) 252-1223 Gail's Daycare Services Inc 264 Division Ave. Ormond Beach (386) 672-1354 GOTR of Volusia County (386) 561-7310 gotrdeland@gmail.com www.gotrvolusia.org Higher Learning Academy II 1621 Espanola Ave. Holly Hill (386) 677-8157

Children's Playskool 1748 S Woodland Blvd.

DeLand (386) 738-8999

Imagination Station Pre-School 510 Dunlawton Ave. Port Orange (386) 756-0660

Christian Care for Lil' Angels, Inc. 74 S Charles Richard Beal Blvd Debary (386) 668-9860 www.lil-angels.org

Junior Academy of Victoria Park 130 Atares Ave. Daytona Beach (386) 848-1766

Commonwealth Ministries INC 5231 S Nova Rd. Port Orange (386) 756-9557

Kids Cabana Learning Center 813 Big Tree Rd. South Daytona (386) 256-3808

38 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

Kidsko Learning Center 2 Volusia Locations: 54 N Ridgewood Ave. Ormond Beach (386) 673-4896 160 Business Center Dr. Ormond Beach (386) 672-6460 Kidztown After School at OASIS CHURCH 85 S. Timber Creek Road Ormond Beach (386) 676-2640 www.oasischurchfl.com/events/kidztown-afterschool-registration Kindercare Learning Center After School 1320 Beville Rd. Daytona Beach (386) 310-2418 www.kindercare.com Kindercare Learning Center After School 151 Sagebrush Trail Ormond Beach (386) 673-4740 www.kindercare.com La Petite Academy After School Program (877) 861-5078 3 Volusia Locations: 650 Taylor Rd. Port Orange 1428 State Road 40 Ormond Beach 698 Deltona Blvd Deltona Beach www.lapetite.com Little Engine Academy 499 S Nova Rd. Ormond Beach (386) 310-4980 Lil Angels Childcare LLC 1087 Mason Ave Daytona Beach (386) 252-2273 Little Feet Academy of Ormond Beach 250 N US Highway 1 Ormond Beach (386) 676-5454 Love and Learn Preschool 1421 Jackson Ave. Holly Hill (386) 671-7771

continued on page 40

www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 39

education

continued from page 38 Mary McLeod Bethune Learning Center 740 S Ridgewood Ave. Daytona Beach (386) 253-9474 MFCS Chisholm Head Start Center 531 Mary Ave. New Smyrna Beach (386) 427-8131

Rising Star Daycare 711 Revere St. Daytona Beach (386) 257-2470

Temple Beth-El School 579 N Nova Rd. Ormond Beach (386) 267-0952

Rise Up Learning Center 707 North St. Daytona Beach (386) 255-0500

Tomoka United Methodist Church 1000 Old Tomoka Rd. Ormond Beach www.tomokaumc.org

Rose Marie Bryon Children's Center 625 South St. Daytona Beach (386) 253-9798

Meadowwood Learning Center 900 Meadow Wood St. New Smyrna Beach (386) 423-7967 Montessori School-Port Orange After School 3749 S Nova Rd. Port Orange (386) 788-1088 www.montessoriportorange.com My School Preschool 411 N Ridgewood Ave. Edgewater (386) 426-1923 New Horizon Childcare & Learning Center 322 Pierce Ave. Daytona Beach (386) 253-1700 Next Generation Academy 1410 Ridgewood Ave. Holly Hill FL (386) 671-0980 Noah's Ark Pre-School 338 Ocean Shore Blvd Ormond Beach (386) 677-0336 http://www.noahsarkormond.com/ Nurtured Minds Learning Academy 317 Parkway St. Daytona Beach (386) 239-9489 One by One Learning Center Inc. 628 Mason Ave Daytona Beach (386) 255-2400 Ormond Beach Union Learning Center 1000 Old Tomoka Road Ormond Beach (386) 677-0494 Precious Jewels Learning Center 2100 S Ridgewood Ave. South Daytona (386) 760-1773

40 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

Skate & Shake After School Program 250 N. US1 Ormond Beach (386) 672-8500 www.skateandshake.net Sandcastle Learning Center 3 Volusia Locations:

The Little Engine Academy 499 S Nova Rd. Ormond Beach (386) 310-4980 Tiny Imagination Childcare Center 1122 Dr Mary Mcleod Bethune Blvd.

