1. family and parenting
2. children

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December 2014
Information, Education and
Entertainment for
Northeast Florida Families
ZOOLights
Bigger, Better, Brighter.
December 12 – 14, 18 – Jan. 3
Closed Christmas Day.
Page 2 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Contents
Letter From The Editor
December 2014
Dear Readers,
W
e’ve had a merry time putting this issue
together for you. It’s filled with holiday
events and ideas. May I draw your attention to a
few of my favorites? Turn to the Tidbits page
(page 16) and read about NORAD Santa Tracker.
Do you have a child with special needs on your
gift list? If so, turn to page 12 for gift ideas. For
20 years, Toys ‘R Us has published a differentlyabled toy guide. You can find it in store or online
at toysrus.com. Our local bookstores are gems!
Read about them on page 29. We couldn’t resist
the Elf On A Shelf craze. We had fun finding
creative Elf pictures to share throughout this
issue. Join the fun! Instagram us your Elf on a
Shelf pictures #jax4kids. All of the holiday
events this year are another favorite. Look for the
it and in the spirit of sharing, we give you the
ads and listings on page 35 and 38 for some
chance to vote on your favorite businesses, prodgreat holiday entertainment or log on to our
ucts and services for families. Thanks to everyone
online Holiday Events Guide at jax4kids.com.
who voted this year. The collective wisdom of
One great event we are planning for you is our an- over 1,000 parents is shared in the 8-page pull out
Best Of for Families results section (pages 17-24).
nual Noon Year’s Eve at the Jacksonville Zoo and
Gardens. Jacksonville’s rising star Dalton Cyr will Keep it as a reference. Congratulations to all of
be performing this year. Read more about Dalton this year’s winners!
on page 15. In addition to great entertainment,
we’ll be giving away at ski trip to Cataloochee Ski I can’t let the year come to a close without a word
of thanks. Thank you to the many contributors
Area in Maggie Valley, North Carolina and goody
and dedicated Jax4Kids.com staff members who
bags for the first 500 kids to arrive. It all begins
make the free information services we provide
at 10am with an apple juice toast at noon. Noon
possible. Thank you for your contributions, for
Year’s Eve is free with Zoo admission.
sharing Jax4Kids.com with your friends and for
When you find something good, you want to share your enthusiastic support for 12 years!
Until next month,
living well
Powerful Moments................................................................................. 4
Community Profile: The Pulse Christian Youth Center................................ 5
eating well
May Your Days Be Merry and Sweet........................................................ 6
Fun With Food........................................................................................ 7
Health & safety
All About Sports: Snowboarding............................................................... 8
nature
Bartram’s Travels.................................................................................... 9
Florida Wildlife: Florida Box Turtle............................................................ 9
Infant & Toddler
Treating Your Cold Naturally...................................................................10
Car Seat Safety....................................................................................11
special needs
Gift Guide.............................................................................................12
Holidays With Special Needs Children....................................................13
Teens
Synthetic Drugs: The Big Fat Lie that is Killing Our Kids..........................14
Teen Idol Dalton Cyr Returns To Jacksonville..........................................15
Jax4kids.com best of 2014
Best Of 2014 Winners.....................................................................17-24
Alison Peters-Carlson
Editor
Merry Christmas!
Follow us...
Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................................... editor@jax4kids.com
Natasha Chapman Associate Editor..........................natasha@jax4kids.com
Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer......................................linda@jax4kids.com
Jen Cramer Circulation Manager...................................... jen@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
Judi Fields Administrative Assistant
Nancy Lee Bethea Contributing Writer
Lexi Dupre Contributing Writer
Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2014.
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 • DECEMBER 2014
St. Johns County School news
Superintendent Dr. Joyner Visits Ocean Palms Elementary......................25
Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Nominees...........................25
Clay County School news
Oakleaf High School Teacher Recognized by Governor Scott...................26
Clay County Community Education........................................................26
Nutrition and Exercise Challenge for December......................................26
Duval county public Schools
School Choice Expo..............................................................................27
Discover Duval Schools Tour Schedule...................................................28
education
The New Low-Tech Trend? Local Bookstores!........................................29
Kids Say the Funniest Things!................................................................30
That’s MY Job! Danielle Moskowitz - ASL Interpreter..............................30
Holiday gift guide
Holiday Gift Guide............................................................................31-32
Pets
Vacation Checklist for Your Dog Sitter....................................................37
Things to do
December Events.................................................................................38
Living well
Powerful Moments
Y
ou know who they are. You see them every
day.
They exist in the spaces between our busy lives.
He’s the security guard that stands between the
world outside and your office inside.
She’s the register person between your groceries
and your car.
She’s the bank teller between you and your
money.
The train conductor. Dry cleaner. Secretary. The
waiter between you and your lunch.
Even your sweet faced children who stand
between the front door and your bedroom when
you arrive home from work.
They are the familiar faces we see every day.
They are the people we spend time with, even for
brief moments that make life more meaningful,
more connected, more real.
They are the people we encounter between
where we were and where we are going.
At various times during your day they stand right
before you, here and now.
And I have a theory that says how we treat the
people in between our busy lives is directly
related to our happiness.
For how we treat the people in between where
we were and where we are going is indicative of
how we live in the present moment.
Unfortunately I’ve noticed that as a society we are
becoming more comfortable ignoring others. It’s a
common practice on the NYC subways but even
during my walks in Ponte Vedra Beach I will say
hi to people and they just walk right past me
without acknowledging that I exist.
Snow Sisters &
Snowman Characters
If you walk right past the security guard at work
without saying hello because you are just too
busy then you are not in the present moment. If
busyness and stress prevent you from connecting
with your co-workers when you arrive at work
then you are not in the present moment. And it is
during the present moment where happiness,
relationships, love and life are created.
To live life fully, then, is to make the most of the
time in between where you were and where you
are going and the best way to make sure you are
doing this is to create meaningful interactions
with the people in between. When you really think
about it we all represent the people in between
for we all live between the lives of each otherconnected by phones, cars, roads, trains, oceans,
planes, the internet and most of all love and
energy.
So share your kindness, time, energy and
compassion. Don’t let the seemingly insignificant
moments slip away for in reality they mean
everything. We are all the people in between and
when we recognize the significance of each other
we also feel it and experience it inside ourselves.
j
Jon Gordon
www.jongordon.com • www.positiveschool.com
“Feeling gratitude
and not expressing
it is like wrapping
a present and not
giving it.”
– William Arthur Ward
Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Friday, December 5, 12 & 19
5:30pm to 8:00pm
Doors open at 4:00pm
Cost: $8.00 per child. Adults FREE!
Meet and take a picture with
each character! Bring your
socks, play and have fun!
10503 San Jose Blvd. Ste. 18
Jacksonville, FL
904.260.0022
www.slinkees.net
Become a Fan
Check our website
for specials!
Living well
Community Profile: The Pulse Christian Youth Center
T
he Pulse Ministries, a walk-in community
center for at-risk and disadvantage children
in Jacksonville, is seeking support in their
mission to continue serving the needs of kids
from grades kindergarten through college.
ball court. They also open the doors of The Pulse
Christian Youth Center on Saturday nights to kids
to provide a safe and clean alternative for young
people to enjoy games, movies, and theme nights
like guys-only or girls-only.
Since 2009, they have been providing free
The Pulse is a Christian-based center whose
mission is rooted in the belief that if you have a
pulse, you have a purpose.
services to neighborhood kids such as a children’s library, computer lab with internet and a
printer, after-school tutoring, field trips to local
parks, museums and concerts, breakfasts,
after-school snacks, dinners and even a basket-
Many of the kids from The Pulse’s neighborhood
struggle academically and economically. Many
will never complete high school and some will
end up in prison or homeless. By providing these
children with knowledge and skills to become
successful, The Pulse guides them to becoming
better people both today and in the future.
Currently, The Pulse needs the community’s help
with providing them with advocacy, funding,
volunteers and advertising. Boasting a 100
percent graduation rate, zero percent teen
pregnancy rate, zero percent gang membership,
0 percent teen suicide rate, and 100 percent
missing child safely returned rate, it is clear that
The Pulse’s efforts have reaped much benefit to
disadvantaged youth in the community.
In order to give a tax-deductible donation, simply
visit http://www.thepulsechurch.org/ to make a
donation.
Supplies such as office kitchen and bathroom
basics are also greatly needed. Further, food is
among the resources that would greatly serve the
needs of The Pulse. Every week they provide an
average of 60 healthy meals to kids, including 12
breakfasts, 25 after school snacks, and 45
dinners.
Volunteers are always welcomed to serve at The
Pulse. Whether it’s help with cooking and serving
food, supervising activities, teaching, or presenting programs and inspiring – all talents are
welcome and encouraged.
Tutors and mentors are needed as little as one
afternoon per month to help children lagging
behind in school struggling in areas like reading
or math.
In Jacksonville, nearly three out of four black
ninth graders fail to earn a high school diploma in
four years, according to the Schott Foundation for
Public Education. Additionally, a student who
One of the greatest needs of The Pulse is funding. cannot read on their grade level by third grade is
Page 5 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
four times less likely to graduate by age 19. If the
child is impoverished, they are 13 times less
likely to graduate on time than his or her
proficient, wealthier peer, according to the
American Educational Research Association.
With such staggering statistics affecting the
Jacksonville community, The Pulse encourages
anyone willing to donate their time, services or
donations to reach out to them to discuss ways to
get involved in their mission of help and service.
For more information, please email info@
thepulsecurch.org, visit thepulsechurch.org, or
call (904)-248-9232.
e recognize the significance of each other we
also feel it and experience it inside ourselves. j
eating well
May Your Days Be Merry
and Sweet
W
hen I say the word December, what comes
to mind? Many of you may think traditional
holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa
or Boxing Day (if you’re one of our Canadian
friends). I bet none of you thought of maple syrup.
But, believe it or not, December 17th is National
Maple Syrup Day! So it made me think – maybe
we should celebrate the holidays with not only
our favorite traditional dishes, but think about
starting a new tradition in your family by serving
pancakes and real maple syrup as a sweet treat
this month.
History
Native Americans were the first to harvest and
boil the sap of the maple tree into thick syrup.
The sap is harvested in the late winter months
of February - March in the Northeastern US and
Canada. Syrup flavor is affected by many different things including soil type, tree genetics,
weather conditions, time during the season when
it’s collected and the processing techniques. The
majority of maple syrup is produced in forests we
are no herbicides pesticides have been applied
- therefore it could be considered organic. The
US and Canada have their own separate grading
systems by which the syrup is classified depending on its color and quality. In the US, Grade A
and Grade B mean something different. Grade A
is considered the premiere type of syrup that’s
meant for eating and is broken into three subgrades which are determined by color – they are
categorized as Light Amber, Medium Amber and
Dark Amber. Grade B is so dark that it’s generally
only used for cooking or baking.
Why is Maple Syrup so expensive?
Depending on the sugar content of the sap, it
takes between 40 to 50 gallons of sap to make
one gallon of syrup. This is in contrast to “breakfast syrup” which is made of cheaper ingredients
such as high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup,
water, salt, caramel coloring and artificial flavoring. The calorie and sugar content of commercial
syrup is not much different from real maple
syrup, however, the major difference between the
two is natural vs. artificial ingredients and price.
Labeling laws prevent imitation syrups from putting the word “maple” on their labels, but many
are still fooled into thinking they are getting the
real deal.
Nutritional Facts in One Tablespoon Maple
Syrup:
• 52 calories
• 0 grams fat
• 14 grams sugar
• 2 mg sodium
• 42 mg potassium
Just keep in mind that although real maple syrup
is considered a more of a whole food because it
is natural and not imitation, it still packs a lot of
sugar into a small amount. However, because the
flavor is so much richer than the imitation stuff,
you can get away with using less. Try adding
some chopped walnuts on top of your pancakes
along with the syrup for a little protein punch!
Pancakes
Since we are talking syrup, let’s talk pancakes.
A great syrup deserves a great pancake! There
are so many varieties that we can think of – how
about serving one with a holiday flare such as
Egg Nog pancakes or Pumpkin pancakes? Let
the true flavor of the holidays shine through with
something different this holiday season.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Ingredients
1 ½ cups of skim milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
Directions
In a bowl mix together the milk, pumpkin, oil and
vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking
powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger
and salt in a separate bowl. Stir into the pumpkin
mixture just enough to combine. Heat a griddle
to 325 degrees, or a frying pan to medium high
heat. Use about ¼ cup batter per pancake –
brown on both sides and serve hot. j
“For it is in giving that we receive.”
– Francis of Assisi
Page 6 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
eating well
Fun With Food
F
or many families, sitting down to a meal together is a dreaded event. The pleasant experience is spoiled by an intense power struggle
with our children. Ethan ate carrots yesterday
but refuses today. Ava won’t eat anything green.
Caleb likes yogurt, but only a certain flavor of a
certain brand (and don’t try to trick him by reusing the container). A few simple strategies can
help lessen mealtime battles, whether you’re just
starting your parenting journey with an infant or
are already deeply entrenched in the challenging
preschool years.
do you
have
C.O.P.D.?
Volunteers Needed
iarity with the new food, their suspicion begins to
wane. Pair familiar foods with new foods that are
similar in shape, color, texture, and/or taste. If
your child loves fried chicken nuggets, try offering
grilled nuggets.
As you lead your child through his food journey,
be prepared to be a good food model yourself.
Children learn by imitation and seeing you enjoying a variety of foods may be encouragement
enough to convince your child that carrots aren’t
poisonous. Watch out for the pitfalls of active
encouragement and bribery. Telling your child
Children arrive pre-programmed to put everything she can have ice cream after she eats her brocin their mouths. By age one, many children are
coli sends the message that dessert is great and
independently mobile and will seek out the most eating broccoli is an unpleasant task that must
dangerous, dirty, and unappetizing objects, seem- be endured, not enjoyed. Try a bit of reverse psying to lack the ability to discern a piece of candy
chology, telling your child, “I’m so glad you didn’t
from a handful of sand. Seize this once in a
touch your peas. Pass them over.” Your child
lifetime opportunity to present the foods you want may find it hard to resist a challenge like this, but,
your child to like.
be prepared follow through and eat them yourself
if he doesn’t! j
Children also have an innate need for variety.
