May 2014

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May 2014

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Page 2 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

Contents

Letter From The Editor

May 2014

Dear Readers,

S

ummer is almost here and we have assembled a guide to Summer Fun and Travel that you’ll want to pull out and keep to reference throughout the summer. In it you’ll find where and when this summer’s discounted movies are, lots of ideas for places to go and things to do, and other discounts. You can always find places to go, things to do and summer camps online at www.jax4kids.com. Coming soon, watch for details about how you can win tickets for a family of four to visit LEGOLAND this summer!

Berry picking season is beginning. This is a wonderful experience for kids on so many levels.

On page 18 we’ve provided a list of area U-Pick farms. Make sure to call first. One of the unique experiences you’ll read about on page 18 is the Pirate Ship Black Raven. They offer Family Trips, Treasure Hunt Trips, Summer Camps and more.

Add this to your list of things to do while you’re making memories this summer! They are offering a 10% discount when you mention Jax4Kids; 15% for military and immediate family members. See page 16 for more details. You’ll find discounts for other products and services throughout this issue and online on Jax4Kids.com’s Deals & Discounts page. If you haven’t signed up to receive our eNewsletters, you can do that from Jax4Kids.com’s home page and we’ll notify you of discounts, contests, upcoming events and other topical, need to know now information. What we won’t do – ever – is share or sell your contact information with anyone.

I’d like to draw your attention to two columns.

Please take time to read about Lyme Disease on page 9. I can’t stress enough the importance of

living well

Community Profile: Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV)................ 4

Education

The Gift of Cursive Writing....................................................................... 5 That’s My Job! Karen Feagins, News Director.......................................... 5

eating well

Feeding Your Family on a Budget............................................................. 7

Health & safety equipping yourself with the knowledge to do all you can to prevent this disease. Children ages 5-14 are at highest risk and it can be debilitating and devastating. The other column is Facts about Food Allergies on page 8. Thanks to Melissa Bell, Florida Lyme Disease Association board member and Summer Pachman, Founder of Food Allergy Families of St. Johns for sharing this valuable information on two life-saving topics.

Kudos to the Town of Orange Park and the private donors who funded the new Inclusive Playground at Town Hall Park. Read more about it on page 21.

Join us on May 1 from 5pm – 7pm at the new Episcopal Early Learning Academy at 11217 San Jose Blvd. for an evening of family fun at the Open House of their beautiful new, state of the art facility.

Happy Mother’s Day! Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

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 Mary Gustafson Business Manager............................... mary@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Administrative Assistant Tim Jaskiewicz 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 • MAY 2014

Facts about Food Allergies in Kids........................................................... 8 Lyme Disease Awareness........................................................................ 9 All About Sports: Surfing.......................................................................10

Fun and travel

Summer in the South............................................................................14 Why Boating for Kids............................................................................16 Cool Fun in the Sun..............................................................................17 U-Pick Berry Farms..............................................................................18 Disney Vacation Ideas...........................................................................19 Summer Movies...................................................................................20

special needs

A Great Place to Play: Town Hall Park....................................................21 Special Needs Things to Do...................................................................21

Duval county public Schools

Public Education Partners’ (P.E.P.) Rally!.................................................22

Clay County School news

Mentorship Matters..............................................................................23 Shark Week..........................................................................................23 Robotics Teach STEM Education............................................................23

St. Johns County School news

School-Related Employee of the Year.....................................................24 Outstanding School Volunteers of the Year.............................................24

Infant & Toddler Playful Parents: The Building Blocks of Fun............................................25 Infant & Toddler Things to Do.......................................................... 25, 26 Breast or Bottle?...................................................................................26

Teens

Parenting in the Digital Age...................................................................27

nature

Meet Your St. Johns River: The Upper Basin...........................................28

Pets

Summer Heat is Hard on Pets: Preventing Heatstroke.............................29 Things to Do, Pet Events.......................................................................29

Things to do

Events..................................................................................................30

Living well

Community Profile: Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV)

kids and leaders will live together for 4 weeks, share their cultures, participate in fun games and activities and go through a sequence of activities that build trust, self-confidence, cultural awareness and leadership skills. Program fees are $1750 plus airfare.

Q. What does your organization do?

a chapter of CISV InternaA. CISV facilitates global friendships between kids tional, which was founded in in the US and kids throughout the whole world.

We aim to help our participants develop the skills 1950. they need to become informed, responsible and active global citizens and make a difference in Q. How can their communities and the world. the community at large get involved Q. How do you do it? (Where? When? How generally? frequently? And with what tools?)

A. By having kids participate!

We have monthly activities and international programs. We also have plenty of opportunities for volunteers Q. How long have you been in Jacksonville? as CISV is an all-volunteer organization. These include hosting youth from other countries, helpA. Children’s International Summer Villages ing set up and take down camp locations, serving (CISV) Jacksonville has been in Jacksonville since meals at our camps, leading delegations, and 1976 - 38 years. We hosted our first international raising funds for our international programs.

Village program in Jacksonville in 1978. We are A. We do this through international summer camps, exchange programs, and monthly meetings. There are no dry lectures in CISV. All activities are conducted through fun games and engaging activities.

Our second need is raising funds for next year’s program. We will be hosting an international Village for 48 kids from 12 countries in Jacksonville in 2015 and need to raise funds to pay for the camp location and meals. Donations are welcome, and businesses are invited to become a Village sponsor. More information on sponsorships and funding opportunities are available on our website: www.cisvjax.org.

Q. What has been your greatest accomplishment (this past year or ever)?

Q. What is your greatest need right now?

A. Our greatest accomplishment is the hundreds of global citizens in our community who have learned from participating in CISV activities. j

A. We have 2 great needs right now…We have an opening for an 11 year old boy or girl for our Village program being held in Dallas from June 26 to July 22. Our delegation will be joining youth from Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, and Sweden at this camp. The

Special Thanks to Lisa Taylor, CISV Volunteer

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Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

EDUCATION

That’s MY Job!

The Gift of Cursive Writing Karen Feagins, News Director “Handwriting is a means of identification. It’s a gift to have beautiful handwriting.”

- Annabelle Foures, retired public school elementary teacher

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y husband Stan and I have enjoyed watching our daughter, Hayden, learn cursive this year in kindergarten. She loves connecting the letters in her first and last name.

Some letters have been more difficult than others. Capital –G, for example, proved difficult for her, but with practice, her G’s are improving.

letters. “The Zaner-Bloser cardboard piece had upper case and lower case letters printed on it, and we used it to practice making letters,” she said.

One school in Jesup, Georgia, had a handwriting teacher on staff who taught handwriting all day, every day, Foures remembered. School officials made sure kids were able to write cursive before leaving the school.

Many school districts have stopped offering cursive writing to elementary students. One reason given is lack of time during the school day.

“Schools should reconsider. I think they need to find the time,” Foures said.

I remember writing my signature over and over in my diary as a kid. Like Harriet in Louise Fitzhugh’s “Harriet the Spy,” I felt empowered writing my name in cursive. Learning to loop the left side of the cursive –N in my first name helped While she doesn’t call herself tech-savvy, Foures form my identity as a student and a writer. does receive e-mails from her children and grandchildren. She’s noticed a trend in their Before I wed my husband, I again found myself written correspondence, most of which is writpenning my soon-to-change name in cursive. ten via keyboard. “No punctuation, no sentence Born a Smith, it took time for me to grow accus- structure, no capital letters and bad spelling. I tomed to writing Bethea in cursive. Still, practic- think that’s bad,” she said. ing my new signature gave me a strong sense of myself.

Still, she knows both cursive and print have their place. “Handwriting is a means of identification.

Learning to write one’s signature gives students a It’s a gift to have beautiful handwriting,” she sense of identity, but it is also a needed life skill, added. according to Annabelle Foures, a retired elementary school teacher living in Nassau County. It’s Next month, I’ll share input from more teachimportant for signing documents, writing checks ers on cursive writing. Later this year, I’ll share and having a legal signature, she said. research and feedback from students, parents and grandparents.

Mrs. Foures taught school, mostly fourth grade, for 39 years in Georgia and Florida. She taught If you have an opinion on the subject, please let in Duval County and Nassau County schools at me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts. My eboth the elementary and intermediate levels. mail address is nancyleeethea@gmail.com. j “Students began learning cursive in the third grade when their teachers established the basics, Nancy Lee Bethea www.rivercityrevisions.com though some students didn’t adapt to it well,” Foures said.

Nancy Lee Bethea is a certified teacher who left the classroom in 2010 to start her own freelance Fourth grade teachers continued what the third writing business, River City Revisions. She now grade teachers started with practice worksheets. conducts reading and writing workshops for They also used a cardboard piece that fit along students and teachers across North Florida. the top of the chalk board as a model for making

Happy Mother’s Day! Page 5 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

Q. How long have you been a News Director?

A. I have been a news director for less than one year, but I’ve been in the business for more than a decade.

Q. Why did you choose this career?

A. I was the editor of my elementary school newspaper, so I chose journalism at an early age. I’m naturally curious about everything and I enjoy writing and keeping people informed about what’s going on.

Q. What kind of education did you get to become a News Director?

A. I have a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri.

Q. What are some of your responsibilities?

A. I’m responsible for running our daily news meeting and setting the agenda for the stories we will cover each day. I work with reporters as they craft their pieces and then edit their stories before they air. I also get to do some of my own reporting and hosting. I’m responsible for hiring and managing all of the newsroom employees as well as managing the budget for our department. Participating in community and fundraising events is also part of the job.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. We have a great team of people, and I love it when everyone works together and creates a great story or show.

EDUCATION

Got Manners?

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hen my children were young, I wanted them to have perfect manners, especially at mealtime. Nagging was my primary teaching tool with an occasional meltdown thrown in for good measure. There were probably better strategies. But my husband and I tried to practice what we preached about the importance of manners and happily, our three children have turned out to be polite, respectful, mannerly young adults. All this is to say that turning out mannerly children is not an overnight process, even if you’re an etiquette professional.

est job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.” Clearly, there are plenty of examples of bad manners everywhere. That’s why it’s so important that parents show children what good manners look like. Patience when we are in a long line (no cutting!), when driving (let someone in) and at the grocery store (patience) are good ways to teach by example. Using good table manners even at casual meals at home, holding the door for others and eliminating electronics at mealtime are other opportunities.

Your children will appreciate your attention. They know when you are fully engaged with them instead of constantly glancing at the phone.

Good manners don’t happen overnight. But neither does excellence in sports, academics and other skills. Keep it up. Your children will thank you sooner than you expect!

Next month we’ll cover the basics of good table manners. What manners topics would you like to see us explore? Help us choose the next topic by sending an email to kaye@mannersforlife.net. j

Fred Astaire is reported to have said, “The hard-

Kaye Simonetta Founder, Manners for Life, Inc. www.mannersforlife.net

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eating well

Feeding Your Family on a Budget

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any foods that are prepared at home are not only cheaper, but healthier as well. The more natural a food is (think whole foods) the better it can be for you and your family – and probably more economical too. It’s easy to buy convenience foods when your family is so busy.

But there is a price to pay. Think about a pomegranate – as a whole fruit it may cost $2 to $3 a piece. But as a convenience food – where the seeds have already been extracted from the fruit – it may cost double. It can cost $4 for a 4-ounce container- the amount in a half piece of fruit – so you are paying twice as much for the pre-packaged seedless option. So how do you get the most out of your food budget and still feed your family in the healthiest way possible? Here are some pointers to get you started.

fresh in your local grocery store too.

Look for Nutrient-Dense Whole Foods Certain foods tend to be less expensive and are very nutritious. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole carrots, sweet potatoes, eggs, natural peanut butter, canned tuna; grains such as oats, brown rice, barley and frozen fruits/vegetables.

Look for recipes that include these ingredients the next time you cook.

Cook More!

Many foods prepared at home are cheaper and more nutritious. Convenience foods like frozen dinners, pre-cut fruit/vegetable trays, and instant rice/oatmeal will cost more than if you made them from scratch. Going back to the basics will be better for your food budget and for your health!

Write a Shopping List It may sound obvious, but how many times do we head to the store to get one or two items and Here’s a simple recipe for Red Beans and Rice that costs about $2.60 to make (per batch). end up buying much more than what we came for? This not only is unproductive, but can be very Ingredients costly as well. Start by making a list of meals/ • 2 cups water snacks at the beginning of the week and stick • 1 cup uncooked brown rice to it. Check recipes when making your list so • 1 onion you can see what you already have at home and • 1 green bell pepper, chopped then anticipate what’s needed from the store.

• 1 clove garlic, chopped And check the local newspaper, online and the • 2 cups red or pink beans (use dried beans in-store sales and coupons, especially for more and soak them overnight) expensive ingredients.

• 1 can (16 ounce) whole peeled tomatoes, chopped Decide How Much to Cook/Bake • 1 (16 ounce) package of turkey kielbasa cut Depending on your family size, you may want into coins to double your recipe and save the leftovers in • ½ teaspoon of dried oregano the freezer for a later date. If leftovers sit in the • ½ teaspoon pepper fridge, they are more likely to be thrown out versus if they are frozen for use later on. Or, extra • Salt to taste • 2 Tbsp. olive oil portions can be used for meals later in the week.

For example, if you are making chicken, set some Directions aside and use it in another recipe a day or so In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the later. olive oil, rice and stir – reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. In a large skillet, Shop Local Try your local farmer’s markets for the best deal cook the kielbasa for about 5 minutes and add on fresh fruits/vegetables – shop for the ones that the garlic, onion and green pepper; sauté until are in season which may be a lot less expensive. tender. Pour in the beans and tomatoes with Just remember that some fresh fruits/vegetables the juice; season with oregano, salt and pepper.

Simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Serve don’t last long – buy small amounts at a time to over rice. j avoid having to throw away spoiled produce. Or learn how to freeze your own fruits and pull them Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N out of the freezer when needed for smoothies or Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition as toppings on frozen yogurt. At certain times of the year, frozen fruits may be less expensive than Wolfson Children’s Hospital

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

– Saint Augustine Page 7 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

MAY HARVEST FRUIT – Blueberries, peaches, nectarines, plums, raspberries VEGETABLES - Cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, rhubarb, tomatoes, sweet corn, squash, eggplant HERBS - Dill, basil, rosemary, tarragon, Cuban oregano, basil, rosemary, parsley, oregano, culantro, stevia, ginger, and pineapple sage From Madeline Samec, St. Johns County UF/IFAS Extension Service

MAY PLANTINGS VEGETABLES : Lima beans, eggplant, orka, southern pea and sweet potatoes HERBS : Cuban oregano, basil, rosemary, parsley, oregano, culantro, stevia, ginger, and pineapple sage From Madeline Samec, St. Johns County UF/IFAS Extension Service

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Facts about Food Allergies in Kids A

pproximately 8% of children in the U.S. have 2. Epinephrine is proven to be the first line of food allergies according to a 2011 study by defense for treating an anaphylactic Northwestern University. And did you know that reaction. Those with food allergies should every three minutes, someone in the US enters an always keep an epinephrine auto-injector Emergency Room for a food allergy reaction? nearby. Become trained in administering epinephrine with an auto-injector. Each The potential for food allergies in others is pack includes instructions and a practice something we should all be mindful of. Food auto-injector that does not contain a needle. allergies are different than food intolerances or 3. Teach children (even those without food sensitivities because they can lead to anaphyallergies) to not share food. And tell them laxis, a life-threatening reaction. Many do not that it’s important to alert an adult if a child realize that the severity of prior reactions does with food allergies is not feeling well. not predict the severity of the next reaction to the 4.

Parents of children with food allergies should same allergen. Allergic reaction and ER trips can clearly communicate with the individuals be avoided when all involved in a child’s life work responsible for their child throughout the together. This includes family members, sports day. Put a plan in place that lists child’s coaches, teachers, lunchroom aides, camp allergies, emergency phone numbers, and counselors, daycare operators, and friends’ the location of the child’s epinephrine parents. auto-injector.

The following are tips for increasing the For more information visit www.foodallergy.com. safety of a child with a food allergy: And for local support, visit Food Allergy Families 1. Take it seriously when a child complains of a of St. Johns at www.fafofstjohns.org. j possible allergic reaction. Descriptions of symptoms can include itchiness in throat, Summer Pachman mouth or skin, nausea, tightening in chest or Founder, Food Allergy Families of St. Johns throat, and dizziness. www.fafofstjohns.org

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Things to Do screenings and more. Fees for the 5K are $20 until May 9; fees increase to $25 on race day. The one mile fun run is free and not timed. Proceeds from the race benefit the Shannon Miller Foundation to fight childhood obesity.

2014 Just Tri It Kids Triathlon Registration for the fun run is free and open to all May 4, 8am children ages 14 and under. Parents may run with This is a non-competitive event giving everyone the chance to participate in a Triathlon. The first 250 chil- children in the 1 mile Fun Run at no cost but MUST dren to pick up their race packets will get a Just Tri It! REGISTER to do so. Only participants that are registered and wearing their race bib will be allowed on tee shirt and every child that completes the race will the race course. Please note that race t-shirts are free get a medal for their accomplishment. Early packet for runners 14 and under. Adults running kids race pickup for the Triathlon is 2-6 p.m., Saturday May 3, at the Solomon Calhoun Center. Triathlon is for ages 5 can receive t-shirt for $10 donation. Registration is to 14, and there will be a Tot Trot for ages 5 and under. available online.

Jacksonville Landing / 2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, There will be two races in the Tot Trot — a 50 yard FL 32202 / www.shannonmillerlifestyle.com dash for children ages three and under, and a 100 yard dash for children ages 3-5. Register at the Kid’s Triathlon table, Solomon Calhoun Center, Saturday the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure May 17, 7am 3rd, 2-6 p.m. and Sunday the 4th 7-8 a.m. The Tot The American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure Trot races begin when the final Triathlon participant crosses the finish line and will be held on the football cycling event will be on May 17 at RiverTown. Located along the St. John’s river, this ride is known for its field next to the finish line. This event is free and all Trotters will receive a participation ribbon and t-shirt. safety, high service, and fun. Jacksonville’s Tour de Cure is a signature cycling fundraiser for American Triathlon registration fees range from $20 to $40.

Diabetes Association which raises over $26 million View website below for course maps, parking direcnationwide for diabetes research and education. tions, registration form, race rules and and important There are several distances for all level riders, include information. a 5 mile ride, 30 mile ride, 65 mile ride and a 100 Solomon Calhoun Center / 1300 Duval Street St. mile ride. The 100 mile ride starts at 7am. Children Augustine, FL 32084 / www.co.st-johns.fl.us will get an opportunity to decorate their bikes before Shannon Miller Lifestyle 5K and 1 Mile Children’s the ride at 10am. The kids ride will begin at 11am.

The fundraising minimum for this event is $26 (plus Fun Run registration) to represent the 26 million suffering with May 10, 8am Shannon Miller Lifestyle 5K and 1 Mile Children’s Fun diabetes today. There will be food and entertainment and swimming available after the ride. Contact your Run at the Jacksonville Landing. There will also be race vendors, a community health fair with free health event manager, Neeta Nicholson for more information,

Health & Safety

Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

nnicholson@diabetes.org or 904-730-7200 x3046.

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The workout will focus on speed and agility to help your child become a better athlete. Free and open to everyone. There is a suggested donation of $7 or proof of five hours of community service within the past six weeks. Download required waiver and forms online.

Strong Will Training / 407-431-0728 / Flynn Park / 2738 Orange Pickers Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / strongwilltraining.com/events.html Central Florida Junior Cycle Racing May 31, 11am to 12noon Central Florida Junior Cycle Racing at Lake Louisa State Park. This series of junior races are located on a very safe 2.2 mile loop in Lake Louisa State Park, located in Central Florida near Clermont. This is a USA Cycling sanctioned race series for juniors ages 9 to 14. The cost is $10 per race. Medals for the top three male and top three female finishers in each age category. Age categories are 9-10 year olds, 11-12 year olds, 13-14 year olds. To participate, a USA Cycling annual license is required or you may purchase a one day license for $15.

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health & safety

Lyme Disease Awareness

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ou may be surprised to learn that Lyme Disease has profoundly impacted Jacksonville residents, including the family of Melissa Bell, a Florida Lyme Disease Association (FLDA) board member. Melissa’s son was deprived of a timely diagnosis of Lyme, and six other co-infections, because at the time the family sought treatment, there was a misconception that “there is no Lyme in Florida” (or that it is extremely rare). The truth is that “Lyme Disease is a growing concern in Florida and other southern states” says Dr. Kerry Clark, University of North Florida professor of epidemiology and environmental health, “which is precisely why awareness and education are crucial.”

Dr. Clark has found ticks infected with Lyme Disease all over Jacksonville and has identified in Florida patients variant strains of Borrelia burgdorferi that are undetectable using currently available standard laboratory testing. As such, patients in Florida are likely to obtain false negative testing results for Lyme Disease.

Diagnosis is a challenge. Children typically present with a cluster of seemingly unrelated conditions that are overlooked by pediatricians and specialists. Often times, a child is diagnosed with one or more evolving conditions, such as developmental delays, autism, ADHD, ADD, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, migraine associated vertigo, asthma, psychiatric illness or other conditions. It is critical to note that children frequently do not even realize they were bit by a tick.

CDC Guidelines The Centers for Disease Control has published these tips for Preventing Tick Bites: (A direct link at http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/prev/on_people. html).

Preventing Tick Bites While it is a good idea to take preventive measures against ticks year-round, be extra vigilant in warmer months (April-September) when ticks are most active.

Avoid Direct Contact with Ticks • Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.

• Walk in the center of trails.

Repel Ticks with DEET or Permethrin • Use repellents that contain 20 to 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) on exposed skin and clothing for protection that lasts up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth.

• Use products that contain permethrin on clothing. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents. It remains protective through several washings.

Pre-treated clothing is available and remains protective for up to 70 washings.

• Other repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be found at http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.External Web Site Icon

Find and Remove Ticks from Your Body • Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.

• Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all Unfortunately, when Lyme Disease is not promptly parts of your body upon return from tickdiagnosed or properly treated, it can affect the infested areas. Parents should check their brain, heart, joints, and other body organs. Lyme children for ticks under the arms, in and Disease mimics many other diseases, and as a around the ears, inside the belly button, result, patients are often misdiagnosed with more behind the knees, between the legs, around familiar conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, the waist, and especially in their hair. autism, ADHD, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, • Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, home on clothing and pets, then attach to a or psychiatric illness. person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and day packs.

Children ages 5-14 are at the highest risk of • Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for an acquiring Lyme, a potentially debilitating disease. hour to kill remaining ticks. (Some research Ticks tend to bite children around the head and suggests that shorter drying times may also neck, making them more vulnerable to brain and be effective, particularly if the clothing is not central nervous system infections. In addition to wet.)

Lyme Disease, ticks found within the state also transmit other bacterial, parasitic and viral To promote awareness, Governor Scott recently infections. Ticks are not only found in wooded approved the proclamation proposed by Melissa areas, but also in suburban neighborhoods, sports Bell to make May Lyme Disease Awareness fields, and parks where children play. month. To showcase Lyme Disease Awareness Month, FLDA and Ticked Off Music Fest are

planning the first Lyme in the South Music Fest to take place on at 3 PM on May 17, 2014 at River City Brewing Company in Jacksonville. The goal of the family friendly Music Fest event is to drive awareness, fund research, provide recommendations on prevention, and to educate on the many symptoms of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne infections.

The Music Fest will feature Les Stroud from the “Survivorman” TV series. Les will play acoustic guitar & harmonica and he will educate those attending on tick awareness and prevention. The music line-up also features Pat DiNizio, front man of the Smithereens, famous for such hits as “Girl Like You,” and “Only a Memory.” Lyme survivors and musicians Gregg Kirk of the Zen Engines and Alisa Turner will also perform.

There are a total of four speakers slated to speak: Melissa Bell, Lyme specialist Dr. Hartman, survivor and author Katina Makris, and researcher Dr. Kerry Clark. Event details at www.lymeinthesouth.com/schedule/index.html. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the research initiatives of Dr. Kerry Clark, Florida Lyme Disease Association and the Tick Borne Disease Alliance. Thanks to Melissa Bell for sharing this information. . For more information or to contact Melissa Bell see www.FLDA.org. j

The American Academy of Pediatricians has given neurofeedback the highest grading of effectiveness for ADD/ADHD. Provides a non-drug approach for diagnosing and treating ADD/ADHD and it is based on research that has been widely replicated all over the world.

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 of Northeast Florida Most Insurances Accepted

904.646.0054 www.biofeedbackassociates.com

The R1033-HV-1223 Study Are you interested in a clinical research study on body composition, muscle strength, and stair climb power?

Education is indeed needed. As Melissa’s family learned, “tick-borne infections are often overlooked in Florida, causing patients to needlessly suffer when doctors do not consider Lyme and co-infections as part of the differential diagnosis.”

Page 9 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

We are currently seeking volunteers to participate in a clinical research study who: o Are 60 years of age or older o Have no significant health issues or conditions o Have a low activity lifestyle For additional information about the benefits and risks of the study, please contact us: Jacksonville Center for Clinical Research (904) 730-0166 • jaxresearch.com © 2013, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc 6/2013 GDF-0008A 210993 Newspaper Ad v2.0 20130726 US (English)

The R1033-HV-1223 Study

health & safety

All About Sports: Surfing “Surfing is such an amazing concept. You’re taking on Nature with a little stick and saying, ‘I’m gonna ride you!’ And a lot of times Nature says, ‘No you’re not!’ and crashes you to the bottom.”

- Jolene Blalock

A

round 2,000 BC, humans began to migrate out of Asia and the Eastern Pacific into the South Pacific islands. They spread their culture from island to island. By the time English Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1778, surfing had been an integral part of the society, religion and myth of the Hawaiian Islands for many centuries. Chiefs were usually expert surfers called kahuna and had special surf breaks designated especially and only for them. (A surf break is defined on Wikipedia as “a permanent obstruction such as a coral reef, rock, shoal, or headland that causes a wave to break, forming a

constantly keep an eye on the weather for systems which produce big waves. The highest level of surfing is the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Championship Tour for both men and women. Surfers compete in a series of events around the world and accumulate points for their finishes in each event. The season begins in early March in Queensland, Australia and ends fittingly in Hawaii for the Billabong Pipe Masters in December. Stops include events in France, South Africa, Brazil, Portugal, California, and Tahiti.

Surfers can use a variety of moves to gain the highest scores on each wave. After standing up on the board (called dropping in a wave), a surfer can perform what’s called a bottom turn to go up under the forming wave and quickly turn around back toward the beach to ride the wave. Aerial moves off the top of the lip, cut backs (making

904.854.2323 11661 PHILIPS HWY WE’RE ON FACEBOOK REGISTER AND PAY ONLINE AT WWW.JJVA.COM

Volleyball Association VOLLEY TOTS CAMP SESSION 1 SESSION 2 SESSION 3 SESSION 4

AGES 5-8

JUNE 9-11 JUNE 16-18 JUNE 30-JULY 2 AUGUST 4-6

ALL SKILLS CAMP

Perhaps the greatest aspect of surfing is that anyone can do it on beaches around the world, including many on our own North Florida waves.