Daytona Beach (386) 257-2422 http://www.thelittleengineacademy.com/ Trinity Academy and Preschool 233 Oak Ridge St. Holly Hill (386) 248-0048

950 Williamson Blvd.

Daytona (386) 274-4505

Volusia VPK Specialists 1050 Derbyshire Rd. Holly Hill (386) 256-3929

4590 Clyde Morris Blvd.

Port Orange (386) 756-7994

Warner Christian Academy 1730 S Ridgewood Ave South Daytona (386) 492-4473

4010 Nova Rd. Port Orange (386) 756-8600

Word And Praise Christian Learning Center 955 Orange Ave Daytona Beach (386) 257-2559

Shining Star Children's Learning Center 825 Big Tree Road South Daytona (386) 767-3451

Young Minds Preschool 353 S Halifax Dr. Ormond Beach (386) 672-7013 http://www.youngmindspreschool.com

Skate & Shake After School Program 250 N. US1 Ormond Beach (386) 672-8500 www.skateandshake.net South Daytona Christian School After School Program 1850 S Clyde Morris Blvd. South Daytona (386) 304-7032 www.southdaytonachristian.org Stan Lee's United Martial Arts 11 S Washington St. Ormond Beach (386) 677-9966 http://ormondbeachmartialarts.com Sunshine House of Preschool 109 E Park Ave Edgewater (386) 428-7224 St Timothys Episcopal Learning Center 381 N Lincoln St Daytona Beach (386) 255-0955

YMCA Aferschool Enrichment Program DELAND FAMILY YMCA 761 E. International Speedway Blvd., DeLand (386) 736-6000 PORT ORANGE FAMILY YMCA 4701 City Center Parkway, Port Orange (386) 760-9622 DELTONA LAKES BAPTIST CHURCH 2886 Elkcam Blvd., Deltona (386) 532-9622 SOUTHEAST VOLUSIA FAMILY YMCA 148 West Turgot Avenue, Edgewater (386) 409-9622 ORMOND BEACH FAMILY YMCA 500 Sterthaus Drive, Ormond Beach (386) 673-9622 OSCEOLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 100 Osceola Ave., Ormond Beach 386.673.9622 www.vfymca.org

www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 41

Volusia County Library Branches Become a Friend, Make a Difference!

Contact your local library for information about joining the Friends of the Library in your community.

For additional activities, please check your local library on the branch web site, www.volusialibrary.org, or call your branch at their number listed below.

Oak Hill Public Library Julie Walters, Branch Head

Ormond Beach Public Library Suzan Howes, Regional Librarian 30 S. Beach St. Ormond Beach FL 32174 (386) 676-4191

125 E. Halifax Ave. Oak Hill FL 32759 (386) 345-5510 Hours of Operation: Mon. - Tue. 10-1, 2-5 Wed. 1-5 Thu. 12-3, 4-7 Fri. 10-1, 2-5

Hours of Operation: Sun. 1-5 Mon. - Thu. 9-7 Fri. & Sat. 9-5 Daytona Beach Regional Library Suzan Howes, Regional Librarian 105 E. Magnolia Ave. Daytona Beach FL 32114

Edgewater Public Library Kristin Bennett, Branch Head 103 W. Indian River Blvd.

Edgewater FL 32132

Port Orange Public Library Jane Weimer, Regional Librarian

(386) 257-6038

(386) 424-2916

1005 City Center Circle Port Orange FL 32129 (386) 322-5152

Hours of Operation: Sun. 1-5 Mon. - Thu. 9-7 Fri. & Sat. 9-5

Hours of Operation: Mon. & Wed. 9:30-6 Tues. & Thu. 9:30-7:30 Fri. & Sat. 9:30-5

Hours of Operation: Sun. 1-5 Mon. - Thu. 9-7 Fri. & Sat. 9-5

42 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

education

Volusia County School Board Members Mrs. Linda Costello, Chairman Serving District 4 lgcostel@volusia.k12.fl.us Board member since 2012 Term: November 2012-2016 (1st term)

Volusia School News

We appreciate our parents and strive to provide valuable tools and information to help you get what you need to know. Whether it’s how to find a school, how to get involved, how to check your child's grades or learning about our schools policies and procedures, we are here to help you and to assist in your child's success. All the information you need to get your child prepared for the upcoming school year is on our website.