Between ages one and two, children are refining Elisabeth Moody MS CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
their ability to control the adults in their lives. A
Brooks Rehabilitation Pediatric Center, Johns
child who eats and loves green beans one day
Creek
but refuses the next is forcing his parents to
Elisabeth.moody@brooksrehab.org
provide more variety.
Following the stages of mouthing with abandon
and insistence on variety often comes a phase of
extremely cautious eating at age two. Remember
the rule of 15. Offer new foods at least 15 times,
just not at every meal. As your child builds famil-
“Giving opens the
way for receiving.”
– Florence Scovel Shinn
Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research
is conducting a 52 week clinical trial of an
investigational medication for COPD (Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
You may be eligible to participate if you:
are at least 40 years of age
have been diagnosed with COPD
are a current or former smoker
Eligible persons will receive study-related medical
exams and study medication at no cost while
participating in the study. Compensation will also be
provided for time and travel.
For more information about the risks and benefits
of this program, call:
JACKSONVILLE CENTER FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH
(904) 730-0166
www.jaxresearch.com
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Let us help you ease your fears and
take care of your smile! At Carlson
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relax or even snooze!
904-647-4765
www.CarlsonDentalGroup.com
Page 7 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
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ExpiRES DECEmbER 31, 2014.
health & safety
All About Sports:
Snowboarding - From
Humble Beginnings to Soaring
Heights
E
arly History
One of the newest sports, snowboarding is very
similar to surfing, skateboarding, and skiing.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the origin of
snowboarding lies in these sports. Although it is
hard to pinpoint the pioneer of snowboarding, it
was created around the 1950s by a few surf and
skate enthusiasts who used self-made boards to
convey their skills to a new terrain: the snow. At
that time, due to the novelty of the snowboards,
those contraptions often resulted in many
broken boards and a lot of bruises.
Olympic debuts at the Nagano Games in 1998
with giant slalom and halfpipe competitions. The
discipline proved an instant success and returned
to Salt Lake City four years later with parallel
giant slalom and halfpipe competitions.
Today
At Torino, snowboarding make its third Olympic
appearance. The sport, which first appeared at
the 1998 Nagano Games, is still a work in
progress as events are changed and added. For
Snowboarding was popularized in the
United States in the 1960s as people
across the country began to seek out new
winter activities. Over the next decade,
various pioneers boosted the production
of boards and the sport began to gain
crossover appeal. Surfers and skateboarders became involved, and by 1980,
snowboarding was a nationwide activity.
In 1983, less than 10 percent of ski areas
in the U.S. allowed snowboarding. Today,
snowboarding is the fastest growing
winter sport in the U.S., and more than
3.4 million people snowboard. This
number comprises about 20% of the
visitors to U.S. ski resorts. Further, the
number of people who snowboard is
predicted to overtake skiing by 2015.
Mountain Conflict
In the late 1970s snowboarders started to
“invade” traditional ski resorts, but faced
opposition from skiers who tried to exclude the
snowboarders from “their” mountains. By the
1990s, however, almost all ski resorts had
accepted snowboarding, and the resorts have
found the snowboarders to be an excellent source
of new revenue.
Getting Organized
Competition was the next logical step. The United
States held its first national championships in
1982 and hosted the first World Championships in
1983. The International Snowboarding Federation
(ISF) formed seven years later and the International Ski Federation (FIS) introduced snowboarding as a FIS discipline in 1994. This helped pave
the way for snowboarding’s inclusion in the
Olympic Winter Games.
Olympic Debut
Men’s and women’s snowboarding made their
the 2006 Games, a new event, snowboard cross
was added.
There are six snowboarding events: men’s and
women’s halfpipe, men’s and women’s parallel
giant slalom, and men’s and women’s snowboard
cross.
Snowboarding’s acrobatic maneuvers were taken
to new heights by Shaun White at the 2010
Winter Olympics. White dazzled spectators in
Vancouver when he stuck two consecutive double
corks in the halfpipe competition. His Double
McTwist1260 on his victory lap secured his place
in snowboarding history. The maneuvers
performed at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics
showed the world that snowboarders were
among the most talented athletes on earth. j
Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Things to Do
Health Events
Running Buddy Registration
Thru December 6
A Girls on the Running Buddy helps one of
our girls complete both the Practice 5K and
our end-of-the-season Girls on the Run 5K on
December 6th starting at 8am at The University
of North Florida. To become a Running Buddy,
read through the questions on the website and
then register online. Running Buddies, are
chaperones for the run, and need to be at least
18 years or older.
Early Bird Registration: Now through November
14th; $20 for 18 and older $10 under 18
Regular Registration: November 15th-December 4th; $30 for 18 and older $10 under 18.
Day or Registration: December 6th only; $40
for 18 and older $10 under 18.
Girls Inc / 904-329-3897 / www.girlsincjax.org
Reindeer Run
December 7, 7am to 12noon
The Reindeer Run features a half-marathon,
5k, and a kids 1 mile, 1/2 mile and 100yd
dash. Other features include musical Christmas
entertainment on the route, Kids Zone with free
atrs and crafts and bounces houses, chocolate
milk and holiday cookies and treats for all participants, Christmas costume contest, special
reindeer bib lottery, new hoofs drawing (shoes),
and more. The Half/5K Race Start Time: 7am,
Kids Race Times: 10am for the 1 Mile; 10:15am
for the 1/2 Mile; and 10:30am for the 100 Yard
Dash. Kids fun run fees are $5 and 5k fees
range from $20-$25.
Proceeds benefit The Healthy Families Program,
Friends of Ft. Clinch and Amelia Island Runners
Youth Running Program and Girl Power 2 Cure.
Amelia Island Runners / Main Beach Park, 32
North Fletcher Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL
32034 / www.ameliarunners.com
Santa Suits on the Loose 5K
December 13, 8am to 12noon
The 5K run/jog/walk will be held at the St. Augustine Beach Pier. Sign-Up quickly to receive
a Santa Suit for the event. Guaranteed for first
300 adult registrants. Children will receive a
Santa inspired shirt. Children in strollers do not
have to register. Registration fees are $35. This
is a charitable event benefiting the St. Augustine Youth Services. RaceSmith / St. Augustine
Beach Pier, 350 A1A Beach Blvd, St. Augustine,
FL 32080 / www.racesmith.com
Festival of Lights 5K and Fun Run
December 13, 5:30pm
The Festival of Lights 5K will be held the same
evening as San Marco’s Holiday Magic. The
5K and 1 Mile will both start and finish on
San Marco Blvd. in the Square. This event will
feature: Carolers, Bell Ringers, Pictures with
Santa Clause, Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides, The
Little Train That Could Rides, Children’s Bounce
Games, Jugglers, Toy Soldier Stilt Walkers,
Christmas Tree Lighting, Food and Drinks,
Christmas Music, Jingle Bells for Your Shoes,
and more. The race will be held at night, but
the entire 5K course will be lined with luminaries. Entry fees range from $25 to $35 for the
5K, and $12 for the 1 mile fun run. Medals to
all children 13 and under in the one mile fun
run. There will also be a Kid’s area with lots
of activities. 5K at 6pm, 1 Mile at 5:30pm; 5K
Strollers & Walkers at 6:10pm.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is
encouraging all participants to pledge to raise
funds for the pediatric programs at UF Health
Jacksonville and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
You can support the hospitals by purchasing a
special “I run for the kids” package including
a glow in the dark bracelet and car sticker for
$10.
1st Place Sports / San Marco Square, 1999
San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 /
www.1stplacesports.com
Flash Dash 5K
December 20, 8am
The Flash Dash 5K is a fundraiser to benefit
St. Joseph Academy Athletics. Participants are
invited to stay after the race for refreshments,
music, and the Florida State Catholic Championship Basketball Tournament. Registration
is $10 for all students, and $20 to $25 for all
others. The 5k course starts and ends at St.
Joseph Academy.
RaceSmith / St. Joseph’s Academy, 155 SR 207
St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.racesmith.com
Bike Hikes
December 22, 9am to 10am and 10am to
11am
Bring your bike for this ride along the Rails Trail.
Ages 16 and under must wear helmets.
City of Jacksonville / Camp Milton Trail Head
at Jacksonville-Baldwin Rails Trails, 1175
Halsema Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32220 /
www.coj.net
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
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and it is based on research that has been
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Other benefits include:
• Overcoming academic difficulties
• Progress is maintained once program
is completed
• Better social skills
• Improvement of the emotional climate
at home
BIOFEEDBACK ASSOCIATES
904.646.0054
www.biofeedbackassociates.com
Most Insurances Accepted
Things to Do
nature
Bartram’s Travels
L
ast month we focused on the history of Fort
Caroline but the historical field trip opportunities don’t stop there. Nearly 250 years ago, the
famous naturalist
John Bartram was
given a stipend by
King George III to
explore and
document the
ecology of Florida.
He set out on the
St. Johns River
with his son
William, who later
also establish
himself as an
accomplished
naturalist and
artist. Throughout
their eight week
journey, John
documented
plants, soils, and
animals in his
journal and
William made
sketches of their observations. You can visit UNF’s
Florida History Online website (www.unf.edu/
floridahistoryonline) to learn about this journey
and read excerpts from Bartram’s journal. This
fantastic website includes a map, aerial photos
and descriptions of the places where the
Bartram’s most likely camped and explored.
On December 22, 1765, it is believed that John
and William Bartram camped on the banks of the
St. Johns in the area of today’s Walter Jones
Historic Park in Mandarin. This hidden gem is
also the location of the Mandarin Museum (www.
mandarinmuseum.net) which includes artifacts
from the Civil War steamboat Maple Leaf and
renowned writer Harriet Beecher Stowe’s life. On
December 6, 2014 Mandarin Museum will be
hosting the 15th annual Winter Celebration from
11a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity
to enjoy the park, experience the museum, and
celebrate our local history. j
Jennie Busey
Education Director
St. Johns Riverkeeper
www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org
904.256.7022
Photo credit:
Wikipedia.org by Howard Pyle
Florida Wildlife: Florida
Box Turtle
F
lorida has a variety of interesting animals,
and one reptile that is of particular interest is
the Florida Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina bauri).
Turtles all share the characteristic of having a
shell, but unique to some turtles, including the
Florida Box Turtle, is the presence of a hinge on
the plastron. This allows the turtle to firmly shut
its shell, thus allowing for more protection. These
turtles range along the Florida peninsula and
often inhabit wooded areas, wet meadows, and
flood plains. They will often dig shallow holes,
and you may find them enjoying a soak in
a puddle after a recent rain.
Breeding occurs during the
spring season with a clutch
size of 3 to 8 eggs. Life
expectancy of a Florida
Box Turtle can range
from 80-100 years!
Turtle is currently a protected species due to its
decline in population resulting from the pet trade.
If you should happen to see a Florida Box Turtle
or other native reptile in the wild, please respect
the animal and its space as it may be busy
searching for its next meal or shelter. The
Education Department has its own collection of
Florida Box Turtles including an adult named
Teresa and 3 juveniles hatched last year named
Beaker, Eggbert, and Scuter. These animals help
represent the species at the Jacksonville Zoo and
Gardens and act as an Education Animal
Ambassadors. Be sure to check out the
Zoo’s upcoming holiday camps, and
you might just have your own
chance to meet our box turtles
and many other amazing
animals! j
The Florida Box
Page 9 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Nature Events
SEA’s 3rd Annual Rails to Trails Festival
December 5-6
The Gullah Geechee Corridor is the focus of the
festival by SEA Community Help Resource Center. On Friday from 5pm to 9pm and Saturday
from 10am to 4pm enjoy fun walks and bike
rides, arts and crafts, homecooking, farmer’s
market and more. Free admission.
SEA Community / 904-806-3939 / The Gullah
Geechee Corridor, 4950 Harvey Avenue, St.
Augustine, FL 32033 / www.seachrc.org
Full Moon Beach Stroll
December 5, 4:30pm to 5:15pm
Join a Ranger for this full moon beach stroll.
All ages welcome, minors must be accompanied by an adult. The stroll will leave from the
beachside day use pavilion and visitors will
learn about fun and interesting moon facts and
the effects of the moon on the tidal ecosystem.
Some strolls will offer a choice for visitors to
take a short stroll to learn about the coastal
ecosystem, or participate in a longer hike
while discussing various myths, mysteries,
and mysticism of the full moon throughout the
centuries. Please bring water and dress for the
weather. Bring a camera for photo opportunities. Visitors will have the option to walk for
exercise or focus on an educational portion
with minimal walking. Please register online
or call 386-517-2086 for questions, assistance
or to RSVP. RSVP is required and you must
register every person in your party. Free with
park admission.
Florida State Parks / Gamble Rogers Memorial
State Recreation Area, 3100 S Oceanshore Blvd
Flagler Beach, FL 32136 / www.floridastateparks.org
Camp Tomahawk
December 6, 8am
Come prepared for an easy hike along shady
trails with dense undergrowth. The park has
a few fun loop paths that cross over and back
a part of Goodby’s Creek that extends into the
park. The paths are well-shaded and cool, and
“No one has
ever become
poor by
giving.”
– Anne Frank
appropriate for all ages/athletic capabilities.
Meeting Place: Meet in the parking lot at 8am.
Camp Tomahawk is at 8419 San Ardo Road, off
San Clerc Road which is between San Jose and
Old Kings Road. Contact Inez Whipple, 484769-3816 with any questions.
Duval Audobon Society / Camp Tomahawk /
8419 San Ardo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217 /
www.duvalaudubon.org
Girl Scout Cadettes Workshop: Trees
December 13, 9am to 11am
In this workshop, scouts will learn to identify
the age, leaves, and fruit of different trees
through classroom discussion and projects. The
workshop is from 9am to 1am. and is $12 per
scout. Register online at www.themosh.org.
