Jax4Kids December 2019

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In this issue: Holiday Guide

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December 2019

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Contents

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I

DECEMBER 2019

Dear Readers,

n addition to all of the wonderful holiday events you can enjoy this month – all of which you will find within the pages of this issue and online at Jax4Kids.com – there are some outstanding, non-holiday events we think your kids will love.

Movies at The Jacksonville Symphony are a big hit, and this month you can see Disney and Pixar’s UP with its score played live by your Jacksonville Symphony. The movie is playing December 1st at 3pm.

The Harlem Globetrotters shows are always a hit with kids! The Globetrotters will be at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on December 6th.

Magic passes are available for purchase and allow kids to go on the court before the show to meet the stars of the show, get autographs and photographs and shoot hoops.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar featuring Brown Bear, Brown Bear will be at The Florida Theatre on December 8th at 1pm. Tickets are available at floridatheatre.com.

Performers from around the world will be at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre performing with the Venardos Circus from December 18th through January 5th. Kids will enjoy aerialists, acrobats, magic, music, juggling, comedy and more.

We have a discounted admission offer for you.

When you order tickets, use the code JAX4KIDS and save 20%. Plan to arrive an hour early for the interactive pre-show party.

LIVING WELL

Community Profile: Hunger Fight............................................................................... 4 The Key to Happiness and Success........................................................................... 4 Mom’s Night Out Events............................................................................................ 5

NATURE

Governor’s Budget Includes Environmental Funds..................................................... 6 Things to Do: Nature Events..................................................................................... 6 Jumanji: The Next Level starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan opens in theaters on December 13th. We are giving you the chance to see an advance screening before the movie opens in theaters plus, movie swag! Visit us online at Jax4Kids. com for contest details. Note: contest ends on December 5th.

If you liked our 30 Days of Thanks giveaways, you’ll enjoy our annual 12 Days of Christmas giveaways too. We have some great prizes in store for you. Check our Facebook page at Facebook.com/jax4kids every day from December 13th through the 24th to see what you could win.

Wishing you abundant joy this holiday season!

Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

Happy Holidays!

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Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer...................... linda@jax4kids.com Tim Chavez Graphic Designer........................... tim@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................... beth@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2019.

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.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Cheers and a Healthy Ending to 2019!..................................................................... 7 CBD: What Parents Need to Know............................................................................ 8 Things to Do: Health & Safety................................................................................... 8

INFANT & TODDLER

RSV in Infants and Young Children............................................................................ 9 Things to Do: Infant & Toddler................................................................................ 11 Kids Say the Funniest Things.................................................................................. 11

SPECIAL NEEDS

Holiday Fun for Kids with Sensory Issues................................................................ 12 Things to Do: Special Needs Events........................................................................ 12

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Holiday Events...................................................................................................13-22 14 Ways to Stay Sane for the Holiday Season.......................................................... 14 Tracking Santa On That Special Night...................................................................... 15 Winter Camps 2019............................................................................................... 16 Non-Toy Guide........................................................................................................ 17 New Christmas Books............................................................................................. 19 Recycle Your Christmas Tree................................................................................... 20 Chanukah Events.................................................................................................... 20

EDUCATION

The Holidays Offer Many Writing Opportunities......................................................... 23 Duval County School District News.....................................................................24-26 Clay County School District News............................................................................ 27 St. Johns County School District News..................................................................... 28

TEENS

Parent’s Guide to TikTok......................................................................................... 29 Things to Do: Teens Events.................................................................................... 29

PETS

Nutritious, Delicious Pet Treats You Can Make in a Flash.......................................... 30 Things to Do: Pet Events........................................................................................ 30

THINGS TO DO

December Events.................................................................................................. 31

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 3

LIVING WELL

Community Profile: Hunger Fight

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truck by the numbers of children in North Florida who live daily with hunger, Sherri Porter founded Hunger Fight in 2012. Headquartered in Jacksonville, they are a 501(C)3 nonprofit agency that produces shelf-stable meals that are flavorful, nutritious, and easy to prepare in boiling water.

Delivered in a 4-serving family package that offers serving suggestions in both English and Spanish, the nutritious meals are designed to boost children’s health, physical and cognitive development. Tasty meals that children want to eat, our Cheezy Mac and Beans N Rice are fortified with 20 essential vitamins and nutrients to help kids meet their recommended daily nutritional requirements. The meals are great on their own or can be supplemented with meat, vegetables, chicken or fish. Our Brown Sugar Oatmeal breakfast fills a child’s tummy and provides the energy boost students need to focus, concentrate, and be ready to learn in school.

With a staff of 7, Hunger Fight’s success reflects the help they receive from the businesses, foundations, and community groups that host meal packing events, and the thousands of volunteers who participate.

A Meal Packing Event brings together volunteers to package Hunger Fight meals. A table of 10 participants, in assembly line style, will: 1) measure the ingredients; 2) fill the bag; and, 3) seal the bag. It’s a fun, motivational and fulfilling way to serve those in need, with every meal packed going to Title 1 students in your community. In 2018, over 6,100 volunteers joined in and packaged 1,578,358 meals. See HungerFight.org to find out how your business, church or group can host a healthy Meal Packing Event to benefit food insecure children and families

The Key to Happiness and Success I

month directly to the child’s home to encourage children and families alike to spend time believe I have found the key to happiness with books. The Feed the Need to Read and success and it can be observed first program is serving children across Central and hand in millions of homes and children’s Northeast Florida. hearts this holiday season. The key is to be like a kid on Christmas morning—Thankful for In Hunger Fight’s work with elementary the gifts you have received and optimistic and teachers and administrators participating in excited about the new gifts that are coming the Feed the Backpack program, in addition to your way. hunger, literacy was frequently discussed as one of the biggest problems facing our children, particularly those living in poverty.

Ninety percent of a child’s critical brain development occurs by age 5. Children who receive high quality education by age 5 are 70 percent more likely to graduate from high school. Achievement gaps between children in poverty and those from more affluent families become apparent by 18 months. When children start behind, they rarely catch up. But when children are read to from an early age, they become better readers and students.

Early reading experiences provide opportunities to build vocabulary and literacy rich environments that support development of pre-reading and cognitive skills that ensure children are prepared for success in school and in life.

How can you help? The cost is only $30 a year per child to enable them to receive books selected by a committee of early childhood experts to be age-appropriate and align with developmental needs. Your donation helps reach more children, providing books to children in need and changing children’s attitudes towards reading and early literacy skills.

Upcoming Hunger Fight events Include: Dec.3 – 5th Annual Republic National Distributors 'Giving Tuesday' Packing Event.

Initiatives include Feed the Backpacks with the Dec. 6 – Jaguars, Navy and Lou's Lads Packing Event. goal to provide Title 1 elementary students in Dec. 14 – H2R Inaugural Packing Event.

Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia a Dec 14 – Feed the Backpacks. nutritious meal to take home every weekend Jan. 12 – 2nd Annual St. Johns Cathedral of the school year to keep them healthy, Packing Event. focused and ready to learn.

Jan. 19 – 2nd Annual Dunn's Creek Baptist And Feed the Need to Read, an effort designed Packing Event. to help children develop reading skills. Hunger Jan. 25 – Providence School Inaugural Packing Even.

Fight, in partnership with the Dolly Parton Foundation’s Imagination Library, launched a literacy program that serves those who are at See HungerFight.org for more information and to get involved. j most risk: ages 0-5. Books are mailed each

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 4

It’s all about energy and when we project grateful energy we receive more gifts to be grateful about. That’s why abundance will flow into our life when gratitude flows out of our heart. We become a gratitude magnet and experience more joy, love, peace, happiness, and prosperity.

This was something I learned a number of years ago. At the peak of my misery, struggles and failures I realized I had to stop being disappointed about where I was and needed to start looking forward to where I was going.

Once I started being thankful for the simple gifts in my life and became excited about the road ahead I experienced a completely different journey. When you change your heart and mind you change the direction of your life.

So what are you thankful for? What is right about your life? Be sincerely grateful. Then think about what your brighter and better future looks like. What do you hope for? Trust it is happening. Get excited. We often think that we’ll get excited about life when we have a life that is exciting but actually it works just the opposite.

But what about my desire for a promotion, a better job, more money, more friends, better health, more abundance you might ask? Isn’t it important to strive for more? Doesn’t When we get excited about life is when we will gratitude breed contentment and stagnation? get a life that is exciting.

How can I be thankful when I know my life can be so much better?

In this spirit may you experience amazing gifts this holiday season and may your 2020 bring That’s why it’s important to also be optimistic you even greater gifts than you could ever and excited about the new gifts that are imagine. j coming your way.

Jon Gordon Sure you are thankful for what you have but www.jongordon.com you also look forward to more. Instead of www.energybusschools.com projecting the energy of “lack” and focusing on what you don’t have you focus on your gifts and you trust that even better gifts are coming your way.

“When I wake up, I expect things to be good. If they're not, then I try to set about trying to make them as good as I can 'cause I know I'm gonna have to live that day anyway. So why not try to make the most of it if you can? Some days, they pan out a little better than others, but you still gotta always just try.”

– Dolly Parton

Ladies Night Out at Color Me Mine Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19, 26 6pm to 9pm Thursday is Ladies Night Out at Color Me Mine. Ladies will receive 50% off the studio fee from 6pm to 9pm.

Color Me Mine / 904-338-9333 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jacksonville.colormemine.com Ladies Night: Sign Making Workshop December 6, 5pm to 8pm This year a local company, Let’s Inspire, will be hosting the last Ladies Night of the year. After a full demo, you will make holiday signs to decorate your house for the holidays. Food, drinks, music, & materials will be provided. Cost is $50.

Earth Works / 904-996-0712 / 12501 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.earthworksjax.com Autobahn Ladies Night Out Fridays, December 6, 13, 20, 27 6pm to close Autobahn Indoor Speedway hosts Ladies Night Out, every Friday after 6pm. Ladies save $10 off Race Packages or $5 off a Single Race Fridays 6pm to close. Not valid on holidays.

Autobahn Indoor Speedway / 904-674-8551 / 6601 Executive Park Ct N, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.autobahnspeed.com Christmas Tree Painting Party at Color Me Mine • December 8, 12noon to 2pm Paint a vintage style lit holiday tree for your own home. With your tree order, you are invited to the complimentary Tree Painting Party on Sunday December 8th, 12noon to 2pm. You will pay $5 studio fee to paint your tree on the day of the party. Cookies will be served. This year, they will have specialty

glazes to paint the Christmas Trees. All trees and wreath include a light kit. Please let Color Me Mine know if you are ordering a tree but will not be attending the painting party.

Small Tree 9.5", $58; Medium Tree 14", $68; Large Tree 17", $93 Color Me Mine / 904-338-9333 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jacksonville.colormemine.com Five Money Questions for Women December 12, 10:30am to 11:30am Women and men have differing considerations when it comes to long-term financial goals. For instance, because of a woman’s average longer life span, your needs may be significantly different from those of your spouse or others. Does your financial strategy fit your lifestyle and needs? Come learn more about five critical money questions for women.

St. Johns County Public Library, Ponte Vedra Beach Branch /904-827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org Beyou Jewelry Trunk Show December 15, 12noon to 2pm Scout & Molly's Jacksonville hosts a Beyou Jewelry Trunk Show at their Town Center location. Meet Jax Beach local artist, Lacey Smith of Beyou while you sip and shop her jewelry collection. Attendees can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a Beyou necklace.

Scout & Molly's / 904-300-3131 / 4818 River City Drive, Suite 101, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.scoutandmollys.com

2 Convenient Locations 8411 Baymeadows Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 880 US Highway A1A North, Suite 6, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Mom's Night Out events.

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 5

NATURE

Governor’s Budget Includes Environmental Funds

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lorida Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Bolder, Brighter, Better Future” budget, continues historic levels of funding for the environment, including Everglades restoration, targeted water quality improvements, alternative water supply and innovative technologies.

recurring funding of $625 million for the next three years for water quality improvements, springs restoration, alternative water supply and Everglades restoration.

Budget highlights include: • More than $318 million for the Everglades “This budget demonstrates the commitment to restoration. ensuring the state Department of Environmen• $10 million for coral reef restoration. tal Regulation has the resources we need to • $15 million for protection of the Apalachicprotect our environment. This critical funding ola, St. Johns and Suwannee watersheds. will allow us to continue to expedite Ever• $50 million for springs restoration. glades restoration, improve water quality, • $40 million for alternative water supply. conserve and manage state lands, and • $20.8 million for technologies that address advance coastal resiliency,” said DEP Secreharmful algae blooms, increased water tary Noah Valenstein. quality monitoring and support for the Blue-Green Algae Task Force and the Office On DeSantis’ second full day in office, he of Environmental Accountability and issued an executive order implementing Transparency. reforms to ensure the protection of Florida’s • $154 million for Florida Forever, the environment and water quality. The Governor conservation and recreation lands also called for $2.5 billion to be invested over acquisition program, and Florida state the next four years, which would amount to $1 parks. billion more than was invested in the previous • $8.5 million for resilient coastlines and four years. coral reef protection.

• $50 million for beach restoration. j To meet this pledge, his budget includes

Things to Do Nature Events

Parent's Night Out at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm December 6th, 5:30pm to 8pm The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park hosts Parent's Night Out. Cost includes pizza, drinks, hands-on animal presentation, twilight zoo tours, a zoo themed craft, nocturnal games, and more. Price is $30 for members, and $35 for non-members. For ages 5 to 12. Register in advance to secure your spot.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park / 904-824-3337 / 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 /www.alligatorfarm.com

rienced birders/naturalists. Program follows.

This successful annual event is modeled after Audubon's Christmas Bird Count held each December across the world. Jacksonville Zoo - Wild Ambassadors will present a program after the count. This event is for ages 8 and above. This is a free event, rain or shine.

Registration begins at 8:30am. Event begins at 9am. Camp Chowenwaw Park / 904-6123780 / 1517 Ball Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.duvalaudubon.org

Wild Turkeys: An Educational Talk December 10, 4pm to 5pm Turkeys are a symbol of the holiday season, but what do you know about wild turkeys?

Join Parks Naturalist Kelly Ussia at Ponte Vedra Library for an informative talk about this charismatic bird. This program is free and open to all ages. Seating for this event 6th Annual Christmas Bird Count For Kids is first-come, first-served. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904December 7, 9am Back for a 6th year, CBC4Kids is a citizen sci- 209-0335. St. Johns County Public Library, ence adventure, designed for kids aged 8-16, Ponte Vedra Beach Branch / 904-209-0335 / 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL to promote an appreciation and awareness 32082 / sjcpls.org for birds and nature. This offers an intro to birding and 60 minutes on the trail with expeRavine Gardens Ugly Sweater Walk

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 6

downtown jacksonville 2:00 pm 1 s t P l a c e S p o r t s. c o m “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

– Walt Disney December 14, 9am to 11am Ravine Gardens State Park hosts an Ugly Sweater Walk. Families are invited to usher in the holiday season with a 1.8 mile walk around the park in your tackiest holiday apparel. All pre-registered participants will receive a free goodie bag. Registration is free and not required but recommended.

Awards will be given for the top three “Worst” Holiday Sweaters*. (*Because this is Florida – sweaters will be defined as sweaters, long sleeve t-shirts or short sleeve t-shirts, since temperatures can be unpredictable. Sweaters should be holiday themed.) This is not a timed event. Participants can register online or by calling 386-329-3721. Entry fees for this event will be provided by the Friends of Ravine Gardens as a part of their monthly community health series. Fitness and health care providers will be onsite providing information on healthy living and fitness. Ravine Gardens State Park / 386-329-3721 / 1600 Twigg Street, Palatka, FL 32177 / www.floridastateparks.org Christmas at Ravine Gardens December 14, 6pm to 9pm Ravine Gardens State Park hosts their annual

Christmas celebration. The garden and court of states will be glowing with holiday lights.

