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May 2015
Information, Education and Entertainment for Northeast Florida Families
SUMMER CAMP 2015 JUNE 8 – AUGUST 24 TH
TH
Sign up by May 29th and Registration fee is waived. New Enrollees Only. Must Bring In This Ad to Receive Offer.
We are a non-denominational private Christian school offering the best in academic excellence from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. We create an engaging, loving, challenging, and fun environment all while teaching about God and His love. Please stop by for a tour or call us at either one of our two locations.
New Enrollees Only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer Expires July 30th 2015. Camp tuition includes ALL Fieldtrips, Lunch, and Snack.
Incredible Daily Activities! Movies, Adventure Landing, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, Swimming, Catty Shack Ranch, Bounce House, Cooking…and more! Game Room including Xbox, PlayStations, and Nintendo Wii.
Deerwood Park 10550 Deerwood Park Blvd South Suite 704 Jacksonville, FL 32256 904-379-8126 License #C04DU0959 Durbin Crossing 14985 Old St. Augustine Road Suite 120 Jacksonville, FL 32258 (Right off Phillips Highway and Old St. Augustine Road) 904-880-8588 License #CO4DU0960 creativemindsacademyfl.com
Registering Now! Space is Limited! Ages 5-12
ENROLLING NOW
FOR THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR
FREE VPK! Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.
Page 2 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
Contents
Letter From The Editor
May 2015
Dear Readers,
I
n just a few short weeks, the school year will end and summer will begin. This issue of Jax4Kids’ newspaper is to help you start planning for a summer filled with fun and memories including summer camps, ideas for places to go and things to do and tips for traveling.
living well Mother’s Day Events.............................................................................. 4 Community Profile: Berry Good Farms On The Go................................... 5
tidbits........................................................................................... 6 Health & safety
Log on to Jax4Kids.com for the online summer camps guide North Florida parents have relied on for 12 years. It’s comprehensive and organized into easy to navigate categories.
What’s In Your Milk?............................................................................... 8 STEM and Health Expo............................................................................ 9
Infant & Toddler
There is much to celebrate in May! Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4th – 8th and Teacher Appreciation Day is May 5th. Turn to page 23 for a Teacher’s insight on this celebration and for gift ideas. You can visit Jax4Kids’ Pinterest page for even more gift ideas. On May 10th, we celebrate Mothers. Turn to page 4 for events to celebrate Mother’s Day and visit us online at Jax4Kids.com for the most current and complete list of Mother’s Day events. Jax4Kids is proud to sponsor the 3rd Annual STEM and Health Expo on May 9th at River City Science Academy on Beach Blvd at the foot of the Hart Bridge Expressway, in their beautiful new gymnasium. Getting kids excited about Science, Engineering, Technology and Math is important in many ways; one of which is opening the door to excellent career options. The Expo offers learning opportunities and fun for everyone. Admission and parking are free!
We’ll be out and about all month long. Stop by and visit us at the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s performances of Sleeping Beauty, May 2nd and 3rd at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at jaxsymphony.org. On May 16th, join us at the World Golf Hall of Fame for the opening of the film Galapagos 3D. Visit WorldGolfIMAX.com for more about this underwater adventure film. We’ll be at the Jaguars Cabanas at EverBank Field on May 30th for Duval County Public School’s P.E.P. Rally for Excellence (see more on page 26). We’ve got fun and prizes in store at each event. Speaking of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Starry Nights at Metropolitan Park is back with a concert by the Beach Boys on May 16th. It’s a great outing for the kids and lawn seats for children 12 and under are only $10. Gates open at 6 pm. Concert begins at 8:15 pm. Visit JaxSymphony.org to order tickets. Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor
Follow us... Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer......................................linda@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................................judi@jax4kids.com Doug Berle Advertising Sales......................................... doug@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com Donna Paunetto Advertising Sales.............................. donna@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............................... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2015. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@jax4kids.com. For more information concerning advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com.
Page 3 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
Tips for Traveling with Toddlers..............................................................10
special needs
Special Needs Summer Camps.............................................................12
summer fun Clever Travel Products...........................................................................14 Seussical’s Coming Back to Town..........................................................15 National Train Day.................................................................................15 New Two State Thrill Ride…and Elsewhere to Scream About..................16 New Attractions in the Southeast...........................................................16 Visit a Tea Plantation.............................................................................16 Getting Back To Nature.........................................................................17 Drive, Chip and Putt Open to All.............................................................18 Fifteen Places Kids Should See Before 15..............................................19
education
Is the IB Programme Right for Your Student?..........................................21 That’s My Job, Alisa Arnold, Flight Attendant..........................................21 12 Google Search Tricks.......................................................................22 Time to Show Teachers We Appreciate Them.........................................23 Teacher Gift Ideas.................................................................................23 Win a Hospitality Scholarship................................................................23
clay county school news....................................25 duval county public schools..........................26 st. johns county school news.......................27 Teens Coercion is Corrosive............................................................................29
pets
If You Poison Us....................................................................................30 I Found a Kitten, What Should I Do?.......................................................30
Things to do
May Events..........................................................................................31
Living well
Mother’s Day Events Mother’s Day Gift Basket Silent Auction • May 1 – 8 The Fleming Island Friends of the Library hosts a Gift Basket Silent Auction just in time for Mother’s Day. There will be over one dozen themed baskets to choose from. The baskets will be on display at the library From May 1 thru May 8; winners will be notified on May 9. All proceeds will go to the Fleming Island Friends of the Library. Fleming Island Branch / 904278-3720 / 1895 Town Center Blvd. Fleming Island, FL 32003 / www.ccpl.lib.fl.us Mother’s Day Photo Project May 2, 1pm to 4pm Make a Mother’s Day canvas, perfect to give as a gift. $15 per canvas, including supplies. Check with your local store to be sure they are participating. Area Michael’s Stores / www.michaels.com Publix Apron’s Mother’s Day Brunch May 3, 10am • May 10, 10am Treat your mom to a day out and enjoy some new and interesting spring brunch cuisine. The menu includes Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict; Guava Barbecue Shrimp with Manchego Cheese Grits; Olive Oil Poached Rack of Lamb with Roasted Garlic Parsnip Puree and Mint Port Jam; and Classic New Orleans Beignets with Powdered Sugar. Cost is $45 and pre-registration is required. Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-2624187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32257 / www.publix.com/aprons Paint Me a Story - T-Rex and the Mother’s Day Hug May 5, 4pm to 5pm Doing Dishes hosts Paint Me a Story every Tuesday at 4pm. For $15, your child will hear a story and then paint a corresponding piece. Your child will also receive a snack and a drink. This class is designed for you and your child to create scheduled projects together. Smaller children will need guardians to help. Register online in advance. This week, in honor of Mother’s Day, kids will paint a ring holder for Mom, Grandma or an Aunt and enjoy a reading of “T-Rex and the Mother’s Day Hug”. Doing Dishes / www.doingdishes.com Avondale Location / 904-388-7088 / 3568 St. Johns Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32205 San Jose Location / 904-730-3729 / 5619 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32207 Saint Johns Location / 904-824-7774 / 2220 CR-210 W Suite 309, Saint Johns, Fl 32259 Mother’s Day Craft May 6, 3pm to 4:30pm Come out and make a gift for that special someone just in time for Mother’s Day. Westbrook Branch Library / 2809 Commonwealth Ave,Jacksonville,FL 32254 / jpl. coj.net Celebrate Mom! May 9 Area First Coast YMCA locations host a Celebrate Mom! event with an afternoon of crafts and more. Five awesome moms will be recognized with a very special prize. Contact your local YMCA to find out if they are participating. First Coast YMCA / firstcoastymca.org Barnes and Noble Storytime: Mother’s Day Celebration • May 9, 11am In celebration of Mother’s Day, families are invited for a special Storytime featuring Mom School and How to Babysit a Grandma. Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Mother’s Day Tea Party May 9, 11am to 1pm Bring your friends, family and a hat to the park at the Palm Coast Community Center. Tea, coffee, juice, and light refreshments will be served. Light entertainment,
Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
casual conversation, craft corner, a hat contest, and prizes will be provided. Ages 2 to 15. City of Palm Coast / Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.palmcoastgov.com Mother’s Day Movie Matinee May 9, 1:30pm to 4pm The Flagler County Library hosts a Mother’s Day Movie Matinee. The movie is rated PG-13. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent/adult, and the parent/adult must remain with the child(ren) during the program. Due to safety regulations and room restrictions, no carriages or strollers are allowed in the program. Doors open one-half hour prior to the start of the movie. Light refreshments will be served. Flagler County Public Library / 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.flaglercounty.org Moms Swim Free at Adventure Landing • May 10 Adventure Landing celebrates Mother’s Day with a special offers. Moms can swim free with the purchase of an all-day waterpark pass. Adventure Landing / 904-246-4386 / 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach FL 32250 / www.adventurelanding.com Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Mother’s Day Special Admission Offer • May 10 To celebrate Mother’s Day, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has a special admission offer for moms. Mom gets in free with the purchase of an adult or child ticket. Coupon required. Visit website for the coupon; be green and show the ticket on your phone or tablet! Coupon may not be used in conjunction with any other coupon, discount, or special offer, including Zoo Value Tickets. One free admission per coupon. One coupon per transaction. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens / 904757-4463 / 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / www.jacksonvillezoo.org The Players Championship – Pink Out For Mother’s Day • May 10 In honor of Mother’s Day, which falls on the final round of The Players (Sunday, May 10), the event will once again stage a “Pink Out” on Championship Sunday in celebration of mothers and in support of 26.2 with Donna’s breast cancer marathon for research and care. In conjunction with Sunday’s “Pink Out,” players, caddies, sponsors, volunteers and fans are encouraged to wear pink to TPC Sawgrass in support of 26.2 with Donna, a local charitable organization that raises funds for ground-breaking breast cancer research at Mayo Clinic and women living with breast cancer. PGA / TPC Sawgrass, 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.pgatour.com Mother’s Day Red Carpet Brunch May 10, 11am to 12:30pm Pump It Up of Jacksonville hosts a Mother’s Day Red Carpet Brunch. Cost is $10 per child, and includes 60 Miunutes of Jumping and 30 Minutes for craft. Reservations can be made online in advance. Pump It Up/ 904-646-1441 / 11840 Beach Blvd Ste 10 Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.pumpitupparty.com Salt Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet May 10, 11am to 3:30pm Salt at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, hosts a Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet. Prices are $135 per adult and $48 children under 3 to 12. Reservations can be made online. Salt at Ritz Carlton / 904-277-1100 / 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, Florida 32034 / www.ritzcarlton.com Painting With a Twist – Paint With Mom May 10, 2pm to 4pm Painting With a Twist hosts a Family Love Song Set – Paint With Mom painting event. Cost is $35 per seat. Reserve your seats in advance. Painting With a Twist / 904-399-8399 / 1525 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.paintingwithatwist.com
Kids really do say the funniest things! Please share your favorites with us by e-mailing your story directly to editor@jax4kids.com. One entry each month will be turned into a cartoon to be published in the next issue of Jax4Kids. We’ll send you the original cartoon as a keepsake.
“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.”
– Mother Teresa
Living well
Community Profile: Berry Good Farms On The Go B
erry Good Farms, the horticulture division of the North Florida School of Special Education, is taking its program on the road.
The Jacksonville school for special needs students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities opened its onsite farm in 2010 in order to offer students and post-graduates, 18 - 40 years of age, the opportunity to have hands-on training in horticulture studies, culinary arts, aquaponics, and production of agricultural goods, as well as independent living skills training through urban farming instruction. Students are involved in all aspects of the farming process from planting of seeds and young plants to maintaining and nurturing of vegetables, fruits and herbs, and finally, harvesting of the produce. The culinary arts program was launched two years later and works hand-in-hand with the farm, using the freshest, seasonal ingredients when preparing weekly menu items. The multi-faceted training received in the existing culinary arts and horticulture programs translates
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into jobs in the food service industry, horticulture and gardening industry and culinary arts field, including working with chefs and caterers.
handling, utilizing fresh produce for recipes, cutting skills, general food prep and measuring of ingredients for recipes. Training for students in the farmers’ cooperative will include instruction Building on the success of these efforts, Berry on preparing individual bags of fresh produce to Good Farms is taking its program to the next level be sold on the food truck each day, offering by training its students to operate a food truck. customers a one-stop shopping opportunity. Once the program is completed, they will serve as the food truck’s Those students whose instruction focuses on the employees. production of goods for sale on the food truck and at community events will learn to create dipping Called Berry Good Farms On sauces, dressing mixes, and dip mixes using The Go, the program includes ingredients from the farm. The production team four areas of vocational will learn to dry herbs, fruits and vegetables using training and marketable a food dehydrator; mix ingredients and prepare employment opportunities: baked goods such as muffins; and prepare pesto daily food preparation; farmers’ and hummus using ingredients from Berry Good cooperative program; production of agricultural Farms. All production items will be sold on the goods for sale in the community, such as dried food truck, offering another avenue of revenues herb mixes and muffins; and working on the food for the project. Each student in the program will truck in the community for lunch service and be instructed on proper customer service and special events. relations. Training for students interested in culinary arts will include instruction on menu planning, shopping for necessary ingredients, cooking methods, small appliance operation, safe food
By providing future employment to students completing the program, the school is able to control the environment and broaden opportunities which best suit and best utilize the various
skills of our student/post-graduate population. Berry Good Farms On The Go will partner with specific business in the community to maximize the success of the project. This will be the only food truck in the community that will offer delicious lunch items prepared with produce picked fresh from the farm, produce bags filled with organic vegetables, herbs and fruits, along with take-away agricultural goods such as fresh herb mixes and baked goods. The school believes the program will be a success and community will support Berry Good Farms On The Go because: • The food truck will always employ young adults with disabilities. • The truck will feature a “Fresh from the farm” menu. • The school’s vocational training will broaden community employment opportunities. • 100% of profits will be reinvested into the program to benefit more students. • Skills learned will enable our students to be competitive when applying for jobs. j northfloridaschool.org
Find it at Amazon.com. Don’t forget to log in using smile. amazon.com and select a non-profit to receive a percentage of your purchases from Amazon.
f.lux
STACK THE STATES AND STACK THE COUNTRIES If you plan to travel this summer, these are great learning games to play while traveling! Stack the States is a fun U.S. geography education game for kids and Stack the Countries a fun world geography game for kids and adults, teaching about the countries of the world and their shapes, neighbors, landmarks, capital cities, languages, flags, and other geographical facts. You’ll find them on the App store and at Google Play.
