Jax4Kids November 2023

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Contents • November 2023

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LIVING WELL

Dear Readers,

Community Profile: Hope4Veterans........................................................................ 4 Veterans Day Events............................................................................................. 5

I

t’s that time of year! The Jacksonville Fair will be open November 2nd through November 12th. Mark your calendar for these special events: November 2nd is opening day and gate admission is free with the purchase of a $15 ride armband. November 8th is Family Night; children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult admission and armbands are $15. Visit jacksonvillefair.com for more daily specials. Featured entertainment this year includes Bob Bohm Magic, Bot the Robot, Diamond D Ranch Pony Rides, Gem Mining, Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Sea Lion Splash and a Live Shark Encounter.

FUNBOX is a 25,000 square foot bounce park featuring something for kids of all ages including a 23 foot slide, Gumball Gallop, Mountain Challenge, Chill Zone, Ninja Wall, Obstacle Course and more! It’s open at The Avenues Mall now through January 14th. Get 20% off tickets by using the code JAX4KIDS. Visit funbox.com/Jacksonville to order tickets.

Cases of RSV, the respiratory virus that filled emergency rooms with children last year is being widely reported in the southern United States and cases are expected to rise. There is a shortage of the new shot for infants and children up to age 2 that was approved by the FDA in July. Doctors are now urging momsto-be at 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy to get the second, new option to protect their babies.

If you are pregnant or have an infant or toddler, please turn to page 10 and read more.

Safe Kids Northeast Florida is sharing important information about toy safety on page 8.

Before you head out buy holiday gifts for the kids in your life, please read this article.

Tragic events such as war and mass shootings are all too often in the news. If you’re looking for guidance on how to explain the news to your kids, turn to page 9. We would also encourage you to visit CommonSenseMedia.org, The National Association of School Psychologists at nasponline.org, American Psychological Association at apa.org or UNICEF.org to find more on the topic.

Of the many things we need to teach our kids before they leave the nest, managing money is one of the most important in terms of how it

NATURE

10 Natural Ways to Make Your Home Smell Like Fall............................................... 6 Things to Do: Nature Events................................................................................... 6

EATING WELL

will positively or negatively affect their future quality of life. Turn to page 12 for some great tips to teach teenagers about money.

November 11th is Veterans Day – a day to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Services that have served our country. On page 5 we have a list of some of the ways you can honor these heroes and, events for veterans. In addition, Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience is offering veterans free admission with a full-priced ticket and the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is offering all military veterans and active-duty service members one (1) free General Admission ticket valid on Saturday, November 11.

Tickets must be reserved online, in advance.

Visit Jacksonvillezoo.org/offers for more details and to reserve tickets. November 10th is Military Appreciation Day at the Jacksonville Fair. Active duty and retired veterans receive free admission.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Colors of the Wild Zoolights Lantern Experience opens November 19th. Visit jacksonvillezoo.org for more information. The Zoo is also participating in Kids Free November. In partnership with Visit Jacksonville, admission is free for up to 5 children (under 12) per paid adult all month long during Kids Free November. For other participating attractions, visit visitjacksonville. com/kids-free-november.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

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Alison Peters-Carlson Editor................................editor@jax4kids.com Gabrielle Carlson Associate Editor........................... info@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer............................... linda@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager................................ judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.............................beth@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager........................ mary@jax4kids.com

The Seasonal Produce Gems of Autumn!................................................................ 7 Things to Do: Eating Well Events............................................................................ 7 Handling Flour Safely: What You Need to Know........................................................ 7

HEALTH & SAFETY Make Playing with Toys Safe for Your Kids.............................................................. 8 Things to Do: Health & Safety Events...................................................................... 8 Explaining the News to Our Kids............................................................................. 9 CDC Creates Comic and Coloring Books to Teach Kids About Health......................... 9

INFANT & TODDLER

Health Officials Recommending RSV Vaccinations for Moms-To-Be........................ 10 Things to Do: Infant & Toddler Events................................................................... 10

SPECIAL NEEDS

Brain Cells, Interrupted: How Some Genes May Cause Autism, Epilepsy, and Schizophrenia...................................................................................................... 11 Things to Do: Special Needs Events....................................................................... 11

TEENS

How to Teach Teenagers About Money.................................................................. 12 Things to Do: Teen Events.................................................................................... 12

HOLIDAY Holiday Events...............................................................................................13-15

EDUCATION

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free for Children Age 5 and Under..................... 16 Things to Do: Education Events............................................................................ 16 Duval County School News.............................................................................17-18 Clay County School News.................................................................................... 19 St. Johns County School District News................................................................. 20

PETS

Housetraining Your Dog....................................................................................... 21 Things to Do: Pet Events...................................................................................... 21

THINGS TO DO

November Events...........................................................................................22-23 Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2023. 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.

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 3

LIVING WELL Community Profile: Hope4Veterans

H

ope4Veterans is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that prevents isolation, suicide, and homelessness by providing transitional services, sister advocacy, Peer2Peer Sister Mentorship, household goods, baby supplies, financial assistance with groceries, gas, utilities, rent/mortgage and laptops for Women Veterans.

Through Hope4Veterans’ goals and community projects, they increase self-sufficiency by supporting military women and their children, teaching self-care, and providing the tools to grow stronger families.

Hope4Veterans’ Peer2Peer program is a community-building effort to connect Women Veterans and Women Spouses with one another.

Peer2Peer Mentorship is a network of women veterans in support of women veterans with a focus on life resiliency, recovery, wellness, goalsetting, and communication. Workshops and standalone programs including a Peer2Peer Theraputic Art Program are offered.

Peer Support Advocates provide consistent social support, case management, and advocacy services for women veterans in Hope4veterans program and accessing, transitional services and case management services. The Peer

Support Advocate helps women veteran sisters navigate systems and obtain the services that are necessary for stability and wellness.

Peer2Peer sisters identify as a consumer and utilize personal life experience when working with clients. Hope4Veterans mission emphasizes supportive, non-judgmental care, preventive care, health education and community referrals to address the broad spectrum of health and psycho-social concerns of our women veterans served and serving.

In addition to the Peer2Peer program, Hope4Veterans provides financial support, household goods, baby equipment and gently-used upgradable laptops and maintenance.

They also sponsor families for Christmas.

Hope4Veterans appreciates all types of donations. Donations of baby supplies, household goods (gently used or brand new), and laptops are among the items they can use to assist Women and their families.

If you would like to volunteer or donate to Hope4Veterans, please visit hope4veterans. org.

On Saturday, November 4th, Hope4Veterans will host their 3rd Annual Hear Our Voices

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 4

Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 a.m. local time, our clocks will go back an hour and we will gain an extra hour of sleep.

Gala at the Palencia Club in St. Augustine. This • Call 988 and select 1. year’s Keynote Speaker is Clinical Social Work/ • Text 838255.

Therapist, Jean Gautreaux, LCSW with Limit• If you have hearing loss, call less Growth Counseling. Jean specializes in TTY: 800-799-4889. trauma and PTSD, Personality and Mood Disorders. Tickets are available online at hope4vet- You can also take these actions: erans.org. Tickets start at $85. The Gala sup• Call 911. ports the programs offered by Hope4Veterans.

• Go to the nearest emergency room.

If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about • Go directly to your nearest VA medone, connect with caring, qualified Veterans ical center. It doesn’t matter what Crisis Line responders for confidential help. your discharge status is or if you’re Many of them are Veterans themselves. This enrolled in VA health care. j service is private, free, and available 24/7.

Here’s how you can connect with a Veterans hope4veterans.org Crisis Line responder, anytime day or night:

Veterans Day Events Horses & Heroes Rodeo November 10 or 11, 7pm H.O.R.S.E. Therapies and the Jacksonville Equestrian Center present the Horses & Heroes Rodeo, honoring all who have served.

The show features Jacee Beth Thomas, professional funnyman Trent McFarland, and the Dynamite Dames TrickRiders. General admission is $30, and parking is $10 if purchased in advance. Veterans and First Responders receive 10% off tickets. There are VIP tickets available for $80, which includes parking and a steak dinner in a VIP area. Doors open at 5:30pm and the show starts at 7pm each night.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center / 904-2554254 / 13611 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221 / jaxhorsetherapies.org

officials, active-duty and retired military, veterans groups, local high school marching bands, decorative floats, giant balloons, JROTC units and more. Downtown Jacksonville / 904-255-5422, East Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / specialevents.coj.net

Vets on T.A.P. Veterans Day Networking Event & Resource Fair November 11, 3pm to 6pm Come join Vets on T.A.P. and several partner organizations at Myrtle Avenue Brewing on Veterans Day for networking and a resource fair. Participating organizations include Task Force Hydro 1, Irreverent Warriors, Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Professional Network, Operation New Uniform, First Coast Honor Flight, Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Cohen Veterans Network, and Here Tomorrow. Vets on TAP is a group for transitioning Heroes on the Water: Veterans Day Celemilitary, veterans, spouses, local veterans nonbration • November 11, 8am to 4pm profits, and business leaders in Jacksonville, Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)(3) non-profit FL. Currently, Vets on TAP hosts networking that provides no-cost therapeutic kayak and education events, and plans to expand to fishing experiences to veterans, first-reareas including veterans transition support and sponders, active-duty military members and a job board. Vets on TAP is a 501(c)3 non-proftheir families. The volunteer-led chapters it. Myrtle Avenue Brewing / 633 Myrtle Ave hold regularly scheduled events that improve North, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / vetsontap.org lives while supporting our heroes. This Veteran's Day Celebration will include a ther- Salute to Veterans Run 2023 apeutic day on the water followed by a BBQ November 11, 4pm lunch at Browns Creek Fish Camp. Free to The 12th annual 5K will take place at the attend, but you must be a part of Heroes on pier of the USS Orleck and will take runners the Water. Heroes on the Water's mission is through scenic downtown Jacksonville. The to help veterans, active duty military and first race will kick off by paying tribute to each responders relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate service by displaying the service flag and into society through kayak fishing and the playing the service song allowing military outdoors. Over the past several years of service-members and Veterans to sing along taking men and women of all branches of to. The event will also feature a Patriotic Paws the armed services out kayak fishing, they Parade, which is a 1 mile run/walk with your have learned first hand the "triple therapy" best dressed fur baby. Prizes will be awarded of kayak fishing - physical with paddling and to the top best dressed and goodies will be fishing; occupational in learning a new skill given to all four legged participants. The race and a sport they can do for a lifetime; and primarily benefits the Jacksonville Historic mental in the relaxation and freedom out on Naval Ship Association. Registration ranges the water. Brown's Creek Fish Camp / 904- from $25 to $50. All registered participants 993-5366 / 5212 Heckscher Drive, Jackson- will receive free entry to the Jacksonville ville, FL 32226 / heroesonthewater.org Naval Museum. The post race celebration includes live music, free beverages, and a free Keep Veterans Park Beautiful food item. Jacksonville Naval Museum / 904November 11, 9am to 10:30am 399-8880 / 610 E Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL In honor of Veterans Day, help cleanup 32202 / 1stplacesports.com Veterans Park while enjoying the sites of the surrounding area. This event is open to DCCCA23 and Mission BBQ 4th Annual all ages, however, parents must accompany Veteran's Day Event their children. There will be giveaways at the November 11, 11am to 2pm end of the event.

Duval Car Club Cancer Awareness Inc hosts Veterans Park / 904-201-9579 / 1332 Vettheir 4th Annual Veteran's Day Event. Display erans Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259 / www. your cars and support Veterans, Firefighters, ksjcb.org Police Officers, and First Responders.

Mission BBQ / 904-629-8156 / 4852 Town City of Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.

November 11, 11am dccca23.org Join the City of Jacksonville to honor true American heroes - the veterans and Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list active-duty military. This patriotic parade features grand marshals, senior military of Veterans Day events.

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 5

NATURE

10 Natural Ways to Make Your Home Smell Like Fall 1.

Fall Apple Cider Simmering Potpourri. One of the easiest ways to make your house smell like fall is to think about fall’s favorite beverage – apple cider. Hot mulled cider is a tasty and fragrant fall beverange, and when simmering in a crockpot, it smells as good as it tastes. To make, add the peel of one orange, and 1 teaspoon whole cloves to a muslin bag or cheesecloth. Then combine 2 quarts able cider, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 orange, sectioned, 1 cinnamon stick, and the spice bag containing orange peel and cloves. Cover and simmer on low for two to three hours. Remove lid and allow the fragrance of autumn release into your home. Discard spice bag. Now you can enjoy the warm beverage!

2.

Pumpkin Pie Spice Simmering Potpourri. The essence of Thanksgiving and fragrance of fall will permeate your home with this specialty spice blend simmerinsg in your slow cooker. Fill a slow cooker with water. Stir in 3 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice, 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder or 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ginger.

Simmer uncovered for several hours.

3.

Apples and Spice Stovetop Simmer. Add those leftover peels and cores from pie-making into a pot with 1 quart water, 3 pinecones, and 3 cinnamon sticks. Simmer on your stovetop and let the autumn fragrance fill the room. Just watch the water level and add more as needed.

4.

Before turning on the lights, add a drop of apple extract or cinnamon essential oil to the light bulbs in lamps, chandeliers, and pendant lights.

5.

Freshen and clean the bathroom tub, sink and toilet with seasonally scented baking soda. Put one cup of baking soda. Put one cup of baking soda into a glass jar. Select one of the autumn essence fragrances from the following blends and add it to the jar with the baking soda.

6.

• 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil and 5 drops of cinnamon leaf essential oil • 15 drops of fir needle, pine, spruce, or birch essential oils • 8 drops of tangerine essential oil and 8 drops of ginger essential oil • Cover the jar and lightly shake. To use, apply a little scented baking soda to a wet sponge or place directly in a wet sink or tub and scrub to clean and freshen your bathroom.

Toss pinecones and cinnamon sticks or evergreen clippings together in a decorative basket and set beside a fireplace or use as a centerpiece to make your room look, feel and smell like fall. To heighten the fragrance, add a few drops of cinnamon or pine needle essential oil to the pinecones.

7.

Decorate your kitchen with a fragrant spice wreath. Simply glue dried orange peels, dried apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, anise and bay leaves onto a straw wreath form.

8.

Fill a vase with stems of fragrant eucalyptus and a peacock feather for a beautiful, scented decoration.

9.

Try this fresh “Autumn is in the Air” blend of essential oils in your ultrasonic, cool water diffuser: To your diffuser add 8 drops of sweet orange essential oil, 6 drops of sage essential oil, and 6 drops of lime essential oil.

10. Freshen your rugs and carpets with the fragrance of an evergreen forest by making your own scented baking soda. Start by placing one cup of baking soda into a glass jar. Then, add 15 drops of pine needle or spruce essential oil to a jar with holes punctured in the metal top or use a slide-top syrup dispenser. When you’re ready to use it, simply sprinkle the pine-scented powder on your rugs or carpets, allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, and then proceed to vacuum. j farmersalmanac.com

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 6

Things to Do Nature Events

Herp, Herp, Hooray!