Student Registration VPK and Kindergarten registration is underway for the 2015-16 school year.

If you have a child who will be five years old prior to Sept. 1, 2015, you can register your child at your zoned Volusia County elementary school.

Families who have moved to Volusia County and have a child entering kindergarten or a child transitioning into Volusia County Schools need to register their child for the upcoming school year. You may register your child at your zoned Volusia County School. If you are currently unaware of which school your student or students are zoned for, visit our http://ww2.volusia.k12.fl.us/zoning/zoning.asp.

Immunizations Be sure your children have all the proper immunizations Current physical record (Florida Physical Form 3040) Current shot record (Florida Form 680) Meal Applications Parents/Guardians if you are completing a meal application for next school year please visit http://myvolusiaschools.org/schoolwaycafe/Pages/Free-andReduced-Meal-Applications.aspx after July 27th. The new school year application will be available at that time.

Mrs. Ida D. Wright, Vice Chairman Serving District 2 iwright@volusia.k12.fl.us Board member since 2013 Term: January 2013-November 2016 (1st term) Mrs. Linda Cuthbert Member - Serving District 3 llcuthbe@volusia.k12.fl.us Board member since 2014 Term: 2014-2018 Dr. John Hill Member - Serving District 1 jmhill1@volusia.k12.fl.us Board member since 2014 Term: November 2014-2018 Mrs. Melody Johnson Serving District 5 mmjohns3@volusia.k12.fl.us Board member since 2014 Term: 2014-2018 Mr. James T. Russell Superintendent of Schools VOLUSIA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT jrussell@volusia.k12.fl.us The School Boards Mailing address: DeLand Administrative Complex 200 North Clara Avenue DeLand, Florida 32720

www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 43

events Just for Fun Out and About (continued)

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 Aug 1 Guided Cultural Hike at GTM Research Reserve 8:30AM – 10:30AM Learn about the cultural history of the Guana Peninsula during a guided cultural hike.

505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach (904) 823-4500

Aug 4 The Root Family Museum 3PM – 4PM Join the Museum’s Head Docent, Marion Whelton, and learn about the amazing history of the family’s world-class collection of 20th Century Americana.

Admission: Free for MOAS members or with paid museum admission.

352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach (386) 255-0285 Aug 6 Historical Bus Tour 9:45AM – 12:15PM Scenic Historical Bus Tour This two-hour tour includes the Ormond Scenic Loop, Fairchild Oak, Three Chimneys Sugar Mill Ruins, Ormond Indian Burial Mound and historic homes along the way.

A knowledgeable tour guide will interpret the 30 sites on the route. Reservations are required as space is limited.

The Casements, 5 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach (386) 677-7005 Aug 8 Laser Rock Concert 7PM – 10:PM Laser Rock Concert in our new state-of-the-art Planetarium. Entry to the show will be through our new Planetarium lobby entrance. Seating is limited. Admission: $5.00 for one show, $7.00 for two shows or $9.00 for three shows.

Museum of Arts & Sciences.

352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach (386) 255-0285 44 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

Cultural, Educational and Museums (continued) Aug 13 Iconic Hubble Images in Full Dome 4PM The Hubble Space Telescope has now been in orbit above the Earth for 25 years and has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. To explore the enormous astronomical achievements made by this orbiting observatory, we will take a journey through the most breathtaking images produced by Hubble in complete full dome view.

Museum of Arts & Sciences 352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach (386) 255-0285 Aug 20 Meet Me in the Gallery 3PM – 4PM Put on a pair of red/blue glasses and join Curator of Astronomy, Seth Mayo, and take a look at the stunning 3D NASA images of Mars and various solar system bodies in the new Planetarium lobby. The exhibit is in collaboration with and sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Florida Space Grant.

