Jax4Kids November 2015

FREE!

November 2015

THE JACKSONVILLE JACKSONVILLE

S O R F FUN A E Y 0 6

NOVEMBER 4-15

JACKSONVILLEFAIR.COM

IS YOUR DOCTOR OPEN 365 DAYS A YEAR? Open Nights, Holidays & Weekends Three Convenient Locations

Southside

8774 Perimeter Park Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32216 Phone: 904-642-6100 Monday - Friday: 8 am to 8:30 pm Saturday & Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

Downtown

1951 Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32206 Phone: 904-354-6868 Monday - Friday: 8 am to 6 pm

Beach

930 Third Street Neptune Beach, FL 32266 Phone: 904-246-9428 Monday - Friday: 8 am to 6 pm

CALL TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! We’re Here When You Need Us www.jacksonvillepeds.com Page 2 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Contents

Letter From The Editor

November 2015

Dear Readers,

T

living well

he month of November is full of great family-entertainment opportunities! The 60th year of the Jacksonville Fair kicks off on November 4th. Mark your calendars for these special deal days at the Fair: Saturday, November 7th and 14th are Student Days. Students 17 and younger are admitted free from 10:00am until 4:00pm plus $25.00 unlimited ride armband from 10:00am until close (Does not include admission).

Thursday November 12th is Family Night. One child 12 and under admitted Free with the purchase of a Full price adult ticket plus $10.00 Unlimited Mechanical Rides Wristband (Does not include admission). Visit jacksonvillefair.com for a complete list of daily deals and entertainment.

Once again this November, many area familyfriendly locations will participate in Kids FREE November. Up to 5 children age 12 and under get in FREE with one paying general admission adult ticket. Turn to page 5 for a list of participating locations and details. Hats off to the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra for their commitment to introducing youth to the music of the symphony with their Under 18 FREE program.

This season, when an adult purchases a ticket, they can receive a ticket for a child age 7 to 17 for FREE! This applies to virtually every Masterworks, Pops, Coffee and Matinee performance.

Turn to page 23 for details on this program plus their sound check card for students up to age 25.

The Jacksonville Symphony has also added more family-friendly shows this year including Pixar, Holiday Pops, Wild, Wild, West, Dr. Seuss, E.T., and Cinderella.

Last year, we celebrated the month of thanks giving by giving away a prize (or two) a day, every

Community Profile: Empty Bowls............................................................ 4 Are You a Shark or a Goldfish?................................................................ 4 Kids FREE November.............................................................................. 5

eating well Bring Them Back to the Table.................................................................. 6 Tour de Farm.......................................................................................... 6

Health & safety Tips to Avoid Twelve Cancer-related Chemicals........................................ 7 Smokeout Helps Break Habit................................................................... 7

Infant & Toddler day during the month of November. The prizes ranged from ski trips to tickets to family-friendly concerts. We called it 30 Days of Thanks and you’ll be happy to know we’re doing it again this year! Log on to Jax4Kids’ Facebook page every day during the month of November to see what you could win.

Let the holiday season begin! Turn to pages 13 – 20 for holiday events and ideas to help you make this holiday season joyful and memorable. Pet lovers, as you prepare for the season of giving, think of military service dogs; they too need care packages. Turn to page 29 to read about how you can send care packages to a military working dog.

Move It! Integrate Exercise into Toddlers Daily Routines........................... 9 Fear of the Dark..................................................................................... 9

special needs Aggression, Tantrums and Refusal.........................................................10 When the Words Won’t Come Out Right: Childhood Apraxia of Speech...11

holiday guide

Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday Photography Tips......................................................................13 Safe Online Shopping Tips....................................................................13 And the Winners Are.............................................................................14 Find a Fresh Christmas Tree..................................................................14 Deck the Chairs Captures Holiday Spirit with Creativity...........................15 Holiday Events.................................................................................16-17 Get Them Ready for the Nutcracker.......................................................18 More Joy, Less Stress...........................................................................19

Until next month,

education

Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters...........................................21 That’s My Job! Speech-Language Pathologist.......................................21 CISV Program Inspires Peace Through Friendship..................................22 Symphony Under 18 FREE....................................................................23

duval county public schools

Follow us...

Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer......................................linda@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................................judi@jax4kids.com Doug Berle Advertising Sales......................................... doug@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com Donna Paunetto Advertising Sales.............................. donna@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............................... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2015.

Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@jax4kids.com. For more information concerning advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com.

Page 3 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Discover Duval Schools.........................................................................24 Chat with the Supe...............................................................................24

clay county school news

National Walk to School Day a Hit at Argyle Elementary..........................25 Runners Take Home Trophies................................................................25 November Calendar..............................................................................25

st. johns county school news 2016 Graduation Ceremony Schedule...................................................26 November Calendar..............................................................................26

Teens

Write It Right: Note-taking Skills Lead to Student Success....................28

pets

Military Dogs Need TLC Too..................................................................29

Things to do

November Events.................................................................................30

Living well

Community Profile: Empty Bowls T hirty years ago, a high school art teacher came up with a creative way for his students to raise funds to support a food drive. What evolved was a class project to make clay bowls for a fund-raising meal. Guests were served a simple meal of soup and bread and were invited to keep the bowl as a reminder of hunger in the world. By the following year, the originator had developed this concept into Empty Bowls, a project to provide support for food banks, soup kitchens and other organizations that fight hunger.

a seven week study

Are You a Shark or a Goldfish?

4615 Philips Highway.

The food-giveaway programs consists of “not just any food, it’s fresh fruits and vegetables brought from local farms to people who need it most,” organizers say. At the last of a series of summer food giveaways, lines wrapped around St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church on the Northside. Families fill out a paper saying they have a need and are given 50 pounds of food, everything from fruits and vegetable to turkey and ham. Organizers originally planned to hold 15 events last summer but had to double it Jacksonville’s 31st Annual Empty Bowls Lunbecause the need was so great. cheon is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17, from “Every single distribution including (this one) noon to 1 p.m. at the Prime Osborn Convention we’ve had to turn people away,” said Frank Center downtown. Individual tickets are $30; Ormonde, executive director of the Nourishment nonprofit tables, $300; corporate tables, $600.

Network. “Today, we’re going to have to turn For these and other sponsorship opportunities people away, too. I mean, you can see the line contact Jennifer Tamol at 904-730-8239 or wrapped all the way around the street, and we’re e-mail: jtamol@lssjax.org. going to run out of food.”

Organizers said one in six adults and one in four The Empty Bowls Luncheon demonstrates children are actively hungry, and 40 percent of community support for those who are coping with the families in line are working families. hunger in North Florida. Local celebrities Nourishment Network is the oldest program of (including media personalities) act as servers for Lutheran Social Services, a faith-based social the event. In addition to helping fight hunger, the service ministry focused on improving the quality luncheon presents a diverse program for all. Area of life for people in need in the Jacksonville area. students and senior citizen groups have created Founded in 1979 by a consortium of Lutheran original, handcrafted ceramic bowls for every churches and Jacksonville community leaders, guest. Luncheon attendees are able to select just the group today relies on the support of thouthe right bowl to take home. sands of North Florida citizens and businesses to help individuals and families with a wide range of Local potters and ceramic artists have also needs including food, shelter, fiscal affairs donated their time and talents to create unique education, disease prevention and education. Its bowls. In addition, the Empty Bowls Luncheon stated mission: “Motivated and guided by the includes celebrity signed bowls. Recognized compassion of Christ, we serve and care for personalities from the national stage have lent people in need.” their names to the cause.

The first program was the Nourishment Network, Empty Bowls is one of many fund-raising efforts a small food pantry that has now grown to by the Nourishment Network, the area’s oldest become the largest food bank in this region. hunger-relief program. The mission of Nourishment Network is to distribute food and grocery Besides feeding the hungry, Lutheran Social products to hungry people and to educate the Services provides services to the most needy in public about the causes and possible solutions to our community through a wide array of programs. problems of domestic hunger. One dollar donated In the fall of 1980, the Refugee Services Program to Nourishment Network generates seven meals, was created in response to the influx of Southor the equivalent of two days of food for a person east Asian refugees into the Jacksonville area. in need.

This program has expanded over the years to include resettlement services, employment By partnering with Farm Share to rescue surplus assistance, a youth program, and integration food from Florida farmers, retailers and ports, the assistance. j food bank is able to rescue an enormous volume of food and stretch each dollar incredibly far.

Nourishment Network partners with Farm Share to operate a food bank facility located at 1502 “Give thanks for a little Jessie St. in downtown Jacksonville. Additionally, Nourishment Network feeds the hungry through direct service programs based in their office at

I

f you are facing a challenge and anxious about your situation, I know how you feel. I lost my job in 2001 during the dot.com bust. I was two months away from being bankrupt. I had a wife, two young children, a mortgage, no health insurance, and very little savings.

It sounds bad. It felt bad. At the time it was bad.

But one day I decided that I wasn’t going to let this challenge take me down. And that’s when I knew I had to change what I was thinking and doing.

My layoff led to my life’s mission and purpose.

What I thought was the worst event in my life actually led to the best.

I’m not alone. Gallup did a study and asked people to identify the worst and best event of their life. They found that there was an 80% correlation between the two events. There was also a British study of 500 “charmed” people.

They seemed to have it all; wealth, success, great relationships, etc. The researchers were surprised to discover that every one of these “charmed” people had bad things happen to them. Each one of them turned the bad into good and their misfortune into fortune.

Challenges and change are a part of life. The waves of change are always coming our way.

When the wave hits we have a choice. We can embrace it and ride it to a successful future or resist it and get crushed.

We can decide to be a Shark instead of a Goldfish. Goldfish become paralyzed by fear. They stay in their comfort zone and wait for someone to feed them. On the other hand Sharks (nice sharks) move forward with faith and take action.

They trust that their best days are ahead of them, not behind them. Instead of waiting to be fed they venture out in the ocean of possibility in search of food. Their beliefs and actions create a self-fulfilling prophecy; because they expect to find food and take action to find it, they do.

Shark or a Goldfish? Which will you choose to be?

j

Jon Gordon www.jongordon.com www.positiveschool.com

and you will find a lot.”

– Unknown

Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

7900 Lone Star Road Jacksonville FL 32211 pbcjax@gmail.com

904-725-2500 www.pbcjax.org

Sunday Schedule 9:15am 9:30am 11am 4pm

Coffee/Community Small Group/Bible Study Worship Service Catapult Sunday Night (grades 6-12)

Now Accepting Infants – 5th Grade

*ABEKA Curriculum *Small Classes *Loving Teachers *Quality Education *Reasonable Prices We follow Duval County Public School Calendar.

Preschool & Free VPK 9 am - 12 pm Kindergarten - 5th 9 am - 2 pm Before/After School Enrichment Program 7 am - 6 pm McKay & Step Up Scholarships DCF# C04DU0329

(904) 721-2719

7900 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL

Living well

Kids FREE November Virtually all Masterworks, Pops, Coffee and Matinee performances. Admit one kid 7-17 with purchase of one adult ticket.

300 Water Street, Ste. 200, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 / 904-354-5479 www.jaxsymphony.org Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens 370 Zoo Parkways, Jacksonville, Florida 32218 904-757-4463 www.jacksonvillezoo.org

V

alid only November 1 – November 30, 2015.

Up to 5 children (under 12) get in FREE with a general admission paying adult*. No coupon necessary. Cannot be used for special events or combined with any other discounts/ offers. This offer is not intended for schools, organizations or associations.

*

King & Bear Golf Course Celebrate golf as a family. Play the King & Bear for $79 after 1:00 pm and you can bring up to three junior(s) (17 & Under) out to play for free.

1 King and Bear Dr, Saint Augustine, Florida 32092 / 904-940-6088 www.golfwgv.com MOCA – Museum of Contemporary Art 333 N Laura St, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 904-366-6911 www.mocajacksonville.org

Italicized items vary from above rules regarding MOSH – Museum of Science & History admission number.

1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, Florida 32207 904-396-6674 Amelia River Cruises www.themosh.org 1 North Front Street, Historic Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 / 904-261-9972 Ritz Theatre and Museum www. ameliarivercruises.com 829 North Davis Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 / 904-807-2014 Adventure Landing www.ritzjacksonville.com 18-hole miniature golf 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, Florida Slammer & Squire Golf Course 32250 / 904-246-4386 Celebrate golf as a family. Play the Slammer & www.adventurelanding.com Squire for $59 after 1:00 pm and you can bring up to three junior(s) (17 & Under) out to play for Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary free.

1860 Starratt Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32226 2 World Golf Pl, St Augustine, Florida 32092 904-757-3603 904-940-6088 www.cattyshack.org www.golfwgv.com Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens Sweet Petes 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida Free Cotton Candy created on-site. One per child.

32204 / 904-899-6034 400 N. Hogan Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 www.cummermuseum.org 904-376-7161 www.sweetpetescandy.com j Jacksonville Symphony

“It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.”

– Brother David Steindl-Rast

Page 5 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

eating well

Bring Them Back to the Table

W

ith the holidays upon us, many of us are gearing up for a wild ride through the next few months. Parties, family gatherings and school-related activities make for a crazy, but fun time of year. Food is an integral part of the holiday season. We see our children continue to adapt to our ever-changing and evolving electronic world, but there is something to be said for unplugging and reaching out to each other in a personal way – and food can be a venue for that.

since the volume is different when melted.

EGG Amount: 1 whole egg Substitute: • 1/4 cup egg substitute (examples include: Egg Beaters, Second Nature, Scramblers); check label for specific directions • 1/4 cup plain yogurt (or I have even used Vanilla in a pinch) • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (if used in cake batter). NOTE: If you type “mayonnaise cake recipes” into your favorite Internet search What has become less of the norm for most engine, you’ll find several recipes for cakes households has now become something so made with mayonnaise and NO eggs. This can important to holding a family together and help you decide if this substitution will work for important to raising healthy kids – eating together your particular cake. as a family. It’s very easy for the family meal • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder plus 1 tablespoon time to become replaced with food on the run vinegar plus 1 tablespoon liquid (for baking use and family members scattered in different only) directions, but the family that eats together regularly is more likely to have better communiCHILI SAUCE cations and a lower risk of childhood overweight/ Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup brown obesity. One study which looked at childhood obesity found that the dinner table indeed may be sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, dash of ground cloves and dash of one place where social support and family allspice communication meet—both of which relate to the Body Mass Index of children as well as MAYONNAISE (for use in salads and salad parents. Family meals and their rituals might be dressings) an underappreciated battleground in the fight Amount: 1 cup against obesity.

Substitute: • 1 cup low-fat sour cream • 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt will be thicker) The art of meal preparation can be so easily lost • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese pureed in a on a generation of children that live “in the fast blender lane”, meaning that dinner is always from a restaurant or fast food. That’s why people cherish • Or can use any of the above for part of the mayonnaise if you are scraping the bottom of the holiday time with the family – it’s not only a the jar. time to visit with loved ones we haven’t seen in a while, but I think we all secretly desire to slow PUMPKIN PIE SPICE down and share a meal. It’s also a perfect time to Amount: 1 teaspoon teach kids how to set a table properly, and get Substitute: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon plus 1/4 them involved in meal preparation so no one feels ground teaspoon ginger, plus 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice, plus 1/8 teaspoon ground left out. nutmeg And for those of us who are doing the cooking this season, check out these recipe substitutions CONFECTIONERS’ OR POWDERED SUGAR so that if you find yourself in a pinch, you can fill Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 cup granulated sugar plus 1 in without missing a beat. tablespoon cornstarch; process in a food processor using the metal blade attachment until ALLSPICE it’s well blended and powdery.

Amount: 1 teaspoon Substitute: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon plus 1/2 WINE, RED teaspoon ground cloves Amount: Any Substitute: The same amount of grape juice or APPLE PIE SPICE cranberry juice Amount: 1 teaspoon Substitute: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon plus 1/4 WINE, WHITE teaspoon nutmeg plus 1/8 teaspoon cardamom Amount: Any Substitute: The same amount of apple juice or BUTTER white grape juice Amount: ½ cup Substitute: Whoever is at your holiday table this year, make it • ½ cup margarine (choose olive oil blend, no special. Whether it’s family, friends or neighbors, trans-fat) go ahead, invite them in. j • ½ cup plain applesauce (for baking) • An equal amount of oil can be substituted for a Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N similar portion of MELTED butter if the recipe Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition specifies using MELTED butter. Oil cannot be substituted in an equal amount for solid fat Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Page 6 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Tour de Farm

D

iscover North Florida’s seasonal offerings with local farmers and chef creations during Slow Food First Coast’s 4th Tour de Farm on Sunday, Nov. 15, from noon to 5 p.m.