(Eagle Nest Outfitters) hammocks are lightweight, roll up to the size of a softball (single hammock) or grapefruit (double hammock), holds up to 400 lbs and are easy to install. Marine-grade line with metal snap links securely attach to trees, posts, boat masts and whatever else you can find. The Atlas XL Suspension Strap is a tree-friendly suspension system for your double nest and single nest hammock (sold separately) that will support up to 400 lbs. Fully adjustable, the Atlas XL Suspension Strap allows you to hang your hammock almost anywhere without any knottying ability or rope. ENO also makes the lightweight and small Junglenest Hammock with a bugnet that can be used as an alternative to sleeping on the ground in a tent. A rain tarp for your hammock is also available and sold separately. Find ENO hammocks and accessories at eaglenestoutfitters.com and retailers such as REI.
OPEN DNS
TIME DIFFERENCE CALCULATOR Traveling across time zones? Find the time difference between several cities with timeanddate.com’s online Time Difference Calculator. It provides time zone conversions taking into account daylight saving time (DST), local time zone and accepts present, past or future dates. http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ converter.html
ENO HAMMOCKS ENO hammocks are great to take along on family trips and outings or just to enjoy in your yard. ENO
Page 6 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
f.lux makes your computer screen look like the room you’re in, all the time. When the sun sets, it makes your computer look like your indoor lights. In the morning, it makes things look like sunlight again. Tell f.lux what kind of lighting you have, and where you live. Then forget about it. f.lux will do the rest, automatically. f.lux is available for Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad and Linux at justgetflux.com.
POISON HELP
OpenDNS.com is on a mission to make the internet safer. 1 in 3 schools in the U.S. use OpenDNS to protect devices from loading inappropriate websites. They provide the same service to protect your family from inappropriate websites and identity theft websites on all of your devices. OpenDNS Home is FREE to use for home networks. Some limitations apply. Go to OpenDNS.com and at the top on the menu bar, click Personal and then Family Controls. Follow the prompts and in three easy steps, you’ll have protection and peace of mind.
During the day, computer screens look good—they’re designed to look like the sun. But, at 11pm, or 3am, you probably shouldn’t be looking at the sun. It’s even possible that you’re staying up too late because of your computer.
AQUEDUCK FAUCET EXTENDER Aqueduck makes a faucet extender that brings the running water closer to your toddler so that they can reach it.
Children act fast and so do poisons. Curious children will often investigate and sometimes eat or drink anything they get into. The National Poison Control Center is open 24/7 to help. Commit the number to memory, program it into your phone and put it on your refrigerator for baby sitters and guests to see. Information is also available online at www.cdc.gov
LET’S CONNECT
CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES Summer Workshops www.childrensartclasses.com • 904.612.7557 Baymeadows location
Orange Park location
Student name___________________________________Age_____ Parent Name_____________________________________________ Cell Phone__________________Home Phone__________________ Mailing Address__________________________________________ Email Address____________________________________________ Workshops requested: June 15 - 19 ____ ____ ____ ____ June 22 - 26 ____ ____ ____ ____ July 6 - 10 ____ ____ ____ ____ July 13 - 16 ____ ____ ____ ____
Student name___________________________________Age_____ Parent Name_____________________________________________ Cell Phone__________________Home Phone__________________ Mailing Address__________________________________________ Email Address____________________________________________ Workshops requested: June 15 - 19 ____ ____ ____ ____ June 22 - 26 ____ ____ ____ ____ July 6 - 10 ____ ____ ____ ____ July 13 - 16* ____ ____ ____ ____
Please use LETTER of workshop from summer workshop schedule (ex. A, B, C, ETC.) Up to four workshops each week may be selected. (Each workshop selected will meet Monday through Friday at given time**unless noted..) Cost is $76/per 5-day workshop, and includes all supplies,*unless noted. $20 deposit per 5-day workshop is due with registration. Balance to be paid on FIRST DAY of workshop. Mail registration form and deposit to: All workshops MEET at: Children’s Art Classes 8411 Baymeadows Way 9838 Old Baymeadows Rd. #330 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Jacksonville, FL 32256 **You will be notified ONLY if your requested workshop is full** Workshop schedule: Baymeadows Way JUNE 15-19 A. Beginning Drawing B. Charcoal Drawing C. Clay For TINY HANDS! D. WHIMSEY Teapot Designs in CLAY* ($5 upcharge) JUNE 22-26 E. StaiWater Color Landscape Painting! F. PAINTING for Young Artists G. STAIN GLASS for Children! H. Clay MASKS CREATIONS!! JULY 6-10 I. Clay Pots and MORE!! J. Painting for Young Artists K. DRAWING with Scratchboard! L. DRAWING and CLAY – Art History!! JULY 13-16 ** (M.-TH.) M. DRAWING in PASTEL: Self-Portraits N. DRAWING & PAINTING for TINY HANDS O. BEGINNING DRAWING P. Plaster Mask Creations!! (great for parent & child!)
Page 7 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
CUT 9 - 10:15 am 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.
ages 7 - ADULT ages 7 - ADULT ages 3 - 6 ages 10 - ADULT
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
ages 7 and up ages 4-7 ages 5 and up ages 7 and up
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
ages 7 and up ages 4 - 7 ages 7 and up ages 8 - ADULT
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
ages 7 and up ages 3 - 5 ages 8 and up ages 6 - ADULT
Mail registration form and deposit to: All workshops MEET at: Children’s Art Classes 1406 Kingsley Ave 11250 Old St. Augustine Rd.#15310 Orange Park, FL 32073 Jacksonville, FL 32257 **You will be notified ONLY if your requested workshop is full** Workshop schedule: Orange Park JUNE 15-19 A. Beginning Drawing B. Clay Pots and MORE! C. ART CREATIONS for TINY HANDS JUNE 22-26 D. PAINTING in Water Colors! E. CLAY for TINY HANDS! F. CLAY MASK MAKING! JULY 6-10 G. WHIMSEY Designs –Clay Teapots!* ($5 upcharge) H. STAIN GLASS for CHILDREN! I. DRAWING with PASTELS! JULY 13-16 * (4 DAYS) J. PAINTING for YOUNG ARTISTS! K. CHARCOAL DRAWING L. DRAWING WITH SCRATCH BOARD!!
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
ages 7 - ADULT ages 7 - ADULT ages 3 - 6
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
ages 7 and up ages 3 - 6 ages 7 and up
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
ages 7 - ADULT
10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
ages 5 and up ages 7 and up
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. 12:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
ages 5 - 9 ages 7 and up ages 7 - ADULT
health & safety
What’s in Your Milk? Always Check the Label W andering past the dairy section in your local grocery store nowadays is not for the faint of heart. A plethora of creamers, yogurts, cheeses and milks can set you up for a serious setback in your schedule unless you have your game on and know exactly what you’re looking for. There is such a wide variety of milk and yogurt drinks out there, it makes me think that consumers are possibly confused about what choice of milk is best for their families. This month let’s take a look and compare some of the milk choices available and their nutrient composition so that as a parent you can make the best informed decision about what to buy. We will start with cow’s milk and then compare that with milks made from nuts and grain. Keep in mind that the vitamins added to nut milks are just generalizations – different brands may have slight variances in what vitamins they add, so it’s always best to check the label before buying.
grams of fat per cup. • Recommended for children up to the age of two years.
WHOLE MILK • Made from cow’s milk without any of the fat removed. Homogenized means the milk has been processed so the fat is kept in suspension and won’t separate out from the watery part (the whey). • Provides 150 calories, 8 grams protein and 8
The following section includes milks made from soy, nuts and grains which can be alternatives for those people who have a true allergy to cow’s milk or are vegetarian/vegan and avoid dairy products.
SKIM MILK • Made from cow’s milk with all the fat removed. • Provides 85 calories, 8 grams of protein and 0 grams of fat per cup. • Recommended for children 2 years of age and up. LACTAID MILK • Made from cow’s milk with the lactose removed for people who are lactose-intolerant. Comes in various percentages of lactosereduction, so if you want 100% lactose reduced milk, choose the Lactaid 100. • Provides 130 calories, 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat per cup (in whole milk Lactaid).
SOY MILK (plain, not light)
• Made from soybeans and water, fortified with calcium, vitamins D, A, & B and may or may not be sweetened. • Soy protein products contain soy estrogens (isoflavones or phytoestrogens) – preliminary research shows soy may be protective against different types of cancer and protective against heart disease. • Provides 100 calories, 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of fat per cup.
may not be sweetened. • Provides 45 to 90 calories, less than 1 gram of protein and 5 grams of fat per cup. RICE MILK • Made from rice and water, fortified with calcium, vitamins D & B12 and may or may not be sweetened. • Provides 90 to 120 calories, 1 gram of protein and 2.5 grams of fat per cup.
ALMOND MILK QUINOA MILK • Made from almonds and water, fortified with • Made from Quinoa and water, fortified with calcium, vitamins D & E and may or may not be calcium, vitamins D, A & E and may or may not sweetened. be sweetened. • Provides 30 to 60 calories, 1 gram of protein • Provides 70 to 90 calories, 2 grams of protein and 2.5 grams of fat per cup. and 1 gram of fat per cup. CASHEW MILK • Made from cashews and water, fortified with calcium and vitamins D, A & E and may or may not be sweetened. • Provides 30 to 60 calories, 0 to 3 grams of protein and 2.5 grams of fat per cup.
The bottom line – no matter what your lifestyle or preference, there is a milk out there to fit your needs. Just keep in mind that they can vary quite a bit in calories, protein and fat content. Read the labels and be daring – take a new milk home – your family just might love it! j
COCONUT MILK • Made from coconut cream and water, fortified with calcium, vitamins D and B12 and may or
Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition Wolfson Children’s Hospital
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New Riverside Location Opening May 2015 in the EverBank Building!
Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
health & safety
The mission of this unique expo is to expose ordinary citizens and potential students to the exciting and engaging world of science, technology, engineering, mathematics as well as igniting their interests and motivation for the many health care disciplines. The theme for this year’s expo, “Preparing Florida’s future STEM & Health workforce,” is a reflection of the belief that the state’s future will require a workforce of highly trained professionals in the STEM and Health fields and students
engaged from early age and kept in the STEM & Health pipeline as they grow, will eventually become these successful STEM & Health professionals. Vendors and businesses from all over Jacksonville will be present. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue will be out in force as well as health professionals from all over town. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is bringing its “Beat The Heat” racecar trailer and members of the SWAT team. Other groups represented will include the Jacksonville Zoo, the Jacksonville Children’s Choir and GLAM Cheer and Dance. There will be many free giveaways and prizes (Make sure you bring along some extra cash for some of the games and concessions). Mark your calendar and come out to this free event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the River City Science Academy Main Campus, 7565 Beach Blvd. For more information visit their website at http:// www.flstemexpo.com. j
VOLLEY STARS CAMP SESSION 1 SESSION 2 SESSION 3 SESSION 4
JUNE 8-10 JUNE 22-24 JULY 6-8 JULY 20-22
AGES 5-8
95 PER SESSION
9AM-12PM
This camp focuses on motor skills such as volleyball movement, jumping and throwing. Campers will learn basic volleyball skills and work with a light ball. (T-shirt included)
ALL SKILLS CAMP 9AM-4PM
260 per session (FULL WEEK) 165 per session (3 DAY OPTION - MONDAY THRU WEDNESDAY) 110 per session (2 DAY OPTION - THURSDAY & FRIDAY)
AGES 9-12
ost expos are designed to bring a learning community together. However, River City Science Academy’s STEM and Health Expo allows its students to showcase their STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) work in a fun and unique venue, with learning opportunities for everyone This free, one-day event, proudly sponsored by Jax4Kids features exciting science demonstrations, STEM educators & scientists, hands-on activities, robots, community health supporters, doctors, health professionals, fire and police representatives and other public servants, plus many vendor booths.
Volleyball Association
SESSION 1 JUNE 8-12 JUNE 8-10 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 11-12 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 3 JULY 6-10 JULY 6-8 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 9-10 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 2 JUNE 22-26 JUNE 22-24 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 25-26 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 4 JULY 20-24 JULY 20-22 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 23-24 (2 DAY OPTION)
AGES 13-16
STEM and Health Expo M
SESSION 1 JUNE 15-19 JUNE 15-17 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 18-19 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 3 JULY 13-17 JULY 13-15 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 16-17 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 2 JUNE 29-JULY 1 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 29-30 (2 DAY OPTION)
SESSION 4 JULY 27-31 JULY 27-29 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 30-31 (2 DAY OPTION)
Campers will receive instructional training from JJVA’s most experienced Coaches on the six fundamental volleyball skills. Campers have the choice to attend two days, three days, or five days per session. (T-shirt included) Note: JJVA does not have a cafeteria. Campers will need to bring their lunch.