Surfers tend to be part meteorologists as they

Kelly Slater, from nearby Cocoa Beach, Florida, has won the ASP world title 11 times and is considered one of the best surfers of all time.

However, the object of surfing has never been to win titles. Surfers all over the world enjoy the sport not for competition, but for the chance to commune with nature, feel the rush of the wave beneath their feet, and experience the feeling Hawaiians have been cherishing for centuries in the South Pacific. j

“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light.

Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears.”

– Cesare Pavese Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

AGES 13-16

AGES 9-12 Commoners also surfed, but they knew to steer clear of the private beaches that were designated for the chiefs. Native songs and chants told of great surfing exploits and legendary waves. The Polynesians who made it to Hawaii were expert watermen and women. Tahitians were said to occasionally stand on their boards, but the art of surfing upright on long boards almost certainly advanced in Hawaii.

almost a figure eight move toward the breaking whitewater), and getting covered up by the breaking wave are examples of moves which can lead to a higher score. Spending time covered up then emerging upright from “the tube” is both a crowd pleaser and sure-fired way to score high.

9AM-12PM

This camp focuses on motor skills such as volleyball movement, jumping and throwing.

We work with a light ball and volleyball skills are introduced.

(T-shirt included)

$260 per session (FULL WEEK) $165 per session (3 DAY OPTION - MONDAY THRU WEDNESDAY) $110 per session (2 DAY OPTION - THURSDAY & FRIDAY)

9AM-4PM

barreling wave or other wave that can be surfed, before it eventually collapses”.)

$95 PER SESSION

SESSION 1 JUNE 9-13 JUNE 9-11 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 12-13 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 4 JULY 7-11 JULY 7-9 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 10-11 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 2 JUNE 16-20 JUNE 16-18 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 19-20 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 5 JULY 21-25 JULY 21-23 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 24-25 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 3 JUNE 30-JULY 2 (AVAILABLE ONLY 3 DAYS)

SESSION 6 AUGUST 4-8 AUGUST 4-6 (3 DAY OPTION) AUGUST 7-8 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 1 JUNE 23-27 JUNE 23-25 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 26-27 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 3 JULY 28-AUGUST 1 JULY 28-30 (3 DAY OPTION) JUNE 31-AUGUST 2 (2 DAY OPTION)

SESSION 2 JULY 14-18 JULY 14-16 (3 DAY OPTION) JULY 17-18 (2 DAY OPTION) Campers will receive instructional training on the six fundamental volleyball skills.

Campers have the choice to attend two days, three days or five days per session. (T-shirt included) Note: JJVA does not have a cafeteria. You will need to bring your own lunch.

JV/VARSITY TEAM CAMP $50 PER PLAYER

AUGUST 1

5PM-8PM

AUGUST 2

9AM-4PM

JV and Varsity players will focus on team development and team concepts.

Teams will also be involved in competition drills. (T-shirt included)

SUMMER SKILL SESSION

AGES 13-15 5PM-6:30PM

$180 / 8 SESSIONS

AGES 16-18 6:30PM-8PM

OPTION 1: MONDAY/WEDNESDAY

OPTION 2: TUESDAY/THURSDAY

(July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 31)

(July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 30)

Campers have the opportunity to receive instructional training on basic volleyball skills during the evenings.

This is a good option for those that cannot attend day time summer camps.

May 12

Page 11 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

4 Martial Arts Benefits Of Focus, Self Discipline, and Physical Fitness

4 Constructive Fun and Traditional Martial Arts Benefits

4 Complete Program Includes Studytime, Snacks, and Exercise

4 Convenient Times and Weekly Camps All Summer Long

4 Transportation Provided Directly From Local Schools

4 Diverse Activities with Physical Games, Movies, and Fun

HURRY - ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED! ELEVEN JACKSONVILLE LOCATIONS: • Arlington (904) 724-2265 • Baymeadows (904) 620-9884 • Blanding at College (904) 276-2344 • Eagle Harbor (904) 264-9111 • Hodges at JTB (904) 223-7079

ENROLL TODAY – SPACE IS LIMITED! • • • • • •

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

You Can Find Us Online At: www.KarateAmerica.info

COMING SOON: TRAINING

STEM-BASED

Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

LEARN HOW SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH CAN HELP YOU HARNESS BIOMECHANICS AND PHYSICS TO APPLY TORQUE, LEVERAGE, ACCELERATION, AND POWER TO BOOST YOUR SKILL LEVEL! CALL 904-724-7544 OR ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR TODAY!

TOP RATED SCHOOLS

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DOG PARKS

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NEW HOMES FROM THE $100'S

Nocatee is located on breathtaking coastal acreage in Ponte Vedra Within walking distance of schools, parks, recreational facilities and a vibrant Town Center Single-family homes, luxury estate homes, condominiums and town homes Northeast Florida's first all-access electric vehicle community. Residents can take their electric vehicles such as golf carts and other electrically powered, low speed vehicles - on pathways, trails and country roads

Page 13 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

&

904-924-6863

FA

WWW.NOCATEE.COM

M IL T G RA Y F U V U ID E N E L

The Nocatee Greenway consists of more than 5,000 acres of connecting parks, protected wildlife corridors and wetlands preserves, connecting the communities, Splash Water Park and the Town Center.

fun and travel

Summer in the South B elieve it or not, summer is right around the corner.

The kids are going to have plenty of time on

flooding has affected some of the tubing route, so visitors might want to check park conditions online before making plans.

Photo credit: http://www.floridastateparks.org their hands and families are going to gear up to explore the sights and sounds of the southeast.

Just ninety minutes away, the Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a destination easy to reach from North Florida and guaranteed to create some lasting family memories. From the end of May until early September, happy people can be found lounging in tubes while they float down the pristine, six-mile long Ichetucknee River. Besides cooling off in the clear water, they can picnic, snorkel, canoe, swim, hike, and take a gander at wildlife like white-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkey, and majestic great blue herons. Recent

The nearby Florence Marina State Park on 45,000 acre Lake Walter F. George offers camping, cottages, and other accommodations to make visiting this part of Georgia quite comfortable.

Just up the coast on the opposite side of Georgia is the Tybee Island Lighthouse. Since 1732, the lighthouse has been guiding vessels into the Savannah River. Remarkably, the Tybee Island Light Station still has all of its historic support buildings intact on the five-acre site. It will take you 178 stairs to get to the top, but the view is well worth it once you make it up there. You can even watch a stunning sunset from that lofty perch on selected dates this summer, but call in advance because the tour is limited to just 15 people.

Photo credit: http://gastateparks.org

Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

Four hours up the road in Georgia, the “Little Grand Canyon” is well worth the time spent getting off the beaten track. Formed actually by poor farming practices in the 1800s, the 150-foot deep chasm contains soils of orange, red, and purple. These colors create a beautiful palette, as do the Plumleaf Azaleas which bloom during July and August.

Hikers can have a field day here and join the Canyon Climbers Club.

Anyone in the Jacksonville area who has not made the fourhour drive up the coast to visit Charleston yet is missing a real treat.

The city has only been chosen as the number one city in the United States three years in a row by the Conde Nast Readers Choice Awards. Keeping with the lighthouse theme, the Morris Island

Lighthouse on the tip of Folly Beach is well worth the trip. You can get a local tour guide to take you to the island via boat or get a great view of

rafting on the free-flowing river is most exciting in the spring, but great times can still be had on this picturesque river which flows through parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The lower summer water levels make the river a little trickier and the drops a little steeper, so you’ll still get a thrill while cool water splashes your big smile. Line up one of the area’s professional guides and let it flow.

A tremendous change of pace awaits in North Carolina when you get to Chimney Rock State Park and Lake Lure. Located on the very edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains above Hickory Nut Gorge, you can see for Photo credit: http://www.follybeach.com 75 miles from an elevation of 2,280 feet at Exclamation the structure after a short walk on sunny Folly Point. You can also take a moderate hike to the Beach. Just park on the cul-de-sac by the Coast base of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls.

Guard station and take a short walk. Make sure and bring your camera, because the views of the After your hike, it’s time to head down to the inlet and lighthouse are stunning. shores of beautiful Lake Lure. Even in the dead of summer, the 720-acre lake has cool water Another must-see in the Charleston area is the temperatures to invigorate the constitution. Nice Angel Oak Tree on Johns Island. The southrestaurants and lodging ring the lake and a public ern live oak is estimated to be over 400-500 beach is a great place to stop and rest after your years old and once you stand under its majestic excursion on Chimney Rock. Standing in waist canopy, you’ll believe it. The 66-foot tall tree deep water in Lake Lure with the Blue Ridge produces over 17,000 square feet of shade and Mountains rising up around you is something measures 187 feet from branch to branch. Bring North Floridians used to flat land and beaches some food and drink to enjoy at the picnic tables can certainly appreciate. near the natural marvel and relax a while. You’ll be glad you did.

The summer is fast approaching, but the surrounding area has much to offer for this sumFurther upstate in South Carolina, the way to mer’s family road trip. We are lucky to live in cool off in the summer sun is to enjoy some such a beautiful area, but not far away are many whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River. The places which are well worth the drive. j

Photo credit: http://ncfsp.org

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Just 45 minutes from Orlando and Tampa!

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configuration, the Minifigure, LEGENDS OF CHIMA and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2014 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND IS A PART OF THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP. TM & © 2014 Cartoon Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.

Page 15 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

fun and travel

Why Boating for Kids B oating is not just something I do. It is in my DNA.

My parents were competitive water skiers and performed regularly at Cypress Gardens. My mom even set a record in trick skiing in 1962.

When I was born, some accommodations had to be made, but remaining on dry land for extended periods of time was not a consideration.

1. Fun for all. Do you and your kids love sports like swimming, fishing, tubing, waterskiing and wakeboarding? Great! But there are more ways

All the moms I know are always looking for family fun that they can feel good about, and boating definitely fits the bill.

When we’re looking for a fun day away from it all, pick a park you can boat to and bring along a picnic lunch, a soccer ball and our bathing suits. It’s a great formula for bringing the family together, having fun, staying active and eating healthy.

As my highly competitive mother explained, “Well, we just couldn’t quit practicing!” So, my parents gently placed their newborn into a baby carrier and securely strapped it down in the bow of the boat. My mom said when the engine started, I would go to sleep. When it stopped, I would wake up. She would feed me, crank up the engine again, and I went back to slumber land while mom and dad went back to work in the wake. As I was growing up, I took advantage of any chance I could to spend time on the water with my friends and family.

Here are the reasons I would recommend the boating lifestyle to ANY family, whether boating is in your DNA, or not.

2. A chance to unplug. If there’s one thing that thrills me about boating with the kids, it’s that our boat doesn’t have a screen. It’s our opportunity to unplug as a family and focus on having fun outside together in the natural world -- No schedule, few distractions, just a focus on family time.

to have fun on a boat. Just think of the art, science or music projects you can conduct on the water.

3. Get away without going far. You hear a lot these days about the benefits of the “stay-cation,” especially about how easy it is on the wallet. A great way to take a break without going far is to get out on a boat. It doesn’t matter where you boat – There’s just something

about being on the water that provides that much needed escape from the day-to-day routine, whether it’s for an hour, an afternoon or an entire week.

4. Wholesome time with friends. Does your son or daughter’s world revolve around their friends?

Boating is a golden opportunity for any parent to keep their teen or pre-teen close while getting to know their friends. Plus, you will definitely earn cool points.

5. A boat for every income. There are some people out there that are convinced that boating is a luxury that only rich people can afford. But it’s simply not true. You can rent a boat or join a boating club. And there are boats you can buy for as little as $250 per month. That’s an amount many of us spend monthly on things like dinners out, movies, and video games.

Ready to get on the water yet? Learn more about the boating lifestyle at DiscoverBoating.com.

There you can order a free Beginner’s Guide to Boating.

Here’s to a fun-filled summer! j Lisa Almeida CEO, Freedom Boat Club * freedomboatclub.com

Treasure Hunt Aboard the Pirate Ship Black Raven An action filled and unforgettable family event for all ages!

Board the Pirate Ship Black Raven for an unforgettable and exciting family experience. On ship entertainment includes sing alongs with the pirates, pirate stories, sea battles with the Queen Anne’s Revenge, sword fights, cannon firing and a real Treasure Hunt. Kids can meet Blackbeard, train to be sword fighters and enjoy free face painting.

Pirate Summer Camp: A very unique summer camp where the kids will learn the traits of the pirates, sail onboard the Black Raven, experience a sea battle between the ships and much more. First camp starts June 16, Mon - Fri, 9:00 - 12:00.

Contact us for more information.

www.PirateShipBlackRaven.com • 1-877-578-5050 Mention this ad and get a 10% discount. Active Military and their immediate family members (spouses and children), mention this ad and get a 15% discount. Current ID required.

City Marina St. Augustine next to the Bridge of Lions.

Check our website or call our office for updated sailing schedule.

Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

fun and travel

Cool Fun in the Sun O

ne way to stay cool in summer time is to stay indoors. But who wants to do that in Florida? Here are quick ideas to enjoy the outdoors and while maintaining a comfortable internal temperature. ;-) (Hint, there are a lot of water suggestions here.)