More than 25 local farms will open their gates to the community for this family-friendly event. The Tour de Farm will provide people from the First Coast an opportunity to meet the farmers who produce local food, and chefs and artisans who are committed to using locally-grown ingredients.

During each farm visit participants will also be able to purchase seasonal produce, meats and locally produced prepared foods.

trains and educates White House chefs and staff, and Matt Gilligan, chef/owner of 904 Restaurant.

Other participating restaurants and food trucks include Black Sheep Restaurant, Corner Taco, Delish, Orsay, La Cocina, Southern Charm, The Fish Co., The Floridian, and This Chick can Cook.

New this year is the Car Pass, valid for an unlimited amount of farm visits. Participants can go online to SlowFoodFirstCoast.org to make a donation and reserve their Car Pass for family and friends. The brochure will include four suggested loops and participants can select from one of the planned tours or design their own route for the afternoon. The full brochure will be available on While some of the popular stops from the 2014 the website and at libraries. The November issue Tour, such as Barnes Farm, Cognito Farm, Down of Edible Northeast Florida magazine will feature to Earth, KYV Organic, Navera Farm, and Traders a Pull-Out Map and Informational Guide. Pick up a Hill Farm, are included, half of the tour showcases copy at Native Sun Markets. newcomers like Congaree and Penn Rice Farm, Guerrilla Growery, GYO Greens, Rype and Readi Slow Food First Coast is a nonprofit organizaMarket, Urban Folk Farm, and White Harvest tion committed to strengthening the connection Farm. Some farms are opening for the very first between local food, strong farms and healthy time, so don’t miss this opportunity. A number communities by promoting good, clean and fair of local chefs and artisans are offering cooking food for all. For more information, please visit demonstrations and tastings at the various farms. www.slowfoodfirstcoast.org or contact or Mimi Meet Sam Efron, chef/owner of Taverna, chefs Iannuzzi at 518-588-3918 or Kurt D’Aurizio at Joe Natoli and Thomas Allen from Sawgrass Mar- 904-254-5472. j riott’s Vernon’s Restaurant, chef David Bearl, who

We take the FEAR out of Dentistry!

Did you know

82% of people say fear is the number one reason they don’t go to the dentist?

Don’t let this be you!

Let us help you ease your fears and take care of your smile! At Carlson Dental Group, we offer different levels of sedation allowing you to relax or even snooze!

904-586-4764

www.CarlsonDentalGroup.com

FREE

Sedation Consultation EXPIRES NOVEMBER 30, 2015.

New Downtown Location Now Open in the EverBank Building on Riverside Avenue

health & safety

Tips to Avoid Twelve Cancer-related Chemicals S

cientists are only beginning to investigate how certain chemicals may interact to contribute to cancer development. But given that we live in a sea of chemicals, it makes sense to begin reducing exposures to ones we know are bad actors.

Here are Environmental Working Group’s tips for avoiding 12 harmful chemicals that have now been found to also disrupt cancer-related pathways — known as cancer hallmarks.

1 – Bisphenol A (BPA): An industrial chemical used to make plastics that are used in food and beverage containers and the linings of most food and beverage cans.

HOW TO AVOID: Instead of canned foods, opt for fresh food and food that comes in glass jars or waxed cardboard cartons. When purchasing canned foods or plastic products, buy those that indicate they are made without BPA. Avoid plastics marked “PC” (for polycarbonate) or recycling #7, which may contain BPA. Finally, say no to cash register receipts, since they’re often printed on thermal paper coated with BPA. 2 – Atrazine: One of the most widely used herbicides, applied to the majority of U.S.-grown corn.

HOW TO AVOID: Atrazine can be a contaminant in drinking water supplies, especially in agricultural areas. Consider a drinking water filter certified to remove atrazine.

3 – Organophosphate Pesticides: Widely used insecticides that target the nervous systems of insect pests.

HOW TO AVOID: Buy organic produce when you can.

4 – Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): Widely used in nail polish until 2006. That use was voluntarily halted, but it is still an ingredient in soft and flexible plastics such as shower curtains, raincoats, food wraps and bowls.

HOW TO AVOID: Limit use of soft plastics for purposes such as storing food and limit the use of PVC plastics.

5 – Lead: Harms almost every organ system in the body and has been linked to a staggering array of health effects, including lowered IQ, miscarriage, kidney damage, nervous system problems and hormone disruption.

HOW TO AVOID: Use water filters to limit your exposure from drinking water, and be careful when removing crumbling old paint – a major source of exposure.

very year, on the third Thursday of November (the 19th this year), smokers across the nation are encouraged to take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout. This event challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps people know about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit.

Research shows that smokers are most successful in kicking the habit when they have support, such as: telephone smoking-cessation hotlines; stop-smoking groups; online quit groups; counseling; nicotine replacement products; prescription medicine to lessen cravings; guide books; and encouragement and support from friends and family members. Using 2 or more of these measures to quit smoking works better than using any one of them alone. For example, some people use a prescription medicine along with nicotine replacement. Others may use as many as 3 or 4 of the methods listed above.

The Smokeout event has helped dramatically

8 – Phthalates: Common industrial chemicals used in PVC plastics to make vinyl toys soft, as well as in solvents and synthetic fragrances.

HOW TO AVOID: See #9.

9 – Diethlyhexyl Phthalate (DEHP): The most commonly used of a class of phthalates that may be associated with alterations in thyroid hormone levels.

HOW TO AVOID: Phthalates may be used as a fragrance ingredient in products. Since it isn’t 6 – Mercury: Along with its organic form, methyl- listed separately on labels, choose personal mercury, it is toxic to the brain, kidneys, liver, care, cleaning products and air fresheners heart and nervous system. Mercury exposure without “fragrance” on the ingredient list. during pregnancy is highly dangerous to the Plastics also often contain phthalates, so avoid developing fetus, leading to impaired development cooking or microwaving in plastic and give your of the brain and nervous system. children wooden or phthalate-free toys. Many products – from lawn furniture to some clothing HOW TO AVOID: Some seafoods – especially canned albacore tuna, swordfish and some types (such as raincoats) to shower curtains – contain DEHP vinyl. of sushi – are especially high in mercury.

Determine which fish is safest for you to consume.

7 – PFCs: Per- or polyfluorochemicals, widely used to make, among other things, water-, grease- and stain-repellent coatings.

HOW TO AVOID: Find products that haven’t been pre-treated with stain repellents and skip home-applied treatments of carpets and

Smokeout Helps Break Habit

E

furniture; limit fast food and greasy carryout foods that often come in PFC-treated wrappers; choose clothing that doesn’t carry Gore-Tex or Teflon tags as well as fabrics labeled stain- or water-repellent; avoid non-stick pans and kitchen utensils; don’t use microwaveable popcorn bags; and finally, select personal care products without “PTFE” or “fluoro” ingredients.

change Americans’ attitudes about smoking.

These changes have led to community programs and smoke-free laws that are now saving lives in many states. The idea grew from a 1970 event in Randolph, Massachusetts, at which Arthur P. Mullaney asked people to give up cigarettes for a day and donate the money they would have spent on cigarettes to a high school scholarship fund.

Then in 1974, Lynn R. Smith, editor of the Monticello Times in Minnesota, spearheaded the state’s first D-Day, or Don’t Smoke Day. The idea caught on, and on Nov. 18, 1976, the California Division of the American Cancer Society got nearly 1 million smokers to quit for the day. That California event marked the first Great American Smokeout, and the Society took the program nationwide in 1977.

Visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345 to learn more about quitting smoking, improving your health, or support in your area. Or just call your American Cancer Society anytime at 1-800-227-2345. j

Page 7 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

10 – PBDEs: Chemical fire retardants widely used in polyurethane foam products manufactured before 2005, including upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, couches, carpet padding and electronics. Although they have been taken off the market, they continue to be a reason for concern.

HOW TO AVOID: Avoid foam products manufactured before 2005 and look for those made after 2014.

11 – Triclosan: An ingredient in many liquid hand and dishwashing soaps as well as many personal care products.

HOW TO AVOID: Forgo antibacterial soap and other antibacterial products, such as toothbrushes, toys and cutting boards.

12 – Nonylphenol: Widely used ingredient in industrial and consumer products such as detergents, paints, personal care products and plastics.

HOW TO AVOID: Don’t use products that list it as an ingredient. j EWG.org

R

T H E AT E R

Annual Passes Make The Perfect Holiday Gift! « Unlimited documentaries « Hollywood movies « Priority seating & more FOR ANNUAL PASSES, SHOWTIMES & TICKETS:

WORLDGOLFIMAX.COM World Golf Village | St. Augustine

Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

infant & toddler

Move It! Integrate Exercise Into Toddlers’ Daily Routines J

ust as you want to teach your youngsters how to help around the house because that creates a stronger sense of family and teaches responsibility, you also want to be a good role model for other aspects of healthful living.

Specifically, consider exercise. No time for workout routines or trips to the gym? No problem.

Try these ideas, which are modified from suggestions in Missy’ Chase Lapin’s book called “Sneaky Fitness.”

Dance Party: Turn on the music and shake things up as you put away toys. Teach coordination while the calories burn and the room gets neater and neater.

children to hop like frogs, bounce like bunnies or swim like fish. Not only do these activities encourage the development of gross motor skills, they are fun. Don’t forget to try hopping on one foot or skipping.

Sock Skating: If you have hard floors that need dusting, put on socks and skate around. See if you can do spins or hockey stops. Make sure to move the furniture and watch for splinters. Teach children how to do this safely.

Popcorn Pushups: Put a small bowl of popcorn on the floor in front of you and in front of your child. Demonstrate how to lower yourself and stick out your tongue to get a piece of popcorn with each thrust. j

Clean-Up Race: Get those muscles moving and those hearts pumping. Set a timer or put on a song. See who can make the area tidy the fastest. Mommypoppins.com Follow the leader: When it’s time to go outside, eat a snack or head for the tub, encourage

Fear of the Dark W hen you’re the parent of a toddler it can feel like you move from one sleep problem to the next. As soon as you resolve one issue, such as getting your little one to fall asleep by himself or to sleep through the night, another concern suddenly arises. Members of the Circle of Moms advisory board for popsugar.com offer these tips to help wee ones who are afraid of the dark.

1. Find Out What’s Really Scaring Her Often toddlers become scared of the dark when their imaginations run wild. She suggests moms first ask what their toddlers can tell them about why they are afraid. Offer to remove any offensive item from the room.

2. Banish Bad Monsters Take action against imaginary monsters. Make a show of checking for monsters. Scare away any undesirables by doing a silly dance, growling or roaring like a dinosaur. Other tips include using a shoe box to trap monsters so that they can’t escape at night and using “monster repellant.

This is actually water and a bit of lavender oil in a spray bottle that children can spray under beds,

in the closet and across window sills so that monsters can’t enter the room.

3. Provide a Guard If your little charge still does not believe that monsters are not real, try this. Placea big teddy bear or a plush lion in the doorway of her room as a “guard” who would keep out any monsters.

Another member of the Circle of Moms advisory board told her children that that the family dog will “protect” them from monsters. “They have slept soundly ever since,” she said.

4. Show that Being in the Dark Can Be Fun Create games that involve playing in the dark so that children can get used to having fun with the lights out. Try taking walks at sunset so that your child can see the day gradually grow darker.

5. Add Light If traditional night lights are ineffective, try wrapping a strand of holiday lights around a window frame. Flashlights also work wonders. j

Popsugar.com

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”

– Maya Angelou Page 9 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Things to Do Infant & Toddler

Weekend Pre-school Open Gym November 1, 8, 15, 12:30pm to 2pm TNT offers Pre-school Open Gym on the weekends.

There is a dedicated preschool area, giant foam pit, trampolines and more. Children do not need socks or shoes. This is parent supervision only; no coaches or instruction are provided during the free play sessions. For ages 12 months to 6 years. Cost is $7 cash, or $8 card. TNT Gymnastics / 904-998-TNT1 / 2683 Saint Johns Bluff Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.tntgymfit.com Breastfeeding 101 November 3, 6pm A Certified Lactation Consultant will offer professional advice and practical tips to help prepare new and expectant moms for a successful nursing experience. Bring your questions! Sign up by calling 904-908-9696 or online at reserve.babiesrus.com Babies ‘R Us / 904-908-9696 / 6001 Argyle Forest Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32244 / www.babiesrus.com

Jacksonville, FL 32209 / dcps.duvalschools.org Little Learners: Owl Time November 11, 10am to 11am Bring your little ones to MOSH the second Wednesday of every month for exclusive programming for preschool-aged children and their caregivers. Doors open at 9am followed by programs at 10am and 11am. Admission is $5 per person; ages 2 and under free. This month, Little Learners will take a look at MOSH’s owl friends and learn about time.

MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org

Building Literacy, Math, & Science Knowledge Through Play November 12, 5:30pm to 6:30pm Presented by the University of North Florida, Department of Childhood Education. This course actively involves participants in ways to make learning fun and build children’s conceptual Baby’s First Christmas knowledge and vocabulary through project-based November 7, 14, 21, 11am and problem-based activities that are linked with Babies R Us at St. Johns Town Center hosts a Baby’s standards and clear learning outcomes.

First Christmas celebration. There will be giveaways, Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / John Love prizes and more.

Elementary School, 1531 Winthrop St, Jacksonville, November 7th – Babies Born Dec 2014-March 2015 FL 32206 / dcps.duvalschools.org November 14th – Babies born April 2015-July 2015 November 21st – Babies born Aug 2015-Nov 2015 Clifford the Big Red Dog Babies R Us / 904-997-6291 / 4875 Town Center November 15, 2pm and 5pm Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.babiesrus.com Clifford the Big Red Dog the live, interactive musical will be on stage at the Florida Theatre. Tickets start Paint Me a Story: T is for Turkey at $20 and are available online in advance. Two November 10am and 4pm shows, 2pm and 5pm. Florida Theatre / 904-355Your child will hear a story and then paint a 2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL corresponding piece. This week’s story is T is for 32202 / floridatheatre.com Turkey, and kids will paint a clay handprint turkey.

Your child will also receive a snack and a drink. This Baby Basics class is designed for you and your child to create November 19, 6:30pm scheduled projects together. Smaller children will With the help of a baby professional, new and need guardians to help. Register online in advance. expectant parents will learn how to care for baby $15. Doing Dishes / www.doingdishes.com during the first 6 months of infancy. Sign up by Avondale Location / 904-388-7088 / 3568 St. Johns calling 904-997-6311. Babies ‘R Us / 904-997Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205 6311 / 4875 Town Center Parkway, Jacksonville, FL San Jose Location / 904-730-3729 / 5619 San Jose 32246 / www.babiesrus.com Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32207 Saint Johns Location / 904-824-7774 / 2220 CRVeggie Tales Live-Little Kids Do Big Things!

210 W Suite 309, Saint Johns, Fl 32259 November 20, 4pm and 7pm This all new production features live performances Learning On the Go of Veggie silly song favorites, favorite Veggie November 10, 5pm to 6:30pm friends live on stage, and more. There will be two This course will provide information on the performances, at 4pm and 7pm. Any child who has importance of play, incorporating learning into not yet reached their 2nd birthday does not need a everyday routines, choosing quality childcare, and ticket and may sit on a lap. Tickets start at $19.50 appropriate toys for families of children age birth to and are available online. five. Childcare provided ages 1-10.

FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 / Times Union The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools Center, Moran Theater, 300 West Water Street, is a free family resource designed for parents, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.artistseriesjax.org caregivers, and community members.

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / St. Stephen Childcare and Learning Center, 1525 N. Davis Street,

Special needs

Aggression, Tantrums, and Refusal—Annoying and Frustrating, these behaviors affecting the family for years or area of clinical expertise and see how things but also treatable decades. change for the better. j

T

he trifecta of terrible problem behavior in children is physical or verbal aggression, with tantrums, and refusal to follow instructions.