EVENING SKILLS SESSIONS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS IN JULY
AGE 13-15: 5-6:30 PM HIGH SCHOOL TEAM CAMP
JULY 7, 11, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 AGE 16-18: 6:30-8 PM
JULY 31 5-8 PM & AUGUST 1 9 AM - 4 PM
For your convenience JJVA will be offering Extended Care from 8-9 am and 4-5 pm:
Extended Day includes: arts & crafts, movies and other fun activities. 1 HOUR $10/DAY
2 HOURS $20/DAY
BEACH VOLLEYBALL STARTING SOON! FOR SESSIONS, REGISTRATION AND MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT JJVA.COM/HOME/BEACH REGISTER AND PAY ONLINE AT WWW.JJVA.COM
904.854.2323 11661 PHILIPS HWY WE’RE ON FACEBOOK Page 9 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
infant & toddler
Tips for Traveling with Toddlers
I
f you’ll be traveling with toddlers this summer, here are some products and ideas to make travel easier and safer.
with colorful, friendly illustrations and over 50 flaps to lift and look beneath.
Begin by talking about your travel plans – where “Airport” by Byron Barton, you’ll go, what you’ll do, who you’ll see, how for ages 3 to 6. From the you’ll get there. Pack books and activities and download movies and apps and show your children how to use them in advance. Don’t forget the headphones. excitement of arrival to the wonder of takRead books about your mode of transportation ing off, “Airport” capand destination. When children know what to tures all the magic of expect and the tone is set that this will be an an airport with joyous and powerful images and exciting adventure, they are more likely to be simple text. Perfect for fans of Richard Scarry and happier and more well-behaved travelers. If your Tom Lichtenheld! trip involves flying, here are some books/DVD to “Shae by Air” a DVD Toolkit get you started: for ages 2 to 6. An engaging “Going on a Plane,” an story that prepares children Usborne First Experience for traveling on an airplane, book for ages 3 and up “Shae by Air” details the helps your child underJOURNEY, not the destination. stand what to expect. This Told from a young child’s book explains the perspective, this is a fun, processes that are educational way to prepare involved in airplane travel young children for the long including how to get the tickets, weighing and lines and the security checkpoint (removing scanning the luggage and what occurs once shoes and coats, walking through the beeping inside the plane. metal detector), the ear popping that accompanies takeoff and landing, as well as how to “Look Inside an Airport,” an Usborne book for entertain and behave themselves while flying (no ages 3 and up. Airports are thrilling and fascinat- kicking the seats!). ing places for children, full of unusual equipment, strange machines and, of course, lots of planes. Two products that make travel with toddlers This book allows young children to find out more easier and safer: about how an airport works. Richly informative,
Things to Do Infant & Toddler
T’s Learning Center Open House May 2, 10am to 2pm Join Jax4Kids.com at T’s Learning Center’s new Gate Parkway location Open House. There will be balloons, train rides, bounce houses, face painting, snow cones, music, prizes and more. You will also be able to tour the new facility and meet & greet the staff. T’s Learning Center is enrolling kids ages 6 weeks to VPK. T’s Learning Center / 904-538-0900 / 11526 Lake Mead Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32256/ www. tslearningcenter.com Breastfeeding 101 May 5, 6pm Join a Certified Lactation Consultant as she offers professional advice and practical tips to help prepare new and expectant moms for a successful nursing experience. Babies R Us, St. Johns Town Center/ 904997-6311 / 4875 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.toysrus.com Musical Storybooks May 7, 11am The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra presents Musical Storybooks featuring Mole Music by David McPhail and the JSO’s String Quartet. For preschool
Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
Kids Fly Safe: The CARES Airplane Safety Harness is the only FAA approved harness-type child restraint approved for taxi, takeoff, turbulence and landing. It’s portable, lightweight and simple to install. Suitable for all children between 22 and 44 lbs. and up to 40 inches tall, it’s ideal for toddlers old enough to sit alone but too small for the seatbelt. Order at kidsflysafe. com.
Ride-On Carry-On: Navigating through an airport with suitcases and strollers, a purse and diaper bag is a challenge. The Ride-On Carry-On is a children’s chair that instantly converts any wheeled carry-on luggage into a travel stroller. No assembly required! The padded headrest converts to a handy tray table for eating and playing when needed and it folds flat on your carry on so that it fits perfectly in the overhead bin. For children 8 months to 5 years, up to 50 pounds. j
age children. Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library / 904827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org
Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com
Kids Play Days May 11 – 15, 11am to 3pm May 18 – 22, 11am to 3pm Adventure Landing hosts Kids Play Days with limited water park and discounted tickets. Cost is $9.99 per person, and includes admission to Pirate’s Play Village and the Lil’ St. John’s River. Adventure Landing, Beaches / 904-246-4386 / 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach FL 32250 / www.adventurelanding. com
Burgers 4 Babies May 15, 11:30am to 1:30pm The third annual charity event, Burgers 4 Babies, will be held adjacent to the Florence N. Davis Center at 327 E. Duval Street. This event features celebrity chefs cooking for a cause, a Diaper Dash Relay and the ribbon cutting for the new Health Hub. Burgers 4 Babies benefits Community Connections of Jacksonville’s programs for homeless babies and young children from our community. All proceeds from the event will benefit Community Connections’ programs for youth. Community Connections of Jacksonville / 904-3509949 / Florence N. Davis Center 327 E. Duval St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / communityconnectionsjax.org
Dinosaur Train Live May 12, 10:15am to 11:15am Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train Live encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology. All tickets are $8. Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts / 904-276-6750 / 283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.thcenter. org Barnes and Noble Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Storytime May 13, 10:30am Kids 3 and up are invited for weekly storytime and a reading of the favorite alphabet story “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. After the story, kids can make a letter craft and write their names.
Tuesdays For Twos May 19, 9:45am to 10:30am Two year olds and their parents are invited for interactive activities. There is no charge for this event, but space is limited. Call Lori Hall at 904-641-6644 for more information or to RSVP. Jacksonville Country Day School / 904-641-6644 / 10063 Baymeadows Road Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.jcds.com
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
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Special needs Special Needs Summer Camps Bloom Behavioral Solutions Summer Camp June 15 - August 14, 10am - 2pm Ages 5 - 13. This camp designed for children with developmental disabilities. The camp activities are developed to increase and target social skills. Additionally, each camp instructor is trained extensively in Applied Behavior Analysis. The child to instructor ratio ranges from 1:1 to 3:1 with each child supervised by a Board Certified staff member. Cost: $400/week. Sibling rate of $350. 9141 Cypress Green Drive, Suite 2 Jacksonville, FL 32256 / 904647-1849 / www.bloom-behavioral-solutions.com Camp I Am Special Session One - June 7 - 13 Ages 18 and Up Session Two - June 14 - 20 Ages 5 to 18 years old Session Three - June 21 - 27 Ages 5 to 18 years old CAMP ON BREAK FROM JUNE 28 - JULY 4 Session Four (Formerly Camp Care) - July 5 - 11 Ages 5 and Up Session Five - July 12 - 18 Ages 18 and Up Session Six - July 19 - 25 Ages 18 and Up Session Seven - July 26 - August 1 Ages 18 and Up A 5-day, recreational and residential summer camp for children with disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, CP, Visual and Hearing Impairments, Intellectual Impairments, and many others. Camp I Am Special offers 1:1 care with one buddy assigned to each camper. They have hayrides, a petting zoo, daily swimming, a camp dance, a talent show, water slides, arts & crafts, music, and many other typical camp activities at this overnight session of camp. Cost: $550/per camper/per week. * Limited scholarships are available. 235 Marywood Drive, St Johns, FL 32259 / 904-356-0810 / www.campiamspecial.com Camp JADA June 15 - 18, 8:30am - 4:30pm Ages 6 - 12. The American Diabetes Association camp will be held at the University of North Florida campus. Campers can participate in a variety of fun activities while developing the independence and confidence necessary for successfully managing their diabetes. They will also be learning about nutrition, exercise, insulin, and blood glucose monitoring. Thursday Evening - Family Banquet: 4:30am to 7pm. Cost: Non-Refundable Deposit: $35. Camp Fee: $100. Extended Hours (extra fee): $25. The University of North Florida, 1 UNF Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / 904730-7200 ext 3064 / www.diabetes.org Camp JSA July 6 - August 7, 9am - 2pm Ages 4 - 17. Camp JSA is a summer fun driven camp that focuses on social growth for kids with autism spectrum disorder. It’s a five week therapeutic autism camp for children diagnosed with Asperger’s disorder, high functioning Autism or non-verbal related disorders. Campers enjoy a wide variety of cooperative games and social skills and team building activities, as well as more traditional camp fare such as non-competitive sports, dancing, swimming, music, creative arts and drama. If your child is unable to participate with a 3:1 ratio it is recommended to have a shadow for your child or consider enrolling in the JSA Clinic that will be based on teacher availability during the five camp weeks. Cost: $400/week. JSA invites typical peer/siblings to enroll $150/week. 9000 Cypress Green Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / 904-732-4343 / www.jsakids.org
Camp Keystone June 15 - August 7, 9:30am - 2:30pm Ages 3 – 18. Camp Keystone is for children diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and behavior disorders. Children will be placed in a low ratio group with trained behavior therapists. Camp activities include: vocational skills (daily living skills and job ready skills), social skills (play skills and peer interactions), academic skills (reading, language arts, and math), health and safety (community skills), physical activity (gross motor skills and exercise), and enriching field trips (Jacksonville Zoo, museums, community parks, and more). Parents must complete a registration process for their child to be considered for acceptance into the camp. All students enrolled in camp will have access to a variety of support services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Mental Health Therapies, which are provided at an additional rate. 6867 Southpoint Dr North, Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / 904-6196071 / www.keystonebehavioral.com Camp Possible at Henderson Haven July 6 - July 31, 9am - 3pm Ages 6 - 21. This year’s camp is filled with lots of fun hands-on activities and learning opportunities. Week 1 - Amazing animals: Safari Show and Petting Zoo Week 2 - Circus Circus: Clowns and Trapeze Experience Week 3 - Dr. Seuss: Different book each day ending with Oh The Places You Will Go and a real Hot Air balloon. Week 4 - Wacky Water Week: Water activities ending with the 40ft water slide. Cost: $180/week. Extended Day additional. 772 Foxridge Center Dr, Orange Park, FL 32065 / 904-264-2522 / www.hendersonhaven.org KCDC Summer Camp June 22 - August 14, 8:30am - 12:30pm Ages 3 - 5. The mission of the Keystone Child Development Center is to do more than just provide childcare. We strive to seize each moment to create valuable teaching opportunities while providing a safe and nurturing environment. During our summer camp, students will enjoy structured and unstructured social activities while reaping the benefits of weekly themes and lessons. Lessons and activities are designed to promote pro-social behaviors addressing topics such as the basics of friendship, conversation skills, teamplaying, emotion regulation, and body safety. 6867 Southpoint Dr North, Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / 904-619-6071 / www.keystonebehavioral.com The Jericho School for Children with Autism Summer Programs, July 20 - August 14, 9am - 3:30pm The Jericho School is now accepting registrations for the 2015 Summer Program. This Program consists of four weeks of intensive Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Behavior services for children with developmental disabilities. Each child will receive a comprehensive and Individualized Program with identified goals and objectives for acquisition of targeted skills. You can choose Part Day or Full Day Program. Select two weeks, or take advantage of all four weeks of the Individualized Summer Program. Individualized ABA/VB Instruction with a 1:1 studentteacher ratio 1:1 Full-Day Individualized Instruction - $750/week 1:1 Part-Time Individualized Instruction - $375/week 1351 Sprinkle Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / 904-7445110 / www.thejerichoschool.org
For a comprehensive list of available summer camps visit the Special Needs Summer Camps page at Jax4Kids.com.
“God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.” – Jewish Proverb Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
NOW ENROLLING AGES 2 – 22
Special Needs Private School Student-Teacher Ratio 5:2 Accepts the McKay Scholarship, Step Up for Students and PLSA Scholarships. Academic and Hardship scholarships are available. Enrichment, Art, PE, Community Outings Call to Schedule a Tour
Parent Open House Thursday, May 28th - 6pm Refreshments and childcare provided. 904.619.6071 mainspringacademy.org
Kids Fly Safe
6867 Southpoint Drive North Jacksonville, FL 32256
Kids Fly Safe CARES® Airplane Safety Harness is the only FAA approved harness-type child restraint approved for taxi, takeoff, turbulence and landing. It’s portable, lightweight and simple to install. In addition to making a harness for ALL children between 22 and 44 lbs. and up to 40 inches tall, Kids Fly Safe makes a CARES® Airplane Safety Harness for Special Needs travelers who are taller than 41 inches and over 44 lbs including Pre-teens, Teens and Adults. This harness requires an FAA Exemption letter which ‘exempts’ a flyer from the FAA rules regarding size restrictions and allows a larger special needs individual to use CARES. Instructions for obtaining a FAA exemption letter is available at www. kidsflysafe.com.
