Jax4Kids.com November 2016

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November 2016

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Page 2 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

Contents

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers,

LIVING WELL

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he holiday season begins now! Turn to page 13 for our annual Holiday Guide and start planning where to go and what to do to make memories with your family this holiday season.

You’ll also find gift ideas for different ages, information about this year’s Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville (December 10th), where to buy a fresh cut Christmas Tree, when to get packages in the mail to arrive in time and a great gift idea for grandparents. If you will be shopping for a child who is differently-abled, Toys ‘R Us has a gift guide to help you pick the perfect gift. Turn to page 21 for this and other helpful Tidbits.

Jax4Kids is proud to sponsor Body Worlds Rx, the remarkable traveling exhibit currently at MOSH. The exhibit uses real specimens, preserved through a process called Plastination, that demonstrate the affect of disease and lifestyle choices on the human body. It will leave you with a new appreciation of the human body and will likely make a strong impact on children. The exhibit is best suited for school age children.

If you’ve followed Jax4Kids.com over the past decade plus, you know that we LOVE giving prizes away and for the past two years, we have celebrated the month of thanks giving by giving away a prize (or two) a day, every day during the month of November. The prizes have included family getaways, ski trips, tickets to family-friendly concerts, gift baskets and more.

30 Days of Thanks is back this year with some great prizes for you to enjoy! Log on to Jax4Kids’

November 2016 Community Profile: Dignity U Wear Now Into 2nd Decade .....................................4 MOSH Celebrates 75 Years .................................................................................4 Talk to Yourself ...................................................................................................5 Downtown Ecumenical Services Council ..............................................................5

EATING WELL A Harvest of Blessings ........................................................................................6 Be Food Safe! .....................................................................................................6

HEALTH & SAFETY Transporting Children Safely ................................................................................7

INFANT & TODDLER Facebook page every day during the month of November to see what you could win. You’ll find us at facebook.com/jax4kids.

The gates of the 2016 Jacksonville Fair open at 5pm on November 2nd with food, live music, agricultural shows and contests, live presentations, carnival rides, games, and more. Visit Jax4Kids.com’s online events calendar for all of the daily Fair specials and an always updated calendar of events including a dedicated holiday events calendar.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

5 Ways to Support Parents of Preemies ...............................................................9 Baby Toy Safety ..................................................................................................9

SPECIAL NEEDS Epilepsy Isn’t Just About the Seizures ................................................................12

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Holiday Happenings .................................................................................... 14-15 Pack a Shoebox for Christmas ...........................................................................16 2016 Toy Hall of Fame Finalists..........................................................................17 Age-Based Gift Suggestions ..............................................................................17 Gift for the Grands.............................................................................................17 Successful Holiday Parenting ............................................................................18 Give or Receive for Jacksonville Children............................................................18 Find a Christmas Tree Farm...............................................................................19 Holiday Shipping Guide......................................................................................19

TIDBITS .......................................................................................21 EDUCATION Got Reluctant Readers? More Reading is the Answer .........................................22 Body Worlds Rx Exhibit Mixes Education And Fun ...............................................23 That’s My Job! Rob Noble, Retail Manager, Toys ‘R Us .......................................23 Holiday Homework ............................................................................................23

DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS..........................24 CLAY COUNTY SCHOOL NEWS

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Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer......................................linda@jax4kids.com Tim Chavez Graphic Designer........................................... tim@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................................judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com Donna Paunetto Advertising Sales.............................. donna@jax4kids.com Doug Berle Advertising Sales......................................... doug@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............................... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2016.

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.

National Walk To School Day..............................................................................25 Kevin Taylor Named Scholarship Recipient .........................................................25 Eight Named National Merit Semi Finalists .........................................................25 Third Grader Wins Regional Golf Title .................................................................25

ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL NEWS Matthew Leaves Its Mark ..................................................................................26 Pellicer, Coleman Named Lifetime Achievers.......................................................26 17 Make National Merit Semifinals ....................................................................26 Ballet Instruction ...............................................................................................26

TEENS

New Smoking Rules Restricts Teen E-cigarette Use ............................................27

NATURE

What Happens to Birds Caught in Hurricane Like Matthew?.................................28

PETS

Keep Your Pet Safe While Driving .......................................................................29

EVENTS

Things to Do .....................................................................................................31 NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

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LIVING WELL

Community Profile: Dignity U MOSH Celebrates 75 Years Wear Now Into 2nd Decade A

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acksonville-based charity Dignity U Wear is well into its way to accomplishing its mission “to change the lives of the neediest American citizens who are working to help themselves.

“It is hard to imagine that a new shirt can change a life, but we have found that when you change the way people look on the outside, it changes how they feel on the inside. The gift of new clothing is a statement that somebody cares. That gift helps to restore an individual’s hope,” writes board chairman Parker McCray in the organization’s annual report.

Founded in 2000 by philanthropist and Holocaust survivor Henri Landwirth, Dignity U Wear has distributed over 9 million pieces of new clothing valued at over $160 million to people in need.

“I started Dignity U Wear because I was in the concentration camps for five years with no clothes,” says Landwirth on its website. “After I left the camps, I was 18 years old and I was homeless. And I promised myself that one day, God willing, I would be able to help other people not to suffer as much as I did.”

The clothing, donated by manufacturers, distributors and retailers, is distributed to individuals through a nationwide partnership with more than 200 social service nonprofits. Apparel industry partners have included: Brooks Brothers, Buffalo David Britton; The Cato Corporation, Destination Maternity, Fishman & Tobin, Hanes Brands Inc., Jockey, Men’s Wearhouse, PhillipsVan Heusen Corporation, Roskosys Inc, SanMar, and Venus. Donated clothing includes excess inventory, samples, cancellations, logo overruns and seasonal merchandise.

re you ready for a bash like no other?

Mark November Ninety-five percent of clothing received from 19 on your manufacturers is sorted, inventoried, packed (by calendar because requested size, and gender) and shipped to this party will go recipient agencies by volunteers, who donated down in history! more than 6,000 hours last year.

The Museum of Science & History Areas of emphasis include: (MOSH) is School children – remov- celebrating its ing a barrier to education 75th anniversary by providing new clothing in style. People of all ages are invited to the to school children in need; MOSH BASH. It is a family-fun event from 6 – 9 Veterans – providing p.m. featuring work-appropriate clothing pop-up science, for veterans seeking candy of science, employment and basic music and a few clothing necessities for more surprises. those who have become MOSH will celebrate homeless; and 75 years of educawomen and girls in tion, exploration and crisis – helping women discovery. Of course, and girls who have there will be suffered domestic inspiration and violence, emotional and/or excitement around sexual abuse, or are at every corner. risk to drop out of school.

“In our 75th year of Atlantic Beach resident continuous community service, we have focused Nicole Brose has recently been named president of the nonprofit. The experienced manager, who was most recently connected with First Coast No More Homeless Pets, will allow Executive Director Barbara Truncellito, who is based in New York, to more closely focus on the nonprofit’s relationship with the apparel industry. The chief operating officer is Janet Reagor, a longtime mainstay in Jacksonville’s nonprofit arena.

National spokesmen include actors Mark Walberg and Gary Sinise.

To donate, volunteer or get more information, contact Dignity U Wear at 136 N. Myrtle Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32204; call (904) 636-9455; or go to dignityuwear.org. To arrange tours of the Jacksonville warehouse and sorting facility, call (904) 636-9455 ext. 14 j

“Happiness is letting go of what you think happiness is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything it is.”

– Mandy Hale

Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

on reflecting, celebrating and planning for our future. We have evolved with our community since our beginning as the Jacksonville Children’s Museum in 1941 and remain committed to present relevant, inspiring and educational exhibitions and programs. MOSH reached nearly 240,000 people this year and are excited to begin 2017 with a new brand identity and vision for growth that will carry us far into the future. You don’t want to miss it. The MOSH BASH will be the hottest ticket in town.” said MOSH Executie Director, Maria Hane.

MOSH has a rich history on the First Coast. It was first chartered in 1941 and continues to inspire the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Over the years, the Museum has expanded its services and added enrichment programs and events such as Little Learners, Cosmic Concerts and MOSH After Dark. There are currently 12 exhibits, including a signature exhibit at the Jacksonville International Airport, and one traveling exhibit, BODY WORLDS Rx – Prescription for Healthy Living. A journey through MOSH takes visitors on crash course in history, science and health.

Millions of people have been a part of the MOSH experience for over 75 years. You can discover premier attractions and be a part of the fun.

Celebrate 75 years and counting. Get your tickets now for the MOSH BASH. For a listing of ticket prices including a family four-pack, visit www. themosh.org or call (904) 396-MOSH (6674). j themosh.org

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

LIVING WELL

Talk to Yourself

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r. James Gills accomplished the remarkable feat of completing two triathlons back to back. Most of the world, including me, couldn’t complete one triathlon, never mind two. Yet, Dr. James Gills, a man in his fifties, was able to complete a double triathlon six times.

When asked how he did it, he gave the best advice I’ve ever heard.

He said, “I’ve learned to talk to myself instead of listen to myself.”

He continued, “If I listen to myself I hear all the reasons why I should give up. I hear that I’m too tired-too old-too weak to make it. But if I talk to myself I can give myself the encouragement and words I need to hear to keep running and finish the race.”

It’s the same way with life.

Too often we listen to ourselves and hear all the complaints, self-doubt, fear and negativity that lead to unhappiness, failure and unfulfilled goals.

But instead of listening to the negative we can choose to feed ourselves with the positive. We can fuel up with words, thoughts, phrases, scripture and beliefs that give us the strength and power to overcome our challenges and create an extraordinary life, career and team.

Just keep running, stay positive, talk to yourself instead of listen to yourself and make sure you celebrate and raise your hands in the air when you’ve reached your destination! j Jon Gordon www.jongordon.com www.positiveschool.com

Downtown Ecumenical Services Council

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ata from the U.S. Census Bureau show that there are 76.4 million baby boomers representing nearly a quarter of the total U.S. population. Although they won’t all be out of the workforce for another 15 years or so, this growing population of retired Americans are still valuable members of society who can use their skills and time to improve their lives as well as the lives around them.

whereas younger people are more likely to feel obligated to volunteer for something ties to other responsibilities such as parenting, work or school.

Jacksonville nonprofit Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC) is in desperate need of volunteers. If you or someone you know is retired and would like to volunteer, they would love to hear from you!

Volunteers assist clients and sort and organize donations, among other things. Dana McKay volunteers twice a week at DESC.

Some researchers believe that older volunteers receive more benefits from volunteering because these activities are more likely to be voluntary;

To volunteer, visit descjax.org/volunteer-desc/ or call 904-358-3935. j

“DESC is a meaningful place where you can have a good time because you’re needed,” said Beth Wilson, DESC’s clothing manager. “We try to put ourselves in the place of our clients so we share what we have.”

“The moment you walk into some places, you know in your heart you’ve made it home,” Dana DESC helps families with children stay in their said. “It’s not always about the surroundings, but homes by providing them with money for rent and the people you connect with.” utilities, healthy food, clothing and backpacks so that they can be successful in school.

Both Dana and Sally Solow are retired and usually work Mondays and Fridays. But on a Tuesday, The Americans’ Changing Lives (ACL) study is the both were more than happy to come in to sort oldest ongoing nationally representative study on and organize clothing. This initiative takes stress the role of social, psychological and behavioral off the shoulders of Beth so that she can focus on factors on health and the way it changes with age other priorities like interacting with clients who over the course of an adult’s life. Data collected need her assistance.

by ACL has led to the conclusion that volunteering increases self-esteem, provides retired citizens The bottom line: volunteer. Do it for your commuwith a sense of purpose, combats depression and nity. Do it for the people you will touch. But most helps them stay physically healthy. importantly, do it for your health.

NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

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EATING WELL

A Harvest of Blessings

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all is one of my favorite times of the year.

Amidst all the hurriedness of the upcoming holidays, there is something irreplaceable about the time spent with family around the table. It’s true that our children are becoming more electronic savvy to adapt to our changing world, but it’s equally important to unplug and reach out to each other in a personal way. Families that share a meal are more likely to have better communication between parent and child and are shown to have a lower risk of childhood overweight/obesity. One study that looked at childhood obesity found the dinner table as an important place where social support and family communication meet—both of which relate to the body mass index (BMI) of children as well as parents. Family meals and their traditions might be an underappreciated battleground to fight childhood obesity. What has become less of the norm for most households, has now become something so important for family bonding and so important to raising healthy kids – eating together as a family. It’s very easy for the family meal time to become replaced with food on the run and family members scattered in different directions at dinner time. The art of meal preparation can be so easily lost on a generation of children that live “in the fast lane”, meaning that dinner is always from a restaurant or fast food.

family. Teach your children how to help in the kitchen so they feel part of the holiday preparations. Instead of rushing into the holidays, take a step back and remember what this time of the year is for – reconnecting with the ones you love.

Spend time with your family.

Whoever is at your holiday table this year, make it special. Whether it’s your family, friends, neighbors or someone new to the table, go ahead………….invite them in.

And if you’re looking for an easy way to introduce more vegetables, check out this roasted veggie recipe adapted from the Food Network. This recipe is a great one to get your children involved (and they might just take a bite!) They can help wash and peel the vegetables or toss them with oil.

Roasted Vegetables Recipe • 1 pound carrots, peeled • 1 large sweet potato, peeled • 1 pound parsnips, peeled • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and seeded • ½ pound fresh green beans • 3 -4 tablespoons olive oil • 1 ½ teaspoons of salt • ½ teaspoon black pepper • 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley It’s also important to remember that more than Directions: 48 million Americans are food insecure, which Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. includes more than 15 million children. A limited Cut the carrots, parsnips, sweet potato and budget combined with limited access to healthy butternut squash in 1 – 1 ½ inch cubes. Rememfood causes many to choose less expensive, calo- ber the vegetables will shrink when baked, so rie-dense foods for their families (fast food, snack don’t cut them too small. Place all the cut foods, sodas) which may lead to overweight vegetables in a large bowl and drizzle them with children who lack the healthy foods their growing the olive oil, salt and pepper and toss well. bodies need.

Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on 2 baking sheets. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until all There are so many ways which we can help each the vegetables are tender, turning once with a other. Donate food to those who have little, and metal spatula. Sprinkle with parsley and serve better yet, volunteer to help set up and deliver hot. j meals for those who need it in your community.

Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N Take your children with you to volunteer so they Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition can see the good that we can all accomplish Wolfson Children’s Hospital together. Slow down and share a meal with your

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Be Food Safe!

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ookies are a holiday favorite – and this season is a good time to remind ourselves that ready-to-cook foods of all kinds, including raw, packaged cookie dough, do need to be cooked. Eating these kinds of foods right out of the package, without cooking them, could make you sick from bacteria. Cooking them according to the package directions before you eat them kills bacteria that could make you sick.

Whether it’s packaged cookie dough or a frozen entrée or pizza or any of the other ready-to-cook foods we use for convenience, cook or bake them according to the directions on the package, to help keep your holidays happy.

days. But anyone, of any age or health condition, could get very sick or die from these bacteria.

This is especially true for people with weak immune systems; for example, the very young, the elderly, and people with diseases that weaken the immune system or who are on medicines that suppress the immune system (for example, some medicines used for rheumatoid arthritis).

Pregnant women also need to be especially careful to follow cooking directions on packages, since some bacteria are very harmful or deadly to unborn babies.

It’s a good safety tip to keep in mind all year, not just in the holiday season: Follow the directions on your ready-to-cook food packages to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. j

Most people who get sick from bacteria in ready-to-cook foods that aren’t cooked properly will get better by themselves, although foodborne illness isn’t a very pleasant way to spend the holi- www.fda.gov

“Count your rainbows, not your thunderstorms.”

– Alyssa Knight

HEALTH & SAFETY

Transporting Children Safely

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id you know that 59% of car seats are not installed correctly?

To find out if yours is, visit a Safe Kids child restraint check-up event. There are over 500 safety inspection stations across the U.S. that are set up to help teach parents how to safely transport kids. Many safety stations are located in GM dealerships, hospitals, or fire stations. Check for an event or check-up station near you at safekids.org. Safe Kids NE Florida is led by Wolfson Children’s Hospital, THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health, which provides dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving our common goal: keeping your kids safe. Based on the needs of the community, this coalition implements evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics, that help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries.

Other tips to keep them safe: • Buckle up your child for every drive, starting with the first ride home from the hospital. Set a good example by buckling up for every ride, too.

• Keep babies in a rear-facing car seat until they are about 2 years old. Check your state law and car seat manufacturer’s guidelines for height and weight. Kids receive the best protection from head, neck, and spinal injuries in a rear-facing position.