These symptoms are often consistent with the diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

It is very annoying and frustrating for parents and peers—to say the least. Parents often try their best to manage it—including to seek out anger management for their child—but nothing they try seems to work. That said, ODD is entirely treatable by a clinician skilled in one of several Behavioral Parent Training programs.

factors from the child include having ADHD, a mood/anxiety disorder, or just an irritable temperament from birth. Parent factors include if they have ADHD themselves, irritable temperament, high stress due to a number of reasons, and/or being young parents. Family social environmental factors include if an area has a high crime rate, delinquent peers, conflicted marriages, or conflictual extended family. One of the most important factors is parenting factors— how parents raise their children. Inconsistent parenting, highly negative parenting (or by contrast, low negative but also low discipline ODD is a pattern of behavior for over 6 months parenting), inappropriate expectations, as well as that has 3 parts: a child or teen being argumenta- lack of monitoring of the child, and/or low tive in general or defiant when given instructions; positivity in parenting are all risk factors. At least the child being very angry and irritable most of one parent and the child engage in the Coercive the time; and at times the child may be vindictive Family Cycle (Patterson, 1982). A parent gives an and deliberately trying to make others angry. It instruction (possibly a harsh instruction or nearly can seem from the outside that the child is totally impossible instruction), then the child reacts with fine one minute and blows up the next minute. negativity, and both continue with negativity This appearance has lead many people down the (yelling, harsh tone, possibly escalation to wrong path to think it’s bipolar disorder—espedestruction) until one or the other gives up. It’s cially when the tantrums last 45-90 minutes or not healthy for the child, even if it “works” in the when they are very destructive at home or school. moment. Worst case scenario, the child gets However, I assure you that bipolar disorder is a away without having to do what they’re told and very different diagnosis. I won’t discuss bipolar it is reinforced. “Best case scenario,” the adult is disorder further other than to say that ODD and able to force compliance BUT then the child explosive or drastic mood swings are NOT bipolar. learns the social lesson that to be respected in ODD not only causes frustration in the moment the family and society, that child has to be big, for the parent and child, it also spreads through- loud, angry, and bad. That’s not a very good out the family’s entire social life at all levels. outcome.

Parents of kids with ODD often do not want to go to stores or restaurants anymore so that they By contrast, Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) aims don’t set their child off. Parents may hear that to make an impact by changing the parenting other parents don’t want to set up play dates factors. It’s NOT about finding better ways to anymore. Schools may send these children home punish children more harshly. In fact, it has two early because of the disruption is causes, or they aims—to improve warmth between parents and may totally refuse to enroll these kids altogether. kids, as well as to build reasonable and enforceKids with ODD often have little or no friends, and able limits. Warmth can be provided by making the friendships they do develop may be very sure that there’s always positive interaction time conflicted. Clearly, it takes a serious toll on and that when the child follows the instructions, everyone and this toll creates resentment in the good things happen for them—like acknowledgefamily towards the child, and from the child back ment and normal daily privileges. Limits include towards the family. expectations to complete school work, to clean up after themselves to whatever extent that they ODD typically emerges in younger childhood can in relation to their age, any destructiveness (before age 5). Without treatment, up to 25% of leads to consequences, and rude or obnoxious kids may lose ODD traits on their own BUT it behavior doesn’t pay off for them. The consepersists for many years in half of kids, whereas quences for destruction shouldn’t be harsh, just the other 25% have behavior that starts to consistent and providing for everyone’s safety. Of become downright cruel or even criminal in course, BPT has its limits. It only addresses the nature. With a total of 75% of kids having ODD parenting factors. At times, the child’s individual having years of difficult or even criminal behavior factors (irritability, impulsivity) have to be ahead of them, it’s clearly to everyone’s advanaddressed as well, possibly in conjunction with tage to seek treatment by a qualified therapist Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or anger managewho goes beyond individual anger management ment. However, anger management alone is counseling to also include some form of behavinsufficient. A course of treatment may take 3-6 ioral parent training. months or even longer, depending on how long-standing the issues are and other factors.

There are a number of risk factors related to Therapy may be effortful and difficult at times, development of ODD (Barkley, 2013). Individual but it can’t be any more difficult than having

Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

If you know of any families effected by ODD or these symptoms, then also know that there is hope. I personally know of hundreds of families and children who have benefitted from Behavioral Parent Training in ways that allow the parents to enjoy their kids again, and the kids enjoy their parents again. Find a therapist trained in this

Andrew Scherbarth, Ph.D., BCBA-D Licensed Psychologist / Board Certified Behavior Analyst Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 106 Jacksonville, Florida 32216 Phone: 904-619-6071

Special needs

When the words won’t come out right—Childhood Apraxia of Speech

Y

our child is smart, creative, and interactive.

But the words won’t come out right. He knows what he wants to say. But the words won’t come out right. You watch as he struggles to produce even the simplest of sentences. There is so much he has to offer and so much he wants to express, but the words won’t come out right.

This is apraxia.

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a motor planning disorder. Children that carry the diagnosis have difficulty planning the motor movements of the tongue, lips, jaw, and palate, which are necessary to produce intelligible words and sentences. CAS can be congenital, or it can be acquired during speech development. It can start from birth (congenital) or after an accident (acquired). It can be a singular issue (idiopathic) or it can occur in the context of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, or even be because of damage after a separate neurological event caused by a variety of issues in the brain such as high fever or head trauma (Shriberg, 2010).

Speech is a highly complex system of sounds that requires very precise planning. Speech originates as an idea and is translated into words. As children develop, motor planning for frequently spoken words becomes more automatic. The brain stores this motor plan and the child is able to easily access it. For children with apraxia, this motor plan does not become automatic. Speech is effortful and a constant struggle.

The first step in determining if a child has apraxia of speech is to rule out normal, but delayed development. An evaluation by an ASHA certified speech language pathologist (SLP) is the first step in determining a diagnosis of CAS. Per the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) there is currently no validated list of diagnostic features differentiating CAS from other childhood speech sound disorder, including those due to phonological-level delay or neuromuscular disorder (dysarthria). However, three features consistent with a deficit in the planning and programming of movements for speech have gained some consensus among those investigating CAS: • Inconsistent errors on consonants and vowels in repeated productions of syllables or words.

• Increased time between the production of individual speech sounds in a word or

phrase.

• Awkward stress of sounds and syllables at the word and sentence level. (ASHA, 2007a) Once a differential diagnosis has been made, the SLP will determine the best course of treatment.

Treatment selection depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the disorder and the communication needs of the child. Because symptoms typically vary both from child to child and within the same child with age (Lewis, Freebairn, Hansen, Iyengar et al., 2004; Shriberg et al., 2003), multiple approaches may be appropriate at a given time or over time. For more information on CAS please visit ASHA.org.

The most daunting question that parents of children diagnosed with CAS frequently ask is: “will my child ever speak normally?” Though there is no definitive data, treatment of CAS by a skilled speech language pathologist has shown positive outcomes. Treatment of CAS can be a lengthy and intense process. It is important to be positive—and most of all to be patient—when the words just won’t come out right. After all, our children want to communicate with us, it may just take a little extra time.

If you wonder whether you child may have a speech-language disorder, visit www.ASHA.org to find your local speech language pathologist. j Kaitlyn Kludjian Shrum MA, CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL 32216 t 904.619.6071 | f 904.212.0309 www.keystonebehavioral.com Editors note: CASANA (Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America) is holding a Walk for Children with Apraxia of Speech on Nov 14th at the Bolles School, 7400 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, 32217. All proceeds will benefit apraxia research and programs. There will be food, fun and a silent auction. Registration begins at 9am; the walk begins at 10am. You can contact Michelle Leigh for more details at apraxiajax@ gmail.com or visit the website at www.casana. apraxia-kids.org.

“Remember this, that very little is needed to make a happy life.”

– Marcus Aurelius Page 11 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Things to Do Special Needs

Teaching Language to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities November 5 - 6, 9am - 3:30pm Jericho School is hosting a free 2-day workshop for parents. Teaching Language to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities participants will gain a greater awareness of Behavior Analysis as a Science of Learning. Participants will acquire the understanding and application of the basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. A focus will be on utilizing B.F. Skinner’s analysis of Verbal Behavior to assist in the acquisition of language skills for children with developmental disabilities. Participants will also receive training on effective teaching procedures and building instructional control. Registration is mandatory.

Please register early; registration is limited.

UNF University Center, 12000 Alumni Dr, Jacksonville, 32224 / 904-744-5110 / www.

TheJerichoSchool.org/Outreach DSAJ Buddy Walk November 7 11:30am - 4pm No matter what your age, come join Jacksonville’s 13th Annual Buddy Walk® at the Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion. The route will be approximately one mile on the beach, so bring your strollers and wagons. There will be food, awards, clowns, face painting, inflatable jumps, carnival rides & games, prizes, music, and entertainment. For more details call the Down Syndrome Association office at 904-3536300 or e-mail buddywalk@dsaj.org.

Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion, 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250 / 904-353-6300 / www.dsaj.org Walk4Hearing November 7 9am Registration 10am Walk Starts The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Walk4Hearing is the largest walk of its kind taking place in multiple cities across the country. Every spring and fall thousands of walkers – children and their families, young adults, young at heart and everyone in between – form teams and walk in their communities to increase public awareness about hearing loss, help eradicate the stigma associated with it and raise funds for programs and services. For more information email judymartin@bellsouth. net.

Metropolitan Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd, Jacksonville, 32202 / www.hlaa.convio.net Sensory Friendly Films November 14 - The Peanuts Movie - 10am November 24 - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 - 7pm November 28 - The Good Dinosaur - 10am AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and families are allowed to bring their own snacks.

9451 Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville,

32225 / 904-725-0885 / www.amctheatres. com/programs/sensory-friendly-films Step Out - Walk to Stop Diabetes November 14 8am check-in Step Out Jacksonville offers a 4 mile walk or run* (over the Main St. and Acosta Bridges) and a 1 mile Wellness Walk around the Riverwalk area. Both options have the same start and finish line. The day is filled with music, food, kids activities, local entertainment and most importantly, the company of thousands of people who understand the impact of diabetes!

Fidelity National Financial Campus, 601 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, 32204 / 904-730-7200 ext 3103 / www.diabetes.org Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

“As long as thanks is possible, then joy is always possible.”

– A. Voskamp

Thanksgiving Book List The Littlest Pilgrim by Brandi Dougherty

Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes

A Turkey For Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting

The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing

Over the River by Derek Anderson

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano

Who Will Carve the Turkey This Thanksgiving? by Jerry Pallotta

If You Were at the First Thanksgiving by Anne Kamma

Jacksonville THE JACKSONVILLE

EARS OF FUN 60 Y

noveMBeR 4-15 Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

JACKSONVILLEFAIR.COM

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Holiday Photography Tips T he holidays make for fantastic photo opportunities. Even the least photographically-inclined reach for a camera to do the annual group portrait. Use these tips to make great photos of Christmas, Hanukkah, or the mid-winter holiday of your preference. This year, you’ll come away from the holidays with the absolute best photographs you have ever created.

1. Compose Creatively and Move in Close Whether you are photographing the symbolic subjects of the holidays or your friends and family, getting creative with your composition certainly cannot hurt. This means paying special attention to how you organize the various elements in each photo.

There are two main concepts to keep in mind when composing the scene artistically: Off-center your main subject. Instead of placing your main subject in the center of the scene with a lot of dead space around it - move your camera until this subject is off to the side. This works especially well if you can balance your main subject with something in the background, on the other side of the picture. This will result in a photo that both records the candle in all its beauty and does so in an artistic, creative way.

Move in close. Especially when you center your subject but even when you off-center it, moving in close is the one thing that will make the biggest difference in the success of your picture-taking. The simple fact is the audiences are always more impressed when the subject is huge and impossible to miss. Therefore, you want your subject to fill the frame.

2. For Better Family and Group Portraits The most important thing to keep in mind when photographing groups and families is this: you absolutely must take a lot of photos.

There is often a great deal of pressure when photographing groups. People generally complain about having their picture taken and want the experience to be over quickly. They have been trained by bad portrait photographers in the past to hate both the process and the results.

So it is your job to overcome these hurdles. You need to work quickly in order to get the job done within their limits of patience.

3. Shoot First, Ask Questions Later If your subject is a child opening a gift – or playing with a gift for the first time – you know that, within a split second, the scene can change.

There is often just a few brief moments when that “magic spark” appears.

4. Don’t Use Flash Indoors The flip side to Tip #5 is to turn off your flash indoors, whenever you can possibly get away

with it.

The flash can be a real lifesaver, no doubt about it. This burst of artificial light can mean the difference between a decent photo and a totally blurry, unusable image.

However, the light from flash units – especially from the tiny on-camera flash units found on most every camera – tend to produce harsh, flat, and cold light. This is rarely a complimentary way to illuminate your subject.

If you are shooting indoors during the day, make your portraits with your subjects standing near a window or door instead of relying on the flash.

Get between your subject and the window. in other words, don’t include the window in your composition, as this will throw off your exposure meter.

If you are shooting indoors at night, try to flood the room where you are photographing with as much light as you can - turn on whatever lamps you have at hand. This will help reduce those harsh, flashed-out subjects, as well as other problems like red-eye.

5. Use Flash Outdoors Most people think that using flash is synonymous with photographing indoors at night - at a Christmas party for example.

ary subject, you need a slow shutter speed and controlled camera movement.

8. Give the Gift of a Photograph Whether you are a last minute shopper or not, we have the perfect gift idea for you: a family photo.

Parents and grandparents in particular love photos of the family and children as a holiday present.

This is such a cherished present, we will be offering a few of the most helpful pointers for getting great portraits in the upcoming tips. In the meantime, pick out a nice frame, get some good inkjet paper if you shoot digital, and get ready to give a gift that, if done properly, can bring tears of joy to their eyes.

9. Plan Ahead: Charge Batteries and Clear Cards or Buy Film The last thing you want to have happen is to get all set up for the family portrait or holiday photo to realize you forgot to charge the battery!

In addition to making sure your batteries are

charged (or you have replacements on hand), you will also want to make sure you have a place for your potential images to be recorded.

If you shoot digital, offload and archive your images so you can free up space on your flash memory card. If you use a conventional, film-based camera, be sure you have an extra roll or two of film on hand.

10. Don’t Photograph Blue Snow If you go out photographing snowy outdoor scenes, most camera meters will be fooled into underexposing your picture. Instead of nice, bright white snow, a bluish cast will give your snow scene an extra cold feel (and an unnatural look).

To remedy this, use your camera’s exposure compensation feature or a manual exposure mode to force an addition 1 to 2 stops of light.

There you have it - the best photo tips for any holiday photographer! j

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”

– W.T. Purkiser

However, flash need not be relegated to indoor, night photography. Flash can be a big help when it comes to shooting outdoors during the day.

Even in bright sunlight, forcing your flash to fire can often mean the difference between a so-so ove the convenience of online shopping but snapshot and an eye-grabbing masterpiece. worried about identity theft? Firefox has tools The reason is that this kind of bright day flash will to help keep your information secure. Just follow fill in the shadows and even out harsh contrasts. these simple tips for a safe and stress-free online experience.

6. Look for Images in Reflections One the quickest and easiest ways to add an Tip 1: Shop only at trusted and secure sites. artistic touch to your holiday photos is to focus on capturing reflections rather than the object itself. Look for the padlock symbol on the address bar Simply keep an eye out for interesting splashes of before submitting any private information. The color, reflected from Christmas lights and other padlock shows that your connection is secure, so holiday decorations. identity thieves cannot “eavesdrop” and extract your information. Clicking on the icon on your You can also look for interesting shadows and address bar will also tell you who owns the other graphic elements. Or you can include out of website and who verified it. This information focus Christmas lights, to give your photo an helps you avoid fake sites that try to trick you into evocative, unique background. giving them your information.

Safe Online Shopping Tips

L

7. Blur, Swirl, and Zoom Those Christmas Lights Tired of the same old Christmas tree photos? If you want to try something new, set your camera to a slower shutter speed - anywhere from 1/2 second to 2 or 4 full seconds. Then purposefully move the camera while taking the picture. The idea here is to intentionally blur the colorful Christmas lights... and in order to blur a station-

Page 13 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Tip 2: Use strong passwords.

Avoid creating passwords that are easy to guess, and try not to use the same password for all your online accounts. Create strong passwords that are easy for you to remember, but difficult for others to figure out.

Tip 3: Protect your browsing information.

When sharing a computer with others, follow

these tips to keep your information, such as browsing history and logins, private: Use Private Browsing mode when shopping to prevent your history, site preferences or logins from being saved and accessed by others. Private Browsing also blocks cookies, preventing fraudsters and snoops from tracking your behavior. If you forget to use Private Browsing mode on a shared computer, don’t worry. You can still use the Forget button to quickly delete your recent information without affecting the rest.

Use a Master Password to protect your stored login information. This prevents other people from using your saved login information to access your accounts on a shared or stolen device.