MOSH /904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle,
Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org
Christmas at the Nature Center
December 13, 3pm to 6pm
Come to the Nature Center for holiday crafts,
hayrides, and a campfire. All ages are welcome
to join in the holiday fun. Pay at park office.
Admission is $2 and parking is $5.
Crooked River State Park / 912-882-5256 /
6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway St. Marys, GA
31558 / www.gastateparks.org
Telltale Teeth
December 22, 1pm to 2pm
Learn how an animal’s teeth can give clues as
to whether it’s a carnivore, omnivore or herbivore. Meet at Education Center at Camp Milton
Historic Preserve.
City of Jacksonville / Camp Milton Historic Preserve, 1175 Halsema Road North, Jacksonville,
FL 32220 / www.coj.net
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more
event listings.
infant & toddler
Treating Your Cold
Naturally
I
t is basic knowledge that antibiotics cannot
cure the common cold and should be avoided
unless there is a true source of infection. Most
illnesses that you or your child may get are likely
viral illnesses. Many over the counter medications
are not approved for children and many people
are seeking natural remedies instead of putting
foreign chemicals into their bodies. Working at an
integrative practice, we have come to know and
understand the power of homeopathy and would
like to share that with you so that you can battle
your next cold naturally. Below are supplements
and herbs that may be used at the first sign of
viral illness to help shorten the duration of the
illness. You don’t have to use all of them at once,
pick and choose which remedies are right for
you. For dosing instructions, please contact your
health care provider.keep in mind while you’re
shopping this holiday season.
healing properties. It may be used to treat
bronchitis, colds and upset stomach and fever.
Tumeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Tumeric
may be taken in capsule form or made into a tea.
Probiotics help to put the good bacteria in your
gut. 70% of your immune system lives in your gut
and by taking probiotics, you can help to ensure
that your gut it healthy enough to battle the
current infection. Probiotics may be taken in
powder or capsule form. Probiotics may be found
in good quality yogurt or kefir.
Honey can be used as a natural cough syrup. It
helps to coat the throat and decrease the “tickle”
that causes the cough. It may be added to tea
also to aid in cough and sore throat.
We hope that next time you can battle your cold
naturally! j
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for a healthy
Brooke Holway, ARNP
immune system, synthesizing DNA, healing
wounds and proper growth during childhood. Zinc Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville
help to regulate T cells in our body; T cells help to www.doctorojax.com
regulate our immune response and attack
infected or cancerous cells. Zinc lozenges or
syrup help to shorten the duration of the common
cold when taken within 24 hours of symptoms.
Zinc only needs to be taken in small dosages to
see the effects, be sure to use only under the
supervision of your health care provider for
proper dosage and duration of treatment.
Vitamin C is a highly effective antioxidant and
lessens oxidative stress in the body. It is found in
high concentrations in our immune cells. Extra
vitamin C may be taken during a viral illness in
powder or chewable form.
Elderberry extract or sambucus is an herb with
powerful antiviral properties. This herb may be
used to treat the flu, colds, yeast infections, nasal
and chest congestion. This may be found in liquid
form or lozenges at your local health food store.
Echinacea is an herb that is used to fight
infections including the common cold and other
upper respiratory symptoms. Echinacea helps to
shorten the duration of illness when taken at the
first sign of illness. Echinacea comes in many
forms such as tablets, juice and tea.
Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar has many
uses. The nature of this article can only briefly
describe its benefits. It has natural antiviral,
antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also
helps to thin mucus. It may be used to make a
tea with honey and lemon or may be taken
diluted with water alone.
Tumeric or curcumin is a plant that has many
Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Things to Do
Infant & Toddler
Rebounderz Toddler Tuesdays
December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 9:30am to 11:30am
This will be a 2 hour session open to ages 5 and under
only. Toddlers will be able to wear their athletic shoes,
parents will be required to wear jump socks. Pricing is
$8 per toddler and one adult may accompany the child
on the jumper for free.
Additional children will be $8 even if they don’t have an
accompanying adult. No additional discounts will apply.
Rebounderz / 904-300-0070 / 14985 Old St.
Augustine Road Jacksonville, Florida 32258 /
rebounderzjacksonville.com
Community CPR/AED
Thursday, December 4th, 6pm - 9pm
This course offers certification in Community
CPR and includes instruction and certification
in Adult, Child & Infant CPR. Includes AED and
Choking. Certification is through ASHI (American Safety & Health Institute). Course cost is
$40. Register online at www.safetyfirstjax.com
Child Safety Seat Installation Inspections
December 6, 8am to 10am
December 20, 8am to 10am
Child safety seat installation inspections will be
performed at Fire Station 2 located at 2500 South Beach
Parkway on Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 8am until
10am. City of Jacksonville Beach / Fire Station 2, 2500
South Beach Parkway, Jacksonville Beach, 32250 /
www.jacksonvillebeach.org
Little Learners-The Alien Who Stole Christmas &
Science Show
December 10, 9am to 11am
Bring your little ones to MOSH the second Wednesday of
every month for exclusive programming for preschoolaged children and their caregivers.Doors open at 9am
and The Alien Who Stole Christmas is at 10am in the
Bryan-Gooding Planetarium and Extreme Science! Is at
11am. Admission is only $5 per person (ages 3 & up).
Register online at www.themosh.org.
MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle,
Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org/Home.html
Free Nemours Brightstart Screenings
December 16, 10am to 12:30pm
Children ages 3-5 are invited to receive a free,
10-minute Early Literacy Screening at the library,
courtesy of Nemours BrightStart. Registration is
taken on a first-come, first-serve basis by a Nemours
representative. Utilize this free screening to find out
where your child’s literacy strengths lie, and what you
can do to help them improve in any other areas before
they start school.
Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library / 904-827-6950 /
101 Library Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.
sjcpls.org
If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
December 16, 10:15am to 10:45am
The mouse from If You Give A Mouse A Cookie will be
appearing for a very special holiday storytime. You’ll
have a chance to meet the Cookie Mouse and get a
photo taken. This program is intended for children from
birth – 5 years and their families.Bradham and Brooks
Branch / 904-765-5402 / 1755 Edgewood Avenue West,
Jacksonville, FL 32208 / http://jpl.coj.net
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
SCHEDULE A
TOUR TODAY!
Gold Seal Accreditation
5 Star Rating with Guiding Stars
Open Monday – Friday
6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Ages 6 weeks – 5 years
■
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A Beka Curriculum
Learn Every Day™
Nemours® BrightStart!
Spanish – 4 years & up
Dance & Soccer options
Computers
Nutritious Lunch & Snacks
Certified Teachers
Part time care available
for ages 2 years & up
$200 OFF Coupon
Receive $25.00 off a week for 8 weeks
New full time enrollments only! Two week notice voids offer.
One coupon per family. Multiple discounts not allowed.
Expiration 1/15/15.
Four Jacksonville locations to serve you!
Intracoastal
904-641-5273
Southside
904-997-1971
11761 Beach Blvd. # 13
8595 Beach Blvd. # 201
Baymeadows
904-538-0900
Arlington
904-807-9191
Lic #C04DU370
10915 Baymeadows Rd. # 200
Lic #C04DU0025
Lic #C04DU369
3033 Monument Road #21
Lic #C04DU0806
Quality Preschool and Childcare
www.TsLearningCenter.com
T
Page 11 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Special needs
Gumball Grab is a game that teaches children
correct pencil grip, matching colors, counting
and hand-eye coordination. Your kids won’t realize how much they are learning because they will
be having so much fun playing this game. They
will be developing the muscle control and grip
they need to get ready to write. $29.99 www.
lakeshorelearning.com
Gift Guide
The Screw Block by Guidecraft is a simple yet
great manipulative toy for developing handeye coordination, fine motor skills and color
matching. Children will stay focused as they try
to screw in the pieces with their hands or the
screwdriver as their skill level increases. $14.95
www.guidecraft.com
Learning how to call 911 and their parents is a
must for children of all ages. Learning Resources has the Pretend & Play® Teaching
Telephone® that is programmable for the phone
numbers your child needs to learn. One of the
best features of this phone is that children get
rewarded for dialing your programmed number
with a message you record! This phone is great
toy to also help children develop language and
conversation with pretend play.
$39.99 www.learningresources.com
The Bazoongi 48” Trampoline with bar is a
necessity for any child that needs sensory input.
These trampolines come with a handle bar for
safety and stability. Your kids will bounce for
hours not realizing that they are working their
core muscles and getting some awesome sensory feedback!
$75.25 (varies by color) www.Amazon.com
There are so many possibilities with the Melissa
and Doug Felt Food Sandwich Set, white
bread, wheat bread, sub roll or even a pita! This
mix ‘n match set can help children develop
several skills like sequencing, auditory processing and even memory. $19.99 www.melissaanddoug.com
Your children will work on developing so many
skills with the Babies R Us Shape Time Activity
Farm. Hand-eye coordination, motor planning,
sorting, matching, the list goes on and on. One
of the best features is the locking system that
allows children to use the shape with its specific
key to unlock the doors to retrieve the blocks
or whatever item you choose to put behind the
doors. $9.99 www.toysrus.com
Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
With the Hape Pound and Tap Bench your child
will be making sweet music while developing so
many skills at the same time. A great feature is
that the xylophone can be pulled out and your
child can tap directly on the keys as well. They
will learn rhythm and melody along with fine
motor skills and problem solving. $29.99 www.
hape.com
The Learn to Dress Monkey and Kitty from
Alex Toys is going to help develop so many
important fine motor skills. They will practice
buttoning, work with snaps, hook and loop,
buckles, learn to tie, zipper and more! The dolls’
clothes are removable for also learning how to
dress and undress. Your child can practice putting
on the socks and lace-up sneakers for even more
skill development. Everything including the dolls
are washable too! $43.95 www.alextoys.com
The Mindware Imagination Magnets come
with 42 colorful, magnetic wood blocks and 50
full-colored designs to replicate. The magnetic
whiteboard can be used with dry erase markers
so your child can draw a background for their
creations. Your child will be working on fine motor and visual thinking skills as well as developing
creativity! $29.99 www.target.com
The Hoberman Sphere Rainbow is as awesome as it looks! The sphere will expand from
9.5” to 30” as your child throws it, kicks, rolls it
or does whatever they want to do with it. This
toy was created to inspire children to use their
imagination. It can also help children who need
calming to visualize deep breathing as it closes
and expands. You can also purchase it in a mini
size to keep those fidgety hands and minds busy
during car trips! $29.24 www.walmart.com
Special needs
Holidays With Special Needs
Children
T
he holidays are such a special time, creating
family memories and traditions which will
stay with children the rest of their lives. Holiday
crowds, lights, noise, strangers, hugging, change
in routine; for some special needs children, this
might be a recipe for stress and sensory
overload. Traditions and rituals may not work
with special needs children. As parents, we need
to be flexible with our own definition of what a
holiday should look like. All children can benefit
from this exercise and for those with Autism,
Asperger’s, or Sensory Processing issues,
self-regulating can be the way to go.
to faces to reduce stress.
Holidays can be busy times, as interacting with
many people, giving presents, traveling, etc. This
can mean skipping on nap time or making the
child overtly tired. Child then can lead to hitting a
melting point. Give the child as much quite time
away from these activities as they might need.
With shopping, try to avoid taking the children
shopping on the busiest shopping days of the
year. Child room should be in a safe place for
child to reenergize.
As these special occasions happen few times
Many special needs children are used to routine, during the year, parents are sometimes may plan
structure and consistency. Making a schedule for to have a “perfect” holiday. Parents might try to
these children in advance such as days, hours, or do everything in there will power to help create
even minutes before changes was to happen
that for the child. This might cause trying to rush
while help prepare to what is to happen. Give
thru events or even going over the budget.
them a clipboard or dry erase board. Talking
Creating a To-Do lists together and schedule
about the event will prevent a meltdowns and
plenty of time between events to help savor each
anxiety in the child. Allowing the child to place
moment. Let the child do one thing for the holiday
things on the list makes them feel involved.
that makes them feel proud. For example,
Encourage them to add happy words like laugh or drawing a special picture for the guest’s chair or
draw a smile face on their list.
helping to decorate the room for a party. Relaxing and enjoying the experience together can be
Most children have an attachment to favorite
worth a lifetime of memories!
blanket, stuffed animal, toy, or other item. Child
should have a backpack filled with these comfort- Using relaxation techniques such as deep
ing items, especially if traveling. These items will breathing or coping strategies should be
give the child a sense of familiarity and make
incorporated into the day. Let the children see you
them feel grounded and secure.
use these techniques during stress. This will
allow them to use breathing, visualizing, and
As expended families get together, there will be
positive thinking are power tools. Practice,
unfamiliar faces which the child has not seen
practice, practice… j
before. It is important for these visitors to give
Dr.Yesha Modi
the child time to warm up and re-establish a
connection. Waiting few minutes after the visitors Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville
www.doctorOjax.com
have arrived and approaching the child slowly
1102 A1A North, Unit 104 * Ponte Vedra Beach,
with warm interaction will help create a better
FL 32082 * 904-273-6533
interaction result than invasion into personal
4745 Sutton Park Court, Suite 801 * Jacksonville,
space. Looking through photos of relatives prior
FL 32224 * 904-743-2100
to your event if gathering involved rarely seen
1633 Race Track Road, Suite 103 * Jacksonville,
relatives. Play memory matching games names
FL 32259 * 904-287-7000
YOU CAN
ONLINE AT
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES STILL AVAILABLE!