Caroline’s Cart
Caroline’s Cart is a shopping cart created for special needs children. It provides parents and caregivers a viable option to transport a child through a store while grocery shopping, without having the impossible task of having to maneuver a wheelchair and a traditional grocery cart at the same time while enabling the child’s participation in mainstream society with their family through the common activity of grocery shopping. It is named after Caroline, the special needs daughter of Drew Ann and David Long. There are local grocery stores that have Caroline’s Carts; if yours doesn’t, but you would like to have one available, we encourage you learn more at www.carolinescart.com and talk with your store manager.
EDUCATE. ENGAGE. INSPIRE.
NOW ENROLLING Summer Camp & Fall 2015 Enrollment
Clinical Outpatient 1:1 ABA Therapy
Academic, Primary, Secondary, Vocational
Beautiful campus right off I-95/Baymeadows
Call (904) 732-4343 or visit www.JSAKIDS.org 9000 Cypress Green Drive Jacksonville, FL 32256
Page 13 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
summer fun
Clever Travel Products BPA free Autoseal® Kids Cup AUTOSEAL® Kids Cups are impossible to spill and are 100% leak-proof, making them perfect for kids to use in the car and while traveling. And there are no straws to keep track of. They are BPA free and come in a variety of happy colors. 10 ounce capacity. Top rack dishwasher safe. www.mycontigo.com/product.asp?id=10
“Lullaby”
“Seanik”
“Karma Komba”
Lush Shampoo Bar These small, long-lasting bundles of concentrated shampoo will do the job of two to three bottles of liquid shampoo. A shampoo bar tin is available for $3.95 to your shampoo bar safe when traveling. No more throwing away bottles of perfectly good product to pass through security – these dry bars come in 14 varieties for any hair type including Lullaby for kids or anyone with sensitivities. They are handmade and meet Lush’s standards (ethical ingredient sources, no animal testing, eco-friendly packaging) and are perfect for travel. Steripod Protect your family when you travel with the Steripod toothbrush and razor clip on protectors, available at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Consider the virulent Hepatitis B; it can stay on a counter for up to 2 weeks and young children and infants contracting hepatitis B have a far greater chance of becoming chronically infected. Rinse Bath & Body Co. Skin Sticks Rinse Bath & Body Co. makes skin sticks (solid lotions) that are perfect for travel since they don’t come under the FAA liquids rule. They come in a wide variety of scents including Lavendar to calm or Peppermint for a pick me up
Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
– also great travel companions. These skin sticks bag. They lay flat and take up far less space than are multi-taskers – they can be used to condition packing all of the individual ingredients. cuticles, cracked fingers and knuckles, elbows, heels – anywhere your skin is dry. You can order skin sticks at www.rinsesoap.com Brookstone Light-Blocking Eye Mask Brookstone sells two excellent light-blocking eye masks made of ultra-soft velour. The Night Flight™ Travel Sleep Mask has zero pressure eyecups that allow your eyes to move freely, and avoid eyelashes and makeup. Retail price is $35.99 and the The Nap™ Plush Eyemask is $19.99. Both are available at Brookstone.com
www.lifehacker.com
aLOKSAK®
Have more great ideas you’d like to share? Email us at editor@jax4kids.com
aLOKSAK® bags are resealable elementproof storage bags featuring a hermetic seal. That means absolutely no water, air, dust or humidity permeates the closure. They are designed for a wide range of applications and environments. The transparent bags are flexible and puncture resistant. They come in multiple sizes and can be sealed over and over again. www.loksak.com “Ice blankets” keep perishables cold but unlike ice, you won’t have melted water in the bottom of your cooler after the ice melts. Simply remove the ice blanket, wipe dry and place in your freezer for next use. They come in varying sizes and are great for lunchboxes too! Need ice for drinks, throw a Ziploc bag filled with ice into your cooler. Ziploc bags Don’t travel without them! These multi-use travel and household helpers are a must for travel. Pack an assortment of sizes. One favorite use is for transporting pre-mixed dry ingredients to make cookies or pancakes once you reach your destination. Write the list and quantity of wet ingredients to be added on the outside of the
Empty Tic Tac mints containers Tic Tac containers make great, inexpensive travel containers to transport items like spices, vitamins, safety pins, and other small items that will fit through the opening. Simply fill and add a label.
Session A June 15July 10 2015 Session B July 20August 14 2015
June 22-26 July 6-10 July 13-17
July 20-24 July 27-31
Camp Theatre Jacksonville 2015
For more info: (904) 396-4425 or www.theatrejax.com
summer fun
Seussical’s Coming Back to Town
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“fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza” is coming back to Jacksonville this summer. “Seussical the Musical” opens at The Alhambra Theatre June 24 and runs through August 2. Auditions for the show are May 18. Stephen Flaherty’s broadway musical is based on the books of legendary children’s author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel): “Horton Hears a Who!,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “The Lorax,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories,” “Horton Hatches the Egg,” “I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew,” “McElligot’s Pool,” “Hunches in Bunches,” “If I Ran the Circus,” “The Butter Battle Book,” “ Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!,” “The Cat in the Hat,” “The Sneetches and Other Stories,” “Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?,” “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!,” and “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.”
attention, and JoJo, whose “thinks” save them all in the end. “Seussical is an excellent choice for our summer family show,” said Tod Booth, creative director of the Alhambra and producer of the show. “The stories should be well known to parents, grandparents and children alike. The magic of Seussical is the way the stories are told (and) the color, character, and life that the actors bring to the stage “We will be using local children in the production to work with our professional cast of adults,” Booth said. “ This becomes a great learning experience for the kids, as well as another level of excitement and energy for all concerned.” The books have been best-sellers since the 1950s. The musical opened on Broadway in 2000. There were two national tours in 2002 and 2003. The show, starring Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby as the Cat in the Hat, first came to Jacksonville in 2003. Seussical will be the directorial debut for Booth’s assistant Jason Nettle. “The challenge for this show is bringing all of the Dr. Seuss books to life. There are a lot of books referenced! His characterizations, art, images, characters, and concepts are not simple, Nettle said. “We are being led by our collaborative imaginations, and that’s what Dr. Seuss emphasized in his books, always keep reaching for the impossible and don’t limit yourself based on someone else’s criteria.
In the play the Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to a butter battling military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton’s attention to the speck of dust and his “loitering” care of Mayzie LaBird’s egg has elicited taunting and accusations from the rest of the animal kingdom, except for Gertrude McFuzz, who longs for his
Nettle will be assisted by choreographer James Kinney, musical director Cathy Murphy Giddens, designer Ian Black, designer David Dionne, costumers Camala Pitts and Dorinda Quilles and a host of technicians. To reserve your spot, visit the Alhambra at 12000 Beach Blvd (between St John’s Bluff and Kernan Boulevard), go online at alhambrajax.com or call the box office at 904-641-1212. j
National Train Day
C
elebrate the 7th annual National Train Day with Amtrak from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9th, at the Jacksonville station. This year’s theme, “Trains Matter,” will be about expanding the awareness of Amtrak stations, all rail operator routes & services, and destinations nationwide.
and enlighten. While you are there check out the travel options for some “day trippin” summer fun. It’s only a little over three hours to Orlando and Disney World on the Silver Star. Stops along way include the historic cities of Deland and Winter Park. Going north for a little over two hours gets you to beautiful Savannah.
There will be plenty to see and do with train engines and other equipment to explore, as well as firetrucks, toy train rides, Chuggington and As they say, with the train, “getting there is a a KidsZone. Model railroad clubs and and other breeze.” j related organization will have exhibits to entertain
Page 15 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
summer fun
New Two State Thrill Ride New Attractions in the Southeast T
he “Thrill Capital of the Southeast” may now be called the “Thrill Capital of the World.” Carowinds, the giant amusement park on the border of South Carolina and North Carolina (off I-77), has opened the world’s tallest “giga” roller coaster.
The Fury 325 at Carowinds Although four coasters are taller (New Jersey’s Kingda Ka measures 456 feet), Fury 325 is the largest traditional “full circuit” roller coaster with heights reaching 325 feet and speeds up to 95 miles per hour. At 1.25 miles long, the steel coaster has an average ride time of more than 3 minutes with riders experiencing an 81-degree drop, a 190-foot tall barrel turn and a 91-degree overbanked horseshoe turn while crossing through two states. Carowinds.com … And Elsewhere to Scream About KINGDA KA Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey A 128 mph rocket coaster that uses a hydraulic launch system and is, at 456 feet, the tallest coaster in the world. GOLIATH Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Illinois This new wooden coaster has the longest drop,
the steepest drop (A 180-foot vertical drop that plunges 85 degrees into an underground tunnel) and goes faster than any other wooden coaster.
ALABAMA Waterville USA in Gulf Shores has Duneracer, a six-lane water slide that allows up to six guests to race one another side-by-side to a thrill-filled finish.
BANSHEE Kings Island, Mason, Ohio Banshee is the longest inverted (upside down) coaster in the world. It also has a curved drop, a dive loop, a zero-G roll, a batwing, an outside loop ARKANSAS spiral and an inline-roll. Magic Springs in Hot Springs introduces “Splash Island,” a four-story water play structure featurVERRUCKT ing 10 colorful water slides, a 1,000-gallon Schlitterbahn, Kansas City, Kansas tipping bucket, bubbler jets, and more, providing At 17 stories, the world’s tallest water slide is more than 200 new ways to get wet. higher than Niagara Falls. GEORGIA EL LOCO “SkyScreamer” opens at Six Flags Over Georgia Adventuredome at Circus Circus, Las Vegas, near Atlanta. The massive swing ride rises 24 Nevada stories above ground and rotates guests in a Labeled the “most insane,” El Loco has a turn 98-foot-wide circle at 40 mph. that banks outside at a 45-degree angle, about 44 degrees further than the average comfort Jungle Rumble opens at Wild Adventures in Valzone. dosta. Swing, swoop, climb and drop! You’ll feel like a monkey swinging through the trees with THE THUNDERBOLT screaming views from four stories high! Luna Park in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York Coney Island’s new steel roller coaster has a KENTUCKY 90-degree drop Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon in Bowling Green opens “Vortex.” Riders sit facing one FLYING TURNS another on this revolving swing and at the max Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, height are suspended upside down 60 feet into Pennsylvania the air. It took more than seven years to build this 1,200 “old school” wooden coaster. ROAR-O-SAURUS Story Land, Glen, New Hampshire A brand new wooden roller coaster that catches air 12 times. SUPERMAN: ESCAPE FROM KRYPTON Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, California Uses electromagnetic motors to blast backfacing passengers 100 mph up a 415-foot tower. Weightlessness experienced on return drop. j
MARYLAND Six Flags America near Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD, opens “Bonzai Pipelines,” a 65-foot-tall water slide complex that includes six intense drop-launch looping body slides. SOUTH CAROLINA Family Kingdom in Myrtle Beach has four new rides: the “Twist ‘n Shout” Wild Mouse-style steel roller coaster, the free flight sensation of “Kite Flyer,” whip around on the “Flying Tigers,” and bounce along with the “Frog Hopper” on its journey to catch flies. TENNESSEE “River Rush,” Tennessee’s first and only water coaster, at Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park. The ride combines the same powerful climbs, twists, drops, and turns of a traditional roller coaster with rushing water. VIRGINIA Kings Dominion in Doswell expands its Peanutsthemed children’s area, Planet Snoopy. The multimillion-dollar project doubles the size of the park’s children’s area and features 12 new and refurbished attractions, including a family balloon ride, classic teacup ride with a new twist, and a train adventure.
Visit a Tea Plantation T
ake a trip to the Charleston Tea Plantation, located on historic Wadmalaw Island in the heart of the lowcountry of South Carolina, just south of the city, and you can help yourself to all of the iced American Classic Tea you can drink.
The history of the Island dates back to mid-June of 1666 when it is believed that Captain Robert Sanford and the crew of the Berkeley Bay landed and claimed the land for England. Today, Wadmalaw is considered to be one of Charleston’s most unspoiled islands. It is approximately 10 miles long and 6 miles wide. With its sandy soils, sub-tropical climate and average rainfall of 52 inches per year, Wadmalaw possess idyllic conditions for the Camellia Sinensis plant. This plant is currently used to produce both black and green teas and exists in over 320 varieties on the 127 acre grounds.
The plantation sits right off Maybank Highway and the drive is like taking a step back in time. Wadmalaw has not and cannot be commercially developed, therefore much of the land remains untouched. The Island is also home to other unique and historic attractions such as IrvinHouse Vineyards, the only domestic winery in Charleston, South Carolina as well as the Angel Oak, a Live Oak tree that is believed to be over 1,500 years old. Open 7 days a week, visitors can learn first-hand how tea is made during an informative factory tour. They can also take a trolley ride through the tea fields and shop at the unique gift shop. j charlestonteaplantation.com
“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” – Proverbs 31:28 Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
summer fun
Getting Back to Nature I f you are looking to get back to nature this summer, camping options abound within a short drive from our area.
Ocala National Forest is the second largest nationally protected forest in the United States and covers 607 square miles. Located east of Ocala and southeast of Gainesville, the Forest, established in 1908, is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and the southernmost national forest in the continental U.S.
ful maritime hammock and just a short walk or bike ride from the beach. All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill, and a fire ring.