November 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 11am to 12noon Assist the Interpretive ranger with caring for and learning about the reptiles and amphibians that call the nature center home. Space is limited, so advance registration is requested. Call the front office to register. Admission is $2 per person with a $5 parking fee.

Crooked River State Park / 912-264-7218 / 6222 Charlie Smith Sr Hwy, St. Marys, GA 31558 / gastateparks.org

has a lot of great bird activity. Participants will spend time standing on the boardwalk watching the various wading birds, raptors, woodpeckers and smaller birds landing nearby.

There will also be a view of the intracoastal on one side of the park. Note there is no bathroom at this location but there is a gas station with a bathroom very close by.

Long Creek Nature Preserve / 1050 Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.flagleraudubonsociety.org

St. Johns Riverkeeper Oyster Roast Fundraiser • November 17, 7pm This year, St. Johns Riverkeeper is celebrating the St. Johns River at the 22nd annual Oyster Roast. The Oyster Roast is St. Johns RiverRight Whale Festival November 4, 10am to 6pm and November keeper’s most impactful fundraiser each year.

There will be live music by Let’s Ride Brass 5, 10am to 3pm Band, food from Biscottis, oysters from FisherThe Right Whale Festival celebrates the man’s Dock, a silent auction, raffle, and more. annual return of endangered North Atlantic General admission tickets are $150, with a right whales to the warm coastal waters off special price of $90 for young professionals 35 northeast Florida and Georgia, where they and under. give birth to and nurse their young. With Garden Club of Jacksonville / 904-256-7591 less than 350 remaining, this family friendly event raises awareness of the threats to right / 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org whales and how to help in their recovery.

The festival highlights local efforts to protect Life Lit: 4 B's - Bats, Bees, Birds, Butterflies these whales from extinction, as well as November 20, 6pm to 7pm ocean-themed activities and exhibits that What do bats, bees, birds and butterflies have emphasize education and environmentalin common? Besides beginning with the letter ly responsible adventures and products.

"B" each is a pollinator. These pollinators play Admission is free. Main Beach Park / 32 North Fletcher Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL an important role in supporting food production. Join staff at Charles Webb Wesconnett 32034 / www.rightwhalefestival.com Regional to learn about different categories of pollinators and how to help them. Life Lit are Budding Gardeners: Stellar Strawberries free workshops offered by trained professionNovember 11, 10am to 12noon als and volunteers that focus on improving Fresh-picked strawberries are delicious and your day to day life. These programs cover a fun to grow. Children learn how to grow their own strawberries and plant one to take wide range of workshops from gardening to small business needs. home. When strawberries are planted in the Jacksonville Public Library, Charles Webb late fall, you get strawberries in late winter.

Taste several ways to enjoy strawberries and Wesconnett Regional Branch / 904-255-2665 / 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / make a strawberry-themed craft. Registrajaxpubliclibrary.org tion is $5. Budding Gardeners is aimed at children in grades 1-6 to discover gardening, conservation, and wildlife through interactive programs, crafts, and outdoor projects.

Children and their parents or caregivers collaborate during a morning of healthy and fun activities.

Garden Club of Jacksonville / 904-355-4224 / 1005 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.gardenclubjax.org Bird Walk: Long Creek Nature Preserve November 13, 10am to 12noon This is a partner event with Wild Birds Unlimited of Palm Coast and Flagler Audubon Society. Long Creek is a very short walk, but

Exploring Animals at Foxmeadow Park November 30, 11am to 12noon The Clay County Library will join Clay County Parks and Rec for a special story and pop-up nature center. Staff will be at Foxmeadow Park in Middleburg this month to learn about bears.

This program is designed for children ages 5 years and under. Free. Foxmeadow Park / 904-541-5855 / 1155 Foxmeadow Trail, Middleburg, FL 32068 / www.claycountygov.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Nature events.

EATING WELL

The Seasonal Produce Gems of Autumn!

P

umpkin

Pumpkin is full of dietary fiber and beta-carotene, which provides its vibrant orange color.

Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A in the body, which is great for your skin and eyes.

To balance pumpkin’s sweetness, try adding savory herbs, such as sage and curry.

your leafy greens is that you can add dressing ahead of time; kale becomes more tender and delicious, not wilted.

Pears When we can buy fruits year-round, we tend to forget they have seasons. Pears are the most delicious in the fall when they're at their peak. Pears are unique in that they do Beets not ripen on the tree; they will ripen at room Beets are edible from their leafy greens down temperature after they're picked. How do you to the bulbous root. The leaves are similar know when they are ready to eat? Check the to spinach and are delicious sautéed. The neck! If the fruit near the stem gives to a little grocery store most likely will carry red beets; pressure, it is ripe. There are a wide range of your local farmers market may have more pear flavors and textures. And, just like apples, interesting varieties, such as golden or bull's some are excellent eaten fresh while others blood, which has a bullseye pattern of rings. are best cooked or canned for the winter. Try The red color in beets is caused by a phytopears on the grill, poached in red wine, tucked chemical called betanin, making beet juice a into a panini, pureed into soup or a smoothie, natural alternative to red food coloring. Beets or simply sliced with cheese. If you eat the are a source of naturally occurring nitrates and peel too, one medium pear has 6 grams of may help to support healthy blood pressure. dietary fiber.

Roasting or steaming beets whole takes the fuss out of peeling — the skin easily slides Okra off after cooking. They also are delicious raw, Okra commonly is fried, but also is wondershredded and tossed in salads or thinly sliced ful in other forms. Around the world, chefs and baked into chips. cherish the thickening properties of the seed pods in dishes from Louisiana gumbo to Indian Sweet Potato curries and other stews. If you wish to miniSweet potatoes are full of dietary fiber and vi- mize the thickening property, try okra briefly tamin A. They also are a good source of potas- stir-fried. The pods are high in vitamins K and sium and vitamin C. Try them as a breakfast C, a good source of fiber, an excellent source side dish, or serve them at any meal. of folate and low in calories. At the market, look for pods that are no longer than 4 inches Spaghetti Squash and are bright green in color and firm to the Spaghetti squash is a fun, kid-friendly vegeta- touch. ble that is a lower-calorie and gluten-free alternative to grain-based pasta. Cut one in half Parsnips to reveal a pocket of seeds; scoop those out Parsnips are cousins to carrots — they have and pop the two halves into the microwave or the same root shape but with white flesh. oven and cook until tender. Scrape a fork into They're typically eaten cooked, but also can the flesh and spaghetti-like strands appear! be eaten raw. One-half cup of cooked parsnips Voilà! Toss with pesto or marinara sauce for a is full of dietary fiber (3 grams) and contains quick veggie side dish. more than 10% of the daily values of vitamin C and folate. Try these pale beauties roasted, Kale pureed into soup or mashed. You can even We can't get enough of this luscious leafy top a shepherd's pie with mashed parsnips green and with good reason: Kale is a nutrient instead of the traditional mashed potatoes! powerhouse. It tastes sweeter after a frost and can survive a snowstorm. If you plant kale in Cranberries your garden, you can dig it out of the snow Fall is the time to get to know these tart and serve fresh salad in January. One cup of berries and their wealth of nutritional benefits. raw kale has only 8 calories and is loaded with Fresh and dried cranberries pair well with a vitamins A, C and K, as well as manganese. variety of meats and poultry. Fresh cranberKale is great sautéed and cooked in soup, but ries can be eaten raw but often are cooked. also is excellent raw in salad; simply remove Dried cranberries are delicious in grain and tough stems, slice into thin slivers and pair vegetable salads and make a healthy snack on with something a bit sweet such as carrots the go. j or apples. One advantage of using kale for eatright.org

Things to Do Eating Well Events

A Magical Disney Brunch at Jax Cooking Studio November 12, 10am to 12:30pm Enjoy Disney-inspired delights. The menu features Be Our Guest Quiche – Pay homage to Beauty and the Beast with a quiche featuring ham, Swiss cheese, and a flaky guest-made pastry crust; Pumbaa’s Bacon-Wrapped Sausages – From scratch sausage wrapped in bacon – a favorite of The Lion King’s carnivorous characters; “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes – The magic of Cinderella comes to life in pumpkin spice cupcakes decorated with house-made cream cheese frosting topped with fairy dust and fondant pumpkins; and Little Mermaid Starfish Danish Pastries – Explore Ariel’s undersea world as you create adorable starfish shaped puff pastry danishes filled with guest-made berry compote. Registration starts at $70. Jax Cooking Studio / 904-379-6220 / 14035 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32250 / jaxcookingstudio.com Baby's Nutrition: Starting Solids & Picky Eaters November 15, 6pm to 7pm This free class will help parents understand their baby's nutrition journey and learn development cues and when to start solid foods. Learn tips & strategies for addressing picky eating behaviors from infancy through the toddler years, as well as the when, what, & how to offer your baby healthy

food choices. The class is taught by a registered dietitian nutritionist. Free. Pediatric Associates / 954-966-8000 / www.pediatricassociates.com Eat Healthy, Live Well November 16, 2pm Eating healthy can be a struggle. In light of National Diabetes Awareness Month, library staff have partnered with pros at the IFAS UF extensions office to offer a program where you can learn tips and tricks for healthier eating. The Mission of IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) UF extension is to help limited-resource families in Florida access more nutritious food choices on a budget and adopt healthier eating and physical activity habits to reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease.

Clay County Public Library, Fleming Island Branch / 904-278-3720 / 1895 Town Center Blvd, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / claycountygov.libcal.com Maggiano's Kids Cooking Class November 18, 9am to 10:30am Maggiano's Little Italy hosts a cooking class for kids. Each child will receive a chef's hat and learn how to make their Famous Mom's Lasagna. Ticket includes a class and buffet breakfast for one child.

The breakfast buffet will include scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, sliced fresh fruit, and non alcoholic beverages. Cost is $40 for each child and $20 for adults. Maggiano's Little Italy / 904-380-4360 / 10367 Midtown Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.maggianos.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Eating Well events.

Handling Flour Safely: What You Need to Know

I

• DO follow package directions on baking mixes and other flour containing products for correct cooking temperatures and specified times.

• DO keep all raw foods, like flour and eggs, Keep in mind these important safety precauseparate from ready-to eat foods. Rememtions as you bake those holiday treats. ber, flour is a powder and spreads easily.

• DO refrigerate cookie and pastry dough Flour is a raw food. It may not look like a raw according to package directions. Use a food, but it usually is, just like fresh tomatoes refrigerator thermometer to be sure your or carrots. The grains from which flour is refrigerator is at a safe 40°F. ground are grown in fields and, like all foods • DO clean up carefully after working with grown outdoors, they may be exposed to a flour or raw dough and eggs: variety of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and à Wash hands thoroughly with soap and pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli). running water, and, à Wash utensils, bowls, baking pans and 5 Important Things to Know About Flour cutting boards, and countertops with 1. Flours most commonly used in home baking warm, soapy water. and cooking are made directly from raw • DO NOT eat, taste, or allow children to eat grains. or play with raw dough products or baking 2. Processing raw grains into flour does not kill mix before cooking. harmful bacteria.

• DO NOT keep recalled flour. Throw it away.

3. Many foods made with flour also contain • DO NOT let children use raw dough for raw eggs, which may contain harmful crafts or play clay. bacteria.

• DO NOT use products that contain raw 4. Cooking is the only way to be sure that flour, like cake mix, to make ready-to-eat foods made with flour and raw eggs are products like milkshakes. safe.

• DO NOT try to heat treat flour in your own 5. Never eat or taste raw flour, dough, or home. Home treatments of flour may not batter. effectively kill all bacteria and do not make it safe to eat raw.

Dos and Don’ts of Handling Flour • DO NOT use raw cookie dough in ready-toRemember these DO’s and DON’Ts to help eat ice cream. j keep you and your family safe when handling raw flour. fda.gov n recent years, foodborne illness involving raw flour or raw flour-containing products have resulted in 168 known illnesses and 20 hospitalizations.

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 7

HEALTH & SAFETY

Make Playing with Toys Safe for Your Kids

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olidays are right around the corner which means families will be scouring the rows of toys in stores and little ones will be crafting their wish lists! But toy shopping can be overwhelming- especially since new products hit the market every month. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, almost 200,000 toy-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2020. How can you ensure that these products are safe for your children?

One of the first things to consider is the recommended age on products. The age recommendations on toys are strictly from a safety standpoint. The CPSC developed updated Age Determination Guidelines in 2020 and explained that these labels are taking safety and development into account. For example, if a product has small parts that could potentially be a choking hazard, the product will most likely be labelled 3 years or older. The age recommendation also refers to developmental ability, but it is important to remember that every child develops at their own rate. Shoppers need to ensure that they are taking the developmental and intellectual level of the child they’re purchasing the toy for into account as they may not be ready for certain toys, or they may become bored easily with them. If families have multiple children at various ages, it is important to keep their toys stored separately. When younger children play with toys that are too advanced for them or that have small parts, it poses a risk to their safety. Teaching children to clean up their toy area when they are done playing is a great way to engage the child and ensure potentially hazardous items are put away and out of reach of very young children. Toy boxes can also pose a risk to children as they can become entrapped, or the lid can fall causing injury. When selecting a toy box, choose one with either no top or a lightweight removable top with no latch and proper ventilation holes.

If you use a toy box with a hinged lid, ensure

the lid support holds the lid open at any angle.

Finally, remember to always register your products so that you are alerted of any safety recalls and thoroughly read the instructions when assembling any products.

Have you ever looked inside of a key fob, flameless candle, or flashlight and found small disk-like batteries? Those are button batteries and although they look tiny, they can pose a life-threatening risk to children if ingested.

Every year, more than 2,800 children are treated in emergency rooms after swallowing button batteries. There are some small steps you can take within your home to reduce the risk that your child would ever find a button battery. First, keep all battery-controlled devices out of sight and reach of young children, including greeting cards, remotes, calculators, holiday lights and even some children’s toys. Keep any loose batteries locked away to prevent a child from accessing the battery. Reese’s Law, enacted August 16, 2022, mandates federal safety requirements for products containing button batteries, and that those products must adhere to the child-resistant packaging standards. When ingested, button batteries can cause serious injury and esophageal burns in under 2 hours, so it is vital to get your child to the hospital as soon as you suspect they have ingested a button battery. It is also helpful to add the National Poison Help number into your phone, 1-800-222-1222.

This Holiday season, stay safe, make long lasting memories, and continue to support healthy and happy childhoods for all children.