Museum of Arts & Sciences 352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach (386) 255-0285

Aug 1 Classic Car Cruise-In 9AM – 1PM Classic Car Cruise-In sponsored by The Daytona Flea & Farmer's Market and Steve’s Pickle Place.

DJ Frank Roberts provides the tunes. Over 300 classic cars and trucks in There’s never a charge to show your car or to come out and see all the classics. (386) 214-3018 Aug 1, 15, 29 Bandshell Concert Series 7:15PM Free concert series, is followed by a fabulous display of fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean at 9:45 p.m. Rental chairs are available. http://www.daytonabeach.com/listings/BandshellConcert-Series/769/ Aug 5 Music by the Sea Concert Series 7PM – 9PM Music by the Sea live concerts takes place in the beautiful oceanfront setting at The St Johns County Pier Park.

St. Augustine Beach Pavilion 350 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach (904) 347-8007

Farmers Markets Aug 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Flagler Beach Farmers Market 8AM – 12PM Downtown Flagler Beach, by the Ocean- Every Friday & Saturday, Year Round Rain or Shine.

Sunrise to early afternoon.

Aug 2, 9, 16, 23 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 Aug 2, 9, 16, 23 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

Aug 5-8 2015 Nautica USLA National Lifeguard Championships The four-day event, which is expected to draw nearly 2,000 competitors along with their families, will be held on the beach behind the Ocean Walk in Daytona Beach.

Ocean Walk Shoppes 250 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach (386) 239-6414

events Just for Fun Out and About

Just for Fun Out and About

(continued)

(continued)

Aug 6 New Way Church, Back to School Bash 6:45PM Palm Coast Family Night is a FREE community event, focused on the family. We will be having free everything!

293 Old Moody Blvd, Bunnell Ashley Evensen (386) 437-9575 or info@newwaychurchfl.com.

Aug 23 Thai Chi on the Beach 3PM Offered by Flagler Tai Chi at North 18th Street, Flagler Beach.

For more info email tristam.cheryl@gmail.com

Aug 7 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 Aug 11 Messy Tuesdays at the Park 12:30PM The MOMS Club of Bunnell-Palm Coast is sponsoring Messy Tuesdays every 2nd Tuesday of the month. This is a time where kids, and grownups alike, can come and get messy!

Wadsworth Park, Flagler Beach Sarah Crosby (386) 437-0290 or scrosby00@gmail.com.

Special Causes (continued)

Aug 28 Arts and Crafts Show The Daytona Flea Market invites you to a monthly Arts & Crafts show!

Daytona Flea and Farmers' Market 2987 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach http://www.daytonafleamarket.com

Aug 29 Flagler Humane Society Fast & Furriest 2015 Run and Walk 8AM Four-mile timed run at 8AM, two-mile non-timed dog walk 10:30AM. Run - $30, Walk - $25.

Free festival to follow.

Princess Place Preserve Princess Place Road, Palm Coast www.flaglerhumanesociety.org/fast

Local Kid Friendly Activities (continued) Aug 26 Storytime at Barnes 7 Noble 10:30AM – 11:30AM 1930 U.S. 1 South St. Augustine http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2 796?cat=KAT&subtype=detailList Aug 6 Jazz Concert 7:30PM Plan to spend a cool evening on a hot Florida summer night with our big band and combo as we play some eclectic and creative sounds from the contemporary jazz scene. News-Journal Center, 221 North Beach Street, Daytona Beach.

(386) 226-1927

Like Us On FaceBook for your chance to win great prizes!

Aug 7 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.

Special Causes Aug 14 Key West Party 6PM – 10PM Key West-inspired party, featuring Jimmy Buffet Karaoke by Mondo Music. Includes one free drink, h'ors d'oeuvres. After all...it's 5 o'clock somewhere! *Reservations limited to 100 people. AndersonPrice Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St. Ormond Beach. (386) 677-7005

Aug 22 6th Annual First Coast Surfers for Autism Beach Festival 9AM – 4PM Surfers are provided a safe, fun, judgment- free environment where highly skilled surf instructors carefully guide them into waves.