CALL 904.307.4221
Page 13 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Things to Do
Special Needs
Sensory Friendly Films –
Penguins of Madagascar
December 5, 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. Movies are shown
at the AMC Regency 24 in the Regency Center
Square. www.amctheatres.com/programs/
sensory-friendly-films / 904-725-0885 / 9451
Regency Square Blvd
The ARC - Running of The Bulls 5K
December 6, 8:30am – 12pm
The Arc Jacksonville will host its Running of The
Bulls 5K. This new event borrows its theme from
the famous “Encierro,” or The Running of The
Bulls, held each July in Pamplona, Spain. The Arc
Jacksonville’s Running of The Bulls 5K starting
gate will be at Hemming Plaza. Participants will
be chased through the streets of Downtown
Jacksonville by members of the Jacksonville
RollerGirls who will show no mercy! Those who
have survived will be rewarded with a celebratory after party featuring drinks, food, music and
more. www.arcjacksonville.org / 904-355-0155
/ Held at, Hemming Plaza, 135 W Monroe St
Caring Santa
December 7, 9am – 10:30am
Caring Santa will be at The Avenues and Orange
Park Malls on December 7th. This is a special
event dedicated to families that have children with special needs, providing a subdued
environment to visit the Santa Photo Experience.
Many steps are taken to reduce sensory triggers
– music turned off near the Santa set, nearby
escalators shut down and lights dimmed – all
creating a more comforting experience for the
children’s magical visit with Santa.
shoptheavenues.com / 904-363-3054 / The
Avenues: 10300 Southside Blvd
orangeparkmall.com / 904-269-9413 / Orange
Park Mall: 1910 Wells Rd
Every 2nd Friday of each month children on
the Autism Spectrum or with Sensory Integration Disorder can participate in a sensory jump.
Parents can network with other families, while
the kids enjoy playing. www.pumpitupparty.com
/ 904-646-1441 / 11840 Beach Blvd Suite 10
Nathaniel’s Hope Buddy Break
December 13, 9am – 12pm
Buddy Break is held the second Saturday of
every month. It is a free kids/respite program
where children with special needs (VIP kids)
make new friends, play fun games, enjoy crafts,
therapy dogs, stories, music activities, and more.
Siblings have fun too. Meanwhile, their caregivers get a break from their ongoing care-giving
responsibilities for three hours. Each VIP kid is
paired one-on-one with a screened volunteer
“Buddy” to participate in that day’s activities.
www.deermeadows.org / 904-302-9766 /
Deermeadows Baptist Church, 9780 Baymeadows Road
www.raifordroadchurch.org / 904-259-6015 /
Raiford Road Church, 9201 South State Road
121
Henderson Haven – Mom’s Day Off
December 13, 9am – 3pm
Henderson Haven is offering a Mom’s Day off
on select Saturdays for children with developmental disabilities. Children will participate in
crafts and spend time with their peers and the
experienced staff. The cost is $30. You must
reserve your place ahead of time by checking
the Program Calendar on the website. Reservations will be accepted between the Monday after
the current scheduled day and the Wednesday
before the next one. www.hendersonhaven.org /
904-264-2522 / 772 Foxridge Center Dr
UF Holiday Reading Camp
Dec 22- 24, Registration Deadline Dec 3
Dec 29 – 31, Registration Deadline Dec 8
The UF Developmental Pediatric Center is
pleased to offer individualized, intensive
reading intervention during the Thanksgiving
and Christmas holidays. UF Developmental
Pediatrics’ Masterful Reader program provides
research-based, scientifically proven reading
instruction tailored to meet your child’s needs
at an affordable price. If your child is struggling
in areas such as phonemic awareness, phonics,
fluency and/or comprehension, they can help. All
sessions are one-on-one with a qualified tutor.
UF CARD - An Evening with Santa
Each session is 45 minutes – 1 hour, depending
December 11, 5:30pm – 8pm
on the child’s age. Each 3-day block of sessions
Join the UF Developmental Pediatric staff as
is $105. An initial one-time reading evaluation is
they host An Evening with Santa. Join the
required for all Masterful Reader students. This
celebration as the halls ring with cheer, enjoy
holiday snacks, crafts, and activities in a friendly, provides us with the necessary data to individuaccepting environment. Also, remember to bring alize instruction. Initial reading evaluations are
$200 and must be conducted prior to reading
your wish list for Santa’s mailbox and your
instruction. Enroll today, as space is limited. For
camera to capture all of the special memories.
For more information email autumn.mauch@jax. more information regarding the program or to
register, please contact Carrie Fagen at (904)
ufl.edu.
633-0769 or here.
www.hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism / 904-633www.hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism / 904-6330760 / 6271 St. Augustine Rd, Suite 1
0760 / 6271 St Augustine Rd, Suite 1
Sensory Jump at Pump It Up
December 12
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more
9:30am – 10:50am and 7:30pm – 11:00pm
event listings.
teens
Synthetic Drugs: The
Big Fat Lie that is Killing
Our Kids
M
arketed to teens and young adults as a
natural and safer alternative to pot,
synthetic drugs are posing a highly dangerous
threat.
made with toxic chemicals and the combinations change all the time. The makers push their
products on our kids by using bright packages
and cartoon characters.
Since its emergence on the drug scene a few
years ago, synthetic marijuana (MJ)—often
called “Spice” or “K2”—has become the second
most popular illegal drug among American teenagers, after MJ.
What should parents do to protect their children
from the dangers of synthetic drugs? The Partnership for Drug Free Kids lists these tips:
Especially popular among teenage boys, it is
often touted as a “natural,” “safe,” and (until
recently) legal alternative to pot, according to
The National Institute on Drug Abuse. Despite
its “natural” façade, this very un-natural class
of designer chemicals has shown itself to be a
dangerous threat.
“Thousands of teens and young adults, mostly
young males, are ending up in emergency rooms
with severe symptoms that may include vomiting, racing heartbeat, elevated blood pressure,
seizures, or hallucinations,” as stated by The
National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as
“synthetic marijuana,” “K2,” or “Spice”, are often
sold in legal retail outlets as “herbal incense” or
“potpourri”, and synthetic cathinones are often
sold as “bath salts” or “jewelry cleaner”. They
are labeled “not for human consumption” to
mask their intended purpose and avoid Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory oversight of
the manufacturing process.
Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals that are applied (often sprayed) onto plant
material and marketed as a “legal” high. Users
claim that synthetic cannabinoids mimic Δ9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive active ingredient in marijuana.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office encourages you
to educate your children about the dangers of
K-2, Spice, Molly and Other Synthetic Drugs. It’s
addictive, it’s poisonous, it can kill you and it’s
illegal. Spice and K-2 is worse than a drug; it’s
• Make observations. Note changes in your
teen’s usual behavior, appearance, personal
habits, health, and school work.
• Keep track. Note (in your head or in a journal) when and how often your teen breaks
the rules or does something suspicious.
• Search for drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Some parents are against “snooping,” while
others believe they have the right to look
through their children’s things. There is no
correct answer, but if you want to collect
concrete evidence of your child’s drug use
before your intervention, here are some
good places to look: dresser drawers, desk
drawers, backpacks, the glove compartment
of the car, the back of closets, corners of
bed sheets, under the mattress or bed, small
boxes, books/bookcases, makeup cases,
over-the-counter medicine bottles, and
empty candy wrappers.
• Talk with your spouse/partner. If your teen’s
other parent or caregiver does not share the
same beliefs and values that you do when it
comes to drugs, you will certainly hear about
it from your kid. So get on the same page as
your spouse or partner before you intervene
with your child.
• Recognize the significance of addiction
in your family. For some, trying drugs or
alcohol once or twice is just part of the teen
experience. But if there is a history of addiction in your family, your child is much more
likely than other kids to become addicted.j
www.drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/
Intervention_Guide.pdf
www.narconon.org
www.drugabuse.gov
“Let us not be satisfied with just giving money.
Money is not enough, money can be got,
but they need your hearts to love them. So,
spread your love everywhere you go.”
– Mother Teresa
Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Things to Do
Teens
Teen Gaming Night
December 3, 5pm to 7pm
Teens (Ages 13-18) are invited to have fun with
friends at the library. Play “E” and “T”-rated
games on our PlayStation 3, Nintendo WiiU,
Nintendo Wii, or X-Box 360 set up on three TVs
for simultaneous playing. Don’t worry about
waiting for a turn - there will be board games to
play. Snacks will be provided.
Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library / 904-8276950 / 101 Library Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
32082 / www.sjcpls.org
Red-Cross Certified Lifeguard Training
December 10-18
Red-Cross Certified Lifeguard Training at the
Jewish Community Alliance. Participants must
be at least 15 years old. Visit the website for
list of other pre-requisites. Contact the Aquatics
Department at ext. 240 with any questions.
Fee is $285 for non-members; and $190 for
members.
Certification Dates:
December 10, 6:30pm to 9:30pm (pre-test and
first day of class);
December 11, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
December 14, 10am to 5pm
December 15, 16, 17, 18, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 /
8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 /
www.jcajax.org
Hour of Code
December 11, 6pm to 7pm
South Mandarin library will host the “Hour of
Code” which is a global movement with the aim
of reaching tens of millions of students in 180+
countries. During Computer Science Education Week (December 8-14, 2014), libraries
everywhere will host “Hour of Code” activities
including hour-long tutorials featuring Mark
Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Angry Birds, and Plants
vs. Zombies, designed to show that anyone can
learn the basics. Held in the Electronic Classroom. Contact Bryan Thomas at 904-288-6385
with any questions.
South Mandarin Branch Library / 904-288-6385
/ 12125 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223
/ www.jpl.coj.net
Shrinky Dink Art and Ornaments For Teens
December 19, 4pm to 5:30pm
Discover the Art and Science behind Shrinky
Dinks using recycled plastic to make holiday
art and ornaments. Holiday Craft Program for
ages 12 to 17. Held in Room B. Contact Carisia
Rooney at crooney@coj.net or 904-996-0325
x4 with any questions.
Southeast Regional Branch / 904-996-0325 /
10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
32256 / www.jpl.coj.net
Babysitters Training Course
December 23, 9am to 3:30pm
Learn to prepare for an emergency if home
alone or babysitting in this one-day class. Valuable safety tips, basic CPR and first aid skills
will be reviewed. For ages 10 to 15.
Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 /
8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 /
www.jcajax.org
My Life In Rhymes
December 27, 12noon to 2pm
Tonya Smart, founder of the Jax Youth Poetry
Slam and a host of SPEAK UP! will lead free
workshops on poetic autobiographies. Start
with a timeline and visual history, delve into
copyrighting and self-publishing, and end up
with a book. Participate in 12 poetry projects
exploring writing and performance. You may
have an opportunity to share your work at the
Brave New Voices International Poetry Festival.
Ages 12 – 18. Call 904-502-7444 for information and to register.
Main Library / 904-630-2665 / 303 North Laura
Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jpl.coj.
net
Publix Aprons Teen Food Fight
December 29 – 30, 4pm
If your teen can’t get enough of competitive
cooking shows on TV, then they will love this
2-day cooking boot camp where your teen will
get to see what it’s like to take part in one. They
will learn on day one knife skills & safety, basic
cooking techniques, flavor profiling and dish
conception. Day two will consist of the students
(guided by professional chefs) team competing for the bragging rights of Best Dish. Menu:
Day 1 - Italian-Style Braised Pork with Creamy
Polenta; Grilled Skirt with Chimichurri; Pan
Seared Salmon with Mustard Glaze; Roasted
Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Day 2 - Food Fight!
Cost is $80 and registration is available online
on a first come, first served basis.
Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187
/ 10500 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida
32257 / www.publix.com/aprons
Marvel Movie Madness
December 30, 2pm to 4pm
Teens are invited for a free showing of Captain
America: The Winter Soldier in the Community
Room at the Mandarin Branch Library.
Mandarin Branch / 904-262-5201/ 3330 Kori
Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.jpl.coj.net
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
Teen Idol Dalton Cyr Returns To Jacksonville for ONE SHOW
ONLY Noon Year’s Eve at the Jacksonville Zoo
J
acksonville’s own Dalton Cyr will return from
Los Angeles, California where he’s been
living since August, to perform at the Jacksonville
Zoo and Garden’s Noon Year’s Eve event.
Last year, this teen recording artist rocked our
Zoo’s Noon Year’s Eve event…and he has agreed
to return again this year. This will be his ONLY
the last few years and now that he is in Los
Angeles, we expect to see even more coming
from this young man. Dalton’s fans are in 149
countries around the world; this is
your kids chance to see him
perform live and up close!
Due to release a new CD for the
holidays, you’ll be able to hear his
new hit songs along with fan
favorites from his first CD, “I’ll Be
There.” Dalton will be sticking
around for free autographs and
pictures after his performance. He’ll
also have merchandise available for
purchase at the event. Connect with
Dalton @DaltonCyr on Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram; on You Tube
at youtube.com/CyriousStuff and his
to the zoo. In addition to the concert, enjoy
official fan page at daltoncyr.com.
entertainment throughout the zoo including
Dalton Cyr, managed by Kepler
Entertainment in Los Angeles, is
currently being seen by and
working with industry leaders.
Experiencing a whirlwind of activity, Dalton has
been able to meet with, and be seen by, recording face painting, Captain Character puppet shows,
free caricatures, magic shows, an apple juice
legends, the best casting directors for casting
pilots, TV series, and feature films, producers
from Nickelodeon, Disney, and
Paramount,
record labels,
songwriters and
recording
industry people
who work with
legends.
Noon Year’s Eve
is Wednesday,
performance in Jacksonville before returning to
December 31st
Los Angeles at the beginning of January.
from 10am
– 1pm. The
We’ve been watching Dalton Cyr rise in popularity concert and all activities are FREE with admission
Page 15 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
toast at Noon and much more! The first 500
receive a goody bag. Register to win a ski trip to
Cataloochee Ski Area located high in the
mountains of Western North Carolina 35 miles
west of Asheville and 3 hours north of Atlanta.
Cataloochee Ski Area is the home of “Great
Skiing in the Great Smokies!” We look forward
to seeing you at the Jacksonville Zoo and
Gardens for Noon Year’s Eve! j
ANNIE MOVIE
Jax4Kids.com is giving you the
chance to win passes to an
advance screening of Annie on
Saturday December 13th. Log
on to Jax4Kids.com, join our
eNews list, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for
details on how you can win!