For more information, please visit www.wolfsonchildrens.com/safekids. j Danielle Carlino, Safe Kids Northeast Florida with THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health led

by Wolfson Children's Hospital www.safekids.org/ coalition/safe-kids-northeast-florida

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

– Albert Einstein NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 8

Things to Do Health & Safety Events

CKAA Flag Football Registration Thru November 4 Registration is now open for Flag Football with Christ the King Athletic Academy. Practices will begin on November 13, with the season opener scheduled for December 16. The organization will host several free flag football clinics for players who are interested in learning more about the sport and practicing their skills before the season begins. No experience is required to play. Registration fees are $150.

Christ the King Athletic Academy / 904-7184429 / 742 Arlington Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / www.ckaajax.com

and access to vision care in Northeast Florida.

All proceeds from the event help provide free eye exams, glasses, and specialty care to individuals in the community who are uninsured and underserved. Participants will enjoy family-friendly activities and music, giveaways, an on-site playground and dog park, and more.

Once the walk begins, attendees will take Strides For Sight together by walking on a 2-mile shaded route in Riverside Park. Free to participate. Riverside Park / 904-503-2423 / 753 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / visionispriceless.org

Endless Summer 5K and 10K November 18, 8:30am This year marks the 20th Annual Endless Summer 10K Cross Country and 5K Beach Run/ Walk. Both runs start at 8:30am at the same JJVA Volleyball Club Team Tryouts location, and both will take part on the beach.

November 4, 9am to 12noon and 2pm to 5pm; The 10K cross country run will also take place November 5, 12noon to 3pm on pavement and on a trail. Each runner will The Jacksonville Juniors Volleyball Association receive a performance tech t-shirt featuring the Club Volleyball program is perfect for competfull-color turtle graphic, a custom bag, finishers itive volleyball players who wish to continue medal, and other goodies. Award medals are building skills and compete in both one and two- given to top 3 in each age category for 10K and day events in the Jacksonville area. The club 5K - male/female, beginning with the 9 and division offers training from JJVA coaches twice under category. Registration fees start at $42. a week in the evenings, and teams will enjoy a Anastasia State Park / 300 Park Road, St. Aucompetitive tournament schedule without the gustine, FL 32080 / www.donsfriend.com expense and commitment of out-of-town travel.

Registration fees to tryout start at $100 if regTony's Turkey Trot for Brain Injury istered in advance; day of registration is $175.

Awareness • November 23, 8am Tryouts will be held on November 4 from 9am to The 9th Annual Tony’s Turkey Trot 5K for Brain 12noon for 10U, 11U, 12U and from 2pm to 5pm Injury Awareness hosted by UF Health Jacksonfor 13U, 14U. On November 5, tryouts will take ville will take place in Atlantic Beach. The race place from 12noon to 3pm for 15U, 16U, 17U. will begin on Atlantic and Ocean Ave. There will Jacksonville Juniors Volleyball Association / be a 5K run/walk and a 1 mile fun run. All fun 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonrun finishers will receive a medal. The 5K starts ville, FL 32256 / www.jjva.com at 8am, followed by the fun run at 9:30am. In addition to the race, there will be a costume Free Yoga at Sawgrass Village contest. Registration for the fun run is $20 and Saturdays, November 4, 11, 18, 25 registration for the 5k starts at $45. One Ocean 10am to 11am Hotel / 904-200-1130 / 1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Kick off your Saturday morning at Sawgrass Beach, FL 32233 / www.tbifundinc.com Village in Ponte Vedra with Yoga from 10am to 11am. The session will take place on the green Outsmart Germs! lawn in front of ABC Liquors. Yoga class is free November 29, 4pm and open to all ages.

Some people think a quick rinse under running Sawgrass Village / 863-688-1188 / 175 Village water will take care of germs. Or worse yet, Main Street, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / they just go about the day without even thinking www.mindbodysocialevents.com about the germs they may have picked up along the way. Handwashing is especially Mind Over Matter: Prioritizing Mental Health important. You use your hands all the time and and Well-being end up picking up millions of germs, some of November 9, 7pm to 8:30pm which are harmful. The purpose of the glo germ Four Friends Fitness hosts an event dedicated handwashing experiment is to teach proper to prioritizing mental health and well-being. The handwashing techniques and to show how easievent begins with a 10 minute warm up session, ly germs can spread. This experiment illustrates followed by music, food, live entertainment, and the importance of thorough hand washing and an informative talk from a guest speaker. There shows students the reality of their current habits will also be vendors on hand to offer information using the GloGerm system. This is a program led on health-related products and services.

by UF/IFAS Extension for children grades K-5.

Four Friends Fitness / 904-506-1620 / 1580 Clay County Public Library, Fleming Island Wells Road, Orange Park, FL 32073 / Branch / 904-278-3720 / 1895 Town Center fourfriendsfitness.com Blvd, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / www.claycountygov.com 7th Annual Strides For Sight Awareness Walk November 18, 8am The Strides For Sight Awareness Walk raises Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list awareness and funds to improve vision health

of Health & Safety events.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Explaining the News to Our Kids

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ids of all ages are getting news from a variety of places. They can be inundated with information, different perspectives, and even graphic images of news. Kids in elementary and middle school may have trouble fully understanding news events. Many can feel worried, frightened, angry, or even guilty. So what can you do as a parent or caregiver to help your kids process all this information?

Though it's important to listen and not belittle their fears, distraction and physical comfort can go a long way. For younger kids, watching something cheery or doing something together may be more effective than logical explanations.

CDC Creates Comic and Coloring Books to Teach Kids About Health

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he CDC has created the “Ask a Scientist” comic series to help kids learn how the body fights disease, how people become infected with germs, and how to prevent noise induced hearing loss.

Ask a Scientist: How Do People Become Infected with Germs?

The comic books, geared towards kids in grades 4-8, can be downloaded to read online or printed at cdc.gov/healthyschools/bam/ teachers.htm

When talking with older kids, carefully consider your child's maturity and temperament. Many kids can handle a discussion of threatening events, but if your kids tend toward the sensitive side, be sure to keep Your kids will look to the way you handle the them away from overexposure to the news. news to determine their own approach. If you Repetitive images and stories can make stay calm and rational, it's likely they will, too. dangers appear greater, more widespread, and closer to home. Remember that kids this age Kids will have lots of questions. Prepare are getting news from outside influences. yourself with the latest reports from credible Simply turning off the news will not shut them news sources so you can decide what to share out from current events. and ways to share it. Not all kids will need the details, but they will be looking for reassurOlder children will see the morality of events ance. It will be easier to have a position, share in stark terms and are in the process of your family's values, and discuss things with a developing their moral beliefs. This is a good potentially overwhelmed child once you've time to ask them what they know, since they'll Ask a Scientist: How Does My Body Fight taken the time to gather accurate, up-to-date probably have gotten their information from Disease? info and assess your child's needs. everywhere but the experts, and you may have to correct the facts.

Depending on the issue and kids' ages, families can find ways to help those affected Talking with teens can offer great insights into by the news. And showing kids how they can their developing politics and their senses of support a cause is a positive way to ease their justice and morality. It will also help you get a fears while getting involved. sense of what they already know or have learned about the situation from their own Kids age 7 and under can be frightened by the social media. pictures and videos they see on the news and can easily confuse facts with fantasies and Many teens will feel passionately about fears. They also respond strongly to images of events, and may even feel connected to them other kids who are in danger. Keep the news if someone they know has been directly out of range of young eyes. affected. They'll also probably be aware that their own lives could be affected by violence.

It's important to help young children feel safe Try to address their concerns without dismissand cope with their feelings. Try not to ing or minimizing them. If you disagree with downplay their concerns and fears. Reassure media portrayals or influencer perspectives, your kids by explaining all the ways they can explain why so your teens can separate the find protection and help, like reaching out to sources they get news from and the messages family and loved ones. If the news event they convey. happened far away, you can mention the distance to comfort them.

It's also important to remember that teens are also expressing their own views and opinions For kids who live in communities that on current events. Talk to them about ways experience higher rates of violence, news of they can express themselves safely and tragic events may trigger extra fears. If that happens, share a few age-appropriate tips for responsibly. j

Ask a Scientist: How Loud is Too Loud?

Download and print the CDC’s One Health: We’re All Connected! Coloring book including 18 coloring pages that teach younger kids concepts about health, in a format they can understand at cdc.gov/onehealth. j cdc.gov

USDA NATIONAL HUNGER HOTLINE:

staying and feeling safe, such as staying close to a trusted adult, knowing who to contact in case of an emergency, and avoiding police activity.

commonsensemedia.org

Hours: 7AM - 10PM EST

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9

INFANT & TODDLER Health Officials Recommending RSV Vaccinations for Moms-To-Be

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SV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common cause of cold like symptoms. A surge last year filled hospitals with wheezing children. It’s being widely reported in the southern United States and is expected to continue to spread over the next month or two.

In July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first long-acting drug to protect babies and toddlers against RSV. The Food and Drug Administration approved the injection for infants and children up to 2 years old who face increased risk of severe RSV and the CDC has recommended it for infants born just before or during the RSV season and for those less than 8 months old before the season starts. They also recommended a dose for some 8- to 19-months-olds at higher risk of a serious illness.

vaccination by the time the fall RSV season comes around. “It really depends on when the due date is as to how impactful this vaccination will be,” said Dr. Grace Lee, chair of the CDC advisory panel.

There is no head-to-head study that answers which is more effective, and no published research on how safe it is to give both. And they are both expensive, although the cost will be ultimately covered by insurance. Most infants will likely only need protection from one — either the mom’s vaccine or the antibodies — but not both, Cohen said. Some children may be eligible for an older RSV drug, palivizumab, agency officials said. That drug requires monthly injections.

If you are pregnant or have an infant or toddler, talk with your doctor about your options to protect your child against RSV this season. j

The new, one-time shot is a lab-made antibody that helps the immune system fight off the virus. Sold under the brand name Beyfortus, the drug was developed by apnews.com AstraZeneca and Sanofi. In a recent statement, Sanofi said demand “has been higher than anticipated.” Infants less than 6 months who have chronic lung disease or other underlying conditions should be given priority, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told doctors.

With the new shot for infants against RSV in short supply, U.S. health officials are recommending RSV vaccinations for moms-to-be, a second new option to protect newborns from serious lung infections. When that happens, the baby doesn’t need the antibody drug. The shots should be given late in pregnancy but only during RSV season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “This is another new tool we can use this fall and winter to help protect lives,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen in a statement.

The RSV vaccine, made by Pfizer, should only be given between 32 weeks and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The shot prompts the moms-to-be to develop virus-fighting antibodies that pass through the placenta to the fetus. Protection in newborns likely drops after 6 months of age, so the shot is for use between September and January in most of the U.S., to coincide with the time of year when RSV infections tend to be most common.

A baby born in April, for example, may not have much immunity left from the mother’s

NOVEMBER 26

JACKSONVI LLE CENT ER FOR THE P ERFORMING ARTS

Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig are throwing a Sing-Along Party, and you are invited!

Join in on the fun in this brand new show as Peppa and her family, along with Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe, teach you some of their favorite songs, including “Peppa Party Time” and “The Bing Bong Song.”

Blow up those balloons and get the disco ball ready as you and your family bounce, boogie, sing, and clap with Peppa in this 60-minute interactive musical adventure!

Scan for Tickets or visit fscjartistseries.org (904) 632-5000 Groups (10+): (904) 632-5050

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 10

Things to Do

encounter during each class. This class is heavily reliant on caregiver/child interaction.

This month's book is “Horns to Toes and In Between” By: Sandra Boynton. Programs are Fall 2023 Early Childhood Programs, open to children ages 1-3 plus one adult (parZoo Tots • November 2, 3, 16, 17, 30, ent/guardian). Registration for all programs 9:30am or 11:30am and November 4, 18, will be processed online on a first-come, 10am first-served basis. Registrations will not be Zoo Tots focuses on specific animal themes to taken over the telephone. Class size is limited engage your preschooler as they learn about to the first 8 children who apply. Individual the wonders of the animal kingdom. Each classes are $17 for members and $25 for program emphasizes positive and engaging non-members. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens / interactions with animal ambassadors as well 904-757-4463 / 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonas activities, stories, and crafts that revolve ville, FL 32218 / www.jacksonvillezoo.org around the week's central theme. Registration for all programs will be processed online on Drop-in: Toddler Takeover a first-come, first-served basis. Registrations November 17, 10:30am to 11:30am will not be taken over the telephone. Class It's time for the babies and toddlers to take size is limited to the first 8 children who over the Willowbranch children's library. Enjoy apply. Deadline for registration each week is this playtime with music, toys, games, and 8am the Friday before the scheduled class. coloring sheets available for children ages Individual Classes are $20 for members and 0-5. Free to attend and registration is not $28 for non-members. Each fee includes one required. child and one adult per class.

Jacksonville Public Library, Willowbranch Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens / 904-757-4463 Branch / 904-255-2665 / 2875 Park Street, / 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / Jacksonville, FL 32205 / jaxpubliclibrary.org www.jacksonvillezoo.org Baby Sleep Education Play Dough Play Time November 21, 6pm to 7pm November 3, 10:30am to 11:30am During this workshop, participants will exCome and explore the many benefits and plore the essentials of creating an ideal sleep learning opportunities that come along with environment for your little one and navigate the fun of playing with play dough. This activ- common sleep challenges that parents often ity is for children ages 1-5. Online registration encounter, such as getting babies to sleep is required as space is limited. Free. longer stretches, early morning wakings, and Jacksonville Public Library, Beaches Branch managing the struggle of short naps. Examine / 904-255-2665 / 600 3rd Street, Neptune the science behind infant sleep and discuss Beach, FL 32266 / jaxpubliclibrary.org techniques and approaches to support your baby in developing healthy sleep habits and How to Register for the Voluntary VPK establishing a solid sleep routine. This event Lottery • November 8, 12noon to 1pm is free and held online. Pediatric Associates Do you have a child who will be 4 years old by / 855-543-9362 / pediatricassociates.com September 1, 2023? If so, join district experts as they provide an informative walk-through Peppa Pig's Sing-Along Party of the required steps necessary to enter the November 26, 2pm VPK lottery. Registration ends February 28, Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig 2024. A limited number of spots are available are throwing a Sing-Along Party. The show for students next year. The Parent Academy of is approximately 60 minutes long with a 20 Duval County Public Schools is a free family minute intermission. There will be flashing resource designed for parents, caregivers, lights, haze (fog), and confetti. In addition and community members. to regular admission, a special Peppa Pig Duval County Public Schools Parent Academy Sing-Along Party! - Photo Experience will be / 904-390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org available for purchase. This one-of-a-kind Photo Experience allows you and your family Nature's Newbies to experience a unique photo opportunity by at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens jumping in a mud puddle alongside Peppa Pig November 14, 15, 9:30am or 11:30am, and & Friends. General admission tickets start at November 18, 9am $39.50.