Avoid using a public computer on an open wireless network, like at a coffee shop, computer lab or library. Open wireless networks will still put you at risk of information theft. If you must use a public computer on an open wireless network, then you can use a Virtual private network (VPN) for more safety. j Mozilla Firefox

HOLIDAY GUIDE

And The Winners Are...

W

ill Battleship win the day? Perhaps, a scooter rolls into first place. Never rule out a SuperSoaker surprise. These whimsical considerations apply to the 2015 inductees into the Strong Museum’s National Toy Hall of Fame.

The other nine finalists are American Girl dolls, the coloring book, Jenga, Playmobil toys, the puppet, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the top, Twister and Wiffle Ball.

A national advisory panel chooses two inductees, annually. Curators at The Strong Musuem, in Rochester, New York, will announce the judges’ decision at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 5. The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY, is one of the nation’s largest history museums, an affiliate of The Smithsonian, holder of the most comprehensive toy collection in the U.S., and home of the National Toy Hall of Fame. Criteria for consideration includes toys that inspire learning through play and appeal to multiple generation multiple generations.

If recalling fun times with these toys inspires nostalgia and curiosity, check out “Classic Toys.”

invented them, how they were made, where they were sold, and what made them so popular. The book’s author, Scott G. Eberle, has a doctorate in American intellectual history. He is vice president for play studies at The Strong and a frequent contributor to journals and magazines including Psychology Today.

Since 1998, 56 toys have been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. They are alphabet blocks, Atari 2600 Game System, baby doll, ball, Barbie, bicycle, Big Wheel, blanket, bubbles, Candy Land, cardboard box, checkers, chess, Crayola Crayons, dollhouse, dominoes, Duncan Yo-Yo, Easy-Bake Oven, Erector Set, Etch A Sketch, Frisbee, G.I. Joe, The Game of Life, Hot Wheels, hula hoop, jack-in-the-box, jacks, jigsaw puzzle, jump rope, kite, LEGO, Lincoln Logs, Lionel Trains, little green army men, marbles, Monopoly, Mr. Potato Head, Nintendo Game Boy, Play-Doh, playing cards, Radio Flyer Wagon, Raggedy Ann and Andy, rocking horse, roller skates, rubber duck, Rubik’s Cube, Scrabble, Silly Putty, skateboard, Slinky, Star Wars action figures, stick, teddy bear, Tinkertoy, Tonka Trucks, and View-Master. j

The book includes color photos and anecdotes about how these toys were created. Discover who museumofplay.org

Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Find a Fresh Christmas Tree

R

eady to make a family memory tinged with the scent of freshly cut wood?

Step three: Be an informed buyer.

Make sure it is the appropriate size for your home Step one: Visit freshfromflorida.com.The site is and that the stand you use will allow for watering maintained and updated by the marketing the tree. Freshness is an important thing to look department of the Florida Department of for when selecting your tree. The needles should Agriculture. There you will find a list of be resilient. The tree should have a good growers who are members of the fragrance and good green color. A fresh tree will Florida Christmas Tree Association. retain its moisture content and thereby keep its fragrance and needles, if kept in a stand that has Step two: Consider where to go a good water-holding capacity. A tree that is and do some preliminary moist when brought into the home and is kept checking. A click-to-find moist by adding water through the base of the locator map on the site trunk will not be a fire hazard. provides necessary navigational details. Call ahead to In Florida, red cedar, Virginia pine, sand pine, confirm availability and spruce pine and Leyland cypress are grown dates and hours of specifically for use as Christmas trees. Each year, operation. Many tree the young trees must be shaped or pruned to growers offer potted encourage the tree to branch more quickly and trees, pre-cut trees, and gradually achieve the full, bushy appearance choose-and-cut trees. people prefer in their Christmas trees. It takes Some also offer three to six years to grow a well-shaped, 6- to wreaths, arts 8-foot tree. j and crafts, gifts, and onsite family activities freshfromflorida.com such as hay rides.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

“Deck the Chairs” Captures Holiday Spirit With Creativity

North Florida’s favorite outdoor holiday shopping experience for the entire family!

Featuring 150 artists & artisans with unique holiday gift ideas

Classic holiday movies on the River Stage from 6-9pm Festive lights & decor Photos with Santa Winter brews & holiday cocktails Support your local economy

BUY LOCAL, SHOP @ RAM!

T

he small machine was propped in the seat of the large red lifeguard chair. Its engine whirred, pumping hundreds of glistening bubbles into the cool night salt air. Beneath the machine several children scurried about the chair, twirling and reaching, grasping for the soapy ringlets with joyful determination. Parents with family, friends and visitors, looked on with childlike imagination, transfixed by the creative display — A magical 9-foot sculpture (one of 36 chairs decorated n 2014) created by Beaches Car Wash for the Beaches Winter Lights Festival.

Jax Beach Festival’s “Deck The Chairs” officially kicks-off at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29, at the Sea Walk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach with “Light The Beaches,” a late afternoon/early evening celebration timed to take advantage of the Florida fall dusk skies. You will not want to miss the twinkle from thousands of Christmas lights shining brighter and brighter in the disappearing daylight. Highlighted by the whimsical 26-foot-tall “Deck The Chairs” tree, a graceful newly installed 36-foot-by 25-foot Sea Shell Slide and more than 40 decorated lifeguard chairs — lighthouses, jellyfish, dragons, elves, Santa and more, this month-long event is quickly becoming a regional winter holiday destination.

Until 2013 Jacksonville Beach had very little resources committed toward holiday events and decorating. According to DTC Founder Kurtis Loftus “a perfect storm of timing, ideas and community spirit came together to change the season.” Businesses alongside, public and community leaders laid the foundation for the Beaches Winter Lights Festival and helped it quickly grow into a major funding source for the Jacksonville Beach Volunteer Lifeguards. Drawing its inspiration from the iconic and historic lifeguard chairs, the festival’s relevance is more

than lights, it carries an underlying spirit conveyed through public safety and well-being.

December 12th 10 AM–9 PM

RiversideArtsMarket.com /upcoming-events Facebook.com/RiversideArtsMarket

“Jacksonville Beach is a big small community.

DTC allowed for this family to come together and communicate with each other uniquely – with smiles, laughter, warmth and positive vibes. It also was an incredible integration and collaboration of Beaches businesses, arts organizations, restaurants and community organizations that reaffirmed the need of a unified community. Well, well done. Such a bright light of positivity and hopefully the kickstarter of a Jacksonville Beach Renaissance,” said Bradley Akers of Players By The Sea, Jacksonville Beach.

This year organizers have added weekend programming during the month of December.

Buoyed by the opportunity to gather people into the Beaches area on Saturday and Sundays, “Deck The Chairs” has created incentives with a passport program. “Passport to Beaches Treasures” encourages residents and visitors to shop local and qualify to receive a free custom tree ornament at the Night of Music and Dance, in the Pavilion on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Deck The Chairs (DTC) is an annual lighted sculptural exhibit using the iconic red chairs of Volunteer Life Saving Corps. Free and open to the public. All net proceeds from DTC will benefit the historic Volunteer Life Saving Corps. Deck The Chairs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. To learn more, visit www.deckthechairs.org. j Kurtis W. Loftus President, Creative Director The Kurtis Group www.thekurtisgroup.com

Page 15 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Under the Fuller Warren Bridge at 715 Riverside Avenue

Handprints and Holiday gifts are creative and fun at Doing Dishes Pottery Studios.

Give the gift that they will cherish forever.

3 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU:

SAN JOSE LOCATION 5619 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32207 904-730-3729

AVONDALE SHOPPING CENTER 3568 St. Johns Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32205 904-388-7088

visit us at WWW.DOINGDISHES.COM WWW.DOINGDISHES.COM

ST. JOHNS COMMONS 2220 CR-210 W, Suite 309 St Johns, FL 32259 904-824-7774

HOLIDAY GUIDE Santa Arrives at the Avenues Mall November 6 Come see Santa as he arrives at the Avenues Mall. He will be available for pictures in Center Court through December. Avenues Mall / 10300 Southside Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.simon.com

the guides from Tour Saint Augustine through the brick lined streets and learn more about history along the way or see the city by air with St. Augustine Bi-Plane Tours.

City of St. Augustine / Plaza de la Constitución, St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.floridashistoriccoast.com

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker November 10, 7pm Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker features world-class Russian dancers, puppets and hand-crafted sets and costumes. Tickets start at $31.50 and are available online in advance.

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

Christmas Made in the South November 27, 9am to 6pm; November 28, 10am to 6pm; November 29, 11am to 5pm The 27th annual Christmas Made in the South features vendors, arts and crafts, artwork, gourmet foods, handmade items and more. Admission is $7. Children 12 and under are free. One admission is good for all three days with hand stamp. Christmas Made in the South / Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.madeinthesouthshows.com

St. Johns Town Center’s Holiday Spectacular November 14, 2pm Holiday shoppers, families and visitors are welcome to celebrate St. Johns Town Center’s Holiday Spectacular on Saturday, November 14. Holiday Spectacular is a full day of free festivities and entertainment topped off with a tree lighting and evening fireworks show. St. Johns Town Center retailers will offer holiday shopping opportunities, in-store promotions and specials throughout the weekend. The event kicks off at 2pm with family-friendly activities including stilt walkers, costumed characters, a family lounge, balloonists, holiday-themed photo opportunities and more. Main Stage entertainment begins at 6pm with dynamic holiday performances.

For the grand finale, Santa will lead the crowd in an official countdown to light the dazzling 32-foot tree and kick off an energetic fireworks finale. Santa will then be available at the Santa House near Dick’s Sporting Goods to hear holiday wish lists. Holiday Spectacular is free and open to the public. St. Johns Town Center / 904998-7156 / 4663 River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.simon.com Cirque Dreams Holidaze November 17, 7:30pm Cirque Dreams Holidaze is part cirque show, part Broadway musical, and part family Christmas spectacular. The show will feature soaring acrobatics, illusions, original music, seasonal favorites, and of course, Santa. Tickets range from $39.50 to $70 and are available online or by phone. FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 / Times Union Center, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.artistseriesjax.org St. Augustine Beach Surf Illumination November 20, 4pm to 8pm The Annual St. Augustine Beach Surf Illumination held from 4pm to 8pm at the pier, includes the ceremonial lighting of the Holiday Tree by the mayor, food and beverages offered by local restaurants and many local arts and crafts vendors. There will also be visits from Santa, musical performers, traditional carolers, face painting, bounce house and more. City of St. Augustine Beach / 904-347-8007 / St. Augustine Beach Pier, 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.thecivicassociation.com 22nd Annual Nights of Lights – Light Up November 21, 6:30pm The lights will officially be turned on for the holiday season. Through January 31, St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops.

Selected by National Geographic in 2011 & 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Night of Lights feature millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city.

The best way to enjoy Nights of Lights is to park in the Historic Parking Facility located off Castillo Drive and enjoy the sights in one of many different ways – on foot, by bicycle or pedicab, on the Old Town Holly Jolly Trolley, aboard Ripley’s Red Train or by horse and carriage.

Many local attractions offer special Nights of Lights tours. See the remarkable display from the water with tours aboard the Schooner Freedom, Victory lll, the Osprey or with St. Augustine Eco Tours. Take a walk with

Publix Aprons Gingerbread Houses November 27, 10am • November 28, 10am November 29, 2pm • December 5, 10am December 6, 2pm • December 12, 10am December 13, 2pm • December 19, 10am December 20, 10am • December 20, 4pm This class allows you and your children (up to three kids) to decorate your own gingerbread house. One adult is required for each family group; children should be at least 4 years old. Registrations are made on first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $50; Price is for family up to 4 participants, add one seat per family to the cart.

Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32257 / www. publix.com/aprons TPC Sawgrass Tree Lighting Ceremony November 27, 6:30pm to 8pm The TPC Sawgrass Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at 6:30pm. There will be music, and free hot cocoa.

Free family event. There will also be a buffet dinner following the lighting. Dinner is $38 for adults and $14 for children 6 – 12. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information contact: Carlianne Nawrocki Social & Special Events Coordinator at 904-543-5105 or Carliannenawrocki@pgatourtpc.com . TPC Sawgrass / 904-543-5105 / 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.tpc.com/sawgrass 29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony November 27, 7pm The 29th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Jacksonville Landing will take place Friday, November 27, at 7pm in The Landing’s Courtyard. The 56-foottall energy-efficient tree features over 78,000 L.E.D. lights and more than 100 ornaments. The tree is also programmed to perform a 10-minute, synchronized light show set to various selections of holiday music. The light shows begin the night of the Tree Lighting Ceremony and continue daily until New Year’s Eve. Free.

The Courtyard at The Landing will be standing-roomonly for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Therefore, the public is asked not to bring chairs. Jacksonville Landing / 904-353-1188 / 2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvillelanding.com Santa Steam Express • November 28, December 5, December 12, 10am to 4pm Ride the Santa Steam Express for an old-fashioned celebration of Christmas. Travel to Santa Land, where Santa himself will board the train with gifts for the kids.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for kids 12 and under.

Choose from departure times of 10am, 12noon, 2pm or 4pm. St. Marys Railroad / 912-200-5235 / 1000 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA, 31558 / www.stmarysrailroad.com Jacksonville Light Boat Parade & Fireworks Spectacular • November 28, 7pm The Jacksonville Light Boat Parade begins at 7pm and will end with a fireworks show. Admission is free.

Watch the show from both sides of the St. Johns River.

Be sure to bring blankets or chairs to sit on. Premier viewing areas include Friendship Fountain Park (1015

Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207) on the Southbank as well as The Jacksonville Landing (2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202), and on the Northbank.

Vendors will be in these locations offering food, drink and merchandise for purchase.

The 2015 parade will begin at Metropolitan Park, travel along the Northbank past The Jacksonville Landing to the Fuller Warren Bridge. The boats will then circle to the Southbank and continue along the Southbank to the Duval County School Board Building. The boats participating in the parade will make two laps of the route.

The address below for Downtown Jacksonville is for reference and mapping purposes. City of Jacksonville / 2 Independent Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.coj.net Deck The Chairs 2015 Lighting Ceremony November 29 Deck The Chairs, Beaches Winter Light Festival, is set to kick off on Sunday, November 29. with Light the Beach: Official Lighting Ceremony at the Sea Walk Pavilion in downtown Jacksonville Beach. This event runs throughout the month of December until January 2, 2016. All proceeds from Deck The Chairs benefit the Jacksonville Beach Lifesaving Corps. Deck the Chairs / Sea Walk Pavilion, 11 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / deckthechairs.org The Hip Hop Nutcracker November 29, 3pm and 7pm The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a contemporary work set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, will make a stop in Jacksonville on November 29. Tickets start at $30 and are available online or by phone. Ritz Theatre and Museum / 904-807-2010 / 829 North Davis Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.ritzjacksonville.com Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical December 1, 2 and 4, 7:30pm December 3, 11am & 7:30pm December 5, 1pm & 7pm December 6, 1pm & 4pm Chase Family Night on Broadway is Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the Opening Night performance of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Families will enjoy fun-filled activities in the Times-Union Center’s lobby before the show. The performances will be 90 minutes long without an intermission. FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 / Times Union Center, Moran Theater, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. artistseriesjax.org Polar Express at Beaches Museum and History Park December 4, 2pm to 6pm; December 5, 10am to 5pm The Beaches Museum & History Park welcomes the arrival of Santa and the Polar Express steam locomotive at Pablo Station.

Beaches Museum & History Park / 904-241-5657 / 381 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www. beachesmuseum.org 16th Annual Mandarin Winter Celebration December 5 The Mandarin Museum & Historical Society hosts their 16th annual Winter Celebration in Mandarin. Activities are planned for the community that will educate and entertain all ages. Mandarin Museum at Walter Jones Park / 904-268-0784 / 11964 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.mandarinmuseum.net St. Augustine Winter Spectacular December 5, 2pm and 7pm The Dance Company hosts a family friendly holiday production filled with high kick dancers, ballerinas, acrobats, and actors. Two performances will be hold in the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College at 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets are sold online in advance for assigned seats ($15-20), and at the door if available ($20-25). Hot chocolate and holiday treats will be for sale in the lobby.

The Dance Company / 904-471-4946 / Flagler College, Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St. St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.StAugustineWinterSpectacular.com

Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting December 5, 3pm to 9pm The Cities of Atlantic and Neptune Beach host a Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting at Beaches Town Center.