• When installing forward-facing car seats, attach the top tether after tightening the lock and seat belt or lower latches. Ensure the seat is securely fastened before putting your child in the car seat. Tug on the seat, and if it moves more than an inch, it has not been installed properly.

• Treat kids like VIPS: keep them in the backseat until they are 13.

• Check car seat labels to determine if they are an appropriate fit for your child’s age, height, and weight.

• Toys can injure kids in a crash, so only bring soft toys than can be secured and can’t float

freely in the car.

• Check your car seat’s expiration date, as most car seats expire within six years. Check the label to make sure it still meets safety requirements. If it is out of date, discard it in a dark trash bag so it can’t be pulled from the trash and reused.

• Don’t buy a used car seat from a thrift store or Craigslist, as it is important to know the history of the car seat by knowing the previous owner. Once a car seat has expired or been in a crash, it is deemed unsafe and must be discarded.

• Use the pinch test to ensure the car seat straps are snug enough. When buckled in, parents should not be able to pinch extra fabric on the strap around the child’s shoulders.

• Your child is ready for a booster seat if he exceeds height and weight limits, his shoulders are above the harness slots, or his ears are above the top of the car seat.

• Have a portable booster seat handy (such as the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat) on vacations to use in taxi rides, rental cars, grandma’s car or for that extra unexpected little passenger in daily carpooling. They are easy to pack fitting into a large pursue or backpack and easy to inflate. Kids are safer in booster seat than just a seat belt. BubbleBum meets and exceeds U.S. safety regulations and has been awarded the “Best Bet” booster award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety multiple times.

• Never leave a child alone in the car, as the temperatures in a car can escalate quickly in warm weather and cause a heat stroke or even death. Leaving the car running to keep kids cool or warm depending on the weather is not safe as a running car is a target for thieves and toddlers are able to accidentally engage the vehicle if they get out of their seat. Always take kids inside when you are running errands. j

Things to Do Health & Safety

The Super Run November 12, 8am The Super Run is a national series of 5k running events that partners with non-profit organizaCosmic Kids Yoga tions to put on superhero themed events to help November 2, 2:30pm to 3:30pm raise funds and awareness for their cause. Entry Kids in grades K-5 can come in and participate ranges from $35 to $45 for individual runners; with a giant showing of Cosmic Kids Yoga. Held fee includes custom bib, 2016 medal and 2016 at the Anastasia Island Branch Library. Free. cape.

Anastasia Island Branch / 124 Seagrove Main University of North Florida / 1 UNF Drive, JackStreet, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org sonville, FL 32224 / thesuperrun.com Seizure Smart Talk 5K Run/Walk November 5, 9am 5K Run/Walk that benefits the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF) leads the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. EFOF was established in 1971 as a notfor-profit 501(c)(3). EFOF is the principal agency for epilepsy programs and services sponsored by the State of Florida, servicing the estimated 400,000 Floridians who suffer from the condition. It is the sole licensee and affiliate in the state of the National Epilepsy Foundation®, which has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. EFOF serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizures at the local, county and state level.

Lake Asbury Junior High & Elementary School / 904-731-3752 / 2901 Sandridge Rd, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.efof.org

12th Annual Turkey Trot 5k November 24, 8am The Vida Race Series 12th Annual Turkey Trot 5k will start and finish at Osprey Village Wellness Center and meander through the historic American Beach community. Additionally, a 1-Mile Youth Fun Run will be held immediately after the 5K is finishes. The 5K begins at 8am and the youth Fun Run begins at 9am. Awards will be given out to the top overall male and female and the top three male and female winners in fourteen age categories. All kids in the one mile fun run will get an award for finishing. Cost is $25 per adult; $15 per child (12 and under). A portion of proceeds will stock the shelves of The Barnabas Food Pantry of Nassau County.

Osprey Village Wellness Center / 48 Osprey Village Drive, Amelia Island, FL 32034 / www. active.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Health Events online at www.jax4kids.com

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

NOVEMBER SPECIAL

15% Off Any Event 2hr. Minimum booking. Expires Nov. 30, 2016

www.bubblebum.us

“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”

(904) 434-6866

– Angela Schwindt NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 7

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Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

INFANT & TODDLER

5 Ways to Support Parents of Preemies B

rady’s, PICC line, Oscillator, Retinopathy of that handwashing!), travel toiletries, books, a Prematurity…these are familiar terms for journal, snacks, or pumping supplies. too many parents that have experienced a child in 5. Don’t Take it Personally the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In fact, accordCalls may not be returned and your loved one ing to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 10 may seem disconnected. Be understanding infants will be born preterm, or born before 37 and respect their requests, especially weeks of pregnancy. With this prevalence, it is regarding germs. Many friends and family very likely that you know- or will know- someone members fail to realize the potential harm that has a preemie. Your friend or family member even small colds can bring. Understand that needs your help during this time more than ever. you may not be able to visit the hospital, or Here are some helpful tips to show your loved even at home for several weeks, especially one support and ease their journey. during cold/flu season. Don’t take offense and 1. Celebrate realize that readmission to the hospital due to Most people are unsure what to say when an illness is the last thing these parents want someone they know experiences a preterm after their baby is finally discharged. birth. Treat the birth of their child as you would any-- shower the parents with love and congratulations. If you normally give a gift, do!

This helps parents feel nurtured and helps them celebrate as well.

2. Offer Specific Help Overwhelmed NICU parents often don’t reach out for help because they are unable to anticipate or properly communicate their needs. Be specific in your offers, such as scheduling a time to watch siblings so Mom can visit the hospital, mowing the lawn, running errands or taking care of household chores, pet sitting if they need to stay closer to the hospital, or setting up a meal calendar to keep them fed. This will allow Mom or Dad to accept or decline each request based on their current needs.

3. Transportation Most moms of preemies have undergone a C-section delivery and are not allowed to drive for at least the first 2 weeks following discharge from the hospital. Volunteer transportation so that she can visit with her baby.

4. Gift Useful Items A hospital survival kit is a helpful gift for parents with a child in the NICU. Consider adding useful items--lotion (to combat all of

As you can imagine, this is a difficult time for parents, filled with fear, anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, and often depression. Having a baby in the NICU is extremely hard, whether you are separated from your baby for days or months, and is an experience you don’t fully understand unless you have gone through it yourself. By offering your love and support, your friend or family member’s burden will be a little lighter as they travel down the road to bringing their baby home healthy. Visit www.marchofdimes.org and www.peekabooicu.net for more resources about premature births and support. j

Baby Toy Safety W

Written by Judy Jolley, Mom to premature triplets

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“A child’s laugh could simply be one of the most beautiful sounds in the world!”

hen shopping for toys this holiday season, keep these general guidelines in mind.

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– Unknown •

Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant.

Stuffed toys should be washable. Note: Stuffed animals and other toys that are sold or given away at carnivals and fairs are not required to meet safety standards. Check carnival toys carefully.

Art materials should say nontoxic.

Toys should be large enough — at least 1¼” in diameter and 2¼” in length — so that they can’t be swallowed or lodged in the windpipe. If an object fits inside a toilet paper tube, then it’s too small for a young child.

Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that are 1.75 inches in diameter or less because they can become lodged in the throat above the windpipe and restrict breathing.

Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, which means that

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they’ve been evaluated.

Battery-operated toys should have battery cases that secure with screws so that kids cannot pry them open. Batteries and battery fluid pose serious risks, including choking, internal bleeding, and chemical burns.

Hand-me-down and homemade toys should be carefully evaluated. They may not have undergone testing for safety and older toys may not meet current safety standards.

Riding toys like rocking horses and wagons should come with safety harnesses or straps and be stable and secure enough to prevent tipping.

Never give your baby vending machine toys, which often contain small parts.

The noise of some rattles, squeak toys, and musical or electronic toys can be as loud as a car horn — even louder if a child holds it directly to the ears — and can contribute to hearing damage.j

http://kidshealth.org http://webmd.com

NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

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INFANT & TODDLER

Things to Do Infant & Toddler Open Gym November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 9:30am to 10:30am

Champions Gymnastics would like to offer your child the opportunity to experience physical fitness during 1 hour Open Gym play on all four Olympic events plus bounce house, foam pit and more. Children of all ages are welcome every Tuesday 9:30am to 10:30am. Cost is $5 cash/$7 credit card. Children 18 months and under – free.

Champions Gymnastics / 904-732-6040 / 9410 Historic Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.ChampionsOfJax.com

Toddler Time at Rebounderz November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 9:30am to 11:30am

Rebounderz offers Toddler Time from 9:30am to 11:30am for ages 5 and under. One adult is admitted for free with each child’s $8 paid admission. A valid waiver & Rebounderz jump socks are required for all participants. No Toddler Time on Duval County and St. John’s County school holidays.

Rebounderz / 904-300-0070 / 14985 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / rebounderzjacksonville.com

of pregnancy, what to expect during labor and birth, labor support and Lamaze techniques, hospital routines, analgesia and anesthesia, medical interventions, Cesarean birth, and newborn procedures. Registration covers mom plus one support person. Includes tour of the Family Birth Place. Class is from 9am to 5:30pm, with an hour for lunch. Attend a class that ends no later than 4 weeks before your due date. Fee - $60.00. You do not have to be a St. Vincent’s patient to attend the childbirth classes.

Classes are held in the Education Room, in the main lobby of the hospital. Call 904-602-1153 or email Adrienne.geathers@jaxhealth.com for questions and info. Register in advance.

St. Vincent’s Clay County / 904-602-1153 / 1670 St. Vincent’s Way, Middleburg, FL 32068 / www.jaxhealth.com Storytime In Balis Park Gazebo November 12, 10am to 11am

Families are invited to hear a story at the Gazebo in Balis Park. The event will be weather permitting. Storytime will be moved inside the San Marco Bookstore if needed.

Balis Park / 1999 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.sanmarcobookstore. com Art For Two: Paper Weaving November 12, 10:30am to 12noon

Students will explore pattern, line, and color in Folk Couture, then return to the studio to create their own patterned fabric by weaving colored paper. For ages 3 to 5. Members $15 per pair, Island Turtle Finger Puppets: Tag! You’re a Non-Members $20 per pair.

Puppeteer!

November 8, 9am

Tag! You’re a puppeteer! Explore the coastal ecosystems with master puppeteer Morgan Kelly as she presents her new show, Island Turtle, and teaches children to make their own finger puppets based on native inhabitants of our coast – from ghost crabs to groupers. For ages 3 to 6. Cost is $15.

Children’s Museum of St. Augustine / 904647-1757 / 76 Dockside Drive, Suite 105, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.tagmuseum.org

Little Leaners: Fall Harvest November 9, 9:30am

Bring your little ones to MOSH the second Wednesday of every month for exclusive programming for preschool-aged children and their caregivers. This month, celebrate the changing of the seasons with fun fall festivities. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for Museum exploration, followed by Little Learners circle time and singalong, programming and community learning activities through 11:30. Admission is only $5 per person (ages 3 and up). This program is extremely popular, please pre-register online.

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

Saturday Childbirth Class at St. Vincent’s Clay County November 12, 9am to 5:30pm

Classes cover the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, changes during pregnancy, warning signs of pre-term labor, potential complications

Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens / 904899-6034 / 829 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.cummermuseum.org Early Childhood - Learning Luggage November 15, 5pm

Learn about the public library resources that can be used to enhance the understanding of basic comprehension skills in young children. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent Academy courses are free of charge.

Can you believe who's running for President ?

Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary / 904-3902960 / 6736 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.duvalschools.org Planting the STEM in VPK November 29, 5pm

Learn the importance of encouraging activities related to science, engineering, math, and technology to improve critical thinking and analysis in young children. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent Academy courses are free of charge.

Alimancani Elementary / 904-390-2960 / 2051 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.duvalschools.org Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Infant and Toddler Events guide, online at www.jax4kids.com

Where are the candidates going to run?

The Rec Room ?

Thanks to Brad, Laura and Quinn

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.

NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 11

SPECIAL NEEDS

Epilepsy Isn’t Just About the Seizures

O

ne night in the fall of 2011 after my daughter, Esmé, was tucked into her crib, I climbed into bed, grabbed my laptop and opened YouTube. I took a deep breath before I started searching terms like “infant tremor,” “infant shaking” and then, finally, in what seemed like a betrayal of my daughter and my own carefully honed optimism, I typed the words “infant seizure.”

It wasn’t reflux, but it took almost a year, three hospitals, many new doctors, weeks of inpatient EEGs, five emergency-room visits and two 911 calls to confirm beyond a doubt that our daughter was having seizures.

During this time, the seizures came at least weekly and sometimes daily. The seizures would cluster together in one 24-hour period, knocking That night I watched video after video of babies days out of each week where we’d do little more having seizures. I watched so many that my than lie in bed waiting for Esmé to experience or husband begged me to stop. But I still watched, recover from seizures. The rest of the time we carefully analyzing each movement and reading were terrified to venture far from home. Esmé lost the video descriptions and comments hoping to see the words, “We thought it was a seizure but it skills: the ability to sit, to focus, and, most painfully, to say “Maman.” wasn’t.” What I found, instead, was justification of my fear that my daughter was having seizures.

Now, three years later, after trying seven different During Epilepsy Awareness Month in November, I anticonvulsants — many of which lead to unbearable side effects — Esmé takes a very do my part to raise awareness. I share memes high dosage of a single medication that works. about what to do if you see someone having a seizure (don’t put anything in their mouth), figures Her seizures have been dramatically reduced.

She is thriving, in her own deliberate, beautiful about how many among us will be diagnosed and delayed way. This is a tremendous gift with epilepsy in our lives (1 in 26) or will — one I am thankful for every day. However, it experience a seizure (1 in 10). These are important messages to share, but I often feel that can’t be confused with her epilepsy being absent, with her being “all better.” Esmé’s epilepsy is there is something missing — the explanation always with us, even when the seizures aren’t. that epilepsy isn’t just about the seizures.

Epilepsy is about the seizures, of course. But epilepsy is also the anxiety I feel while I watch little tremors run through her body or her eyelids flutter in those fleeting neuro-like ways that suggest that her brain is struggling to maintain control. Epilepsy is about our bi-weekly hour drive to the compounding pharmacy that makes the only drug that works. Epilepsy is about giving my The first time I knew my daughter had a seizure child three doses a day of a drug that I am she was 8 months old. Esmé was asleep next to indebted to, but that I also despise for the effects us. My husband and I both turned to her in time it has on my daughter. I have nightmares about to see the tremors in her tiny plump hands and being unable to attain this drug, but I worry daily feet subsiding and a blue-ish tinge just leaving that I don’t know where the drugs end and Esmé her face. It was so fast — fast enough that I questioned if it actually happened. But deep down begins.

I knew. And that is how I found myself scouring Epilepsy is wondering what damage has been YouTube that night. done to my daughter’s brain, and what we could Esmé had been unwell since birth. We had spent have spared her had we just gone to a doctor who listened to us sooner. Epilepsy is wondering weeks in the hospital after severe aspiration if and when, as has happened with so many of pneumonia almost took her life. We were not my friends’ children, the drug will fail her. unfamiliar with the world of terrifying medical things that can happen to a baby. We already had Epilepsy is wondering when the seizures will come back, and what they will steal away from a neurologist, who we called the next morning. her this time.

He assured us that it was very unlikely to be a seizure, but ordered a 30-minute electroencephaThese are the things I want people to understand logram (EEG) to check her brain function “just to from our story: Epilepsy is elusive and confusing. be sure.”

It isn’t always simple to diagnose or to treat. It Several days later, the doctor told us that the EEG isn’t easy to live with, even for individuals who, was normal. He confidently stated that Esmé was like Esmé, are currently “stable” but not “better.”

And, most of all, I want others to know there was not having seizures. This was supposed to be a time that I didn’t think epilepsy awareness was good news, but it didn’t feel that way. Esmé was important to me, personally. And then my still having these trembling spells, several of daughter was diagnosed, another 1 out of 26. which I’d recorded on my phone. I showed the Trust me, when that “1” is someone you love, epivideos to him and asked him to please tell me lepsy awareness is every month. Every day. j what they were. He watched the videos of Esmé trembling, turning blue, her eyes rolling up and to the left and pronounced it to be neurological reflux. He sent us on our way with instructions for themighty.com Esmé’s gastroenterologist to get her reflux under control.

I tend to feel it the most as the month draws to a close. I want to explain that epilepsy awareness isn’t about a month. It isn’t about wearing purple.

It isn’t always even about the seizures. For us, epilepsy is also about the shadows cast by the seizures.

Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

Things to Do Special Needs

Super Sprouts Social Group November 2, 9, 16, 23, 4pm to 6pm This special social group targets social skills that many high-functioning children with special needs struggle with. Examples of skills taught include but are not limited to: sharing, emotion recognition, eye contact, conversation initiation and exchange, and many other essential skills that help our children thrive. Our Super Sprouts Social Group is open to boys and girls with or without special needs, between the ages of 7 and 13. Contact Bloom Behavioral Solutions if you are interested in your child becoming a Super Sprout. Bloom Behavioral Solutions / 904-647-1849 / 9141 Cypress Green Drive, Suite 2, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www. bloom-behavioral-solutions.com Believe Autism Movement Class November 2, 9, 16, 4:30pm to 5:15pm Believe Autism supports, encourages, & implements positive behavioral patterns and learning skills for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder through music, dance, tutoring, support groups & community events. Classes are taught by Crystal Thompson, MS, BCBA, who has worked with children with ASD since 2005. Classes are $10 per child. Register in advance.

The Performers Academy / 704-277-1884 / 3674 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www. believeautism.com

of creative movement and social opportunities.

Classes are taught by Crystal Thompson, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and ballet, tap, and jazz dancer. Classes cost $10 and are held at The Performers Academy. Space is limited. To RSVP call or email believeautism@gmail.com.

The Performers Academy / 704-277-1884 / 3674 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.believeautism.com Brooks Lil’ Putters November 12 10am - 12pm Hit the links with Brooks and The First Tee of North Florida to take a swing at the sport of golf. Call to register. Hosted by Brooks Rehab Pediatric Adaptive Recreation.

St. Johns Golf Club, 205 St. Johns Golf Dr, St. Augustine, 32092 / 904-345-7501 / www.brooksrehab.org

Walk4Hearing • November 12 9am Registration, 10am Begins The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Walk4Hearing is the largest walk of its kind taking place in multiple cities across the country. Every spring and fall thousands of walkers – children and their families, young adults, young at heart and everyone in between – form teams and walk in their communities to increase public awareness about hearing loss, help eradicate the stigma associated 3rd Annual St. Johns Professional Alliance Chili with it and raise funds for programs and services.

Cook-Off • November 5, 11am - 3pm For more information, email thomasblogue@gmail.

Chili Cook Off to support Epilepsy Awareness Month. com.

Family friendly fun with Live Music, Food Trucks, Metropolitan Park, 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd, JacksonPhoto Booth and Raffles. Taste and Judge passes ville, 32202 / walk4hearing.org available for $10 pre-registration or $15 at the event.

The First Coast Walk for Apraxia • November 19 Faith Community Church, 3450 CR 210 West, St. 8:30am Registration, 10am Walk Begins Johns, 32259 / 407-765-1322 / www.efof.org The walk is being held to benefit the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association of North America Rebounderz Sensory Friendly and Special Needs (CASANA). All proceeds will benefit apraxia research Nights • November 7 & November 21 and programs. There will be lots of food and fun. For 3pm - 7pm more information, contact apraxiajax@gmail.com.

No music. Fewer distractions (arcade games will be The Bolles School, 7400 San Jose Blvd, Jackoff). Access is for one hour of time on the tramposonville, 32217 / 904-699- 6866 / www.casana. lines and/or ninja course. One parent/caretaker/ apraxia-kids.org therapist is admitted for FREE with each child’s $12 paid admission. Parent/caretaker/therapist is perSensory Friendly Films mitted to assist child while on the jumper. Only one November 12 - Trolls, 10am person is permitted to jump per square. Rebounderz November 15 - Dr. Strange, 10am Jump socks are required for anyone going out on November 26 - Fantastic Beasts and Where to the trampolines. Jump socks are available for $2 Find Them, 10am per pair and are reusable on future visits. Admission November 29 - Fantastic Beasts and Where to is limited. Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended. Find Them, 7pm Rebounderz, 14985 Old St. Augustine Rd, Jackson- AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have teamed ville, 32258 / 904-300-0070 / rebounderzjacksonup to bring families affected by autism and other ville.com disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment Believe Autism Dance/Art Classes on a monthly basis. Lights are brought up, sound is November 12 turned down, and families are allowed to bring their 9:30am - 3 - 4 yrs own snacks. Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 10:30am - 5 - 12 yrs 24 in the Regency Center Square.

11:30 am - 13 and up AMC Regency 24, 9451 Regency Square Blvd, JackArt rotation of 30 minutes and dance rotation of 30 sonville, 32225 / 904-725- 0885 / www.amctheminutes. Art activities will be new each week or a atres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films small art project that will be worked on week to week until complete. The dance rotation will consist Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Holiday GUIDE

HOLIDAY EVENTS SUCCESSFUL HOLIDAY PARENTING BOOKS ABOUT GRATITUDE GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 13

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Holiday Happenings Vilano Beach Dressing of the Palms November 1 through December 30 Residents, businesses and organizations will be decorating palm trees along Vilano Beach Town Center. The community is invited to adopt a tree to decorate, or drive through and look at the decorations through December 30. Palm adoption forms will be available at Rainbow Shades.

Vilano Beach Main Street / 904-540-0402 / 3101 1st Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.vilanobeachfl.com Baby’s 1st Christmas at Babies R Us November 5, 12, 19, 10am to 12noon Join Babies R Us in store for a special Baby’s First Christmas celebration. Enjoy fun activities including story time and decorate a Christmas onesie with baby. Plus, enjoy prizes & giveaways.

Babies R Us, Town Center / 4875 Town Center Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / reserve.babiesrus.com Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Fourth Annual ZOOLights December 9 -11 & December 16 January 7, 6pm to 9:30pm The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ hosts the Fourth Annual ZOOLights event. Thousands of LED lights will transform the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens into a luminous winter wonderland filled with moving sculptures, forests of lighted trees and animal silhouettes. Guests will have the opportunity to view sculptures and performances by local artists including students at UNF and JU, a fairy village in the Range of the Jaguar, and yarn bombing by Yarn Bomb Jax. In addition to walking among the thousands of lights strung throughout the Zoo and listening to spirited holiday music, guests can enjoy a unique view of ZOOLights by boarding the Zoo’s lighted train (the train only runs from the back of the Zoo to the front). Guests can also enjoy carousel rides, the 4-D Theater Ride featuring the Polar Express, marshmallow roasting, warm weather “ice” skating and more. The cost is $10/Non-Members; $8/Members. Save $1 when you order online. Open December 9 - 11 and December 16 - January 7, closed Christmas Day. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens / 904-757-4463 / 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / www. jacksonvillezoo.org Christmas at Gaylord Palms November 18 thru January 1 During Christmas at Gaylord Palms, families can enjoy holiday displays that include more than 2 million twinkling Christmas lights and acres of largerthan-life decorations. Enjoy visits with Santa, Cirque Dreams UnWrapped Live Stage Show, ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas and Alpine Rush Snow Tubing. Runs November 18 thru January 1. Tickets for ICE! start at $14.99 for children and $28.99 for adults. Season passes, Florida resident discounts, and combo tickets are available.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center / 407586-4423 / 6000 West Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34736 / www.marriott.com

Light-Up! Night Ceremony 2016 November 19, 4pm to 8pm The Nights of Lights Lighting Ceremony, also known as Light Up! Night, takes place on Saturday, November 19, 2016. Locals and vacationers from all over join together to watch the City of St. Augustine flip the switch on three million white lights decorating the Plaza and buildings all over historic downtown. Leading up to the occasion is a free concert and a countdown, and the ceremony is followed by more live music.

There is no designated parking. Meter parking is free after 5:00 p.m. Pay-to-park lots are available downtown. The Historic Downtown Parking Facility charges $12 per car for all-day parking, but handicapped parking is free.

Plaza de la Constitución / King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.visitstaugustine.com Jekyll Island Skating Village November 19 thru January 8 The Jekyll Island Skating Village returns for 20162017 with more ice and a bigger rink. Located oceanfront and situated just south of the Holiday Inn Resort, the outdoor synthetic rink is open November through January. Skate rentals, concessions, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean are all available at the Jekyll Island Skating Village.

Opens November 19, 2016 Closes January 8, 2017 Closed Thanksgiving day & Christmas day Cost: $5 per person, includes skate rental & 30-minute session. Concessions available for purchase on-site.

Jekyll Island Skating Village / 655 North Beachview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 / www.jekyllisland.com

adults and $5.99 for kids. Ripley’s Red Trains offers a “no waiting” option with a reservation-based VIP tour that’s available only on Fridays and Saturdays.

The cost for VIP option is $14 for adults and $7 for kids. All passengers will receive a pair of magical viewing glasses, to take in the special effects of the lights, and passengers are invited to participate in caroling while “lightseeing”. Tours depart from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum at 19 San Marco Ave. in St. Augustine.

Combo options are available for the 2016-17 season as well. The Combo Ticket (includes Nights of Lights Train, a Red Train Pass, and a round of miniature golf at Bayfront Mini-Golf) is $29.99 for adults and $14.99 for kids. The Super Combo Tickets (includes Nights of Lights Train, Red Train Pass, Mini-Golf, and ticket to Ripley’s Odditorium) is $43.98 for adults and $22.98 for kids.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum / 904-824-1606 / 19 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.ripleys.com

Holly Jolly Nights of Lights Trolley November 20 – January 4, 6pm to 9pm January 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, 6pm to 9pm Old Town Trolley offers special Nights of Lights tours, nightly from November 20, 2016 – January 4, 2017 and then on Fridays & Saturdays from January 6 – 28. The trolley tours depart from 6pm to 9pm continuously. No reservations are required. Tours begin at the Visitors Information Center, located at 10 W. Castillo Drive, next to the downtown parking facility. On weekend nights and on the busy nights around Christmas, there will be live entertainment at the Visitors Center. Tickets are $12.99 for adults and $5.99 for children (ages 6-12), while kids under 6 are free.

St. Augustine Nights of Lights St. Augustine Visitor Center / 904-829-3800 / 10 November 19 – January 31 W. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.

The 23rd Annual Nights of Lights lights up St. trolleytours.com Augustine with over three million lights. Nights Mannheim Steamroller of Lights is the winter holiday celebration in St. November 21, 7:30pm Augustine where each historic downtown business Mannheim Steamroller will be in Jacksonville perand many residents participate by lighting up their forming Christmas classics. Tickets start at $48.50 buildings. The Nights of Lights celebration was and are available online. chosen in 2011 and 2012 by National Geographic as Times Union Moran Theater / 300 Water Street, one of the ten best holiday lighting displays in the Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org world. Especially significant light displays are visible at Flagler College and the Lightner Museum. The A Christmas Story main plaza, called the Plaza de la Constitución, fea- November 23 thru December 24 tures lights draped around every tree. There’s also The Alhambra presents an adaptation of A Christa Christmas tree in the center where photos can be mas Story, November 23 thru December 24. Ticket taken. The view of the bayfront from the Bridge of prices start at $49.95, plus tax, per person. Kids 12 Lions during Nights of Lights is also a favorite photo and under are $35 plus tax. No performances on opportunity. There are many tours and special Mondays. Price includes dinner and a show. events happening during Nights of Lights.

Alhambra Jax / 904-641-1212 / 12000 Beach Blvd, Downtown St. Augustine / 904-829-1711 / 1 Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.alhambrajax.com Cathedral Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www. floridashistoriccoast.com 30th Annual Christmas on the River Tree Lighting Ceremony • November 25, 7pm Ripley’s Red Train Nights of Lights The Jacksonville Landing hosts the 30th Annual November 20 – January 5 Christmas on the River Tree Lighting CeremoRipley’s Red Trains offers special Nights of Lights ny. Free and open to the community.

Tours through January 5. Hours are 6pm to Jacksonville Landing / 904-353-1188 / 2 W 8pm Sunday through Thursday and 6pm to 10pm Independent Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. on Fridays and Saturdays. Prices are $10.99 for jacksonvillelanding.com

Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

Publix Aprons Gingerbread Houses November 25, 10am, 4pm, 6pm November 26, 10am, 2pm, 6pm November 27, 1pm and 6pm December 3, 10am December 4, 1pm, 6pm December 10, 10am December 11, 1pm, 6pm December 17, 10am December 18, 1pm, 6pm December 20, 10am December 23, 10am December 24, 10am This class allows you and your children (up to three kids) to decorate your own gingerbread house. One adult is required for each family group; children should be at least 4 years old. Registrations are made on first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $60; Price is for family up to 4 participants, add one seat per family to the cart.

Publix Apron’s Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com/aprons Jacksonville Beach Deck the Chairs November 25 thru January 1 Deck The Chairs (DTC) is an annual lighted sculptural exhibit using the iconic red chairs of The American Red Cross Life Saving Corps. Free and open to the public. All net proceeds from DTC will benefit the historic Jacksonville Beach Life Saving Corps. Kick off is the day after Thanksgiving and the event runs through the month of December.

Seawalk Pavilion / 11 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / deckthechairs.org Santa Arrives at the Enchanted Christmas Village November 25, 5pm Santa Arrives at the Enchanted Christmas Village on November 25 at 5pm. General admission tickets are $22 per adult, $12 per child (3-12), and Ages 2 and under free. Season passes and family packages are available. Admission includes live entertainment, gingerbread display, face art, balloon art, santa’s workshop, Frosty’s Fun Zone, and more. Some activities, such as the Holly Hayride, Christmas Maze, and Carousel Rides, do cost extra. Parking is $10 per car, cash only.

Enchanted Christmas Village / 888-486-6413 / 17255 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32234 / jacksonvillechristmas.com 28th Annual Christmas Made in the South November 25, 9am to 6pm, November 26, 10am to 6pm, November 27, 11am to 5pm The 28th Annual Christmas Made in the South will return to the Prime Osborn Convention Center​ November 25 - 27. Vendors will be making and selling art, craft items, jewelry, food, pottery, and more. One admission is good for all three days, with a hand stamp. Adults - $7; Children 12 & Under free.

Prime Osborn Convention Center / 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.madeinthesouthshows.com

HOLIDAY GUIDE St. Mary’s Railroad Santa Express November 26, December 3, 10, 10am to 4pm The magic of Christmas comes alive at Santa Land where Jolly Old St. Nick himself boards the train for the return ride with gifts for all the good little boys and girls. Entertainment all along the way. The perfect old-fashioned holiday celebration. All rides depart at 10am, 12noon, 2pm and 4pm, November 26, December 3, and 10. Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for children 12 and under. Children 2 and under are free, but must sit on someone’s lap.

St. Mary’s Railroad / 912-200-5235 / 1000 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA 31558 / www.stmarysrailroad. com Enchanted Christmas Village November 26 – December 31 Enchanted Christmas Village with holiday activities, through December 31. General admission tickets are $22 per adult, $12 per child (3-12), and Ages 2 and under free. Season passes and family packages are available. Admission includes live entertainment, gingerbread display, face art, balloon art, santa’s workshop, Frosty’s Fun Zone, and more. Some activities, such as the Holly Hayride, Christmas Maze, and Carousel Rides, do cost extra. Parking is $10 per car, cash only.

Enchanted Christmas Village / 888-486-6413 / 17255 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32234 / jacksonvillechristmas.com Jekyll Island Tree Lighting Festival November 26, 4pm Ring in the holidays with the lighting of the great tree in Jekyll Island’s Historic District. There will be carriage rides, toasting marshmallows for s’mores, kids’ crafts, live music, and pictures with Santa.

Once the sun goes down, the magic sets in as the tree is lit, accompanied by fireworks and snow.

Jekyll Island Historic District / 912-635-3636 / 100 James Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 / www.jekyllisland.com Breakfast With Claus Family November 26, December 3, 10, 17, 9:30am to 11am Breakfast With Claus Family at the Enchanted Christmas Village. A breakfast buffet will be served in the Enchanted Custom Igloo, followed by storytime with Mrs. Claus. Tickets are Adults: $19.99, 3-12 Years Old: $14.99, and Children Under 3: Free.

Enchanted Christmas Village / 888-486-6413 / 17255 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32234 / jacksonvillechristmas.com

A Christmas Story: School Matinees December 1, 8, 15, 10am to 12:30pm The Alhambra offers three school matinee performances of their holiday show, A Christmas Story. Prices are $26.60 per person and include a plated lunch. Doors open at 10am, lunch is served from 10:15am to 11:15am, and the show begins at 11:30am.

Alhambra Jax / 904-641-1212 / 12000 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.alhambrajax.com

year. More than 200 children from Northeast Florida audition for and perform in the production. Additionally, The Community Nutcracker issues 2,000 free tickets to various Jacksonville agencies and organizations to attend a Community Service Night performance. Residents and clients from area nursing homes and nonprofit agencies are also able to attend the ballet. Tickets start at $19.50.