Each Nature's Newbies class will engage you Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / and your child in unstructured free-choice 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonplay centers followed by a song and story. ville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org Programs will also feature a positive and engaging interaction with one of the Zoo's Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list animal ambassadors to allow for an up-close

Infant & Toddler Events

Infant & Toddler Events.

SPECIAL NEEDS Brain Cells, Interrupted: How Some Genes May Cause Autism, Epilepsy and Schizophrenia

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team of researchers has developed a new way to study how genes may cause autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders: by growing tiny brain-like structures in the lab and tweaking their DNA. These "assembloids," described in the journal Nature, could one day help researchers develop targeted treatments for autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.

The study comes after decades of work identifying hundreds of genes that are associated with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. But scientists still don't know how problems with these genes alter the brain.

"The challenge now is to figure out what they're actually doing, how disruptions in these genes are actually causing disease, and that has been really difficult." says Dr. Sergiu Pasca, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University and an author of the study.

Pasca and a team of scientists did a series of experiments using tiny clumps of human brain cells called brain organoids. These clumps will grow for a year or more in the lab, gradually organizing their cells much the way a developing brain would. And by exposing an organoid to certain growth factors, scientists can coax it into resembling tissue found in brain areas including the cortex and hippocampus.

"We can actually make different parts of the nervous system in a dish from stem cells," Pasca says. When these parts are placed in the same dish, they will even form connections, much like an actual brain. The resulting structure is called an assembloid.

Pasca's team thought they could use assembloids to study how developmental disorder genes affect special brain cells called interneurons, which are thought to play a role in several psychiatric disorders.

"Interneurons are born in deep regions of the brain, and then they have to migrate all the way to the cortex," Pasca says. "So you can imagine that during that migration a lot of things could go awry."

Pasca's team simulated the migration of interneurons by creating assembloids containing two types of organoids. One resembled an area deep in the brain called the subpallium, where most interneurons are

generated. The other organoid resembled the cerebral cortex, where interneurons are supposed to end up.

"And then we've put them together, allowing these interneurons to move towards the cerebral cortex," he says.

The process worked just the way it's supposed to in assembloids containing typical organoids.

So next, the team used a gene-editing technique called CRISPR to alter the organoids.

This approach allowed the team to study the effect of more than 400 genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. And they found that 46 of those genes were involved in either the generation of interneurons, or with their migration. Knock out a part of those genes and interneurons no longer arrived where they were supposed to.

In the cerebral cortex, interneurons serve as inhibitory neurons, which means they act a bit like the brake in a car. The interneurons can release a neurotransmitter that tells other neurons to reduce their activity.

Meanwhile, excitatory neurons act as the accelerator, telling other cells to become more active.

Brain networks rely on a delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Too much acceleration and the result can be an epileptic seizure. Too much brake and vital information may get lost or delayed.

The study is important because it offers a way for scientists to study the effect of many genes at the same time, and identify the ones that affect a particular type of cell or cell function during brain development, says Dr. Guo-li Ming, a professor of neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine.

The research also shows clearly how gene variants could lead to autism or some other neurodevelopmental disorder by disturbing interneurons.

The research suggests that someday "we'll be able to predict which pathways we can target to intervene " and prevent these disorders, adds Kristen Brennand, a professor of psychiatry at Yale who was not involved in the work.

j

npr.org

Things to Do Special Needs Events

This annual community outreach is designed to help guide you on what's next, how to prepare for the future, get on a path, gain up to date information, answer your questions and teach you the questions you need to be asking. They help Connect the Dots from right where you are today and provide insight of what you will need for the future, your lifespan and beyond.

Amy Lutz, Ph.D, will be the keynote speaker.

Tickets are $15. The Church of Eleven22 / 14286 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.fccflorida.org

Supporting Reading Comprehension in the Home • November 9, 1pm to 2:30pm Supporting reading comprehension presents a unique challenge for children with ASD and their parents. This training will provide participants with an overview of the stages of literacy, the impact of ASD on literacy, and tips and tricks to support increasing reading MOSHHHH Family Sensory Night comprehension in the home. Free.

FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / November 17, 6pm to 8pm Families and individuals are invited to enjoy 561-297-2055 / www.fau.edu exclusive access to explore the Museum in a sensory-friendly environment with modified Autism Creates Family Workshop sound and lighting, visit with featured vendors November 11, 10am to 11am and service providers, and enjoy a Sensory While children with ASD struggle with verbal Room provided by We Rock the Spectrum. communication, social relations, and sensory Tickets are $5 per guest and free for children development, creative art-making activities under 2 years of age. Family Sensory Nights enable them to foster new means of self-exare offered on the third Friday of each month. pression and communication. Utilizing two educational components—hands-on art work- Museum of Science and History / 904-396shops and the museum galleries —the Autism 6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL Creates program harnesses art and art-making 32207 / themosh.org activities as means of promoting expression After the Diagnosis • November 20, 5:30pm and social interaction among children with ASD and their teachers, caregivers, and peers. A Parent Support Group for families that have recently received a medical diagnosis for their Monthly workshops are hosted on-site at child. This group will offer resources and guidMOCA Jacksonville for up to 10 children with ance on “what to do next” and how to process ASD and their families. Families will explore the your child’s diagnosis. Together, we’ll address galleries, create art, and participate in sensory the mixed emotions that often come with activities. Held the second Saturday of each receiving a medical label. We’ll provide informonth from 10am to 11am. There is no cost mation that may be useful for the parent/careto attend but space is limited and registration giver as well as the whole family. The more is required. MOCA Jacksonville / 904-3666911 / 333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL the family understands the characteristics of your child’s diagnosis, the better the family can 32202 / mocajacksonville.unf.edu support the child. Held online via Zoom.

Building Bridges: Autism Spectrum Disorder Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904-633-0760 / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu and Your Grandchild November 14, 10:30am to 12noon FAU CARD hosts a class geared towards grand- Game Night! • November 27, 5pm Game Night! is a group for preteens and teens parents of individuals with Autism Spectrum to meet new people, learn social skills, practice Disorder and related disabilities. This training turn-taking, understand game rules and exwill provide participants with a concise explapectations, and to just have fun. The group will nation of ASD, causes and early indicators, as well as discussion on dealing with challenging meet in person at the UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center. Parents and caregivers behaviors. Participants will also explore strategies to use in building relationships with their must stay on site and wait in the lobby during grandchildren as well as supporting their adult the group session. Parents can also participate in the parent support group occurring at the child. Free and held virtually. FAU Center for same time. Free.

Autism and Related Disabilities / 561-297UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center 2055 / www.fau.edu / 904-633-0750 / 6271 St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / ufhealthjax.org Connecting the Dots Conference 2023 November 17, 8:30am to 4pm Sibshops • November 29, 5:30pm Connecting the Dots (CTD) is a labor of love hosted by Family Care Council Area 4. Working Sibshop is a gathering of siblings across the to bring together family support services, infor- ages to create community, build support and mation and resources to educate and empower share in the stories that make us unique as the siblings of individuals with developmental, families of individuals with intellectual and developmental differences (IDD). If you are eli- intellectual, social-emotional, and medical gible for The Agency for Persons with Disabili- disabilities. Siblings will be able to join virtually. ties(APD), on the waitlist or receiving services, UF Health Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904-633-0760 / pediatrics.med. this conference is for you. If your child has an early learning delays, an IEP, Transition Plan, is jax.ufl.edu turning 18 or just want to explore options for jobs, post-secondary educational opportunities, Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list employment options, this conference is for you.

Needs events.

NOVEMBER 2023of•Special Jax4Kids.com • Page 11

Things to Do

TEENS How to Teach Teenagers About Money

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hink of your teen as an adult in training.

It’s your job to teach your teen what they need to know for that moment you send them off to college, trade school or even their own apartment. But you don’t have to be a finance professor to teach your teen how to save money. You can show them by example. You’ll want to show them how to earn money, create a budget, give, save and spend wisely.

Instead of giving teens an allowance just for breathing, you might want to think about giving them a commission. Not only will this strip them of any entitlement, but it’ll also help them see the relationship between hard work and money earned. When they do their chores, they’ll earn a commission. And when they don’t, they’ll realize they’ve made what they earned—nothing.

grow up into an independent, responsible human, you’ll have to show them how. It starts with not giving them money for every bout of want-itis they go through. Teaching them how to spend money is also important. Just because they have money doesn’t mean they need to burn a hole through their pocket.

These days, Gen Z teens are spending about $2,600 each year. While it’s perfectly fine for young people to have fun with their money, teens are old enough to stop blowing every last dime on “stuff.” Some of the things teens are wasting money on include Fast Food and Fancy Coffee, Trendy Clothes, Shoes and Cosmetics, Smartphones and Apps, Video Games and Consoles, Concert Tickets, Expensive Dates and Online Shopping.

Teach them about having long-term savings Is your teen old enough for a real-life job? goals. At this age, all they can probably talk Even better. Working for someone else, earning about is getting a car. If they want one, they a paycheck, and seeing Uncle Sam take a can pay for it. Work with them on creating a chunk of their hard-earned dollars will help plan for their money: what they need to buy a teach your teen about money—quickly. car and what they need to save. Early Just like losing a tooth or learning to drive, exposure to goal setting helps to give them setting up your teenager’s first bank account patience and vision, two things they’ll need in is a rite of passage. By now, they’ve probably life. earned some money and that means it’s time for a real bank account. You probably don’t Teach your teen budgeting. Family budget want to connect it to your own in case they meetings will help you show your teen how to overdraft their account or their identity gets make a regular budget each month before the stolen. But you will want to be the signer on next month begins. the account so you can see their spending behavior. Remember: This is a great opportuni- It doesn’t have to be complicated. Have your ty to teach them how to reconcile their teen do a zero-based budget. Show them how account, keep track of spending, and learn to to list all of their expenses, setting aside save. money to give, save and spend. Once they’ve assigned every dollar a place and their budget You simply can’t go wrong with giving. equals zero, they’re done!

Something changes in your spirit when you become a giver. You focus less on yourself and The key here is repetition. Make this a family see the needs of others more. One of the best rhythm and sit down with your teen to show things you can do for your kids is teach them them how to do a budget for a few months. to appreciate and understand the power of The teenage years are great practice for the giving before they go out on their own. adult years to come. So encourage your kids to budget responsibly while they still have Teenagers saving money. You’re probably some space to mess up. j thinking those three words don’t even belong ramseysolutions.com together. But if you want your teenager to

“Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.”

– Ernest Hemingway NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 12

Teen Events

Youth Quake Live November 3, 8pm YouthQuake Live,The Manifesto Tour features skits, live music, dance performances, teen cast members, and more. YouthQuake Live offers reserved seating for all events; for this season they are waving the fee and offering reserved seats free of charge to help families and youth groups with social distancing.

Reserved seating does not necessarily mean front row. Location of your seats is dependent on the event and the church layout. Please check-in with the YQL volunteers the night of the event by 7:50pm – seats will be released after this time. The deadline to reserve seats is Tuesday at 1pm of event week.

First Coast Christian Church / 2724 New Berlin Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32226 / youthquakelive.com Drop-in: Game Day for Teens November 7, 5pm to 6pm Drop in at the South Mandarin Branch Library to play board games and card games, featuring new and old favorites. While here, grab a snack and have some fun with friends or make some new ones! This activity is for teens ages 12-18. Free.

Jacksonville Public Library, South Mandarin Branch / 904-255-2665 / 12125 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / jaxpubliclibrary.org Graduation Requirements November 7, 6pm This course will provide parents and caregivers of high school students with information regarding graduation requirements to obtain a high school diploma. Families are encouraged to participate in this course together. The Parent Academy is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement and supports a caregiver's need for personal and individual growth.

Duval Parent Academy / 904-390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org DIY Soap Making November 14, 6pm to 7pm Have you ever wondered how soap is made?

Join library staff in learning the science of how soap is created. You will then make your very own melt and pour soap that you can take home. This program is recommended for ages 12-18. Free.

Clay County Public Library, Green Cove

Springs Branch / 904-284-6315 / 403 Ferris Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.claycountygov.com School Choice: High School Programs & Opportunities November 14, 12noon or 6pmz Families who have rising 9th graders will learn more about the program opportunities that Duval County Public Schools have to offer. From High School Acceleration programs to Magnet Programs and Special Transfer Options, students have a number of choices available.

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver's need for personal and individual growth. Parent Academy courses are offered virtually through Microsoft Teams.

Duval Parent Academy / 904-390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org Unlocking the AP Exams November 15, 7pm As more colleges and universities move toward test optional admission, AP course grades and exam scores are becoming more important in the application process. Colleges and universities are exploring other areas of student ability as an indicator of their future success at their institutions. In this webinar, dive into the foundation of APs and how they affect your application as well as what to expect and how to prepare during an AP exam.

Free to attend, but register in advance.

Revolution Prep / 877-738-7737 / www.revolutionprep.com Best Practices For Math on the SAT & ACT November 16, 6pm Tune in to learn strategies to help your student(s) improve their mathematics score on the college entry assessment. This course will discuss how the use of the College Board's SAT practice tests can help your student earn additional points. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver's need for personal and individual growth.

Parent Academy courses are offered virtually through Microsoft Teams.

Duval Parent Academy / 904-390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Teen events.

HOLIDAY EVENTS St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular November 11, 2pm to 8pm The 17th annual Holiday Spectacular at St. Johns Town Center will kick off the Holiday season on Saturday, November 11 from 2pm to 8pm with a full day of festivities. Visitors can enjoy activities including oversized games, photo stations, letters to Santa, ornament decorating, a blood drive, and more. The holiday cheer will continue with giveaways from your favorite stores and restaurants, costumed characters, holiday entertainment and more. Main stage entertainment also begins at 2pm with dynamic holiday performances from community music and dance schools. For Holiday Spectacular's grand finale, Santa will lead the crowd in an official countdown to light the dazzling 32-foot holiday tree and kick off a fantastic fireworks finale at 8pm. Santa will then be available at the Santa House near Coach to hear holiday wish-lists and for-purchase photos. St. Johns Town Center / 904998-7156 / 4663 River City Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.simon.com Photos With Santa at St. Johns Town Center November 11 - December 24 Come see Santa and have your picture taken with him. Advanced reservations are encouraged. Santa will be located at the Santa House near Coach.