City of Atlantic Beach / 904-247-4038 / Beaches Town Center, 200 First Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 / www.coab.us Yappy Hour Christmas “Paw”ty December 6, 2pm to 5pm The final Yappy Hour of 2015 will feature a Christmas “Paw”ty. There will be live entertainment, pet photos with Santa, prizes, and more. If you have a photo of your pooch under the Christmas tree, email it as a jpeg to bainsworth@jacksonvillelanding.com by Friday, December 16, and watch it rotate on the 14ft. jumbotron in the Courtyard during Yappy Hour.

Pet Photos with Santa: Receive one complementary print when you donate any pet food item (one print per owner, not per dog). Receive one complementary print when you donate $5 (all proceeds go to a local humane society) (one print per owner, not per dog). Bring your own camera for as many digital photos as you’d like!

Santa will be available for photos from 2pm to 3:30pm.

Only the 1st 100 owners getfree photos, so arrive early.

Jacksonville Landing / 904-353-1188 / 2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvillelanding. com Holiday Open House December 10, 5:30pm to 8:30pm Members, Volunteers, and the Community are invited to visit the Museum & Park to share festive cheer and to light up the park.

Beaches Museum & History Park / 904-241-5657 / 381 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www. beachesmuseum.org Holiday Pops December 10, 7:30pm; December 11 and 12, 8pm; December 13, 3pm The Jacksonville Symphony hosts their annual Holiday Pops performance. It’s Jacksonville’s holiday tradition with the Symphony, Chorus and guest vocalists. Enjoy all of your heartwarming holiday favorites and don’t miss what’s sure to be Jacksonville’s only indoor snowfall.

Tickets start at $21.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra / Times Union Center, Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Trans-Siberian Orchestra December 11, 8pm The Trans-Siberian Orchestra performs at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Tickets start at $30, plus fees.

Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-630-3900 / 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxevents.com The Community Nutcracker December 11, 8pm; December 12, 1pm; December 12, 7:30pm More than 200 children from Northeast Florida audition and perform in the production. Additionally, The Community Nutcracker issues 2,000 free tickets to various Jacksonville agencies and organizations to attend a Community Service Night performance. Residents and clients from area nursing homes and nonprofit agencies are also able to attend the ballet. Tickets start at $19.50.

Florida Theatre/ 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville December 12, 9am to 12:30pm The Annual Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville will take place at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.

As many as 8,000 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.

HOLIDAY GUIDE Hundreds of volunteers await the opportunity to hand out toys and provide entertainment. Each child chooses several toys among electronics, balls, games, musical instruments, preschool learning toys and infant toys.

In addition, they receive novelty toys, books and rulers.

Intended for Jacksonville’s children, 12 years of age and younger, who otherwise might not receive toys for Christmas. The event will run until 12:30pm, or earlier if all toys are distributed.

The Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville / 904504-3589 / Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.ccpoj.org Lowe’s Build and Grow - Holiday Train December 12, 10am Free How To Clinic geared to kids Grades 2 through 5.

First time visitors get a free apron and patch for their apron. Free patch on every visit thereafter. Kids get to take home their project. Pre-registration required and is available online. This week’s project is a Holiday Train.

Lowes / lowesbuildandgrow.com Yulee Holiday Parade December 12, 10am to 3pm Yulee welcomes the holidays with a parade along US 17 and Florida A1A beginning at 10am, followed by an arts and crafts show at the Yulee Ballpark. Live entertainment, food booths, bounce houses and Santa appearances for pictures. Admission is free. Island Chamber / 904-845-3264 / Yulee Sports Complex, 86142 Goodbread Road, Yulee, FL 32097 / www.islandchamber.com Princess Wonderland Holiday Kids Party December 12, 11am to 2pm This event is also having a Charity Raffle benefiting The Boys & Girls Club of St. Augustine – all proceeds going to charity. $1 a ticket. Children will begin their journey by transforming (with a crown, wand, and jewelry) into princesses and taking a photo entering the castle were all the fun festivities will be. Once inside there will be many activities for the kids to engage in. Activities include cookie decorating, dancing area, bracelet decorating, balloon creations, and more. There will also be a Meet and Greet with Elsa and Elf on a Shelf. Cost is $35, plus a $1.87 online fee. Reserve your tickets online in advance. Jacksonville Business Connections / Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village, 500 South Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092 Breakfast with Santa December 12 Kidgits members are invited for Breakfast with Santa.

Avenues Mall / 10300 Southside Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.simon.com Christmas Tableaux • December 12, 8pm to 9:30pm; December 13, 2pm to 3:30pm The St. Augustine Community Chorus presents Christmas Tableaux, based on Choruses from Messiah.

Tickets are $20 for adults, and $5 for students (with ID) and for children 12 and under.

St. Augustine Community Chorus / Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www. staugustinecommunitychorus.org Jingle Jump and Santa Breakfast December 12, 9am to 12noon Rebounderz hosts a Jingle Jump and Santa Breakfast.

This family friendly event is open to all ages, but there are activity age requirements. There will be photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, the Frozen Princesses, face painting, balloon artist, snowfall, holiday games, activities, jump time, laser tag, archery tag, bowling, and more. There will also be a breakfast buffet that will include breakfast pizza, fresh fruit and more. Tickets are $30 per person, and must be purchased in advance.

Rebounderz / 904-300-0070 / 14985 Old St. Augustine Road Jacksonville, Florida 32258 / rebounderzjacksonville.com Brunch With Santa at TPC Sawgrass December 13, 10am to 1pm

Bring the children to visit Santa and have a Holiday Brunch in the grand TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. Stay and enjoy a tour of the Holiday trees located throughout the clubhouse. Santa’s visit & brunch will take place from 10am to 1pm. Reservations required. Cost is $49+ for adults and $18+ for children 6 – 12. For more information contact Carlianne Nawrocki, Social & Special Events Coordinator at 904-543-5105 orCarliannenawrocki@ pgatourtpc.com. TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse / 904-5435105 / 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.tpc.com Deck the Chairs Night of Music and Dance December 13 On December 13, families are invited for a Night of Music and Dance as part of the Dec the Chairs display.

Deck The Chairs, Beaches Winter Light Festival will be held at the Sea Walk Pavilion in downtown Jacksonville Beach. This event runs throughout the month of December until January 2, 2016. All proceeds from Deck The Chairs benefit the Jacksonville Beach Lifesaving Corps.

Deck the Chairs / Sea Walk Pavilion, 11 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / deckthechairs.org Southwest Florida Symphony Holiday Pops December 16 – 17, 7:30pm EMMA and Flagler College will present the Southwest Florida Symphony Holiday Pops. Hear all of your favorite songs and carols of the season performed by the SWFS. Tickets are $35.00 and may be purchased in advance online, by phone or at the door. Due to the popularity of this event, reservations are strongly encouraged.

EMMA Concert Association / 904-797-2800 / Flagler College, Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St. St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.emmaconcerts.com First Coast Nutcracker December 18, 8pm; December 19, 2pm & 8pm; December 20 at 2pm The Jacksonville Symphony hosts their annual performance of the First Coast Nutcracker. Tickets are available online in advance. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra / Times Union Center, Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. jaxsymphony.org 33rd Annual Christmas Party December 19, 8am to 12noon The Christmas Party is open to any Clay County resident.

Santa is on hand for any child who would like to visit him. Each child from newborn thru fourteen years old receives a bag of three new toys based on age and gender. The child may then select one used toy, and free clothing is available for the entire family. Bikes are given away on a first come, first serve basis. Hot dogs, popcorn and cokes are provided, and entertainers will perform Christmas carols. Children must be present to receive gifts. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions to this rule. J.P. Hall Children’s Charities / Clay County Fairgrounds, 2497 State Road 16 West, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.jphallcharities.com Saint Augustine Ballet Performs The Nutcracker December 19 – 20, 2pm and 7:30pm Saint Augustine Ballet presents their seventh annual production of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. Tickets range from $25 to $30. Performances will be at 2pm and 7:30pm on December 19 and 20.

Saint Augustine Ballet / 855-222-2849 / Flagler College, Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St. St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.saintaugustineballet.com Handel’s Messiah December 19, 8pm The Jacksonville Symphony and Chorus host their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Tickets are available online in advance. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra / Times Union Center, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org An Irish Christmas December 21, 7:30pm

Page 17 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

An Irish Christmas features the traditions of Irish mythology, Christmas carols and storytelling, all led by an award-winning cast of Irish dancers. Tickets range from $15.50 to $73.50 and are available online or by phone.

FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 / Times Union Center, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.artistseriesjax.org A Christmas Carol December 22, 7:30pm This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will be performed in one show only at the Times-Union Center. Tickets range from $13.10 to $48.65 and are available online or by phone.

FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 / Times Union Center, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.artistseriesjax.org ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS Nights of Lights November 21 – January 31 From November 21 through January 31, St. Augustine glows with holiday magic – from the ground to the rooftops. Selected by National Geographic in 2011 & 2012 as one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Night of Lights feature millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the Nation’s oldest city.

The best way to enjoy Nights of Lights is to park in the Historic Parking Facility located off Castillo Drive and enjoy the sights in one of many different ways – on foot, by bicycle or pedicab, on the Old Town Holly Jolly Trolley, aboard Ripley’s Red Train or by horse and carriage.

Many local attractions offer special Nights of Lights tours. See the remarkable display from the water with tours aboard the Schooner Freedom, Victory lll, the Osprey or with St. Augustine Eco Tours. Take a walk with the guides from Tour Saint Augustine through the brick lined streets and learn more about history along the way or see the city by air with St. Augustine Bi-Plane Tours.

City of St. Augustine / Plaza de la Constitución, St. George Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.floridashistoriccoast.com/nights Dressing of the Palms November 22 – December 31 Vilano Beach Main Street features palm trees decorated for the holidays. The trees were decorated by local businesses, community groups, schools, artists, and individuals. Prizes for the best decorated palms will be awarded.

Vilano Beach Main Street / 95 Vilano Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.vilanobeachfl.com Ripley’s Red Trains Nights of Lights November 22 – January 5 Ripley’s Red Trains are again offering a great way to take in St. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lights celebration along with some holiday magic for riders. Ripley’s Red Trains will run “lightseeing” tours nightly from November 22 through January 5. The trains will run Sunday thru Thursday, 6pm to 8pm and Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 10pm. Cost is $20.99 for adults, and $8.99 for kids 5 to 11. All riders will be given a free pair of magic viewing glasses.

On Friday and Saturday nights, November 27 through December 19, there will also be free holiday movies, popcorn, gifts from Santa, balloons for the kids, and snow. Ripley’s Red Train Tours / 904-824-1606 / Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, 19 San Marco Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.ripleys.com/redtrains Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley November 22 – January 3 Explore St. Augustine’s famous Night of Lights in a Holly Jolly Trolley. Guests will receive complimentary magical viewing glasses, that will enhance the twinkle and glimmer of the lights. The tour stops at Potter’s Wax Museum for hot cider and homemade cookies. Also, to help celebrate 450 years of Christmas in St. Augustine, there will be live entertainment on select nights of the Nights of Lights at the Visitor’s Information Center. Tours leave

from the Visitors Information Center, and lasts about 30 minutes. Cost is Adult: $12; Child (6-12): $5.

Old Town Trolley / 904-829-3800 / Visitor Information Center, 10 W. Castillo Drive St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine Christmas Carole November 24 – December 24 Alhambra Theatre and Dining presents the holiday classic Christmas Carole. Playing November 24 thru December 24. Ticket prices range from $35 to $55. No performances on Mondays, and no children under 5 are permitted. Alhambra Theatre & Dining / 904-641-1212 / 12000 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. alhambrajax.com ICE! at Gaylord Palms November 24 – January 3 This year’s ICE! at Gaylord Palms features the classic poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. There will be more than two million pounds of carved ice, two-story tall ice slides, scenes from ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and more. Guests are welcome to bring cameras and take photos inside the ICE! attraction, and the attraction is stroller friendly. Tickets range from $14.99 to $29.99, with optional packages for combo tickets available. Visit website for the complete schedule and pricing information. Through January 3, 2016.

Additional fees for parking ($20 per car) are not included with admission. Gaylord Palms Resort / 407-586-4423 / 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746 / www.marriott.com Synchronized Nightly Tree Show November 27 – December 31 The Landing’s 56-foot-tree comes alive each evening performing a 10-minute synchronized light show with more than 78,000 twinkling lights. Nightly through New Year’s Eve. Jacksonville Landing / 904-353-1188 / 2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvillelanding.com TPC Sawgrass Tour of Trees November 28 – January 1 Families are invited to the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse to view the holiday decorations in each room. The Clubhouse is open daily from 7am to 9pm. Admission is free.

TPC Sawgrass / 904-543-5105 / 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.tpc.com/ sawgrass Deck The Chairs 2015 November 29 – January 2 Deck The Chairs, Beaches Winter Light Festival, is set to kick off on Sunday, November 29 at 5:30 p.m. with Light the Beach: Official Lighting Ceremony at the Sea Walk Pavilion in downtown Jacksonville Beach. This event runs throughout the month of December until January 2, 2016. All proceeds from Deck The Chairs benefit the Jacksonville Beach Lifesaving Corps.

Deck the Chairs / Sea Walk Pavilion, 11 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / deckthechairs.org Gingerbread House Extravaganza December 2 – December 23 The Jacksonville Historical Society presents the annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza in the Old St. Andrews Church located across the street from the Veteran’s Memorial Arena. Gingerbread houses of every size and kind made of gingerbread and candies will be on display.

The event is open from 11am to 5pm on weekdays, and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. Closed Sunday. Admission cost is only $5 for adults and $3 for children 3 to 16.

The proceeds from the event will go towards children’s programs of the Jacksonville Historical Society.

Weekdays, 11am to 5pm Saturdays, 10am to 5pm Jacksonville Historical Society / 904-665-0064 / St. Andrew’s Church, 317 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxhistory.org Visit Jax4Kids.com for a full list of Holiday Events.

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Get Them Ready for the Nutcracker T he Nutcracker ballet is a holiday treat for children everywhere. If you are planning to make a trip to The Nutcracker as part of your family’s winter tradition, here are a few tips from Miss Danielle (Danielle Fitzpatrick), artistic director of the Young Arts Program at MoCo Arts in Keene, New Hampshire.

Do Your Homework: • Ask a few key questions about the performance you are going to see before you purchase your tickets. How long is the show?

Is there an intermission? Are booster seats allowed in the theater?

• Most theaters do not allow food or drinks, so a snack in the lobby before the show and a sip of water will have to do. Try to purchase an aisle seat in case you need to step out and make sure to visit the restroom before the show.

Educate: “Why aren’t they talking?”

Explain that • When you take your seats, explain to your a ballet is child that it will get dark for a moment before told through the stage lights come on. movement and music • Dress to impress – it helps your child instead of understand that a trip to the theatre is words. something special and certain behaviors are Tchaiexpected of them. kovsky’s • They will need to sit quietly, so make the Suite has performance more interactive by giving your become child a set of signals to communicate with synonyyou during the show such as, “Squeeze mous with Mommy’s hand when you see the Christmas the holiday tree grow,” or “Tap my knee when you see season. (I took my 2 year old to see The something you really like!”

Nutcracker and for weeks afterwards she noticed Nutcracker music in malls, the grocery store, on TV commercials – everyStart Small: where she went.)

For very tiny children, the warm dark theater and soft music may cause them to feel sleepy.

• Some of the music can be loud and intense, Scratch their backs or snuggle them up. Don’t so listening to a recording before you go can worry if they miss some of the performance. help familiarize your child with the sounds.

Helping children feel happy and safe in a theatre • Some children are accustomed to TV and is a good step towards instilling a love of the movie performances of The Nutcracker. Live performing arts for years to come. j theatre can feel much more “real” and characters like the Mouse King might be moco.org scary. Take some time to talk about how the people on stage are wearing costumes and just pretending.

•

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

THE MUSIC OF STAR WARS Dec. 3 With “Special Guests”

PIXAR IN CONCERT Dec. 5 With “Special Guests”

HOLIDAY POPS Dec. 10-13

Mayo Clinic Coffee Series Fidelity National Financial Pops Series

FIRST COAST NUTCRACKER Dec. 18-20 Presented by VyStar

A PRIZE A DAY, EVERY DAY DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER. JAX4KIDS.COM IS THANKFUL FOR YOU!

Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Tickets: 904.354.5547 JaxSymphony.org

HOLIDAY GUIDE

More Joy, Less Stress T he holidays are a fun and joyous, but also a very busy time, and stress and anxiety in children is a common occurrence. All that hustle and bustle means schedules are often out of whack, bedtimes get pushed back, and routines are disrupted. As a result, it’s inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holiday stress.

and lots of stimulation when they’re not feeling their best; kids get hungry more often and become tired more easily, and may understandably have a tough time being on their best behavior and are more likely to experience stress when they’re exhausted or hungry.

Remember the importance of routines. The Here are a few tips to help alleviate holiday stress holidays can throw a big wrench into household from about.com’s Katherine Lee: routines, and that can play a role in anxiety in children. To minimize holiday stress, try to get Set a calm example. The most important way routines back on track once an event or party is parents can help ease anxiety in children during over. For instance, if a school holiday concert or a the holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as church gathering goes past your child’s bedtime, much as possible. As with so many situations, try to stick to quiet, calm activities the next day the way parents handle an issue can set the tone and get your child to bed on time the next night. for how their kids will behave. If you let holiday stress get to you, your kids will definitely pick up Watch what she’s eating. Another thing that on it, and child anxiety is more likely to be a prob- can fall by the wayside amidst the holiday lem in your house. To minimize anxiety in hubbub is healthy eating. Between all the extra children during the holidays, take steps to handle sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit your own stress and anxiety. down to regular meals, it can be all too easy for kids to eat less healthy foods, which can Set up conditions for good behavior. Avoid contribute to holiday stress and anxiety in taking your child to places such as the mall or children. Try packing healthy snacks when you holiday gatherings when he is hungry or tired. have to go shopping or run other holiday errands It’s hard even for grown-ups to deal with noise and try to minimize the amount of sweet treats at

FAMILY FOUR-PACKS AVAILABLE!

THE NATIONAL CIRCUS AND ACROBATS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA:

Peking Dreams SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 AT 3:00 P.M.

TICKETS: (904) 276-6815 THcenter.org Located at St. Johns River State College • 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL

Page 19 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

home. Whenever possible, offer healthy snacks, such as air-popped popcorn or apple slices with cheese and crackers and limit cookies and candy to after-snack treats.

Get your child moving. Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood and re-setting the spirit, which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety in children. Make sure you schedule some time to get your child outside to run around and play.

Avoid overscheduling. As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends and family, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your child are not overwhelmed. A couple of events a week may be fine, but having an obligation every day can lead to stress and anxiety for all.

Have your grade-schooler help you. Big kids love to help mom and dad, especially if they get lots of praise for being responsible and helpful. If you have to shop, ask your child to help you look

for an item at the store (fun stocking stuffers for cousins, for example). Giving your child a task will not only boost her self-esteem, it’ll distract her and help prevent any holiday stress and anxiety.

Schedule some quiet time. Having some peace and quiet with your child is more important than ever during the busy holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child or create holiday pictures for grandma and grandpa.

Take a walk outside in nature, away from noise and crowds and obligations.

Remind your child – and yourself – what the holidays are really all about. A great antidote for holiday stress and the bloated commercialism of the season is helping others, whether it’s by shoveling an elderly neighbor’s sidewalk or by wrapping presents for needy kids at your local church. Helping your grade-schooler become a charitable child will help alleviate her holiday stress and anxiety. j

“To live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven.”

– Thomas S. Monson, Mormon President

Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

EDUCATION

Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters A Storm is Brewing at MOSH’s Fall Exhibit

T

the earth sustains us, protects us, and makes life possible; but it also humbles us with its dramatic power. MOSH’s newest traveling exhibition, Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters, explores natural disasters through stunning displays, state-of-the-art animations, poignant, large-scale images, and cultural artifacts that reveal the dynamic relationship we have with the Earth.

Nature Unleashed focuses on four types of disasters – earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Guest will learn the science behind natural disasters by; triggering an underwater earthquake and tsunami, building and erupting a virtual volcano, touching real rock and lava specimens that tell of past geologic events, feeling what it’s like to stand inside a roaring tornado and observing how a hurricane forms as winds and warm temperatures combine.

the 3rd floor, visitors are asked to envision a resilient community and post their comments on a community message board. MOSH will collect the answers and even share some of them on social media throughout the exhibits display.

Bringing the Nature Unleashed exhibit to Northeast Florida, where violent weather can often occur, was in response to feedback from visitors wanting to see a weather related exhibit.

This dynamic and high caliber exhibit is timely to be on display as hurricane season comes to an end and New Orleans memorializes 10 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Louisiana coast.

MOSH will host a range of programs in conjunction with the exhibit including; showing two weather related shows in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium. Dynamic Earth takes guests on a ride along swirling oceans and wind currents and diving into the heart of a monster hurricane and The exhibition illustrates how much we know erupting underwater volcanoes. Force 5 brings to – and how much we are still learning – about life the experience of what happens when nature’s terrifying power. These phenomena are nature’s fury is unleashed and powerful forces the spectacular results of the forces that drive our develop into cataclysmic events. ever-changing planet. From Pompeii to Papua New Guinea to New Orleans to Greenburg, Educational programs will be conducted including Kansas, Nature Unleashed examines the science Wild Weather Science Shows in the JEA Science behind the phenomena, as well as, the history Theater and Wild Weather One Day Fun Day and the headlines, including personal stories and Camp on October 30, 2015 where campers can cultural artifacts of people and communities who explore the changing atmospheric conditions and have been affected by natural disasters. The learn about typhoons, earthquakes, tornados and exhibit begins on the 3rd floor of MOSH with more. MOSH hosts educational – and entertaining personal quotes about the forces of nature and an – One Day Fun Day camps to coincide with Duval actual tree shattered by Hurricane Hugo 1989.

County Public School planning days. In November, Visitors then travel to the 2nd floor to view the MOSH’s monthly Homeschool program on the four different types of natural disasters.

18th will focus on Nature Unleashed with a tour of the exhibit, live science demonstrations and an The exhibition stresses that storms, volcanoes, immersive planetarium show. and other forces of nature are completely natural phenomena. Whether they’re disasters or not This interactive exhibition was created by one of depends on the choices we make, obviously a the country’s premier museums, The Field powerful message for visitors and residents of Museum in Chicago. MOSH hosted another high Florida where hurricanes are a regular weather caliber exhibit from The Field Museum, A T.rex threat. Nature Unleashed examines how we can named Sue, in 2012 which was a very successful prepare for, and in some cases minimize, the summer exhibit with 64,213 total visitors. Nature impact of nature’s fury.

Unleashed will be on display from October 3, 2015 - January 10, 2016. Jax4Kids.com is proud The main call to action and underlying theme of to sponsor the Nature Unleashed. For more the exhibit focuses on the human element and information about all of MOSH’s programming impacts of natural disasters on communities. On and schedules, please visit www.themosh.org. j

“It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people that are happy.”

– Unknown Page 21 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

That’s MY Job!

Koren Tolentino, M.A. CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist

How long have you been an SLP? I have been working in the field of Speech-Language Pathology for 22 years. After I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo, I moved to San Antonio, Texas and began my first job as an SLP assistant in Southwest Independent School District. While working, I earned my master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University by attending night classes and summer sessions where I was honored with the award “Most Likely to Make a Difference in the Field of Speech-Language Pathology”. I continued in the schools as a lead SLP and became a board member of the San Antonio Speech Hearing Language Association and expanded my professional experience by working evening and weekend hours at the Rehabilitation Institute of San Antonio. On moving to Jacksonville, I joined the speech-language therapy team at Brooks Rehabilitation treating patients with varying types and degrees of speech and language impairments from birth to adult. Currently, I am on the faculty at Alimacani Elementary School as the full time SLP in the Pre-K Varying Exceptionalities program and Kindergarten classes. I was Alimacani’s Teacher of the Year in 2011 and Duval County Public Schools SLP of the Year in 2015.

Why did you choose this career?

It was a childhood friend’s struggle with a language impairment that inspired me. It amazed me how seemingly easily some people could speak, read, and write while others like my friend had extreme difficulty with fluency, comprehension, and expression. I was exposed to research about the brain and language development in core college classes and was intrigued.

What kind of education did you get to become an SLP? A college undergraduate in a Speech-Language Pathology Bachelors program is required to complete courses such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry /Physics, Microbiology, Human Growth and Development, Introduction to Speech Disorders, and Statistics. A degree at the master’s level is required in order to work as a fully licensed/certified SLP. A graduate student must complete courses in Motor Speech Disorders, Dysphagia, Voice Disorders, Endoscopy, Articulation and Phonological Disorders, Pediatric Language Disorders, and Fluency Disorders plus practicums and an externship. Through this rigorous coursework, SLPs are provided with a broad skill set in the assessment/diagnosis/treatment of speech, language, voice, swallowing, and cognitive disorders. For those interested, Jacksonville University now offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

What are some of your responsibilities?

I develop therapy session plans, home learning programs, Individual Education Plans, Response to Intervention plans, Individual Professional Development Plans, Full Time Equivalency reports as well as write speech and language observations and evaluation reports and collect data documenting student progress. Although those tasks are necessary, my main responsibility is providing therapy to the children that I serve. These children are eligible as a result of a speech impairment, language impairment, or a related need such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. This therapy helps children overcome communication obstacles such as phonological processing disorders, apraxia, stuttering, social/pragmatic delays, developmental language delays, articulation disorders, etc. I strive to ensure that every session is saturated with rigorous learning opportunities in fun, motivating activities.

What do you like most about your job?

Having a positive impact on the life of a child is absolutely the most rewarding aspect of my job. It is both exciting and humbling to be such an important part of a child’s communication development. The sense of accomplishment and pride that I witness from children when they become effective communicators is priceless.

“The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us.”

– James E. Faust

EDUCATION

CISV Program Inspires Peace Through Friendship F ounded in the late 1940s by child psychologist Dr. Doris Allen, Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV) is a global organization dedicated to educating and inspiring for peace through building inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding.

The CISV Jacksonville chapter was founded in 1976 by Dorothy Groshell. The first Jacksonville Village was held in 1978 with Ken Hammel as director. Doris Allen was a special guest. The film “The Children in the Sun Village” captured highlights of the first Village. Allen returned as an Offering seven international programs for adults honored guest when the Chapter celebrated its and youth, starting at age 11, CISV has given 20th Anniversary 1996 at the Bartram School participants the experience of their lives and the campus, the site of the first Village. Groshell opportunity to build lasting friendships through its died in 1995, but her vision continues: “The programs. It aims to help its participants develop variety of international experiences CISV offers the skills they need to become informed, our children expand their horizon of global responsible and active global citizens and make a understanding and tolerance in hopes of world difference in their communities and the world. peace.”

The glue that underpins all of its programs is friendship, in line with its founding belief that Goals for participants and volunteers: peace is possible through friendship and mutual • To provide participants with experiences understanding. requiring cross-cultural cooperation in a natural setting; The first Village program was held in Cincinnati in • To provide participants with knowledge and 1951, bringing together young people from experience about everyday life in another Austria, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, culture; Mexico, Norway, Sweden and USA. Over the • To develop the ability to behave constructively years, beginning with that first Village, CISV and flexibly when interacting with persons of volunteers have organized more than 6,000 another culture; international programs for almost 300,000 • To develop skills in resolving conflict without participants. violence;

• To stimulate a desire to work actively for peace; • To provide a source of leadership for creating national and global communities respectful of cultural diversity, human rights and our physical environment; • To develop a sense of personal responsibility for family, community and national behavior.

Upcoming Information sessions for our area include: • Avondale: Sunday, Nov. 1, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at 3593 Oak St. • Ponte Vedra Beach: Saturday, Nov. 7, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd.

• Town Center: Saturday, Nov. 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Deerwood South Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd.

• Orange Park: Saturday, Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m. to Noon, Fleming Island Library, 1895 Town Center Blvd.

• Beaches: Sunday, Nov. 22, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Pablo Creek Library, 13295 Beach Blvd.

• Mandarin/Julington Creek, Saturday, Dec 5, 4 to 5 p.m., South Mandarin

Branch Library, 12125 San Jose Blvd.

• Town Center, Sunday, Jan. 10, 3 to 5 p.m., Deerwood South Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd.

CISV is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, independent, non-political, volunteer organization. It is a global community of dedicated volunteers, creating opportunities for all ages to experience the excitement and enrichment of cultural diversity through educational programs and founded on the belief that peace is possible through friendship – and that the real difference can be made by starting with children. See cisvjax.org/ cisv-jax/ for more information. j

VyStar Auto Loans

LOW RATES, CLEAN & SIMPLE. RATES % AS APR LOW AS

1.35

*

LOW RATES ON YOUR NEXT NEW VEHICLE. With rates as low as

1.35% APR* for 36 months, or 1.99% APR for 60 months, now is the perfect time to visit VyStar for an auto loan. So you can save money while keeping things simple. No hidden fees. No surprises. Just call or visit vystarcu.org to apply today.

VyStar offers financing through over 100 area dealer partners. Ask your dealer to compare our rates and terms.

APPLY TODAY.

777-6OOO

www.vystarcu.org

*All loans subject to credit approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is current as of March 16, 2015. Actual rate may vary is based on an evaluation of the individual’s credit history. Term of up to 36 months; estimated monthly payment of $28.36 per $1,000 borrowed. Term of up to 60 months; estimated monthly payment of $17.52 per $1,000 borrowed. Qualified rate good on new vehicles 2014 or later. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. ©2015 VyStar Credit Union.

Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

EDUCATION

60 Years of Academic Excellence

Symphony Under 18 FREE

F

ree has become the buzzword for the Jacksonville Symphony.

60 minutes before any Masterworks or Coffee series for $10.

As well as opening the season last month with three free events, the Jacksonville Symphony is making it easier for children and families to attend concerts by offering unique opportunities for youth to experience the Symphony’s orchestral programs at Jacoby Hall. New this season will be an “Under 18 FREE” program that will encourage parents to bring their children to virtually all Masterworks, Pops, Coffee and Matinee performances. When an adult purchases a ticket, they can receive a ticket for a child age 7 to 17 for free.

The Symphony also runs an in-depth youth orchestra program under the direction of Music Director and Principal Conductor Scott Gregg.

More than 290 youngsters participate in one of six different ensembles that performs throughout the year.

“We are committed to the music education of the children of North Florida,” said Robert Massey, President and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony Association. “We hope more youth will take advantage of these opportunities to experience a concert in Jacoby Hall.”

The season culminates with a joint performance with the Jacksonville Symphony at the annual Major/Minor concert which will be held on May 13 at 8 p.m. This end-of-season concert brings together teachers and students on the stage for a side-by-side performance. During this concert, winners of the Young Artists Concerto Competition will perform with the orchestra.

The schedule of performances for this season includes a fall concert on Sunday, November 8 at 5 p.m., a holiday concert on Monday, December 7 at 7 p.m., and a spring concert on March 13 at 5 p.m.

FRX22_Ped Dep_Print 1

In addition to “Under 18 FREE,” the Symphony will continue to offer its Sound Check Card. The For more information or to purchase tickets visit Sound Check Card allows students up to age 25 jaxsymphony.org or follow the Symphony on admission to every Jacksonville Symphony Masterworks, Pops and Coffee Series concert for Facebook at www.Facebook.com/JaxSymphony, Twitter @jaxsymphony, and Instagram at the entire season for just $25. Another student deal is the Student Rush Ticket which allows jaxsymphony. j students of any age to purchase $10 rush tickets ALTERNATIVE IMAGES

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH AT 9:00 A.M.

RSVP TODAY!

PreK3 through Sixth Grade Phone: (904) 246-2466 BeachesEpiscopalSchool.org

Is this the sign you’ve been waiting for?

Depression isn’t just for grown-ups children and adolescents can have it, too.

Irritable Mood | Hard to Cheer Up Bored | Detached | Disinterested Lack of Interest in School or Friends

Don’t wait for another sign. Call about a clinical research study for children ages 7-17 who are depressed. We will talk with you and your child about the changes you are seeing and help decide if the study is right for you.

Nandita Joshi, MD | 904-281-5757 cnshealthcare.com Kids really do say the funniest things! Please share your favorites with us by e-mailing your story directly to editor@jax4kids.com. One entry each month will be turned into a cartoon to be published in the next issue of Jax4Kids. We’ll send you the original cartoon as a keepsake.

PagePI], 23 •MD Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015 [Insert | 000-000-0000

cnshealthcare.com

©2015, Clinical Neuroscience Solutions, Inc.

Discover

STOP

Duval Schools

Explore the Quality of Public Education!

Tour a school and learn how educators and students work together to raise student achievement every day.