There is an Anniversary Principal Meet and Greet Experience, available with the $53.50 ticket purchase. This exclusive post show event includes a “Meet and Greet” with our wonderful Guest Artists, Gingerbread Man Dash 10k/5k Laura Valentin and Jose Rodriguez. Ms. Valentin is December 3, 8am Join the Gingerbread Man at the 6th Annual Ginger- principal dancer with the National Ballet Theater of Puerto Rico and Mr. Rodriguez is its Artistic Direcbread Man 10k/5k Dash on December 3rd at 8am tor, Meet other select dancers from The Nutcracker in World Golf Village. The real Gingerbread Man will be out running; catch him if you can! Holiday socks, Ballet, opportunity to get autographs from the dancers, and a commemorative Nutcracker. Each person hats and general candy cane striped attire are encouraged. Pets are also welcome. At the finish, enjoy attending the Principal Meet and Greet Experience must have a qualifying ticket; tickets are limited and a Gingerbread Man cookie from Amaretti Desserts available exclusively through the Florida Theatre Box along with food and drinks for participants. Dog Office. treats provided for all furry finishers. (Please do not encourage canines to go after the Gingerbread Man). Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Participants are encouraged to donate unopened toys to local children in need. For each toy donated, Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville receive one entry to a prize drawing. One entry per December 10, 9am to 12:30pm toy. There will also be a Subway Kids Run Jax with the Gingerbread Man for kids. All kids get a finisher The Annual Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville will take place at the Prime Osborn Convention medal and gingerbread cookie. Entry fees range Center. As many as 8,000 children along with their from $10 to $35. The 10K starts at 8am, the 5K at parents stand in line (first- come, first served) to 8:05am, and the kid run at 9:05am.

World Golf Village / 500 S Legacy Trail St, St. Augus- receive toys and a chance to win a bike. Once the doors open, the line moves quickly as children enter tine, FL 32092 / www.ultimateracinginc.com a beautifully decorated Party and are greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hundreds of volunteers await 2016 Reindeer Run 1/2 Marathon, 5k and Kids the opportunity to hand out toys and provide enterFun Run • December 4, 7am tainment. Each child chooses several toys among The Amelia Island Runners hosts the annual Reinelectronics, balls, games, musical instruments, deer Run. The event will feature a half marathon, preschool learning toys and infant toys. In addition, 5K, and kids races. The 1/2 marathon and 5k they receive novelty toys, books and rulers. Instart at 7am; 1 mile kids run starts at 10am, 1/2 tended for Jacksonville’s children, 12 years of age mile kids run at 10:15am, and the 100yd dash at and younger, who otherwise might not receive toys 10:30am. All the events start and end at Main for Christmas. The event will run until 12:30pm, Beach Park in Fernandina Beach. There will or earlier if all toys are distributed. be Christmas carolers along the route, Christmas Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center / 904-350cookies for finishers, and a kids zone with bounce 1616 / 1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / houses and a special appearance by Santa. Regiswww.ccpoj.org tration fees range from $5 for the kids races to $75 for the half marathon.

Main Beach Park / Atlantic Ave. and S. Fletcher Ave, Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.ameliarunners.com December 11, 3pm The Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas JSYO Holiday Concert • December 5, 7pm features a warming holiday story, and includes holiEnjoy a free concert of Holiday favorites, performed day hits from Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and

by Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra musiTchaikovsky. Tickets start at $13. cians.

Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-276-6815 / 283 ColTimes Union Center / 300 Water St, Ste 200, Jacklege Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / www.thcenter. sonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org org

Ballet has been a tradition in North Florida for 40 years. The show returns to the Moran Theater for three shows only. Tickets range from $18 to $50.

Moran Theater / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Saint Augustine Ballet presents The Nutcracker December 17 - 18, 1:30pm and 7pm Saint Augustine Ballet presents their annual production of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker at Lewis Auditorium in St.Augustine. The multi-generational cast is comprised of student and professional dancers as well as several well-known local celebrities. Performances are at 1:30pm and 7pm on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18th. Tickets are $25 to $30.

Lewis Auditorium / 855-222-2849 / 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.saintaugustineballet.com Handel’s Messiah December 17, 8pm • December 18, 3pm The Jacksonville Symphony and Chorus present Handel’s Messiah. Tickets range from $27 to $77.

Jacoby Symphony Hall / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Yappy Hour Christmas “PAW”ty December 18, 2pm to 5pm Dogs and their owners are invited to the Jacksonville Landing for the 2016 Yappy Hour Christmas “PAW”ty. Have your pooch’s picture taken with Santa, enjoy live music, and more. Have a photo of your pooch under the Christmas tree? Email your pup’s best Christmas photo and watch it rotate on the 14ft. jumbotron in the Courtyard during Yappy Hour. Send jpeg pictures to bainsworth@jacksonvillelanding.com by December 16. For photos with Santa, receive one complementary print when you donate any pet food item; receive one complementary print when you donate $5 (all proceeds go to a local humane society); or bring your own camera for as many digital photos as you’d like. Santa will be available for photos from 2pm to 3:30pm. Only the 1st 100 owners get free photos, so arrive early.

Jacksonville Landing / 904-353-1188 / 2 W Independent Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. jacksonvillelanding.com

A Christmas Carol • December 19, 7:30pm The FSCJ Artist Series presents and adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Tickets range from $14.25 to $49.25.

Times Union Moran Theater / 300 Water Street, 14th Annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org November 30 – December 23 Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer the Musical The Jacksonville Historical Society presents this December 20, 7pm beloved holiday tradition for three weeks each DeRudolph the Red Nose Reindeer The Musical will be cember. Visitors enjoy gigantic, creative gingerbread Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Trans-Siberian Orchestra • December 15, 7:30pm performed in one performance only at the Florida houses built by chefs, bakers, architects, engineers, December 8, 7:30pm • December 9, 8pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Jacksonville for Theatre. Tickets range from $25 to $49.50. culinary school students, families, young people and December 10, 3pm and 8pm • December 11, 3pm their 2016 North American tour. They will be in Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth other individuals. The creations are placed on display The annual Holiday Pops Concert returns on December Jacksonville for one show only, on December 15 at Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com 8 - 11. The shows feature the talents of the Jacksonat the Jacksonville Historical Society headquarters, 7:30pm. Tickets range from $29.50 to $63.25. As ville Symphony and Symphony Chorus, guest perform- in all previous years, $1 to $2 of every ticket sold historic Old St. Andrews, immediately across the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker street from the Veteran’s Memorial Arena. This is an ers and the area’s only guaranteed snowfall. Tickets benefits select local charities.

December 28, 7pm range in price from $27 to $77. important fundraiser for the Jacksonville Historical Veterans Memorial Arena / 800-745-3000 / 300 A. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker will be Jacoby Symphony Hall / 300 Water Street, Jackson- Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. in Jacksonville for one performance. The show Society. The suggested donation for Adults is $5. ville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org For children aged 3-16, the suggested donation ticketmaster.com features arger than life magical props, a 60 foot is $3. Wednesday, November 30 through Friday, growing Christmas tree and spectacular RussianDecember 23rd. Weekday hours: 11am to 5pm; Sat- 25th Anniversary Community Nutcracker Jacksonville Symphony’s First Coast Nutcracker made costumes and sets. Tickets range from $31.50 December 9, 8pm • December 10, 1pm urday hours: 10am to 5pm; Closed Sundays.

Ballet to $178.50.

Jacksonville Historical Society / 317 A. Philip Randolph December 10, 7:30pm December 16, 8pm • December 17, 2pm and 8pm Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth The Community Nutcracker celebrates their 25th Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxhistory.org The Jacksonville Symphony’s First Coast Nutcracker Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com

NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 15

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Books

Pack a Shoebox for Christmas S

amaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization that since 1970 has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine around the world. You can get kids involved with giving through Samaritan’s Purse’s “Pack a Shoebox” program that sends gifts to children in need.

First, find a shoebox.

Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately.

Girl or boy?

Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

Fill with gifts.

Select a quality “wow” toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal. Then add other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies.

About

Pray.

Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. You can also include a personal note and photo.

Gratitude

Follow your box labels.

Donate $7 online at their website samaritanspurse.org and receive a tracking label to discover the destination of your shoebox gift.

Drop-off.

Take your shoebox gift to a local drop-off location during National Collection Week, Nov. 14-21.

The Giving Tree

A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids

Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed

Carol McCloud

Emily Pearson

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

Shel Silverstein

The organization has 14 locations in the North Florida area. Go to samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/drop-off-locations/ for place and times.

Make a child’s Christmas a little merrier. j

WINTER CAMPS Dec. 26-30

Bear Says Thanks

Be Grateful Little Bear

Those Shoes

Karma Wilson

Kara Evelyn-McNeil

Maribeth Boelts

Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?

The Most Thankful Thing

Splat Says Thank You!

Dr. Seuss

Lisa McCourt

Rob Scotton

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Extended Care Available Register at THEMOSH.ORG 1025 MUSEUM CIRCLE

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207

904.396.MOSH (6674)

THEMOSH.ORG

Last Stop on Market Street Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson

Y 6!

THROUGH JANUAR Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

Crenshaw

Boxes for Katje

Katherine Applegate

Candace Fleming

Gratitude Soup Olivia Rosewood

HOLIDAY GUIDE

2016 Toy Hall of Fame Finalists W hich toys will make it into the hallowed halls of the National Toy Hall of Fame this month? Will Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots knock out • the competition? Will Nerf sail across the finish line? Can pinball bounce its way into contention? • The Strong Museum’s National Toy Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York, has announced the 12 finalists for induction into the hall. Whether any or all make it will be announced Nov. 10.

The finalists include bubble wrap, which if selected, would join the cardboard box and stick in the unconventional honorees category.

•

figures were given arms and legs in the 1990s.

Nerf. The foam balls safe enough to throw indoors were first produced in the 1960s.

Pinball. The machines have long been a mainstay at bars, amusement parks and arcades, with players using flippers to launch steel balls through mazes.

Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots. Competitors throw mechanical punches in an effort to knock the block off of their opponent’s boxer.

The Swing. Found in ancient cave drawings in Europe and ceramic vases from Greece — and in playgrounds and backyards everywhere.

Transformers. Hasbro’s shape-changing action figures are featured in comic books, games, breakfast cereal and movies.

Uno. The 1971 card game has been a best-seller for decades.

Age-Based Gift Suggestions A

kid’s age and interests are pretty reliable criteria for choosing presents. An 8-year-old who likes to build? Legos. A 3-year-old obsessed with princesses? An Elsa doll.

Unfortunately, it’s not always so obvious what’s age-appropriate when you’re selecting gifts of media, entertainment, and technology. Plenty of brands – including Lego and Disney Princess – offer products for a wide range of ages. Some are geared toward kids much younger than the ones you’re buying for, and some are targeted to kids much older. Consider the movie Frozen, which is a perfect DVD to give to 5-year-olds. But the many games and apps it’s spawned, including Frozen Free Fall, are more appropriate for slightly older kids. And the game version of How to Train Your Dragon 2 is geared to 10-year-olds, whereas the How to Train Your Dragon 2 DVD would be a fine gift for a 7-year-old. Every child, of course, is different.

AGES 7-8 Where they are: Learning to type; beginning to play team sports and socialize in groups; still very literal; able to make up their own minds. Look for: Media that teaches skills, shares experiences of similar or different people, or stimulates curiosity in the sciences, the arts, or history.

Avoid: Shows that have a lot of “edgy” humor, such as insults and put-downs. Try: learning apps, games and websites such as DigitWhiz, DragonBox Elements, IXL, The Land of Venn – Geometric Defense, and the LeapFrog Games.

AGES 9-10 Where they are: Becoming more body-conscious; To be recognized by the hall, toys must have looking to older kids to “age up”; more susceplasted across generations, influenced the way tible to peer pressure; able to follow several toys are designed or played with and fostered storylines at once. Look for: Skill-building media learning or creativity through play.

• and anything that allows kids to learn about a different time or place. Avoid: First-person Anyone can nominate a toy, and the hall receives shooters, overly sexualized content. Try: thousands of suggestions email every year. Final Creativity Apps, Graphic Novels that Teach selections are made on the advice of historians, History, such as “Best Shot in the West: The KIDS UNDER 6 educators and other experts.

Adventures of Nat Love,” gripping nonfiction that Where they are: Acquiring basic literacy skills; still afraid of the dark, loud noises, and strangers; brings the old west to life; “Boxers & Saints,” The 2016 finalists include: award-winning nonfiction about China’s Boxer loving humor – especially slapstick; not able to • Bubble Wrap. Created by accident in 1957 Rebellion; “The Great Dustbowl,” well-researched distinguish between fantasy and reality; not by two engineers who were attempting to • understanding that the intent of commercials is to American history; “March-Book One,” a story of develop a new kind of wallpaper. sell something. Look for: Media with positive role desegregation; and “Beyond the Burning Time,” a • Care Bears. Began as a line of greeting cards models that show characters of all shapes, sizes, fascinating look at the Salem witch trials. in the early 1980s but evolved into a brand colors, and genders doing important work. Also, whose bears star in storybooks, television Last year, the parlor game Twister, the puppet and anything that reinforces math and reading, and AGES 11-12 shows and games.

Super Soaker squirt gun were honored.

Where they are: Preadolescence! Secondary sex stories that have historical lessons. Avoid: Too characteristics developing; moody, independent, much commercialism and violent or scary breaking away from parents; able to understand Since 1998, 56 toys have been inducted into the content. Try: Boy Games with Positive Role abstract ideas. Peer relations and group Models, Great Games and Websites for Can-Do National Toy Hall of Fame. They are alphabet dynamics very important. Look for: Anything that Girls. “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” to learn blocks, Atari 2600 Game System, baby doll, ball, shows a diversity of experience in cultures and positive traits such as loyalty, compassion, and Barbie, bicycle, Big Wheel, blanket, bubbles, time periods. Avoid: Media with realistic violent/ even emotional flexibility; “Pokemon,” a trainer Candy Land, cardboard box, checkers, chess, frightening scenarios (kidnapping, for example). demonstrates the value of perseverance; and Crayola Crayons, dollhouse, dominoes, Duncan Try: Sid Meier’s Civilization V and Sid Meier’s “Modern Family,” character demonstrates an Yo-Yo, Easy-Bake Oven, Erector Set, Etch A enviable level of determination and resilience. For Civilization V: Gods and Kings, Kiva, Quandary, Sketch, Frisbee, G.I. Joe, The Game of Life, Hot Your Commonwealth, Half the Sky Movement: The girls try the websites: ABCMouse.com, Brain• Coloring Book. New York printer McLoughlin Wheels, hula hoop, jack-in-the-box, jacks, jigsaw POPJr., Bugs and Bubbles, and Dexteria Dots – Game, and Historypin. j Brothers is credited with inventing the books puzzle, jump rope, kite, LEGO, Lincoln Logs, Get in Touch With Math. that have enjoyed renewed popularity lately Lionel Trains, little green army men, marbles, commonsensemedia.org thanks to adult-oriented versions featuring Monopoly, Mr. Potato Head, Nintendo Game Boy, complex designs.

Play-Doh, playing cards, Radio Flyer Wagon, • Clue. The game that invites players to solve Raggedy Ann and Andy, rocking horse, roller a murder remains a best-seller nearly 70 skates, rubber duck, Rubik’s Cube, Scrabble, Silly years after its release. ere’s a thoughtful gift idea for grandparents.

Putty, skateboard, Slinky, Star Wars action figures, • Dungeons & Dragons. The 1970s role-playLoad a new or no longer used iPod with stick, teddy bear, Tinkertoy, Tonka Trucks, and ing game featuring imaginary worlds of music from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and/or 60’s and j View-Master. magic and monsters influenced the comgive it to them this holiday season. You can also puter game industry. museumofplay.org donate this gift to a nursing home. Music is a • Fisher-Price Little powerful trigger for memory and positive People. A wooden emotions. j version first rode the Safety School randomactsofkindness.org Bus in 1959. The brightly painted •

Gift for the Grands

H

NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 17

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Successful Holiday Parenting

T

he holidays are right around the corner, so it’s important to plan ahead. The holidays are a great time of year—extended family, time off from school, and excellent food. However, they can also be a stressful time of the year for kids—new or less-familiar environments with different expectations, people they don’t see very often, different decorations, long trips in the car or on a plane, etc. Honestly, it can be pretty stressful for adults too. Fortunately, though, there are a few things that we can do as parents and caregivers to let our children try new things and have a good time, and to feel comfortable as possible with all the newness that happens during the holidays.