Visit www.annie-movie.com or
follow @AnnieTheMovie. Annie
opens in theaters December 19th.
NORAD TRACKS SANTA
sorship, and is financed by neither American nor Canadian
taxpayers.
Last year, 19.58 million unique visitors visited www.noradsanta.org on Christmas Eve as NORAD tracked Santa using
military satellites, radar, spider aircraft and Santa cameras
(also known as Santa Cams)
#JAX4KIDSFAMILYFUN
NORAD Santa provides up-to-the-minute information on
Santa’s journey! Follow Santa as he makes his magical
journey to earth from the North Pole. Log on beginning
December 1st to enjoy games, video, music and stories
and more.
You can call the NORAD Track Santa Hotline at 1-877-HINORAD Christmas Eve beginning at 4am Mountain Standard Time as they track Santa around the world!
Follow Santa @NoradSanta
gram, Facebook, or Twitter and
include #jax4kidsFamilyFun
and the location and date of
your photo, you’ll be entered
to win a day of family fun at
Adventure Landing Shipwreck
Island Waterpark including 4
one day passes! We’ll draw
one winner each month.
SAVE $5 ON RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM
& BAILEY CIRCUS TICKETS.
CREATIVE IDEAS FOR RECYCLING
YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
Turn it into mulch
Cut the trunk into pieces and make coasters or ornaments
Make a sachet with pine needles
On December 24, 1955, a Sears department store placed
an advertisement in a Colorado Springs newspaper which
told children that they could telephone Santa Claus and
included a number for them to call. The telephone number
printed was misprinted and calls instead came to the Colorado Springs’ Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD)
Center. Colonel Harry Shoup, who was on duty that night,
told his staff to give all children who called in a “current location” for Santa Claus. A tradition began which continued
when the North American Aerospace Defense Command
(NORAD) replaced CONAD in 1958.
Today, NORAD relies on volunteers to make the program
possible. NORAD Tracks Santa relies on corporate spon-
Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
#JAX4KIDS FAMILY FUN PHOTOS
Jax4Kids.com has your tickets to Family Fun! Beginning
December 1st, when you upload a picture of your kids or
family at an event you found on Jax4Kids.com to Insta-
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents
Circus Xtreme at the Veterans Memorial Arena, January 15
– 18 and Jax4Kids.com has a discount on admission offer
for you! Purchase your tickets online at ticketmaster.com,
in person at the box office or by calling 1-800-745-3000
and use the code JX4KDS to save $5 off each ticket (maximum of 6 per order. Not valid on opening night, Saturday
3:30 performance, VIP or front row seating).
LET’S CONNECT
PULL THIS SECTION OUT AND KEEP IT FOR REFERENCE
THE RESULTS ARE IN!
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
BEST BAKERY FOR
BIRTHDAY CAKES
BEST PLACE TO PARTY
AGES 7-12
Publix Bakery
Rebounderz
BEST ENTERTAINER
BEST PLACE TO PARTY
AGES 13 AND UP
Captain Character
Rebounderz
BEST PARTY
RENTAL COMPANY
BEST PARTY SUPPLY STORE
Space Walk of Jacksonville
Party City
VOTED
BEST
Teen Camp
In-Class
Field Trip
Place To Party
Ages 7-12
BEST PLACE TO PARTY
AGES 1-6
Place To Party
Ages 13 and Up
Chuck E Cheese
THINGS TO DO
BEST DAY TRIP
BEST HIDDEN GEM
St. Augustine
Jump! Zone
BEST LOCAL
FAMILY ACTIVITY
BEST PLACE TO
GET CREATIVE
Jacksonville Zoo
and Gardens
Doing Dishes
BEST PARENTS NIGHT OUT
BEST FESTIVAL OR
EVENT FOR FAMILIES
Little Gym
Jacksonville Fair
BEST PARK OR
PLAYGROUND
BEST FAMILY
VACATION SPOT
Sunshine Park
Orlando
Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
THE RESULTS ARE IN!
Make Your Holiday Sweet!
PLACES TO EAT
BEST KID’S MENU
BEST ITALIAN FOOD
Chick-fil-A
Olive Garden
BEST KIDS EAT FREE
BEST JAPANESE
STEAKHOUSE
TIE: Moe’s & Denny’s
ESTAB
LIS H E D 1 9 8
3
Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse
BEST KIDS NIGHT
ENTERTAINMENT
!
s
g
n
i
t
’s Gree
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
Chick-fil-A
La Nopalera
BEST RESTAURANT FOR
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS
BEST PIZZA
Moon River
Sweet Tomatoes
BEST SEAFOOD
BEST HEALTH FOOD STORE
Whole Foods
Red Lobster
BEST BREAKFAST
BEST FROZEN YOGURT
OR ICE CREAM
Metro Diner
Sweet Frog
BEST BAR B Q
BEST PLACE
FOR SWEETS
Sonny’s BBQ
Peterbrooke
BEST BURGER
Five Guys Burgers
CAMPS
BEST OVERNIGHT CAMP
Camp Weed, Live Oak, FL
BEST ARTS CAMP
Cummer Museum
BEST BIBLE/RELIGIOUS CAMP
Camp Weed, Live Oak, FL
BEST INDIVIDUAL
SPORTS CAMP
The Little Gym of Orange Park
BEST SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP
Camp Boggy Creek
BEST TEEN CAMP
BEST EDUCATIONAL CAMP
MOSH
BEST GENERAL
ACTIVITY CAMP
The Little Gym of Orange Park
BEST GENERAL
SPORTS CAMP
UNF
Page 19 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Rebounderz
n
o
s
a
e
S
Thanks For Voting Us Best
Place for Sweets!
Visit www.peterbrooke.com to find YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CHOCOLATIER!
Jax4Kids Ad.indd 1
11/14/2014 7:37:53 PM
10 Jacksonville Locations!
• Baymeadows (904) 620-9884
• Blanding (904) 276-2344
• Eagle Harbor (904) 264-9111
• Hodges at JTB (904) 223-7079
• Julington Creek (904) 230-2791
• Mandarin (904) 268-4424
• Monument (904) 996-8111
• Neptune Beach (904) 241-0100
• Ponte Vedra (904) 285-4031
• Wells Road (904) 264-7555
Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
(Offer Valid For New Students Only)
THE RESULTS ARE IN!
EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT
BEST PRESCHOOL
BEST AFTER SCHOOL
PROGRAM
St Mark’s Episcopal
Day School
Grace Episcopal Day School
BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL
BEST TUTOR
Grace Episcopal Day School
Tutoring Club of Jacksonville
BEST HOMESCHOOL GROUP
BEST EDUCATIONAL WEBSITE
Classical Conversations
abcmouse.com
BEST SCHOOL FOR SPECIAL
NEEDS CHILDREN
BEST PARENT & CHILD CLASS
North Florida School for
Special Education
The Little Gym of Orange Park
BEST MUSIC LESSONS
Ronan School of Music
FIELD TRIPS
BEST PRESCHOOL FIELD TRIP
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
BEST ELEMENTARY
FIELD TRIP
HANDS-ON
LEARNING
HAPPENS AT
THE CUMMER
MUSEUM
BEST ANIMAL EDUCATION
FIELD TRIP
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The Cummer Museum of Art &
BEST NATURE FIELD TRIP
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Tree Hill Nature Center
BEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
FIELD TRIP
BEST FIELD TRIP LUNCH SPOT
Amazing Grace Crop Maze
BEST HIGH SCHOOL
FIELD TRIP
Disney World
BEST ARTS FIELD TRIP
Cummer Museum
BEST HISTORY/CULTURE/
CIVICS FIELD TRIP
St. Augustine
Page 21 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Park
Gardens is home to a variety
of international masterpieces,
CREATE
from antiquity to present day.
Whether you’re a first-time
guest or a lifelong patron,
there’s something new
waiting to be discovered in
the Cummer Galleries. Stop in
today and open your eyes to
another point of view.
cummermuseum.org
THE RESULTS ARE IN!
SPORTS
BEST BASKETBALL
INSTRUCTION
BEST HORSEBACK RIDING
INSTRUCTION
Upward Basketball
Diamond D Ranch
BEST BASEBALL
INSTRUCTION
BEST LACROSSE
INSTRUCTION
i9 Sports
FIAA
BEST CHEERLEADING
INSTRUCTION
BEST MARTIAL ARTS
INSTRUCTION
TIE: i9 Sports & Pop Warner
Karate America
BEST DANCE INSTRUCTION
BEST SOCCER INSTRUCTION
Village Dance Center
Clay County Soccer Club
BEST GOLF INSTRUCTION
BEST SWIMMING
INSTRUCTION
First Tee of North FL
YMCA
BEST GYMNASTICS
INSTRUCTION
BEST TENNIS INSTRUCTION
Little Gym of Orange Park
Florida Yacht Club
BEST FLAG FOOTBALL OR
FOOTBALL INSTRUCTION
BEST VOLLEYBALL
INSTRUCTION
i9 Sports
YMCA
PET PLACES
BEST PET STORE
PetsMart
t
Ventriloquisw !
Puppet Sho
Magic!
on
Ballo ng!
ti
Twis
Face Pa
inting!
BEST ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Herschel Animal Hospital
BEST PET RESORT
Pet Paradise
BEST DOGGIE DAYCARE
Pet Paradise
BEST DOG PARK
Dogwood Park
BEST ANNUAL EVENT
FOR PETS
Barktoberfest
BIRTHDAY
PARTY THEMES
SCHEDULE YOUR
PARTY TODAY !
Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Captain Clown and his Circus Friends
Pirates
Jungle Jim
Dinosaur Paleontolo gist
Superheroes
and More!
(904) 294-3277 www.captaincharacter.net
HEALTH & WELLNESS
FAVORITE MERCHANTS
BEST PEDIATRICIAN
BEST CHILDREN’S
CLOTHING STORE
Carither’s Pediatrics
BEST ALLERGIST
The Children’s Place
BEST DERMATOLOGIST
BEST CHILDREN’S
CONSIGNMENT SHOP
OR EVENT
Dr. Pearl Kwong
Once Upon a Child
BEST PEDIATRIC DENTIST
BEST EDUCATIONAL STORE
Setzer & Cochran
School Aids
BEST ORTHODONTIST
BEST PLACE TO BUY
OUTDOOR PLAY EQUIPMENT
Family Allergy-Dr.Katz
Joy Orthodontics Dr. Jessica Crews
Academy Sports
BEST OPTOMETRIST
BEST TOY STORE
Carvell and Associates
Toys ‘R Us
BEST PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS
BEST SPORTING
GOODS STORE
Nemours Children’s Clinic
BEST CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST
Nemours Children’s Clinic
BEST SPEECH THERAPIST
Catherine Swanson
BEST OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Brooks Rehabilitation
Page 23 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Academy Sports
Introducing
Mobile check deposit
It’s your money. Making deposits should fit into your schedule. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Mobile Check
Deposit – a free service on your VyStar Mobile Banking App that makes it easy for members to securely deposit
checks using a Smartphone or tablet. Wherever. Whenever.
HErE’S HOW tO
Make sure you have the most recent version of our mobile app
Sign the back of your check and write “Deposit via Mobile Deposit”
Open the app and select “Deposit Check”
Select the desired VyStar account
Enter the deposit amount
Photograph the check, front and back
Confirm the image quality and request an
email confirmation
OPEn yOur accOunt tOday.
We never forget that it’s your money.
If you don’t have the Mobile Banking app yet, download it today
from Google Play or the iTunes app store by searching VyStar.
JacKSOnVILLE & SurrOundInG cOuntIES 904-777-6000 • OutSIdE OF JacKSOnVILLE 1-800-445-6289
Please Note: The funds you deposit via your mobile app may not be available for immediate withdrawal. Please refer to your Services Agreement for full disclosures. VyStar does not charge fees for banking wireless. If you do not have a device to access a
mobile site, wireless banking or text message banking, there may be a cost to purchase/rent one. There can be monthly service fees and other charges by the carrier for text messaging, email and wireless Internet access. Certain restrictions apply. VyStar
is not responsible for usage, services or charges incurred on any device. © 2014 VyStar Credit Union
VYS 1314.v1.indd 1
8/18/14 11:43 AM
St. Johns County School District News
According to the CHARACTER COUNTS! initiative, Responsibility includes doing what you are
supposed to do. Further, Responsibility instructs
children to persevere, keep on trying, and always
do their best. It emphasizes the use self-control
and self-discipline. Students are taught to think
before they act and to consider the consequencOne special student from each class was selected es, then be accountable for their choices.
by his or her teacher as an outstanding example
of Responsibility, one of the Six Pillars of charac- The St. Johns County School District is committed
ter in CHARACTER COUNTS!. The Six Pillars also
to their mission statement that they “will inspire
include Trustworthiness, Respect, Fairness, Caring good character and a passion for lifelong learning
and Citizenship.
in all students, creating educated and caring
contributors to the world.”
Before the start of the ceremony, a slide show
highlighted examples of
responsible behavior for
each child at school and
at home. Some of their responsibilities included recycling, getting class work
done on time, persevering
even when work is hard,
table washing, serving as
safety patrol to help other
students get on assigned
buses, P.E. buddy to help
younger students stay
Principal and Assistant
Principal of the Year Nominees
Cathy Mittelstadt, principal of St. Augustine High
School (SAHS), has been selected as the St.
Johns County School District’s (SJCSD) nominee
for the 2014-2015 Principal Achievement Award
for Outstanding Leadership.
Nigel Pillay, assistant principal at Pedro Menendez High School (PMHS), was chosen as the
district’s nominee for the 2014-2015 Outstanding
Assistant Principal Achievement Award.
These programs honor principals and assistant
principals who utilize teamwork and leadership
skills to increase student performance, establish
partnerships with parents and community mem-
These two St. Johns County nominations have
been forwarded to the state where the nominees
will compete at the regional level. The statewide
winner in each category will be announced later
this year.