The Court of States Musical Light Show will return, featuring hundreds of twinkling lights all jumping to holiday classics. Rangers will host a variety of "reindeer games" and costumed characters will mingle with park guests. Food vendors will be onsite. The event entry is $2 per person, cash only.

All proceeds benefit the Friends of Ravine Gardens, a non-profit group that helps to provide events, programs, and projects in the park. Santa will stop by from 6pm to 7:45pm and again from 8:15pm to 9pm. An additional donation of $1 per child will be requested for entry into the Santa Room. Children will receive a goodie bag and each family will receive 1 printed photograph with Santa.

The Santa Room will be located in the Civic Center. Parking within the park is limited.

Additional parking will be available in the lot next to the park off of Twigg Street.

Ravine Gardens State Park / 386-329-3721 / 1600 Twigg Street, Palatka, FL 32177 / www.floridastateparks.org Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Nature events.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Cheers and a Healthy Ending to 2019!

P

eople complain about packing on extra pounds during the holidays. It starts with sharing your kid’s Halloween candy (they don’t need all that sugar, right?) and the festivities continue from there through the celebration of Thanksgiving and into the Christmas season, to ringing in the New Year. The latest studies show people gain an average of only one pound during this cascade of calories and goodness, but some would argue that’s not true for everyone. Here are some tips to avoid gaining weight this holiday season that can keep your entire family on the healthier size.

Keep Active First rule of the holidays – stay active! Take advantage of the cooler weather - it makes it nicer to take the family on long walks or extended bike rides. Spend more time outdoors with the ones you love. Take a soccer ball to the park or hop on a nature trail to enjoy this time with family. Check out the Arboretum here in Jacksonville for nature trail adventures. www.jacksonvillearboretum.org

Balance Healthy at Home While you may encounter everything decadent when on holiday outings, continue to make your home a place of healthy food choices.

Continue to choose whole grain breads, low-fat dairy, Greek yogurt, fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats. Provide your children with healthy snacks and beverage options at home to balance the high fat/sugar treats when away from home.

Cut out the Sugary Beverages We don’t keep sodas at our house because I know how much sugar they contain, and artificially sweetened beverages aren’t the best option either as recent studies have shown. Sodas ideally should be special occasion treats, and not everyday options. Too much sugar leads to weight gain and cavities, while diet sodas can leave you feeling hungrier, which in turn, can lead to consuming more calories and weight gain as well. Best options for home? Water, sparkling water (seltzer), low-fat milk and/or unsweetened almond or soymilk. And remember, Gatorade is

perfect when performing sports activities in hot weather, but not when kids are sitting around the house because it too is a sugary drink.

It’s the Season of Giving Get out in the community this holiday season and give your children an understanding of what giving is all about. Make a loaf of banana bread with your kids to share with a neighbor that lives alone. Volunteer at a center that provides meals for those who have no where to live. Or have your children help bake cookies for a senior center and then take a few minutes to visit with the residents who live there. Food is more than just nourishment; it brings people together in a loving way.

Be blessed and healthy this holiday season!j Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition Wolfson Children’s Hospital

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HEALTH & SAFETY

CBD: What Parents Need to Know

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BD is available everywhere in the form of oils, lotions, gummies and more. Though CBD — full name cannabidiol — is extracted from marijuana or hemp, it doesn’t contain THC, the chemical in marijuana that has psychoactive effects, so it doesn’t make you feel high.

CBD has been touted as a treatment for chronic pain, cancer, migraines, anxiety and ADHD. Increasingly parents are turning to CBD to help their kids focus, sleep, calm down and more.

“The biggest problem is there’s a lot that we still need to know, especially in kids,” says Dr. Paul Mitrani, clinical director at the Child Mind Institute. “In regards to treating mental health disorders in children and adolescents, there’s a lack of evidence to support its use.”

Dr. Mitrani, who is a pediatrician and child and adolescent psychiatrist, says it’s an area worthy of investigation but recommends that parents wait until further research is done before giving a child CBD. Use of CBD is blowing up with very little research into its safety or its efficacy, especially in children. The first and only marijuana-derived drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Epidiolex, is used to treat a rare, severe form of epilepsy in patients two years of age and older. And since cannabis is in the early stages of legalization and regulation, there is a huge variety in the quality and dosage of products — risks associated with using products that have not been vetted by the FDA. Concerns about CBD There are risks associated with using CBD products, especially in children. Some of the concerns include: • Lack of consistency in the amount of CBD being delivered. Many products do not have the amount of CBD that they advertise.

• Very little is known about how much CBD is actually delivered to the brain in a given product. Various delivery systems (vaping, taking it orally, etc.) – have different rates of delivery.

• Products may contain things other than CBD, and they could be harmful. Lab testing — which provides information about CBD levels, THC levels (if any), and contaminants in the product — isn’t mandatory for CBD products in every state.

• CBD may be safe itself, but it may interact

with other medications a child is taking, that are also metabolized in the liver.

• If it’s used for sleep, Dr. Mitrani worries that while it may potentially help with sleep, “your child may become tolerant to it and possibly experience worsening sleep problems if stopped.”

• Since CBD use — especially for kids — is a still so new, few people are familiar with dosing for children, so determining how much to give your child would be tricky.

The FDA issued a statement making clear that products that contain CBD — even if they are derived from legal, commercial hemp — cannot claim to have therapeutic benefits or be sold as dietary supplements unless they have been approved by the FDA for that use.

CBD oil for anxiety In 2015 a group of researchers investigated the potential of CBD for treating anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and OCD. In a review of 49 studies, they found promising results and the need for more study.

CBD and autism A group of Israeli researchers have been exploring the use of CBD to reduce problem behaviors in children on the autism spectrum.

A feasibility study involving 60 children found substantial improvement in behavioral outbreaks, anxiety and communication problems, as well as stress levels reported by parents.

The researchers, led by Dr. Adi Aran, director of the pediatric neurology unit at Shaare Tzedek Medical Center, went on to do a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 150 participants with autism. In this trial, just completed but not yet analyzed, patients were treated CBD for three months.

Research boom In the US, research has been given a boost by changing guidelines and laws. In 2015 the DEA eased some of the regulatory requirements that have made CBD, as a Schedule 1 substance, difficult to study. “Because CBD contains less than 1 percent THC and has shown some potential medicinal value, there is great interest in studying it for medical applications,” the DEA said in announcing the change. j childmind.org

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 8

Things to Do Health & Safety

Ugly Sweater 5K and Open House December 7, 8am to 12noon The Winston Family YMCA hosts an Ugly Sweater 5K and Open House. The 5K begins at 8am, followed by an open house from 9am to 12noon. The open house will feature pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, craft activities, an ugly sweater contest, and more. Registration for the 5K begins at $20.

Winston Family YMCA / 904-278-9622 / 221 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / fcymca.org

a lifesaving one. NOTE: This course is not for health care providers or anyone seeking professional certification card. Cost is $30.

Baptist Medical Center South / 904-202-2229 / 14550 Old St Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / baptistjax.com

Community CPR and/or Basic First Aid: Blended Learning December 23, 5pm to 7pm Blended Learning Courses combine online learning with in-person instruction and the certification exam. For either of these courses, Community CPR/AED and/or Basic First Aid, after registering (within 24 hrs) you will receive an email with your online course link. You can select just Community CPR/AED, just Basic First Aid, or both. You will need to complete your online course prior to your in-person Light Up the House 5K & Family Day session date that you are registering for. The December 7, 8am online course will teach all of the course inforAthletes of all levels are invited to run, walk mation and the in-person session provides the or stroll their way through Ronald McDonald hands-on practice and instructor interaction, House of Jacksonville’s Light Up The House as well as the administration of the certifica5K. Join other run enthusiasts on the 5K tion exam(s). Upon successful completion, race course that snakes its way through both course provide a two-year official certihistoric San Marco and along the beautiful fication from the American Safety and Health St. John’s River. The one mile fun run is free Institute. Topics covered include Community and begins at 9:30am. Registration for the CPR/AED (Infant, Child and Adult certification) 5K ranges from $35 to $45. The Family Includes instruction in CPR for all ages, use of Day festival is a family-friendly event that the Automated External Defibrillator and how is free for both children and adults and will to help a victim who is choking; Basic First feature special guest appearances from story Aid - Class topics include: Response preparabook characters, games, arts & crafts, face tion • Recognizing an emergency • Consent painting, balloon art and more.

• Patient assessment • Bleeding control • Ronald McDonald House / 904-807-4663 / Injuries, shock and poisoning • Common first 824 Children's Way, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / aid situations—bites and stings, heat and cold rmhcjacksonville.org emergencies, burns and more. Registration is $40 for Community CPR/AED; $40 for Basic School Food Expo - JWJ Middle School First Aid; or $75 for both. In class times are December 11, 5pm to 7pm 5pm to 7pm for Community CPR/AED and Parents are invited to learn more about their 6pm to 7pm for Basic First Aid. student’s school dining program, sample Jacksonville Public Library - South Mandarin menu items, meet the culinary team, enter Branch / 904-434-6032 / 12125 San Jose to win prizes, and more. Duval County Public Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / Schools will be hosting several events in var- safetyfirstjacksonville.com ious regions throughout the district, so keep an eye out for a School Food Expo near you. VyStar New Year’s Eve Run James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory December 31, 2pm Middle School / 904-693-7600 / 3276 NorThe course will start and finish on A. Philip man E Thagard Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32254 Randolph Blvd. in front of the VyStar Memorial / dcps.duvalschools.org Arena and run a course to downtown and back. A special New Year’s Eve finisher medal Family and Friends CPR Class will be awarded to all participants. Entry fees December 14, 1:30pm to 4:30pm range from $35 to $45. For a $10 donation, This American Heart Association course you will receive a Dream Team wristband; “Friends and Family CPR” will give youhands funds will support Run With a Child-Dream on practice for CPR/AED (automatic exterTeam, a group of twelve youth from different nal defibrillator) and choke-saving skills parts of Northeast Florida and South Georgia for infant and child. Adult CPR will also be who suffer from a variety of illnesses. demonstrated by instructors. In addition to VyStar Memorial Arena / 300 A Philip Randolph CPR, this class will cover injury prevention Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / tips and child safety. Whether you are a 1stplacesports.com parent, grandparent, babysitter or friend this single session will provide you with the skills Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of that can turn a life threatening situation into Health & Safety Events.

INFANT & TODDLER RSV in Infants and Young Children

R

SV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection) can be dangerous for some infants and young children. Each year in the United States, an estimated 57,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized due to RSV infection.

Those at greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include: • Premature infants • Very young infants, especially those 6 months and younger • Children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease • Children younger than 2 years old with chronic heart disease • Children with weakened immune systems • Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions Severe RSV Infection Virtually all children get an RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old. Most of the time RSV will cause a mild, cold-like illness, but it can also cause severe illness such as: • Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung)

• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs) One to two out of every 100 children younger than 6 months of age with RSV infection may need to be hospitalized. Those who are hospitalized may require oxygen, intubation, and/or mechanical ventilation (help with breathing). Most improve with this type of supportive care and are discharged in a few days.

Early Symptoms of RSV RSV may not be severe when it first starts.

However, it can become more severe a few days into the illness. Early symptoms of RSV may include: • runny nose • decrease in appetite • cough, which may progress to wheezing RSV in Very Young Infants Infants who get an RSV infection almost always show symptoms. This is different from adults who can sometimes get RSV infections and not have symptoms. In very young infants (less than 6 months old), the only symptoms of RSV infection may be • irritability • decreased activity

• decreased appetite • apnea (pauses while breathing) • Fever may not always occur with RSV infections.

upper shirt sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash afterward.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that people frequently touch, such as toys and doorknobs. When people infected with RSV touch surfaces and objects, they can leave behind germs. Also, when they cough or sneeze, droplets containing germs can land on surfaces and objects.

• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and public areas when you are sick. This will help protect others from catching your illness.

What you should do if your child is at high risk for severe RSV infection RSV season occurs each year in most regions of the U.S. during fall, winter, and spring. If you have contact with an infant or young child, especially those who were born prematurely, are very young, have chronic lung or heart disease or a weakened immune system, you should take extra care to keep the infant healthy by doing the following: • Wash your hands often. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Washing your hands will help protect you from germs.

• Keep your hands off your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs spread this way.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

Avoid close contact, such as kissing, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who have cold-like symptoms.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your

Scientists are working to develop vaccines There is no vaccine yet to prevent RSV infection, but scientists are working hard to develop one. And there is a medicine that can help protect some babies at high risk for severe RSV disease. Healthcare providers usually give this medicine (called palivizumab) to premature infants and young children with certain heart and lung conditions as a series of monthly shots during RSV season. If you are concerned about your child’s risk for severe RSV infection, talk to your child’s doctor. j cdc.gov

A lifetime of confidence starts here At KinderCare, we’ll make sure your child has everything they need. Teachers who care.

Classrooms where safety is priority number one. A nurturing place to try new things and explore the world. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, you’re welcome in our circle.

Give us a call to schedule a tour.

833-90-LEARN enrollnow@kindercare.com

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Oakleaf KinderCare Now Open 431 Drysdale Orange Park, FL 32065

Yulee KinderCare Opening Spring 2020 110 Floco Avenue Yulee, FL 32097

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9

INFANT & TODDLER

Things to Do Infant & Toddler

Urban Air Jumperoo Toddler Jump Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Fridays, December 6, 13, 20, 27 10am to 12noon Mondays and Fridays are for toddlers 5 and under at Urban Air. Cost is $9.99 for toddlers and parents are free. Socks not included. Not valid on school holidays.

Urban Air Adventure Park / 904-712-4457 / 9950 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.urbanairtrampolinepark.com Mini Monday at Color Me Mine Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 10am to 9pm Mondays are Mini Mondays with $1 studio fees for preschoolers and toddlers all day.

Color Me Mine / 904-338-9333 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jacksonville.colormemine.com Story Time at Doing Dishes Pottery Studio December 3, 4pm and December 6, 10am Doing Dishes offers a Story Time at both locations. Class is once a month, Tuesdays at 4pm and Fridays at 10am. For $15, your child will hear a story and then paint a corresponding piece. This class is designed for you and your child to create a scheduled project together. Smaller children will need guardians help. Reservations are required.

This month will feature the story "Moosletoe", and participants will paint festive holiday plates. They will have two design options available: "Mistletoes" (Best for Babies and Toddlers 2 years and under) or you can upgrade to a larger plate. OR the class reindeer handprint design with dots.

Doing Dishes Pottery Studio / www.doingdishes.com 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 Toddler Time Christmas Party at Bravoz Entertainment Center December 17, 9:30am - 11:30am Bravoz Entertainment Center hosts a Toddler Time Christmas Party. During this time, the facility is reserved for the exclusive use of kids ages 5 & under. One adult is admitted for free with each child’s $8 paid admission.

A valid waiver & Grip Socks are required for all participants.

Bravoz Entertainment Center / 904-300-0070 / 14985 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / bravoz.com

Daddy's Day at Ready Set Play Thursdays, December 5, 12, 19, 26 10am to 12noon Dads are invited to bring their children to Ready Set Play every Thursday. Receive $2 off your child's admission from 10am12noon. There will also be $2 coffees for dads only.

Ready Set Play St. Augustine / 904-679-3064 / 1765 Tree Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / play904.com Santa and Mrs. Claus at Ready Set Play December 5, 3pm to 5pm Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by Ready Set Play to say hello to all the good little boys and girls. Come take a photo with Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas. There will be a Christmas treat for each child after they see Santa. Plus, stay and play after you've visited Santa. This event is $12 per child (punch cards are not excepted for special events).