1. The first thing to remember is that you will not have a perfect experience, and neither will they. Somethings are going to turn out unexpectedly—some will be better than expected, some will be worse. Let yourself change what you can change, and accept what you can’t change so that everything keeps moving forward. They’re our kids and teens—not robots. Hence, they will get frustrated at times, angry at times, nervous at times. Understandable.

2. Keep kids occupied during long trips or at times when you will as the adult will be distracted. They will be happier with an iPad or a couple toys to entertain themselves than they would be just staring out of the window.

You’ll be happier about it too.

3. Ear popping—The take off or descent can cause excruciating pain—especially if your child is congested or has a cold at the time.

In fact, the air pressure change is to blame for many instances of infant crying on

planes. To prevent it, allow kids to chew gum, snack, or drink on descent and take off. Consider the use of EarPlanes to reduce the ear popping that happens on airplanes.

Ear planes come in child size (age 1-10 years) or regular adult size. Follow instructions on the box. If it’s too late and their ears have popped, you can “pop the hearing back in.” Just have the child plug their nose, close their mouth, and blow through the nose.

They may have to do it a couple times, but it pops things back into place so they can hear again and it stops the pain too.

4. Keep parts of the routine alive with some preferred activities, and chances to be active. It may be cold outside when you get to your destination, but it’s important for your child to be allowed to be active if you don’t want them to bounce off the walls. There’s always the use of indoor balls, indoor bounce houses or entertainment areas for kids, indoor malls with playgrounds, etc. None of these require being outside with the icicles of northern climates.

5. Keep consistent bedtimes and mealtimes.

Although we as adults may want to stay up later and do more things with family around, and our extended families may eat much later or earlier than we do, it’s important to keep consistency. It’s still possible to eat later than usual, but at least give a snack during your child’s normal feeding time, or consider feeding your child at the normal time then the adults can join your extended family for their dinner. If your child’s body isn’t comfortable with the changes in eating or sleeping, they will be more irritable and it turns into a mess for everyone.

6. Continue to spend time that is focused on interacting with them. This can look like play time or talk time 1 on 1 with our child, OR it can look like directly involving them in activities with the extended family. Parents sometimes forget just how much attention they usually give to their kids, and don’t always notice how that changes when they’re together with the extended relatives.

Sure, everyone wants to spend time with those we haven’t seen much of—understandable. I do too. However, kids will definitely notice they haven’t been getting the same level of attention they were getting at home, and any attention-maintained behaviors designed to get attention inappropriately will start coming out unless we do some preventative playtime. I’ve seen directly how several families had their plans derailed by assuming that the kids are just as entertained by extended family and adult friends as we are.

7. Give them a “heads up” about what you expect, rather than reprimanding them once they do something wrong. Think about commercials. Salesmen let you know the benefits of what you’re going to get and how to go get it—they don’t follow you around stores and criticize you for buying what their competitors have. I’m sure that if they actually did criticize you, then you wouldn’t want what they are selling. We don’t always buy what’s in an advertisement—and our kids don’t always follow our advice when we prepare them—but it’s much more likely that they will do what we suggest if we let them know ahead of time and then praise when they do the right thing. For example, if you aren’t going to get a toy in the store, let

them know ahead of time that you’re only buying a couple things and that they will need to wait until it’s time for a gift exchange to get toys. For another example, let them know before you open presents that they need to thank people for their gifts and remind them if they forget. Don’t just get upset and say “you’re so ungreatful, go thank your uncle.”

8. Keep consistent with rules and treatment protocols that you use at home. Extended family always mean well, but I have seen a good many families that strongly regretted caving in to family pressure to change working methods that you have to manage behavior. The effects of caving in for 2-7 days can be felt for weeks afterwards when you get home.

It may seem like a lot of effort on the front end for awhile until you get used to it, but a person has to think about whether they want to spend some effort on the front end preventing problems for everyone (including themselves), or whether they want to spend a lot of effort once the cat is out of the bag and things are going haywire. The holidays can be a great time of year, and with a little planning, you and your child can avoid pitfalls and have more fun! j Andrew Scherbarth, Ph.D., BCBA-D Liscensed Psychologist/ Board Certified Behavior Analyst Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 106 Jacksonville, FL 32258 904.619.6071

Give or Receive for Jacksonville Children

G

et ready for The Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville. On Saturday, Dec. 10th, the annual event will provide toys for Jacksonville children who otherwise might not receive any during the holiday season.

Founded by Travis and Margaret Storey in 1999, the party serves thousands of Northeast Florida children each year.

The doors of the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, 1000 Water St., in downtown Jacksonville, will open at 9 a.m. and will close at 12:30 p.m. or earlier if all the toys are distributed. It is

first come, first served, so the line of children and parents forms early to get the toys and a chance to win a bike. Inside, they are greeted

by Santa and Mrs. Claus and hundreds of volunteers who hand out toys and provide entertainment. Each child chooses several toys among electronics, balls, games, musical instruments, preschool learning toys and infant toys. In addition, they receive novelty toys, books and pencils.

plus 600 special wheeled items (bikes, wagons and scooters). In addition, 60,000 of Ja-Ru’s novelty toys were given out. Toys donated by sponsors and concerned citizens as well as helmets from FDOT’s Community Traffic Safety Program were also handed out. Each of the 5,500 children went home with fun toys, a smiling face and special memories.

Last year, because of the generosity of Jacksonville’s companies and citizens, enough funds were collected to buy 20,000 brand new toys

Support at any level is always welcome, so to get involved or donate this year

Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

see the organization’s website: ccpoj.org. The Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, therefore all donations are fully tax deductible. j

HOLIDAY GUIDE

Find A Christmas Tree Farm Holiday Shipping Guide

R

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

Originally, the family Christmas tree came from the forest. Today, most Christmas trees are plantationgrown in cultivated stands to provide consumers with the best possible trees. Nationally, about 30 million real trees are used for Christmas annually.

In Florida, red cedar, Virginia pine, sand pine, spruce pine and Leyland cypress are grown specifically for use as Christmas trees. Each year, the young trees must be shaped or pruned to encourage the tree to branch more quickly and gradually achieve the full, bushy appearance people prefer in their Christmas trees. It takes three to six years to grow a wellshaped, 6- to 8-foot tree.

Christmas tree harvesting does not upset the ecology, because more trees are planted than harvested each year; the general rule is to plant two to three trees for every tree cut. While growing, Christmas trees provide environmental benefits such as wildlife habitat and increased soil stability.

Purchasing a homegrown Florida tree is good for the environment because less fuel is used in transportation. This also supports the farmers of the state and boosts Florida’s economy.

Many Florida tree farms offer customers the option to choose and cut their own Christmas trees. This has helped renew the tradition of involving the entire family in the process. When you visit a Florida tree farm, remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Christmas trees grow in natural environments, so watch for uneven ground and stumps.

When you decide to purchase a freshly cut tree, make sure it is the appropriate size for your home and that the stand you use will allow for watering the tree.

Freshness is an important thing to look for when selecting your tree. The needles should be resilient.

The tree should have a good fragrance and good green color. A fresh tree will retain its moisture content and thereby keep its fragrance and needles, if kept in a stand that has a good water-holding capacity. A tree that is moist when brought into the home and is kept moist by adding water through the base of the trunk will not be a fire hazard.

Songer’s Christmas Tree Farm Location: Michael and Linda Songer 5255 Carter Spencer Rd. Middleburg, FL 32068-4407 Schedule: Wednesday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: (904) 272-3890 Online: www.floridachristmastreefarm.com Email: songerma@hotmail.com Products and Services: Choose-and-cut, wreaths, sand pine, spruce pine, Virginia pine, red cedar, Leyland cypress Directions: Farm located at 5255 Carter Spencer Rd., Middleburg FL, 32068-4407. Go 3.5 miles west of Middleburg on SR 218, then south 1 mile on Carter Spencer Road.

Rudolph’s Christmas Tree Farm Location: Jeanell Fraser 11965 O.C. Horne Rd. Sanderson, FL 32087-3085 Schedule: Starting the day after Thanksgiving Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone: (904) 259-7703 Fax: (904) 259-7703 Products and Services: Choose-and-cut, hay rides, red cedar, Leyland cypress BK Cedars Location: 20926 NW 75th St. Alachua, FL 32615-4614 Schedule: Thanksgiving to Christmas Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone: (386) 462-2060 Online: www.bkcedars.com Email: bkcedars@aol.com Products and Services: Choose-and-cut, wholesale/ retail, potted, red cedar (Robin Blue), Arizona cypress (Carolina Sapphire), red cedar logs chipped on-site Directions: I-75 to exit 399, one mile to Alachua; left at second light onto SR 235 for 5 miles, left onto NW 75th Street for 1 1/2 miles, left at BK Christmas Tree sign, dead ends 1/4 mile at farm.

Unicorn Hill Farm Location: John and Cathie Gregory 3605 NW 69th St. Gainesville, FL 32606-5767 Opens: Dec. 1, Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Here is a list of nearby tree growers who are Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. members of the Florida Christmas Tree Association.

Phone: (352) 373-4575 Many offer potted trees, pre-cut trees, and chooseOnline: www.unicornhillfarm.com and-cut trees. Some also offer wreaths, arts and Email: unicornhill@yahoo.net crafts, gifts, and onsite family activities such as hay Products and Services: Choose-and-cut, sand pine, rides. Call ahead to confirm availability and dates and Virginia pine, red cedar, spruce pine, Carolina hours of operation.

Sapphire, Blue Ice Rogers Christmas Tree Farm Location: Diane C. Rogers 6501 Jones Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32219-2886 Schedule: Day after Thanksgiving then every Saturday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (904) 786-6709 Email: ddccrr@hotmail.com Products and Services: Choose-and-cut, sand pine, red cedar, Leyland cypress

Gibbs Christmas Tree Farm Location: Mike and Brenda Gibbs 9740 E. Hwy. 318 Citra, FL 32113-2784 Phone: (352) 546-2365 Fax: (941) 546-2167 Email: gibbschristmastree@wb4me.com Products and Services: Choose-and-cut, wholesale, potted, sand pine j

freshfromflorida.com

U

PS has created a tool to help you manage your packages. Take advantage of it this holiday season to get alerts before packages arrive, electronically authorize packages for drop-off if you won’t be home, reroute shipments to another location and more.

To ensure timely delivery of cards, letters and packages within the United States by Dec. 25, the Postal Service recommends that customers ship their items by the following dates:

Mail-by Dates — Domestic Services • Dec. 15 – USPS Retail Ground Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.

• Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail With it you can: Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up • Get proactive notifications via text, phone or to 13 ounces with delivery in 3 business e-mail the day before a delivery. days or less.

• Manage and track all your home deliveries • Dec. 21 – Priority Mail with a convenient, online calendar.

Domestic service in 1, 2 or 3 business days • When possible, UPS will provide an estibased on where the package is mailed and mated delivery time frame. This time is not where it’s being sent, variety of flat-rate guaranteed and may vary based on driver’s options. workload, weather and traffic.

• Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express • Give authorization online for UPS to deliver Fastest domestic service, guaranteed packages without a signature for drop-off overnight scheduled delivery to most when you’re not going to be home to sign in locations. Some restrictions and exceptions person. apply. Please note, Priority Mail Express • Leave with Neighbor – Have your packages postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipleft with a neighbor (neighbor must be within ments mailed between Dec. 22 and Dec. 25. walking distance).

• “Leave at” Instructions – Designate where For international shipping dates, visit usps.com you would like the driver to leave your package (e.g. porch).

• Hold for Will Call - Request packages to be held for pickup at a UPS facility.

• Deliver to a UPS Retail Location - Request your packages be delivered to The UPS Store near you for pickup.

If you’re using FedEx, here are your last days to • Have your packages delivered to another ship with FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, and address ($5 per package).

FedEx Home Delivery so your shipments are • Choose a new delivery date that fits your scheduled to arrive on or before Sunday, Dec. 25. schedule ($5 per use).

• Typically arrive one day earlier. Also allows The following FedEx Express services will deliver rescheduling and rerouting of UPS Sureon Saturday, Dec. 24 – FedEx First Overnight, Post® packages ($3.50 per package).

FedEx Priority Overnight, and FedEx 2Day. A $16 • Choose a 2-hour window for home delivery Saturday delivery fee will apply per package. For ($8 per request). residential shipments using these services, we will extend the time for delivery to 8 p.m. These They offer even more options with a Premium shipments must be tendered by Friday, Dec. 23 in Membership for $40 a year. order to receive Saturday delivery.

United Parcel Service’s My Choice program gives you flexibility and control over home deliveries and most of it is free.

With it you can: • Reroute your shipments to The UPS Store or to another address without additional charge.

• Choose a new delivery date that fits your schedule without additional charge.

• Reschedule and reroute UPS SurePost packages.

• Choose two free 2-hour confirmed delivery windows annually (afterwards, $8 per request).

FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery will not deliver on Saturday, Dec. 24. Check out FedEx Ground Service Maps to determine the daydefinite transit time of your FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery shipments at fedex.com.

Sign up and see UPS.com/MyChoice for more details.

See fedex.com for more choices. j

With FedEx SameDay service and some of their other expedited services, you can ship on Christmas Day or any other day of the year. FedEx SameDay is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for your most urgent shipments.

NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

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DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

neighbors, friends and colleagues through thousands of events. To host your own event, see americarecyclesday. org for information.

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 6, when clocks will “fall” back one hour. Here in the United States, the time change rules are not followed uniformly.

Parts of Arizona as well as Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands do not observe the time change. Still, the U.S. Department of Transportation, which oversees daylight savings time, says the practice of changing the clocks forward one hour from standard time during the summer months, and changing them back again in the fall is done to save energy, prevent crime and reduce auto accidents.

SCENT-A-BUNS®, THE ORIGINAL BUN CANDLE Fill your home with the warm and inviting scent of a cinnamon bun with a Scent A Bun® candle this holiday season. Buy online for $9.99 at www. countryporch.com or www.cakecandle.com.

AMERICA RECYCLES DAY America Recycles Day, a program of Keep America Beautiful, is a nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. Every year on Nov. 15 (America Recycles Day) event organizers around the nation educate

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT

elements in the landscape – hills, foliage and buildings.

This effect is popularly called the Moon illusion.

TOY GUIDE FOR DIFFERENTLY-ABLED KIDS Whether you are holiday shopping, birthday shopping, or just want to get a cool gift for your own child with special needs, a grandchild or a friend’s child, the ToysRUs Toy Guide for differently-abled kids is a wonderful resource. Find it online at toysrus.com

Every November, The American Cancer Society sets aside the third Thursday to encourage smokers to go the distance, and to finally give up smoking. This year’s Great American Smokeout occurs on Nov. 17.

About 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States.

There were also 12.4 million cigar smokers in the US, and over 2.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes — other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco.

SUPER MOON When a full Moon coincides with being closest to Earth, it is called a Super Full Moon. The next one is Nov. 17. The name is not an official astronomical term. It was first coined by an astrologer, Richard Nolle, in 1979. He defined it as ‘a new or a full Moon that occurs when the Moon is at or near (within 90% of) it’s closest approach to Earth in its orbit’.

The best time to enjoy a Super Full Moon is after moonrise, when the Moon is just above the horizon. At this position, it will look bigger and brighter than when it’s higher up in the sky because you can compare the apparent size with

GALAXY NOTE7 BAN Calling the smartphones a fire hazard, the FAA has banned all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States. Individuals who own or possess this phone may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo. Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.

FLIGHT TRACKER Have family coming to visit for the holidays? Get kids excited by counting down their arrival with Flightview’s free flight-tracking app. Track upcoming and in-air flights, and receive status alerts. Check gate assignments, delays and cancellations and use the flight map to see a flight’s progress. If you are traveling, forward your itinerary confirmation emails and FlightView will automatically load them into your Trips. See FlightView.com for more info.

LET’S CONNECT

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EDUCATION

Got Reluctant Readers? More Reading is the Answer

M

y eight-year-old daughter, Hayden, takes cello lessons. Right now, she’s practicing Bach’s “Minuet No. 2,” and she will play it for her string class soon.

Hayden has had to learn and practice many skills in order to play “Minuet No. 2.” For example, she must hold the bow correctly, sit in good cello position with her feet on the floor, keep the fingers of her left hand on the correct strings.

boys out there. The site, www.guysread.com, helps connect boys with books they will love. This site offers book titles, summaries, blog entries, and more on books that will interest guys of all ages. “Our mission is to help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers,” the site’s home page says.