For scheduled tour dates, visit www.discoverduval.org

CHAT with the

Supe!

Chat with the Supe is an opportunity for the general public to engage in an informal conversation with Dr. Vitti to discuss the key issues, challenges, and concerns for our schools.

Visit www.duvalschools.org for scheduled chat locations!

EVERY SCHOOL. EVERY CLASSROOM. EVERY STUDENT. EVERY DAY. Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Clay County School News

National Walk to School Day a Hit at Argyle Elementary National Walk to School Day was a success last month at Argyle Elementary. Students were encouraged to walk to school on Wednesday, Oct. 7, to help spread awareness for walking safety, healthy lifestyles as well as cleaning up the environment. To prepare students were shown a video on walking safety/street signs and signals so they would be aware of the dangers and know what to look for when walking to school or walking home.

Tips for Walking Safely include: • Walk with a friend when possible.

• Ask your parents to help you pick a safe route to school; one that avoids dangers.

• Stick to the route you picked with your parents. Don’t let friends talk you into shortcuts that are more dangerous.

• When you are near the street, don’t push, shove, or chase each other.

• Never hitchhike or take rides from people not arranged by your parents.

• Talk to your parents and teacher about any bullying that may happen during your walk.

• Be seen. Remember, drivers may not be able to see you well. Always wear bright-colored

clothes and if it is dark or hard to see, carry flashlights or wear reflective gear.

• Look for traffic. Watch out for cars and trucks at every driveway and intersection on your walk to school. Look for drivers in parked cars. They may be getting ready to move.

• Cross the street safely. 1. Stop at the curb or edge of the street. 2. Look left, right, left and behind you and in front of you for traffic.

3. Wait until no traffic is coming and begin crossing. 4. Keep looking for traffic until you have finished crossing. 5. Walk, don’t run across the street. Obey traffic signs, signals and adult school crossing guards.

Parents are the child’s most important role model for walking safely. Children learn by watching others, so your own safe pedestrian behavior is the best way to teach these valuable skills.

Consider these tips as you walk with your child: 1. Obey all traffic signs and signals. 2.

Choose routes that provide space to walk and have the least amount of traffic and lowest speeds. 3. Look for traffic at all driveways and

Flower Power Members of the Orange Park Garden club stopped by Doctors Inlet Elementary School to give the students a lesson in planting chrysanthemums and other seedlings.

Virtual Students Help in Pumpkin Patch Students and teachers from Clay Virtual Academy, Ridgeview High and Oakleaf High helped unload and place over 2,000 pumpkins at the Asbury United Methodist Church pumpkin patch at the corner of Blanding Blvd and College Ave. The majority of the members that attend this church are retired and are unable to unload the pumpkins. The students included Isabella Copley, Gabby Ferranti, Ashlyn Floyd, Zach Kloosterman, Emma Lawmaster, Hannah Lawmaster, Michael Simoniz, Jillian Pass, Ashley Patterson, Tyler Thompson, Jade Heitz, and Isaiah Gladden.

Page 25 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

intersections. 4. If possible, cross at a crosswalk or at an intersection with a walk signal. 5. Stop at the curb and look for traffic in all directions (left, right, left, to the front and behind). At an intersection, it is important to look in front and in back to check for turning vehicles. The second look to the left is to re-check for traffic that is closest to you. 6. Wait until no traffic is coming and start crossing; keep looking for traffic as you cross the road. 7. Walk across the road. Do not run. 8. Wear reflective gear if it is dark or conditions limit visibility, such as rain or snow. 9. Talk with your child about what you’re doing and why as you walk. Although you might be able to see quickly that it is safe to cross the road or make other decisions while walking, your child may not know or understand why it is safe.

Help your child understand and learn safe walking skills by practicing them each time you walk near or around traffic and taking the time to talk through new situations. As a driver you can also be a role model for safe behavior. Respect pedestrians and use the drive time to teach your child about signs, signals and other traffic rules.

Remember, children age four to six still are learning what it means to be safe. They should always be with an adult while walking. They have limited judgment, making it hard for them to know where or when it is safe to cross the road; cannot gauge the speed of oncoming traffic; can be impulsive and lose concentration easily; and have a hard time staying focused on one task, such as crossing the road.

Runners Take Home the Trophies The Middleburg High School Junior Varsity Girls cross country team captured a second place in last month’s Golden Eagle Invitational meet held at the rugged Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park course in Green Cove Springs. Meanwhile, the runners from Fleming Island High School took home the most trophies by placing first in Varsity Girls, first in Varsity Boys, first in JV Girls and second in JV Boys.

November Calendar Wednesday, Nov. 11

Veterans’ Day, Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday Nov. 23 thru Friday, Nov. 27

Thanksgiving Holidays

Friday Dec. 18

End Second Grading Period

Monday, Dec. 21 thru Friday, Jan. 1

Christmas/New Year’s Break

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

Connect with us!

St. Johns County School District News Murray Middle Student Named Youth of Month Murray Middle School student Ro’Nyia Williams has been named Youth of the Month at THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club in St. Augustine. She has participated in programs at the club for four years.

Youth of the Month honorees are selected on the basis of academic achievement, support of club activities and other members and good citizenship. Ms. Williams loves to dance both at the club and in her leisure time and aspires to become a choreographer or a fashion designer.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida provide after-school programming to over 1,500 youth in Duval, Nassau and St. Johns counties. Program activities are The St. Johns County School District has announced the schedule of 2016 graduation ceremonies for county high schools and First Coast Technical College. provided in five core areas: character and leadership; the arts; education and career development; sports, THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 fitness and recreation; and health and life skills. Their mission is to inspire and enable all young people to 7 p.m.

First Coast Technical College: Bldg. C, FCTC Campus realize their full potential as productive, responsible and WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 caring citizens.

4:30 p.m.

St. Johns Virtual School: District Administrative Building

Betty Griffin Calendar Contest Winners Named

Alice B. Landrum Middle School students Madison Lucchino and Sadie Silverstein have won the annual “A Day Without Violence” calendar art contest and Shailee Kothari from Fruit Cove Middle School and Courtney Toelle of Bartram Trail High School were named first and second winners, respectively, in the poetry contest sponsored by The St. Johns Cultural Council and the Betty Griffin House, an emergency shelter for the abused.

Judges looked for art and poems that made a positive

Graduation Ceremonies Set for County Schools

statement about a world without violence.

For 14 years, Betty Griffin House has partnered with the St. Johns County Schools to hold the art and poetry contest, which focuses on peace in the home. From all the entries, 13 pieces of art and 12 poems are selected for their annual calendar known as “A Day Without Violence,” which is distributed to every classroom in St. Johns County and sold in the Betty Griffin stores to raise funds for the organization.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 7 p.m.

St. Johns Technical High School: St. Augustine High School Auditorium

THURSDAY, MAY 19 7:30 p.m.

Pedro Menendez High School: St. Augustine Amphitheatre

FRIDAY, MAY 20 7:30 p.m.

St. Augustine High School:

St. Augustine Amphitheatre

7:30 p.m.

Allen D. Nease High School: University of North Florida

SATURDAY, MAY 21 1 p.m.

Bartram Trail High School: University of North Florida

4:30 p.m.

Creekside High School: University of North Florida

7:30 p.m.

Ponte Vedra High School: University of North Florida

TUESDAY, MAY 24

Nease Drama Produced Cinderella Musical Allan D. Nease High School Drama Department’s fall production was “Rodger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” a popular adaption of the timeless fairy tale that first aired on television in 1957. It featured some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago.” The cast included: Cinderella....................Gaby Greenwald Fairy Godmother...........Salma Nassirou Stepmother...................... Sarah Jacobs Grace (Step Sister)..............Katie Logue Joy (Step Sister)....................Kat Reyes Christopher (Prince).........Dylan Markey Lionel (Duke)................... Omar Zakaria Queen Constantina........... Abby Watson King Macimillian.................Zach Morris Charles (The Cat)...... Catherine Caserta

7 p.m.

First Coast Technical College: Bldg. C, FCTC Campus

National Merit Semifinalists Named Eighteen St. Johns County seniors have qualified as National Merit Semifinalists for 2016.

These students placed among the top 1 percent of all students in the country taking the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test given annually to high school juniors. As 18 of approximately 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, they are now eligible to advance to the finalist competition to vie for 7,400 scholarships worth more than $32 million.

The semifinalists are Evan Armstrong and David Damiani from Bartram Trail High School; Rowan Blalock-Bassett, Samantha Hayes, and Noah Kathe from Creekside High School; Noah Ari, Sanjana Bhargava, Patrick Farrar, Alexander Jasper, Divya Mahesh; Abigail Prohofsky and Samuel Still from Allen D. Nease High School; Wilson Erickson; Yooree Ha; Meijia Li; John Richter and Cullen Smith from Ponte Vedra High School; Michael Whittaker from St. Augustine High School.

November Calendar

Veterans Day – Student/Teacher Holiday Wednesday Nov. 11 Thanksgiving Break Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27 First Semester Ends Friday, Dec. 18* Monday, Dec. 21 to Monday, Jan. 4 Winter Break *All Schools will be dismissed 1 hour early on Dec. 18 Interims Issued: Nov. 13

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

Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

FLORIDA THEATRE 128 EAST FORSYTH STREET, SUITE 300

SHOW 7PM

Page 27 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Offer expires 12/1/15

Things to Do

teens

Write It Right: Note-taking Skills Teens CISV Informational Session November 1, 3pm to 4:30pm– Avondale Lead to Student Success 3593 Oak Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205

L

earning how to take lecture notes effectively is one of the first steps college-bound students need to master. Few people realize how fast memory fades. A recent study published by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin reported that 47 percent of what a person has just learned is forgotten within the first twenty minutes, and 62 percent is forgotten after the first day. With the major rounds of first-semester projects at hand, help the high school student at your house learn these five concepts, which can keep grades on track, both now and in the future.

1. Go to class prepared.

Use a three-ring binder instead of a spiral or bound book. Pages can be easily removed for reviewing. Handouts can be inserted into your notes for cross-referencing. You can insert your own out-of-class notes in the correct order.

Read assigned material and previous class notes before class. Make notations about material or concepts you don’t understand. Look up vocabulary words that are unfamiliar to you. You will have a better understanding about what the instructor is lecturing about and that will allow you to better decipher the more important points of the lecture.

Start each new lecture on a new page, and date and number each page. The sequence of material is important. Write on one side of the paper only. You can set them out side-by-side for easier reviewing when studying for an exam.

Leave blank spaces. This allows you to add comments or note questions later. Make your notes as brief as possible. “Never use a sentence when you can use a phrase, or a phrase when you can use a word.” Develop a system of abbreviations and symbols you can use wherever possible. Note all unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts you don’t understand.

4. Play close attention to content.

Details, facts, or explanations that expand or explain the main points that are mentioned.

Don’t forget examples. Definitions, word for word. Enumerations or lists of things that are discussed. Material written on the chalkboard or on a transparency, including drawings or charts.

Information that is repeated or spelled out. (University of Texas at Austin) 5. Review and edit your notes.

It is extremely important to review your notes within 24 hours. Edit for words and phrases that are illegible or don’t make sense. Write out abbreviated words that might be unclear later.

Edit with a different colored pen to distinguish between what you wrote in class and what you filled in later. Fill in key words and questions in the left-hand column. Note anything you don’t understand by underlining or highlighting to remind you to ask the instructor. Compare your notes with the textbook reading and fill in important details in the blank spaces you left. Consider rewriting or typing up your notes.. j

2. Improve your listening skills.

Start by entering the classroom with a positive attitude. Going to class thinking, “This is the last place I want to be today” only sets the stage for inattentive listening. Make a conscious effort to pay attention. Concentrate on concentrating.

Adapt to whatever direction a lecture takes.

When a lecture takes an unexpected detour, say a student asks a question you aren’t particularly interested in, students have a tendency to “zone out.” Before you know it, the lecture got back on track five minutes ago, and you missed crucial Dennis G. Jerz, information that should have been noted. associate professor of English and New-Media Journalism 3. Develop a notetaking method that works Seton Hill University for you.

jax4kids1115

Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

• Student’s Full Name • Date of Birth • Complete Address (Including Zip Code) • Parent’s Name • Primary Phone Number (Including Area Code) • Secondary Phone Number November 7, 3pm to 4:30pm – Ponte Vedra • Email Address Ponte Vedra Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd.

• Name of High School You Attend (If you are Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 home-schooled or attend private school, November 12, 7pm to 8:30pm– Town Center Adaptive Aquatics org / 904-724-8326 / NFSSE10599 Campus Walking Trails, please indicate the St. Johns County public Southeast Regional Branch, Deerwood MillJacksonville, Creek Rd high school you are zoned for) Park223 Blvd, FL 32256 • Requested Class Date (First Choice and SecNovember 22, 1:30pm to 3pm– Beaches Visit Jax4Kids.com for Beach more event listings. ond Choice) Pablo Creek Branch, 13295 Blvd, JackA confirmation email will be sent to all regissonville, FL 32246 trants. If the class you have chosen is no longer Ages 11 to 18 and their parents are invited for available, we will notify you so that you will have an informational session to learn more about the opportunity to sign up for another date. For CISV. CISV is a global organization dedicated to questions or technical assistance please contact educating and inspiring for peace through buildthe Driver Education Program at driversed@ ing inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and sjctax.us or 904-209-2250 x4682. This session understanding. In more than 60 years CISV has is available at Creekside High School and Allen given countless children and young people the D. Nease High School. experience of their lives and the opportunity to St. Johns County / www.sjctax.us/DriverEducabuild lasting friendships through its international tion.aspx educational programs.

CISV Jacksonville / 904-568-0818 / www.

Teen Movie Club: “Mockingjay, Part” cisvjax.org November 10, 5pm In recognition of Banned Books Week, in celebraTeen Yoga tion of Teen Read Week, and in anticipation of November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 3pm to 4pm the release of the final Hunger Games movie Yoga Den of Avondale hosts a Teen Yoga class “Mockingjay, Part II”, teens are invited to watch every Monday. This class is designed to help and discuss the movies based upon Suzanne young people de-stress and regroup. Led by a Collins’ popular Hunger Games series. For ages school counselor certified to teach yoga, class 13 – 17 only. Pizza and sodas will be provided. includes stress busting and relaxation postures.

St. Johns County Public Library / Ponte Vedra Must have a current high school or FSCJ student Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd. Ponte Vedra ID to participate in this class. Previous yoga Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org experience not required. Prices are available for drop in rates, monthly membership, or class Tech4Teens packages.

November 19, 3:30pm to 5pm Yoga Den of Avondale / 904-268-8330 / 3653 Teens ages 12 to 18 are invited to learn how to St Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205 / yogawrite code for computer games, edit photos, creden.com ate animations, and more.

Jacksonville Public Library / Webb Wesconnett Prioritizing Milestones in High School Regional Library, 6887 103rd Street, JacksonNovember 4, 6pm to 7pm ville, FL 32210 / jpl.coj.net Learn how to set goals to be successful through High School and beyond. The Parent Academy Minecraft Gathering for Teens/Tweens of Duval County Public Schools is a free family November 21, 10am to 12noon resource designed for parents, caregivers, and The Flagler County Library hosts a Minecraft community members.

Gathering for Teens/Tweens. Minecraft fans Duval Public Schools Parent Academy / Sanages 10 to 16 are invited to bring their own elecdalwood High School, 2750 John Prom Blvd., tronic device (laptop, tablet, etc.) and come for a Jacksonville, FL 32246 / dcps.duvalschools.org morning session of fun with other fans. (PLEASE NOTE: The Library does not furnish electronic Drivers Training Classes – Learner Permit devices or download the Minecraft app.) No Preparation registration is necessary.

November 9 to November 25 Flagler County Public Library / 2500 Palm This program is conducted at each public high Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast, FL 32137 www. school from 8am till 9am for a 12-day cycle. flaglercounty.org Free to attend and open to private school and homeschool students. Requirements: Students Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings. must be at least 14½ years old at the beginning of the class. Prospective students will be required to submit the following information via email to driversed@sjctax.us:

Things to Do

pets

Military Dogs Need TLC Too

D

on’t forget Military Working Dogs when sending care packages to our armed forces.

These highly trained pups work side by side with their handlers in war zones as trackers or sentries, in search and rescue, explosive detection and so much more. Here are two organizations that send care packages.

OPERATION K-9 CARE PACKAGE Founded in 2010, Operation K-9 sends care packages to US military dog teams.