Ready Set Play St. Augustine / 904-679-3064 / 1765 Tree Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / play904.com The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show December 8, 1pm Based on Eric Carle’s most known and loved children’s books, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, moves from the page to an on stage production created by Jonathan Rockefeller.

The journey will bring to life more than 70 puppets. The show also includes classic tales such as, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks and The Very Lonely Firefly.

Tickets range from $20 to $50.

Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com

Episcopal Children’s Services Free Child Care Resource & Referral (904) 726-1500 • (800) 238-3463 www.ecs4kids.org Child Care Resource and Referral Services can help your family by providing: • A customized list of local child care options from our trained specialists.

• Information about quality child care and early learning programs • Financial assistance strategies and opportunities • Referrals to other community resources and programs.

Early Learning Coalition North Florida

Helping Children. Helping Families.

The Discovery School Open House: Toddler and Primary December 9, 9am - 11am The Discovery School hosts an Open House for prospective families of toddler and primary levels. Open Houses are parent focused events that provide the opportunity to experience The Discovery School firsthand.

Each session will start promptly with program details provided by faculty, followed with an opportunity to ask questions. The Open House will conclude with a tour of the campus.

The Discovery School / 904-247-4577 / 102 15th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.thediscoveryschool.org

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list Infant & Toddler Events.

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.

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 11

SPECIAL NEEDS

Holiday Fun for Kids with Sensory Issues P

arties and family gatherings, special food, treats and twinkling lights – what’s not to like about the holidays? Plenty, for kids with autism and other sensory challenges.

Many are easily overwhelmed by new sights and sounds.

Spending time with relatives you rarely see, eating unusual food, going new places and opening presents is a lot to take in, especially when the celebration goes on for days.

Try these tips to make the holidays more fun for kids with autism and sensory issues.

1. Get Ready. Read books, watch videos and talk about the holidays well in advance so they’re more familiar.

5. Make it Sensory-Friendly. Visiting Santa is a special experience, but waiting in line with lots of noisy kids can be very difficult.

Some organizations offer sensory-friendly Santa experiences. For example, Invo’s Lake Gray Therapy Center is hosting a sensory friendly Santa on December 14.

See invotherapies.com/holidayfestival for information.

Also try calling your local mall. Most malls can let you know when the wait time is shortest, and many will provide an escort to the front of the line.

6. Build New Traditions. Holiday events don’t need to be big or loud to be meaningful.

Sledding with another family, having a cookie-decorating party with cousins or hosting a winter picnic in front of the fireplace can build wonderful memories for the entire family with less anxiety for kids on the spectrum.

Spend some time looking at pictures of people you’ll see at events. Extended family and friends aren’t strangers to you, but your son may not remember them from 7. Be Realistic. Every parent wants their child last year. The more people he recognizes, to have a wonderful holiday, but it’s helpful the more relaxed he’ll be. to focus on what your child can manage 2. Detour Around Food Fights. Special foods and enjoy. are a big part of holidays, but it’s not 8. If your child sits at the dinner table for five unusual for children on the spectrum to minutes, greets a distant relative in have specific eating habits or be on a whatever way he usually says hello or restricted diet. If your daughter is open to rejoins the party after retreating to a quiet trying new foods, make some in advance place, that’s a success worth celebrating. and see how it goes. If not, bring meals, snacks and treats you know she’ll enjoy.

Happy memories are built over years. If a Tell the hosts ahead of time so they aren’t holiday activity, party or event doesn’t go as surprised and don’t push the issue. well as you’d like this year, there are many opportunities to come. Trying to make the 3. Find a Quiet Space. The energy of holiday holiday season perfect is a recipe for stress gatherings is exciting, but the noise and and disappointment. A new definition might activity can be too much for kids with help: The “perfect” holiday season is one that autism. works for your family this year. j As soon as you get to a party, scope out a den or space away from the action where Editor’s Note: Jennifer Jones manages Invo you can take your son if you see signs of Behavior and Therapy Services Lake Gray Center. distress. Having favorite toys and comfort A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed items on hand can help soothe him.

Mental Health Counselor, Jennifer has extensive 4. Plan for Presents. Many kids get over-stimulated by lots of presents and waiting to open their gifts. One idea is to give your child an especially desirable present right away so she’s occupied with something fun and doesn’t have to wait. If it’s difficult for your daughter to focus on more than one or two things, save gifts and give them to her over several days.

experience helping children with autism and other sensory disorders. For more information about Invo’s center and in-home therapy in Jacksonville, call 800.356.4049 or see invotherapies.com.

Jennifer Jones, LMHC, BCBA Invo Behavior and Therapy Services

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 12

Things to Do

kids, photos with Santa, ornament designing, cookie decorating, and a “fishbowl” silent auction to participate in. And all who attend can participate in Trimming the Tree with provided ornaments, as well as personalized ornaments made at the ornament station.

Sensory Friendly Night General admission is $7 in advance, or $10 December 2, 3pm to 5pm at the door. Individuals with a disability are Bravoz, in partnership with Reaching Milestones, offers Sensory Friendly Nights. During free, and their family members are $5. All proceeds are used to support programs for Sensory Friendly Nights, the music is turned families impacted by disabilities. off and the distractions are dialed down Fountain of Youth, Magnolia Room / 855-288to make the facility more sensory-friendly.

6735 / 11 Magnolia Avenue, St. Augustine, FL Available on the 1st Monday of each month 32084 / abilitytree.org from 3pm to 5pm from September – May. Access is for 2 hours of time on the tramSensitive Santa at Orange Park Mall polines and/or ninja course. One parent/ December 8, 9am to 11am caretaker/therapist is admitted for free with Sensitive Santa is coming to Orange Park each sensory friendly participant $10 paid Mall on December 8th. Families are invited admission. Bravoz Jump socks are required for a sensory-friendly Santa experience for for anyone going out on the trampolines.

Jump socks are available for $2 per pair and families with sensory sensitivies. There will be a variety of sensory-friendly activities are reusable on future visits. for everyone to enjoy while meeting Santa Bravoz / 904-373-6386 / 14985 Old Saint before the hustle and bustle of regular mall Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / hours. Register in advance so they can gauge bravoz.com attendance.

Orange Park Mall / 904-269-2422 / 1910 All Abilities Night at iFLY Jacksonville Wells Rd, Orange Park, FL 32073 / December 2, 5pm All Abilities Night at iFLY is a unique event that orangeparkmall.com makes the dream of flight a reality for those in the special needs community. This program Sensory Towne Frozen Holiday Party December 14, 10am to 12noon has been custom designed for those with physical and cognitive challenges to create an Sensory Towne hosts a Frozen Holiday Party.

Elsa and Olaf will be there to entertain the environment of support and inclusion, while focusing on making what seems impossible, kids, and there will be photo opportunites, games, crafts, food and snowball fights. possible. For more details and to reserve Cost is $25 for non members and $12.50 for your spot, contact iFLY at 904-712-3388 or members. Reservations required. sales@iflyjacksonville.com. Everyone in the special needs community is welcome to par- Sensory Towne / 904-551-6443 / 8380 ticipate. Event package includes a pre-flight Baymeadows Road Suite 6, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.sensorytowne.com training session, and all the necessary flight gear (suit, helmet, goggles). Each flyer will be assisted by specially trained Flight Instructors Sensory Towne Caring Santa December 15, 12noon to 2pm during the event with extra attention and accommodations based on participant needs. Families will have the opportunity to meet with Sensory Towne's Caring Santa in a safe Each flyer receives 2 flights (1 minute each) and patient environment. Cookies, cider and for $39.95 and a free video. iFLY / 904-712-3388 / 10579 Brightman Blvd, crafts will be available. Cost is $12 for non members and $6 for members.

Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.iflyworld.com Sensory Towne / 904-551-6443 / 8380 Baymeadows Road Suite 6, Jacksonville, FL Trim the Tree for Ability Tree 32256 / www.sensorytowne.com December 8, 3pm to 5pm Families are invited to the annual Trim the Tree for Ability Tree. There will be sweet Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list treats and a hot cocoa bar, activities for the of Special Needs events.

Special Needs Events

“It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”

– Maya Angelou

HOLIDAY GUIDE Photos with Santa at the Orange Park Mall Thru December 24 Santa will be returning to the Orange Park Mall through December 24th. Visit website for hours that Santa will be available for photos.

Orange Park Mall / 904-269-9413 / 1910 Wells Rd, Orange Park, FL 32073 / orangeparkmall.com

Jacksonville Beach Deck the Chairs Thru January 1, 5pm to 1am nightly Deck The Chairs (DTC) is an annual lighted sculptural exhibit using the iconic red chairs of The American Red Cross Life Saving Corps.

Free and open to the public. The lights will be on every night. All net proceeds from DTC will benefit the Volunteer Life Saving Corps of Jacksonville Beach to help supplement World’s Largest Gingerbread Pirate Ship funding provided by the American Red Cross Thru December 27 and the City of Jacksonville Beach. Funds are The Gingerbread Ship returns to the Ritz-Carl- needed for training and outreach programs, ton Amelia Lobby with pirate characters and maintenance of its oceanfront facility. sculpted from chocolate. Join the launch on Seawalk Pavilion / 904-716-3853 / 11 1st November 27 or visit the Lobby through DeStreet North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / cember 27 to take a picture and see the edible deckthechairs.org crew on their extraordinary gingerbread ship.

Ritz-Carlton Amelia / 904-277-1100 Jax Illumination’s Annual Drive Thru / 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Holiday Light Show Amelia Island, FL 32034 / Thru January 4, 6pm to 9:30pm www.ritzcarlton.com Jax Illuminations features over a mile of Christmas lights, Gateway to St. Augustine perfectly synchronized to 1st Annual Gingerbread holiday music. The one mile House Competition & Tour drive thru features two mega Saturdays and Sundays thru trees, a 300 ft tunnel of lights, December 29, 1pm to 4pm custom Christmas scenes and Area businesses along State much more. Cost is $20 per car Road 16 at the I-95 area, consid(up to 7 people) Sun - Thur, $25 Fri ered the entrance to St. Augustine, & Sat, $35 for passenger vans. will display their Gingerbread House creation.

Morocco Shrine Center / 904-316-5673 / The public is invited to stop in on Saturdays 3800 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S, Jacksonville, FL and Sundays between 1pm and 4pm to view 32224 / jaxilluminations.com each entry. Stop by all the locations and cast your vote for the best gingerbread house. A Christmas at Gaylord Palms free activity will be available at each location Thru January 5 (while supplies last).

During Christmas at Gaylord Palms, families St. Augustine Outlets, 500 Outlet Mall Blvd can enjoy holiday displays that include more Adamec Harley Davidson, 380 Outlet Mall Blvd than 2 million twinkling Christmas lights and Fairfield Inn & Suites, 305 Outlet Mall Blvd acres of larger-than-life decorations. Enjoy Holiday Inn Express, 2300 SR 16 visits with Santa, Cirque Dreams UnWrapped Courtyard Marriott I-95, 2075 SR 16 Live Stage Show, ICE! featuring The Polar Old Town Villages Condos, 160 Old Town Pkwy Express, Alpine Rush Snow Tubing, Naughty or St. Augustine Aquarium, 2045 SR 16 Nice Escape Room, gingerbread decorating, Smart Stay Inn & Suites, 2365 SR 16 and more. Runs November 25 thru January Ancient City Brewery, 3420 Agricultural Dr 5. Tickets for ICE! start at $14.99 for children St. Augustine Outlet Mall / and $28.99 for adults when purchased online www.staugoutlets.com in advance. Season passes, Florida resident discounts, and combo tickets are available.

Fantasy Lights Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center / Thru December 30, 6:30pm to 9pm 407-586-4423 / 6000 West Osceola Parkway, The Rotary Club of Flagler County hosts the Kissimmee, FL 34746 / 14th Annual Fantasy Lights Festival. The 50 www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com animated light displays around the Central Park lake will begin November 30, and conSt. Augustine Nights of Lights tinue 6:30pm to 9pm daily through December Thru January 31 30. Admission to Fantasy Lights is free, but The Annual Nights of Lights lights up St. Audonations to support Rotary's service work gustine with over three million lights. Nights are accepted. Fantasy Lights is a self-guided of Lights is the winter holiday celebration in walking tour that also includes festive live and St. Augustine where each historic downtown broadcast music, Santa's Village, and holiday business and many residents participate by refreshments available for purchase. lighting up their buildings. Nights of Lights Central Park in Town Center / 386-986-2360 holds the distinct honor as one of the 10 Best / 975 Central Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / Holiday Displays in The World by National Geowww.flaglerrotary.org graphic. The main plaza, called the Plaza de la Constitución, features lights draped around

every tree. There's also a Christmas tree in the center where photos can be taken. The view of the Bayfront from the Bridge of Lions during Nights of Lights is also a favorite photo opportunity. There are many tours and special events happening during Nights of Lights.

Downtown St. Augustine / 904-829-1711 / 1 Cathedral Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.floridashistoriccoast.com Publix Aprons Gingerbread Houses December 1, 8, 15, 22 & 23, 11am, 2:30pm; December 7, 14 & 21, 10am This class allows you and your children (up to three kids) to decorate your own gingerbread house. One adult is required for each family group; children should be at least 4 years old.

Registrations are made on first-come, firstserved basis. Cost is $60; Price is for family up to 4 participants, add one seat per family to the cart.

Publix Apron's Cooking School / 904-2624187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com St. Augustine Outlet Mall Pictures with Santa December 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2pm to 6pm; December 7, 14, 21, 10am to 6pm Santa is at the St. Augustine Outlet Mall and families are invited to bring their own cameras to capture the moment. Visiting Santa is completely free but donations to the local organization acting as Santa’s elves is greatly appreciated. Santa is located in the food court.

St. Augustine Outlet Mall / 904-826-1311 / 500 Outlet Mall Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.staugoutlets.com 12 Days of KidX December 2 – December 13 Every weekday there will be small activities leading up to bigger events happening on the weekends. Activities range from reindeer crafts and treats to a Very Merry Movie Showing and more. Children of all ages are welcome but during the week will focus on activities for ages 2-6, and during the weekend will be for ages 2-10.

Orange Park Mall / 904-269-2422 / 1910 Wells Road, Orange Park, FL 32073 / orangeparkmall.com Lighting of Town Hall Park December 3, 5pm to 6:30pm Join the Town of Orange Park for hot cocoa and cookies in the park. Gather under the pavilion for a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and then countdown together to turn on all the holiday lights in the Town. The event is free and there is parking in front of Town Hall.

Town Hall Park / 904-278-3016 / 2042 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.townoforangepark.com

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 13

HOLIDAY GUIDE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

14 Ways to Stay Sane for the Holiday Season 1. Don’t Over-Commit. Many people over-commit, try to please everyone, rush around and do too much. Sort of like too much total load. So decrease your load and enjoy the fewer commitments you make.

2. Stay Present or Be in the Moment. The more you are in the moment with awareness, the less you are caught up in the mind and all the things you still have to do or haven’t done yet. Be aware of your breathing. If it becomes short and shallow, you know you are getting anxious. Stop what you are doing and take a breathing break. You will enjoy the time much more.

music up and dance.

7. Have your Smoothie in the Morning.

The more you fill yourself with good nutrients in the morning, with good protein, fat and phytonutrients, the less space and craving you will have for the junk food 8. Fill up with Vegetables. If you are at a party with a lot of tempting food, try to start with healthy vegetables and salads.

These will fill you up and reduce the temptation to over-indulge on the junk.