Reading Level Another way to help your children find books they are apt to finish and enjoy is by finding out their Like learning an instrument, being a good reader reading level. A Lexile range is one way to comes from mastering a set of skills, such as measure where your child is reading. Generally, if phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension students read books within their Lexile range, and fluency. they will be able to comprehend the text while their reading skills grow. Lexile ranges are often Whether your children are reading on grade level provided to parents when their students take or above it or below it, you can help them standardized tests. improve their reading skills at home.

If you visit www.Lexile.com, you’ll see fields The very best way for children to become better where you can input your child’s range and readers is by reading. Even if your kids say they choose categories he or she likes (such as hate reading, here are a few ways you make the adventure, art, or military). You can also type in effort to help your kids become better readers the title of a book to find out its Lexile level. now: Free Reading Apps from the Library Read-alouds Our Northeast Florida libraries offer wonderful I’ve mentioned the value of reading books aloud free reading apps, such as Axis 360 and Overto your kids many times. If a parent or grandpar- drive. Thousands of books are available. All you ent will read a high-interest book to children at need is a library card number, a PIN, and an home (even if your kids scoff at the idea at first), electronic reading device. Here’s the link for the they will help their kids build a bigger vocabulary, Jacksonville Public Library’s electronic content: become interested in books, hear the way http://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/e-content. sentences are formed, and see you model reading.

In addition to e-books, audio books are available for download to electronic devices. Your child may Not sure where to start? Please visit author Jim connect to reading more if they hear books being Trelease’s home page at http://trelease-on-read- read to them. ing.com/. Trelease’s site offers lists of books proven to work well as read-alouds. This site If you have any questions or comments, please breaks down books according to genre, age level, shoot me an e-mail at nancyleebethea@gmail. and number of pages. It also gives a short com. I’d love to hear from you. j summary of each book.

Nancy Lee Bethea Books for Boys Many boys say they dislike reading. Perhaps this is because they’ve been exposed to many girl-centered books in their school classrooms.

In any case, there are loads of great books for

Get an Academic Check Up for only $50. Expires 11-30-16. Cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts and coupons. ACT NOW TO TAKE CONTROL OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR! jax4kids1116

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Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

EDUCATION

Body Worlds Rx Exhibit Mixes Education And Fun

Y

That’s MY Job! Rob Noble

Retail Manager, Toys ‘R Us How long have you been a Retail Manager? 22 years.

our health once again takes center stage at the Museum and Science & History (MOSH). The newest exhibition, BODY WORLDS Rx, Prescriptions for Healthy Living, allows people of all ages to discover and explore the unique aspects of how the body works and the effects of various diseases. BODY WORLDS Rx ties into the Health In Motion: Discover What Moves You exhibit, which focuses on conversations about health in Jacksonville. But, this exhibit goes further to mix education and fun.

exhibition) helps me to learn how to take care of my body. You can’t get another body,” said 13-year-old Baylee Van Doran. “You have to take care of your body because you will not be able to fix it if you do something bad to it.”

Dr. Gunther von Hagens, a leading anatomist of our time, created BODY WORLDS. The exhibition features more than 100 human specimens as well as interactive elements such as the “Anatomical Mirror” where visitors see how organs are positioned in their body.

Why did you choose this career?

I enjoy interacting with people of all ages. I feel highly satisfied when I am able to assist people in a positive way. Tremendous job security during economic downturns.

“BODY WORLDS Rx: Prescriptions for Healthy Living offers a unique, and very personal, look at how disease affects our bodies along with our lifestyle choices. Real human bodies and interactives give us a look inside our skin and reveal the truly amazing mechanics of how our bodies work. Smoking, nutrition, disease and motion are among many topics and issues explored in this fascinating exhibit at MOSH,” said Maria Hane, MOSH executive director.

Many parents feel the hands-on experience and reality of the displays are great ways to discuss health issues, such as obesity and eating junk food, with their kids. “I think it’s very informative. It’s a rare opportunity to see what we are about. You don’t see often and kids are having fun while they are learning,” said Angela Tlack, mother of two.

What are some of your responsibilities? Daily day-to-day operations of store functions including opening and closing the store. Stocking the store shelves with varying products.

Handling guest inquiries and complaints.

Motivating and coaching a sales staff of

According to 9-year-old Alex Tlack, “It’s a little bit creepy seeing body parts, but I don’t mind. I From organs to muscles to the nervous system, think it’s cool to see how different parts work and see how other stuff works in your body.”

BODY WORLDS Rx gives visitors an unprecedented look inside the inner workings of the Through BODY WORLDS Rx, MOSH continues to human body. It takes them on a “Pathway to make science fun for everyone. It is part of the Healthy Living” and highlights stories of longevity. It focuses on the differences between museum’s 75th celebration, which includes special programming as well as innovative healthy bodies and organs and those stricken exhibits and events. BODY WORLDS Rx will be with ailments such as cancer, back pain, on display until January 6. For more informaarthritis and diabetes. The BODY WORLDS tion, please visit www.themosh.org. Take a exhibitions are the most popular touring exhibits in the world with more than 40 million journey and explore the uniqueness of your people learning valuable lessons. body and health.j “I’m learning how the body works. It (this

themosh.org

“The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see.”

– Alexandra K. Trenfor

What kind of education did you get to become a Retail Manager?

Bachelor of Arts degree; Public Relations Major with a Mass Communication Minor.

70+ employees. Ensuring store and company goals are not only met but surpassed.

What do you like most about your job?

What I like most about my job as a Store Manager for Toys ‘R’ Us is seeing the smiles on the faces of the children when they are shopping in our store. They are truly what it is all about. That is why I relentlessly strive to be the best toy and baby product retail company in the world.

Holiday Homework

F

irst, it’s a good idea to explain to your child why she’s being assigned homework over the break.

Over a long break, homework can be very good because it: • Limits the loss (or “regression”) of new skills. When it comes to student learning, there’s definitely some truth to the saying, “Use it or lose it!”

• Provides a way to improve academic grades. Teachers will sometimes offer grade-boosting opportunities over the holidays like make-up work or projects that can be completed for extra credit.

• Helps teens prepare for college and career by having them work on their time-management skills.

• Gives the teacher time to catch the class up on an assignment or two if it’s behind schedule. Doing these assignments over the break can be less stressful than trying to squeeze them in during the second half.

Understanding why homework is being assigned can help improve your child’s attitude about having to do it over the break. As a parent, you can assist your teen in deciding when and how to tackle these assignments.

Some practical tips: • Pick the best time of day. Ask her when she thinks she can get the most work done. If she works best in the morning, help her plan a couple of mornings to work over the break.

• Make good use of travel time. Do your holiday plans include a long car ride?

Traveling by plane? Have your daughter pack homework in her carry-on so she can do it on the plane or in the airport if your flight is delayed. Long car rides can be a great time to listen to an audiobook.

• Don’t procrastinate. Taking the first day off to rest has benefits, but encourage your daughter to finish her work sooner than later.

Talk about how stressful it will be if she tries to cram all of her homework into the last night of her vacation.

• Take a break. Carve out some time away from homework! Your daughter should take a day off to be with family, a day off to be with friends or any other special days she designates. j understood.org

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

•

Tips for walking safely include: Walk with a

friend when possible; • Ask your parents to help you pick a safe route to school; one that avoids dangers; • Stick to the route you picked with your parents; • When you are near the street, don’t push, shove, or chase each other; • Never hitchhike or take rides from people not arranged by your parents; • Talk to your parents and teacher about any bullying that may happen during your walk; • Always wear bright-colored clothes and if it is dark or hard to see, carry flashlights or wear reflective gear; • Watch out for cars and trucks at every driveway and intersection on your walk to school; • Cross the street safely. 1. Stop at the curb or edge of the street. 2. Look left, right, left and behind you and in front of you for traffic. 3. Wait until no traffic is coming and begin crossing. 4.

Keep looking for traffic until you have finished crossing. 5. Walk, don’t run across the street.

Obey traffic signs, signals and adult school crossing guards.

Parents are the child’s most important role model for walking safely. Children learn by watching others, so your own safe pedestrian behavior is the best way to teach these valuable skills. Consider these tips as you walk with your child: 1. Obey all traffic signs and signals. 2. Choose routes that

provide space to walk and have the least amount of traffic and lowest speeds. 3. Look for traffic at all driveways and intersections. 4. If possible, cross at a crosswalk or at an intersection with a walk signal. 5. Stop at the curb and look for traffic in all directions (left, right, left, to the front and behind).

At an intersection, it is important to look in front and in back to check for turning vehicles. The second look to the left is to re-check for traffic that is closest to you. 6. Wait until no traffic is coming and start crossing; keep looking for traffic as you cross the road. 7. Walk across the road. Do not run. 8.

Wear reflective gear if it is dark or conditions limit visibility, such as rain or snow. 9. Talk with your child about what you’re doing and why as you walk.

Although you might be able to see quickly that it is safe to cross the road or make other decisions while walking, your child may not know or understand why it is safe. Help your child understand and learn safe walking skills by practicing them each time you walk near or around traffic and taking the time to talk through new situations.

As a driver you can also be a role model for safe behavior. Respect pedestrians and use the drive time to teach your child about signs, signals and other traffic rules. Remember, children age four to six still are learning what it means to be safe. They should always be with an adult while walking. They have limited judgment, making it hard for them to know where or when it is safe to cross the road; cannot gauge the speed of oncoming traffic; can be impulsive and lose concentration easily; and have a hard time staying focused on one task, such as crossing the road.

Eight Named National Merit Semi Finalists

Kevin Taylor Named

Third Grader Wins Regional Golf Title

St. Johns Country Day School senior Kevin Taylor has been awarded the 2016 Concert on the Green Joy McCumber Myers Scholarship.

Tyler Mawhinney is on his way to Augusta.

Scholarship Recipient

Kevin, who started band at St. Johns in the 4th grade and joined the St. Johns Singers in the 9th grade, is an avid musician who sings and plays clarinet and guitar. He plans to study music at the University of North Florida next year. He also performs with the Symphonic Band and Unaccompanied Minors and was in the 2015-2016 All-State Men’s Choir, All-County Band, and All-County Chorus. Kevin has also participated in the Jacksonville Sings UNF Choral Invitational for the past two years.

The scholarship is given annually to a St. Johns Country Day School music student by Concert on the Green in honor of Joy Myers, one of the Concert on the Green founders and a former St. Johns Country Day School music instructor. The St. Johns Performing Arts Department selects the recipient based on the student’s musical accomplishments, talent, dedication, and contribution to the arts at St. Johns.

Founded four years ago, the Concert on the Green Joy Myers Scholarship has previously honored Dillon Murray, John Pace and Dino Varelas.

Connect with us!

was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Eight Clay County high school students from three for a Merit Scholarship award, semi-finalists must Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its different schools have been named semi-finalists fulfill several requirements to advance to the own funds and by approximately 420 business in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship finalist level of the competition. organizations and higher education institutions.

Program sponsored by the National Merit ScholAbout 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 arship Corp.

About 90 percent of the semi-finalists are exhigh schools entered the 2017 National Merit pected to attain finalist standing, and about half Scholarship Program by taking the 2015 PrelimiThe Clay County semi-finalists are Lauren E. Eck- of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarnary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying ert, Gisselle E. Palaca, Colton J. Braddy, Halle D. ship and earn the Merit Scholar title.

Test, which served as an initial screen of program Gibson and Sydney H. Hayes from Fleming Island entrants.

The corporation, a not-for-profit organization High School, Catherine N. Bruns from Orange Park High and Nabeel Farooq and Isaly A. Tappan that operates without government assistance, from Ridgeview High.

Friday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day, student/teacher holiday The high school seniors have an opportunity to Monday through Friday, Nov. 21-25 Thanksgiving, student/teacher holiday continue in the competition for some 7,500 NaFriday, Dec. 16 2nd grading period ends tional Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million Monday, Dec.19 through Monday, Jan.2 Winter break, student/teacher holiday that will be offered next spring. To be considered

The Fleming Island third grader will be one of 80 contestants in the 2017 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship’s national finals at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., the Sunday (April 2) before the Masters Tournament, April 6-9.

Now in its fourth year, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship – a joint initiative by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America – is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. By tapping the creative and competitive spirit of girls and boys ages 7-15, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship provides aspiring junior golfers an opportunity to play with their peers in qualifiers around the country. Participants who advance through local, sub-regional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals.

There will be 10 finalists in the boys division and 10 finalists in the girls division in each of the four age groups at the Championship.

Tyler secured his spot by winning 7-9 age division in the regional final at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach in September. The eightyear-old is the first area resident to qualify for the event. Jenna Leonard from Jacksonville is an alternate in the girls 7-9 age division.

Tyler began playing as a toddler and entered his first U.S. Kids Golf tournament at age 6.

He finished 18th out of 136 in the 8-year-old group at the World Championships at Pinehurst, North Carolina, this summer. He plays with his father Joseph at their home course at Eagle Harbor Golf Club on Fleming Island.

In a recent interview his coach Dave Myers, from the PGA Tour Academy at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, said Tyler was one of the favorites to win in Augusta.

“He’s pretty amazing. He’s a better golfer than most adults.

He processes coaching and he has a special ability to focus when he’s playing and block out everything else,” Myers said. www.oneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584

NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 25

St. Johns County School District News Matthew Leaves Its Mark St. Johns County schools are gradually easing back into routine after Hurricane Matthew’s visit last month.

Officials say none of the schools suffered major damage during the onslaught, but eight were used as shelters for approximately 2,000 county residents.

The district’s administrative 100-year-old offices at 40 Orange St. weren’t so lucky. The building had “significant water damage” to the first floor forcing the school board and staff to move to other offices around the county.

School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner issued this letter: Dear Parents, Staff and Community, On behalf of the school district, I want to offer my prayers and heartfelt concern for all those impacted

by Hurricane Matthew. This weather event has been like no other and has affected everyone in our community in some way. As I drove the coastline checking on schools yesterday, I was astounded by the devastation to our community.

calls for assistance and support at our shelters prior to, during and following Hurricane Matthew.

Sean Prevatt, our director of Food and Nutrition Services, coordinated food to shelters and then made sure our schools had deliveries and were able to provide our children a nutritious meal when they returned to school on Tuesday.

Our principals stepped up to the plate unlike anything I have ever seen. The shelter captains, Jay Willets of Pacetti Bay Middle School, Clay Carmichael of Pedro Menendez High School, Traci Hemingway of Timberlin Creek Elementary, Randy Kelley of South Woods Elementary, Nigel Pillay of Otis Mason Elementary, Tina Waldrop of Osceola Elementary, Chris Phelps of Bartram Trail High School, and Amanda Riedl of Mill Creek Elementary, were assisted by every principal and assistant principal who were available to report to our shelters. The same can be said for our maintenance coordinators and food service managers.

All members of the Cabinet provided 24-7 monitoring at the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center, answering questions, making decisions and dispatching assistance during the entire event.

Our teachers have unselfishly, and in the face of personal tragedy, prioritized the return to school

It is important to us and to all of you that we return to a measure of normalcy for our children, consequently we focused on opening schools as soon as possible. As I visited schools yesterday, I saw the smiling faces of children, happy to be back and anxious to tell me about their experiences. I cannot thank Governor Scott enough for prioritizing the restoration of power to our schools. Governor Scott and Commissioner Stewart were in constant contact with me and were able to provide rapid responses to all of our issues.

I also want to thank our district leadership team and support staff for their unselfish dedication to our shelters and school facilities while many of them faced their own personal challenges. Many of our staff lost their own homes yet remained to assist the neediest in our community.

The overall leadership of Tim Forson was exceptional. As many of you know, we opened eight shelters for evacuees and were responsible for their care during a four-day period. Included in these shelters were special needs for the medically fragile and two pet friendly shelters. Al Pantano and Logan Lowery coordinated transportation for evacuees and for their needs including transportation, cots, food, water, bedding and anything else that was needed.

Over 70 of our buses and bus operators were actively involved throughout the event.

Paul Rose, our executive director of Facilities and New Construction, was a constant presence, providing leadership and support the entire time not only to our schools but to community members as well. To watch him making on-demand decisions to assist others was one of the purest examples of servant leadership I have ever seen. David Lee, director for Maintenance, responded to countless

Pellicer, Coleman Named Lifetime Achievers Dr. Leonard Pellicer and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Anthony Coleman were honored as the recipients of the 2016 Learning Legacy Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards are presented annually to former St. Johns County public school students who have returned to the area and dedicated their time and talents to serving their community.

Pellicer was born and raised in St. Augustine and graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1963.