Buccaneer Bay at Weeki Wachee in Spring Hill Calypso Bay in Palm Beach Coconut Cove Waterpark in Boca Raton

At home, keep these items stocked: • Water Balloons • Popsicles • Hats & Sunglasses • Sunblock Area Hot Spots with Splash Parks Bring your bathing suit to these fun spots: • Jacksonville Zoo • Adventure Landing Jacksonville Beach Shipwreck Island Water Park • Hanna Park • St. Augustine Beach Pier Wet Fun Around Florida Adventure Island in Tampa Aquatica Water Park at SeaWorld in Orlando Big Kahuna’s in Destin Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista

Page 17 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

Rapids Water park in Riviera Beach Sam’s Fun City in Pensacola Shipwreck Island in Panama City Beach Sunsplash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World in Orlando Wet ‘N Wild in Orlando Wild Waters Water Park in Ocala

Jax Parks Summer Pool Schedule Monday – Friday, 1pm – 6pm Saturday, 11am – 6pm Sunday, 2pm – 6pm Preseason: May 24 - June 1: weekends only Memorial Day - Monday, May 26: 11 am - 6 pm Season: June 7 - August 15 Seven days Post Season: Aug. 16 - 31 Weekends only Visit coj.net > Living In Jacksonville > Parks and Recreation > Aquatics page for a list of public pools

Nassau County www.fbfl.us Atlantic Recreation Center 2500 Atlantic Avenue Fernandina Beach Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center 1200 Elm Street Fernandina Beach

Summer Public Swim Hours May 5 – 23 Atlantic Center Pool – Monday – Friday – Main pool 3-6pm; Kiddie pool 10am – 6pm.

Weekends – 12pm – 7pm May 24 – August 5 St Johns County Mon – Fri – Atlantic Center Pool 12pm – 7pm; Martin Solomon Calhoun Community Luther King, Jr. Pool 10am – 6pm Center & Pool Weekends – Atlantic Center Pool 11am – 7pm; The aquatics program is provided Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool 12pm – 6pm

by St. Augustine Family YMCA. Daily admission $5. City residents may apply for Visit them online for current pool schedule at www. a discount card. 1 month and 4 month passes are firstcoastymca.org/branch/staugustine available for public swim and lap swim. Hours Fees: subject to change. Please call 310-3350 x 1 for Daily – Child $1.00, Adult $2.00 verification Multi-Use Cards (12 swims) – Child $8.00, Adult $13.00 Mark your calendars for Jax4Kids.com’s SumAnnual Pass – $110.00 mer Splash Bash at The Jacksonville Landing, Saturday July 26th. j

fun and travel U-Pick Berry Farms From PickYourOwn.org Always *call ahead* to verify availability for the current season. Also be sure to check PickYourOwn.org for the latest visitor comments and note that cash payment is usually required.

Clay County Blackberry Hill Farm - Blueberries, muscadine grapes, local honey.

2995 Thunder Road, Middleburg, FL 32050.

Phone: 904-282-9250. Open: Saturdays in June beginning at 7am, Tuesdays starting at 5pm.; Blueberries: Late May - Late June. Fresh honey and Muscadine Grapes during late August to mid September.

Duval County Cason Vineyards - Grapes.

2780 Parish Cemetery Road, Jacksonville, FL 32221. Phone: 904-781-1314. Open: August September, Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 7 pm.

Braddock Blueberry Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries.

End Of Thomas Mill Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Phone: (904) 768-0280.

Directions: North on Lem Turner Road to Braddock Road (4 miles North of I-295 Beltway) Turn West on Braddock Road go 3/10 mile to South on Thomas Mill Road and proceed on dirt road to the end. Field is thru the metal farm gate on Right.

Price will be $3.00 per pound.

When you leave the pavement on the dirt road please do not exceed 10 MPH. Thanks to our Customers Dowless Blueberry Farm - Blueberries.

7010 Ricker Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32244.

Phone: 904-772-1369. Open: from late May until mid to late Juneand will continue thru June every Wednesday and Saturday thereafter; from 6am until noon. Directions: 2 miles S of 103rd, St. off I-295. The blueberry price per pound is $3.00 Kent’s Blueberry Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries.

End Of Thomas Mill Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Phone: 904-768-3484. Alternate Phone: 904-868-7822. Will be open each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 8 am to 12 pm June to about mid July. Directions: 4 miles North of I-295 to Braddock Road, turn left to Thomas Mill Road (about 1/4 mile). Proceed straight a short distance to the end of pavement and continue straight ahead approximately 200 feet.

Turn right in front of windmill just before a field gate, park along field fence. Look for yellow signs and a windmill. Blueberries are $3.00 per pound.

Kent’s Blueberry Farm also has its own Apiary to pollinate the blueberry bushes each year.

Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

Unique Experiences

Mackert Vineyards - Grapes.

13448 Sellers Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32220.

Phone: 904-266-9405. Season: Grapes: mid August – Sept

appointment only, call for an appointment Ye Ole Farm Stand is open daylight to dusk.

Muscadine U-Pick - Muscadine grapes.

3823 Rancho Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32221. Phone: 904-451-3272. Call before you go - Likely to start mid August and run through September.

Directions: Call for directions.

BerryStacks Hydroponic U-Pick Farm - Certified Organic, strawberries, school tours.

2495 State Road 207, Saint Augustine, FL 32086.

Open: Thursday through Sunday, from 9 am until 4 pm, December through May. Directions: Exit Interstate 95 onto State Road 207 east. Turn left into Saint Augustine’s Marketplace, beside RaceTrac gas station. Follow the signs. Click here for a map and directions. We are certified organic for some crops. Strawberries are grown hydroponically. Farm stand has a certified organic section.

Sellers Blueberry Farm - Blueberries.

10229 Old Plank Road, Jacksonville, FL 32220.

Phone: 904-781-7739. Directions: Take I-10 West to White House exit you will take Chaffee Rd No. to Old Plank Rd which is approx 1 one half miles. Look for white vinyl fence and our U-pick sign. Usually open June 1-30. Hours are: Wednesday 8am to 6pm and Friday / Saturday 8am to 7pm.

Veterans Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, herbs/spices, tomatoes, U-pick and already picked.

5571 Long Branch Rd, Jacksonville, Fl 32234, Jacksonville, FL 32234. Phone: 937-831-6701.

Open: Wednesday 8am to 1pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm. Directions: From I-295 take Normandy blvd (228) west approximately 15 miles.

Take Mcclelland road left and follow to Long branch road. Take Long branch right and follow down until you see mailbox 5571. Take a left down the drive and follow through the tall gates.

Upick blueberries will be open late April through late May or until last harvest. Upick blueberries $4.00lb Pre-picked $6.00lb.

Williams Blueberry Farm - Blueberries 2595 Stratton Road, Jacksonville, FL 32221.

Phone: 904-781-4676. Open: Saturday and Sunday 7:00am to 3:00 pm only. Directions: I-295 to Normandy Blvd; go west approximately .4 miles to Stratton Road. Turn left, go until you see a Blueberry sign on the left. Follow the signs. Upick blueberries are $3.00 PER. LB. Nassau County Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres - Uses natural growing practices, strawberries, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs/spices, melons, onions, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables.

19856 County Road 121, Hilliard, FL 32046.

Phone: 904-879-5453.

Open: during the summer, (June thru August) by reservation only; Then mid Oct to mid November on Saturdays without appointment, from 10 am to 6pm; Also mid October to mid November, on Tuesdays through Fridays with reservations only.

The Hen House & ‘’Ye Ole Farm Stand’’ - Uses natural growing practices, corn (sweet), cucumbers, onions, peppers, summer squash, tomatoes, other vegetables, Fresh eggs, farm animals.

56082 Davis Rd, Callahan, FL 32011. Phone: 904 228 0721. The Hen House Poultry Farm is by

St. Johns County

Riverdale Sod Farm - Beans, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs/spices, strawberries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms.

6605 State Road 207, Elkton, FL 32033. Phone: 904-829-6927. Alternate Phone: 904-501-4102.

Open: Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm; Saturday 8am to 2pm. Directions: 6 miles heading west from Interstate 95. On the right side of the road. 6605 State Road 207. Riverdale Sod Farm. Strawberries: mid January to mid May 15; Squash, beans, peppers, cucumbers late April thru mid June.

All Aboard the St. Marys Express!

Immerse yourself in history, fun and adventure as you travel the rails from Historic St. Marys, Georgia, through scenic woodlands and marshlands. Your 1 hour and 15 minute excursion brings you face to face with yesteryear, nature, and some great entertainment. Group discounts available for 10 or more people. Call 912-729-1103 for group discount code only. Call 912-200-5235 for all other information. All Excursions Depart from Theatre by the Trax, 1000 Osborne Street, St. Marys, Georgia 31558. Open Air Railcar Rides prices are: Adults $17, Children (3-12) $11, Children under 2 FREE. Visit www.stmarysrailroad.com for more information and to order tickets online.

Ahoy!

The Pirate Ship Black Raven sets sail from of the St. Augustine City Marina at the foot of the Bridge of Lions at 2:15 and 6:15 daily. The Treasure Hunt Adventure is a unique experience with not one but two ships – the Pirate Ship Black Raven and the Queen Anne’s Revenge. Blackbeard! Sword fights! Canon Firings! Sword training for and free face painting are part of the fun for kids. Pirate Ship Black Raven also offers Birthday Parties and Summer Camps for kids. See page 16 for Military Discount and discount for Jax4Kids’ readers. Call 826-0000 or visit www.PirateShipBlackRaven.com for more information and to make reservations.

Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Places To Go pages for more ideas about where to go and what to do this summer with your kids!

fun and travel

This summer, paradise is just a Dream away!

Disney Vacation Ideas D isney vacations at sea, in the parks and beyond…

Set Sail with Disney Cruise Line Disney Cruise Lines set sail in Florida from Port Canaveral and Miami. This cruises offers fun for everyone aboard, from kids to adults.

Walt Disney World Resort Here’s a tip: You can now reserve up to three experiences online or by using the MyMagic+ App. This means no waiting in line for your favorite rides, reserving a spot in advance for a parade or a seat for fireworks displays.

The Kids Club for ages 3-12 is filled with opportunities to play and learn. Tweens ages 11 through 14, have a youth club all their own as well. And teens can relax in their own parents-free teen spaces until 2am with video games, dance parties and tons more. There is even a teen spa that serves as a restful retreat for the soon-to-be adults. ;-)

If you do decide to stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, take advantage of the Dive into Big Savings event. Book by June 6 for stays between June 15 and August 28th 2014 and receive 30% off stays up to five nights. Each property has a unique theme to explore with over-the-top swimming pools and fun for the whole family.

Junior guests will not want to miss the Marvel’s Avengers Academy where “Young crime fighters are invited to swoop into this top-secret command post of S.H.I.E.L.D., where earth’s mightiest Super Heroes, The Avengers, train and prepare for special missions.”

Aulani Resort, In Hawaii Aulani Resort & Spa is Disney’s Hawaiian paradise. Recently enhanced, the resort was created as a place to bring together Island culture and history in an exquisite setting. It is located in Ko Olina, about 17 miles from the Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii. It is truly a paradise experience with all the magical touches of Disney.

While the kids are entertained, adults can soak up the sun at the adult’s-only pool, unwind at the Vista spa and hold hands during a candle-lit dinner with gourmet food and fine wine. There is also an assortment of nightclub and lounge options.

At each port of call there are specialized Disney excursions. A favorite is Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise reserved exclusively for Disney cruisers. The land is unspoiled and untamed and offers fun for everyone.

Looking to stay closer to home? Disney also offers beachfront resorts in Vero Beach, Florida and Hilton Head, South Carolina.

To learn more about destinations around the world and special offers, visit us online at www. travel-bee.com, www.facebook.com/travel-bee, call 904-357-0564, or email sales@travel-bee. com. j

“How often I found where I should be going only by setting out for somewhere else.”

– R. Buckminster Fuller

New Patients Welcome!

Pediatric Dentistry (904) 733-7254

Sail away on Disney Dream this summer and relax on Disney’s private island paradise, Castaway Cay. Here you’ll discover turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and oceans of fun for the entire family – from snorkeling and swimming, to biking and kayaking. Plus, surprising amenities like two water play areas, ocean-view massage cabanas, a teens-only activity area on the beach and much more.

Space available on select 3- and 4-Night Bahamian Cruises this summer!

Sailing from Port Canaveral to: Nassau e Disney Castaway Cay

©Disney

CS-14-33063

Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas

to book your magical disney cruise vacation, contact us today!

The Travel Bee (904) 357-0564 • travel-bee.com sales@travel-bee.com

music camp Rock Band, Drum, Guitar and “Let's Jam!” Camps June 9 - August 8

Learn New Instruments Develop Musical Abilities Fun and Exciting Beginner to Advanced • Ages 5-11 Camps in Mandarin, Southside, and Beaches!

We accept many PPO dental insurance plans

www.setzerandcochran.com

Drs. Setzer, Cochran, Soares & Hubbard Page 19 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

904.236.9700

www.FCSOM.com

fun and travel R

Summer Movies

Discounted Summer Movies Cinemark Tinseltown Summer Movie Clubhouse - $1 Movies Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am June 10th through August 14th Tickets are $1 per person or buy tickets to all 10 movies ahead of time for $5.