Just a taste of your holiday favorites should satisfy your taste buds. The worst thing you can do is start your meal or eating with the sugary snacks or junk food.

3. Take Breathing Breaks. Whenever you get a chance, take breathing breaks….

9. Don’t Overindulge. Alcohol in moderanot only when you feel yourself getting tion, cake and cookies in moderation, anxious. Make the time for them, even if sweets in moderation. it is only 5 minutes at a time, it will re-invigorate you. You can do it anywhere, 10. Be Thankful. It is always good to put things in perspective and realize how just find a quiet spot. It will get you back lucky you are that your basic needs are into the present and out of your head and being met and that you are actually able will help you let go of worries and to celebrate the way you can. Add up all tension. the things that you are grateful for, for 4. Do some Restorative Yoga. When you instance, family, friends, loved ones, the get home in the evening, do a restorative fact that you can celebrate etc.… it will yoga pose for 15 minutes to rejuvenate put you in a good mood. you. Or do a restorative yoga pose if you 11. Get Good Sleep. Holiday celebrations can feel the need during the day to help often disrupt regular sleep patterns. Try to recharge your energy It really does get to sleep at the same time every night. restore you.

Avoid heavy foods, sugary sweets and 5. Use those Tennis Balls. After running alcohol before bedtime as these can around all day, do the ultimate foot disturb your sleep. massage and feel the relief in your feet.

Or do the neck and shoulder release with 12. Have Fun, Laugh, Commit to Enjoying the Holidays. tennis balls to let go of some tension there.

13. Give in a Way that Gives you Joy instead of out of obligation.

6. Move. Try walking as much as you can.

Take your dog for a walk. Take a walk 14. Practice Ubuntu, which is a Xhosa with a family member or friend and concept that means “I am because you combine walking with connecting. If the are.” As Bishop Tutu says, “my humanity weather prevents walking outdoors is caught up in your humanity, and when combine a Christmas shopping trip with your humanity is enhanced mine is your exercise. Indoor malls are great enhanced as well.” j places to walk. Get there early before the crowds get too heavy. If you are driving to Dr. Frank Lippman a store, park at the opposite end of the bewell.com parking lot to walk to the store. And when you are home, if you are up to it, turn the

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 14

Your Favorite Holiday Special Comes To You Live On Stage!

DEC 20 • 7:00pm TICKETS AT FLORIDATHEATRE.COM

THE OFFICIAL SITE FOR FLORIDA THEATRE TICKETS 904-355-ARTS (2787) | floridatheatre.com 128 East Forsyth Street, Downtown Jacksonville Follow us for the latest event news

NOW PLAYING

OPENS DECEMBER 19

For Showtimes and Tickets:

WORLDGOLFIMAX.COM

World Golf Village | I-95 Exit 323 | St. Augustine

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HOLIDAY GUIDE

Tracking Santa On That Special Night

O

n Dec. 24, 1955, a call was made to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. However, this call was not from the president or a general. It was from a young child in Colorado Springs who was following the directions in an advertisement printed in the local paper – the youngster wanted to know the whereabouts of Santa Claus.

The ad said “Hey, Kiddies! Call me direct and be sure and dial the correct number.” However, the number was printed incorrectly in the advertisement and rang into the CONAD operations center.

On duty that night was Colonel Harry Shoup, who has come to be known as the “Santa Colonel.” Colonel Shoup received numerous calls that night and rather than hanging up, he had his operators find the location of Santa Claus and reported it to every child who

phoned in that night.

Thus began a tradition carried on by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) when it was formed in 1958. Today, through satellite systems, high-powered

radars and jet fighters, NORAD tracks Santa Claus as he makes his Yuletide journey around the world.

Every year on Dec. 24, 1500 hundred volunteers staff telephones and computers to answer calls and e-mails from children (and adults) from around the world. Live updates are provided through the NORAD Tracks Santa

website (in seven languages), over telephone lines, and by e-mail to keep curious children and their families informed about Santa’s whereabouts and if it’s time to get to bed.

Each year, the NORAD Tracks Santa website receives nearly nine million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world.

Volunteers receive more than 140,000 calls to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline from children around the globe.

Theatre Jacksonville’s Theatre for Kids helps build important life skills, self esteem, and confidence.

SPRING SESSION BEGINS

JANUARY 21, 2020

This year, children and the young-at-heart are able to track Santa through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. On any of these websites, type @noradsanta into the search engine and start tracking.

NORAD Tracks Santa has become a magical and global phenomenon, delighting generations of families everywhere. j

(904) 396-4425 www.theatrejax.com

Airbrushed temporary tattoos and face paint are great for the whole family!

Holiday parties, birthday parties and more!

We do it all. Book your event today!

ONE OF THREE (3) FAMILY 4-PACKS of tickets to an advance screening of Jumanji: The Next Level on Tuesday, December 10th at 7pm at The Regal Avenues plus movie swag!

For entry details, visit Jax4Kids.com. Enter by December 5th.

(904) 434-6866

AirTatBodyArt.com DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 15

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Winter Camps 2019

9am - 4pm Extended Care Available: 7:45-8:45 and 4:155:15 (additional $10/day) When people think of Florida, they don't usually think of "winter" -- unless they're thinking of a place to escape from the cold!

Bravoz Holiday Camps But we can still enjoy our own chillier months December 20 – January 3, 2020 9am - 2pm • Extended Care: 2pm - 5:30pm with the best of them. Celebrate the Sunshine State's version of the coldest season with 3 Keep your kids active and healthy over the days of Zoo Camp fun including Zoo tours, holiday breaks! Drop them off at Bravoz for keeper chats, hands-on activities, and animal a fun-filled, action-packed day camp expeencounters for kids in K-5th grades. Daily rience. Children ages 6 to 12. Each day your Rate: Members $50; Non-Members $55. All 4 child will have a fun-filled and action-packed Days: Members: $175; Non-Members $200. experience. They will receive lunch, snacks, Extended Care Available: 7:45-8:45 and 4:15and participate in several different activities.

Activities will vary by day, and can include the 5:15 (additional $10/day). www.jacksonvillezoo.org / 904-757-4463 / following: Trampoline Jump Time, Laser Tag, Unreal Bowling, Ninja Warrior Course, Climbing 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218 Walls, Laser Maze, Leap of Faith, Arts & Crafts and Games & Team Competitions. Register for JCA (Jewish Community Alliance) J-cation a single day or a full week. In order to reserve Days • December 26, 27, 30, 31, 2019 a spot for your child in the camp, a $50 depos- January 2 & 3, 2020 7:30am - 6pm or 9am - 4pm it is required for full week registration, and Grades Kindergarten - 6th. Activities include: payment in full is required for single day regswimming (indoor pool), physical sports/ istrations. The balance on full week camp is due one week prior to the start of camp. Cost: activities, cooking, arts and crafts and indoor games. Afternoon snack will be provided. $195/ week. $45/day. $15/day of Extended Cost: 7:30am - 6pm $55/day, Valued Member Care. $15 sibling discount.

Fee $46/day. 9am - 4pm $45/day, Valued www.bravoz.com / 904-300-0070 / 14985 Old St. Augustine Road Jacksonville, FL 32258 Member Fee $38/day. www.jcajax.org/youth / 904-730-2100 ext. 24 / 8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 Code Ninjas Winter Break Camp Dec 30 & 31, 2019 and Jan 2 & 3, 2020 9am - 4pm Ages 7-14 years old. STEM and Coding Winter Break Day Camps at Code Ninjas. Ninjas will learn new and creative ways in these camps STEM and Coding Camps: Minecraft Create, Roblox, Create, Robotics, Game Builders Club.

Cost: $80 for full day. www.codeninjas.com/camps/fl-saint-johns / 904-500-2633 / 2758 Race Track Road Suite 401, Saint Johns, FL 32259

Jacksonville Humane Society Winter Break Camp • December 20 & 23, 2019 January 3 & 4, 2020 • 9am - 4pm Children in grades K-8 are invited to spend part of their winter break at the Jacksonville Humane Society! Campers will have fun learning all about animal sheltering and how to help pets at home and in the community. They’ll spend time with dogs and cats, help socialize kittens, make crafts and treats for their fourlegged friends, and much more. Campers can attend Session 1, Session 2, or both sessions!

Cost: $100 per session. www.jaxhumane.org / 904-725-8766 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 Jacksonville Zoo Winter Break Camp December 30 and 31, 2019 and January 2 and 3, 2020

JJVA Winter Break Kids Camp December, 23, 27, 30 & 31, 2019 January 2 & 3, 2020 • 9am - 4pm Kidz Camp is open to boys and girls and caters to children from the ages of 5 to 11 years old. Our Kidz Camp is packed full of fun and games and includes activities like: Dodgeball, Volleyball, Basketball, Kickball and Archery, Nutrition and Fitness Activities, Arts and Crafts, Obstacles, Relay Races, Games and Movies.

Camp Cost: $35 per Day Pre-Registered or $50/Day Walk In. Extended Care is available for an additional cost. Call us for details. www.jjva.com / 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 JJVA Winter Break Positional Volleyball Academy • January 2 & 3, 2020 Times Vary By Level The JJVA positional training academies are designed to provide athletes with an opportunity to train based on their position. Sessions are designed in order to help athletes fully comprehend the important responsibilities within each of the positions and skills. Drills are designed in increasing level of difficulty both physically and mentally allowing for athletes to increase not only their ability to play their position, but understand the game in a more complex, and strategic way. Our goal is to provide athletes with the proper amount of

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 16

both on court repetitions and off court analysis in order to improve in their desired positions.

Cost: JJVA Members $140/Two days and Non-Members $180/Two Days. No Pro-rated rate is available for one day only. www.jjva.com / 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Karate America Winter Camp Karate America Winter camp offers constructive fun with traditional martial arts benefits.

Super fun but also teaches kids powerful life skills like focus, discipline and respect while learning cool martial arts moves. Enroll today at select locations. www.karateamerica.info / 904-724-7544 / Multiple Locations Throughout Jacksonville Limelight Theater Winter Break Drama Camp December 27, 2019 and January 2 & 3, 2020 10am - 3pm Grades K+. Join KIDZSing Holidays on Broadway and sing and dance to some of Broadway’s favorite holiday showtunes! Students will be introduced to the basics of musical theatre dance & movement, and will learn the melodies to 3 or 4 popular songs. Rehearsals will culminate in a live showcase onstage, where everyone will have their moment to shine! Showcase: January 3 at 3pm. Cost: $50 per day or $145 for all 3. limelight-theatre.org/ 904-825-1164 / 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 MOCA Winter Art Camp December 20, 23 & 27, 2019 January 2 & 3, 2020 Grades Kindergarten - 5th. MOCA Jacksonville provides half-day and full-day sessions during winter break. Experienced art educators teach a variety of media and skills while providing the contemporary art history context for each project.

Cost: 9am - 1pm: $25 each day. 1pm - 5pm: $25 each day. 9am - 5pm: $50 each day. mocajacksonville.unf.edu / 904-366-6911 / 333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 MOSH Winter Discovery Camp December 20, 27, & 30, 2019 January 2 and 3, 2020 • 9am - 3pm Extended Care: Before Care: 7:30 to 9 a.m. | After Care: 3 to 5 p.m.

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade Camps and 3rd – 5th Grade Camps Campers can be dropped off as early as 7:30 a.m. for morning care at no charge.

Extended care from 3:30 – 5 p.m. has a $10 charge (Regular pickup ends at 3:30 p.m.)

Campers go outside for recess from 12pm -12:30pm.

Campers have museum time during the week;

they will also see science and planetarium shows Cost: $40 for MOSH Members / $50 for Non-Members. Special Registration for all 5 days of Winter Camp: $180 for MOSH Members / $225 for Non-Members www.themosh.org / 904-396-6674 x226 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Sports Edge Baseball Winter Camp January 2 & 3, 2020 • 9am - 1pm Ages 12 and under. Looking to sharpen your skills, get that extra edge? Sports Edge Athletics’ Baseball Training Camps is what you need. All Camps are run Matt Loosen, former Minor League pitcher. Matt brings his years of High School, Collegiate and Professional level playing and coaching experience to analyze, identify and help players correct bad habits, perfect mechanics and develop solid foundational skills to make a significant difference in your players’ game. Cost: $110 Per Player. www.thesportsedge.com/baseball-camps / 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach December 27, 30 & 31, 2019 January 2 & 3, 2020 • 9am - 2pm Ages 4 - 8 and 9+. Each day an instructor will be spending the day teaching children the process of art-making with various art materials. Your children will take home an array of hand-made holiday art that can be used as decorations or gifts. Cost: Members: $45.

Non-members: $55. www.ccpvb.org / 904-280-0614 / 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 The First Act Winter Workshops in Theatre December 23 & 24, 2019 – 1st - 3rd Grade December 30 & 31, 2019 – 4th - 6th Grade Jan 2 & 3, 2020 – 1st - 3rd Grade 9am – 1pm Tuition $35 per child per day. Scholarships considered based on reservation numbers.

Contact to discuss. Please note all grades are suggested as we are open to considering children based on age, experience, maturity and sibling attendance! www.thefirstactcct.org / 904-509-1472 / 716 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 YMCA Winter Break Day Camp Dates and Times Vary by Location Ages 5-12. Activities Include: Arts and Crafts, Field Trips, Team Sports, Games, and Science Experiments. For more information or to register your child, stop by the Welcome Center at your local Y or call 904-265-1775. Pricing is available for the entire week and varies by camp location. Daily rates are also available at some locations. www.firstcoastymca.org

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Non-Toy Guide

W

hile all of our kids love toys, this Christmas consider giving gifts that AREN’T toys. This is a great way to start your children on a path of appreciating things that aren’t electronic and allow them to use their minds and creativity. Check out our list of non-toy ideas and say goodbye to holiday shopping in the stores!

Activities. Places like the bowling alley, ice skating rink, mini-golf, the movies, or even making pottery are wonderful activities to spend special family time together. You can create a certificate that your children can redeem for a day of fun. These would make fantastic stocking stuffers.

Classes. Classes in music, art, martial arts, yoga, dance and gymnastics are sure to be a hit for your children. Pick something they have been showing interest in and surprise them Christmas morning with classes at a place they can’t wait to go to!

Gift Cards. Let your children decide what they want to buy! Give them gift cards to stores that allow them to put some thought into their purchases. Bookstores, craft stores,

and even sporting goods stores have lots of options for non-toy buys.

Magazine Subscriptions. What kid doesn’t like getting something in the mail, especially these days when everything seems to be electronic! There are so many different options to choose from but some of our favorites are Ladybug, National Geographic Kids, Highlights, American Girl and Sports Illustrated Kids. Magazine subscriptions are like the gift that keeps on giving as they continue to receive a magazine all year long!

Memberships. Jacksonville is filled with so many fun things to do, why not give your child a membership to the places like the museum, zoo, or a children’s gym? You’ll be enriching your child throughout the year with great ways of keeping their bodies and their minds active and off the couch!

Events. There are some really great events coming up in Jacksonville from theater shows, concerts, sporting events and more. Tickets to future events give your children something to look forward to beyond opening the presents on Christmas morning. j

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 17

HOLIDAY GUIDE St. Augustine Lighthouse Luminary Night December 4, 6pm to 9pm The Lighthouse grounds will open for a family-friendly, evening celebration. Holiday music, Santa visit, seasonal treats, and other activities are planned. Admission is free.

St. Augustine Lighthouse / 904-829-0745 / 81 Lighthouse Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.staugustinelighthouse.org Annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza December 4 thru December 28 The Jacksonville Historical Society presents this beloved holiday tradition each December.