St. Johns Town Center / 904-998-7156 / 4663 River City Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.simon.com Christmas Tree Painting Party at Color Me Mine November 12, 12noon to 2pm Paint a vintage style Christmas tree at the Color Me Mine Christmas Tree Painting Party. Cost is $8 studio fee plus the price of the trees. Light kit is included; specialty glazes are available for an additional cost. While supplies last. Enjoy a cookie and holiday music while painting. Color Me Mine / 904-338-9333, 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jacksonville.colormemine.com Miracle on 34th Street at the Alhambra November 16 - December 24 The Alhambra presents the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street. Showtimes are Tuesday through Sunday and include some matinee performances, as well as evening shows. Tickets start at $66/person, plus tax. Children 12 and under are $40 plus tax. Reserve early, as tickets will sell out. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted. The dress code for the theatre is smart casual. Sports jackets are encouraged, but ties are not required. Please refrain from wearing overly-casual attire such as jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops. Alhambra Theatre & Dining / 904-641-1212 / 12000 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.alhambrajax.com Ice! Featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas November 17– January 3 During Christmas at Gaylord Palms, families can enjoy holiday displays that include more than 2 million twinkling Christmas lights. Explore acres of twinkling lights & decorations and holiday activities, shows, and events, featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. Activities include snow tubing, gingerbread house decorating, Cirque Spirit of Christmas, photos with Santa, Christmas Tree Trail, Snow Factory, Elf Training Academy, Naughty or Nice Escape Room, and more. Events are priced individually, or combo tickets are available. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center / 407-586-0000 / 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746 /

www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com Big Cabin Holiday Open House November 18, 10am to 1pm Meet library staff at Camp Chowenwaw to kick off the holiday season. Clay County Parks and Recreation will have the Big Cabin decked out for the holidays. Both the Clay County Public Libraries and the Garden Club of Green Cove Springs will have crafts available for families to make. A photographer will be available to take some informal family pictures.

Participants must have a photo time slot reservation to guarantee the ability to have their photo taken.

If you can't make it during the scheduled photo timeslots, the Big Cabin will be open from 2pm to 3pm for you to come and take pictures on your own. Camp Chowenwaw / 904-284-6315 / 1517 Ball Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.claycountygov.com Holly Jolly Jacksonville November 18, 11am to 2pm Come welcome the holidays with activities and entertainment throughout Markets at Town Center.

Activities include photos with Santa, meet & greet the Snow Queen and her sister, hot cocoa station, festive music from a live DJ, face painting, balloon art, crafts, a letters to Santa station, and more.

Event will be held in the parking lot between Palmetto Moon and Kirkland's. Markets at Town Center / 4865 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.marketsattowncenter.com Light Up! Night • November 18, 4pm The Nights of Lights Lighting Ceremony, also known as Light Up! Night, takes place on Saturday, November 18. Locals and vacationers from all over join together to watch the City of St. Augustine flip the switch on millions of white lights decorating the Plaza and buildings all over historic downtown.

Leading up to the occasion is a free concert and a countdown, and the ceremony is followed by more live music. The large Christmas tree in the Plaza will also be turned on so visitors can get photos for their holiday Christmas cards. Performances start at 4pm, and the lights will be turned on at 6:30pm.

The event continues through January 31.

Plaza de la Constitución / King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.oldcity.com St. Augustine Nights of Lights November 18 - January 31 The Annual Nights of Lights lights up St. Augustine with over three million lights. Nights of Lights is the winter holiday celebration in St. Augustine where each historic downtown business and many residents participate by lighting up their buildings.

Nights of Lights holds the distinct honor as one of the 10 Best Holiday Displays in The World by National Geographic. 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. The trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours that take you through the best areas, and there are also a variety of specialty tours. Continues through January 31. Downtown St. Augustine / 904-8291711 / 1 Cathedral Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.visitstaugustine.com Ripley's Red Train Nights of Lights Tours November 19 – December 31, 6pm

Ripley’s Red Trains offers special Nights of Lights Tours through January 27. Reservations for Santa’s Red Express will be made by row—not by person. Each row (68 inches) can accommodate up to four (4) guests. Multiple rows may be reserved to meet your group’s needs. A reservation time is required. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Tours are approximately 30 minutes long and begin and end at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Free parking is available for guests during their tour on a first come, first serve basis.

The parking lot fills up quickly on busy nights, so please plan accordingly. Cost is $65.99 per row.

Closed Christmas Day. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will be hosting free holiday movies for their Nights of Lights tour guests through December. Limited seating will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring chairs. Movies will begin at 6pm nightly.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum / 904-824-1606 / 19 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.ripleys.com Cirque Dreams Holidaze • November 19, 6pm Cirque Dreams Holidaze returns to light up the stage in this family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. The show features an original music score, twists on holiday classics sung live, and new sets, scenery, and storylines. Tickets start at $44.50.

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org

for v i

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Mannheim Steamroller Christmas November 21, 7:30pm Mannheim Steamroller will perform live, celebrating over 35 years of holiday magic as they bring their annual holiday tour to fans throughout the country.

Experience the performance of the #1 Christmas music artist in history and for the first time ever, hear the entire album that started it all, Live "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas". Tickets start at $44.50 and are available online. Everyone, including infants and toddlers, must have a theater ticket for admission. Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org Jacksonville Beach Deck the Chairs November 22 - January 1, 5pm to 1am nightly Deck The Chairs promotes the arts and art education through a nationally recognized holiday display featuring decorated lifeguard chairs. There will be daytime and early evening kids activities including Night of Music & Dance, Moonlight Movies, Christmas Eve Service, and more. Free and open to the public. Seawalk Pavilion / 904-716-3853 / 11 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / deckthechairs.org Lighthouse Illuminations: Tides, Tidings, and Trees • November 22-January 13 Visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum during Nights of Lights in St. Augustine to see Lighthouse Illuminations: Tides, Tidings, and Trees. Discover 20+ uniquely decorated trees at this special after-hours event. Explore the Keepers’

go t o exploreclay.com

GATES OPEN AT 5PM

Clarke house park • 1039 kingsley ave

December8 th& 9 th FRIDAY & SATURDAY

MUSIC | PHOTOS WITH SANTA ($) | FOOD | HOLIDAY MARKET | LIGHTED WALKING TRAIL #opparklife

www.townoforangepark.com

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 13

HOLIDAY EVENTS House and grounds illuminated by lights and garlands, and enjoy a sensational view of Nights of Lights from the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and the Lighthouse’s Fresnel Lens. Cost is Adults & Seniors: $24.95; Children (Under 12 and over 44’’): $22.95; and children under 44’’ are unable to climb the tower and receive free admission.

St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum / 904-829-0745 / 100 Red Cox Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.staugustinelighthouse.org The Annual Ritz-Carlton Christmas Tree Lighting November 22, 5:30pm to 6:30pm The lighting of the 40-foot Ritz-Carlton Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling lights kicks off the festive season. The McArthur YMCA will hold their annual “12 Gifts of Christmas” raffle at the lighting. The evening will feature live holiday music and performances including acclaimed, international violinist Christiana Liberis, dance by Royal Amelia Dance Academy, jazz music by The Lisa Kelly and J.B. Scott Duo and soloist, Sean Watkins. Families can also enjoy fresh baked cookies and cider. Festivities conclude with the arrival of Santa and a spectacular fireworks show.

Complimentary shuttle rides will be available from Peters Point. 100% of the proceeds will be shared with Boys & Girls Club of Nassau County, The St. Mary's Riverkeeper, Micah’s Place, The Sea Turtle Foundation, Take Stock in Children and Council on Aging. Admission is $20 for ages ten and older.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island / 904-277-1100 / 4750 Amelia Island Parkway, Amelia Island, FL 32034 / www.ritzcarlton.com Christmas Made in the South November 24: 9am to 5pm; November 25: 10am to 5pm; November 26: 11am to 5pm The annual Christmas Made in the South will return to the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Vendors will be making and selling art, craft items, jewelry, food, pottery, and more. One admission is good for all three days, with a hand stamp. Adults - $9; Children 12 & under are free.

Prime Osborn Convention Center / 704-847-9480 / 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / madeinthesouthshows.com 2023 Santa Special Christmas Train November 24, 25, December 2, 9, 17 – 2pm, 4pm, 6pm December 16, 23, 12noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm December 21, 22, 4pm, 6pm Take a 70-minute journey by rail with Santa and his friends. There will be holiday characters visiting your passenger coach throughout the train ride including Santa & Ms. Claus, Santa’s Elves, Frosty the Snowman, and more. Train rides are hosted on different trains including an open air railcar, Ohio State University Passenger Coach, Golden Sand Passenger Coach, and Silver Tureen Dining Coach.

Tickets start at $22 plus tax/fees for adults and $15 plus tax/fees for ages 3-12. Toddlers ages 2 and under ride free in the lap of an adult.

The Georgia Train, Kingsland Station / 904-3703744 / 440 S. Lee Street, Kingsland, GA 31548 / thegeorgiatrain.com Dazzling Nights at Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens • November 24 - December 29, 5:30pm to 8:30pm The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens hosts Dazzling Nights, a holiday display featuring a million lights and interactive displays set up along winding

pathways. There will be a photo opportunity in front of a giant Christmas tree, a candy-cane corridor, twinkling lights and snowflakes, see some of Audubon’s famous flower paintings illuminated as larger-than-life neon flowers, explore a hazy forest of lasers, discover a path of a thousand brilliant fireflies, and more. Families can also have a snowball fight in a giant, 40’ snow globe. There will be sweet treats and holiday beverages. Tickets must be purchased for a specific time and date, and are not available at the door. Ticket prices start at $22 per adult and $19 per child, plus fees. Children ages 2 and under enter for free. Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens / 904-318-4342 / 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.dazzlingjax.com Jacksonville Light Boat Parade November 25, 6pm The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade returns for 2023. Vessels of all shapes and sizes will adorn their hulls with festive decorations as they float along the north and south banks of the St. Johns River. The evening then culminates with one of the best fireworks shows on the First Coast featuring “waterfalls” off of the Main Street and Acosta Bridges. Address listed is for reference only.

Downtown Jacksonville / 904-255-5422 / 1001 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / specialevents.coj.net Light the Night: Atlantic Beach Luminaria November 25 - December 23 Help the community light the night in Atlantic Beach on December 23 and support Atlantic Beach Cares and local charities. Luminaria kits will be available for purchase from November 25 thru December 23 at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Each kit is handmade by Pine Castle, a local charity that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through opportunities to learn, work, and connect. Kits are $20 and include 12 bags, 12 candles, and sand. 100% of the proceeds benefit local charities including ABCares, Boy Scout Troop #15, and Pine Castle. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty / 904-247-5804 / 375 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 / coab.us Presents For Pets 2023 • December 1-24 Beginning December 1, K9 Kilo will be collecting donations for the sheltered animals in St. Johns County. All presents will be delivered on Christmas day by St. Augustine Beach Police Department and K9 Kilo. St. Augustine Beach Police Department / 904-471-3600 / 2300 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / sabpd.org Beaches Town Center Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting • December 2, 4pm This free holiday event will be held where Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach meet the beach. Beginning at 4pm, there will be make your own & take it home craft tables for all ages, as well as performances by Nancy Dance Studio. At 5:30pm, there will be a Mayoral address & tree lighting, Mayport Middle School Band, and Santa will meet with the children. Free for the community. Beaches Town Center / 904-247-5800 / 200 First Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 / beachestowncenter.com Palm Valley Boat Parade • December 2, 6pm The annual Palm Valley Lighted Boat Parade will be held rain or shine, beginning at 6pm and reaching the final viewpoint by 9:30pm. The lighted spectacle covers over 7 miles of Palm Valley's Intra-

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 14

coastal Waterway and features a traditional parade experience for hundreds of uninterrupted docks, local restaurants and noted public viewing areas.

The parade will start 1 Mile south of the Palm Valley Bridge. *Address given is for reference only. Restaurants in the area do have good areas for viewing the parade during dinner. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as spots will fill up quickly.

Palm Valley Outdoors / 904-395-5217 / 377 S Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra, FL 32082 / www.palmvalleyboatparade.com The Jacksonville Christmas Spectacular December 2 and 3, 2pm and 7:30pm The Jacksonville Christmas Spectacular is an evening of three stories in one show by Off-Broadway producer Jason Woods. The evening features over twenty characters, musical guest the Jacksonville Jaguars’ D-Line, and the opening performance will be emceed by Mayor Donna Deegan. A pair of tickets starts at $75. Ritz Theatre & Museum / 904807-2010 / 829 N Davis Street North, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.ritzjacksonville.com Vilano Holiday Village December 2 thru January 2 The Vilano Holiday Village will shine with an 18-foot-tall Christmas Tree serving as the center of festive celebrations. Every Saturday in December will feature holiday happenings, including a tree lighting, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, a meet-theauthors event, holiday shopping with local artisans, dining at the all-new Pesca at Hyatt Place and other restaurants, Cirque Adventure’s high-flying Elf Circus Show, live music, hot chocolate and specialty coffee drinks, and more.

Vilano Holiday Village / 3101 1st Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.vilanobeachfl.com Great Strides Rehab Photos With Santa December 3, 5:30pm to 7pm Santa is coming to Great Strides Rehab. Everyone is welcomed to this free event. In addition to photos with Santa, there will also be activities for the kids.

Great Strides Rehab / 904-886-3228 / 12276 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / greatstridesrehab.com Holiday Traditions Around The World December 5, 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 Downtown Deck the Chairs December 6 - January 9 Deck The Chairs is excited to announce the 2023 Inaugural Student Chair Decorating Challenge “Unite with Lights” debuting this holiday season.

A first in Jacksonville’s history — two concurrent holiday exhibits celebrating children’s arts. All displays will present “unity” themes and messages.

Deck The Chairs Student Exhibit at James Weldon Johnson Park is set to open December 6, 2023, and closes January 9, 2024. Current exhibitors include River City Science Academy, AMI Kids,

Bishop Kenny High School, The Bolles School, Fort Caroline Middle School, Raines High School, LaVilla School of Performing Arts, Matthew Gilbert Middle School, and the United Way Historic Eastside CDC sponsored by First Coast News. James Weldon Johnson Park / 904-716-3853 / 135 W Monroe Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / deckthechairs.org Dickens on Centre December 7, 5pm - 7pm; December 8, 5pm to 9pm; December 9, 10am - 9pm; December 10, 10am - 5pm Travel back in time during the 9th 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.

Downtown Fernandina / Centre Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.ameliaisland.com Jacksonville Symphony: Holiday Pops December 7-9 7:30pm; December 9-10, 3pm Jacksonville Symphony: Holiday Pops returns with guest conductor Tim Hankewich, Broadway veteran Ryan Silverman, the Symphony Chorus and dancers from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.

Celebrate “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and rejoice in holiday classics as indoor snowfall swirls all around Jacoby Symphony Hall. Tickets start at $33.

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Drive-Thru Living Nativity Experience December 7-10, 6:30pm to 8:30pm Westside Baptist Church hosts a Drive-Thru Living Nativity Experience. As you drive through this immersive experience, you will enjoy the beautiful story of the birth of Christ. You will drive through the city of Bethlehem, witness the angelic announcement, and learn about the true meaning of Christmas. Along your trip you will see Christmas lights, live animals, drama, lighting effects and detailed artistic design. Come to Bethlehem and witness the birth of Christ. The entry point for the Living Nativity will begin at Ed White High School. Depending on your arrival time, you should expect a one to two hour wait. It is generally a one hour wait from when you pull out of Ed White. Free.