Movies & Show Dates 6/10 and 6/12 Ice Age 2 Meltdown 6/17 and 6/19 Epic 6/24 and 6/26 The Croods 7/01 and 7/03 Turbo 7/08 and 7/10 The Smurfs 2 7/15 and 7/17 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 7/22 and 7/24 Walking with Dinosaurs 7/29 and 7/31 Lego Movie 8/05 and 8/07 Rio 2 8/12 and 8/14 Mr. Peabody and Sherman Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express – $1 Movies Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am starting June 10th Movies & Show Dates Week Title 1 Hotel Transylvania 1 The Smurfs 2 2 Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 2 The Pirates: Band of Misfits 3 Arthur Christmas 3 Despicable Me 2 4 Lego 4 Free Birds 5 Adventures of TinTin 5 Rise of the Guardians 6 Kung Fu Panda 2 6 Madagascar 3 7 The Croods 7 Epic 8 Turbo 8 Walking with Dinosaurs 9 Mr. Peabody & Sherman 9 Rio 2 Participating Theaters: Regal Avenues Stadium 20, Jacksonville Regal Beach Boulevard Stadium 18, Jacksonville Regal River City Marketplace Stadium 14, Jacksonville

Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

T H E AT E R OPENS MAY 1

NOW PLAYING

IMAX in World Golf Village An IMAX documentary at the World Golf Hall of Fame is not like any other. The scale of the screen, combined with the 3D quality and surround sound will make you feel as though you are right there in the scene! Fun fact: The WGV IMAX 3D digital screen is the largest IMAX 3D digital screen in the southeast.

Catch a Hollywood film like Spider Man. Or, catch a 30 minutes documentary. (An IMAX documentary is not like others.) After the movie, enjoy a bite a short stroll from the theater at Fairways Café.

Movies this Summer at World Golf Village IMAX Lemurs of Madagascar - now showing Flight of the Butterflies – now showing Journey to the South Pacific - coming in August Maleficent - coming in late May Spider Man - opening early May Moonlight Movies May 9, 9pm - The Incredibles May 16, 9pm - The Sandlot May 23, 9pm - Spiderman 2 Arrive early for the best seats in the house.

Shown on a huge screen on stage at the Sea Walk Pavilion, movies start at 9 PM. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and a picnic to enjoy before the movie. Popcorn, candy, and beverages available, or dine at one of the many restaurants in downtown Jacksonville Beach. Restrictions include alcohol, skateboards, bicycles, glass, and animals (except qualified service animals). Sea Walk Pavilion / 1st St N Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.jacksonvillebeach.org Summer Movie Releases May 2 - The Amazing Spider-Man 2 May 9 - Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return May 16 - Million Dollar Arm May 30 - Maleficent June 6 - The Fault in our Stars June 13 - How to Train Your Dragon 2 July 2 - Earth To Echo July 18 - Planes, Fire & Rescue July 25 - Hercules August 8 - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles August 15 - The Giver

For Showtimes and Tickets:

WORLDGOLFIMAX.COM

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

Kindergarten - 8th grade | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

In addition to delving ito week-long topics like LEGOs, Swimming with Sharks and Grossology, campers will get to explore exhibits and attend Museum programs like science or planetarium shows.

Space camps culminate with a trip to Kennedy Space Center!

Special needs

A Great Place to Play: Town Hall Park

T

he Town of Orange Park recently unveiled their newly designed Inclusive Playground at Town Hall Park! It was completely funded by private donors.

It is fully ADA complaint, has ground-level activities for kids who may not be able to climb on the play structure, a rubberized surface, a cocoon sitting area, and transfer stations, rails, steps, and decks.

Photo credit: www.facebook.com/townoforangepark

Things to Do Special Needs

Natalie Hale – “Special Reads for Special Needs” Saturday, May 3, 9:30am – 3:30pm The Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville is hosting nationally-known author, educator and parent, Natalie Hale. Ms. Hale will be presenting to our community, local educators and professionals on both her parenting experiences with her adult son Jonathan, as well as information about her reading program “Special Reads for Special Needs”. Registration is required. $10 per person, lunch provided (Panera). www.dsaj.org / 904-353-6300 / L’Engle Hall at The Friday Musicale, 645 Oak Street CARD Training: The ABC’s of Behavior, Part 1 & 2 Monday, May 5 - Part 1 Monday, May 12 - Part 2, 4pm – 7pm This is an introduction to the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the therapies based on those principles. Sessions cover foundations of understanding behavior and strategies to address behaviors such as tantrums and food over-selectivity. Part 2 of the training will take place May 12th at the same time and location.

For information or to RSVP for the event contact elise. summa@jax.ufl.edu. Please note: this training is for parents only. www.hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism / 904633-0760 / 6271 St. Augustine Rd, Suite 1 VSA Festival at The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens May 6-9 The annual VSA Festival (Very Special Arts) allows students with disabilities the chance to explore the gardens, view original works of art and experience art through all of their senses. About 2,300 children with disabilities, ranging from mild to profound disabilities and nearly 1,200 volunteers fill the Museum over a four day period. This event invites all students to participate in the creative process at their individual level of ability.

Pre-registration is required. For more information please call 904-355-0630 or email jthomas@cummer. org. www.cummer.org/vsa-festival-2014 / 904-3550630 / 829 Riverside Avenue Sensory Jump at Pump It Up

Page 21 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

See more photos like the one above at their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ townoforangepark. Town Hall Park is located at 2042 Park Avenue, Orange Park, Florida 32073. j

Friday, May 9 10am - 11:30am and 6pm - 7:30pm 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

SOCIAL SKILLS CAMP 2014

JUNE 30 - AUGUST 8

World Arts Film Festival May 15 – 17, 10am – 10pm The film festival hosts over 100 short films, panels, workshops, industry guests, parties and awards. This organization and its programs were created to promote greater opportunities in the creative industries for artists and filmmakers of all ages and all abilities including individuals with special needs. Artists and filmmakers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate.

Email info@worldartsfilmfestival.org for more information. worldartsfilmfestival.org / 904-249-9333 / Conference Center at the Main Library, 303 N Laura Street Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

AGES 3 - 18

Summer camp for children with intellectual disabilities and behavior disorders.

5:2 student-to-therapist ratio. Access to a variety of support services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis and Mental Health Therapies, provided at an additional rate.

(904) 619-6071

6867 Southpoint Dr North, Suite 101 Jacksonville, FL 32216

CARD Training: Communication and Social Skills for Emergent Language Children Friday, May 9, 10am to 12:30pm A free training for parents of children who are either not speaking or using only single word requests. Learn techniques for developing early social communication.

For more information or to RSVP for the event contact elise.summa@jax.ufl.edu. Please note: this training is for parents only. www.hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism / 904-633-0760 / 6271 St. Augustine Rd, Suite 1 Nathaniel’s Hope Buddy Break Saturday, May 10 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 caregiving 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

9AM - 2PM

Educate. Engage. Inspire.

Jacksonville School for Autism

NOW ENROLLING • Summer Camp – 5 weeks (July 7th - August 8th) • FALL 2014 Enrollment & NEW Vocation Program • Outpatient 1:1 ABA Therapy (3-22 years) • Beautiful campus right off I-95/Baymeadows Call (904) 732-4343 or visit www.JSAKIDS.org 9000 Cypress Green Drive Jacksonville, FL 32256

WWW.KEYSTONEBEHAVIORAL.COM

SHOW YOUR SPIRIT! YOU ARE INVITED to the Public Education Partners’ (P.E.P.) Rally! Slated to

be the most exciting PEP Rally yet, it will serve as the official observance marking Duval County Public Schools’ 150th birthday. “Running” on its long-standing commitment to recognizing the achievements of Duval County students and teachers with its annual Summer Reading Celebration, Duval County Public Schools is hosting an inaugural SPIRIT 5K run ($20) and one-mile kids’ Reading is Fun Run (Free). The entire Jacksonville community is invited to show its school spirit and support for quality public education. Proceeds benefit Duval County Public Schools’ Read it Forward Jax program. Don’t miss the best birthday bash in the city! It only comes once every 150 years. Happy Birthday Duval County Public Schools!

Registration for the Reading is Fun Run and SPIRIT 5K is open.

Visit www.peprallyjax.com for more information or to register.

Event Schedule 8 a.m

SPIRIT 5K Run

9 a.m.

Reading is Fun Run – 1 mile

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Reading Celebration DJ’s/150th Birthday Party (1 p.m.)

Teacher VIP Zone Vendor Expo

SPIRIT 5K Sponsored by:

MAY 31, 2014 MAY 31, 2014 www.peprallyjax.com

www.peprallyjax.com

Reading Is Fun Run Sponsored by:

BE SURE TO LIKE US ON...

Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

Clay County School News

Mentorship Matters Clay County native Tia Brock has a bright future ahead of her and is graduating from the University of Florida this May. She calls Take Stock in Children (TSIC), a state-wide scholarship and mentorship program, the success guide that has led her to this proud moment.

Students agree to regularly meet with their mentors, keep their grades up, maintain good attendance and behavior, remain crime and drugfree and attend Take Stock workshops.

Our program is based on the principle that if at-risk students are provided extensive support, Like many students who take part in TSIC, Tia be- motivation and a sense of accountability, they will gan the program in the 7th grade. In Clay County, work hard to graduate from high school and go on to college. Tia is one of our success stories – TSIC is a program of the YMCA of Florida’s First with the guidance of her mentor, Janice Tucker, Coast, and we work with junior and senior high Tia graduated from Clay High School with multiple schools to target low-income, at-risk youth and scholarships and at the top 10% of her class with work with them to further their education. a 4.0 GPA. And Tia’s not alone. Throughout the state of Florida, Take Stock in Children students graduate from high school at a rate of 92% compared to the Florida average of 76%. TSIC students also enroll in college at a rate of 87% compared to the Florida average of 56%. Overall, the TSIC college completion rate is 136% better than average for at-risk students.

Here in Clay County, the TSIC program was established in 2002 and has awarded over 170 scholarships. We currently have 47 students in the program with 18 seniors graduating and going into post-secondary education this year.

TSIC provides mentorship over several years through to high school graduation, and students who successfully complete our program receive scholarships to help pay for the cost of college tuition. These scholarships are funded through private-public donations and are matched by the state of Florida through the Florida Prepaid Foundation.

In order to qualify, those applying to TSIC must have a 2.5 GPA or higher and show financial need. Once accepted, students are matched with volunteer mentors who meet with them once a week during the school year, on school grounds and during school hours. Mentors provide guidance and encouragement over several years.

Shark Week Extended Studies students at Middleburg Elementary participated in “Shark Week”. The students in Mrs. Moses’ 3rd and 4th grade classes have been involved in a year-long ocean unit.

In-depth research and study of the various ocean floor features, organisms, and ecosystems, such as tide pools, coral reefs, and kelp forests, have been the focus of several unit projects thus far.

During Shark Week the children took part in a study to discover the parts of a shark’s body,

Page 23 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

Though Tia has long since completed her time in TSIC, she still continues to regularly meet with her mentor, Janice Tucker. Tia herself has taken on various mentorship roles, and most recently, she toured UF with current Clay County TSIC students and answered their questions about college life. After graduation, Tia hopes to continue working with TSIC to provide at-risk, low-income youth with the same opportunities she received so they too can realize their potential to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Robotics teach STEM education and prepare students for 21st Century Jobs It is almost impossible to turn on the television without seeing a reference to STEM Education, or the critical importance of the STEM fields for the future of our economy. Many parents wonder, “What is STEM all about?”, and “How will my child learn about these important career opportunities?”.

STEM is the acronym for “Science-TechnologyEngineering-Mathematics”, and it is the catchphrase used to open the discussion about careers in these fields. As the school district moves toward implementing The Academies of Clay, it is important that students are exposed to these career fields as early as elementary school. One aspect of STEM involves computer programming and robotics.

find a problem that needs to be addressed in the targeted area, brainstorm and find solutions to real problems. It is even possible for students to develop patents, from the innovative work that they do.

Participation in the robotics program enhances the curriculum and provides enrichment and application opportunities. Math concepts are critical in the programming of the robots. The robot must be programmed for every turn and movement. Geometry concepts and measurement are used to specify the robot actions. Critical thinking and problem solving skills are developed as the students continually tweak their programs so that the robot can accurately complete each mission. The programming skills students develop lay the foundation for success when they move into more complex applications.

Another critical component of the robotics program involves collaboration, communication and team building. These “soft skills” are identified as critical by business leaders. The robotics program provides the opportunity for students to work as a team, developing and then later, polishing those key skills.

With the help of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), the school district has Leslee Bryan, District STEM Specialist, sees the been awarded three grants that have provided clear connection between laying the foundafunding to allow for the start of a robotics protion for interest in robotics and choices they gram in eleven elementary schools and four juwill make as they progress through their school nior high schools. Elementary robotics programs career. “Students at Lakeside Junior researched began during the 2011-2012 school year. Teach- at length the need for improved protection for fire ers were trained in robot design and programfighters. After speaking with experts in this field, ming, then tasked with returning to their schools students are already planning to prototype their to start robotics clubs and competing teams. solution. I know several of these students will be The district affiliated with the Florida First Lego choosing High School Academies that offer strong For more information about Take Stock in Children League (FFL), and became eligible to compete STEM content.” and how you can get involved go to takestockinat the local, regional, and state levels. Students children.org or contact Ashley Escobar, Program began designing, building, and programming Robotics is spreading beyond the school clubs, Director, at 904-272-4304. robots that navigate their way through missions through integration into the curriculum, espesurrounding a theme. FFL is about more than just cially through technology classes offered at

By Ashley Escobar programming robots, however. Students also use the elementary schools and junior highs. The their robots in the context of a real-world problem robotics program will be moving into several of for which they research possible solutions. These the high schools beginning with the 2014-2015 themes are varied. Since the district has been school year. involved, the themes have been “Senior Solufocusing on fin vocabulary and function. Shark

By Kathleen Schofield myths were discussed and debated as well. Each tions”, and “Nature’s Futy”. Student research to student was then in charge of researching an individual shark species of his or her choice. Third twitter.com/oneclayschools • and • www.facebook.com/OneClay grade students researched, wrote, and typed an informational report to share with classes. Fourth www.oneclay.net grade students compiled their information to proOP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 duce PowerPoint presentations and were required Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 to present their findings to homeroom classes.

Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 Overall, Shark Week was a swimming success!

TDD (904) 284-6584

Connect with us!

St. Johns County

St. Johns County School District

School District News

St. Johns County School District Names School-Related Employee of the Year

D

anielle Cook, executive secretary for the St. Johns County School District’s (SJCSD) Community Relations Department, has been named St. Johns County’s 2013-2014 SchoolRelated Employee of the Year. Her selection was announced by last year’s School-Related Employee of the Year Gloria Gatewood at a reception held Tuesday, April 15 at First Coast Technical College.

Cook was selected from 41 nominees for her exemplary job performance, dedication, interpersonal skills, leadership ability and training to upgrade skills as well as her contributions to individual schools and the district office.

She has been employed as an executive secretary in the Community Relations Department for four years, and has worked for the SJCSD for 13 years. She assists the Community Relations

Director and staff members in overseeing the department’s budget, developing the Superintendent’s Weekly Report and collateral materials, coordinating the district’s recognitions and awards presentations at monthly School Board meetings, and organizing multiple district focus groups. She has an integral role in the production of events including the CHARACTER COUNTS! 6 Pillars 6K/3K run/walk and the American Youth Character Awards banquet.

“Mrs. Cook embodies such a wonderful attitude and enthusiasm for her work and is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done right,” said Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner. “She is extremely responsible and always looks for ways to positively impact the district.”

She possesses exemplary interpersonal and communication skills. Cook is a very loyal member of the Community Relations team and works tirelessly to help her coworkers on events, activities and tasks that do not fall within her job description. In addition, she is constantly looking for opportunities to gain more knowledge and then to share that knowledge with others. Her enthusiasm for the school district and the community is evident in everything she does.

Cook’s name and information packet has been forwarded to the Florida Department of Education as SJCSD’s representative. j

Outstanding School Volunteers of the Year

T

hree individuals were honored as St. Johns County’s 2013-2014 Outstanding Volunteers of the Year at the seventh annual Outstanding School Volunteer reception held recently at First Coast Technical College. Cheryl Freeman, volunteer coordinator for the St. Johns County School District served as emcee and Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner announced the school volunteer coordinators.

Outstanding Senior Volunteer, Elizabeth Smallridge, shows that readers are leaders in the St. Johns County School District. For the last 17 years, she has shared her love of books with students at Ocean Palms Elementary School where she has coordinated the Readers Aloud program since 1996. Smallridge takes on administrative tasks such as guaranteeing that all volunteers have proper clearance, as well as training senior volunteers. Smallridge communicates with teachers so that she can choose books that the students will love and that relate to what they are learning in school. For example, when the students were studying life science, Smallridge

Haley is collaborating with the Mayor’s Hispanic American Advisory Board in Jacksonville to help compile and evaluate resource guide information which offers services to those of all ages.

In addition, she has demonstrated remarkable leadership by organizing events and promoting awareness of the dangers of texting and driving.

She has coordinated events and letter writing campaigns in support of Senate Bill 52 which bans texting while driving that became law on October 1 of last year.

read a book about Ivan, a gorilla in captivity. The students were so touched by Ivan’s story that they collected money to make a donation to the World Wildlife Federation and adopt a lowland gorilla in Smallridge’s name.

Outstanding Youth Volunteer, Mimi Haley, a senior at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) who was nominated by both Ocean Palms Elementary School (OPES) and PVHS, was also selected as the Outstanding Youth Volunteer of the Year for Region II by the Florida Department of Education earlier this year. This honor makes Haley one of the top five youth volunteers in the state. At OPES, Haley serves as a role model for younger students by reading with them and helping them with technology. She also assists OPES teachers by working in their classrooms, organizing materials and demonstrating new technology.

At PVHS, she is an active member of the English Honors Society, Science Honors Society and Senior Women as well as being the vice president of the National Hispanic Honors Society. Currently

Outstanding Adult Volunteer, Corey Walker, is pursuing the call to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. He has served as both mentor and coach to over 45 boys in the last year, many of whom did not have strong male role models in their lives, through The Webster School’s Camp Champion which provides mentoring and tutoring to its students after school.

Walker volunteers in a number of additional school district and community capacities. In addition to coaching two recreation department basketball teams in Hastings as well as AAU travel basketball team, he and his wife are active members on The Webster School Advisory Council and in their church.

These Outstanding Volunteers of the Year will be

Excellence in Public Education

recogSince 1869 nized at the May 13 School Board meeting.

Awards were also presented to runners-up in each category. In the Youth Category, Michael “Hank” Mengel of Creekside High School and St. Augustine High School student Savanah Harget, a volunteer at Sebastian Middle School, were recognized for their efforts. Susanna Vance of Creekside High School and Lindsey Waggoner of Fruit Cove Middle School were honored in the Adult Category. The Senior Category honored Salvatore Iaropoli of Pacetti Bay Middle School, Roy Harvey of Creekside High School, Dorothy Barrett of The Webster School and Rene Patricia Naughton of St. Augustine High School.

The event included the announcement of the district-wide Parent Involvement Award winners.

These awards are presented to an elementary school and a secondary school each year for innovative school practices that increase family involvement. This year’s district winner at the secondary level was Creekside High School for its “Creekside Community Collaboration Project.” The elementary winner was Hickory Creek Elementary for its “Hickory’s Heart” project.

In addition to the announcement of these outstanding volunteers and the Parent Involvement Award winners, the school volunteer coordinators were also recognized. The 122 individuals honored at this event were just a few of the 16,773 volunteers who contributed 300,375 hours of service to district schools during the past year. This week marks National Volunteer Week, observed April 6 – 12. j

Character Counts! Pillar of the Month: Citizenship Important Dates in May: May 13, 9am

School Board Meeting

May 26

Memorial Day – Student/Teacher Holiday

May 30 – 31

Graduations

Dates subject to change, more information at 904-547-7510 or online at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/admin/board/schedule and www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/parents/calendar

Follow us on Twitter

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

Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

infant & toddler

Things to Do

Playful Parents: The Building Infant & Toddler Blocks of Fun

C

hildren learn through play. And their early play interactions provide a foundation for learning later in life. Although entertainment can be a form of teaching, it cannot replace the dynamic interaction of play with objects. This is the first article in a series, called Playful Parents, where we’ll discuss the importance of play and easy and new ways to play with your child.

puzzles, TinkerToys™, Lincoln Logs™, and stacking cups are types of toys that provide three dimensional experiences that develop manipulation skills, motor feedback, eye hand coordination, and imagination. These toys can be used in the pre-verbal stages of a toddler well into the imagination of school-age child.

Using toys in different ways fosters creativity, flexibility, and problem solving. A toy, like any object, is created with a specific purpose.

However it is our imagination that allows us to use toys and objects in new and different ways.

When we use our imaginations, a broom becomes a horse, a spatula turns into a magic wand, socks become puppets and Tupperware containers are used as hats. Never underestimate the power of play to introduce new ideas, teach adaptability, develop attention skills, and build relationships.

Toys that allow for manipulation and construction, like blocks and Legos, allow the builder unlimited When you’re playing with your child, be creative. possibilities to use their imagination and also Think of 3-4 different ways to play with a toy develop motor skills. Legos™, PlayDoh™, before moving onto something new.

Here are some fun and simple ideas to use toys in new ways: Blocks – Stack them up. Knock them down (with hands, feel, or a ball). Make a train. Play peek a boo. Bang on them like a drum.

Stacking cups – Make a tower. Pretend to drink from them. Scoop sand, rice, or beans. Talk into them with a different voice. Use them as a telescope or glasses PlayDoh – Roll a snake. Use cookie cutters. Mold the dough into pretend food. Build snowmen. But the dough with scissors.

Books – Read a story. Point out pictures. Make sound effects. Use the book as a fan. Wear it as a hat.

For more playful ideas on how to use toys and objects, check out these resources: www.pbs.org/wholechild/parents/play.html and www.zerotothree.org/child-development/play 6

And of course, if you are ever concerned about your child’s interactions or play skills, contact your child’s pediatrician. j Megan Hyman, M.S., OT/L Outpatient Pediatric Program Coordinator Brooks Rehabilitation megan.hyman@brooksrehab.org

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VPK Round Ups / Parent Registration Dates Pre-K registration for children born between 9/2/09 – 9/1/10. If you wish to enroll in a VPK program in Clay, Nassau, Baker, Bradford, St Johns, or Putnam counties, you may attend any of the following round-ups. There is no need to RSVP to any of the events below, simply show up during the times listed for that date & location. Log on to http://www.ecs4kids.org/ vpk_reg_docs to view the required documents that you must bring with you to the roundups.

Tuesday, May 13, 4pm to 6pm - Middleburg Clay Hill Library 2245 Aster Ave Middleburg Wednesday, May 14,9:30am to 12noon - ECS Central Office 8443 Baymeadows Rd Ste. 1 Jacksonville Thursday, May 15,4:30pm to 6:30pm - Hilliard Library 15821 CR 108 Hilliard Tuesday, May 20, 4:30pm to 6:30pm - Clay County Library 1895 Town Center Blvd Fleming Island 32003 Wednesday, May 21, 1pm to 4pm - ECS Central Office 8443 Baymeadows Rd Ste. 1 Jacksonville Thursday, May 22, 3:45pm to 5:45pm Melrose Library 312 Wynnwood Ave Melrose 32668 Tuesday, May 27, 4:30pm to 6:30pm - Ponce de Leon Mall 2121 US Highway 1 South, St Augustine Thursday, May 29, 4:30pm to 6:30pm - Yulee Library, David Yulee Room 76346 William Burges Blvd Yulee 32097 Friday, May 30, 10am to 1pm - ECS Central Office 8443 Baymeadows Rd Ste. 1 Jacksonville Car Seat Workshop May 6, 10am to 12noon The Players Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital offers this free Safe Kids Buckle Up parent (or grandparent) workshop.

This workshop teaches you what you need to know to keep your precious cargo safe riding in motor vehicles. Upon completion of the class, families in need of help have the option of purchasing a reduced-cost convertible car seat for babies for babies who weigh over 5 lbs. Cost of car seat: $50.00 cash only. After the class, certified technicians from Safe Kids Northeast Florida will be present to make sure you have your car seat properly installed. Only one seat per child is available for purchase. Exception: If you’re expecting twins/triplets, please contact the host for additional information. Class size is limited so please register for the class. If you are more than 10 minutes late you will not be admitted to class.

The Players Center for Child Health / 3563 Philips Highway Building E, Suite 502 Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.baptistjax.com/patient-info/ classes-and-events/car-seat-workshop Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

infant & toddler

Breast or Bottle?

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ne of the very first decisions expectant mothers will make is whether or not to breast or bottle feed their newborn. This decision is sometimes easy for recurrent parents, but often times can be very difficult for first time mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease and Control, the American Medical Association, and the World Health Organization all recommend breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for newborns and infants.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that newborns should be breastfed until the age of 6 months exclusively. They also recommend continuing until the age of 12 months if willing and able.

Experts believe that breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for newborns for many reasons. These reasons are listed below: • Immunity - Antibodies passed from a nursing mother to her baby are infection fighting and can help lower the occurrence of multiple ailments to include: ear infections, respiratory infections, viral illness and meningitis. It also helps to prevent more long-term illnesses to include asthma, allergies, diabetes, and obesity.

• Ease of Digestion - Breast milk is very easily tolerated by the stomach. It naturally contains many of the vitamins and minerals that newborns require. Overall, breastfed infants have less difficulty with digestion than formula-fed infants. Because it is so easily tolerated, there is a lot less diarrhea and constipation.

• Cost - This might be an obvious benefit, but breast milk is free. Other than buying needed equipment for pumping and storing breast milk, it is much more cost effective than formula.

Things to Do Infant & Toddler

Nemours BrightStart Screenings May 20, 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 lay and what you can do to help them improve in any other areas before they start school. Nemours BrightStart will be returning monthly in 2014 to conduct more screenings at the Library for those not able to take advantage of the opportunity on this date. Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library / 904827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org

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A healthy mother that is breastfeeding should continue her prenatal vitamins even after her newborn is born. These vitamins include Vitamin D, but it has been shown that not enough Vitamin D is passed through breast milk to newborns.

Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all breastfed infants supplement with 400 IU of vitamin D a day.

Breastfeeding can often come with challenges as well. These challenges include poor latch, milk supply issues, personal comfort, time and frequency of feedings, and maternal history. It is recommended that breastfeeding moms see a lactation consultant in the hospital prior to discharge to address some of these challenges.

The decision to breast or bottle feed is a personal one. Breastfeeding is challenging and difficult for many parents. In this case, formula is recommended. There are multiple types and brands of formula on the market - many now are ironfortified and some are even adding probiotics to aid in digestion.

Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider on choices available for your newborn, and together you will decide what is best for you and your newborn baby. j Meghan Bishop, ARNP Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville www.doctorOjax.com 1102 A1A North, Unit 104 • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 • 904-273-6533 4745 Sutton Park Court, Suite 801 • Jacksonville, FL 32224 • 904-743-2100 1633 Race Track Road, Suite 103 • Jacksonville, FL 32259 • 904-287-7000

Meet the Doulas May 29, 6pm to 8pm A Birth Doula will help you prepare for your birth, including preparing the “birth plan”, education about the birth process, continuous emotional and physical support throughout labor, birth and early post-partum.