Flagler Pier, Flagler Beach www.surfersforautism.org

www.facebook.com/ flaglerparentmagazine www.facebook.com/ volusiaparentmagazine www.facebook.com/ stjohnsparentmagazine www.volusiaparent.com / August 2015 • 45

Business Spotlight

JUMP for JOY BOUNCERS & SLIDERS

Bounce house rentals are taking the world by storm. People often don't know what to call them though: bounce house, moonwalks, jumpers, bouncers or even a ‘kid’s party inflatable thing’. We call them fun! Jump for Joy has a great selection of all of the above with all of your favorite characters. They also have inflatable slides, water slides, chairs and tables, and concessions including: popcorn machines, sno-kones machines and cotton candy machines. Jump for Joy is your one stop shop for all your party rental needs.

Jump for Joy owner, Robbie Thorn was born in Stillwater Oklahoma but his family moved to Flagler Beach when he was a young child. At that time Flagler County’s population was a little over 25,000.

“It has been amazing to see this county grow into such a strong community now with a population over 100,000. It has helped make me who I am today and I am proud to raise my family here.” says Robbie.

This type of business doesn’t come without its own concessions. Owning a bounce house business has its ups and downs.

Most rentals take place evenings, weekends, and holidays. And, as Robbie says, “this is not just a weekend business; it is a seven day a week business. Constantly cleaning and drying the units and prepping 46 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com

Jump for Joy owner Robbie Thorn and family.

for the next delivery.” So, in order to be successful in this business you have to be prepared to work hard and it helps to have an understanding family. Robbie is married to Jacquline and they have three children, Alana, Zoey, and Maverick.

The greatest joy for Robbie is seeing the kid’s faces with big smiles and how excited they are when they deliver. This isn’t just for the young, but for the young at heart.

Robbie loves seeing the inner kid come out in the adults too! “When we pick up inventory at the end of an event even the adults tell us what great of time they had.” Says Robbie.

One of the newest challenges Robbie faces today is that inflatable businesses are no longer allowed to set up on school grounds in Flagler County. This has just

come about in the past few months.

“I think the county should look into having a preferred vendor list. I think this would help with insurance and what companies are coming and going on school grounds. So, we are hoping to tap into our neighboring counties school functions in the future.”

Jump for Joy is ready for your party!

Think outside the box for your next event! They’re not just your private birthday party rental resource. They also do corporate picnics, community events, churches, even chair and table rentals for weddings.

Jump for Joy was founded in 2012. This October will be 3 years for this family business. Their hard work and dedication along with excellent customer service has helped make them the most successful party rental business in Flagler County.

Jump for Joy delivers to St. Augustine to Daytona Beach and everywhere in between.

For your next event, please visit their website for all your party rental needs and use code ‘Parent Mag’ when checking out.

INFO

Jump for Joy Party Rental (386) 931-5854 www.jumpforjoybouncersandsliderentals.com

387 Muddy Creek Lane, Ormond Beach 32174 Meticulously maintained custom home in Tymber Creek.

Great family neighborhood, close to schools and highway.

Relax in your pool & spa while enjoying the tranquility of your backyard preserve. Open kitchen features wood floors, custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and corian counters. Spacious living room with double sided fireplace adjoining the formal sitting area. Downstairs master suite with 3 additional bedrooms, bonus room and 2 baths upstairs. This home is extremely well maintained.

Make an appointment to see in person today! $389,900

4 Moss Point Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 This is a beautiful 5 bedrooms and 4-1/2 baths custom designed home in one of Ormond Beach's most sought after neighborhoods.

Moss Point is a quiet, gated community located close to shopping, schools and I-95. This two story Spanish Style beauty features a beautiful kitchen with gas cook top, granite counters, a kitchen island, 42" cabinets and lots of storage, a spacious living room with fireplace, and a spacious dining room and study, or office. A beautiful curved custom staircase leads from the foyer to the upstairs master suite with fireplace and a balcony that overlooks the sparkling pool.

The upstairs bonus room has a wet bar and plenty of room for gym equipment, TV, and movie theatre. Truly a MUST SEE! $699,900

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

Monique Dilling Century 21 Sundance Realty 386-547-1857 m.dilling@me.com www.C21FamilyConnection.com