In high school he lettered in four sports and served as the captain of the football, basketball and track teams. After graduation, Pellicer earned his bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees from the University of Florida which eventually led him to serve as a professor and chair of Educational Leadership at the University of South Carolina (USC).

He and his wife Nancy Clifton Pellicer have been married for 48 years and returned home to St. Augustine in 2007. He is committed to local service and has shown this through his volunteerism with Meals on Wheels, the Early Childhood Coalition and the St. Johns Council on Aging. He is a board member on Forward March and an executive board member on Post 37 and a frequent guest editorialist at The St. Augustine Record.

17 Make National Merit Semifinals Seventeen St. Johns County School District seniors and one county home school student have qualified as National Merit Semifinalists for 2017.

These students placed among the top 1 percent of all students in the country taking the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test given annually to high school juniors. As 18 of 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, they are now eligible to advance to the finalist competition to vie for about 7,500 scholarships worth more than $33 million to be announced in April 2017.

The semifinalists are Erin Kirsche and Samuel Turner from Bartram Trail High School; Miranda Diaz, Jackson Mahne, Robert Schrader and Elijah Smith from Creekside High School; Ava Hampton, John Hiltonen, Malavika Nair, Suzanne Raybuck and Shelby Wallace from Allen D. Nease High School; John Fox, William Harrington, Clare Hartman, Carson Richter, Parker Shannon and Adam Snowden from Ponte Vedra High School; and Grace Remmer, home school.

Ballet Instruction

Deputy Anthony Coleman was born in Palatka, Fl., and Nikki Angelo, a Classical Dance Alliance ballet instructor, attended Hastings High School where he graduated in taught at Pedro Menedez 1983. He played varsity football and ran track, earnHigh School for the first ing his spot as the state champion for the 100 meter time last month and will in 1982. He was awarded a scholarship from Edward return once a month for Waters College for track and went on to complete the the rest of the school St. Augustine Technical Law Enforcement Academy year. Since 2002, CDA and was a graduate of Vincennes University. has brought world-class to provide nurturing care that our children so desperately need at this time. I will be forever grateful to our teachers and staff for the way everyone has stepped up.

Our School Board places an emphasis on constructing quality facilities and prioritizing the maintenance of our buildings. This commitment by our board allowed us to re-open after only three days out, and I am grateful.

We are currently working to help students, families and staff who are in need, so if you hear of any needed assistance, please contact Director of Student Services Kelly Battell at kelly.bBattell@stjohns. k12.fl.us. She is keeping a list of our employees and students upended by Hurricane Matthew.

Hurricane Matthew has changed us all. We will rebuild and ultimately be stronger because of it. In my 14 years as superintendent, I have never seen such an outpouring of care and I will be eternally grateful.

St. Johns Strong!

Sincerely, Joe Joyner

He has served as a deputy for the St. Johns Sheriff’s Office for more than 30 years and for the last 20 years, Coleman has been a youth resource deputy as well as a coach, mentor, teacher and role model to thousands of St. Johns County children. Most of his career as a youth resource deputy has been spent at Pedro Menendez High School though he has also provided service at Gaines Alternative School, Murray and Gamble Rogers middle schools.

Ingrained in the Hastings community, Coleman serves as a Sunday school teacher at the Lord’s Temple Ministry. Coleman and his wife Cheryl have been married for over 25 years. They have six children and 10 grandchildren.

Friday Wednesday through Friday Wednesday, Dec. 21 Thursday through Wednesday

experts directly to the ballet and dance community through teacher’s courses, special events and festivals, working year round with many recognized world-renowned specialists in Ballet Pedagogy, Ballet Mastering and the Art of Choreography.

CDA is a nonprofit organization that supports artistic effort and output by providing resources to improve ballet training outcomes.

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Holiday Calendar

November 11 Nov. 23-25 Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan.3

Veterans Day, student/teacher holiday Thanksgiving, student/teacher holiday 2nd Quarter, First Semester ends Winter break, student/teacher holiday

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

Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

Things to Do

TEENS

New Smoking Rules Restricts Teen E-cigarette Use

E

ffective August 8, a new rule extends the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulatory authority to all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes—which are also called electronic cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)—all cigars (including premium ones), hookah (also called waterpipe tobacco), pipe tobacco, nicotine gels, and dissolvables that did not previously fall under the FDA’s authority. It requires health warnings on roll-your-own tobacco, cigarette tobacco, and certain newly regulated tobacco products and also bans free samples. In addition, because of the rule, manufacturers of newly regulated tobacco products that were not on the market as of February 15, 2007, will have to show that products meet the applicable public health standard set by the law. And those manufacturers will have to receive marketing authorization from the FDA. The new rule also restricts youth access to newly regulated tobacco products by: 1) not allowing products to be sold to those younger than 18 and requiring age verification via photo ID; and 2) not allowing tobacco products to be sold in vending machines (unless in an adult-only facility).

E-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in the U.S. for the second year in a row, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA. Using the answers to questionnaires from the National Youth Tobacco Surveys, the report found that 16 percent of high school students and 5.3 percent of middle school students used e-cigarettes in 2015. That’s 3 million middle and high school students, up from 2.46 million in 2014.

Students were counted as e-cigarette users if they had used one on at least one day in the past 30 days.

E-cigarettes and related products can look like regular cigarettes, pens, or other common devices. They are operated by battery. An atomizer heats a solution of liquid, flavorings, and nicotine that creates a mist that is inhaled. bExperts say exposure to nicotine is especially dangerous for young people because it can cause addiction, might harm brain development, and could lead to continued use of tobacco.

“E-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth, and use continues to climb,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden. “No form of youth tobacco use is safe. Nicotine is an addictive drug and use during adolescence may cause lasting harm to brain development.”

From 2014 to 2015, there was no significant change in the prevalence of cigarette smoking among middle and high school students. In 2015,

9.3 percent of high school students and 2.3 percent of middle school students reported smoking cigarettes, making cigarettes the second most used tobacco product among their age group.

According to the report, if current smoking rates continue, 5.6 million Americans currently younger than age 18 are predicted to die prematurely from a smoking-related disease. Approximately 80% of adult smokers first tried smoking by the age of 18; so keeping young people away from tobacco is critical.

In addition to e-cigarettes and cigarettes, high school students reported they used other tobacco products: 8.6 percent smoked cigars; 7.2 percent used hookahs (water pipes for smoking tobacco); 6 percent used smokeless tobacco; 1 percent smoked pipe tobacco; 0.6 percent smoked bidis (a type of small, imported cigarette).

After e-cigarettes and cigarettes, middle school students reported using these products: 2 percent used hookahs; 1.8 percent used smokeless tobacco; 1.6 percent smoked cigars; 0.4 percent smoked pipe tobacco; 0.2 percent smoked bidis.

Overall, the use of any tobacco product by middle and high school students has not changed since 2011. The report shows that 4.7 million of these students used tobacco products in 2015, and more than 2.3 million of them used 2 or more types of tobacco products.

For those looking for a way out, every year, on the third Thursday of November (Nov. 17), smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society Great American Smokeout event.

They may use the date to make a plan to quit, or they may plan in advance and quit smoking that day. The Great American Smokeout event challenges people to stop using tobacco and helps people learn about the many tools they can use to help them quit and stay quit. For help see cancer .org.

From 1965 to today, cigarette smoking among adults in the United States decreased from 42 percent to about 17 percent. Today about 1 in 5 U.S. adults smoke cigarettes. Smoking is estimated to cause 32 percent of all cancer deaths in the U.S., including 83 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and 76 percent of lung cancer deaths in women. j FDA.gov

Teens

Junior ROWITA Fellowships Thru February 2017 The St. Johns Cultural Council is seeking applications for Junior ROWITA Fellowships. The fellowships are available to all graduating St. Johns County high school women (public, private or home-schooled) who are entering arts based programs of higher education to advance their creative development. Fellowship awards are a monetary award that can be up to $1000. Applicants must have either applied or been accepted into in a BFA program, a summer institute/intensive, or an arts workshop in order to be considered. The Junior ROWITA Fellowship was started in 2011 to help support graduating high school women develop their artistic skills through continued study and training.

There are three categories for the awards: Performing, Visual, and Literary Arts. In order to be eligible, candidates must have a 3.0 GPA, and acceptance into a college level arts program or summer institute. They must submit a letter of recommendation from their arts teacher; write a letter describing their relationship with their arts, and provide a DVD of their work. The applications are reviewed by a panel of past ROWITA recipients.

The application is available at www.stjohnsculture. com. Deadline for applications is on the last day of February of each year. Applications must be emailed to sjcc@historiccoastculture.com, mailed, or delivered to the St. Johns Cultural Council Office located at 15 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084. For more information, contact the St. Johns Cultural Council atsjcc@historiccoastculture.com or call (904) 808-7330.

St. Johns Cultural Council / 904-808-7330 / www. stjohnsculture.com R.A.D. Nights at Rebounderz November 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 7pm to 11pm The Rebounderz After Dark party is held every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm to 11pm. For $30 per person, you can get 1 personal pan pizza, 1 fountain drink and your choice of: 3 Hours Black Light Jump OR Extreme Fun Bundle – 1 Hour of Jump Time / 1 Round of Laser Tag / 1 Round of Archery Tag. Rebounderz / 904-300-0070 / 14985 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / rebounderzjacksonville.com Sweet Pete’s Sugar Skull Class November 6, 1pm to 2pm Teens 13 and up are invited to celebrate sugar and the Day of the Dead with Sweet Pete’s. Participants will learn to make and mold a sugar skull. Learn techniques for decorating a skull and choose from different embellishments to create a unique sugar skull to take home. Ages 13 and up. Cost is $17.

Sweet Pete’s Candy / 904-376-7161 / 400 N Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.sweetpetescandy.com Strategies For Success on the High School Mathematics FSA and EOCs November 7, 5:30pm Explore strategies for student success on the Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 FSA End of Course Exams. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public

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

Atlantic Coast High School / 904-390-2960 / 9735 R. G. Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.duvalschools.org Teen Cooking: Chili and Cornbread November 8, 6pm to 7pm Teens ages 11 and up will learn the basics of cleanliness, food prep, and food safety at this monthly program sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Registration is required for this free program. Call 904-827-6900 or e-mail aphillips@sjcfl.us to reserve your spot. A parent or guardian must be present at the time of the program to sign a waiver.

Southeast Branch Library / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / sjcpls.org The World of Dual Enrollment November 10, 6pm This course provides the qualifications for Dual Enrollment. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members.

All Parent Academy courses are free of charge.

Sandalwood High School / 904-390-2960 / 2750 John Prom Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. duvalschools.org Babysitters Training Course November 11, 9am to 3:30pm Learn how to prepare for an emergency if home alone or babysitting in this one day class. Valuable safety tips will be taught, and basic CPR and first aid skills will be reviewed. For additional program information, call Betsy, Youth Services Director, at 904-730-2100 extension 245. Cost is $50 for JCA members, and $75 for non-members. For ages 10 to 16. Jewish Community Alliance / 904-7302100 / 8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.jcajax.org Free Poetry Class November 17, 6pm to 7:30pm Through a grant from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, local nonprofit Hope at Hope at Hand will host monthly poetry sessions to celebrate a poet born in each month. All sessions are free and open to the public and will offer a poetry lesson, punch and a birthday cake. Lessons are appropriate for ages 13+ and parents must accompany youth participants. All sessions will be held at Hope at Hand’s headquarters, 3886 Atlantic Boulevard from 6pm to 7:30pm. This month’s featured poet is Anne Sexton. Participants must register online in advance. Hope at Hand / 904-868-HOPE / 3886 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www. hopeathand.org Ace the ACT & SAT: Exploring Library Resources November 26, 4pm to 5:45pm Teens are invited to explore the Gale Testing and Education Reference Center for use in studying for the ACT/SAT tests. Customers can choose to setup a free online account and take ACT/SAT practice tests. This program is free and open to the public.

Pablo Creek Regional Library / 904-992-7101 / 13295 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / jpl.coj. net Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 27

Things to Do

NATURE

What Happens to Birds Caught in Hurricanes Like Matthew?

W

hile Hurricane Matthew’s relentless wind, slashing rain and punishing storm surge certainly affected many people, some folks are also wondering about the effects the hurricane had on birds.

Numbers are hard to come by, but it’s history shows it’s clear that many birds are killed outright by hurricanes. This is especially true of seabirds, which have nowhere in which to seek shelter from these storms. Beaches may be littered with seabird carcasses following major storm events.

Most Atlantic hurricanes occur in late summer and early fall— and fall storms coincide with bird migration and may disrupt migration patterns severely.

area’s nest trees of the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker; one forest lost 87 percent of its nest trees and 67 percent of its woodpeckers.

Only through the installation of artificial nest boxes have these populations been restored to pre-storm levels.

Although birds blown out of their normal haunts by storms often don’t survive, bird-watchers by the hundreds may flock to see them. Usually, such sightings involve seabirds blown inland and appearing on lakes and reservoirs.

First state records of many species have been obtained in this way. Some birders even head into hurricanes to see lost birds.* Others raptly study weather maps to try to predict Many birds get where hurricanecaught up in storm swept birds will systems and are wind up. A few blown far off years back, during course, often Isabel, birders landing in were staked out in Puerto Rican Parrott inhospitable an organized places or simply fashion around arriving too battered and weakened to survive.

New York’s Cayuga Lake to see what showed up.

Others, while not killed or displaced by storms, Land birds blown out to sea typically perish may starve to death because they are unable to unnoticed. forage while the weather is poor. The number of birds that die as a result of a major hurricanes It’s important to remember that the long-term may run into the hundreds of thousands. effects of hurricanes on birds aren’t necessarily negative. Every disturbance event is bad for Healthy bird populations are able to withstand some species but good for others. For instance, such losses and have done so for eons. However, hurricanes create gaps in forests, creating habitat hurricanes can have severe impacts on endanfor species that require a brushy understory. gered species, many of which occur on tropical Birds blown off course occasionally establish islands, often among the places hardest hit by entirely new populations; such events may be hurricanes. For example, Hurricane Hugo in 1989 responsible for much, if not most, colonization of killed half of the wild Puerto Rican Parrots remote islands by birds. Furthermore, hurricanes existing at that time. We don’t know yet what have been around for a long time and are part of Matthew did. The Cozumel Thrasher, found only the system in which birds evolved. It is only on Mexico’s Isla Cozumel, was pushed to the when they have impacts on species already edge of extinction by Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. pushed to the brink by humans, or if hurricane Hurricane Iniki may have wiped out the last activity is increased by global climate change, survivors of as many as three bird species when that there is cause for concern. it hit Hawaii in 1992. *Epitaph for a hurricane-chasing birder (not Apart from the direct, physical effects hurricanes original): may have on birds, they also can have detrimen- Here he lies tal effects on bird habitats. Cavity-nesting A little wet species can be especially hard hit because the But he got trees in which they nest often are blown down or His lifelist met. j snapped off at the cavity. Hurricane Hugo, which hit the Carolinas in 1989, destroyed most of the ebird.org

Nature

/ 3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611 / www. flmnh.ufl.edu

Amelia River Cruises & Charters offers 3 narrated historic sightseeing boat tours daily from historic GTM New Volunteer Orientation downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island up to November 4, 10am Cumberland Island National Seashore. Currently, the The GTM Research Reserve offers an introduction tour schedule is 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Cumberland to the Volunteer program for those who sign up.

Island Tour, 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM Beach Creek Tour You’ll learn about the background and history of the and, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Family Friendly Sunset reserve, volunteer opportunities available to you, Cruise. Beginning November 7, the Family Friendly volunteer expectations and benefits, and tour the Sunset Cruise will begin at 4:30pm. Check times Environmental Education Center. and availability and order tickets online at www.

GTM Research Reserve / 904-823-4500 / 505 ameliarivercruises.com.

Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / Note: As of press time, due to extensive hurricane www.gtmnerr.org damage to their normal dock at the Fernandina Harbor Marina, Amelia River Cruises will be operatScience and History Boat Tours ing out of the south end of the same marina, off November 5, 12, 19, 26, 1pm and 3:30pm of Dock 8. This is approximately 300 yards south Take a tour with the St. Johns River Taxi and the of their normal business location at 1 North Front Museum of Science & History, Jacksonville for Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. A temporary the Science & History River Tours on Saturdays. ticket booth building will be placed south of Atlantic Learn all about the history of Jacksonville and the Seafood in the gravel parking lot south of Ash significance the river has played in our community Street. over time.