She will help establish breastfeeding and more. Due to the unexpected nature of what they do, there is a chance a meeting could be rescheduled. Please register to attend, so that you can be contacted in the event of a change. Call to register, 904-997-6401.

Expectant couples are welcome for a casual meet and greet with the ladies who make up Doulananda.

There is no charge for the event and refreshments will be served. Doulananda Birth Services / 904-9976401 / Babies R Us, St. Johns Town Center / 4875 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. jacksonvilledoulas.com/childbirth-classes.html Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Kids Say The Funniest Things!

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.

teens

Parenting in the Digital Age

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’m hanging on to the age of 39 by a thread!

Growing up as a young boy, I listened to a song on the radio titled, “Video Killed the Radio Star,” written by Trevor Horn, Geoff Downe, and Bruce Woolley in 1978. It had a great tune and the words stuck with us. It was a song that discussed the power technology was having on the young at such a transformative age. Thankfully, radio was not killed by video as we continue to listen to our favorite radio stations today. Today, MP3 Players have given way to the smartphone/tablet as these devices can do more than we’ve ever imagined.

The rush of our current digital age and the changes it brings to our families is having a profound impact on the way we understand our children and how we parent in a new era. Our children and youth have an understanding of the smartphone and other electronic devices that far surpasses any comprehension we as parents have towards these devices. In the midst of such momentum, parents should be ready for anything digital media presents. Here are a few tips for being on top of this ever changing world of digital media: First, talk to your child. Communication is key in understanding what types of apps your child is using. Your child downloads new apps frequently as apps for social media are being produced daily. Ask your child what apps they are using as they communicate with their friends. Refraining from discussing social media with your child is not healthy for your child nor is it healthy for your family dynamics. My parents talked to me about the cassettes (yes, this shows my age!) I was listening to as a young child. Communicating shows your child that you are invested in the life they are living and engaged in.

Second, set expectations with your child as they use their smartphone or tablet. Does your child

Things to Do

have access to these devices all the time? Are there time parameters? Do you have full access to their accounts? Expectations are vital as you know what your child is viewing/communicating and for how long they are in communications with others. I learned as a former teacher to set expectations on the first day of school so that your child knows what to expect and what the consequences are for not abiding by the expectations set forth.

Lastly, affirm your children as they use these devices. Let’s face it, these devices are not going away. They are here to stay. Affirming your child as they use these devices allows your child to have greater trust in you that what they are doing is approved and monitored by you as a parent.

Trust is key for even greater communication between you and your child. As you let your child know that you trust them, they feel affirmed and will be more likely to be open with you as you discuss their social involvement together.

Take time to be invested in what your children are doing through social media. Just a little while ago, I saw that my daughter posted a picture of me and said, “Good Job Dad!” Investing in your child’s social media use can go a long way as a parent and for your family! j Jeffrey T. St. Clair Jeff St. Clair is a pastor at Mandarin United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. He is married to Jennifer and they have three children, 15, 13, and 10 years old. Mandarin United Methodist Church is hosting its first ever parenting conference, “iParent Conference 2014” on May 16 & 17, 2014. To register and to find more info on the Conference, go to www.mumc.net.

Teen Author Visit May 15, 6:30pm to 7:30pm The Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library hosts 13 year-old New York Times Bestselling Author, Jake Marcionette, Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library patron and resident.

Hard and e-book copies of his book, Just Jake, are availCity Wide Prom able in the library. Light refreshments will be available.

May 10, 7:30pm to 11pm The Murray Hill Theatre is preparing for the Annual Prom on Copies of the book will also be available for purchase with May 10, 2014. For the last seventeen years the Murray Hill the author signing the books.

Ponte Vedra Branch Library / 904-827-6950 / 101 Library Theatre has offered an alternative to the traditional prom Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org to students 9th grade and up who are home schooled or attend private school and don’t have prom options. This Growing Great Girls Annual Workshop annual event offers a positive environment for students May 16, 10:30am to 2pm who may not enjoy the atmosphere of their own high school’s prom. The prom festivities include food, dancing The Growing Great Girls Annual Workshop will be held & door prizes. Doors will open at 7pm. Tickets range from May 16 at the Schultz Center for Teaching & Leadership.

Tickets range from $50 to $70 and are $20 for students. $12 to $16.

Murray Hill Theatre / 932 Edgewood Ave. S. Jacksonville, The Keynote will be presented by Dr. Catherine SteinerAdair, internationally recognized clinical psychologist, FL, 32205 / http://www.murrayhilltheatre.com school consultant and author. This year’s theme is The Big

Teens

Page 27 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

Disconnect: Implications of technology and communication on a girl’s self-esteem. Register in advance online.

Schultz Center for Teaching & Leadership / 4019 Boulevard Center Drive Jacksonville, FL 32207 / First Coast Girls Initiative / fcgijax.org About Boating Safely May 17, 7:30am to 5pm The About Boating Safely course presented by the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is an adult course for ages 11 years and older. All students who pass the end of course examination will receive the “Boating Education I.D. Card” from the State of Florida. This card and a photo I.D. is what all born on or after January 1, 1988 need to have in their possession in order to operate a vessel powered by an engine rated at 10 horsepower or more in the State of Florida. Cost is $20. Contact Bob Strong at restrong@ comcast.net for more information. Florida Tackle And Gun Club / 9010 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32257 / US Coast Guard Flotilla 070-14-08 / 904-721-1346 / cgaux.

org/boatinged/ Babysitter Training Course May 24, 9am to 4pm Babysitter Training Course at Julington Creek Plantation, a Registered Safe Sitter® Teaching Site. The Babysitter Training Course is for age 11 and up. Fee: $70 for residents / $80 for non-residents for Safe Sitter® (1-day), includes The Official Safe Sitter® Babysitter’s Handbook. Pre-Payment and Pre-Registration Required.

Students must check in at the Plantation Club’s Front Desk and bring a bagged lunch. Contact Maria Gunther at mgunther@jcpcdd.org or call 904-821-3639 for additional information. Julington Creek Plantation / 904-287-2633 / 350 Plantation Club Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259 / jcpcdd.org Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

nature

Meet Your St. Johns River: The Upper Basin A s you will recall from our last two St. Johns River articles (in November and January), we have been traveling south on the St. Johns River learning about the lower and middle basins. We started with the lower basin, which includes Jacksonville. Then we learned about the middle basin, much of which is bordered by the Ocala National Forest. In this article, we will learn about the upper basin, which contains the headwaters of the St. Johns River. The upper basin shares

provide important environmental services for the river by improving water quality. As water passes through the grasses, some of the pollutants and sediments are filtered out and water flows to the river cleaner than when it entered. Wetlands also provide flood protection, acting like a sponge during rain events by trapping large amounts of rainwater in the root mats of the marsh grasses and then slowly releasing that water into the river.

From the early 1900’s through 1970, 62 percent of these wetlands were drained for farmland and set up with more than 40 private pumping stations that were discharging agricultural runoff into the river. The results of this development were an increase in flooding, degraded water quality, and due to habitat loss, a marked decrease in fish and water bird populations. Realizing the importance of the St. Photo Courtesy of the St. Johns River Water Management District Johns wetlands, in 1977 some characteristics with the lower and middle the Army Corp of Engineers and the St. Johns basins but what defines this section of the river is River Water Management District embarked on its expansive wetlands. In fact, over one-third of the largest wetland restoration project of its time the 1,888 square miles in the upper basin to restore some of the wetlands to their natural consists of wetlands. state and create reservoirs for agricultural runoff.

Today, it is important to recognize the central role Wetlands are a vital part of the St. Johns River these wetlands play in the health of the river. By system. They provide habitat for a large number protecting them from human degradation we can of species, including 19 animal species and 14 ensure a healthy St. Johns River for everyone. j plant species protected under federal or state Jennie Busey law. These wetlands are nesting grounds for the Education Director snail kite and bald eagle. In early spring the St. Johns Riverkeeper American shad swims up river to spawn in the www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org safety of the marshes. These wetlands also

Things to Do Nature Events

Native Plants May 3, 9am to 12noon The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens hosts a Native Plants program from 9am to 12noon.

Jacksonville Arboretum / 1445 Millcoe Road, Jacksonville FL 32225 / www.jacksonvillearboretum.org/ Family Fun Day May 10, 10am to 6pm Family Fun Day at Crooked River State Park. Activities will include competitions, games, 3D archery shooting, fishing simulator, County Sheriff K9 demonstrations, and more.

Live musical entertainment throughout the day. BBQ will be for sale. $5 parking.

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Crooked River State Park / 912-882-5256 / 6222 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway St. Marys, GA 31558 / gastateparks.org Herb Farm 31st Annual Birthday Festival Celebration May 10, 10am to 4pm Maggie’s Herb Farm hosts their 31st Annual Birthday Festival Celebration. Activities will include vendors with herb popsicles, butterfly plants, homemade herb snacks, herbal crafts, handmade soaps, birdhouses, medicinal herbalists, garden art and pottery. There will also be varieties of naturally grown culinary herbs, medicinal plants, hummingbird and butterfly plants , herbal lunch, teas, and live band. Free admission, pets required to be maintained and leashed. Maggie’s Herb Farm / 904-8290722 / 11400 County Road 13-N St.Augustine, FL 32092 / maggiesherbfarm.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Things to Do

pets

Summer Heat is Hard on Pets: Preventing Heatstroke

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ou’re sitting in an unventilated car, unable to roll down the windows or open the car door.

It’s 90 degrees outside, and around 120 degrees in the car…and you’re wearing a fur coat. Best case scenario finds you panting. Worst case finds you staggering with your heart racing, until you collapse into a coma.

and can burn their paws. Some dogs don’t know when to stop exercising. They love to play Frisbee or fetch so much that they will continue to the point of exhaustion. It is up to you, as the owner, to use good judgment and decide when play should stop.

If you think your pet has heat exhaustion or Leaving your animal in a hot car is one of the heatstroke, what can you do? most common causes of heat stroke in pets.

Slowly cooling your pet down is extremely Excess activity in the heat of the day and important. If you drop their body temperature too inadequate water are also causes. Dogs and cats rapidly, they can suffer from hypothermia…or are unable to sweat to cool themselves as low body temperature. Cool, NOT COLD, water humans do. They must pant to cool off, and can can be used to cool your pet. (Very cold water will only sweat through their foot pads. Heat exhaus- cause constriction of the blood vessels and slow tion is the first stage, and usually all you as an cooling) Ice packs or bags of frozen vegetables owner will see is excessive panting. The next, wrapped in a towel and placed on the animal’s and more deadly stage, is heatstroke. Signs of head and between its front and back legs will heatstroke include (but are not limited to): body assist cooling. Most importantly, get them to your temperatures of 104-110F degrees, excessive veterinarian if you think your pet is suffering from panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, heat exhaustion. Even if they look better, the liver, staggering, stupor, seizures, bloody diarrhea or kidneys, and brain can be severely damaged by vomiting, coma and death. Short-nosed breeds dehydration and excessive body temperatures. (like bulldogs, pugs, and boxers), large heavyBlood tests and a veterinary exam are required to coated breeds (like huskies and chows), and dogs assess this. There is also a blood problem, called with heart or respiratory problems are at higher DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation), that risk for heat stroke. Older pets, puppies and can be a secondary complication to heat stroke kittens, and obese pets are also at risk. Dark and is often fatal. coated dogs absorb more heat, and get hotter faster, than lighter coated breeds.

What can you, as an owner, to prevent either problem?

As a rule of thumb, pets should drink 15-20 If at all possible, keep your pets inside during the milliliters per pound per day. That means a 10 hottest parts of the day. If this is not an option, a pound dog needs 1 ½ - 2 quarts of water per day, shady yard, kiddie pool and constant access to and this requirement increases with exercise and fresh water are a must. If chained, make sure the heat. Make sure the water container you leave for chain can’t get wrapped around anything, your pet is large enough to meet this demand, keeping your dog from shade or its water. and that it cannot be tipped over easily. Also, if Clipping heavy-coated breeds so they have less you use a bucket, insure that your pet can still hair is helpful…but don’t clip them too close and reach the water as the level goes down through leave them open for sunburn. You can also hose drinking or evaporation. Water that can’t be down your dog with water before work, at lunch, reached is the same as no water at all. Along or whenever you can provide extra cooling, these lines, if your dog is on a chain or runner PROVIDED YOUR DOG IS NOT SHOWING SIGNS OF outside, check that the chain can’t get caught on HEAT EXHAUSTION ALREADY. In that case, take or wrapped around anything (water that can’t be him to your vet immediately. Never leave your reached). Keep the water container in a shady dog or cat in a car alone, opening a window will location so the water will stay cool and make not help. Confinement is more dangerous than sure your pet has access to shade. A kiddie pool people think. Enjoy the sun this summer, but be with a few inches of water in it can act as a cool aware of the danger the hot weather can pose for retreat on a hot day for an outdoor pet. your pet…and take steps to protect them. j Exercising your pet should be restricted to the early morning or evening, when the heat is less.

Hot asphalt can make a dog’s body heat up faster than if it were on grass. A dog riding in the back of a pick-up, in the heat of the day, is bad also.