Visitors enjoy gigantic, creative gingerbread houses built by chefs, bakers, architects, engineers, culinary school students, families, young people and other individuals. The creations are placed on display at the Jacksonville Historical Society headquarters, historic Old St. Andrews, immediately across the street from the Veteran’s Memorial Arena. This is an important fundraiser for the Jacksonville Historical Society. Admission starts at $10 for adults and $3 for kids 3 and up. Hours: Wednesdays-Fridays, 11am to 5pm; Saturdays, 10am to 5pm; Special Sunday Times: December 15 and 22, 11am to 4pm.

Jacksonville Historical Society / 904-665-0064 / 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxhistory.org Jacksonville Symphony: Holiday Pops December 5, 7:30pm; December 6, 8pm; December 7, 3pm and 8pm; December 8, 3pm Jacksonville’s favorite holiday tradition is back with numerous holiday favorites. Jacksonville’s annual holiday tradition features traditional carols and sing-along medleys to a special Santa Claus dance featuring dancers from Douglas Anderson. Tickets start at $19.

Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Beaches North Pole Express December 6, 2pm to 6pm; December 7, 9am to 4pm The Beaches Museum and History Park hosts a Beaches North Pole Express event.

Visitors are invited to write a letter to Santa, enjoy cocoa and cookies, make crafts, and enjoy other festivities in the History Park. In the Upper Depot visitors will find the Beaches Museum’s very own operating North Pole Express which will temporarily replace the Florida East Coast Railroad train normally found there. Beaches North Pole Express is free to Museum Members with a suggested $5

donation from non-members.

Beaches Museum & History Park / 904-2415657 / 381 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.beachesmuseum.org Hometown Holiday December 6-7, 5pm to 9pm The Town of Orange Park and The Historical Society of Orange Park host an old fashioned holiday celebration. The event features tours of the decorated house, live musical entertainment, pictures with Santa for a fee, shopping in the Christmas village, food vendors, and a magical lighted trail ride. Clarke House Park / 904-278-3043 / 1039 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.townoforangepark.com San Pablo Elementary Holiday Fair December 6, 6pm to 9pm San Pablo Elementary hosts a holiday fair with seasonal crafts and activities, musical performances, food, Holiday gift opportunities, and Captain Character and his puppet show. All activities are free.

San Pablo Elementary School / 904-247-5947 / 801 18th Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / dcps.duvalschools.org Cocoa and Christmas Party at My Gym December 6, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, or 7:30pm My Gym hosts a night of holiday festivities.

There will be puppets, songs, dances, and themed games. There will also be an outside portion of the party with famous Florida snow and there will be professional photos all throughout the party included with the price.

Call for pricing. My Gym / 904-223-4966 / 13770 Beach Blvd #16, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.mygym.com A Magical Cirque Christmas December 6, 8pm From the producers of Broadway’s “The Illusionists”, comes A Magical Cirque Christmas. The show features cirque artists from all corners of the world, accompanied by holiday music performed live. Tickets start at $39.

Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org St. Marys Railroad Santa Express December 7, 14, 21, 10am to 4pm The magic of Christmas comes alive at Santa Land where Jolly Old St. Nick himself boards the train for the return ride with gifts for all the good little boys and girls. Entertainment all along the way. Tickets are Adults $20, Children (3-12) $14, and Children 2 and under free. There is also an At the Throttle Experience available for $150. Must be 16 years or older. Rides depart at 10am, 12noon, 2pm, and 4pm. St. Marys Railroad / 912-200-5235 / 1000 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA 31558 / www.stmarysrailroad.com

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 18

Santa is Calling

Parents with children under the age of eight that live in St. Johns County can sign up to have Santa call their child at home this holiday season.

Visit SJCFL.US/YOUTH and download the form or stop into the recreation department's main office at 2175 Mizell Road, St. Augustine. Email or fax completed forms to ABrown@SJCFL. US or 904-209-0321.

Calls will be made December 10th, 11th and 12th between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Don't delay! Make sure your form is in before 5:00 p.m. on December 6th.

This program is

FREE!

FOR MORE INFO, CONTACT ASHLEY BROWN AT 904-209-0379

HOLIDAY GUIDE Breakfast with Santa at Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel • December 7, 8am and 10am The Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel hosts Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet and a free photo with Santa. There will be 2 seatings, one at 8am and one at 10am. Once you reserve your tickets contact Brittani.Rey@ SheratonJacksonville.com to specify how many guests are in your party for reservations.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 3 to 12. Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel / 904380-4124 / 10605 Deerwood Park Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / santaatthesheraton.eventbrite.com 65th Annual St. Augustine Christmas Parade • December 7, 9am to 11am St. Augustine’s 65th Annual Christmas Parade ushers in the holiday season with floats, festive decorations and more. The parade begins at the Mission of Nombre de Dios at 27 Ocean Ave and continues through the downtown streets of historic St. Augustine along the Bayfront, and ending behind the Visitors Center on Castillo Drive.

Downtown St. Augustine/ 904-824-4997 / 10 W. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.oldcity.com/events Free Santa Meet & Greet and Golf Cart Parade • December 7, 9:30am to 1pm Jacksonville Business Connections invites families to Holiday Golf Cart Parade and free Santa Meet and Greet. The golf cart parade will be held from 9:30am to 10am. Participants can win a prize for best golf cart design.

The Santa Meet and Greet will take place following the parade, from 10am to 1pm. There will also be vendors, food, kids zone, music, character meet & greets, and more.

World Golf Hall of Fame / 904-940-4123 / 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.jacksonvillebusinessconnections.com Sawgrass Village: Oh What Fun! December 7, 10am to 3pm Sawgrass Village hosts their 4th Annual Oh What Fun! holiday event. This is a free event and open to the public. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, visit with Santa, music, games, activities & more.

Sawgrass Village / 404-869-2700 / 215 Tourside Drive, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sawgrassvillagepvb.com Cinotti’s Family Fun Nights Saturdays, December 7, 14, 21, 4pm to 5:30pm Cinotti’s Bakery hosts Family Fun Nights, where families can decorate a gingerbread house. The cost is $100 for up to four people.

Price includes the gingerbread house, icing, and candy. Do to space restrictions, only four

(4) guests per house. This includes observers and participants. No strollers will be allowed.

Payment must be made at time of reservation.

Cinotti's Bakery / 904-246-1728 / 1523 Penman Road, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / cinottisbakery.com Holly Jolly Jekyll Parade and the Lighting of the Great Tree • December 7, 5:30pm Families are invited to come watch or participate in the festive Holly Jolly Jekyll Parade, where golf carts don their Christmas best and jingle all the way through the Historic District to the Main Lawn. Island guests and residents are encouraged to watch the parade along the route and afterward meet on the Main Lawn to view all of the participants. While you’re there, enjoy holiday music, compete in holiday trivia and an ugly sweater contest, and work on your Christmas shopping lists at the Pier Road shops. Everyone is encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Georgia State Patrol’s Toys for Tots drive. The parade departs from the parking lot at 5:30pm heading west on Captain Wylly Road, south on Old Plantation Road to Stable Road, then along Pier Road, and will wind behind Sans Souci to end on the Main Lawn around the Great Tree. *Address is for reference. Jekyll Island Main Lawn / 912-635-3636 / 365 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 / www.jekyllisland.com Christmas Movie in the Park December 7, 6pm to 8:30pm Grace Life Church hosts a Christmas Movie in the Park. There will be a free showing of the film, "The Grinch". The movie will be shown in the back field of Ronnie Van Zant Park and will begin at 6pm. There will be popcorn and hot cocoa. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair.

Free event, but please RSVP so they know how many to plan for. Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park / 904-284-6378 / 2760 Sandridge Rd, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.thegracelifechurch.org Paint With Santa at Color Me Mine December 7, 11am to 1pm Santa is stopping by for a private party at Color Me Mine. There will be a story-time with Santa, holiday tunes, pictures with Santa, and painting. Each child will paint a Christmas flat ornament and a special Santa plate. There will be plenty of time for Santa to greet and take photos with each and every child. Kids will also decorate cookies towards the end of the event. Cost is $45 per child, $40 for each additional sibling. Space is limited and will likely sell out. Color Me Mine / 904-338-9333 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jacksonville.colormemine.com

The Crayon Christmas by Drew Daywalt – 'Tis the season for all of us to write our holiday wishlists. But everyone – even the Crayons – know the best presents are the ones that you give. Includes real, folded letters from the Crayons, games, punch-out ornaments, a poster, and a pop-up tree.

Christmas is Coming! by Katie Hickey – Every day of December brings a delightful new tradition in this keepsake advent book. Each flap on the cover reveals a clue to a festive activity. An inviting twist on the traditional advent calendar.

Eve feels magical as every hour passes. The candy canes on every illustration reinforce counting and will have your kids looking for details on every page.

Christmas Jokes by Jimmy Jones – Funny kids love funny jokes and this brand new collection of super funny Christmas jokes, riddles and tongue twisters promises hours of fun. Knock knock.

Who’s there?

Noah. Noah who?

Noah good place to hide my presents? How about in the closet?

Top Elf by Caleb Zane Huett – Ollie and Celia think they know what the life of an elf is supposed to be like: Make toys.

Help Santa. Make more toys. But then Santa decides this is going to be his last year and he's opening up the job to any kid or elf who wants to apply.

The Muppet Christmas Carol by Brooke Vitale – Narrated by The Great Gonzo, with help from his pal Rizzo the Rat, this fully illustrated book retells Charles Dickens’s Christmas Carol.

Kara’s Christmas Smile by A.M. Ebenezer Scrooge Marcus – It’s a Christmas evening sees the error of his ways after and a young girl meeting three strange ghosts—and named Kara is a whole lot of Muppets—one snowy shopping with her Christmas Eve. mother. She offers her kindness Pick a Pine Tree by Jarvis and and charming Patricia Toht – A smile to a little brand new edition boy who later of this beautiful, pays the act of irresistible Christkindness forward mas gift book that to a stranger in need. This soon all begins with triggers a domino effect of positiv… picking a pine ity. tree! A gorgeously rhythmical, The List by Every Christmas by read-aloud narrative brims with Gene Natali Jr. excitement.

– Molly visits her grandparWhen The ents. When Clock Strikes Molly falls On Christmas asleep during Eve by Lisa one of GrandFerland – pa’s stories, Written in a her eyes open to a magical world. rolling rhythm Santa needs one more reindeer, but and brought Socks, the reindeer, is afraid to fly. to life with a Molly helps Socks to be brave when vibrant illustration style, Christmas it matters most.

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 19

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

C

hristmas trees are a renewable resource.

Unlike artificial trees, which are made of petroleum based products and deplete precious non-renewable resources, a real Christmas tree is a renewable resource which you can enjoy without fear of harming our environment. In fact, they help the environment. While they’re growing, Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and emit fresh oxygen.

(904) 751-6495 11864 Camden Rd Jacksonville, FL 32218 Rosemary Hill Solid Waste Management Facility (904) 284-6374 3545 Rosemary Hill Rd Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Putnam County Central Landfill and After you’ve enjoyed your Christmas tree, don't Recycling Center throw it away – recycle it; it can put it to good (386) 329-0395 use!

140 County Landfill Rd Palatka, FL 32177 The Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary (904) 757-3603 1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226 cattyshack.org Put the old tree to work in your own yard as mulch. Just remove your branches and shake off the dead needles. The needles won't collect mold and they decompose slowly.

If you've got a lake or pond on your property, consider dumping your tree into it. That old If you’re asking yourself, why not just throw it pine or spruce provides a natural and away since Christmas trees are biodegradable, decomposing habitat for fish and will attract the answer is that while trees are in fact algae for them to eat. biodegradable, the process of adding waste to a landfill creates an anaerobic environment Use your miter saw or hacksaw to cut your that greatly decreases the flow of oxygen Christmas tree trunk into coasters and trivets. necessary to break down trees, paper, or Make sure you sand down the surfaces and anything else that is considered biodegradstain and seal them before using to prevent able. Without oxygen, it takes much longer to sap from leaking. You can also use them as break down. edging borders for gardens and walkways.

weekdays 3pm to 6pm and weekends from 11am to 6pm.

24000 Murrhee Rd., Hilliard FL 32046 904-845-7447 southernchristmastreefarm.webs.com Rudolph’s Christmas Tree Farm Opens day after Thanksgiving. Hours are daily from 8am to 6pm.

11965 O C Horne Rd., Sanderson, Florida 32087 904-259-7703 Severts Tree Farms Open 7 days a week, 9am – 9pm weekdays; weekends until 10pm unless otherwise noted.

Locations: Airport, 13138 Wolf Bay Drive 11806 Atlantic Boulevard 4479 Highway 17, Fleming Island 13697 Beach Boulevard K-Mart, 9600 San Jose Boulevard Mandarin Medical, 11705 San Jose Boulevard 1661 Blanding Boulevard, Middleburg 830 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Ace Hardware, 6205 State Road 16, St. Augustine 1370 US 1 South, St. Augustine 4875 Town Center Boulevard Hendricks Elementary School, 3400 Hendricks Avenue. Open weekdays 3pm – 9pm, Saturday 9am – 9pm and Sunday 11am – 7pm. severtstreefarm.com Caring for your Christmas tree:

Keep your tree fresh, green and healthy by making a fresh cut on the stem at least one fourth inch or more above the original cut. This will cut off the pitch which has formed and will enable the tree to take up water. After you have made the cut, immediately place your When the holidays are over, you have plenty of Important: Never burn your Christmas tree in a tree in a sturdy stand that will hold at least options for disposing of your tree. Here are fireplace or wood stove. Burning the tree may one quart of water for each inch diameter of ways to recycle or reuse your tree as a better contribute to creosote buildup and could cause the stem. Check the water supply regularly. Do alternative to the landfill. a chimney fire. not add anything to the water. Research has shown that plain water will keep your tree Christmas trees can be made into mulch for Where to buy a Christmas tree: fresh. If the water supply runs out, a seal will use in parks and green areas. After removing form on the cut surface of the tree trunk which remove all ornaments, hooks, and decorations, Songer’s Christmas Tree Farm will prevent the tree from taking up water. If drop your tree off at any of these locations: 5255 Carter Spencer Rd., Middleburg, FL you follow these simple guidelines, your tree 32068 will stay fresh, green and moisture laden Old Kings Road Landfill and Recycling 904-272-3890 throughout your holidays. j Center floridachristmastreefarm.com (904) 768-5363 Open: Open the Friday after Thanksgiving, flchristmastrees.com 8540 Old Kings Rd Wed. 2-5, Fri, Sat, Sun. 10-5. popularmechanics.com Jacksonville, FL 32219 pickyourownchristmastree.org gardenclub.homedepot.com A Southern CHRISTmas Tree Farm earth911.com First Coast Mulch Opens November 29, 2019. Hours are

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 20

Chanukah Events Menorah Building Workshop at Lowe's December 8, 2pm Kids are invited to build and take home their very own glowing Chanukah Menorah masterpiece with a little professional help from the staff at Lowes. Families can also take a selfie with Judah Maccabee, and enjoy traditional Chanukah Sufganiyot/Doughnuts. The event is free and open to the community. RSVP is required. Lowe's / 904-701-4422 / 4040 Oldfield Crossing Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.jewishsjohnscounty.com PJ Our Hanukkah Craft December 15, 4:30pm to 6pm Kids ages 8-12 are invited to join PJ Our Way and Creative Me Art Studio to create your own menorah. Pizza will be served. RSVP to wkuvin@jfcsjax.org by December 10.