Ed White High School / 904-781-0618 / 1700 Old Middleburg Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / www. wbcjax.com Annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza December 8 – December 27 The Gingerbread Extravaganza Experience The Jacksonville Historical Society will host the 21st Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza. The event includes the traditional gingerbread exhibit at Old St. Andrew’s Church, as well as a holiday gift shop, and a short tour of the Merrill House Museum. Kids Day will be held on Sunday, December 10. The special family day will feature a photo op with Santa Claus, face painting artists, and more. All proceeds from the Gingerbread Extravaganza benefit the educational programs and archival repository of the Jacksonville Historical Society. Tickets are $10 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 4 to 11, and $7 for mil-

HOLIDAY EVENTS itary and seniors 65 and up. Ages 3 and under are free. Old St. Andrew’s Church / 904-665-0064 / 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxhistory.org A Country Christmas December 8, 15, 5pm to 9pm; December 9, 16, 12noon to 9pm Families are invited for the 2nd annual Country Christmas event. There will be a live nativity, over 75 vendors, classic cars on display, live music from local bands, ground acts including Star Wars characters, holiday characters, and more, photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, food trucks, petting zoo, photo ops, kids games & activities, letters to Santa, a lighting ceremony of the over 20ft holiday tree, viewing of 200,000 lights, and more. General admission tickets are $10. Kids 2 and under are free.

A 4 pack of tickets is available for $35.

A Country Christmas / 3679 Thunder Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / acountrychristmas.org Sarah Brightman-A Christmas Symphony December 8, 8pm Sarah Brightman, the world’s best-selling Soprano and UNESCO Artist for Peace Ambassador, performs in Jacksonville for one concert only. She will perform in concert with orchestra, choir, and special guests. Tickets start at $66, with VIP packages available. Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org The 32nd Annual Community Nutcracker December 8, 7:30pm; December 9, 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 is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that offers a portion of its proceeds to local charitable agencies including Dreams Come True. Tickets range from $20 to $64. Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxnutcracker.org Journey to the Nativity December 8-9, 5:30pm to 8:30pm Join River Christian Church and journey back in time to experience the story of Christ’s birth. Your journey begins with Christmas worship and then transitions back in time with a guided walking tour through RCC’s nativity. When you return to the present, you are invited to enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and fellowship by campfires. This event is free and open to the community. Shuttles to the event are provided from Thunderbolt Park on Radar Road to the event entrance. Parking: Upon arrival, please park on Radar Road at Thunderbolt Park. Volunteers will assist you.

River Christian Church / 904-458-4809 / 5900 US 17, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / riverchristian.church Hometown Holiday in the Park December 8-9, 5pm to 9pm The Town of Or­ange Park and The Historical Society of Orange Park team up to bring you an old fashioned holiday celebration. Join them for the 11th annual holiday event. There will be tours of the decorated house, classic holiday movies on the outdoor big screen, live musical entertainment, pictures with Santa ($), 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 Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville December 9, 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.

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 / 904-350-1616 / 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.ccpoj.org Florida Ballet: The Nutcracker & Nutcracker in a Nutshell December 9, 12noon -- Nutcracker in a Nutshell December 9, 4:30pm; December 10, 2pm The Florida Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Thrasher-Horne Center. Set to the music of Tchaikovsky, the classic ballet is brought to life on stage. Tickets start at $28. A special abbreviated performance, "Nutcracker in a Nutshell", will be performed on December 9 at 12noon. "Nutcracker in a Nutshell” is an abbreviated performance designed to introduce children to ballet as a performance art. This 50-minute performance will feature select excerpts from the full-length production providing a fun-filled opportunity for families with younger children and students. Tickets are $10.

Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-276-6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / www.thcenter.org St. Augustine Winter Spectacular December 9, 7pm; December 10, 2pm St. Augustine Winter Spectacular is a performance

by The Dance Company. This family friendly performance features Rockette style kicklines, ballerinas, acrobats, and more. Refreshments, auction items, and raffle will be held in the Lobby prior to show time. Performances will be held at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. The show is 90 minutes including a brief intermission. Tickets range in price from $20-$30. Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College / 904-471-4946 / 14 Granada St, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.staugustinewinterspectacular.com Pop Up in The Park: Holiday Market December 10, 12noon to 4pm Join James Weldon Johnson Park for Pop Up in The Park: Holiday Market. The event will include local vendors, food trucks, and games. There will be live music from Says Who and The Rip Currents; Santa Claus, the Grinch, and more. Free and open to the community. This event is dog-friendly.

James Weldon Johnson Park / 904-515-5098 / 135 W. Monroe Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org Christmas with C.S. Lewis December 10, 2pm or 6pm In the early years of his young adult life C.S. Lewis

believed the story of Christ’s birth was nothing more than feel-good myth. That all changed after a particular encounter with his great friend and fellow author, J. R. R. Tolkien. Although both men loved mythology in general, Tolkien was convinced that the Jesus myth was the one true myth. That was the start of Lewis’ journey from Atheism to Christianity. From that point on Christmas, for Lewis, took on an entirely different meaning. In this stage show, we find him at his home near Oxford on Christmas Eve hosting a group of Americans who are "Christmassing" in England. They are about to experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections which stimulate a whole range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears. Above all, they will discover how that encounter with Tolkien forever changed his Christmas celebrations. Tickets start at $77.85.

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org Jacksonville Symphony: JSYO Holiday Concert December 11, 6pm The Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras perform their holiday concert. General admission tickets start at $5 for kids and $10 for adults.

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage December 12, 7pm The classic animated television special comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation. After the final bow, the show crescendos into a celebration of song as the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols. Tickets start at $29.50.

Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Christmas with Cops and Claus December 13, 5:30pm to 7:30pm The St. Augustine Beach Police Department hosts Christmas with Cops and Claus. There will be music, goodies, fire trucks, arts & crafts, police vehicles, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Don't forget to bring your letters to Santa! Free and open to the community.

St. Augustine Beach Police Department / 904-4713600 / 2300 A1A South, St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080 / sabpd.org Saint Augustine Ballet: The Nutcracker December 15, 7pm; December 16, 1:30pm, 7pm; December 17, 2pm The Saint Augustine Ballet presents the 15th Annual Nutcracker, a timeless classic featuring professional ballet dancers and dance students from around the area. This holiday favorite will be staged in Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Tickets range from $35 to $50. Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College / 855-222-2849 / 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.saintaugustineballet.com First Coast Nutcracker December 15, 8pm; December 16, 2pm and 8pm; December 17, 2pm The First Coast Nutcracker returns to the Jacksonville Center for Performing Arts. Experience Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet with Jacksonville’s only full symphony orchestra. Tickets start at $28.

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts - Moran

Theater / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Wehner's Christmas Spectacular December 16, 7:30pm Inspired by the Radio City Rockettes, the 6th Annual Christmas Spectacular features more than 80 dancers from the Dance Companies of Wehner’s School of the Arts, accompanied by the professional musicians of Wehner Weddings. This is a family event for all ages. The show is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Tickets start at $25.

Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-276-6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / thcenter.org Handel's Messiah December 16, 7:30pm; December 17, 3pm Music Director Courtney Lewis and the Symphony are joined by the brightest solo voices and the full Jacksonville Symphony Chorus to deliver the uplifting and majestic gift of Handel’s Messiah. Tickets start at $30.

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org 2nd Annual World Golf Village Holiday Kids Event • December 17, 11am to 2pm Jacksonville Business Connections invites you to the 2nd Annual World Golf Village Holiday Kids Event at Elite Smiles Dentistry. Activities include Santa & The Grinch meet & greet, music, food & treats, bounce house, face painting, and more. If you sign up to reserve your free ticket reminder, you will have a chance to win $25 market bucks to spend at the event. Free to attend.

Elite Smiles Dentistry / 904-201-9590 / 3043 International Golf Pkwy, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.jacksonvillebusinessconnections.com Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve December 21, 7pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Jacksonville as part of their The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More Tour. There will be one show only.

Tickets start at $49.75. Parking can be purchased separately. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904630-3900 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.trans-siberian.com Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet December 27, 3pm and 7pm The acclaimed holiday tradition is live on stage. The show features larger-than-life puppets, acrobatics and dazzling costumes. Experience the extraordinary international cast and Ukrainian Principal Artists performing at the peak of classical European Ballet.

Tickets start at $35.50. VIP ticket packages are also available.

Florida Theatre / 904-3555661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / floridatheatre.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Holiday events.

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 15

Things to Do

EDUCATION Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Free for Children Age 5 and Under

S

ince launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the premier early childhood book gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has mailed well over 200 million free books in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and the Republic of Ireland.

The Imagination Library mails high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five.

Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading, inspiring children to dream. The impact of the program has been widely researched and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood literacy metrics. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Inspired by her father’s inability to read and write, Dolly started the Imagination Library to serve the children of her hometown in Sevier County, Tennessee. Today, her program spans

five countries and gifts more than 2.6 million books each month to children around the world. There is never a charge to families who participate in the program and it is open to all children under the age of five in geographic areas with operating programs.

“I know there are children in communities around the world with big dreams and the seeds of these dreams are often found in books,” said Dolly. “It’s been one of my greatest gifts in life to help instill a love of reading through my Imagination Library.

Reaching 200 million books worldwide is a major milestone that I’m so very proud of, and I want to thank all of our local program partners, funders and supporters from the bottom of my heart. But we’re just getting warmed up, we have so much more to do!

Together, we can inspire even more children to dream more, learn more, care more and be more.”

For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com. j

In-Person Classes!

Register now for the next monthly session!

SelfEsteem

ENROLL Confidence TODAY!

ity Creativ

Sense of Fun

(904) 396-4425 | www.theatrejax.com NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 16

Education Events

Bite-Size Science Virtual Program Thru May 31, 2024 A 15-episode series of curriculum-related 10-15 minute videos covering life science topics such as cheetah adaptations, ocean food chains, wetlands, monarch butterflies, pollination, and much more. Each video features one of Lucas Miller, the Singing Zoologist's, songs and an entertaining science lesson. The series includes over three hours of content, curriculum connections including Florida Standards, animations, nature footage, quizzes and a study guide with activities and additional resources.

The series is geared for students in K-5 (ages 5 and 11). Pricing is $6 per child. A viewing link will be emailed with instructions on how to access the virtual program. The link can be shared within your group to view with ease in a classroom, home, or on a mobile device.

FSCJ Artist Series / 904-632-5050 / www.fscjartistseries.org

is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent Academy courses are free of charge.

Duval Parent Academy/ 904-390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org MOCA Jacksonville Kids Art Lab November 11, 12noon to 1:30pm Kids ages 6-10 are invited to join MOCA Educators for engaging art activities inspired by a monthly theme. Each session includes a trip to the galleries to see how artists are inspired by STEAM topics, plus an interactive and creative project that attendees can bring home. Held the second Saturday of the month. Tickets are $10, with discounts for MOCA members. This month’s theme is Under Wraps -- Step back 5000 years to explore Egyptology, and make small sculptures of sarcophagi with mummy puppets.

MOCA Jacksonville / 904-620-4204 / 333 N Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / mocajacksonville.unf.edu

Gifted Programs 101 November 15, 12noon Are you curious about how students are identified as gifted learners? Learn more about Dot Dot Dot at the Florida Theatre common characteristics of gifted children, how November 1, 10am or 12noon to nominate your child for gifted screening, the The show is a new musical based on the steps in the evaluation process, and an overview Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books of available programs for eligible students. The

by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools Reynolds. The show is best suited for students is a free family resource that promotes parental in grades 1-5, and is open to any school group, involvement, enhances student achievement, private school, or homeschool family. Tickets and supports a caregiver's need for personal are $8.50 each. Online orders contain a $10 per and individual growth. Parent Academy courses ticket convenience fee. To avoid the conveare offered virtually through Microsoft Teams. nience fee, call the Florida Theatre box office to Duval Parent Academy/ 904-390-2960 / purchase. dcps.duvalschools.org Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.

Theatreworks: The Velveteen Rabbit floridatheatre.com November 20, 10am or 12noon Margery Williams’ tale of friendship is brought Be Smart With Your Kids' Smartphone to the stage in a school time performance. The November 2, 6:30pm show is 60 minutes long and is best suited for FBI Special Agents who investigate crimes students in grades K-5. Tickets are $8.50 each; against children will reveal the latest technolonline orders contain a $10 per ticket conveogy and social media apps that offenders are nience fee. To avoid the online convenience fee, using to target and manipulate local kids. This call the Florida Theatre box office to purchase. eye-opening presentation features real-life Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East cases from the Jacksonville area and will help Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / parents/caregivers to identify specific risk www.floridatheatre.com factors and learn how to keep their children safe. Free and open to the community. The Frosty: A Musical Adventure presentation is for mature audiences. Parental November 27, 10am or 12noon discretion is advised. James Weldon Johnson Theatreworks presents Frosty: A Musical AdMiddle School / 904-390-2960 / 3276 Norman venture. The show brings the classic Christmas E. Thagard Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32254 / song to life in a stage show by The Barter Playdcps.duvalschools.org ers. This is best suited for students in grades K-4, including homeschool families. Tickets Strategies and Support for the Middle & are $8.50 each. Online orders contain a $10 High School Math Student per ticket convenience fee. To avoid the online November 2, 6pm to 7pm convenience fee, call the Florida Theatre box As a partner in student success, it's important office to purchase. to understand grade-level expectations and Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East encourage ongoing practice of skills to help Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / prepare your child(ren) for college and career www.floridatheatre.com success. This course will provide families with a look at instruction used in the classroom and Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list strategies to support learning at home. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools of Education events.

27 Duval County Public Schools students are named 2024 National Merit Scholars Congratulations to the 27 Duval County Public Schools seniors who have been named Semifinalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

These talented students – representing Atlantic Coast, Douglas Anderson, Mandarin, Paxon, Stanton, and Wolfson high schools – will now have the opportunity to compete for 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million.

These students are among more than 16,000 semifinalists selected from over 1.3 million high school students who entered the scholarship program by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The test serves as an initial screening of program entrants.

The Finalist stage is the next phase in the competition. To become a finalist,

the students must submit an application detailing information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards.

Finalists will be notified in February 2024, and the winners of the scholarships will be announced beginning in April 2024.

Congratulations to all of the students.

The list of Team Duval Semifinalists is below: ATLANTIC COAST Baysore, Zachary E. DOUGLAS ANDERSON Karch, Nolan MANDARIN Pavlicek, Emma C. Renne, Luke C.

Paxon School for Advanced Studies' Communications Academy has achieved Master Academy status!