Amelia River Cruises/1 North Front Street, FernanTours Times: 1pm and 3:30pm. Cost: $15 for adults dina Beach, FL 32034/904-261-9972/ameliariverand $12 for children under 12. cruises.com Tickets can be purchased online or by visiting the Museum’s Guest Relations front desk. Tour tickets Alligator Farm Zoo Camp to not include admission to the Museum. Proceeds November 11, 9am to 4pm from the Science & History River Tour ticket sales at The Alligator Farm hosts a single day Zoo Camp MOSH will benefit the Museum. Boarding is at the when school is out. Participants will make crafts, Friendship Fountain dock. play games, view animal presentations and shows, Museum of Science and History / 904-396-MOSH trek through the zoo, talk with keepers, and more. / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / Cost is $40 for members, $50 for non-members. www.themosh.org Lunch is included. Register in advance to reserve your space. For children currently in K through 5th 2nd Annual Medicinal Plant Walk grade.

November 5, 1pm to 3pm St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park / 904Learn to identify more than a dozen local medicinal 824-3337 / 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL plants on this informative walk. The walk will be at 32080 / www.alligatorfarm.com the Beach and Peach Park in the Windy Hill Neighborhood. Each participant will also receive a field Marineland Lecture Series guide to give you details and pictures of the plants. November 15, 10am to 11am Registration is $20. Call 904-726-7538 to register. This program is one of an ongoing lecture series Beach and Peach Park / 904-726-7538 / 10013 presented on the third Tuesday of the month by the Anders Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.herbal- GTM Research Reserve and Marineland Dolphin Adwisdom.org venture. The series is designed to help learn more about your coastal natural world. These events are Homeschool Day: Wicked Plants free. However, limited seating is available. Tickets November 7, 10am to 12noon must be purchased online. Please bring your ticket Home-schoolers are invited to participate in a to the Marineland gift shop at 9:45am on the day of program at the Museum. These special days allow the scheduled presentation to gain entry. Particihome-schoolers of all ages to explore the featured pants without a ticket will not be allowed entry. exhibit, investigate specimens up-close, particiThis month’s lecture features Joy Hampp and North pate in hands-on activities and tour exhibits with Atlantic Right Whales.

Museum docents. Activities are ongoing from 10am Marineland Dolphin Adventure / 9600 Ocean Shore to 12noon and admission includes exhibit entry.

Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.gtmnerr.org Registration is not required to attend. Cost is $5 for adults and children. Ages under 3 are free.

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Florida Museum of Natural History / 352-273-2030

“All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them.”

– Magic Johnson Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

PETS

Keep Your Pet Safe While Driving

F

or years, Americans have been buckling up.

The proper use of lap/shoulder belts have been shown to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat car occupants by 45 percent, while reducing the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent. Further research has shown that non-belted rear seat passengers increase the death rate of front seat passengers by up to 5 times. We buckle up ourselves and children to ensure all passengers safety, or do we? What about our pets?

With pet travel on the rise, more and more dogs and cats are suffering severe injuries from not being properly restrained. A pet that is not properly restrained in a vehicle is a danger to itself and other passengers in the vehicle.

Even the best behaved pet travelers can get overly excited or frightened while riding in a car. This behavior can easily distract the driver, causing an accident. An unrestrained pet can potentially become a flying projectile in the event of a sudden stop or accident “a lethal danger” to the pet and other passengers in the vehicle. Unfortunately, instances of pets being thrown through the windshield are all too common in severe accidents.

The dangers are more likely than one may think.

A vehicle involved in an accident traveling at only 30 mph can cause a 15 pound child to create an impact of 675 pounds. Similarly, a 60 pound dog can cause an impact of 2700 pounds. Imagine the injury such an impact would cause for the helpless pet as well as other passengers.

Responsible pet owners need to take heed of the dangers of unrestrained pets. Many pet owners believe restraint is not necessary for “around town” travel like the bank, the post office, or the pet store. However, this is when most accidents occur. Yet another important consideration is that

in the event of an accident, a frightened pet may run out into traffic while rescue workers enter the vehicle to assist passengers. Or it may attack those who are trying to help. There are many pet vehicle restraint options available. Pet safety belts, car seats, travel crates and vehicle pet barriers are some excellent options.

Selecting the proper restraint option, best suited for your dog or cat is essential. Whatever method you choose to properly restrain your pet in your vehicle, be sure to give your pet ample time to adapt.

For example, if you choose a travel crate, place the crate in your home and put some of your pet’s favorite toys or blanket it.

Allow your pet to go in and out of the crate at its leisure.

Eventually, put the crate in your vehicle and place your pet in crate. Start out taking short car rides and gradually increase the time until your pet is comfortable. If you choose a pet safety belt, let your pet wear the harness around the house. Allow them time to feel comfortable in the harness prior to strapping them in the car. Similar to the travel crate, start out with short car rides and gradually build up. No matter what method of restraint you utilize, back seat or cargo travel is the safest.

Things to Do AVS Paws For A Cause November 5, 9am AVS Paws For A Cause is a pet friendly 5k & 1-mile walk. This community event will have music, pet friendly vendors, Flyball demonstrations, a pet photo booth & adoptable pets. Registration starts at 8am, and the walk begins at 9am. The 5k untimed run/walk is $15 and the timed run is $25. Kids 16 and under are free.

There will also be a 1 mile fun walk with pets.

Nocatee Town Center / 100 Marketside Avenue, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 / avspethospitals.com

Pet noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

Riverside Park / 904-391-3618 / 753 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / main.acsevents.org

Pet CPR & First Aid November 5, 10am to 2pm Pet Life Saver is offering a Pet CPR & First Aid class. Topics covered will include restraining & muzzling, primary pet assessment, bleeding & shock management, snout-to-tail assessment™, choking protocols, canine & Feline CPR, rescue breathing, and more. Each student will receive a PetSaver™ handbook, and upon successful completion each student will receive a certificate of completion. Cost is $149; $50 from each student donated to K9s For Warriors.

Guardian Title / 904-635-3665 / 13400 Sutton Park Dr S, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / petlifesaverjax.com 1st Annual Run Fur Fun 5K and One Mile Fun Run November 12, 8am 1st Annual Run Fur Fun 5K and One Mile Fun Run at the Jacksonville Landing. All 5K participants will receive a custom medal, performance tee, and other swag. All proceeds will benefit Friends of Jacksonville Animals, a non-profit dedicated to the well-being of homeless animals received by Animal Care and Protective Services. Registration for the Fun Run is $10, and $25 for the 5k. The 5k starts at 8am, and the fun run starts at 9am.

Jacksonville Landing / 2 Independent Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.active.com

Pints For Pets November 12, 6pm Friends of Clay County Animals, Inc hosts a Pints For Pets fundraiser. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and more. All proceeds help sick and injured animals at Clay County Animal Care and Control.

Bold City Brewery / 2670-7 Rosselle Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.friendsofclaycountyanimals.org Pet CPR & First Aid November 19, 10am to 2pm Pet Life Saver is offering a Pet CPR & First Aid class. Topics covered will include restraining & muzzling, primary pet assessment, bleeding & shock management, snout-to-tail assessment™, choking protocols, canine & Feline CPR, rescue breathing, and more. Each student will receive a PetSaver™ handbook, and upon successful completion each student will receive a certificate of completion. Cost is $149.

Southeast Veterinary Hospital / 904-635-3665 / 1885 State Road 207, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / petlifesaverjax.com Yappy Hour DOGSgiving November 20, 2pm Yappy Hour Dosgiving will feature an eating contest, pet expo, prizes, and live music on the Coca-Cola Riverfront Stage. Yappy Hour is a free event for dogs, their parents and dog lovers.

Jacksonville Landing / 2 West Independent Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvillelanding.com

Bark For Life of Riverside November 12, 9am The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a

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

In addition to safety, make your pet’s comfort a priority. Just as it’s important for your “seat” to be comfortable your pet’s seat should be comfortable too.

Let’s all do what’s right for our pets. Pets are members of the family and their safety is our responsibility. j tripswithpets.com

“When you look at life through eyes of gratitude, the world becomes a magical and amazing place.”

– Jennifer Gayle

Law Office of

STEPHEN DOTY Divorce Custody Bankruptcy Foreclosure

904.416.8328

stephendotylaw.com NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 29

E T I & H Y W O D U E R AT THE

JACKSONVILLE FAIR JACKSONVILLEFAIR.COM

Nov 20

FILM WITH ORCHESTRA Page 30 • Jax4Kids.com • NOVEMBER 2016

Dec 8-11

904.354.5547 J A X S Y M P H O N Y. O R G

Dec 16-18

FIRST COAST

S Y M P H O N Y ’ S

Join us for these FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS

J A C K S O N V I L L E

Nov 18

Nutcracker

NOVEMBER 2-13

Presented by

THINGS TO DO Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair: Red, White, and You • November 2 – 13 The annual Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair returns to the fairgrounds. There will be food, live music, agricultural shows and contests, live presentations, carnival rides, games, and more. Gates open at 5pm on November 2nd with $15 armband, $3 gate admission and $3 rides.

November 4 is Senior Day. Seniors 65 & Older are free. November 5 and 12 are Student Days.

Students are free (kids 17 and under) 10am to 4pm November 8, children 12 years old and under are free with adult. November 11 is Senior Day / Military Day. Seniors 65 & older are free Free entry with VALID MILITARY ID. $10 armband with VALID MILITARY ID. November 13 is Fair and Football Special day. Free entry with Jaguars v Texans Game Day ticket Jaguars v Texans Game Kicks Off at 1pm Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 904-353-0535 / 510 Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. jacksonvillefair.com Weaving (and Sewing) Wednesday: Tag! You’re a Weaver! • November 2, 3pm Tag! You’re a weaver! Join the tagteam and textile artists to create works of art using traditional looms and sewing machines. Children and their parent/ guardian will learn to use traditional harness looms and will also use sewing machines to create fabric projects. Each child must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Cost: 1 Child/ Adult(s) - $15; 2 Children/ Adult(s) - $20; 3 Children/ Adult(s) - $25.

Register online in advance.

Children’s Museum of St. Augustine / 904-6471757 / 76 Dockside Drive, Suite 105, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.tagmuseum.org Riverdale Community United Methodist Church Fall Festival • November 5, 10am to 4pm The Riverdale Community United Methodist Church will hold its Fall Festival on Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 10am to 4pm. In addition to vendor booths, there will be a bar-b-q dinner, bake sale, silent auction and live band.

Riverdale Community United Methodist Church / 904-824-4050 / 1028 County Road 13 South, St. Augustine, FL 32092 Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular November 5 – 6, 10am to 4pm This free event will feature a dynamic over-theocean sky show highlighted by the world-famous United States Navy Blue Angels along with other military and civilian flight teams, live entertainment, a street festival featuring static displays of aircraft and military vehicles, simulators, recruitment booths, a kids area and more. Free. Held 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront / 503 1st St North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / jaxhappenings.com

that offer a variety of homemade and homegrown products from local merchants, live entertainment, food on site, and more. Parking is available at CVS/ Winn Dixie and using the pedestrian crosswalks to enter the market. There is also parking at Town Hall off of US 17 and Smith St and Kingsley Ave. This is an outdoor market and sometimes due to inclement weather the market may be closed.

Town Hall Park / 2042 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 / opmarket.weebly.com St. Patrick Catholic School’s Fall Festival November 11, 3pm St. Patrick Catholic School hosts a Fall Festival with bounce houses, a game trick, pony rides, face painting, petting zoo, bake sale, silent auction, prizes, and more. Wristbands are available for $20; additional tickets are $1 each. The Fall Festival Fundraiser is Hosted by SPCS PTA; Adults and kids under 2 are free.

St. Patrick Catholic School / 904-768-6323 / 601 Airport Center Dr. E, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / www. stpatrickjacksonville.org Celestial Farms Fall Festival • November 12, 9am Celestial Farms hosts a Fall Festival and Craft Fair.

There will be artisans, hobbyists, and craftsman displaying their works, tours, demonstrations, and more.

Celestial Farms / 13958 Duval Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / www.celestialfarms.org NovemberFest: Fall Festival and Craft Show November 12, 9am St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church hosts a free family event. Activities include Bounce Houses, Pony Rides, Santa Visit, Christmas Village for the kids to shop, Face Painting, Bake sale, local artists, Food, Crafters, Chili Cookoff, The Blood Alliance, 50/50 Raffle, Cake Auction and more.

St Matthew’s Lutheran Church / 904-744-5333 / 6801 Merrill Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32277 Odd Squad Live! • November 12, 2pm and 5pm Kids are needed to team up with Odd Squad Agents in this live, interactive adventure. Ticket prices range from $20 to $50. There will be two performances, one at 2pm, and one at 5pm.

Florida Theatre / 128 East Forsyth Street, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans November 13, 1pm The Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Houston Texans. Single game tickets are available for purchase online. For young Jags fans ages 4-12, be sure to join the Junior Jags! Ages newborn to age 3 are invited to join the Jaguars Cub Club.

Everbank Field / 904-633-2000 / One Everbank Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguars.com

Yes You Canvas Morning Painting November 5, 12, 19, 26, 11am to 12noon Yes You Canvas hosts a weekly morning painting event for ages 5 and up. Cost is $20 per painter; reserve your spot online in advance.

November 5 -- Scarecrow November 12 -- Pig & Spider November 19 -- Turkey November 26 -- Moustache Ornament Yes You Canvas / 904-993-9047 / 9965 San Jose Boulevard, Suite 30, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www. rezclick.com

Ozobots: Maze Challenge: Tag! You’re a Programmer! • November 16, 3pm Tag! You’re a programmer! Join the tagteam for a robust, robotic afternoon of challenges with Ozobots – miniature smart robots that can follow color-coded lines, roam freely, and can be digitally programmed. Participants will create maze challenges for their Ozobots using blocks, cardboard, and other materials. For ages 7 to 12. Cost is $15.

Register in advance.

Children’s Museum of St. Augustine / 904-6471757 / 76 Dockside Drive, Suite 105, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.tagmuseum.org

Orange Park Farmer’s & Arts Market Opening Day • November 6, 10am to 3pm The market is held on the 1st Sunday of each month. There are 100 vendors on a regular basis

The Nightmare Before Christmas November 18, 7pm Follow Jack through his adventure from Halloween Town to Christmas Town as he shakes the holidays

up a bit. Add Danny Elfman’s enigmatic soundtrack performed live by the Symphony and it’s an experience never seen (or heard) before.

Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby Hall/300 Water St, Jacksonville, FL 32202/ 904354-5547/www.jaxsymphony.org World Beat Café • November 19, 7:30pm Jacksonville Children’s Chorus in concert with Grammy-nominated Omnimusica celebrating world music. Omnimusica features the talents of musician-scholars from all over the world - Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, China, Trinidad - as well as from many states and regions across the United States.

The group performs innovative arrangements of traditional musical works from South America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, East and Southeast Asia, and Africa, as well as a large repertoire of original music composed by founder and director Dr. Michael Bakan and other group members. Sponsored by Digital Benefit Advisors and Publix Super Market Charities. All Jacksonville Children’s Chorus choirs will perform. Tickets start at $21 and are available on Ticketmaster. Add on a Pre-Show Reception ticket for $35, which includes a taste of foods from around the world. The reception will be held in the Davis Gallery from 6:15pm to 7:15pm.

Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-353-1636 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxchildrenschorus.org Peter and the Wolf • November 20, 3pm The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert, Peter and the Wolf kicks off with familyfriendly pre-concert activities at 2pm. Prokofiev’s timeless tale, Peter and the Wolf, introduces children to the instruments of the symphony by using characters portrayed by various instruments of the orchestra. Coupled with the enchanting music of Casrnival of the Animals, it’s a musical Zoo! Peter and the Wolf will be conducted by Nathan Aspinall with guest narrator, First lady of Jacksonville, Molly Curry. Tickets start at $10.

Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, Jacoby Hall/300 Water St, Jacksonville, FL 32202/ 904354-5547/www.jaxsymphony.org School is Out: Painting at Yes You Canvas November 23, 11am to 12noon November 25, 11am and 2pm Kids ages 5 and up are invited for a painting event while school is out for Thanksgiving Break. Cost is $20 per painter; reserve your spot online in advance.

November 23, 11am -- Turkey November 25, 11am -- Snowman November 25, 2pm -- Snow Leopard Yes You Canvas / 904-993-9047 / 9965 San Jose Boulevard, Suite 30, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www. rezclick.com Octonauts Live! • November 30, 6pm The Florida Theatre presents Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure, Live! There will be one performance only, on November 30 at 6pm.

The show features massive projection screens, 3D animation, full size characters and lots of songs.

Tickets range from $29.50 to $49.50.

Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information and more events!

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NOVEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

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