Congregation Ahavath Chesed - The Temple / 904-733-7078 / 8727 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / pjlibrary.org Atlantic Beach Menorah Lighting December 29, 6pm On the last night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 29, Chabad at the Beaches will offer a Magical Chanukah. The evening will feature a grand menorah lighting followed by a magical Chanukah show. This special lighting of a nine foot menorah will be accompanied by warm latkes, music, free raffles, face painting and more. Adele Grange Center / 904-543-9301 / 716 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 / www.chabadbeaches.com Hemming Park's Totally Lit Hanukkah Party December 29, 3pm to 7pm Join Hemming Park and the Jacksonville Public Library for the annual celebration of Hanukkah and its related traditions. There will be live music, storytelling, crafts, dreidel games, and more. The Menorah lighting will be held at 6:15pm. This event is free and open to the public. Hemming Park / 904-515-5098 / 135 W Monroe St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / hemmingpark.org

HOLIDAY GUIDE Wildlight Winterfest December 7, 1pm to 4pm Families are invited for Wildlight Winterfest.

The event will feature Santa, Mrs. Claus, snow, ice slides, bungee hoppers, rock wall, horsedrawn "sleigh" rides, holiday face painting and a quaint shopping village. Open to the public and all kid/family activities are free.

Town of Wildlight Associations / 904-5301559 / 123 Tinker Street, Yulee, FL 32097 / www.townofwildlight.org The Hip Hop Nutcracker December 7, 8pm The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns to the TimesUnion Center December 7, 2019 for one performance only. The event is a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music. Tickets start at $30, plus applicable fees. Times Union Center, Moran Theatre / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org Christmas on Walnut Street December 7, 3pm Join the City of Green Cove Springs in its annual Christmas on Walnut Street. Spring Park will be decked out with the City's Parade of Trees, 130 decorated Christmas trees along the park sidewalks, and filled with food and craft vendors, live music, and Kids' Zone.

Children will be able to get a picture with Santa in Santa's Workshop in Spring Park from 3pm to 5:30pm. Jingle Bell Fun Run, a 1-mile family-friendly run hosted by the Florida Striders Track Club and Green Cove Springs Business League, will begin at 5:45pm to ring in the annual Green Cove Springs Christmas Parade at 6pm. This year's parade theme is "A Nutcracker Christmas" and features floats glowing with Christmas lights. The evening ends with the lighting of the City Hall Christmas tree and the Parade of Trees throughout Spring Park. Spring Park / 904 Magnolia Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.greencovesprings.com

Jacksonville Symphony: JSYO Holiday Concert • December 9, 7pm The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras perform their holiday concert, conducted by Principal JSYO Conductor Deanna Tham. General admission tickets start at $3 for kids and $8 for adults. Times Union Center / 904-3545547 / 300 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Holiday Traditions Around The World December 10, 10am and 12noon Holiday Traditions Around the World is a fast paced musical that takes a joyous 'round the world tour of the dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and many more. Students will learn new and old traditions, customs and folklore that instill the magic of the season. Everyone, including infants and toddlers, must have a ticket for admission. Tickets are $8.50 each and can be purchased online.

Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-632-5050 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org

Community Nutcracker: School Time Performances • December 12-13, 10:30am The Community Nutcracker returns to the Florida Theatre.

More than 200 children from Northeast Florida audition for and perform in the production. In addition to the regular performances, there are also two school performances: December 6 at 10:30am and December 7 at 10:30am.

The school performances are open to public, private and homeschool students. Prices for public/private school students: Student tickets are $5 each. Adult chaperone tickets (not including teachers) are $10 each. One (1) adult chaperone ticket at $10 is permitted for every ten (10) students with paid tickets. One teacher accompanying a group of up to 25 students with paid tickets may attend for free.

Photos with Santa at Harley-Davidson If additional adult chaperones wish to attend December 8, 11am to 5pm the same performance over and above the Adamec Harley-Davidson in St. Augustine number of chaperones permitted, the ticket hosts photos with Santa. Be sure to bring your price shall be $25 per person. Prices for own camera to capture the event.

Homeschool students is $5 each for students, Adamec Harley-Davidson / 904-831-1931 / one (1) adult chaperone (which includes a 380 Outlet Mall Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / home school teacher/instructor) ticket at www.adamecharley.com $10 is permitted for every three (3) home school students with paid tickets. If additional Santa’s Annual Visit at Watson Realty Oak- adult chaperones wish to attend the same leaf • December 8, 12noon to 3pm performance over and above the number of Santa is coming to the Watson Realty Corp chaperones permitted, the ticket price shall be Oakleaf office. Families are invited for hot $25 per person. chocolate, crafts, face painting, music, & more. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East There will also be free photos with Santa.

Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / Watson Realty Corp. Oakleaf / 904-772-9180 / jaxnutcracker.org 8465 Merchants Way, Jacksonville, FL 32222 / www.watsonrealtycorp.com Dickens on Centre December 13, 5pm - 9pm; December 14,

10am - 9pm; December 15, 10am - 7pm Travel back in time December 13-15 during the 5th annual Dickens on Centre festival in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. Free to the public, this Victorian inspired holiday festival features costumed characters, themed entertainment and performances, Tiny Tim's Kid's Zone, visits from Saint Nick, and a variety of vendors selling seasonal gifts and wares. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol,” Dickens on Centre transforms downtown Fernandina into a classic English village. This year, visitors are encouraged to wear their best Victorian costumes for the inaugural Dickens Costume Contest.

Downtown Fernandina / Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.ameliaisland.com Community Nutcracker December 13, 7:30pm; December 14, 1pm and 7:30pm The Community Nutcracker returns to the Florida Theatre. More than 200 children from Northeast Florida audition for and perform in the production. Additionally, The Community Nutcracker issues 2,000 free tickets to various Jacksonville agencies and organizations to attend a Community Service Night performance. Residents and clients from area nursing homes and nonprofit agencies are also able to attend the ballet. Tickets start at $30.

Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxnutcracker.org

TICKETS

ON SALE NOW!

DEC 8 1:00 pm

Jacksonville Symphony: First Coast Nutcracker • December 13, 8pm; December 14, 2pm and 8pm; December 15, 2pm The First Coast Nutcracker returns to the Times Union Center. Experience Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet with Jacksonville’s only full symphony orchestra. Tickets start at $21 and are available online.

Times Union Center for the Performing Arts Moran Theater / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org A Storybook Christmas December 13-14, 7pm and December 15, 2pm St. Marys Little Theatre presents A Storybook Christmas. Tickets are $15 for adults and kids 12 and under are $10. Tickets should be purchased ahead of time at Once Upon a Bookseller in St. Marys (cash or check at bookstore ) or online.

Theatre by the Trax / 912-729-1103 / 1000 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA 31558 / www.stmaryslittletheatre.com

TICKETS AT FLORIDATHEATRE.COM

THE OFFICIAL SITE FOR FLORIDA THEATRE TICKETS 904-355-ARTS (2787) | floridatheatre.com 128 East Forsyth Street, Downtown Jacksonville Follow us for the latest event news

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 21

HOLIDAY GUIDE Jacksonville Symphony: Handel’s Messiah December 14, 7:30pm; December 15, 3pm The Jacksonville Symphony, guest soloists and more than 100 voices from the Symphony Chorus present music’s most powerful message of faith in the Messiah of the season.

Tickets start at $19 and are available online.

Times Union Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org/

infant/children’s, kids vitamins, bottles, bibs, pacifiers, kids toys (baby to age 6, new or gently used), and children’s clothing newborn to age 6 (new or gently used). Ready Set Play St Augustine / 904-679-3064 / 1765 Tree Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / play904.com

Theatreworks: A Christmas Carol December 16, 10am and 12noon A Christmas Carol will be performed in two live shows at the Florida Theatre. Admission is $8.50 per person, and the show is best Cool Side of Yuletide suited for children in grades K-5. School December 14, 4pm and 7pm groups, homeschool families, and individuals The Jacksonville Children's Chorus presents are welcome to attend. Florida Theatre / 904the annual "Cool Side of Yuletide," concert, 353-3500 / 128 East Forsyth Street, with show times at 4pm and 7pm. This holiday Jacksonville, FL 32202 / concert will feature Christmas and Hanukkah www.theatreworksjax.com favorites. Tickets are available online or by phone in advance. Tickets are $25 each and Jekyll Singers Concert seating is general admission. Doors open 30 December 17, 7pm minutes prior to concert. This concert is not Sing along to your favorite recommended for children under 5 years old. holiday tunes at this choir Regardless of age, all children must have a event sponsored by the Jekyll ticket.

Island Arts Association. This Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church / 904-353event is free and open to the 1636 / 4001 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL public. Jekyll Island Convention 32207 / www.jaxchildrenschorus.org Center / 912-635-6400 / 75 Beachview Dr N, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 / Regatta of Lights • December 14, 6pm www.jekyllisland.com This is an annual holiday parade hosted by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. The parade features Nutcracker in a Nutshell motorized vessels – sailboats, trawlers, shrimp December 19, 11am and December 20, 4pm boats and many other vessels all-a-glitter “Nutcracker in a Nutshell” is a sweet, abbrewith brilliant lighted displays ranging from viated performance designed to introduce patriotic to whimsical. Awards are presented children to ballet as a performance art. This for best theme, most colorful, best in class 45-minute performance will feature select and best overall. Beginning at 6pm, the boats excerpts from the full-length production prowill light up St. Augustine's Matanzas Bay be- viding a fun-filled opportunity for families with tween the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San young ones. Tickets are $10 for adults and Marcos. Parade can be viewed from along the $6 for children. Please note: UNF requires all Bayfront. Free. attendees to purchase a parking pass for all St. Augustine Bayfront / 904-824-9725 / performances. Parking passes are $5 and can Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / be purchased at the kiosks located around the www.staugustineyachtclub.com UNF campus.

UNF Lazzara Theater / 904-353-7518 / 1 Elsa and Anna Christmas Charity Event University of North Florida Dr, Jacksonville, FL December 15, 2pm to 4pm 32224 / floridaballet.myboxoffice.us Ready Set Play St. Augustine has partnered with Alpha and Omega Miracle home for the Fourth Annual Christmas Concert Elsa and Anna Christmas Event. Alpha-Omega December 20, 7pm to 9pm Miracle Home provides housing, counseling Fourth Annual Christmas Concert at the Jekyll and education for the new faces of homeless- Island Convention Center. Enjoy sounds of ness – single mothers, their children and sethe season with this free piano concert from nior women. For this event, please bring two brilliant pianist David Masterson. No tickets items from the list to receive a $2 discount. are required, and everyone is welcome.

No punch cards for this event.

Jekyll Island Convention Center / 912-635List of needs: shampoo/conditioner, body 6400 / 75 Beachview Dr N, Jekyll Island, GA lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine 31527 / www.jekyllisland.com products, hairbrushes/ hair ties/woman’s hair products, socks (all sizes woman’s or chilHistoric Gingerbread House Decorating dren’s), new or lightly used maternity clothes December 20, 6:30pm to 8:30pm (all sizes), new or lightly used women’s clothes Join museum educators for an evening of (all sizes), sports bras/breast feeding bras gingerbread house decorating. Guests will (new all sizes), diapers, baby wipes, Desitin design their own historic gingerbread house, cream, pull ups, baby lotion, baby Tylenol/ inspired by the houses of the Club Era mil-

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 22

lionaires. Prizes will be awarded. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Price includes gingerbread materials and one drink ticket. Cost is $35 for adults, $25 for children 5-15, free for children 4 and under. Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum / 912-635-4036 / 100 Stable Rd, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 / www.jekyllisland.com Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer The Musical • December 20, 7pm All of your favorite characters from the original TV special including, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Misfit Toys and Rudolph, come to life in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. Tickets range from $29.50 – $49.50 and are available online. \Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com A Christmas Carol December 20, 8pm The FSCJ Artist Series presents an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The show features a cast of 23 performers, live musicians, and Broadway-style scenery. Tickets range from $16 to $58.

Times Union Moran Theater / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville December 21, 9am to 12noon The Annual Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville will take place at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. As many as 6,000 children along with their parents stand in line (first- come, first served) to receive toys and a chance to win a bike. Once the doors open, the line moves quickly as children enter a beautifully decorated Party and are greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hundreds of volunteers await the opportunity to hand out toys and provide entertainment. Each child chooses several toys among electronics, balls, games, musical instruments, preschool learning toys and infant toys. In addition, they receive novelty toys, books and rulers. Intended for Jacksonville’s children, 12 years of age and younger, who otherwise might not receive toys for Christmas. The event will run until 12noon, or earlier if all toys are distributed.

Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center / 904350-1616 / 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.ccpoj.org See Santa, Watch The Santa Clause, and Feed Jacksonville December 21, 2pm The Florida Theatre presents the film 25th anniversary screening of the classic holiday film The Santa Clause, to benefit Feeding

Northeast Florida. Admission is free for every adult and child with a gift of canned or nonperishable food, one per person. Doors open at 12:30pm. Come early and have your picture taken with Santa, have some milk and cookies, and make an ornament at the crafting area. The Santa Clause begins at 2pm. The food will be received by Feeding Northeast Florida, the community’s food bank and a partner of Feeding America. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Jekyll Island Winter Carnival December 21, 1pm Jekyll Island hosts a Winter Carnival from 1pm to 5pm. Enjoy free rides, games, and music on the Village Green followed by fireworks starting at 6:30pm. Village Green at Beach Village / 912-635-3636 / Beach Village Trail, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 / www.jekyllisland.com Saint Augustine Ballet presents The Nutcracker December 21-22, 1:30pm and 7pm Saint Augustine Ballet presents their annual production of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker will be performed at Lewis Auditorium in St. Augustine. The multi-generational cast is comprised of student and professional dancers. Tickets are available online.

Lewis Auditorium / 855-222-2849 / 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.saintaugustineballet.com Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker December 22, 1pm; December 22, 5pm Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker will be in Jacksonville for two performances.

The show features hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, nesting dolls, and hand crafted costumes. Tickets range from $32.50 - $178.50. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Big & Little Chef: Christmas Day Desserts December 24, 12noon Big Chef, Little Chef series classes are designed specifically for a guardian/parent, older sibling (18 or older), etc. paired with a young chef. Each pair will work together (along with the rest of the students) to create recipes that are appropriate for adults and kids alike. Big Chef must be 18 or older, and the Little Chef age range should be 5–12 years old. This class will focus on Christmas Day Desserts.

The menu features Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies, Chocolate Yule Log, Cranberry-Ginger Bread. Cost is $75 for each parent/child combo.

Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com

EDUCATION

The Holidays Offer Many Writing Opportunities T he season brings cooler temperatures, and a plethora of writing opportunities for families. As you celebrate the holiday with family and friends this season, please consider encouraging your children (and yourself) to take part in some of these activities.

arrived in my mailbox. It meant a lot to me to read the child’s note of thanks.

family members to write stories. You can give them a prompt, such as Thanksgivings of the past or funny turkey stories. Another option is to read a holiday-themed story and then ask family members to write a new ending to it.

Be sure to schedule time to share these wonderful pieces!

Family Narratives With today’s access to technology, creating a digital family narrative is simple. A digital family narrative can include interviews your Thank You Notes children conduct with their elders, photoThese days, traditional thank you notes might graphs they take, drawings or illustrations Another option is to enter the holiday short be considered “old school,” but I would argue your family members do together, and audio or story writing contest sponsored by The Florida they make an impact in today’s ocean of video recordings of the time together.