PAXON Wondracek, Benjamin STANTON Anderson, Virginia Ayoub, Yousef F. Bandaru, Siddharth Beutel, Matthew L. Byers, James D. Chatrathi, Thulya S. Chau, Nathan D. Diedrich, Jacob S. Gude, Anish Howland, Bennett

Joiner, Zachary W. Larson, Zoey M. Loh, Jonathan D. Mudiganti, Rishi Pacanins, Samantha Perikala, Spoorthi Pettus, Gabriella L. Rezaei, Niek A. Yerramilli, Sidharth WOLFSON Brandler, Thomas D. Freeman, Jacob S. Waller, William C.

Four of Frank H. Peterson Academies Reach Master Academy Status!!

Frank H. Peterson Academies of has achieved an incredible milestone: Master Academy Status for their Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Academy, AgriLed by Principal Dr. Royce Turner and Mr. Andrew Bowen, this distinction recog- science and Veterinary Assisting Academy, Automotive Academy, and Aviation nizes top-tier CaAcademy! reer and Technical Education (CTE) Through dedication programs in Duval and commitment County. to high standards, Master Academy status is more than just a title; it's proof of dedication to providing students with outstanding industry experiences, preparing them for a bright future in the workforce. Our partnership with JAXUSA ensures these academies align with industry standards and needs.

they have positively impacted students, schools, and communities. A special thanks to our invaluable JAXUSA Partnership for their unwavering support.

A #TeamDuval shoutout to Principal Jessica Mastromatto and the dedicated teams behind each academy. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring!

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 17

Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest Winners Announced

are thrilled to announce the winners Ricardo Andreu.

Atlantic Coast HS Teacher Earns We of our Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest.

Their essays beautifully encapsulate the Daniel Kaye (11th Grade, Stanton 2023 Yale Educator Award rich tapestry of Hispanic culture and its College Preparatory) delves into “Jose Long-time #TeamDuval educator Dr. Scott Sowell has been named a recipient of the 2023 Yale Educator Award.

Dr. Sowell, who currently teaches AP Environmental Science at Atlantic Coast High School, was nominated by a former Darnell-Cookman student who now attends Yale.

influence in Northeast Florida:

Kennedi McGriff (4th Grade, Biscayne Elementary) writes on “Dr. Constanza Lopez Baquero”.

Brody Rodriguez (7th Grade, Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle) shares “Who is My Hero?”, focusing on Jacksonville's

Morales and His Gracious Impact on the Jacksonville Community.”

Huge appreciation to the Jaguars Foundation for their unwavering support of this initiative.

Please join us in congratulating these talented students!

Dr. Sowell is one of 80 teachers and 32 counselors selected for this honor.

According to the university, the Yale Educator Recognition Program annually recognizes 'outstanding educators from around the world who support and inspire their students to perform at high levels and to achieve excellence.'"

Englewood High School unveils new AstroTurf football field Englewood High School is the latest Duval County Public School to score a new AstroTurf football field for student athletes.

The upgrade to the school’s Don Jarrett Stadium was unveiled on Friday, September 8 in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by current and former school leaders, district administrators, athletes, and members of the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation.

The event immediately preceded the school’s varsity game versus Ed White High School, giving student athletes a chance to enjoy the field for the very first time.

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 18

According to AstroTurf, students will now play on the company’s RootZone 3D3 52 system. The field is composed of “innovative nylon and boasts a heavy face weight, ensuring the best in player protection, aesthetics, and durability.”

Duval County Public Schools and Englewood High School would like to give a special thanks to the Jaguars Foundation and the NFL Foundation for their support and a $200,000 grant toward the project.

The district is also appreciative of the City of Jacksonville’s support of this project.

Clay County School News Congratulations, Principal Dixon!

Hope Davis Named Governor Ron DeSantis and First Assistant Principal Lady Casey DeSantis announced of the Year! this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month

student and educator contest winners.

Superintendent Broskie named Principal Wilnitra Dixon from Oakleaf Junior High School as the Clay County Principal of the Year!

Congratulations to Lakeside Junior High School Assistant Principal Hope Davis on being named by Superintendent Broskie as the Clay County Assistant Principal of the Year!

OneClay is excited to share that Joseph N., a seventh-grader at Oakleaf Junior High School, was named one of six essay contest winners for the state of Florida! Joseph wrote his essay on his godfather and won a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies. Congratulations Joseph!

Florida Council for the Social Studies Recognizes Clay County Educators At the October Regular School Board Meeting, the District recognized some outstanding schools that truly embody what it means to be One Team. One Goal. One Clay.

Clay County educators were recognized by the Florida Council for the Social Studies because of their continued commitment to Social Studies education. Congratulations Ms. Jeffries from Fleming Island High School, Ms. Brymer from Keystone Heights Junior/Senior High School, Ms. Petersen from Clay High School, Ms. Stilts from Middleburg High School, and Mr. Daniels from Orange Park High School!

www.myoneclay.net

OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584

Congratulations to Thunderbolt Elementary, Orange Park Elementary, and Oakleaf Village Elementary on being the top three impact schools for the American Heart Association - Florida in Clay County District Schools for the 2022-2023 school year. A representative from the American Heart Association was present at the board meeting to honor these schools.

Thunderbolt Elementary School - raised $26,905 Orange Park Elementary School - raised $20,071 Oakleaf Village Elementary School - raised $17,021

November Calendar Connect with us!

November 2, 6pm

School Board Meeting

November 10

Veterans Day - Student/Teacher Holiday

November 17

Interim Reports to Parents

November 20 − 24

Thanksgiving Break – Student/Teacher Holiday

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 19

St. Johns County School District News Controlled Open Enrollment Application Window 1 is November 1 – 24, 2023 In accordance with Florida Statute 1002.31 and pursuant to School Board Rule 5.03, parents and guardians may apply for their students to attend any school in the state of Florida other than their zoned school if that school has available capacity.

For the 2023-2024 school year, the following schools have seats available: Crookshank Elementary School W.D. Hartley Elementary School

Due to a recent change in legislation, there are now three application windows per school year, along with new guidelines for the Controlled Open Enrollment Program in SJCSD. The first window to apply will open on November 1, 2023, and will close on November 24, 2023.

Teacher Recruitment Fair, December 2nd The St. Johns County School District will be hosting a Teacher Recruitment Fair on Saturday, December 2nd from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Nease High School.

SJCSD will be hiring for all areas at this fair.

However, the high needs areas are Exceptional Education, Mathematics, Spanish and Elementary.

Learn more and register online by visiting www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/recruitment/ Registration for this event will close on November 27, 2023 and participants will be contacted with additional information by Wednesday November 29th via email.

Additional questions about the fair? Contact Parker Raimann at parker.raimann@stjohns. k12.fl.us

Please visit the Controlled Open Enrollment (COE) web page for detailed information. www. stjohns.k12.fl.us/coe/

PVPV/Rawlings Elementary School Webster Elementary School R.J. Murray Middle School Sebastian Middle School

November Character Counts Pillar: Citizenship • Do you share to make your school • Be a good neighbor and community better • Obey laws and rules • Cooperate • Respect authority • Get involved in community affairs • Protect the envifonment • Stay informed; vote • Volunteer

Follow Us on Social Media on Facebook @SJCSD

on X @SJCSD

on Instagram @sjcsd2021

on LinkedIn @St.Johns County School District

Get connected for the latest news & updates! Follow SJCSD on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn and stay in the know!

Are you looking for a head start on your college and career pathway while in high school? FCTC’s Dual Enrollment, Secondary Electives and Early Career will unlock a world of opportunities.

• Fast-track your path to success by learning a trade or skill • Participate in hands-on-training with our top-notch instructors • Earn credits, certifications or licensures setting you up for a promising career • Save time and money by earning college credits for free Explore FCTC’s options by visiting: fctc.edu/students/highschool/dual-enrollment/

November Events November 10

Veteran’s Day – Student/Teacher Holiday

November 22 – 24

Thanksgiving Break – Student/Teacher Holiday

All Schools participate in a weekly early release on Wednesday: Elementary @ 1:45, Middle @ 12:50, High @ 2:50

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

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 20

PETS safe, warm spaces in which to rest. A crate is

Housetraining Your Dog a very natural, normal habitat for a dog,

I

providing your pup doesn't associate it with punishment. You should never put your dog in a crate as punishment.

n my experience, one of the main reasons housetraining fails is because dog parents tend to react to pet accidents the same way they would react if a person left the mess.

When potty mistakes in the house are mishan- 2. Feed your dog on a schedule — If you're feeding your dog or puppy on a consistent dled, very often the result is the opposite of schedule, within 30 minutes to an hour after what was desired. Consistency, positive eating, he'll need to go potty. It's important reinforcement, and patience will improve the likelihood of success in housetraining your dog. that someone in the household is ready and willing at those times to take the dog out.

Elimination is a natural function, and new puppies in particular can be expected to relieve 3. Reward your dog for good behavior — It's crucial that you reward for good themselves whenever and wherever the urge behavior. Your dog will pick up cues from the strikes until they are 1) old enough to control tone of your voice. If you're saying things like the urge physiologically, and 2) appropriately "Good girl," "Nice job," in a quiet, loving, calm motivated to pee and poop outdoors. tone immediately after she goes, you're The time to begin housetraining your puppy is reinforcing that behavior. the day she or he comes home. It's important to Treats are also a good reward during the remember that like human infants, younger housetraining process. When your dog puppies don't have the neurological developeliminates in the right spot outside, praise her ment necessary to regulate elimination. with words and give her a treat within 1 to 3 The first step is to find an outdoor grassy space seconds of the behavior. Don't wait until you're you can consistently take your puppy to when back inside to give your dog a treat, because it's potty time. His brain is developed enough at you'll teach her to associate coming back about 8.5 weeks to begin to associate the smell indoors with treats rather than relieving herself outside. and surface of his potty spot and the act of elimination. Not only can most puppies at 8.5 4. Don't punish your dog for mistakes weeks start to make these important mental — No shouting, absolutely no physical connections, but they are also better able to contact, and never, ever rub your dog's nose in control when and where they relieve themhis mess. Mistakes are going to happen. For selves. example, sometimes first thing in the morning puppies will dutifully pee outside, but because A young puppy needs to be taken to his potty spot about every hour, and always after eating, their bladders are still developing, they don't realize there's still urine in there, and 10 playing, and sleeping. It's also important to minutes after they've done their business watch his behavior and learn his "I gotta go" outside, they finish the job inside. signals.

If you have a fenced backyard, I don't recom- If this is happening to you, take him out in the mend you letting your pup out on his own at the morning and then five minutes later take him back out again to get rid of the rest of the beginning. It’s impossible to establish a “go potty cue” and you can't give him a food reward urine in his bladder. within 3 seconds. It’s also important to monitor If you respond negatively, you teach your your puppy's poop to check for signs of puppy to fear you. There's a good chance he'll diarrhea or ingestion of non-food items. respond in the future by going into another room out of your line of sight to potty, rather 4 Housetraining Ground Rules: than learning to trust you and tell you when he 1. Never leave your un-housetrained dog unattended, not even for a minute — If you needs to go outside. aren't actively engaged with your dog, having her in the same room with you doesn't count. It's important that every situation pertaining to housetraining is positive. You can't punish or When you can't engage with your dog, she frighten a dog into appropriate behavior. j should be in her crate.

Dogs are den dwellers by nature. Under normal Dr. Karen Shaw Becker circumstances, they enjoy and seek out small, barkandwhiskers.com

from 10am – 3pm both days. JHS will be at the Southside PetSmart located at 8801 Southside Blvd with available dogs, cats, and kittens. ACPS will be at the Regency PetSmart located at 356 Monument Rd. during the same hours. Both shelters will be open and offering free adoptions Dogs Around Duval on November 11th and 12th as well.

Animal Care and Protective Services hosts The Jacksonville Humane Society / Dogs Around Duval, a foster for a day program 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 for those who would like a dog for the day but PetSmart / 8801 Southside Blvd., aren't able to, due to housing restrictions, work Jacksonville, FL 32256 schedule, or family obligations. Stop by the PetSmart / 356 Monument Rd, shelter, let them know what you have planned Jacksonville, FL 32225 for the day, and they will help pick the perfect www.jaxhumane.org pet to accompany you. Animal Care and Protective Services / 904-630-2489 / 2020 Forest The Street Dog Coalition Clinic Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.coj.net November 18, 9am to 12noon The Jacksonville Team is hosting a clinic at The Whiskers & Waves Adoption Event and Sulzbacher Center. Services being offered to Festival • November 3, 3pm to 9pm pets of people experiencing or at risk of expeEnjoy an evening of free adoptions at Jackriencing homelessness include physical exams, sonville’s Seawalk Pavilion. Come “Fall” in love core vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, miwith the adoptable dogs all while shopping crochips, and more. All animals should be safely and exploring over 35 local vendors and food contained: dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. trucks. All pets are altered, microchipped, and If you are in need of a leash or carrier, please let vaccinated prior to adoption. Additional fees them know when you check in. such as the city licensing fee may apply. Whis- The Sulzbacher Center / 970-829-8789 / 611 kers & Waves is a free public event. If bringing East Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / your pet, all dogs must be leashed. www.thestreetdogcoalition.org Seawalk Pavilion / 904-725-8766 / 75 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / 2023 Pet Fair and Blessing of the Pets jaxhumane.org November 18, 10am to 2pm The 10th annual Pet Fair and Blessing of the 13th Annual Pin Up Paws Party Pets is hosted by St. Philip Neri Animal Ministry.

November 3, 6pm There will be a "Best in Show" contest hosted The St. Augustine Humane Society Pin Up

by Katie Jeffries of First Coast News, kids activPaws Party is the largest fundraising effort ities, local honey, food trucks, K9 Disc Demonthe nonprofit hosts each year. The fundraiser strations by Jax Disc Dog League, vendors for includes dinner, complimentary wine, cash bar, people and pets, a charity pop up shop, pets for music by the House Cats jazz quartet, silent adoption, an "ask the trainer" booth with free auction, photo booth, wine pull, and a free copy training advice, free pet nail trims and bandanas, of the 2024 Best Buds calendar. Ticket prices vouchers for free microchip, professional pet are $125 per person and $1,250 for each table photos, and more. The Blessing of the Pets by of 10 attendees. All of the money raised at the Bishop John Oliver and Father Bob Bevens-Kerr event will directly benefit the Humane Society’s will take place at St. Philip Neri Ecumenical programs and resources which provide lifesav- Church, at 1:15pm. Fletcher Park / 904-229ing care to pets and helps pet owners with a 9472 / 1652 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL variety of services. Embassy Suites by Hilton 32207 / spnanimalministry.org St Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort / 904829-2737 / 300 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine K9 Competition Beach, FL 32080 / pupparty.org November 18, 1pm to 5pm This event will showcase the remarkable skills Pet Portrait Mixed Media Collage Workshop of police dogs. K9 teams throughout the state November 4, 10:30am to 2:30pm will compete in a timed obstacle course meant Join owners and artists Rachael and Julia in to mimic situations the officers and dogs may this mixed media workshop where participants encounter while doing police work. There will will be making collage pet portraits. Mixed be a K-9 photobooth, specialized units, kids media describes artwork in which more than activities, food trucks, and more. All money will one medium or material has been employed. benefit K9s United to help fulfill their mission in Tickets are $45 each. Advance registration re- supporting law enforcement K9 units here in NE quired. Complimentary refreshments provided. Florida. Admission is $5 for adults and kids 18 & Vintage Arts Inc / 904-600-4278 / 10029 San under are free. Free parking.

Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www. Bishop Kenny High School / 904-601-2220 / vintageartsinc.com 1055 Kingman Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.k9sunited.org PetSmart National Adoption Weekend November 11-12, 10am to 3pm The Jacksonville Humane Society is participating in PetSmart Charities’ National Adoption Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page Week with a weekend of free adoptions on at facebook.com/jax4pets to find November 11th and 12th, 2023. Free adoptions out about other events for pets. will be offered at two local PetSmart locations

Things to Do Pet Events

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THINGS TO DO Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience Thru January 7, 2024 Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience is a cinematic immersive exhibition that takes guests on a journey to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Journey to modern-day Egypt and see wonders of the ancient world like the Temple at Karnak and the Great Sphinx. Experience ancient history come to life in a dramatic and immersive projection experience. Through nine distinct multi-sensory galleries, Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience unlocks the 3,300 year old story of King Tut in an evolution of immersive experiences. Open Wednesday thru Sunday. Tickets start at $43.99 for adults 16 and up, and $28.99 for children ages 5 to 15. Family four pack tickets are available for $35.99 each. Sixth grade students are admitted free of charge when visiting with a full-priced paid adult admission; full details can be found online at beyondkingtut.com. Parking is available in the parkade directly across the street from the Main Entrance. Please note that parking must be paid by card, as only cashless payments are being accepted at this time. Parking rates start at $6/hour.

NoCo Center / 800-441-0819 / 712 N Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / beyondkingtut.com Funbox Jacksonville at the Avenues Mall Through January 14 Funbox is excited to debut in the Jacksonville area at The Avenues Mall. Funbox is a unique entertainment and amusement experience consisting of 25,000 square feet of inflatable fun. The bounce park is filled with 10 thrilling play zones including the Tumble Temple, Marshmallow Mountain, Gumball’s Gallop, and an obstacle course. Regular admission and hours at Funbox will be 90-minute jump sessions for $19 on Fridays 3pm to 7pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 7pm. Ages two and under and 65 and older have free admission. Funbox Jacksonville at the Avenues Mall / 10300 Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / funbox.com The Animation Academy at MOSH Thru February 12 The Animation Academy (previously named “Get Animated”) explores the unique world of animation and storytelling, from traditional hand-drawn cels to exciting breakthroughs in stop-motion and CGI. Stage Nine Exhibitions proudly welcomes involvement from major US animation studios. Visitors can create their own stop-motion animated short, learn about the art of storyboarding, go behind the scenes with artists and animators, and enjoy America’s largest 3D zoetrope. Each display and interactive activity features the participation of industry leaders, from original hand-drawn cels to real stop-motion maquettes. Exhibit is included with general admission. Museum of Science and History / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org Kids Free November 2023 • November 1-30 Kids Free November is a special month-long promotion that offers free admission and other discounted activities for children at local museums and attractions. Cannot be used for special events or combined with any other discounts/offers. This offer is not intended for schools, organizations or associations. Participating locations include Autobahn Indoor Speedway, Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary, Community First Igloo, Cummer Museum

of Art & Gardens, Durkeeville Historical Society, Explore Jax Core, FSCJ Artist Series, iFly, Jacksonville Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Jacksonville Icemen, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, King Pins Bowling Center, Main Event, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville, Museum of Science & History, Ritz Theatre and Museum, and Sweet Pete’s.

Visit Jacksonville / www.visitjacksonville.com

wristbands will be available for unlimited bounce house/obstacle courses. Neptune Beach Elementary School / 904-247-5954 / 1515 Florida Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 / dcps.duvalschools.org

vard, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / familypromisejax.org

Native American Arts Festival at MOSH November 10-11, 10am to 5pm The first event of its kind in Jacksonville, Florida, Middleburg Historic Fall Festival MOSH’s Native American Arts Festival will be a November 4, 11am to 3pm two-day, immersive educational experience of The Middleburg Historic Fall Festival features music, Indigenous art and culture. The event features bounce house, free family entertainment, car show, Native American art vendors featuring indigenous vendors, and more. Free parking. designs with a modern interpretation, dance and Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Middleburg Civic Association / 904-370-0152 / music performances, drum lessons, dance lessons, November 2-12 2102 Palmetto Street, Middleburg, FL 32068 / frybread cooking demonstration, discussion panels, The annual Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair middleburgcivicassociation.com and more. General admission for museum and returns to the fairgrounds. There will be food, live festival entry are $29.95. Museum of Science and music, agricultural shows and contests, live presen- CosCon Jax • November 4, 11am to 6pm History / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, tations, carnival rides, games, and more.

The Original Cosplay Con returns to Jacksonville.

Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org November 2 -- Opening Day with free gate admis- Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite sion with purchase of $15 armband cosplay to Cos Con Jax. Meet cosplayers and cosJacksonville Greek Festival November 3 -- Senior Day, free admission for ages play groups along with artists, vendors, and panels. November 10, 4pm to 10pm; November 11, 10am 65 and up Fandom doesn't matter: Anime, Star Trek, Marvel, to 10pm; November 12, 12noon to 5pm November 6 -- Two-fer Night - Two fair admissions DC, Star Wars, Disney Princesses, or whatever your The Greek Festival hosts their traditional 3-day for $12 or Two admissions and two ridebands for imagination can think of, if you can wear it in a event at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church. $35 costume it's welcome. If you don't have a costume, The festival features homemade Greek food, live November 7 -- $2 Tuesday-$2 admission and $2/ come get tips and tricks on creating unique music and dancing, cultural experiences, and more. ride; $25 armband available costumes, or just get pictures with your favorite Admission is free, parking is $5/car.

November 8 -- Family Night-Children 12 and under cosplayers. This is an all-ages show. Tickets start St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church / 904admitted free w/ Adult Admission. They can also at $17 plus fees; kids 7 and under are free.

396-5383 / 12760 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, purchase a $15 Ride Armband.

Snyder Armory / 9900 Normandy Blvd, FL 32224 / jaxgreekfest.com November 9 -- Collegiate Night-College students Jacksonville, FL 32221 admitted free with valid college student ID. They U.S. Air Force Super Girl Surf Pro WSL can also purchase a $15 Unlimited Mechanical Ride Jacksonville Icemen vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates Contest & Festival Armband.

November 8, 7pm November 10, 8am to 5pm; November 10 -- Military Day-Active duty military or Tickets start at $20 each. The Jacksonville Icemen November 11, from 12noon to 10pm; veterans admitted for free (up to 3 family memare a proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo November 12, from 12noon to 8pm bers). $20 Unlimited Mechanical Ride Armband Sabres and the AHL's Rochester American.

Super Girl Surf Pro is the second largest female for active duty military and veterans available for VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-602-7825 / surfing competition in the world. Fans can watch purchase as well. (does not include admission) 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 top names in women’s surfing on the beach for November 12 -- Jaguars Game Day-Free Gate Ad- / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com free; there is also a festival village with famimission w/ Jaguars vs 49ers ticket; 12noon - 6pm ly-friendly activities and free concerts. The Super Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 904-353-0535 / 510 Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert Girl Surf Pro features three days of head-to-head Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.

November 9, 6pm surfing competition heats in the water and other jacksonvillefair.com “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert,” is a 45women’s sports tournaments, including beach city tour where Encanto lovers of all ages have the soccer, beach volleyball and lacrosse at the beach.

Jacksonville Icemen vs. South Carolina opportunity to sing along with their favorite GRAMCentered at the Seawalk Pavilion a festival takes Stingrays • November 2, 10:30am MY®-Award winning songs performed by a live place all weekend and is jam-packed with concerts, Tickets start at $20 each. The Jacksonville Icemen band while watching the full film. Live characters celebrity speakers, DJ competition, art, hair styling, are a proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo do not appear in this event. Fans are encouraged to fashion, seminars, yoga, fitness, free activities, Sabres and the AHL's Rochester American. This is a dress up as Mirabel, Luisa, Isabela, or any of their demonstrations, food trucks, and a beer garden.

School Day game, and the team welcomes schools favorite characters from the film and to use their Jacksonville Beach Pier / 321-722-9300 / 503 1st and field trips from around Jacksonville. voices to transform each venue into one big celeStreet North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-602-7825 / bration of the Madrigal family. Tickets start at $20. www.supergirljax.com 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Moran / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com Theater / 904-633-6110 / 300 West Water Street, Moosehaven Chili Cook-Off and Car Show Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.disneyconcerts.com November 11, 10am to 4pm Star Wars & More: The Music of John Williams Moosehaven hosts their annual Chili Cook-off.

November 3-4, 7:30pm The 13th Cardboard City Families are invited for a day on the river. There Join the Symphony for a symphonic program feaNovember 10, 5:30pm to November 11, 8am will be food, live entertainment, a kids’ zone, and turing iconic film scores performed live, including Join Lakewood Church for the night, either in hundreds of classic cars. Admission, parking, and music from all three Star Wars trilogies, Jaws and person or virtually, to take a stand to end homeentertainment are free. Chili tasting kits will be much more. This fast-paced program explores lessness. To begin the evening, a simple meal will available for $5 to benefit Friends of TOP Parks. The the genius of this legendary film composer and be served. Then build your cardboard structure. gates open at 10am and the awards ceremony will transforms Jacoby Symphony Hall into “a galaxy far, Large pieces of cardboard will be provided; you take place at 3pm. far away". Tickets start at $40. Robert E. Jacoby are welcome to bring any decorations you want to Moosehaven / 904-278-1200 / 1701 Park Avenue, Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, use. There will also be an interactive social services Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.moosehaven.org Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org experience. You will have “your family “scenario for navigating stations to get the resources your Jacksonville Icemen vs. Atlanta Gladiators Neptune Beach Elementary Fall Festival “family” needs to move out of homelessness. You’ll November 11, 7pm November 4, 10am to 2pm need to find shelter, food, a job and more. This is an Tickets start at $20 each. The Jacksonville Icemen Neptune Beach Elementary School hosts a Fall original program with the centers staffed by FSCJ are a proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Festival. Activities include food vendors, bounce Human Services students through the Center of Sabres and the AHL's Rochester American. Tonight houses, obstacle course, petting zoo, balloon artists, Civic Engagement. Post photos of your Cardboard is Mental Health Night; the Icemen will be sporting face painting, class booths, and more. Games and City night on social media to help raise awareness. specialty jerseys that will be up for auction with a classroom booths will be 1-8 tickets each; tickets Participants are asked to set a goal of collecting portion of the proceeds benefiting NAMI Jacksonare $0.25 each or $5 for a bundle of 20. $10 $100 in donations to change lives. Lakewood ville. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-602Church / 904-537-3645 / 6133 San Jose Boule7825 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 22

THINGS TO DO 32202 / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Francisco 49ers November 12, 1pm.

Single game tickets can be purchased online.

Guests are permitted to bring one, commercially branded, factory-sealed, plastic, 16.9 oz. or less size bottle of water inside the gates at EverBank Stadium. Additional water-bottle filler stations have been installed at the stadium. EverBank Stadium / 904-633-2000 / 1 EverBank Stadium Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguars.com Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras Fall Concert • November 12, 5pm Through its six-tiered orchestral program, the Jacksonville Symphony supports over 200 talented young musicians by providing opportunities to learn, rehearse and perform orchestral music with instruction by esteemed Jacksonville Symphony leaders. Tickets are $5 for kids and $10 for adults.

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Straight No Chaser: “Sleighin’ It Tour” November 15, 7:30pm A cappella group Straight No Chaser will be in Jacksonville for one performance only. They will perform holiday staples, R&B smooth jams, stadium anthems, and more. Ticket prices range from $39.50 – $69.50.

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

Jacksonville Icemen vs. South Carolina Stingrays • November 15, 7pm Tickets start at $20 each. The Jacksonville Icemen are a proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and the AHL's Rochester American.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-602-7825 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com Jacksonville Icemen vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits • November 17 and 18, 7pm Tickets start at $20 each. The Jacksonville Icemen are a proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and the AHL's Rochester American. November 17-18 is Teacher Appreciation, with a pre-game reception. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904602-7825 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com

Guests are permitted to bring one, commercially branded, factory-sealed, plastic, 16.9 oz. or less size bottle of water inside the gates at EverBank Stadium. Additional water-bottle filler stations have been installed at the stadium. EverBank Stadium / 904-633-2000 / 1 EverBank Stadium Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguars.com Jacksonville Icemen vs. South Carolina Stingrays • November 22, 7pm Tickets start at $20 each. The Jacksonville Icemen are a proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and the AHL's Rochester American. Tonight's theme is Gobble Wobble. Join fans pre-game for an hour of drinks and snacks to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-602-7825 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com

ester American. November 24 and 25 the Icemen celebrate Healthcare Appreciation.

VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-602-7825 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com Taylor Swift Laser Party November 26, 7pm The all-ages Taylor Swift Laser Dance Party is coming to Florida Theatre. Immerse yourself in Tay Tay's music while surrounded by synchronized lasers and lights. Tickets are $30. Florida Theatre / 904-3555661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.floridatheatre.com

Jacksonville Icemen vs. Orlando Solar Bears November 29, 7pm Tickets start at $20 each. The Jacksonville Icemen are a proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and the AHL's Rochester American. Tonight's Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra: Home Alone Jacksonville Icemen vs. Florida Everblades game will also feature a Career Fair. Looking to get November 17-18, 7pm November 24, 7pm a head start in the sports industry? Join staff preThe Jacksonville Symphony presents John Williams' Tickets start at $20 each. The Jacksonville Icemen game for a Career Fair, where you'll have the opporscore from the holiday movie Home Alone. The are a proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo tunity to network with local sports teams. Package score will be played live to the film and is part of Sabres and the AHL's Rochester American. Novem- includes entry to the career fair and a ticket to the the Symphonic Night at the Movies series. Tickets ber 24 and 25 the Icemen celebrate Healthcare Icemen game at 7pm. start at $32, and can be purchased online.

Appreciation. VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-602-7825 / Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby / 904-602-7825 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jack- 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Symphony Hall/ 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, sonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com / www.jacksonvilleicemen.com Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Jacksonville Icemen vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans November 25, 7pm at time of publication; events and activities listed in this November 19, 1pm The Jacksonville Icemen are a proud ECHL affiliate guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.

Single game tickets can be purchased online. of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and the AHL's Rochcom for updated information and more events!

NOVEMBER 2023 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 23