The most popular may be Blue Spring State Park. Famous for its manatee season, it covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Located south of Deland, the spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers. This campground has 51 campsites Of the fourteen developed campgrounds, only Salt located in the sand pine scrub and within walking Springs offers full hook-up service. The largest distance to the spring. Each site is equipped with campground in the National Forest, Salt Springs a picnic table, water, electricity and a grill. Pets is located a little over 50 miles east of Ormond are welcome. Beach on State Road 40. It offers 106 RV/trailer sites and a designated area for up to 54 tents. For those of a more adventurous bent and willing Sites are nicely shaded and well away from the to go a little farther afield, Blackwater River State bustle of the day use area. Park, northeast of Milton in the Panhandle, is a favorite destination for canoeists and kayakers. Other popular sites include Alexander Springs, The park offers two nature trails, picnic areas, south of Lake George, near Astor in Lake County. and 30 campsites. Campsite amenities include Of the 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, it is water, electricity, on-site sewer and a bathhouse. by far one of the easiest for visitors to enjoy. A broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool be- Primitive camping enthusiasts will enjoy Anclote comes a natural water park when visitors come Key Preserve State Park. Located on four islands to picnic, swim, and play. The water is a constant three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs. There 72°F and extraordinarily clear. The 67-unit camp- are no provisions offered, so be prepared to bring ground can accommodate tents and recreation your own water and supplies. One catch: There is vehicles up to 35 feet. ferry service for day visitors, but overnight campers have their own transportation. Also don’t miss Juniper Springs, one of ReserveAmerica’s Top 100 Family Campgrounds And for an inland primitive experience try Allen in the United States. Located 9 miles of east of David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Astor and the St. Johns River, it offers 79 deeply Park, near Haines City. It covers more than 8,000 shaded spaces within walking distance of some acres of scrub, sandhill and flatwoods land. The of the state’s most beautiful springs. Preserve offers six miles of hiking trails, seven miles of equestrian trails, a covered pavilion, Many campsites are on a first-come, first-serve fishing and excellent wildlife viewing opportunibasis, but others are available by reservation by ties. When you visit the Preserve, make sure you calling 1-877-444-6777 or at www.recreation. are prepared for the rugged conditions typical gov. of the scrub habitat. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for the challenging trails. Backpack The National Forest is not the only camping opcamping sites are available. But camping is by tions easily accessible from our area. reservation only, Call Lake Kissimmee State Park at (863) 696-1112 for reservations or informaMany of Florida’s 171 award-winning state parks tion. offer camping facilities and fFor convenience, you can’t beat Anastasia State Park. Located on For most state parks, reservations may be made Anastasia Island just south of St. Augustine, the up to 11 months in advance through Reserve popular ocean front park has 139 campsites, for America. Book online or call (800) 326-3521. j both RVs and tents, all located within the beauti-
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” – Unknown Page 17 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
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summer fun
Drive, Chip and Putt Open to All Q ualifying registration for the annual national Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is now open on the event’s website: drivechipandputt. com.
Sponsored by The Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and the PGA of America, this free nationwide youth golf competition is open to all boys and girls ages 7-15 regardless of skill level. In its third year, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will open qualifying locations in all 50 states during the months of May, June,
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July and August. Top performers at the local level will advance through sub-regional and regional qualifiers in July/August and September. The top 80 performers – 40 boys and 40 girls – will earn an invitation to the National Finals at Augusta National on Sunday, April 3, on the eve of the 2016 Masters. ELIGIBILITY Participants compete in separate divisions in four age categories: 7-9 years old; 10-11 years old; 12-13 years old; and 14-15 years old. They must be at least 7 years of age on Sunday, April 3, 2016, and may not be older than 15 years of age on Sunday, April 3, 2016. ENTRIES For local qualifying, parents/guardians must complete an online entry application on behalf of participants at drivechipandputt.com
Entries will be accepted on a first-come, firstserve basis and must be received no later than 5 p.m. EDT on the date five days prior to the local qualifier. There is no entry fee. SCHEDULE OF COMPETITION The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship will be conducted in four stages. Local qualifying – 253 events in May, June, July and August at courses throughout 50 States. Sub-Regional qualifying – 50 events in July and August. Regional qualifying – 10 events. Championship final – Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., live on national television. Each participant will compete in all three skills (Drive, Chip & Putt). Participants will accumulate points in each skill and the one with the highest number of accumulated points will be declared the overall champion of their age category. j
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Fifteen Places Kids Should See Before 15 I t took hours of heated debate, weeks of research, and years of experience to whittle down America’s monuments to a definitive list of 15 musts for anyone under 15. Not only are these attractions fun and (shhhh) educational, they’re especially magical through the eyes of a child. GRAND CANYON (Ariz.): During the day, stroll the Skywalk, a U-shaped, glass-bottom observation deck that juts 70 feet over the canyon’s West Rim and sits 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. Come sunset, hit the Apache Stables, where you can ride on a horse-drawn wagon that ends around a campfire.
ery Room on the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Nothing is off-limits in the space, which features replicas of the third president’s possessions, from his alcove bed to his polygraph machine. THE FREEDOM TRAIL (Mass.): Who needs a social studies book when you can learn about Colonial history from an 18th-century ship captain while parading around Boston’s waterfront? The 90-minute Pirates and Patriots tour focuses on maritime history.
vehicle, the 90-minute D.C. duck tour hits the history-packed National Mall—Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol building, the Smithsonian—and then switches to a scenic river trip. COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG (Va.): Everyone in this living-history site likes to play dress-up. At the Great Hopes Plantation—a re-creation of the town’s original 1700s farm—a stash of old-timey accessories await, from tricorn (three-pointed) hats for boys and mop caps (bonnets) for girls. INDEPENDENCE HALL (Penn.): Acquaint yourself with the spirits of America’s founding fathers on Philadelphia’s Ghost Tour, a 90-minute, candle-lit stroll that winds past landmarks like Independence Hall, where the Constitution was adopted, and the 238-year-old City Tavern.
ALCATRAZ ISLAND (Calif.): Shiv collections and cramped jail cells don’t exactly sound kidfriendly, but the National Park Service is all for bringing younger ones for a visit. Hop a ferry from San Francisco’s Pier 33 and stroll the damp, NIAGARA FALLS (N.Y.): Sure, your grandparents gray halls of the maximum-security pen, which honeymooned there, but the majestic waterfalls housed criminals like Al Capone and George REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK (Calif.): Ancient, sky- straddling the U.S.-Canada border are worth a high sequoias aren’t the only attraction in this 21st-century trip. After riding an elevator 175 feet “Machine Gun” Kelly from 1934 to 1963. lush California locale—there’s cool aquatic life, down into the Niagara Gorge, you’ll stand on the too. Budding biologists can scramble between the Hurricane Deck, where you’ll be drenched by the ELLIS ISLAND (N.Y.): Between 1892 and 1924, more than 17 million immigrants passed through coastal forest’s rocks while hunting for underwa- tropical-storm-like spray. Ellis Island. At the Ellis Island Immigration Muter creatures such as orange and purple ochre seum you can search through millions of records sea stars and sprawling, green anemones. THE NATIONAL MALL (D.C.): Riding the streets to find the exact date your relatives sailed into of Washington, D.C., in a boat on wheels might the port, as well as which ship they were on and MONTICELLO (Va.): The dreaded “look but don’t sound cheesy, but cruising the Potomac River in touch” rule means nothing at the Griffin Discovone is pretty sweet. Set in a WWII-era amphibious who they traveled with.
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (Wyo., Mont., and Idaho): Snag a Young Scientist Toolkit stocked with magnifying glasses, rock samples, and stopwatches to time geyser eruptions at the Old Faithful Visitor Center. The 3,472-square-mile park is home to more geothermal features than any place on earth. FENWAY PARK (Mass.): Even die-hard Yankees fans have to admit that visiting baseball’s oldest stadium is an exercise in Americanism: Babe Ruth pitched there! Ted Williams hit a 502-foot home run! Fenway opened in 1912, but its features are still intact. CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT & PRESERVE (Idaho): The National Park Service calls this Idaho preserve “the only officially weird park” in the country. And for good reason: The jagged, black landscape—formed by volcanic eruptions. SAN DIEGO ZOO (Calif): With more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing 800-plus species and subspecies, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most diverse in America, but its coolest attraction—literally—is the Polar Bear Plunge. And, for those who can count, number 15 is, of course, a visit down the road to Walt’s place. j budgettravel.com
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EDUCATION
Is the IB Programme Right for Your Student?
T
he International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a two-year high school acceleration option for students between 16 and 19 years of age. Comprised of six subject groups and three core elements, the IB curriculum offers motivated students a chance to hone skills needed in college while still in high school. Upon graduation, students earn a diploma recognized worldwide.
In Duval County, IB is offered at five high schools: Terry Parker, Edward H. White, Samuel W. Wolfson, Stanton College Preparatory and Paxon School for Advanced Studies. Stanton’s program, which now enrolls more than 600 students, is one of the largest in the world. In order to be accepted, students must complete Algebra 1 prior to entering ninth grade and submit standardized test scores for reading and math.
The six subject groups included in the Programme are English language and literature, the arts, mathematics, science, individuals and societies and language study. The core elements are creativity, activity and service. An extended research essay of 4000 words is also required. The aims of the essay are to allow students to conduct independent research on a focused topic, develop their critical and creative thinking and experience the joy of intellectual discovery, among other things. Through the core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service, according to the IB web site. Proponents say it helps student think critically, develop awareness of new cultures and become independent citizens of the world.
IB may not be the best fit for students who have deficits in reading comprehension or writing and are not accustomed to using higher order thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation. On the other hand, with proper support and preparation, it works well for students who like inquiry, independent learning and academic challenges. j For further information on IB, please visit these sites: International Baccalaureate web site www.ibo.org Duval County Public Schools’ Acceleration Programs Page www.duvalschools.org/Domain/4396 Nancy Lee Bethea www.rivercityrevisions.com
That’s MY Job!
Alisa Arnold – Flight Attendant
How long have you been a flight attendant? I have been flying for 28 years. My career started at the young age of 21. Why did you choose to be a flight attendant? My father was in the military. We traveled and lived in many different places. When we flew, I would observe the flight attendants performing their duties. The thought of traveling the world, seeing new places, experiencing new cultures and meeting interesting people along the way was very appealing to me. I knew in high school I wanted to make it my career. What kind of education did you get to become a flight attendant? After graduating high school, I worked as an airline reservationist and attended college where I studied Spanish. Most airlines prefer a college graduate, customer service experience and give preference to applicants who speak a foreign language. After, a lengthy interview process and background checks, I was offered to come to flight attendant training. Training was an intensive six weeks of learning emergency drills, first aid, security procedures, FAA rules and regulations, serving procedures etc. There is usually an exam every day and it must be passed with a 90% grade or higher. What are some of your responsibilities as a flight attendant? First, and most importantly, is the safety of my passengers. As first responders, we have to be ready for many different emergencies that can happen onboard, including evacuations, fires and medical situations. We start our trip by participating in a crew briefing where the captain fills us in on weather, flight time and we review safety procedures. Next, I check our emergency equipment and catering supplies. Our secondary responsibility is passenger comfort. Flight attendants are the ambassadors of the airline. We provide a helpful link between the airline and passengers. What do you like most about your job? The best thing about my job is that I learn something new every trip I fly. The experiences I have had in the last 28 years were ones that cannot be learned in a classroom. Meeting people from different cultures, religions, backgrounds has opened my world. Every town or city I have visited has something unique to enjoy. I have really enjoyed my career and hope to fly for many more years.
“If I had a flower for each time I thought of My Mother, I could walk in my garden forever.” – Unknown
LIGHTHOUSE
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Page 21 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
642-4043 683-5190 288-0673
Middleburg 406-4866 Westside 854-4599 Orange Park 272-2524
Northside 353-7062 Callahan 507-6683
EDUCATION
12 Google Search Tricks S
earch is Google’s main business and they take it seriously. Features are constantly released that enable it to better display the information that is most relevant to you so you don’t need to scroll through multiple pages of results to find what you need.
If you can’t remember song lyrics that are on the tip of your tongue or need to review your spending habits from last month, you can do it with Google Search. Check out a few of our favorite little known search tricks that can take your searches to the next level. 1. Weigh your options with Google comparisons. Deciding between two similar items for your next purchase? Easily compare them by putting vs between two search terms. For instance, “f16 vs f/a-18”. 2. goo·gle: verb, search for information about (someone or something) on the Internet using the search engine Google. Google can serve as an online dictionary. Just type DEFINE: before the word you need defined. For example, “DEFINE: computer” will give you the definition of the word “computer.” 3. Get exactly what you are looking for. If your searches turn up results that are too general, try using quotation marks to limit your search to an exact term. 4. Never miss a flight. Searching my flights will bring up your itinerary for any upcoming trips. 5. I bought what?! You can track your spending habits by searching my purchases, which will bring up a list of items you have recently purchased. You can also sort this by month by searching “My purchases in December”. 6. This but not that.
ADD/ADHD without MEDICATIONS
The subtraction symbol can be used to exclude certain words from your results. If you want info on Titanic the ship, but not the motion picture of the same name, you should search “Titanic -movie”. 7. Find what you can’t remember. Can’t remember all the words? No problem! Just substitute asterisks for the words you don’t know, Google will find terms that match the phrase using the asterisks as variables. This is helpful when searching for those song lyrics you only kind of remember. 8. Google, pass the popcorn. Google keeps a database of every movie and its cast. A search for “movies with Leonardo DiCaprio,” will display all the movies in his acting career. 9. Make it there before they close. Working late? Google can quickly return the hours of operation for any business with the “hours of operation ___” search term. For example, “hours of operation CVS” returns a map to the nearest CVS, along with their opening and closing times. 10. Predict Mother Nature. Don’t get stranded without an umbrella! You can get the weather forecast for your area simply by searching weather in the search bar.