Times-Union. Details of this contest are digital communication. When children take available on the Times-Union’s web site and in the time to pick out and then handwrite a Last year, we spent Thanksgiving Day at my the printed newspaper. thank you note for a birthday present or a sister’s house. Upon arriving at her house, kindness shown them, it displays good each guest had to make either an Indian Thankfulness Journal etiquette. It also gives them an opportunity to headdress or a pilgrim hat. The craft activity I know many parents who encourage their write for a specific audience. In addition, proved to be fun, creative, and colorful! We children to keep thankfulness journals. people love to receive handwritten notes or have several pictures of family members Basically, a thankfulness journal is a place cards in the mail. making their hats. where family members keep lists or descriptions of what they are grateful for. They can I received a handwritten thank you note in the Holiday Stories reflect your family’s values and culture. mail from a fourth grader not too long ago, Writing stories is fun. Consider turning off the after I served as a camp counselor. I opened it technology for an hour or two while your One mom I know does her thankfulness before any other piece of mail the day it family is gathered this holiday season. Ask journal a little differently. She tapes a large

piece of butcher block paper on the back of her pantry door. She draws the trunk of a tree on the paper. Nearby, she has fall-colored leaves cut out of construction paper, as well as a tub of markers. When her kids or family members are in the kitchen (which is often), they can write what they are thankful for on a leaf and affix it to the tree. Her tree ends up being a beautiful dash of color and holiday thankfulness.

Closing Thoughts I hope you will encourage your students to do more writing this holiday season. You may just end up with treasures to keep for a lifetime.

j

Nancy Bethea Nancy Lee Bethea is a National Board Certified Teacher who teaches Creative Writing at LaVilla School of the Arts in Jacksonville. She is also a freelance writer.

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 23

National assessments show Team Duval remains at the head of the class A national assessment of student achievement and learning again shows the strength of Duval County Public Schools in comparison to other large city school districts across the country.

Duval ranked in the top five of participating districts in 17 out of 20 student groupings in the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) which tests a random sample of fourth and eighth grade students in reading and mathematics.

Duval County Public Schools joined the NAEP district assessment program for mathematics and reading in 2015.

Application to the program is voluntary.

Selection criteria include district size,

The categories include racial and social subgroups tracked for equity in educational outcomes: All students; African American students; Hispanic students; Free and reduced lunch

While there were no areas where Duval was below the top 10, there were three areas where Duval ranked 6 – 10 in the nation. This was in the All Students (10); Hispanic students (6); and FRL students (8) in the category of Grade 8 Mathematics.

“To be consistently landing in the top five in the nation is a strong statement for the quality of instruction happening in our schools,” said School Board Chairwoman Lori Hershey. “To be an urban school district outpacing the average for all public schools in almost every category should be a source of pride for everyone in Jacksonville.”

“These results are very similar to our state assessment scores,” Greene said. “Looking at the overall test score trend, there is no doubt that Duval’s students are performing at a high level compared to our peers. Even with this, I am motivated to keep pressing forward and take our success to an even greater level.”

What is NAEP The NAEP program has served as the primary measurement of student achievement among the nation’s state education systems. NAEP informs the American public about how students are progressing and enables comparisons among states, large urban districts, and student groups.

Grade 4 Reading • All Students (5) • African American students (3) • Hispanic students (1 – tied with Miami) • FRL students (3) • SWD (2) Grade 8 Reading • All students (5) • African American students (3) • Hispanic students (3) • FRL students (3) • SWD (1)

Duval is not just beating most large city school districts. Duval’s students beat or tied the national average for all public schools in 17 out of 20 student groupings.

Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, Dr. Diana Greene, said the NAEP results mirror the trajectory seen in the Florida Standard Assessment (FSA) scores.

Grade 8 Mathematics • African American students (4) • SWD (1)

ratio of African American or Hispanic students and the ratio of students in the district who are eligible for free and reduced school lunch.

(FRL) students; and Students with Disabilities (SWD).

Duval’s students with disabilities ranked number one in the nation in The district also participates in the Trial both eighth-grade mathematics and in Urban District Assessment (TUDA) eighth grade reading. Duval’s Hispanic program of NAEP. This voluntary students tied Miami-Dade for number accountability program enables large one in fourth grade reading. The disdistricts to have their scores tallied trict’s lowest ranking is 10th in grade separately from their states, enabling eight mathematics for all students. comparisons among the nation’s largest participating cities. Across the Areas where Duval is ranked in nation, 27 large districts participate in the top five in the nation: this program including two others in Florida.

Grade 4 Mathematics (ranking) • All students (3) How does Duval compare • African American students (2) Compared to Duval’s large urban • Hispanic students (2) school district peers that also volun• Free and reduced lunch (FRL) stutarily participate in NAEP’s Trial Urban dents (2) District Assessment program, Duval • Students with disabilities (SWD) (2) finds itself ranked in the top five of 27 districts in almost every category.

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 24

As the district celebrates the high NAEP rankings, Greene reflects that she will continue to look beyond testing to foster the academic success of students.

“While testing enables the district to gauge it’s progress compared to other districts, true growth will come from an intensive and supportive focus on daily classroom instruction,” said Greene.

“As such, the district will continue to evaluate its participation in voluntary testing programs to ensure balance is achieved between the needs of our students and educators and the need for comparative achievement results.

The most promising opportunity we have is to escalate the rigor of our curriculum. We have to make sure teachers have access to materials and curriculum tools that are the right level of rigor for state and national assessments. That’s how we will get to the next level of student achievement.”

Semifinalists named for 2020 Florida Blue Duval County Teacher of the Year Congratulations to the 15 outstanding public school teachers who were named semifinalists for the 2020 Florida Blue Duval County Teacher of the Year today.

The semifinalists were selected from the more than 180 Teachers of the Year nominated by their schools for their results in the classroom and their commitment to their students.

“These teachers are outstanding educators in the classroom, helping students achieve their goals to be successful in college, career and life,” said Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, President of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF). “But they also stand out because they are teacher leaders, making an impact beyond their classrooms."

Semifinalists are selected by selection committees made up of teachers as well as representatives from Duval Teachers United, the Duval County Parent-Teacher Association, Duval County Public Schools and the community.

ber. From those five, one will be named 2020 Florida Blue Duval County Teacher of the Year at the 29th Annual EDDY Awards Gala on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.

The EDDY awards and Teacher of the Year process, says JPEF, is designed to be a yearlong professional learning and celebration experience to help retain great teachers in our public schools.

Last year, 88 percent of teachers surveyed said they were more likely to stay in the classroom as a result of their experience through the EDDY Awards "We are proud to empower them even more as teacher leaders through the EDDYs Experience," said Tutwiler.

For more information about the EDDY Awards and the Teacher of the Year process, visit the Jacksonville Public Education Fund website.

From the semifinalists, five finalists will be selected and announced in early Decem-

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 25

Find The Best Choice For Your Child

CHOICE EXPO

Saturday, January 11, 2020 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Prime Osborn Convention Center DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 26

Clay County School News CONGRATULATIONS 2019-2020 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

CONGRATULATIONS

2019-2020 SCHOOL-RELATED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR

Lisa McGee ARGYLE ELEMENTARY

Lindsay Burghart MIDDLEBURG HIGH SCHOOL

Krista Risher ARGYLE ELEMENTARY

Melissa Martinez MIDDLEBURG HIGH SCHOOL

Victoria Tompkins BANNERMAN LEARNING CENTER

Vickie Wucher MONTCLAIR ELEMENTARY

David Shealey BANNERMAN

Rachel Freeman MONTCLAIR ELEMENTARY

Megan Carrigan CHARLES BENNETT

Amy Ahrens OAKLEAF HIGH SCHOOL

Alyssa Ouellette CHARLES BENNETT

Kimberly Marbut OAKLEAF HIGH SCHOOL

Dr. Stephanie Egleston CLAY CHARTER ACADEMY

David Bradley OAKLEAF JUNIOR HIGH

April Rigdon CLAY CHARTER ACADEMY

Claudia Valverde OAKLEAF JUNIOR HIGH

Allyson Lowans CLAY HILL ELEMENTARY

Krystal Mason OAKLEAF VILLAGE ELEMENTARY

Barbie Griffis CLAY HILL ELEMENTARY

Sonya Cervantes OAKLEAF VILLAGE ELEMENTARY

Crystal Rice CLAY HIGH SCHOOL

Tracy Pfuntner ORANGE PARK ELEMENTARY

Betty Lahmann CLAY HIGH SCHOOL

Anna Younger ORANGE PARK ELEMENTARY

David Bishop CLAY VIRTUAL ACADEMY

Brett Pikuritz ORANGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Terri Crawford CLAY VIRTUAL ACADEMY

Ana Alonso Gonzalez ORANGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Karen Rucker COPPERGATE ELEMENTARY

Robert Granese ORANGE PARK JUNIOR HIGH

Kelly Moran COPPERGATE ELEMENTARY

Bianca Thomas ORANGE PARK JUNIOR HIGH

Erin Colon DISCOVERY OAKS ELEMENTARY

Brittney Nettles PATTERSON ELEMENTARY

Beverly Davis DISCOVERY OAKS ELEMENTARY

David Murphy PATTERSON ELEMENTARY

Karen Cameron DOCTORS INLET ELEMENTARY

Jessica Hughes PLANTATION OAKS ELEMENTARY

Melissa Spurrier DOCTORS INLET ELEMENTARY

Kacie Harley PLANTATION OAKS ELEMENTARY

Stephanie Burt FLEMING ISLAND ELEMENTARY

Meredith Milla RIDEOUT ELEMENTARY

April Andrews FLEMING ISLAND ELEMENTARY

Michelle Bowman RIDEOUT ELEMENTARY

Marie Fitzgerald FLEMING ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL

Kandy Page RIDGEVIEW ELEMENTARY

Tamara Nicola FLEMING ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL

Usa Biletzky RIDGEVIEW ELEMENTARY

John Steiner GREEN COVE SPRINGS JUNIOR HIGH

Sandra Correa RIDGEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Heather Stephens GREEN COVE SPRINGS JUNIOR HIGH

RIDGEVIEW HIGH SCHOOL LEARNING CENTER

Jessica Muffley GROVE PARK ELEMENTARY

Jordan Ruckersfeldt S. BRYAN JENNINGS ELEMENTARY

Deborah Tomack GROVE PARK ELEMENTARY

Margaret Starks S. BRYAN JENNINGS ELEMENTARY

Carol Carson KEYSTONE HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY

Morgan Smith SHADOWLAWN ELEMENTARY

Mary Oliver-Marney KEYSTONE HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY

Alisha Hickey SHADOWLAWN ELEMENTARY

John Mimbs

Jackie Weaver ST. JOHNS CLASSICAL

Shirley Larsen

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS JUNIOR/ SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

KEYSTONE HEIGHTS JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Amy Phillips ST. JOHNS CLASSICAL

Leann Yost LAKE ASBURY ELEMENTARY

Tiara Coffee SWIMMING PEN CREEK ELEMENTARY

Shirley Roberts LAKE ASBURY ELEMENTARY

Sandra Cordero-Davila SWIMMING PEN CREEK ELEMENTARY

Kristin Fulenwider LAKE ASBURY JUNIOR HIGH

Marilyn Karnuth THUNDERBOLT ELEMENTARY

Cassandra Shaw LAKE ASBURY JUNIOR HIGH

Crystal Stevens THUNDERBOLT ELEMENTARY

Angela Dotson LAKESIDE ELEMENTARY

Tracey Jones TYNES ELEMENTARY

Karen Haynes LAKESIDE ELEMENTARY

Charles Beraducci TYNES ELEMENTARY

Maryam Owen LAKESIDE JUNIOR HIGH

Emmalee Sutton W.E. CHERRY ELEMENTARY

Wendy Rodgers LAKESIDE JUNIOR HIGH

Cassandra Broughton W.E. CHERRY ELEMENTARY

Cristin Chason MCRAE ELEMENTARY

Arnold Anloague WILKINSON ELEMENTARY

Amanda Wagner MCRAE ELEMENTARY

Nicole Nelson WILKINSON ELEMENTARY

Christine Eckersley MIDDLEBURG ELEMENTARY

Shari Gouin WILKINSON JUNIOR HIGH

Sherry Raymer MIDDLEBURG ELEMENTARY

Cathy Williams WILKINSON JUNIOR HIGH

Kathi Flynn

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 27

St. Johns County

School District News

“Make a Mark” Winners The Make a Mark Award is a special award sponsored by The Players honoring St. Johns County teachers who encourage their students to make their mark. An elementary and secondary school winner is chosen each month by students, parents and business partners.

grow. I have seen Katie herself grow as a teacher and strive to be the very best in her career. I can see how the students respect her and look up to her. She leads by example and I couldn’t be more proud of my children’s growth and of Katie!”

Gamble Rogers Wins Durbin Again Creek Gets Funds

Gamble Rogers Middle School won the St. Johns Middle School Athletic Association football title for the second time in three Pedro Menendez High Language Arts years on Nov. 6 at St. Augustine High. The Valley Ridge Academy 7th-grade Lanteacher Jennifer Peters-Smith is the Make Stingrays defeated Murray Middle 20-0 to guage Arts teacher a Mark Award wincap off an undefeated 11-0 season.

Katie Bohatch was ner for High School. named the Make a Gamble Rogers shut out five opponents Mark Award winner Her nominations this year, including three straight teams in for middle school. reads: the SJMAA postseason.

Her nomination “Jennifer Pereads: ters-Smith graduat- Cason Blanco accounted for three stingray Representatives from Burlington Coat “She is warm ed from Pedro, went touchdowns. Frankie Morabito had two Factory recently donated $10,000 to and caring to her to college at Flagler interceptions and one touchdown. classrooms at Durbin Creek Elemenstudents while also and went back to expecting the very teach at Pedro. She tary. Pictured from left to right are best in her classis constantly thinking Principal Angela Fuller, Store Manager room each and every of her students – Vanja Rogulj, Assistant Manager Latrell day. We have had working often nights Connect on Facebook Acliese, Assistant Principal Laverne the pleasure of her and weekends on Katie Bohatch and Jennifer Peters-Smith @St Johns County Walker, and School Board Vice Chair class for both of our projects and goals for School District children. Katie has the ability to ‘mold to her classroom. The students are always Beverly Slough. the child’….accommodating each child’s on her mind. She has spent summers in learning style and unique skills. She Uganda helping teachers there expand makes these young adults feel confident curriculum and sponsored a teacher from Monday, Dec. 23 to Winter Break – Student/Teacher Holiday and she shows them how to enjoy readUganda to live with her here and shadow Friday, Jan.2 ing! Her unit on the Outsiders is amazing. teach. She has innovative ideas and tries Teacher Planning Day – Student Holiday She reaches these kids… at an age to make her class relevant and interesting Friday, Jan. 3 when almost nothing can spark them… to her students. She lives and breathes Monday, Jan. 6 Classes Resume / Second Semester Begins she ignites in them the love of books teaching and so deserves this recogniMonday, Jan. 20 Martin Luther King Day – Student/Teacher Holiday and how these stories can teach them to tion.”

Winter Calendar

Landrum Spelling Bee Champs Landrum Middle school winner Rudra Patel (left) will advance to the district spelling bee on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Other winners included David Chen, 8th grade; Zara Khan, 7th grade; and Anya Dorairaj, 6th grade.

Follow us on Twitter @StJohnsCountySD

Visit St. Johns County Schools online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/ for more information.

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 28

Things to Do

TEENS

Parent’s Guide to TikTok

T

ikTok is an app that gives users the opportunity to create and share shortform videos with friends, family, and the entire world. The app, which is free to use, is especially popular with young people, who enjoy using its tools to combine video, music, and graphics into funny sketches and creative shorts. TikTok is available in over 150 countries and in 75 languages. TikTok runs on both Apple and Android phones and tablets and has selected a 12+ rating on the Apple App Store and Google Play so that parents can use the device-level parental controls provided

by Apple and Android.

The app brings some of teenagers’ favorite things—social media and music—together on a platform where they can have fun creating content and interacting with their friends. The app’s users emphasize quirkiness and novelty, and in that respect TikTok is helping expand the creative frontier of the internet.