Suggested items needed THE UNITED STATES WAR DOG ASSOCIATION, INC. include: • Wubbas • Tennis Balls This non-profit organization • Kongs has been sending care • Kong 3” Balls packages to US military • Squeaky Toys dogs all over the world • Large Rope Pulls • Frisbee (aka Chuckit Squirrel) since 2002. President of the organization, Ron Aiello, • Heavy-duty Chew Toys says that packages are sent • K-9 Booties (Lucky brand - size Large ... or MuttLuks - Black/Medium) all year round. You can also make a financial • Foot Balms/Salve, and Antiseptic Sprays contribution to support their efforts. You’ll find • Collapsible Nylon Dog Water Bowls the PayPal link on their website. If you wish to • Dog Wipes put your own care package together and mail it • Dog Grooming Tools - Brushes & Combs directly to a Military Working Dog Team, or teams, • Doggie Shampoo/Conditioners who are deployed, below is a list of approved • K9 Toothpaste & Toothbrushes donation items. The United States War Dog • Cooling Vests by RPCM (size Large/Black) • Doggles Association asks that you first email them at • Elite K9 Harnesses ronaiello@uswardogs.org with your personal • Retractable Leashes (for big dogs - i.e. German contact information (Name, Address & Phone Shepherd size) Number) for their records only, so they can verify • Bandannas who you are for safety reasons. Then put your • Dog Nail Clippers package together and when you have your • Financial donations to help with shipping costs package actually ready to mail, send them (each care package costs $12.95 to mail) another email letting them know you are ready to • A note of appreciation to soldier dog & handler mail your package. They will at that time send you an email with a name and address of a All TREATS must be in packages under 1.5 pounds, or so ... they cannot open a large treat Military Working Dog Team that is deployed. box and divide it among several K-9 Care Don’t forget their handlers! A list of items needed Packages (also, all treats must be in their original for handlers can be found on their website, www. unopened package ... do NOT need to be refrigerated ... and NO rawhide chews or pork uswardogs.org. products, please.

Items for K9 heroes: • K9 Cooling Vests (Summer Months) • K9 Cooling Mats (Summer Months) • K9 Cooling Collars (Summer Months) • K9 Warming Mats (Winter Months) • K9 Boots, Medium & Large (All Year) • K9 Doggles (All Year) • Collapsible Nylon Dog Bowls • Kong 3” Rubber Balls • Large Rope Chews • K9 Shampoo & Conditioner • K9 Grooming Tools-Combs, Brushes, etc.

• K9 Nail Clippers • K9 Beds or Sleeping Mats • K9 Blankets (Winter Months) • K9 Toothpaste & Toothbrush • K9 Eye Drops • K9 Ear Wash • K9 Advantix, Flea and Tic Treatment • K9 Salves for paws/noses • Towels to wipe paws • True Chews Chicken Jerky • True Chews Beef Bully Sticks • K9 Treats Made in the USA ONLY

You can purchase items online (i.e. Amazon, Petco, PetSmart, etc.), and have the item delivered to us via the USPS (United States Postal Service) ... they can NOT accept deliveries from Fed Ex or the UPS, at this time.

You can also make a donation via their PayPal link (see tab on our Facebook page), or by mailing us a check. If sending a check or money order, please make checks out to “Operation K-9 Care Package”, and mail to the address listed below.

Monetary donations will be used to pay for the shipping cost of the K-9 Care Packages, and/or to purchase items to place in the K-9 Care Packages.

Operation K-9 Care Package 2000 W County Rd B2, #130605 Saint Paul, MN 55113 USA Connect with them on Facebook at Operation K-9 Care Package j

Page 29 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

Howl-i-Day Toy Drive Through December 31 Pit Stop Pit Bull Rescue Transport is hosting a Howl-i-Day Toy Drive to collect toys for shelter animals that will be on transport through the holidays. Items needed include: (new) toys-soft plush, Nylabone, Kongs, balls, treats, collars, leashes, food bowls, gift cards for dog food, and small knit dog blankets. Items will be collected through December 31 and can be dropped off at: Pet Supermarket Jacksonville Beach or Earth Pets in Mandarin.

Pitstop Pit Bull Rescue Transport / www.facebook.com/PitstopPitBullRescueTransport Pet Supermarket Low Cost Pet Vaccinations Low cost mobile puppy, dog, kitten and cat vaccination clinic in locations throughout Jacksonville. No appointments, no exam fees.

Pet Supermarket, 609 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32250: November 8 & 22, 10am to 11:30am Pet Supermarket, 3760 University Blvd West, Jacksonville, FL 32217: November 1, 15 & 29, 1pm to 2:30pm Pet Supermarket, 10485 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257: November 8 & 22, 1pm to 2:30pm Pet Supermarket, 465 State Road 13, Fruit Cove, FL 32259: November 22, 3:30pm to 5pm Pet Supermarket, 4524 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210: November 1 & 29, 10am to 11:30am Pet Supermarket, 835 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32065: November 8, 3:30pm to 5pm Pet Supermarket, 1020 South Ponce de Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32086: November 1, 15 & 29, 4:30pm to 6pm PetSupermarket Vet Clinics / 1-855-838-9355 / www.petsupermarketvetclinic.com Affordable Vaccination Clinics November 1, 15, 29, 1:30pm to 2:30pm Help keep your pet healthy and protected with quick, convenient vaccinations by licensed vets right in the store.

Petco / 11900 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.petco.com

Pet Events Jacksonville Pet Food Bank Distribution November 14, 10am to 1pm The Jacksonville Pet Food Bank provides about a one month supply of cat or dog food for up to 4 dogs and 5 cats per household, for those who qualify. Food will be given out on scheduled distribution days between 10am and 1pm. It is not necessary to come early and stand in line.

There will be enough food for each event, and the shortest wait time is after 11am. You must meet income qualifications. (Details are on the website). You must provide proof of spay/neuter for each pet. If your pet(s) have not been spayed or neutered, those services can also be provided at no cost to you. Please provide proof of income qualifications & photo identification. Bring container/bag for each pets food. Please do not bring pets to the distrubition. Food will only be given out on designated distribution dates.

First Coast No More Homeless Pets / FCNMHP Clinic, 6817 Norwood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32208 / www.fcnmhp.org Yappy Hour Dogsgiving November 15, 2pm to 5pm Yappy Hour Dogsgiving will feature a dog trot, Happiest Pup Photo Contest, an eating contest, and more. Give thanks this season and donate an item from the Humane Society’s wish list, and receive a free gift. Donations will be taken to the Jacksonville Humane Society. There will also be a pet expo, prizes, and live music on the Coca-Cola Riverfront Stage. Yappy Hour is a free event for dogs, their parents and dog lovers.

Jacksonville Landing / 904-353-1188 / 2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. jacksonvillelanding.com Pet Photos With Santa November 14, 10am to 2pm Watson Realty Corp in Fleming Island is hosting Pet Photos With Santa. The goal of the event, is to raise funds for the many dogs and cats of Safe Animal Shelter. There will also be some pets available for adoption.

Safe Animal Shelter / Watson Realty Corp / 904-264-9526 / 4729 US-17 S, Fleming Island, Florida 32003 / www.safeanimalshelter.com Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.

New Patients Welcome!

Pediatric Dentistry (904) 733-7254 We accept many PPO dental insurance plans

www.setzerandcochran.com

Drs. Setzer, Cochran, Soares & Hubbard

things to do County Fairgrounds, 5840 SR 207, Elkton, FL 32033 / sjchc.org Veterans Day at the Hall of Fame November 9 – 11 The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum will celebrate Veterans Day with a special promotion. From November 9 to 11, all active duty military, veterans and their dependents will receive free admission to the World Golf Hall of Fame. All guests to the Hall of Fame will be able to enjoy a special scavenger hunt highlighting golf’s relationship with the military in the Museum.

World Golf Hall of Fame / 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.worldgolfhalloffame.org

tions, children’s stories, and crafts. Free.

Fort Mose Historic State Park / 904-823-2232 / 15 Fort Mose Trail, St. Augustine, Florida 32084 / www. floridastateparks.org

Kristin Chenoweth “Coming Home” Tour With the JCC • November 14, 8pm In celebration of their 20th anniversary, the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus proudly presents guest artist Emmy and Tony Award-Winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth in her “Coming Home” Tour. This concert will be held at 8pm Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the Moran Theater in the Times-Union Performing Arts Center.

Tickets for the event start at $35 and can be purchased America’s Got Talent Live: The All-Stars Tour online or by phone. Proceeds from the concerts will November 6, 7:30pm Miss Nelson is Missing benefit The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus’ ongoing America’s Got Talent Live: The All-Stars Tour, featuring November 10, 10:15am programming and scholarship fund. comedian Taylor Williamson and Emily West, Kristef The Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts presents the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus / 904-353-1636 / Times Brothers and Recycled Percussion. One show only at the school time production of Miss Nelson is Missing.

Union Center, Moran Theater, 300 West Water Street, Florida Theatre. Tickets start at $35 and are available Tickets are $12 each for general admission. For schools: Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxchildrenschorus.org online in advance. to sit with your school group, you must purchase your Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth ticket with the school. General Admission tickets will be Jacksonville Jaguars Home Game Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com seated in a separate area from school groups. Thrasher November 19, 8:25pm vs. Tennessee Titans Horne Center for the Arts / 904-276-6815 / 283 College November 29, 1pm vs. San Diego Chargers Amelia Island Museum of History Mini-Camp Dr, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.thcenter.org Regular season home game vs. Tennessee Titans. Single November 7, 9am to 12noon game tickets and season tickets are available. Visit The Amelia Island Museum of History hosts their first St. Paul’s Fall Book Sale website for a pricing chart and a list of prohibited items.

Museum Mini-Camp. This free day camp will be for November 12 – 15 Jacksonville Jaguars / Everbank Field, 1 Everbank Field kids ages 6 to 10. Kids will discover the Amelia Island St. Paul’s Catholic Church and School hosts their annual Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguars.com people and artifacts with a special visit to the museum’s Beaches Used Book Sale. There will be thousands of archives. Using art projects, costumes and stories used books for sale. The sale will be held at a new loca- Fifth Annual Cardboard City participants will study the life and culture of Timucuan tion this year: Murphy Hall. In addition to the book sale, November 20, 4pm to November 21, 8am children and families. Free. Limited spaces available. the St. Paul’s Thrift Store will have a tent set up with Family Promise of Jacksonville hosts the fifth annual To reserve a space, please call Liz at the Museum at winter clothing and Christmas decorations, and there will Cardboard City; an evening to see what it might be like 904-261-7378, extension 100. be two food trucks on site. St. Paul’s Catholic Church and to be homeless. Individuals, families or groups will spend Amelia Museum of History / 904-261-7378 / 233 S. School, Murphy Hall / 212 5th Street North, Jacksonville the night in cardboard boxes, tents or in their own car.

Third Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / ameliamuBeach, FL 32250 / www.stpaulscatholicschool.com A simple meal will be served and there will be activities, seum.org entertainment and presentations throughout the evening St. Augustine Half Marathon Kids Race & Expo related to homelessness.

2015 Middleburg Historic Festival November 13, 12noon to 6pm; November 14, 9am to Participants are asked to register ahead of time and November 7, 9am to 3pm 5pm; November 15, 10am to 1pm collect contributions or make a donation to attend the The annual Middleburg Historic Festival at the MiddleAs part of the St. Augustine Half Marathon, there will event. Participants are asked to set a goal of collecting burg Civic Association, will feature a car show, Kids be a kids 450m race for ages 12 and under. Registra$100 in donations to participate. Those who are spendCorner, historic festival, food, music and more. Free tion is free, but participants must register online in ing the night can bring their own box or tent, blankets, and open to the public. Middleburg Civic Association / advance. The race will not be timed, and all participants pillows or sleeping bags to the event. For questions, call Downtown Middleburg, 2102 Palmetto St, Middleburg, will receive a finishers medal. There will also be a 5K 904-354-1818 or email bethmixson@familypromisejax.

FL 32068 / www.middleburgcivicassociation.com Family Run, 10K, Half Marathon, and expo. The 5K race org. Registration forms can be sent in, in advance, or is walker friendly, and is open to runners 12 years of age brought on the night of the event.

Main Library 10th Anniversary and older. The cost for the kids fun run is $15, and all Family Promise of Jacksonville / CrossRoad Methodist November 7, 11am to 3pm proceeds will be donated to Project Autism. The Family Church, 10005 Gate Parkway North, Jacksonville, FL The Main Library celebrates their 10th anniversary on 5K will be Saturday, November 14 at 7:05am, followed 32246 / www.familypromisejax.org November 7. New York Times best selling author Lauren by the kids fun run at 9am.

Groff will be at the library to speak about her new book, St. Augustine Marathon / Francis Field, 29 W. Castillo Dr., Mozart’s Great “Jupiter” Symphony Fates and Furies; Clifford the Dog and Martha from St. Augustine, FL 32084 / staugustinemarathon.com November 21, 7pm Martha Speaks will visit the Children’s Department; there The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra presents a Clay will be storytime, art activities, cupcake decorating and Movie Under the Stars County Exclusive, Mozart’s Great “Jupiter” Symphony. more. Other activities include fire engine & police cruis- November 13, 27, 7pm to 10pm The Jacksonville Symphony, led by new music director er for kids to explore, 10th Annual Battle of the Bands in Party Bounce Play and Crafty Kids Amelia Island host a Courtney Lewis, brings this exciting program of classical Hemming Park, food trucks, 3D printing demonstrations Movie Under the Stars. Cost is $20 for a family of 4 ($5 favorites to Clay County for this exclusive performance & giveaways, entertainment, scavenger hunts, the Navy for each additional child). Kids will get to bounce from presented one night only at the Thrasher-Horne Center Band, community organization displays, and more.

7pm to 8pm, with the movie starting at 8pm. Outside on Saturday, November 21 at 7pm. Tickets are available Jacksonville Public Library / Main Branch Library, 303 food and snacks permitted; drinks will be available for in advance.

North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jpl.coj.net purchase.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra / Thrasher Horne November 13 — Inside Out Center for the Arts, 283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL Drum Runners 2015 Game Series November 27 — Frozen 32073 / www.jaxsymphony.org November 7, 5pm Party Bounce Play / 904-844-2946 / 1852 Sadler Rd, The St. Johns County Horse Council and the St. Johns Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.partybounceplay.

Peking Dreams County Cattlemen’s Association are sponsoring the com November 28, 3pm Drum Runners 2015 Game Series for experienced and The National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Repubinexperienced western horseback riders. All games will Lowes Build and Grow – Pullback Racecar lic of China present Peking Dreams. There will be one be held at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds starting November 14, 10am performance only at the Thrasher Horne Center for the at 5pm on November 7. Games include Barrels, Poles, Free How To Clinic geared to kids Grades 2 through 5.

Performing Arts. Tickets start at $26 each; Family Four and other activities in seven different age categories: First time visitors get a free apron and patch for their Packs of tickets are available for $99 or $129. Thrasher Leadline, Little Britches, Half Pints, Juniors, High School, apron. Free patch on every visit thereafter. Kids get to Horne Center for the Arts / 904-276-6815 / 283 College Young Adults, and Seasoned Adults. In addition to the take home their project. Pre-registration required and Dr, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.thcenter.org competition, there will also be raffles, concessions, and is available online. This week’s project is a Pullback more. Free admission for spectators. If you are interRacecar. Lowes / lowesbuildandgrow.com ested in participating, registration begins at 4 p.m. The EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are cost is $10 for St. Johns County Horse Council members, Harvest Time at Fort Mose accurate at time of publication; events and activities and $20 for non-members. For more information, visit November 14, 10am to 3pm listed in this guide are subject to change without website below, or call Ali Smith at 904-588-8017. St. Celebration of foods and the first harvest and meal of notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information Johns County Horse Council / 904-588-8017 / St. Johns Thanksgiving at Fort Mose. There will be demonstraand more events!

Page 30 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

™ & ©1957, 2015 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, LP

Greater Jacksonville Agriculture Fair November 4 – 15 The Greater Jacksonville Agriculture Fair returns to North Florida November 4-15, 2015.

Highlights include: November 4 - Opening Night November 7 - Student Day November 11 - Military Day November 12 - Family Night November 14 - Student Day Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 904-353-0535 / 510 Fairgrounds Place Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvillefair.com

DON’T MISS BROADWAY’S #1 HOLIDAY HIT!

December 1—6 Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center artistseriesjax.org (904) 442-2929

4

Page 31 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2015

49

$