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11. Just give me the news. Looking for news stories related to a certain term? By typing news: before your search term you can filter your results to only show news results. 12. Break down language barriers. Übersetzen ist einfach. Google has a built in translator that is activated by typing translate: before a foreign word or term. Google supports 90 languages. Bonus: Heads or Tails? Ask Google to “Flip a coin” and watch as a virtual coin appears in your search results and gets flipped! j thegooru.com
June 15 - August 14, 2015 K-5th grade JUNE 15 - AUGUST 7 5 -15
Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
8 AM - 5 PM
www.seacoastchristianacademy.com • 562-4780
EDUCATION
Time To Show Teachers Win a Hospitality Scholarship We Appreciate Them T H
he North Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau or St. Johns County. awards scholarships for hospitality and The minimum award is $1,000 and the maximum culinary college programs in Florida twice a year. is $3000 per scholarship per semester. ello! I’m Ashley from The Teacher’s Treasure it is money well spent because I am able to find The Claude Collins Hospitality Scholarship Chest. the exact resource I need to teach a certain skill. I recognizes deserving students who are pursuing The second scholarship is a tuition reimburseusually put the gift card in some sort of decorafurther education in the hospitality industry. More ment scholarship awarded to hospitality employBeing a teacher is something that an individual is tive cup or box along with a few other items. than $6,000 was awarded to qualified recipients ees who are seeking to continue their education called to do. It’s not a “job” or a “hobby.” It is a last year. in their respective field. The minimum award is calling. Teachers have to be in it for the love of Other favorite gifts include felt flair pens, Sharp$500 and the maximum is $1,000 per scholarchildren and learning. At times, teaching can be ies and chalk markers. Teachers always need Two different types of scholarships are offered: ship per semester. very difficult and it is so nice to know that parents these! We go through so many pens and sharpand the community support our efforts. ies. Chalk markers are the “new” thing in educa- The first scholarship is awarded to students who To apply go to the website: northfloridalodging. tion. They are pretty inexpensive, but when you are currently enrolled in a hospitality or culinary com/nfhla-programs/claude-collins-hospitalityThis is why Teacher Appreciation Week is an are purchasing them every other month, it adds college program, and who have graduated from a scholarship/ j important time. up. Another option is Post It notes. I can’t tell you high school or college program and are currently how many I buy as a teacher. Some office supply residing or have immediate family residing within I like to show my child’s teachers that I apprecistores even have decorative notes. ate them by offering them a small token. To do this I think about things I like to receive as a Most parents believe these items are purchased teacher as well as their personal interests. First, I by the school, but this is not the case. Every try to find out places they like to eat or visit often. year, I have parents that are shocked at the basic “The work of a mother is hard, too often Then, once the list is narrowed down, I purchase supplies that teachers do not have. a gift card for them. unheralded work. Please know that it is The best advice when looking for a gift is to actuSometimes, teachers will realize what you are ally get to know your child’s teacher. Discover his worth it then, now and forever.” trying to accomplish and not give you any clues. or her individual interests and work from there. In this case, I always purchase gift cards to j – Jeffrey R. Holland Teachers Pay Teachers. Teachers all over the country use this website to purchase curriculum Ashley Benoit items they need to be successful in the classteacherstreasurechest.blogspot.com room. I personally spend a ton on this site but
Teacher Gift Ideas
Gift Cards
Fingerprint Art
School Supplies
Class Photo
Post-it Notes
Dry Erase Markers
Thank-you Petals
Teacher gift ideas from hip2save.com, blackberryvine.blogspot.com, and hillsideelemlibrary.blogspot. com. Check out Jax4Kids.com’s Pinterest page for these and more Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas at pinterest.com/jax4kids.
Page 23 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
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Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
Clay County School News Concert on Green Poster Contest Won by Orange Park Student Orange Park High School 11th grade student London Hallner (a student of art teacher Carrie Keene) has been named the poster contest winner for this year’s Concert on the Green, the annual Jacksonville Symphony outdoor performance now in its 28th year will be held on Sunday, May 24 at the St. Johns Country Day School football field. In addition to the main performance stage, the immediate area will have food and beverage trucks, fun-filled kid-friendly activities, fireworks, and more.
year’s judges were Beth Haizlip, artist for the 2007 Jacksonville Jazz poster; Pauline Dickson, artist and art teacher in the Clay County School System for over 30 years; and Dee Roberts, artist for over 40 years and Jacksonville Watercolor Artist of the Year.
London’s painting titled “Music of a Feather” will serve as the events’ official poster and be printed on the program for the festival. More than 110 county student artists answered the call and submitted their artwork for the chance to have their design featured at this year’s Concert on the Green event and win a $500 scholarship. Organizers say they were overwhelmed by the talent and the creativity they saw from the county’s students. Schools participating this year were: Clay High School, Clay Virtual Academy, Coppergate Elementary, Fleming Island High School, Lakeside Elementary, Orange Park Elementary, Orange Park High School, Seven Bridges Preparatory School, and St. Johns Country Day School.
“Music of a Feather” by London Hallner
The contest, which encourages school art students to create art representative of musical performances in an outdoor setting, was coordinated by Great Hang Ups Gallery of Fleming Island. This
Capturing second place in the Senior Division was Kenny Nguyen, a senior at Orange Park High School (instructor Carrie Keene). Honorable Mention winner was Avni Patel, a senior at St. Johns
www.oneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584
Page 25 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
In the Junior Division, Jenny Pack, an eighth grade student at St. Johns Country Day School (instructed by Ms. Anna Reynolds), captured first place. Isaiah Aranzaso, a seventh grade student at Seven Bridges Preparatory School (instructed by Ms. Donna Grasso), placed second and Sarah Schemer from St. Johns Country Day School (instructed by Ms. Pam Ayres) won an honorable mention. Three students were declared Elementary Division winners: Hunter Misener captured first place and Logan Grant placed second; both are in the fourth grade at Seven Bridges Preparatory School under the tutelage of Ms. Donna Grasso. Adelaide Lasater, a fifth grader at Coppergate Elementary, instructed by Ms. Sue Hoyt, was awarded honorable mention. The “Honoring Military” award winner is Anna Harward, a ninth-grade student of Ms. Pam Ayres at St. Johns Country Day School.
Concert on Green Music Winners SENIOR DIVISION First Place: Joseph Plumlee, Voice 12th Grade, Clay High School Selah Welton, Violin 11th Grade, Home Schooled Second Place: Kaleb Switanek, Trombone 12th Grade, Fleming Island High School Third Place: Isabelle Scott, Harp 10th Grade, Home Schooled Finalists: Austin Kelm, French Horn
Country Day School and a student of Ms. Pam Ayres.
12th Grade, Fleming Island High School Isabelle Scott, Voice, 10th Grade Home Schooled Marisa Webster, Trumpet, 12th Grade, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts JUNIOR DIVISION First Place: Ellison Whitehead, Piano 7th Grade, Home Schooled Finalist: Joseph Shimko III, Voice 7th Grade, St. Johns Country Day School
Connect with us!
The winning posters are currently on display in the art gallery of the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts until May 28 and can be viewed anytime their box office is open. All student winners will be recognized and presented with prizes on May 24 at the Concert on the Green.
Middleburg NJROTC Competes in Championship
Clay County Fair Queens and Scholarship Winners Katie Blocker a member of the FFA at Clay High School won the 2015 Miss Clay County Fair Scholarship Pageant at the recent Clay County Agricultural Fair. Other pageant awards included: 1st Runner-up – Morgan Gibbs 2nd Runner-up – Lindsey Murphy 3rd Runner-up – Megan Gladden Community Service Award – Katie Blocker Interview Award – Lindsey Murphy Photogenic Award – Morgan Gibbs Talent Award – Lindsey Murphy 1 Free Pageant Session by Mona Eagle – Haley Knoblauch Jr Miss Clay County Fair – Skylar McGlynn 1st Runner-up – Gabbriella Manges 2nd Runnerup – Miriah Maxwell 3rd Runner-up – Britnee Luke Community Service Award – Gabbriella Manges Interview Award – Skylar McGlynn Photogenic Award – Skylar McGlynn Talent Award – Kellie Royston Skylar McGlynn (left) and Katie Blocker win titles Other fair scholarship winners included:
Tiffany Chaney, Clay High FFA Tristain Sichmeller, Clay High 4-H Jubilee Lassiter, Middleburg High FFA The Middleburg High School NJROTC unit finished Moriah Combass, Keystone Heights High 4-H in 14th of 600 NJROTC units in the nation at the Carly Dye, Keystone Heights FFA NJROTC National NJROTC Academic, Drill, and Bailea Gnann, Keystone Heights FFA Athletic Championship, a 2 day/11 event competi- Jared Velasquez, Keystone Heights FFA tion held at NAS Pensacola last month. Matthew Dews, Middleburg High 4-H Lacey Hodge, Middleburg High FFA Top 10 finishes included: 9th place in Personnel Cierra Meeks, Middleburg High FFA Inspection; 5th place in Academics; 5th place in Hanna Grimm, Ridgeview High 4-H Unarmed Basic Drill; and 2nd place in Unarmed Exhibition Drill.
Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
St. Johns County School District News Liberty Pines School Nurse Named Employee of the Year Amy Lynch, school nurse at Liberty Pines Academy, has been named St. Johns County School District’s 2014-2015 School-Related Employee of the Year.
Amy Lynch gets award from Superintendent Joyner Lynch was selected from 42 nominees for her exemplary job performance, dedication, interpersonal skills, leadership ability and training to upgrade skills as well as her contributions to individual schools and the district office. “She has been employed as the school nurse at Liberty Pines for four years and possesses a sincere willingness to help students and staff. Attention to detail and maintaining proper information is paramount to Lynch so that she is able to provide the students she serves with the appropriate care. She recently researched and developed stock epinephrine guidelines for the treatment of life threatening allergies which is now under consideration by the school board. She is an advocate for healthy living and helped to develop new initiatives at Liberty Pines as well as educate parents, students and staff in this
“Mrs. Lynch exemplifies trustworthiness and devotion to her calling as a nurse,” says Melissa Petty, BSN, RN; coordinator of Health Services for the school district. “She always maintains a high level of professionalism and genuine compassion and I am very proud to work with her. Lynch is a team player who volunteers her time to help with afterschool and weekend activities to ensure the safety of students. She is seen as a valuable resource for other nurses who are seeking guidance in responsible organization as well as skill mastery. She is also a self-starter who participates in professional development regularly and shares the knowledge she gains with her fellow employees no matter their level or skill.
Wednesday, May 27 St. Johns Technical High School St. Augustine High School Auditorium, 7 p.m. Employee-of-the-year nominees They are:
Christina Preston, Human Resources; Petrina Finch, R.B. Hunt Elementary School; Jennifer Smith, Information Technology; Debra Higbea, Julington Creek Elementary School; John Harpst, Ketterlinus Elementary School; Charron Umlauf, “Mrs. Lynch is a positive person who is devoted Alice B. Landrum Middle School; Amy Lynch, to serving others in a healthy, safe and loving Liberty Pines Academy; Johna Baxa, Otis A. environment,” said Liberty Pines Principal Judith Mason Elementary School; Charles McCutcheon, Thayer. “Her caring nature shines through in Pedro Menendez High School; Ann Marie Sindt, everything she does and she has my highest Mill Creek Elementary School; Michele Torboli, admiration and praise.” R.J. Murray Middle School; Angela Stricklin, Allen D. Nease High School; Kerry Fodor, Ocean Palms She was selected from nominees from each of Elementary School; Tisha Humphrey, Osceola the district’s 36 schools, along with five district Elementary School; Joshua Stewart, Pacetti Bay representatives and one charter school. Middle School; Susan Solms, Palencia Elementary School; Jennifer Secure, Patriot Oaks Acad“School-related employees enhance the emy; Kim Barry, Ponte Vedra High School; Oona educational experience for the children whose Sidoroff, PV-PV Rawlings Elementary School; Lisa lives they touch, and they are essential to the Kilbride, Gamble Rogers Middle School; Diana successful operation of a school or school district Elswick, St. Augustine High School; Terrance office,” Joyner said. “These nominees were McClain, St. Johns Technical High School; Jarrod chosen for the significant contributions they have Branco, Sebastian Middle School; Mary Tatum, made in their schools and community, and to the South Woods Elementary School; Christine school district as a whole. Criteria for the award Southworth, Switzerland Point Middle School; includes exemplary job performance, dedicaAlison Cooper, Timberlin Creek Elementary; Lisa tion on the job, interpersonal skills, leadership King, Transportation; Wynton Hardy, Valley Ridge ability, in-service/training to enhance skills and Academy; Kelly Brown, Wards Creek Elementary; contributions to the school and school district Michelle Garren-Hendricks, The Webster School. environment.”
FBLA Award Winners Pedro Menendez High School students Louis Danner and Pierce Talbert competed at the recent Florida Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference in Orlando. Louis won 3rd place in the Securities & Investments event and Pierce won 4th place in the Introduction to Information Technology event.
Graduation Schedules
area.” said Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner.
Thursday, May 28 St. Johns Virtual School District Administrative Building Auditorium, 4:30 p.m. Pedro Menendez High School St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 7 p.m. Bartram Trail High School University of North Florida, 7 p.m. Friday, May 29 St. Augustine High School University of North Florida, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30 Creekside High School University of North Florida, 9 a.m. Ponte Vedra High School University of North Florida, 1 p.m. Allen D. Nease High School University of North Florida, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 First Coast Technical College Bldg. C, FCTC Campus, 7 p.m.