By default, TikTok accounts are Public, which allows anyone to view a user’s profile and posted videos. Users have the ability to change their profile to Private. You can follow anyone with a public account but if their account is private, you must get their permission to follow them. And, of course, the same is true for your account meaning that unless your account is private, anyone can follow you.

There are pluses and minuses to having a public account on TikTok. Our research shows that many TikTok users, no matter the age, derive significant joy from interacting with a large global audience. More communication and collaboration can spark greater creativity and lead to a more satisfying online experience.

The app provides several ways to customize your interactions according to your personal privacy and safety preferences. You can personalize your “For You” feed by giving a heart to videos you like or choosing “not interested” on content you’d prefer to see less of. You can prevent others from receiving suggestions to follow you by disabling “allow others to follow me.” By making your account private, you can approve the users who can

follow you and view your videos and likes. It also means that only your approved followers can view your videos.

To minimize risk and maximize safety, consider carefully each follower request before accepting it. Even with a private account, a user’s profile information – including profile photo, username, and bio – will be visible to all users. There are several other useful ways TikTok allows its users to protect their privacy and customize their experience: When posting a video, a user can prevent others from commenting, or limit comments to their friends only. Users can turn off, or limit to their friends only, who can send them direct messages. Users can turn off Duets or limit the ability to Duet with them to their friends only. “Duets” is a popular side-by-side video feature that allows a user to create a new video next to an existing TikTok video.

TikTok provides users (or their parents) the ability to filter out more mature content by enabling Restricted Mode. The app states that Restricted Mode will “limit the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences.” Our testing shows that use of Restricted Mode removes videos containing violent and sexual content, resulting in a more PG experience. However, as with restricted modes on all apps, there is always the possibility that content that might be inappropriate to some could slip in despite efforts to prevent it.

Users or their parents also have the ability to limit the amount of consecutive time you can use the account. To go beyond that time, the user or parent must enter the passcode.

TikTok has several educational resources for parents including a Top Ten Tips for Parents primer, “You’re in Control” safety educational videos (searchable under @tiktoktips in the app), a Safety Center, and an ongoing blog series with helpful tips to customize your TikTok experience. These tools are a useful resource for parents to begin discussions about TikTok’s in-app safety tools. j connectsafely.org

Teens Events

The After Thanksgiving Hunt December 4, 3:30pm to 4:30pm Teens, come walk off some of that turkey and pie with a library scavenger hunt. Learn how the library is organized as you try to find all the clues and win a prize.

Jacksonville Public Library, San Marco Branch / 904- 858-2907 / 1513 Lasalle Street Jacksonville, FL 32207 / jpl.coj.net

tablet, phone, notebook, typewriter, etc.).

Seating is limited so registration is required.

St. Johns County Public Library, Main Branch / 904- 827-6940 / 1960 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32084 / sjcpls.org

Child & Babysitting Safety Certification Course • December 20, 9am to 2pm This course is for youth ages 11-16 who already babysit, will start sometime in the future, or who simply want to learn how to safely stay home alone or with younger siblings. Participants will learn how to superWomen's Self Defense Impact Class vise children and infants, perform basic child December 4, 7:30pm to 9:30pm care-skills such as diapering and feeding, This 2-hour course was designed to impact handle bedtime and discipline issues, identify the way you react to an attacker. During the safety hazards and prevent injuries, care for first part of this course, participants will cover common injuries and emergencies such as crimes against women and strategies to choking, burns, cuts and bee stings, comreduce your risks. During the second half, you municate effectively with parents, find and will get you on your feet and change the way interview for babysitting jobs, and develop you think of dealing with an attacker via fun- leadership skills. This is a 5 hour course and damental defensive tactics and techniques upon successful completion, students will that every woman deserves to know. Cost receive official certification cards from the is $55 per student. The Women's Defense American Safety and Health Institute. Cost Company / 904-655-7772 / 13241 Bartram is $50.

Park Boulevard, Unit 405, Jacksonville, FL Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care / 904-43432258 / womensdefensecompany.com 6032 / 11140 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / safetyfirstjacksonville.com Teen Art Club: Steampunk Scrooge December 9, 4pm to 5pm Travel to the world of Charles Dickens’ A Teens 2-day Holiday Camp Christmas Carol. During this program, you December 26-27, 6pm to 8:30pm will learn all about the world of Victorian The Publix Aprons Cooking School hosts a Holidays. You will play holiday games, find two day teen camp focusing on the classics. some holiday reads, and create your own tiny Italian and French cuisine will be featured, holiday masterpiece. For teens 12-18. with a menu that includes Classic Italian Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch / Dishes - Caesar Salad; Truffled Mushroom 904- 630-2665 / 303 North Laura Street, Risotto; Veal Saltimbocca with Capellini; and Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jpl.coj.net Tiramisu on day one; and Classic French Dishes - French Onion Soup; Ratatouille; Teen Writing Group Boeuf Bourguignon; Pommes Duchesse; and December 18, 4:30pm to 5:45pm Vanilla Crème Brulee on day two. This class Teens are invited to come learn how to get is for teens 13–17 years old. Cost is $90. started writing a story. Join up with your Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262literary peers to write, discuss and share your 4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jackwork with other teens; set challenging goals sonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com and work together to beat them; help one another become better writers. Please be sure Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list to bring your preferred writing device (laptop, of Teen events.

“The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment. You create a good future by creating a good present.”

– Eckhart Tolle DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 29

Things to Do

PETS

Events Nutritious, Delicious Pet Treats You Pet Paws & Claus Pet Photos With Santa, Can Make in a Flash Orange Park Mall

P

ets love treats! And pet parents love being able to offer them to four-legged family members. Unfortunately, the majority of commercial pet treats, while yummy tasting to dogs and cats, are neither species-appropriate nor do they contain high quality ingredients. In fact, most species-appropriate pet treats won't remotely resemble the cute and colorful dog biscuits and cookies you may be used to seeing on store shelves. Forming treats into tiny dog bone or fish shapes requires the use of undesirable ingredients like grains and other starches, not to mention fillers, preservatives, sugar, and other additives.

Wouldn't it be great to be able to offer delicious, delectable treats to your pet that also provide your dog or cat with species-appropriate nutrition? I certainly think it would be, so I asked my team to keep their eyes open for some excellent alternatives to the usual pet treat fare. I'm sharing a few of the results of our research at Mercola Healthy Pets. I hope these recipes, tips and ideas will inspire you to make those treat calories count by offering nutritious, biologically appropriate snacks to your furry loved ones.

Super Easy Nutritious Pet Treat Recipes Crunchy Beef Cubes What you'll need: • 1 pound lean beef • Baking sheet covered with baking parchment To prepare: • Dice beef into half-inch cubes • Place cubes close together on baking sheet • Put baking sheet into cold oven and heat oven to 300ºF • Cook for 1 hour • Reduce oven temperature to 200ºF and prop open oven door (to allow moisture to escape) • Continue cooking for 2 additional hours • Remove beef cubes from oven and allow to dry overnight at room temperature • Place beef cubes in airtight container and keep refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve Turkeyballs What you'll need: • 1 pound ground turkey • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon chopped parsley • ¼ cup shredded cheese (optional) • ½ cup chopped veggies (optional) To prepare: • Preheat oven to 350ºF

• Mix all ingredients in bowl • Shape mixture into bite-size balls • Bake for 10 minutes or until brown • Cool and serve or seal in airtight container and store in fridge or freezer until ready to serve For more pet treat recipes visit healthypets.mercola.com.

How to Quickly Turn a Can of Pet Food into Nutritious Treats If you buy commercial (hopefully human grade) canned food for your dog or cat, you can 'repurpose' a can for use as a supply of healthy treats.

Open a can of your pet's favorite brand, preferably something with a strong aroma, and spoon out little treat sized amounts onto a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

Put the baking sheet into the freezer until the bite sized bits of food are frozen. Then move them to an airtight container and back into the freezer they go until you're ready to treat your pet to a treat! (Most dogs will enjoy the treats frozen, but you'll need to thaw them to a chewy consistency for kitties.)

Additional Ideas for Quick-and-Easy Pet Treats Don't count out people food when it comes to offering healthy treats to your pet. Fed in moderation (meaning fed only occasionally, and in very small amounts – no more than a 1/8 inch square for a cat or small dog and no more than a ¼ inch square for a bigger dog), any of the following items from your kitchen can provide a nutritious snack for your dog or cat: • Fruit • Cheese • Raw almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts • Blueberries • Frozen peas No matter what treats you feed, they should be counted as part of your dog's or cat's daily caloric intake. It's easy to imagine, as you're handing a tiny morsel of this or that to your pet, that those extra calories are inconsequential in such small amounts.

Most pet owners would be surprised at just how many extra calories a treat here and there can add to a pet's daily energy intake. j Dr. Karen Becker healthypets.mercola.com

DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 30

December 2 and 16, 6pm to 8pm Bring your furry friend to get their photo taken with Santa. Mix and mingle with other pet lovers while your furry friend takes a photo with Santa. There will be a pet play area, toy and treat giveaways, refreshments and more.

Orange Park Mall / 904-269-2422 / 1910 Wells Rd, Orange Park, FL 32073 / orangeparkmall.com Rescue Junkie Monthly Adoption Event December 7, 10am to 2pm EarthWise Pet Jax Beach hosts a special monthly adoption event with Rescue Junkie.

Find the new love of your life while getting an exclusive deal on food and pet supplies at this fur-friendly event. Pictures of adoptees will be posted the week prior to the event each month.

EarthWise Pet Jax Beach / 904-372-7822 / 3846 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.earthwisepet.com

& Brews at Engine 15. There will be drink specials and food trucks for humans, and socialization for canines. Engine 15 Brewing Downtown Tap Room & Biergarten / 904551-9429 / 633 N Myrtle Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / engine15.com Dog Park on Ice at Jacksonville Ice December 15, 3:30pm to 6:30pm Bring your pups to Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex for an afternoon of fun on the ice.

Admission is $12 + a dog food donation for each dog and their human. Plus, dogs can get their photo taken with Santa. Unaccompanied humans are $5 each. Dog food and $3 from every dog admission benefits The Jacksonville Humane Society. A limited quantity of booties will be available for purchase at the event. Or purchase your own online ahead of time.

Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex / 904-3993223 / 3605 Phillips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / jacksonvilleice.comworks

Cats & Yoga Mats Fundraiser December 28, 2pm to 4pm Del Mar Vet Hospital hosts an animal fundraiser. Participants are invited for a beginner Christmas Pet Portraits yoga class with instructor Jen Holloway.

December 8, 12noon to 4pm During class, there will be adoptable kitties Fur families are invited for a professionroaming the room. Please bring your yoga al photo session with LJ's Photography. mat and water bottle. There is a $20 regisFeaturing a Winter Wonderland setting, pets tration fee to participate in the event. 100% can have their portraits taken with Santa. The of the money raised will go to a different no cost of $50 includes ten digital fully edited kill animal rescue each month. Spaces are images emailed with transfer of rights. Winter limited. attire is encouraged. Earth Pets Natural Pet St. Johns County Public Library, Anastasia IsMarket, San Marco / 904- 586-2576 / 1629 land Branch / 904-209-3730 / 124 Seagrove Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Florida 32207 / Main St, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / sjcpls.org earthpetsflorida.com 2nd Saturday Barks & Brews December 14, 3pm to 6pm Barked Goods hosts the 2nd Sunday Barks

Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.

12 Days of Christmas Jax4Kids is giving away a prize a day, every day during the 12 Days before Christmas.

Visit us at Facebook.com/Jax4Kids each day from December 13 through December 24 to find out what you could win!

THINGS TO DO Astronaut at MOSH • Thru January 4 Jax4Kids.com proudly sponsors Astronaut at MOSH. Astronaut is a traveling exhibition that explores the physical and mental challenges involved in space exploration and gives visitors a taste of what life is like outside of Earth and its atmosphere. Through interactive exhibits, visitors can experience g-force, conduct maintenance on a space station, grow space food and learn the realities of showering, sleeping and using the toilet in space. The exhibition also focuses on team work to solve problems, accurately perform tasks and overcome challenges that an astronaut would face on a real mission to the cosmos.

MOSH / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org STEM Day with the Jaguars December 1, 1pm The Jacksonville Jaguars and Engineering for Kids hosts the 2nd Annual STEM Day. The Jaguars themed hands-on Engineering and Robotics event will feature building a Jaguars Drone, Droid, or Robot. After an hour and a half of building, participants will compete to see who has built the strongest and fastest Drone, Droid or Robot. Winning teams and their family will receive club passes for the Jaguars game. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to be part of this event.

Tables and chairs will be provided for parents and family to tailgate while children are participating in the activities. Registration includes a ticket to the game. Tickets range from $35 to $45.

TIAA Bank Field / 904-633-4673 / 1 TIAA Bank Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguars.com Disney and Pixar’s UP • December 1, 3pm The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra presents Disney's UP, with its score played live by the Jacksonville Symphony. Tickets range from $29 to $89 and are available online. Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Strategies and Support for the Middle School Math Student • December 3, 6pm to 7pm Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to explore the latest middle school math curriculum as well as various i-Ready resources. In addition, they will learn simple yet powerful strategies to help support students at home. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent Academy courses are free of charge. Twin Lakes Academy Middle School / 904-390-2960 / 8050 Point Meadows Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / dcps.duvalschools.org Harlem Globetrotters • December 6, 7pm The Harlem Globetrotters bring their show to Jacksonville for one show only. Tickets to the see the Globetrotters start at $23.50, and are available online. A special Magic Pass is also available to purchase. Before the game, take part in a once-

in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you have an opportunity to spend time on the court with the Globetrotters. Learn how to spin a basketball on your finger, get autographs and take photos with Globetrotter stars, and shoot some hoops on the court. There are also mini hoops for kids that want to dunk like the Globetrotters. All customers must have a game ticket AND Magic Pass for entry. This includes all children as well as the parent(s)/guardian(s) wishing to accompany them. Soft/rubber soled shoes must be worn on court. Magic Pass tickets are an additional $22 each, plus online fee.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-630-3900 / 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.harlemglobetrotters.com WWE Live - Holiday Tour December 7, 7:30pm WWE Live makes a stop in Jacksonville as part of their Holiday Tour. Featured superstars include Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, and Becky Lynch. Tickets start at $30, with VIP Experience tickets available.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-630-3900 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / http://www.wwe.com The Venardos Circus December 18 - January 5 Venardos Circus, a unique family-friendly traveling Circus, features aerialists, acrobats, juggling, balancing, comedy, daredeviltry, magic, musical

production and performers from around the world.

An interactive pre-show party takes place one hour before show time with opportunities to meet the cast, snap selfies and play games. The main event lasts approximately 90 minutes, with a brief intermission. Tickets are $25 for adult General Admission and $15 for youth under 12, with special V.I.P. experience seating priced from $35 to $45. Children 24 months and younger are free.

SAVE 20% off tickets with the code JAX4KIDS. Classic circus treats like Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Hot Dogs, Lemonade and more are available.

The St. Augustine Amphitheatre / 904-209-0367 / 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.staugamphitheatre.com Kids Art Lab • December 19, 3:45pm to 4:45m These hands-on activities encourage kids ages 5-11 to create their own masterpiece. Participants will create trade beads. This free program is sponsored by the SJC Public Library. For more info or to register, contact Ashley Brown at abrown@ sjcfl.us or 904-209-0379. The Solomon Calhoun Center / 904-209-0379 / 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.sjcfl.us

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!

VYSTAR VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA DEC 6 • 7 PM DECEMBER 2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 31