This month’s Pillar
Character Counts Pillar
is All Pillars.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Six
Pillars
run
walk
FEBRUARY 7, 2015 • 2 PM
PALENCIA ELEMENTARY
bers, and promote safe learning environments.
Awardees are also recognized for ethical leadership and their use of innovative technology as
well as their commitment to forging personal,
social, economic, and cultural relationships in the
classroom, the school and the community to build
and support a learning organization focused on
student success.
CITIZENSHIP
CARING
FAIRNESS
RESPONSIBILITY
safe, homework before play, feeding pets, taking
out trash, unloading dishwasher, and planting in
the garden.
RESPECT
The “Pillar Patrol” visited Ocean Palms Elementary in Ponte Vedra Beach on November 7, where
35 honorable students were recognized for
responsibility at the CHARACTER COUNTS! Ceremony. Dr. Joseph G. Joyner, Superintendent of
Schools for the St. Johns County School District,
led the ceremony along with Jessica Richardson, Principal of Ocean Palms. Mrs. Richardson
emphasized that academics are a high priority in
addition to developing children of good character.
TRUSTWORTHINESS
Dr. Joyner, Superintendent of CHARACTER COUNTS!
SJCSD, Visits Ocean Palms
Elementary
PRESENTED BY:
Important Dates
Friday, December 19, 2014
Friday, December 19, 2014
Monday-Friday Dec. 22, 2014-Jan. 2, 2015
REGISTER AT
RACESMITH.COM
Follow us on Twitter
ALL Schools will be dismissed 1 hour early
Second Quarter/First Semester Ends (Friday Dec 19*)
Winter Break - Student/Teacher Holiday
Visit St. Johns County Schools online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/ for more information.
Page 25 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Clay County School News
Oakleaf High School
Teacher Recognized by
Governor Scott
On November 12th, Governor Rick Scott honored 6 Florida educators for their service to our country and their contributions to Florida
students. Oakleaf High School Teacher Steven Cooper was one of the
honorees. Cooper began at Oakleaf High School in 2010 when he was
selected to establish what is now the most popular career education
academy in Clay County, the Academy of Aerospace Technology. Two
months before joining Oakleaf, Lt. Commander Steven Cooper was
serving in the U.S. Navy. In June 2010, he retired after 20 years of
service as a naval aviator. He continues to fly airplanes and promotes
aviation education at Oakleaf High School and in the community.
Nutrition and Exercise
Challenge for December
This Month’s Focus Muscular Strength & Endurance-Upper Body, Trunk
Exercise Goal: Get 60 minutes of physical activity each day to include as many push-ups as you can
do, in 1 minute, 2 days a week.
Nutrition Goal: Eat the colors of the rainbow. This month’s mission for our “Delicious Discoverers” is
to choose a fresh fruit or vegetable at lunch!
To learn more about the Oakleaf Aerospace Academy, visit oakleafaerospaceacademy.weebly.com.
Clay County Community
Education
Did you know that Clay County Schools
offers Adult and Community Education
Classes?
The Adult and Community Education Center
offers GED® testing on Wednesdays from
10:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
In order to register to take the GED® test
(all online), go to www.ged.com to select the
location, register, and pay or call 1-877-3926433.
The test is $32.00 for each subject
(Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and
Mathematics). You may take more than one subject at a time if desired. The entire test takes over 7
hours with a 10 minute break between each test. You may sign up for the whole test at once, but we
do not recommend it.
For more information, contact 904-272-8170 or visit oneclay.net/adult-education/#community
December/January Calendar
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Early Dismissal, June High/High Schools
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Early Dismissal, June High/High Schools
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Early Dismissal, Elementary, Junior High, High Schools
Friday, December 19, 2014
Student/Teacher Holiday
Monday December 22, 2014 – Friday,
January 2, 2015
Christmas/New Year’s Break, Student/Teacher Holidays
Monday, January 5, 2015
Planning Day/Student Holiday
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
In-service Day/Student Holiday
Friday, January 9, 2015
Report Cards to Parents
Monday, January 19, 2015
Martin Luther King Day, Student/Teacher Holiday
Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
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!
twitter.com/oneclayschools • and • www.facebook.com/OneClay
Page 27 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
EDUCATION
The New Low-Tech
Trend? Local Bookstores!
W
ith the plethora of technological devices in
our kids’ hands these days, sometimes it’s
nice to slow down and show them a low-tech
place to find reading material: the local bookstore.
Visiting bookstores is becoming more popular
among young adults under the age of 30, according to the Pew Research Internet Project. They’re
also more likely to read at least one book a week
(in any format) than adults over 30.
Jacksonville has its share of chain bookstores,
such as Books-A-Million and Barnes & Noble, but
our community also supports several top-notch
local shops.
Offering a range of books, gifts and toys, these
local bookstores might be a good place to visit
with your kids this holiday season.
For more information, please call 904-733-4586.
The Book Loft
The Book Loft, located at 214 Centre Street in
Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research
is seeking volunteers for a research study
evaluating a new investigational topical
The shop offers a large selection of books on
Florida and local history, as well as gifts such as
puzzles and dolls.
You may be eligible if:
For more information, call 904-261-8991
San Marco Bookstore
The San Marco Bookstore, located at 1971 San
Marco Boulevard, is also situated in a beautiful
historic district. If you and your family visit this
shop, you’ll see floor to ceiling shelves full of new
and used books as well as a large selection of
Jacksonville and Florida books.
To reach the Roosevelt Boulevard location, please Just Read, Florida! Recommended Summer
call 904-384-1685. For the Laura Street location, Reading Titles:
please call 904-674-0868.
www.justreadflorida.com/pdf/JRF2014SRRL.pdf
Book Nook gift certificates are another wonderful
option for readers on your holiday shopping list.
plaque psoriasis?
historic Fernandina Beach, is another must-see
bookstore. With two floors chock full of fiction
and non-fiction, this store is a place you and
yours may want to park and read for a while.
In addition, the store sells Papyrus greeting cards
and gift bags, Melissa and Doug children’s toys
Chamblin’s Bookmine and Chamblin’s Uptown and Marc Tetro dog prints, buttons and pop-outs.
With two locations, the original store at 4551
Roosevelt Boulevard, and a downtown shop at
For more information, please call the store at
215 North Laura Street, Chamblin’s offers every- 904-396-7597.
thing from bestsellers to rare collectibles. Both
locations house movies and music in addition to
Further Resources
books.
The following sites offer insight into bestselling
books, recommended summer reading (from this
Chamblin’s also buys selected books from
past summer) and book choices from kids who
customers. “We buy all types of books, modern
read.
and common, old and rare,” their web site, www.
chamblinbookmine.com, says, “provided the
Best sellers (updated weekly):
titles have a reasonable market, and provided
www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/overview.
that the title is not in our overstock.”
html
The Book Nook
The Book Nook, located at 1620 University Boulevard West, is another local bookstore offering
gifts and books. Every time I visit, I find books, of
course, but I also pick up unique gifts for friends
and family members.
do you have
Children’s book choices spanning more than 15
years:
www.reading.org/Resources/Booklists/ChildrensChoices.aspx
I hope you’re able to visit local bookstores this
holiday season. j
Nancy Lee Bethea
Nancy Lee Bethea teaches English to students in
grades 9-12 at Sonshine Christian Academy in
Callahan, Florida. She is also a freelance writer.
“Remember that the happiest people are not
those getting more, but those giving more.”
– H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Page 29 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
medication for individuals with moderate to
severe plaque psoriasis.
You are over 18 years of age and have been
diagnosed with psoriasis for at least 6 months
You HAVE NOT participated in any clinical trial
in the past 60 days
Qualified participants will receive study medication
and study-related medical exams at no cost.
Qualified participants will receive compensation
for time and travel. Insurance IS NOT required.
For information call:
JACKSONVILLE CENTER FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH
(904) 730-0166
www.jaxresearch.com
Things to Do
Education
Homeschool Program: In the Attic and Two
Small Pieces of Glass
December 17, 9am to 11am
Homeschooled students are invited to MOSH
Educator Shopping Holiday Event
for a homeschool program. First, explore some
December 6
artifacts from MOSH’s attic then journey to the
All Pre-K through 12th grade educators are
Bryan-Gooding Planetarium for Two Small Pieces
invited to a special holiday shopping event on
of Glass. This program traces modern billion dolSaturday, December 6. Educators will receive
lar telescopes back to their humble beginnings.
25% off classroom and personal purchases.
The program starts at 9am and is $5 per student
Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 /
11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, and parent or free for member parents. Register
online at www.themosh.org
FL 32223 / www.bn.com
MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle,
Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org
Attendance and Academics:
A Perfect Relationship
My Life In Rhymes
December 15, 5:30pm to 7pm
December 27, 12pm to 2pm
This course will review data associated with
Tonya Smart, founder of the Jax Youth Poetry
student attendance rates and its impact on
Slam and a host of SPEAK UP! will lead free
student achievement. It will also cover state
workshops on poetic autobiographies. Start with
statutes that govern compulsory attendance
a timeline and visual history, delve into copyrightpolicies and strategies that can be helpful in
ing and self-publishing, and end up with a book.
improving school
Participate in 12 poetry projects exploring writing
attendance rates for students. For all parents
and performance. You may have an opportunity
and caregivers.
Duval County Parent Academy / 904-757-7702 to share your work at the Brave New Voices
International Poetry Festival. Ages 12 – 18. Call
/ Andrew Jackson High School, 3816 N. Main
904-502-7444 for information and to register.
Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 / www.dcps.
Main Library / 904-630-2665 / 303 North Laura
duvalschools.org
Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jpl.coj.net
Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
That’s
MY Job!
Danielle Moskowitz - ASL
(American Sign Language)
Interpreter
Q. How long have you been an ASL Interpreter?
A. I have been an American Sign Language Interpreter
for about two and a half years. Currently I work
with students ages K-12 with hearing impairments
one on one and in a small group setting to facilitate
communication between teachers and their peers.
Q. Why did you choose this career?
A. I had a deaf girl in one of my classes and all I could
do was watch her and the interpreter. They were
expressing language in a way I had never seen before. I wanted to be a part of it.
My middle school offered an after school program for a sign language class once a
week with a teacher who became one of my first mentors on my journey of becoming
an interpreter. I decided I wanted to start learning ASL and that is where it all began.
During the year I would put on ASL presentations signing songs at Starbucks and
attend deaf chats that took place out in the community to interact with deaf people
and gets hands on experience. Learning sign language started out as a hobby and
then transitioned into a career.
Q. What kind of education did you get to become an ASL Interpreter?
A. I got my Associates degree in Sign Language Interpreting after attending FSCJ
for two years. During that time I did an internship at a local high school and then
obtained my EIE (Educational Interpreter’s Evaluation) Level 2 credential. I plan to
continue my education in ASL and take the EIPA (Educational Interpreter Performance
Assessment) and the NIC (National Interpreter Certification).
Q. What are some of your responsibilities?
A. My responsibilities as a sign language interpreter is to facilitate communication
and convey all auditory and signed information so that both hearing and deaf
individuals may fully interact. An interpreter is bound by a code of ethics, which
includes keeping all material interpreted strictly confidential. In addition, interpreters
must maintain the integrity of the message, always conveying the content and spirit
of the speaker. An interpreter’s mission is to facilitate communication; he/she should
neither add nor delete any information at any time.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. What I like most about my job is the everyday face to face interaction. American
Sign Language is such a beautiful language. Being able to assist the deaf community
in their communication with others and to be a part of a culture that is different from
my own is very rewarding. I get to learn something new every day.
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.
Page 30 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
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ZOOLights
Bigger, Better, Brighter.
Annual ZOOLights
Event
Returns to Jacksonville
Zoo and Gardens
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Third Annual ZooLights event
is returning this year, and there’s no better way for families to celebrate the holiday season and create a wonderful family tradition.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will be transformed by thousands of LED lights into a bright and luminous winter wonderland
filled with moving sculptures, forests of lighted trees and animal
silhouettes.
December 12 – 14, 18 – Jan. 3
Closed Christmas Day.
$8 Members
$10 Non-Members
Mon - Thurs 6pm - 9:30pm
Fri - Sun 6pm - 10pm
Featuring LED displays throughout the Zoo, local
artists and performers, warm weather ice skating
and s’mores on the Great Lawn (additional charge).
JacksonvilleZoo.org
In addition to the beautiful lights, guests will be able to view sculptures and performances by local artists including students at UNF
and JU. There will also be yarn bombing by Yarn Bomb Jax, and
a train display by the First Coast Model Railroad Society in our
Discovery Center in Play Park. Guests can either stroll through the
Zoo by foot, or enjoy a unique view of ZOOLights by boarding the
Zoo’s lighted train.
Carousel rides, the 4-D Theater Ride featuring the Polar Express,
marshmallow roasting and warm weather “ice” skating will all be
among some of the festive activities families can enjoy together.
The lights won’t be the only attraction at ZOOLights. While many
of the animals will be sleeping inside, the giraffes, jaguars, and
Lost Temple reptiles and primates will be open for guest viewing.
ZOOLights will run from December 12 through 14, and December
18 through January 3 and will be closed on Christmas Day. The
schedule will be Monday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30
p.m., Friday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The cost of admission is $10 for non-members and $8 for members and guests can save $1 on admission by buying their tickets
online at JacksonvilleZoo.org.
The gates for ZOOLights will close 1 hour prior to the stated closing time. The last Train will run 30 minutes prior to closing. Activity
lines will also close at this time.