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New District Website Launched The new St. Johns County School District website is up and running. New features include: Home Page slideshow: Important news and events will now be highlighted in a slideshow on the home page and updated on a regular basis. New navigation menus: The top navigation bars have been revised based upon a year of website traffic statistics to ensure that visitors can easily
access the most often viewed content. Mobile-friendly design: The new site has been built with a responsive site design which will automatically reformat itself to look nice on variety of devices including desktop computers, tablets and smartphones. See it at: www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
Visit St. Johns County Schools online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/ for more information.
Page 27 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
WHY IT’S SMARTER To Own Than To Rent WE ALL KNOW THAT HOME OWNERSHIP BUILDS EQUITY for you, lowers your car insurance premiums, and allows you a tax deduction for your mortgage interest. Yet, well beyond the numbers, there are plenty more reasons to choose a Mattamy Townhome in Durbin Crossing, Willowbrook or Segovia. For one, all of our homes are designed by architects who create beautiful spaces for how real people want to live. Our communities also feature lavish amenities. At Durbin Crossing, you will find clubhouses, two pools, a fitness center, tennis and basketball courts plus playscapes. Discover how fulfilling life can be in your own Mattamy home today.
PURCHASE AMOUNT: $132,990 Loan: FHA 30 Year Fixed Down Payment: 3.5% ($4655 due at closing)
PURCHASE AMOUNT: $185,990 Loan: USDA 30 Year Fixed Down Payment: $0
Rate Estimate: 3.75% APR: 5.013% Principal and Interest: $614 Taxes: $135 Insurance: $45 HOA: $140 CDD: $111 MIP: $90
APR: 4.52% Principal and Interest: $879 Taxes: $185 Insurance: $50 HOA: $120 CDD: $113 USDA Service Fee: $78
TOTAL PAYMENT = $1,135
TOTAL PAYMENT = $1,425
AT WILLOWBROOK
AT DURBIN CROSSING
COST TO RENT: $1,460 *1517 SQ.FT. 3 Bed • 2 Bath *Reference: Cost to rent in 32258 www.century-apartments.com/century-bartram-springs/floorplans#sthash.rR59Il98.dpuf
OAKLEAF PLANTATION Townhomes From The Low $100s SALES CENTER: 3747 Aubrey Lane • 904-291-4111
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR COMMUNITIES REGISTER AT MATTAMYHOMES.COM FOLLOW US: SALES CENTER HOURS: Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm; Friday and Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm NMLS #64022. This is not a good faith estimate or a Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Statement required by federal law. If you make application with Mattamy Home Funding, your Good Faith Estimate and Truth-in-Lending Disclosure Statement will be sent to you in the opening package. This is not a commitment to lend, nor is it a rate lock, pre-qualification or pre-approval. This flyer is intended to assist you in evaluating a loan or home purchase using estimated closing and property costs. Closing and settlement costs, reserve deposits, interest rate and APR are subject to change and the estimates shown above may be more or less depending on factors such as but not limited to: down payment, property type, and occupancy. Housing costs will vary depending on but not limited to: location, homeowner’s association dues, local and state fees, taxes, and hazard and mortgage insurance. The estimate provided is based on a credit score of 740. Changes from third parties, which may include but not limited to: Lender’s affiliates, will be passed through at the actual cost charged by the 3rd Party. You may wish to compare these estimated charges in considering the total cost of your mortgage. Equal Housing Lender. Trade/service marks are the property of Christine Milbourne NMLS Loan Originator ID #197636, Mattamy Home Funding LLC NMLS #64022. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. License #CRC1330987.
Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
Things to Do
teens
Coercion is Corrosive C
oercion is the attempt to change the behavior of others by causing fear, pain, or humiliation. The implicit idea behind the practice of coercion is that if we can make child or teen feel very bad, then they will “straighten up.” However, very often coercion actually inflames situations and wreaks havoc on parent-child relations.
coercive strategies starts to influence the child to want to escape or entirely avoid their caregivers or learning/working environment. They learn through experience that it’s far better to entirely avoid parents or classes than would be to even try to change their behavior.
Is there hope at all? Absolutely! Heavily weight interactive balance towards the positive or neutral Coercion can come in many forms and can apwith a minimum of negative interactions. 1) Take pear without adults even intending to be coercive. daily time (5 to 20 minutes) to interact in a kind, Classic examples of coercion may seem similar fun, or supportive way. It could look like playing to psychological abuse—name calling, cursing a game, observing the child or teen engaging in or yelling. That said, coercion does not have to an activity that they enjoy and providing complibe so blatant. Talking negatively about the child ments, or even talking about the day. During this to other adults when the child can listen, raised time, there should be no negative comments, voices, empty threats that are unenforced, or judgment, instructions or discussion about expeceven extreme punishment that removes items tations. There’s a time and a place for instructhat is enforced for very long periods are also tions.2) Attend to and compliment achievements coercive. More subtle forms include the guilt or improvements. I’m not saying adults should trip, long lectures, and criticism. One may argue applaud for a child who didn’t listen, nor settle that constructive criticism leads to improvement. for shoddy or inferior performance on chores or Notice the term: constructive. It can, especially homework. Adults should be showing their apwhen done in an environment where the child is proval when work is done adequately and at least able to contact positive reinforcement. What does acknowledging when there has been some efforts not help is typical criticism: sharp reprimands to meet expectations. 3) Pick certain minor things or merely complaining about a child’s behavior to overlook. Not every kid is going to be happy at without input on how to improve. bedtime or homework time, and some of them express that in minor ways—“Aww, I don’t want The intended effect of coercion is to punish a to.” Realize that it can be disappointing to have to behavior that is unacceptable to the adult. But leave fun times and overlook small statements of even in the few circumstances where it appears disapproval, then help them get started if needed. to be “working,” coercion is likely to be causing 4) When instruction or feedback is being delivunintended side effects. One is that children pick ered, do it calmly. Mention that they missed the up on it and start to use it themselves, which bathroom garbage, or that they forgot to pick up of course causes adults to become even more their dirty clothes, or that they misspelled a word upset. However, if the child is often being yelled in a calm manner. To err is human, and mistakes at or reprimanded, they will likely yell or repriare going to happen. 5) Motivational systems can mand others—if not directly to their caregivers, also be put in place in which the child can either then to peers or younger children. Another effect earn or not earn their privilege. 6) It’s OK to ask is the “coercive cycle.” When the parent gives an for help. If you, or your friends, are locked in a instruction, the child may exhibit some form of coercive cycle with your children, consider asking noncompliance, followed by the parent becoming a professional for support. j coercive, followed by the child becoming coerAndrew Scherbarth, Ph.D., BCBA-D cive or even aggressive in return. The struggle Licensed Psychologist continues until one of the parties is dissatisfied enough to stop. This dynamic has been identified Board Certified Behavior Analyst as one of the primary factors in the development Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics Phone: 904.619.6071 | Fax: 904.212.0309 of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and adolescent risk behavior. Also, the reliance of adults upon
“I do my best because I’m counting on you counting on me..” – Maya Angelou
Page 29 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
Teens
Child & Babysitting Safety May 9, 9:30am to 2:30pm This course, is for youth ages 11-16. Graduates receive an official Babysitting Safety certification card from the American Safety & Health Institute. Cost is $45 with a $2.12 online fee. Register online in advance. Safety First CPR & Safety Training / The Performer’s Academy, 3674 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.safetyfirstjax.com City Wide Prom • May 9, 7:30pm to 11pm For the last eighteen years the Murray Hill Theatre has offered an alternative to the traditional prom to students 9th grade and up who are home schooled or attend private school and don’t have prom options. This annual event offers a positive environment for students who may not enjoy the atmosphere of their own high school’s prom. The prom festivities include food, DJ & more. Doors will open at 7:30pm. Tickets are $14 or $12 each for groups of 10 or more. Murray Hill Theatre / 932 Edgewood Ave. S. Jacksonville, FL, 32205 / www.murrayhilltheatre.com Job 101 – Job Opportunity Basics for Youth May 15, 6pm to 8pm The purpose of this course is to give youth ages 12-17 a hands-on experience with the finer points of finding, getting and maintaining a job. This fun and interactive workshop is led by Tukz Taaca, the
Co-Owner and Lead Instructor for Safety First CPR & Safety Training. Tukz has been in the workforce for over twenty-five years and has worked for well-recognized companies such as: Winn-Dixie, Walt Disney World, American Red Cross, LEGO and the YMCA. He spent much of his career as an Aquatics Director and was involved in the interviewing and hiring of young lifeguards and swim instructors and he saw a lot of the “good, the bad and the ugly” when it came to youth interviewing and job prep skills. Help your child get a leg up on the competition by taking this course and gaining a mature perspective on what should and should not be done when trying to get hired. Cost is $25, plus a $1.62 online fee. Safety First CPR & Safety Training / The Performer’s Academy, 3674 Beach Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.safetyfirstjax.com BFAS Sprint and Olympic Triathlon May 16, 7am to 10am The BFAS Sprint and Olympic Triathlon series is a series of three races in Mayport. The Sprint distance include a .25 mile swim, 16.8 mile bike and 3.4 mile run, and is appropriate for teens, race age 12 and older. The Olympic distance includes a .93 mile swim, 25.2 bike and a 6.2 mi run and is appropriate for ages 16 and older only. The Sprint race begins at 7am, with packet pickup, body marking, and race meeting happening before the race begins. Registration fees start at $75, with discount . Entry fees support the free concerts and educational outreach programs of the Beaches Fine Arts Series. USAT sanctioned. Beaches Fine Arts Series / 904-4668664 / Naval Station Mayport / www.bfasracing.org
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more Teen events.
Things to Do
pets
If You Poison Us... ASPCA has shared these 10 tips for keeping your pet safe from poisoning: 1. Be a Cautious Cleaner. Some cleaning products can cause burns in your pet’s mouth or esophagus, while others can lead to liver or kidney damage. To keep your pet safe, store all cleaning solutions out of their reach and keep animals out of the way while cleaning and rinsing. A dog may choose to drink old dirty mop water over fresh clean water! 2. Bait-er Safe Than Sorry! Place baits for rats, mice, ants, roaches, etc. in areas inaccessible to your pets. Some baits contain ingredients like peanut butter that may attract a pet. Don’t forget that some pests—like mice and rats—may move bait into an area your pet can easily reach. 3. The “Don’t Even Try It” Diet: Never give human food to your pet without checking with your veterinarian. Grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. If too much garlic or onion is ingested, red blood cells can be destroyed, causing anemia. Twitter Tips: Avocado can cause heart failure in birds, and macadamia nuts cause temporary hind limb paralysis in dogs. 4. Steer Toward Safety: Automotive products such as gasoline, oil, antifreeze, tire cleaners and windshield antifreeze should be kept where pets do not have access. Clean up spills immediately, even if you don’t think a pet would go in the garage. 5. Rx Only. Pets metabolize and eliminate some medications differently than humans. Only give your pet medication recommended by your veterinarian. The wrong medication can cause severe illness or even death. 6. Prudent Planting. Identify plants in your house and yard and remove those that can cause severe or life-threatening clinical signs (a few examples include oleander, yew, sago palms and lilies). Check to see if plants are toxic before landscaping. Twitter Tips: Cocoa Bean Mulch can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets. Reference our complete database of toxic plants for more information. 7. The Pest Test. Discuss flea and tick control
with your primary care veterinarian. Always read the label before applying a product to your pet and follow the directions. Never
Pet Events
FHS Family Pet Fair and Bark-K-Que May 2, 11am to 3pm Flagler Humane Society hosts a Family Pet Fair and Bark-K-Que at Herschel King Park. There will be onsite adoptions, “Support a Pet” race, pet food/supply drive, kids zone with bouncy houses and games, dog shows, contests, prizes, pet related vendors, music and more. Free admission; donations appreciated. Canine friends are welcome. Flagler Humane Society / 386-445-1814 / Hershel King Park, 1000 Grady Prather Jr. Cove, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www. flaglerhumanesociety.org Cinco De Barko Adoption Event May 5 Adoption fees are $5.00 for all animals, all day long. Jacksonville Humane Society / 904-7258766 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.jaxhumane.org
apply products to a species if the product is not labeled for that species. If you have both dogs and cats, double check that you are applying the correct product to the correct animal every time. 8. Be Home Aware. When work is being done at your home (like pest control, cleaning or painting), be sure you know what products are being used. Knowing the correct name of products (or even better, the EPA registration number) will assure that your pet is receiving the right medical advice should ingestion occur. 9. Pill Protection. Keep all prescriptions and medications out of your pet’s reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Keep your pet’s medications in an area away from the family’s medications. This will help prevent a pet accidentally ingesting a human’s medication (and vice-versa!). Twitter Tip: Human medications are the #1 cause of pet toxicity in America. The APCC handled nearly 25,000 cases regarding medication poisonings last year! 10. Be App-solutely Sure. Download the free ASPCA APCC mobile app for information about the toxicity of hundreds of products. The app provides pictures for easy identification, and tools like our “Chocolate Wheel” can calculate the severity of toxicity depending on factors like your pet’s weight and the amount ingested. j ASPCA.org
Yappy Hour May 6; May 13; May 20; May 27 , 5:30pm to 7:30pm This is a chance for you and your K9 companion to mix and mingle. Dog Trainer Sara Mercer will be in attendance and don’t forget to BYOB (Bring Your Own Bone). Plan to stay for dinner on the Patio and enjoy FYC’s Famous Fried Chicken. All dogs must stay on their leash. Florida Yacht Club / 904-387-1653 / 5210 Yacht Club Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / www. thefloridayachtclub.org
hosts a Spring Arf Barket. Riverside Arts Market / 715 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / riversideartsmarket.com Hamster Ball Derby May 16, 1:30pm to 3pm Got a need for speed? Bring your hamster and a hamster run-about ball into Petco for a chance to fast-track your furry friend to Derby Day fame. 1:30pm to 2pm — Registration and practice rounds 2pm — Races begin 3pm — Awards Ceremony All area Petco stores / www.petco.com 904-997-8441, 11900 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32225 904-273-0964, 950 Marsh Landing Parkway #145, Jacksonville, FL 32250 904-260-3225, 11111 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223 904-215-7498, 1514 Country Road 220, Fleming Island, FL 32003-7923 904-225-0014, 463713 State Road 200, Yulee, FL 32097 904-824-8520, 430 Cbl Drive, Saint Augustine, FL 32086 Pawparazzi Gala May 28, 6pm to 10pm Pawparazzi Gala to benefit First Coast No More Homeless Pets. Enjoy an elegant dinner, silent auction, and a live runway fashion show featuring the latest fashion from local boutiques and pets rescued by the Angel Fund. First Coast No More Homeless Pets / Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fcnmhp.org Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.