The metal and black bed-liners intensify the heat

Dr. Krista Davis Bartram Trail Veterinarian Hospital 6751 State Rd 16, St Augustine, FL 32092 904-940-0655 www.bartramtrailvets.com

“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

– Henry James Page 29 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

Pet Events

National Adoption Weekend May 2 – 4 PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend is a three-day adoption event where a larger selection of dogs and cats are available for adoption. The next event is Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4, in all PetSmart stores in North America.

PetSmart / Area Stores / www.petsmart.com 6th Annual King and Queen of Yappy Hour May 4, 2pm to 5pm A new king and queen will be crowned at the 6th Annual King and Queen of Yappy Hour. Registration is from 2pm to 3pm and the pageant begins promptly at 3:15pm. Make sure your pup is dressed in their Sunday best when they strut down the dog walk. Dogs will be judged on: Bio, Attire, Appearance, and Overall. There will also be live music, giveaways, a pet expo, and more. Yappy Hour is a free event for dogs, their parents and dog lovers.

Jacksonville Landing / 904-353-1188 / 2 Independent Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. jacksonvillelanding.com/ Pawsplus Low Cost Pet Vaccinations Low cost mobile puppy, dog, kitten and cat vaccination clinic in locations throughout Jacksonville. No appointments, no exam fees. Location: Inside Pet Supermarket stores at the following dates and locations:

3760 University Blvd W. Jacksonville, FL 32217 (904) 739-3310 Sun, May 18 at 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM 10485 San Jose Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32257 (904) 886-9300 Sun, May 11 at 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 4524 Saint John’s Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32210 (904) 384-2006 Saturday May 24 at 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM 835 Blanding Blvd.

Orange Park, FL 32065 (904) 276-4042 Sun, May 11 at 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 609 Beach Blvd.

Jacksonville, FL 32250 (904) 249-6884 Sun, May 11 at 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

things to do Episcopal Early Learning Academy Open House May 1, 5pm – 7pm Join Jax4Kids.com for an evening of family fun at the Open House of the new Episcopal Early Learning Academy on San Jose Blvd. There will be family-friendly entertainment, prizes, food and fun.

Parents can tour Episcopal Early Learning Academy’s new state of the art facility, now enrolling 6 weeks through VPK. Episcopal Early Learning Academy / 11217 San Jose Blvd. / www.episcopalearlylearning. com / 904-394-0600

May 4, 11:30am to 1pm The Temple hosts its third annual Jacksonville Jewish Food Festival. There will be more than a dozen different restaurants and caterers with brisket sliders, corned beef, matzah ball soup, pickles, bagels, lox, kugel, macaroons and more.

Congregation Ahavath Chesed / 904-733-7078 / 8727 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / thetemplejacksonville.org

Discover the Dinosaurs May 9 – May 11 51st Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Discover the Dinosaurs is a travelling dinosaur May 1 – May 4 show for the entire family to explore the mystery of Each year, the Festival is held on the first weekend in pre-historic life. “Discover the Dinosaurs” is a unique May in the Historic downtown Centre Street business hands on exhibit that consists of over 60 museum district in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. quality and animatronic dinosaurs that gives you Activities include Pirate Parade, Kids Fun Zone, Food, the opportunity to actually get close and touch the Live Musical Entertainment, Invasion of the Pirates, dinosaurs. Beyond the exhibit, additional activities Face Painting, ice cream eating contest, Live Marine are available for kids of all ages. Tickets are availSea Circus & Shrimp Aquarium Display, inflatable able online or at the door. Tickets start at $12, and slide, fireworks, and more. Free admission. There children 1 and under free. will also be a 5k and a 1 mile youth run. Complete Some attractions included with the Exhibit Plus ticket schedule is available online. include triceratops & t-rex rides, inflatables, mini Downtown Fernandina Beach / 102 Centre Street, golf, dino dig, dino theater, dino den, dino coloring, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034 / scavenger hunt, dino maze and more. www.shrimpfestival.com/index.html Friday, 12noon- 9:00pm Saturday 10am – 8pm World of Nations Celebration Sunday 10am – 7pm May 1 – May 4 Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Place As you travel through the World of Nations CelebraJacksonville, FL 32202 / www.discoverthedinosaurs. tion, experience the cuisine, artistry and customs com from lands near and far. Admission is $5 (One Day Ticket), or $8 (Two Day Ticket). Children ages 3 and Family Literacy Fun Day under are free. There will be food, live music, Interna- May 10, 12noon to 4pm tional Marketplace, dance performances, and more. The mission of Family Literacy Fun Day is to offer Visit website below for complete schedule, activities a free public event providing the community with: and more. Schedule: information and educational tools to enhance and Thursday May 1, 9am to 2pm – for registered support early childhood education distribution of field trips only new and gently used books, putting them into the Friday May 2, 9am to 2pm – for registered field hands of children, who may otherwise not have age trips only appropriate books at home. Please register your Saturday May 3, 10am to 8pm child in advance online, to receive a free literacy bag.

Sunday May 4, 11am to 6pm Activities will include food, games, books, prizes and Metro Park / 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd. Jacksonville, the Cat in the Hat. Florida 32202 / www.coj.net CRC Educational & Community Resource, Inc. / 904632-4885 / 1982 McQuade Street Jacksonville, FL St. Augustine Chalk Walk 32209 / www.crceducational.org May 2 – May 4 This St. Augustine 450th Anniversary event begins iParent Conference at 7 p.m. on Friday with a Chalk Walk party. Then, May 16, 6:30pm to 9pm from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, more than 70 May 17, 9am to 4pm artists will use the 500-year old art form of chalking Workshops will be offered by Jacksonville area to express St. Augustine’s Spanish Colonial heritage children and youth professionals on parenting in the on the sidewalks between the Historic Downtown digital age, technology and how it is changing. KeyParking Facility and the Visitor Information Center at note speaker will be Jonathon McKee, a nationally 10 West Castillo Dr. Cash prizes will be presented for known speaker and author. Tickets are $20 for one the best sidewalk creations. This is a free event for parent, or $35 for a couple, and are available online. people of all ages to participate and create. Sunday Childcare provided for ages birth – 5th grade. is a full day of public viewing ending with a sidewalk Mandarin United Methodist Church / 11270 San Jose washing. There are 70 spaces available to particiBlvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / mandarinumc.com pate; registration is free. Downtown St. Augustine/ 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.

St. Mary’s Railroad America’s Heroes staugustinechalkwalk.com May 17, 10am – 4pm May 24, 10am – 4pm Meet and Greet with Spider-Man Help celebrate the courage and honor of all those May 3, 10am to 1pm who serve our country. Ride with the heroes of all Free Meet and Greet with Spider-Man at Adventure times as they tell the stories of soldiers who have Landing. fought for our freedom for hundreds of years. All Adventure Landing, Beaches / 904-246-4386 / 1944 rides depart at 10am, 12noon, 2pm and 4pm.

Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach FL 32250 / www.

Open Air Railcar Rides adventurelanding.com Adults $17 Children (3-12) $11 Jacksonville Jewish Food Festival Children under 2 FREE

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Locomotive Rides $50.00 per person, limit 2 people in the Locomotive Processing fee of $3 each plus sales tax will be added to ticket price. Children 3-12 must be accompanied by an adult for locomotive rides. Children under 3 not allowed on locomotive. St. Marys Railroad / 912-200-5235 / 1000 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA, 31558 / www.stmarysrailroad.com/ Westside Family Resource Center 4th Annual Family Fun Day May 17, 12noon – 4pm The Westside Family Resource Center hosts their 4th Annual Family Fun Day. Activities will include live entertainment, free food, music, games, contests, prizes, crafts, community resources and more. Free admission. Held at Oak Hill Elementary School.

Westside Family Resource Center / 904-390-3296 / Oak Hill Elementary School / 6910 Daughtry Blvd S, Jacksonville, Florida 32210 / www.familyfoundations.org Concert on the Green May 25, 4pm to 10pm The grounds at Magnolia Point Golf and Country Club open at 4pm and the concert begins at 8pm. There will be kids activities, local bands, an Instrument Zoo, face painting, games, and a Disc-Connected K9s show. Feel free to bring kites, frisbees or any other outdoor activities. The featured event will be the performance by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra at 8pm. Tickets are $15/adult; $5/student (6 to 17 years of age); children under 5 are free. Discounted prices available if purchased in advance.

Magnolia Point Golf & Country Club / 3670 Clubhouse Drive Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / concertonthegreen.com Public Education Partners’ (P.E.P.) Rally May 31, 8am to 2pm This year’s Public Education Partners’ (P.E.P.) Rally will serve as the official observance of Duval County’s Public Schools’ 150th birthday. Activities include a Spirit 5K run, 1 mile Reading is Fun Run, reading celebration, birthday party, expo, teacher VIP zone, vendor expo and more. There will also be a Child ID ‘Safety’ Zone, with a host of activities which will include safety- related games or themes; also, every 20- 30 minutes, prizes (children’s toys / books / games / food coupons etc) will be auctioned off.

They will also be fingerprinting and IDing children from New York Life Held at the Jaguars’ Cabana Fan Entertainment Zone.

Duval Schools / Everbank Field / 1 Everbank Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.duvalschools. org Feel the Wheels May 31, 9am to 4pm Hands-on event where children of all ages can explore trucks, emergency vehicles, boats, military vehicles and more. Admission is $5 for children 2 and up; free for adults. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Museum of St. Johns.

Children’s Museum of St. Johns / 904-647-1757 / St. Augustine Outlets / 500 Outlet Mall Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.explorecmsj.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!

Children’s Art Classes Summer Workshops www.childrensartclasses.com • 904.612.7557 Baymeadows location

Orange Park location

Student name__________________________________Age_____ Parent Name____________________________________________ Cell Phone_________________Home Phone_________________ Mailing Address_________________________________________ Email Address___________________________________________

Student name__________________________________Age_____ Parent Name____________________________________________ Cell Phone_________________Home Phone_________________ Mailing Address_________________________________________ Email Address___________________________________________

Workshops requested: June 23 - 27 July 7 - 11 July 14 - 18 July 21 - 25

Workshops requested: June 23 - 27 July 7 - 11 July 14 - 18 July 21 - 25

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Please use LETTER of workshop from summer workshop schedule (ex. A, B, C, ETC.) Up to four workshops each week may be selected.

(Each workshop will meet Monday - Friday at given time.)

Workshop schedule: Baymeadows Way JUNE 23-27 A. Beginning Drawing B. Clay for Tiny Hands C. Painting for Young Artists D. Charcoal Drawing JULY 7-11 E. Stain Glass for Children F. Drawing Self-Portraits in Pastel G. Painting in Water Colors H. Clay MASKS! JULY 14-18 I. Drawing with Scratchboard J. Painting for Young Artists K. Clay Pottery L. Beginning Drawing JULY 21-25 M. Wooden Mosaic Bird Houses N. ART for “Tiny Hands” O. Drawing & Painting in Acrylics P. Plaster Mask Creations!!

Page 31 • Jax4Kids.com • MAY 2014

9 - 10:15 am 10:15 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 12:45 pm 12:45 - 2 pm

ages 7 - ADULT ages 3-6 ages 4-7 ages 7 - ADULT

9 - 10:15 am 10:15 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 12:45 pm 12:45 - 2 pm

ages 5 and up ages 7 and up ages 7 and up ages 5 and up

9 - 10:15 am 10:15 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 12:45 pm 12:45 - 2 pm

ages 7 and up ages 4-7 ages 7 and up ages 7 and up

9 - 10:15 am 10:15 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 12:45 pm 12:45 - 2 pm

ages 5 and up ages 3-5 ages 8 and up ages 6 - ADULT

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Please use LETTER of workshop from summer workshop schedule (ex. A, B, C, ETC.) Up to four workshops each week may be selected.

(Each workshop will meet Monday - Friday at given time.)

Cost is $74/per 5-day workshop, and includes all supplies. $20 deposit per 5-day workshop is due with registration.

Balance to be paid on FIRST DAY of workshop.

Mail registration form and deposit to: All workshops MEET at: Children’s Art Classes 8411 Baymeadows Way 9838 Old Baymeadows Rd. #330 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Jacksonville, FL 32256 **You will be notified ONLY if your requested workshop is full**

____ ____ ____ ____

Cost is $74/per 5-day workshop, and includes all supplies. $20 deposit per 5-day workshop is due with registration.

Balance to be paid on FIRST DAY of workshop.

Mail registration form and deposit to: All workshops MEET at: Children’s Art Classes 1406 Kingsley Ave 9838 Old Baymeadows Rd. #330 Orange Park, FL 32073 Jacksonville, FL 32256 **You will be notified ONLY if your requested workshop is full**

CUT

Workshop schedule: Orange Park JUNE 23-27 A. Beginning Drawing B. Clay for Tiny Hands C. Painting for Young Artists JULY 7-11 D. Stain Glass for Children E. Drawing Self-Portraits in Pastel F. CLAY POTS!!

JULY 14-18 G. Clay Mask-Making H. Drawing with Scratchboard!

I. Painting in Water Colors JULY 21-25 J. Beginning Drawing K. Drawing & Painting in Acrylics L. Painting for Young Artists

9 - 10:15 am 10:15 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

ages 7 - ADULT ages 3-6 ages 4-7

9 - 10:15 am 10:15 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

ages 5 and up ages 7 and up ages 7 and up

9 - 10:15 am 10:15 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

ages 6 and up ages 7 and up ages 7 and up

9 - 10:15 am 10:15 - 11:30 am 11:30 am - 12:45 pm

ages 5 and up ages 8 and up ages 4-7

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2 LOCATIONS Julington Creek & Camachee Cove St. Augustine

CALL 904.309.9109

CCoates@FreedomBoatClub.com