This event is certainly a must for families
this holiday season and will surely become a beloved family tradition for years
to come.
zoo233046_zoolights_Jax4Kids_Ad5.25x10.875_rSG.indd 1
Page 34 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
11/13/14 3:49 PM
CHANUKAH EVENTS
VISIT JAX4KIDS.COM FOR MORE CHANUKAH EVENTS
CHANUKAH STORY AND CRAFT HOUR
December 7, 3pm to 4pm
Books a Million in Jacksonville hosts a Chanukah Story and Craft Hour on
December 7. The Chanukah Story and Craft hour is a fast paced hour of books,
craft, raffles, dreidels and more. All are invited to attend. Chabad Beaches / 904-543-9301 / Books a Million, 738 Marsh Landing Parkway,
Jacksonville Beach, 32250 / http://www.chabadbeaches.com/
MENORAH BUILDING WORKSHOP
December 14, 2pm to 3:30pm
Chabad of St. Johns is partnering with Lowe’s for a Pre-Chanukah Menorah
Building Workshop. Wearing mini Lowe’s aprons and goggles, kids will craft
their very own unique Menorahs with a host of supplies available from
Lowe’s. Chabad will provide hot latkes and fresh doughnuts – traditional Chanukah
foods. Reservations are appreciated to ensure enough supplies. RSVP to Dini@
JewishSJohnsCounty.com .
Chabad St. Johns / 904-701-4422 / Lowe’s, 4040 Oldfield Crossing Drive,
Jacksonville, FL 32223 / http://www.jewishsjohnscounty.com/
HANUKAH STORYTIME
December 14, 4pm to 5pm
All ages are invited for a special Hanukah storytime hosted by The Temple. The new
book Honeyky Hanukahby Woody Guthrie will be featured, followed by fun Hanukah
activities.
Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8
Jacksonville, FL 32223 / http://www.bn.com
CHANUKKAH HOLIDAY BAKING
December 15, 1:30pm to 2:15pm
Get ready for Chanukkah, by making and enjoying traditional Israeli jelly doughnuts
(sufganiyot) with Morah Karen. Ages 3-6 yrs by 9/1/14. Cost is $10 for members
and $15 for non-members. Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 / 8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
32217 / http://www.jcajax.org
Page 35 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
BEACHES 12TH ANNUAL CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
December 16, 4:30pm to 7pm
Chabad is hosting a Chanukah celebration and fun fair on Tuesday, December 16th
at the Ponte Vedra Library. The event will include family Chanukah fun and an Arts
and Crafts Fair. Children will also have the opportunity to get their face painted and
pose for photos in dreidel costume. The event will begin at the Ponte Vedra Library
at 4:30pm. At 6pm, guests will be escorted across the street to Chabad via police
escort for a Giant Menorah Lighting ceremony with hot latkes and fresh jelly donuts.
At 7pm, following the ceremony, adults are invited to hear Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger
give a talk titled “Against All Odds A Nazi’s Son Speaks.” Chanukah is the eightday Jewish “Festival of Lights,” which begins this year at sundown, Tuesday,
December 16th. Each evening at sunset an additional candle is lit to commemorate
the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem some 2000 years ago. The holiday
also celebrates the miracle of one day’s worth of pure ritual oil burning for eight
days until a new supply could be obtained.
Chabad Beaches / 904-543-9301 / Ponte Vedra Branch Library, 101 Library Blvd.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / http://www.chabadbeaches.com/
JCA’S ANNUAL CHANUKKAH PARTY
December 16, 5:45pm
The JCA’s annual Chanukkah celebration will take place on Tuesday, December
16th and will begin at 5:45pm with the lighting of the giant Chanukiyah. The
festivities will continue with kosher hotdogs, latkes and Chanukkah songs and
entertainment. The evening will conclude with crafts, activities and games for
the entire family. This event is free for JCA members and is $15 to guests/nonmembers. All are welcome to attend. Jewish Community Alliance / 904-730-2100 / 8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL
32217 / http://www.jcajax.org
NOCATEE’S ANNUAL MENORAH LIGHTING
December 16, 6:30pm
The Annual Menorah Lighting at Nocatee will take place on Tuesday, December 16,
at 6:30pm.
Chabad St. Johns / 904-701-4422 / Nocatee Town Center, 100 Marketside Avenue,
Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 / http://www.jewishsjohnscounty.com/
ANNUAL MENORAH LIGHTING IN WORLD GOLF VILLAGE
December 17, 6:30pm to 7:30pm
The Annual Menorah Lighting at World Golf Village will take place on Wednesday,
December 17, at 6:30pm.
Chabad St. Johns / 904-701-4422 / World Golf Village, 500 S Legacy Trail St
Augustine, FL 32092 / http://www.jewishsjohnscounty.com/
ANNUAL CHANUKAH AT THE LANDING
December 21, 5pm
This year’s event will feature musician Sha-ron Kushnir, a Grand Chanukah Family
Carnival and Fair and, as always, the kindling of Jacksonville’s tallest Menorah.
The afternoon will feature a variety of kiosks and exhibitions, including Judaica
Gifts, books and more, Popcorn, Chanukah Donut Decorating, Carnival Games
and Inflatables, Olive Press Demonstration, Free Latkes, Chanukah Arts ‘N’ Crafts,
Candle Making, Face Painting, Burger, Hot Dogs, Deli and Falafel and more. The
Annual Menorah Lighting and Fair is open to the public and free of charge. Food and
other items will be sold. Kicking off the event is the annual Chanukah Car Parade – a beautiful
demonstration of Jewish pride and solidarity. Over one hundred vehicles, adorned
with custom designed Chanukah flags, (free to all participants) are expected to
join the caravan towards the Landing. The convoy including Chabad of Southside,
Beaches, St. Augustine, Clay County and St. Johns, will gather at 1:30pm and
depart 1:50pm sharp from Chabad regional headquarters in Mandarin. All locations
will meet-up along the way and join a single procession towards the Jacksonville
Landing, Hogan Street Entrance, where the Chanukah event will take place.
Chabad Beaches / 904-543-9301 / Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr,
Jacksonville, FL 32202 / http://www.chabadbeaches.com/
ATLANTIC BEACH CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
December 22, 5:30pm to 7pm
Chabad at the Beaches hosts a Chanukah Celebration in Atlantic Beach. A fast
paced hour of family Chanukah fun will begin at 5:30pm followed by the lighting of
a seven-foot menorah at 6:30pm. This special event will be accompanied by warm
latkes, free raffles and more. There will also be crafts, dreidels distributed for the
children and Chanukah music. The entire community is invited to this event. Chabad Beaches / 904-543-9301 / Adele Grage Cultural Center, 785 Ocean Blvd,
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 / http://www.chabadbeaches.com/
Global Entertainment
Powerhouse Calls Florida
Home
R
esponsible for producing world-class
entertainment productions, the global
headquarters of Feld Entertainment is home to
the largest and most innovative facility of its kind
in the world.
Also inside their very large doors, are 22 Monster® Jam trucks, over 100 elephant blankets,
13 portable ice rinks, over 1,000 animal blankets, over 10,000 costumes, and more than 350
employees.
Established in 1967, Feld Entertainment is the
Some fun facts:
largest provider of live-action family entertain• The one-inch scale models that are built in
ment in the world. With a team of over 3,500
planning every production can cost between
industry experts producing celebrated live-enter$25,000 and $75,000.
tainment shows, Feld Entertainment has captured
• The costumes for a production can cost over
the hearts of audiences across 6 continents and
$1 million.
more than 70 countries with over 5,000 performances per year.
• It takes up to 36 hours to set up an ice floor.
Some of the most well-known acts produced by
• More than a million sequins and rhinestones
Feld Entertainment include Ringling Bros. and
are set by hand on costumes for each producBarnum & Bailey, Marvel Universe Live, Disney
tion.
On Ice, and Disney Live!.
• Each full ice floor takes 11,053 gallons of
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, their facility
water.
has more than 580,000 sq. ft. under one roof.
Some
of the upcoming Jacksonville shows which
Feld Entertainment has the ability to set up the
are
being
rehearsed at the Worldwide Headquartour, design and build the set, create the show
ters
now
include:
and pack it for the road. In addition, they have
a 50,000 square-foot rehearsal space, on-site
design and fabrication, in-house operational expertise and administration support services – all
which make them a unique one-stop-shop in live
entertainment production.
Their facility, which is located on 46 acres of
land, is the second largest single-occupant building in Florida – the largest being NASA’s Vehicle
Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center.
From the front door to the back door, the building
is the size of three football fields. What’s more
amazing is that equipment is brought in, props
and costumes are made, and rehearsals are
conducted – all under one roof!
• Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus,
January 15 – 20 at Veterans Memorial Arena
• Disney On Ice, April 9 - 12 at Veterans Memorial Arena
• Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show on March
7th at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts.
Feld Entertainment also operates the Ringling
Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant
Conservation in Florida. Located on 200 acres of
pristine Florida habitat, this state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the conservation, breeding and
understanding of the amazing elephant. Learn
more at www.elephantcenter.com j
Page 36 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Things to Do
pets
Vacation Checklist for
Your Dog Sitter
G
oing on a trip can be complicated when you
have a dog, especially if you can’t take Fido
with you. You have three options – board him,
leave him with a relative, or hire a pet sitter (or
ask a neighbor, relative, or friend to act as the pet
sitter). Some pet sitters will live in the house with
your pet and others will come by several times a
day to walk and feed your dog. Here’s a checklist
to leave for the sitter:
• Leave all food and medication in plain sight
and label it clearly.
• Make sure that the sitter has the proper keys
and remember to leave her with all the information about your security system, including
all codes. You can change the codes when
you return.
• Make sure that the sitter has a partner
or a backup plan in case he or she can’t
complete the duties. Also, make sure that
you have a friend or relative that can watch
your pet in case of an extreme emergency.
If possible, introduce the sitter to this person
before you leave, and make sure to leave all
contact information with the sitter.
• Show the sitter where the circuit breakers
are and how to turn off the gas and water
supply to the house in case of an emergency.
• Type out your itinerary and all of your contact information, including your cell phone
number and the numbers to the hotels or
homes where you will be staying.
• Leave the sitter with the name and phone
number of your dog’s regular veterinarian,
as well as the name and number of an afterhours emergency veterinary clinic.
• Write down the names and dosage information for all of your dog’s medications and
show the sitter how to administer them.
• Write down your dog’s microchip number
and registration information in case he gets
loose and goes missing. Make certain your
current contact information is up to date
through the microchip providers if there
have been any moves or phone number
changes in your past.
visits. Be sure that you are both clear about
the feeding schedule, walking schedule, and
playtime.
• Leave cleaning supplies in plain sight,
including an enzymatic deodorizer and paper
towels.
• Let the sitter know about the areas of your
home where the dog is allowed or not allowed, and shut off any areas of the house
where you don’t want the dog or the sitter
to be.
• For safety’s sake, lock up all valuables—
don’t tell the sitter where they are, of
course! If you choose to hire a sitter, make
sure that the company is bonded in case
there’s a problem or loss of personal property. To be nice, buy the sitter some beverages
and snacks and show her where they are so
that she can snack while she’s playing with
your dog—this might actually keep her there
longer, and will certainly put you and your
dog at the top of her favorites list.j
Nikki Moustaki, MA, MFA, is a dog trainer, bird
care and behavior consultant, and a freelance
writer in New York City. She is the author of more
than 26 books on pet care and training and is the
• Let the sitter know how many visits your dog host of www.dogfessions.com.
requires and ask about the duration of the
“Kindness in words
creates confidence.
Kindness in
thinking creates
profoundness.
Kindness in giving
creates love.”
– Lao Tzu
Page 37 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Pet Events
Josh’s Run for Paws
December 6, 9am to 12noon
Josh’s Run for Paws, a 5k run/walk benefiting
Paws Park dog park, will take place Saturday,
December 6, 2014,on Jacksonville Beach. The
event memorializes Joshua Heinz, a 31-year old
Jacksonville resident who was tragically killed
in January 2014. Money raised from the event
will be used to install benches, shelters, agility
courses, and AstroTurf at Paws Park. Registrants
are encouraged to run/walk with their dogs.
There will also be a fun run/walk for kids 14 and
under. Registration prices start at $10.
Josh Heinz Foundation / 904-318-8104 / Sea
Walk Pavilion, 11 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach,
FL 32250 / www.joshheinzfoundation.org
3rd Annual Putt for Paws
December 7, 8:30am to 4pm
The 3rd Annual Putt for Paws will be held at the
Palm Harbor Golf Club. Cost is $65 per person
and includes continental breakfast, 18 hole
scramble, range balls, prizes and awards, and a
luncheon after play. Registration ends November 25. Funds raised benefit the Flagler Humane
Society. Flagler Humane Society / Palm Harbor
Golf Club, 100 Cooper Lane Palm Coast, FL
32137 / www.flaglerhumanesociety.org
Jacksonville Pet Food Bank Food Distribution
December 13, 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. If
you arrive before 9:30am, you will be asked to
wait off site. There will be enough food for each
event, and the shortest wait time is after 11am.
Qualifications:
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.
The food distributed is from donations. Donations are accepted Monday thru Saturday,
8am-6pm at the First Coast No More Homeless
Pets Clinic. Donations over 200 pounds can be
picked up by emailing petfoodbank@fcnmhp.org
Pet food drop off locations: Publix Atlantic Beach,
PETCO Stores: Fleming Island, Kernan/Atlantic,
Marsh Landing, San Jose, Yulee, or the FCNMHP
Clinic- 6817 Norwood Ave.
First Coast No More Homeless Pets / 6817
Norwood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32208 / www.
fcnmhp.org
Yappy Hour Christmas “Paw”ty
December 14, 2pm to 5pm
This month, Yappy Hour gives back to the Animal
Care and Protective Services. This is the final
Yappy Hour of 2014 and the Landing Courtyard
will be decorated for the holiday season with
Christmas Trees and ornaments. There will be
live entertainment, prizes, and more. You can
also decorate a doggy ornament for your pooch.
Dress your pup in his/her best Holiday outfit for
a chance to win Santa’s Little Helper title. Email
your pup’s best Christmas photo and watch it
rotate on the 14ft. jumbotron in the Courtyard
during Yappy Hour. Email as a jpeg to scollins@jacksonvillelanding.com by Wednesday,
December 10.