Riverside Arts Market Spring Arf Barket May 9, 10am to 4pm On Saturday, May 9th, The Riverside Arts Market
I Found a Kitten, What Should I do?
M
ore than 2,000 kittens will enter the Jacksonville Humane Society this kitten season. Many of them will be underage, abandoned, or still nursing with their moms. The Humane Society’s Kitten University opened its doors in 2012 with the support of Best Friends Animal Society. The overriding goal since the start has been to give underage kittens in the community a safe environment.
2. Catch the kitten(s). 3. Keep them warm and fed. 4. Become a foster parent! 5. Contact the Humane Society or the city’s Animal Care and Protective Services as your last resort.
You can make a difference this kitten season by making a donation to Kitten University as part of the Virtual Kitten Shower. Purchase items off our Amazon Wish List by using AmazonSmile, and There are many ways that you can help this kitten Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase price season. to the Jacksonville Humane Society. Or, you can also make a donation at www.jaxhumane.org/ The first is to know what to do if you find a stray donate. kitten. For more information about kittens and kitten 1. Look for the mother! season, visit www.jaxhumane.org. j
“A mother’s hug lasts long after she lets go.” – Unknown Page 30 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
things to do St. Augustine Chalk Walk Festival May 1 – 3 This St. Augustine 450th Anniversary event begins at 6pm on Friday with a Pre-Event Party. Saturday, beginning at 10am, is the all day Chalking Artistry. “Future” Chalk Artists will have an opportunity to chalk in a special children’s area. Prize Winners announced at 6pm. This is a free event for people of all ages to participate and create. Sunday is a full day of public viewing. St. Augustine Chalk Walk / Downtown St. Augustine, 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www. staugustinechalkwalk.com 52nd Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival May 1, 6pm to 10pm; May 2, 9am to 6pm; May 3, 10am to 5pm Each year, the Festival is held on the first weekend in May in the Historic downtown Centre Street business district in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. Activities include Pirate Parade, Kids Fun Zone, Pirate in Training and Little Pirate Contest, Food, Live Musical Entertainment, Invasion of the Pirates, Face Painting, and more. Free admission. Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival / Downtown Fernandina Beach, 102 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 / www.shrimpfestival.com World of Nations Celebration Saturday May 2, 11am to 9pm Sunday May 3, 11am to 6pm As you travel through the World of Nations Celebration, experience the cuisine, artistry and customs from lands near and far. Admission is $5 (Saturday or Sunday). Children ages 3 and under are free. There will be food, live music, International Marketplace, dance performances, and more. Visit website below for complete schedule, activities and more. City of Jacksonville / Metro Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32202 / www.coj.net Family Literacy Fun Day May 2, 12noon to 4pm The mission of Family Literacy Fun Day is to offer a free public event providing the community with: information and educational tools to enhance and support early childhood education distribution of new and gently used books, putting them into the hands of children, who may otherwise not have age appropriate books at home. Please register your child in advance online, to receive a free literacy bag. Activities will include food, games, books, prizes and more. CRC Educational & Community Resource, Inc. / 904632-4885 / Woodstock Park, 2839 West Beaver Street Jacksonville, FL 32254 / www.crceducational.org Sleeping Beauty - Ballet May 2, 8pm; May 3, 3pm Tchaikovsky’s enchanting Sleeping Beauty has captivated audiences for more than a century. Experience it in a full production, featuring dancers from Jacksonville’s own First Coast Nutcracker. Join Jax4Kids. com for pre-concert fun beginning one hour before the performance. Tickets start at $37.50. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra / 904-354-5547 / Times Union Center, Moran Theater, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org The Lightning Thief May 4, 10am to 12noon Based on the popular book series by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief will be performed at the Florida Theatre. Best for grades 2-6. Tickets are $8 per person. There will be two performances, 10am and 12noon. Call to reserve your tickets. Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com The Players Championship May 5 – 10 The game’s greatest players compete at TPC Sawgrass – The Players Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Page 31 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2015
In addition to practice rounds Tuesday and Wednesday, this year’s schedule includes Military Appreciation Day on Tuesday, a Mother’s Day Pink Out on Sunday and The Players Championship competition rounds Thursday through Sunday. PGA / TPC Sawgrass, 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.pgatour.com Dog Loves Books May 5, 10am to 12noon Dog Loves Books, based on the books by Louise Yates, will be on stage for two performances. Tickets are $8.50 per person. Best for grades Pre-K thru 2nd. Call to reserve your tickets. Artist Series of Jacksonville / 904-442-2929 / Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.artistseriesjax.org Steve Trash May 6, 10:15am to 11:15am Recycling enthusiast Steve Trash uses comedy, illusion, magic tricks and trash to teach young audiences about reducing, reusing and recycling, and most of all, that natural resources are valuable and limited. All tickets are $8. Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts / 904-2766750 / 283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www. thcenter.org Nitro Circus Live May 8, 7:30pm Nitro Circus Live features 40 of the world’s best action sports athletes performing record-breaking tricks in freestyle motocross, BMX and skate. The tour also features stunts unique to Nitro Circus using contraptions such as tricycles, snow skis, bath tubs and even a Barbie Car, all launched off the one of a kind, 50-foot high Nitro Gigant-A-Ramp. Tickets range from $39.00 – $99.00. Nitro Circus Live / Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / nitrocircus.com 3rd Annual Florida STEM & Health Expo May 9, 10am to 2pm Proudly sponsored by Jax4Kids.com, the 3rd Annual Florida STEM & Health Expo is Florida’s alternative to the typical County Science & Health Fair. It allows the students to get a chance to showcase their science work in a fun and unique venue, with learning opportunities for the entire family. This free, one-day event features science shows, STEM educators & scientists, hands-on activities, robots, community health supporters, doctors, health professionals, community workers, fire and police department, vendor booths, public servants, and more. This is a free event and is open to the public. River City Science Academy / 904-855-8010 / 7605 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www. floridastemexpo.com Treasure Island May 12, 10am to 12noon Treasure Island, based on the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, will be on stage for two performances. Tickets are $8.50 per person. Best for grades 2-8. Call to reserve your tickets. Artist Series of Jacksonville / 904-442-2929 / Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.artistseriesjax.org Concert on the Green Student Music Recital May 13, 7pm All music scholarship winners will be performing a free public recital. Concert on the Green / Memorial Chapel, Penney Farms Retirement Community, 3495 Hoffman Street Penney Farms, FL 32079 / concertonthegreen. com Moonlight Movies May 15, May 22, May 29, 9pm to 11pm Moonlight Movies are shown on a huge screen on stage at the Sea Walk Pavilion, movies start at 9pm. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and a picnic to enjoy
before the movie, visit the popcorn, candy, and beverage vendors, or dine at one of the many restaurants in downtown Jacksonville Beach. Restrictions include alcohol, skateboards, bicycles, glass, and animals (except qualified service animals). May 15 — Monsters, Inc. May 22 — The Princess Bride May 29 — X-Men City of Jacksonville Beach / Sea Walk Pavilion, 1st St N Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.jacksonvillebeach.org Nocatee Farmers Market Jaguar Rally May 16, 10am to 2pm Families who attend can look forward to appearances by Jags alumni, cheerleaders, Jaxson de Ville, and more. Jaguars bounce houses and games will also be part of the excitement. There will also be plenty of autograph and photo opportunities throughout the day. Along with this fun and interactive theme, the market includes over 80 local vendors offering items such as organic produce, herbs, spices, delicious unique foods, crafts, jewelry and more. Free face painting will also be available for little ones, along with crafts, and a bounce house. Nocatee Town Center / 904-924-6852 / Nocatee Town Center Field, 100 Marketside Avenue, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 / nocatee.com Westside Family Resource Center’s 5th Annual Family Fun Day May 16, 12noon to 4pm The Westside Family Resource Center hosts their 5th Annual Family Fun Day. Activities will include live entertainment, free food, music, games, contests, prizes, crafts, community resources and more. Free admission. Held at Cedar Hills Elementary School. Westside Family Resource Center / 904-390-3296 / Cedar Hills Elementary, 6534 Ish Brant Road , Jacksonville, Florida 32210 / www.familyfoundations.org Language and Culture Festival May 16, 2:30pm to 5pm Istanbul Cultural Center hosts a “Language and Culture Festival”. Their goal is to promote friendship and dialogue between different cultures while advancing linguistic and cultural diversity of the United States. Participating youngsters will showcase their cultural knowledge and language skills in a festival to develop understanding and respect among different traditions. Students will sing, recite poems, and perform folk dances. Istanbul Cultural Center / Times Union Center, Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.culturefestival.us Water Safety Fair May 17, 9:30am - 1pm Safe Kids Northeast Florida, led by THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, will be holding its annual water safety fair at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Splash Ground on Saturday, May 17, from 9:30am - 1:00pm. Celebrate Safe Kids 10th water safety fair, kicking off the swim season with community experts, interactive games, prizes, costumed characters and more! Channel 4 anchor Jennifer Waugh will be there at noon for a short program and prize drawing. Safe Kids Northeast Florida/ 904-202-4302 / wolfsonchildrens.org/safe kids Gathering of Friends Children’s Arts Festival May 17, 2pm The Gathering of Friends Children’s Arts Festival at the St. Augustine Amphitheater. Look for the Children’s Museum tent and participate in a creative musical art project. Other crafts and creative learning opportunities include a drum circle, make a puppet, create a collage, paint and bead, try out instruments and make your own, learn new dance steps, write a poem, experience the art of story telling and more. Free. Tag! Children’s Museum of St. Augustine / 904-6471757 / St. Augustine Amphitheater, 1340C A1A South
St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.tagmuseum.org Concert on the Green May 24, 8pm This year’s concert will be held in a new location — St. Johns Country Day School. The 28th annual event features family activities, prize-winning contests, local bands, Jacksonville Food Trucks, and is highlighted by an outdoor concert by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. The event will conclude with fireworks. Tickets are $15/adult; $5/student (6 to 17 years of age); children under 5 are free. Pre-sale tickets, Family Ticket Packages and VIP Dinner Packages are also available. The gates open at 4pm, and the concert starts at 8pm. Concert on the Green / St. Johns Country Day School, 3100 Doctors Lake Dr., Orange Park, FL, 32073 / concertonthegreen.com 27th Annual Memorial Day RiverFest Celebration May 25, 10am The City of Green Cove Springs hosts the 27th Annual Memorial Day RiverFest Celebration in Historic Spring Park. The Opening Ceremony at 10am starts the day off by honoring local Veterans, and continues throughout the day with food, arts & crafts booths, pony rides, bounce houses, live entertainment, and contests, including a Hotdog Eating Contest, Rubber Ducky Race in the “spring”, and an Apple Pie Judging Contest. The event concludes with a fireworks display. City of Green Cove Springs / 904-297-7500 / Historic Spring Park, 106 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.greencovesprings.com Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Auditions May 26 – 31 The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra holds competitive auditions each spring to form its membership for the following school year. Auditions for the 2015-2016 season will be held May 26-31, 2015 on the campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville, 11901 Beach Blvd. Results will be mailed to all applicants by July 1. Visit the website for more information, including 2015 Audition Guidelines. Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra / 904-354-5657 / Florida State College at Jacksonville, 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / jaxyouthorchestra.com Classical Conversations Parent Practicum – Fernandina May 28 – 30, 9am to 4pm Classical Conversations hosts a free three day parent practicum. Three days of training sessions, where homeschool parents can ask questions and learn more about homeschooling. Free event, but sign up online in advance. Student camps are offered at low cost for families attending together and parents attend free. Advance registration for student camps is required. Please register online. Classical Conversations / 904252-7042 / Springhill Baptist Church, 941017 Old Nassauville Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www. classicalconversations.com Public Education Partners’ (P.E.P.) Rally May 30, 8am to 12noon This year’s event will feature education-and-child-centric vendors and exhibitors, the Celebrity Reading Zone, student performances, the Teacher V.I.P. Club, and the return of the SPIRIT 5K Stadium Run ($20) and onemile Reading Is Fun for kids (free). Join the festivities as Duval County celebrates the acheivements of Duval County Public Schools’ students, teachers, employees, and community. Held at the Jaguars’ Cabana Fan Zone. Duval Schools / Everbank Field, 1 Everbank Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.duvalschools.org
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information and more events!