Pet Photos with Santa from 2pm to 4pm:
Receive one complementary print when you donate any pet food item valued at $10 (one print
per owner, not per dog)
Receive one complementary print when you
donate $10 (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! First 50 people will receive a
free photo with donation. Jacksonville Landing /
904-353-1188 / 2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville,
FL 32202 / www.jacksonvillelanding.com
Pet Photos With Santa – St. Johns Town
Center
December 14, 6pm to 8pm
Pets are welcome to come visit Santa and have
their pictures taken.
St. Johns Town Center / 904-998-7156 / 4663
River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.
simon.com/mall/st-johns-town-center
Pet Photos With Santa – Avenues Mall
December 14, 6pm to 8pm
Bring your pet to have his/her picture taken with
Santa on Sunday, December 14 from 6pm to
8pm. This event takes place after mall hours so
please use the main entrance between JCPenney and Dillards. This will be the only entrance
that you will be able to use. Please call 904-3633054 if you have any questions.
Avenues Mall / 904-363-3054 / 10300 Southside Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.
simon.com/mall/the-avenues
Jacksonville Humane Society Silent Night
December 22 – 26
The Jacksonville Humane Society hosts Silent
Night , which is a four day foster program
designed for every shelter animal to get out of
JHS and spend the Christmas holiday in a home.
Silent Night is from December 22 – 26, 2014.
Jacksonville Humane Society / 904-725-8766 /
8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.
jaxhumane.org
Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page
at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out
about other events for pets.
things to do
Frozen Party
December 1, 5pm to 6:30pm
The Fleming Island Library hosts a Frozen Party with
pictures with Elsa and Olaf, sing-a-long, winter craft,
and more. Kids are welcome to come in costume.
For ages 4 to 10. Be sure to bring your camera.
Fleming Island Library Branch / 904-278-3720 /
1895 Town Center Blvd. Fleming Island, FL 32003 /
www.ccpl.lib.fl.us
Free Parenting Workshop: Conscious Discipline •
December 3, 7pm to 9pm
Parents are invited for a special evening presentation
by parenting expert and certified Loving Guidance
Associate Katja von Elbe. Conscious Discipline
provides a proven and comprehensive approach
that will improve both your life and the lives of your
children. It empowers you with the self-awareness,
brain information, developmental knowledge and
usable skills necessary to create safe, connected,
problem-solving homes. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Free. Jewish Community
Alliance / 904-730-2100 / 8505 San Jose Blvd,
Jacksonville, FL 32217 / reg.jcajax.org
First Wednesday Art Walk
December 3, 5pm to 9pm
Produced by Downtown Vision, Inc. and held each
month from 5pm to 9pm – rain or shine – the
monthly First Wednesday Art Walk spans more than
a dozen blocks that includes galleries, museums,
cultural venues, restaurants, and businesses, plus
dozens of artists in Hemming Plaza, street performers and live music.
Downtown Vision / 904-634-0303 /Hemming Plaza,
117 W. Duval Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jacksonvilleartwalk.com
CISV Info Sessions
December 3, 7:00 – 8:30 pm • San Pablo Library ,
13295 Beach Blvd, 32246
December 6, 3:00 – 4:30 pm • Fleming Island
Library, 1895 Town Center Blvd, Orange Park, 32003
Prospective parents, students and adults are invited
to learn more about international and local programs
offered by CISV (formerly Children’s International
Summer Villages) for Jacksonville students, primarily youth ages 11 to 15. In 2015, the Jacksonville
Chapter of CISV will be selecting Jacksonville youth,
ages 11 to 18, and adult leaders to represent the
USA at CISV programs being held in the US, South
America, Europe and Asia. CISV / 904-616-3560 /
www.cisvjax.org
Peter Pan
December 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 at 7:30pm
December 7 & 14 at 2:30pm
Peter Pan will be performed at the Amelia Musical
Playhouse. Tickets are $20 general admission and
$15 for students.
Amelia Musical Playhouse / 904-277-3455 / 1955
Island Walkway Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.
ameliamusicalplayhouse.com
The Chinese Acrobats
December 5, 7pm
Direct from Beijing, The Chinese Acrobats will perform live at the Florida Theatre. Tickets start at $19.
Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth
Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.floridatheatre.
com
2nd Annual Sugar Cane Harvest
December 6, 11am to 5pm
Watch sugar cane milled in a cast iron sugar mill
built in 1883 and enjoy a traditional old fashioned
cane boil. Plus, there’s a music fair, fresh-fromthe-farm drinks, delicious meals, games and tractor
tours. The event features a solo performance by JJ
Grey of JJ Grey & Mofro, the Rivernecks and more.
Local restaurants, farmers and artisans that obtain
their produce and ingredients locally are showcased.
Admission is $5 per person and all ages are wel-
come. Parking is $10 per car. Tickets are available
online.
St. Augustine Distillery Co. / KYV Farm, 7086 County
Road 16A St. Augustine 32092 / www.staugustinedistillery.com
1st Annual Donuts With Santa
December 6, 9am to 2pm
Come meet Santa and have your picture taken with
him while watching the WGV Gymnastics Team Elves
do flips and tricks. There will be activities, crafts,
concessions, & more. $5 per child includes a photo
with Santa, crafts, donut, and Hot Chocolate. $20
family package includes family photo, crafts, donuts,
Hot Chocolates, and Coffee for Parents. WGV Gymnastics / 904-940-1895 / 314 Commerce Lake Dr, St
Augustine, FL 32095 / www.wgvabc.com
First Annual Gamble Fest
December 6, 12:30pm to 10:30pm
The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall hosts the First Annual
Gamble Fest. Beginning at 12:30pm, the event will
feature food trucks, art booths, musical memorabilia,
and a raffle. Live musical performances begin at
1:30pm. Admission is a suggested donation of $15.
Gamble Rogers Fest / Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050
A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.
gamblerogersfest.org
St. Augustine Winter Spectacular
December 6, 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).The Dance Company / 904-471-4946 /
Flagler College, Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St. St.
Augustine, FL 32080 / www.StAugustineWinterSpectacular.com
Jacksonville Jaguars Home Game
December 7, 1pm vs. Houston Texans
December 18, 8:25pm vs. Tennessee Titans
Single game tickets start at $45. Season tickets are
also available. Visit www.jaguars.com for a list of
prohibited items, including the new bag policy. Be
sure to sign up for the Jaguars Kids Club, for age 4
to 12 at www.jaguarskidsclub.com and Jaguars Cub
Club for newborns to age 3 at www.jaguarscubclub.
com. Visit Jax4Kids.com booth in the Web.com Fan
Zone before the December 7th Home game and get
crazy hair and giveaways. Jacksonville Jaguars /
Everbank Field, 1 Everbank Field Drive, Jacksonville,
FL 32202 / www.jaguars.com
Dealing With Busy & Difficult Times (Stress &
Family Conflict) • December 8, 6pm to 7pm
This course will help parents understand how stress
can affect the family, how to handle stress, and
family conflict. This course will cover strategies to
resolve conflict, how it affects our children, and tips
to assist children when dealing with family stress
and disputes. This is a part of the Born Learning
course curriculum, focused mainly on children ages
birth-five. Childcare is provided for children ages
1-10. Duval County Parent Academy / 904-757-7702
/ Jewish Community Alliance, 8505 San Jose Blvd,
Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.dcps.duvalschools.org
Bullying in the 21st Century
December 9, 5pm to 6:30pm
This course will review the warning signs and
descriptions of behavior associated with bullying for
both the victim and the bully, strategies that children
can use when faced with a bully, and the policies
and procedures that DCPS implements when bullying occurs. This course will also describe a GSA and
safe spaces for student’s and use data to review its
impact on reducing violence in our schools. For all
parents and caregivers.
Duval County Parent Academy / 904-757-7702 /
Page 38 • Jax4Kids.com • DECEMBER 2014
Mandarin Branch, 3330 Kori Road, Jacksonville, FL
32257 / www.dcps.duvalschools.org
Spirit Night
Friday, December 12, 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Family-friendly fun including face painting from 5pm
- 7pm. 15% of all sales will be donated to the WGV
Gymnastics team. There will be drawings for prizes,
including WGV Gymnastics tuition and apparel, and
Tropical Smoothie gift cards.
Tropical Smoothie / 904-342-7133 / Murabella
Shopping Center, 124 Tuscan Way, St. Augustine, FL
32092 / www.wgvabc.com
Zoo Lights
December 12 - 14 & December 18 - January 3
Closed Christmas Day
Monday - Thursday: 6:00 pm To 9:30 pm
Friday through Sunday: 6:00 pm to 10 pm
Please note: The Zoo closes at 5:00 p.m. and will
re-open for ZOOLights at 6:00 p.m.
Thousands of LED lights will transform the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens into a luminous winter
wonderland filled with moving sculptures, forests of
lighted trees and animal silhouettes. Guests will have
the opportunity to view sculptures and performances
by local artists including students at UNF and JU,
yarn bombing by Yarn Bomb Jax, and a train display
by the First Coast Model Railroad Society in our
Discovery Center in Play Park. In addition to walking
among the thousands of lights strung throughout the
Zoo, guests can enjoy a unique view of ZOOLights
by boarding the Zoo’s lighted train. Guests can also
enjoy carousel rides, the 4-D Theater Ride featuring
the Polar Express, marshmallow roasting, warm
weather “ice” skating and more! Cost: $10/NonMembers; $8/Members. Save $1 on admission by
buying your tickets online! Purchase tickets online at
JacksonvilleZoo.org
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens / 904-757-4463 / 370
Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / www.jacksonvillezoo.org
Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Saturday, December 13, 9 am – 3 pm
The City of Jacksonville’s Solid Waste Division is
hosting a free household hazardous waste and
electronic waste collection event Residents are
encouraged to utilize these mobile events to dispose
of waste in order to prevent otherwise recyclable
and/or hazardous materials from being disposed
of in the landfill. Residents can also drop off their
household hazardous waste and e-waste year-round
at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility located
at 2675 Commonwealth Ave, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 8 am until 5 pm. Examples of e-waste
include: tvs, computers, printers, stereo equipment,
VCRs, s, DVDs, radios, mobile phones, power tools,
small kitchen and health and beauty appliances, etc.
Examples of household hazardous waste include:
paint batteries, thermometers, thermostats, drain
cleaners, pool chemicals, antifreeze, aerosol cans,
fertilizer, pesticides, acids, gun powder, ammunition,
fireworks, fluorescent bulbs and tubes, oil and oil
filters, gasoline, etc.
Mandarin Park /14780 Mandarin Road / 630-CITY /
coj.net/HHW
Frozen-The Winter Recital
December 13, 5pm
The winter Recital is a celebration of the accomplishments of the skaters. Enjoy the progress the
Skater’s have made learning the FUNdamentals
and the competitive skaters who are ascending the
United States Figure Skating Testing
System along with the Academy Class Skaters. All
Skaters enrolled in the Fall II Skating classes will
participate in the Winter Show Registration is Free
for all Basic Skills Group Performances. General
admission tickets are $10 and VIP tickets are $15.
Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex / 904-399-3223
/ 3605 Philips Highway Jacksonville, FL 32207 /
jaxiceandsportsplex.com
Kids’ Sewing 101: Headtime Story
December 20, 9am to 12noon or
December 30, 10am to 1pm
Kids’ Sewing 101: Headtime Story at Jo-Ann. Cost
is $35. Register in advance. Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft
Store / 904-642-2557 / 10261 River Marsh Drive,
Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.joann.com
Songwriters’ Concert
December 21, 6pm to 8pm
The City of Atlantic Beach Cultural Arts and Recreation Advisory Committee host a free concert.
Doors open at 5:45pm. Seating is first come-first
served for this admission-free event. Performers
should call host Mike Shackelford at 904-610-7461.
Prepare two original songs of 7-8 minutes combined
maximum.
City of Atlantic Beach / 904-247-4038 / Adele Grage
Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL
32233 / www.coab.us
Wilton Try Me:Colorful Cupcakes
December 22, 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Wilton Try Me:Colorful Cupcakes at Joann. Cost is
$10. Register in advance.
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store / 904-642-2557 /
10261 River Marsh Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246 /
www.joann.com
Old Town Art Show
December 27 – 28, 10am to 5pm
Annual juried art show at Francis Field will feature
artists and craftsmen from St. Augustine and around
the country. Items on d isplay will include jewelry,
pottery, abstract sculpture, glass work, hand-woven
fashions, photography, paintings, wood carvings and
more. Show hours are 10am to 5pm, Saturday and
Sunday. Admission is free.
Holiday Art Shows / 904-794-0084 / Francis Field,
25 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.
holidayartshows.com
Publix Aprons 2 Day Kids Camp
December 29 – 30, 10am
Two day kids camp at Publix Aprons Cooking School.
Held December 29-30, at 10am. Cost is $80. Menu:
Day 1 - Maple Candied Bacon; Stuffed Blueberry
Cream French Toast; Mahi Fish Tacos; Pepperoni and
Cheese Calzones; Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel
Pie. Day 2 - Granola and Nut Tropical Parfaits; BBQ
Chicken and Green Apple Pizza; Creamy Shrimp
Scampi Pot Pie; White Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Sauce. Registration online
in advance, as registration is made on a first-come,
first-served basis.
Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 /
10500 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 32257 /
www.publix.com/aprons
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Noon Year’s Eve
December 31, 10am to 1pm
Join Jax4Kids.com at the Jacksonville Zoo and
Gardens for Noon Year’s Eve, a family-friendly New
Year’s Celebration with an apple juice toast at Noon
and Jacksonville’s own Dalton Cyr performing on
stage. There will be entertainment throughout the
Zoo, goody bags for the first 500, party hats and
noisemakers for everyone and giveaways including
a ski trip to Cataloochee Ski Area, located in the
mountains of Western North Carolina Noon Year’s
Eve is free with Zoo admission. Jacksonville Zoo
and Gardens / 904-757-4463 / 370 Zoo Parkway,
Jacksonville, FL 32218 / www.jacksonvillezoo.org
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations
are accurate at time of publication; events
and activities listed in this guide are subject to
change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for
updated information and more events!
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