'I'm A Star' Teens host 8th annual ‘Let’s Move Jacksonville’

8th Annual Field Day offers FREE healthy food and a chance to win $1,000.  The community is invited to I’m A Star Foundation’s Let’s Move Jacksonville, sponsored by Farah and Farah.  This festival will be held Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Henry J. Klutho Park, located at 204 W. 3rd St, in Springfield.  The event is free and open to the public.

I’m A Star servant leaders, ages 13-18, design the event for the entire family.  Everyone is invited, from ages 1 to 100.  Activities include: kickball, flag football, a cheerleading camp, double-dutch, face painting, line dances, soccer, golf, and more.  There will be free, healthy food and lots of vendors.  I’m A Star Foundation aims to make Jacksonville the healthiest city in the nation.  The non-profit organization is partnering with City of Jacksonville’s JaxParks to encourage families to get out and enjoy the 300+ parks in our community. Jacksonville has the largest park system in North America.

Let’s Move Jacksonville features Klutho Park, a sprawling outdoor space which was once the home of the city’s first zoo in 1914. 100+ years later, I’m A Star Foundation hopes their mission will draw residents from all corners of the city to these central majestic grounds.  Attendees are invited to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, yoga mats, bicycles or roller blades to enjoy the park.

Families, groups or churches who bring the most attendees will win $1000.  In 2010, I’m A Star servant leaders learned from a Youth Behavioral Study that teenagers in Generation Z, or the “iGen”, born between 1995 and 2012, may not outlive their parents because of childhood obesity.  In response, I’m A Star servant leaders hosted Let’s Move Jacksonville, an offshoot of former first lady Michelle Obama’s national “Let’s Move” campaign.  Similar to truth or dare, I’m A Star teens are challenging you to go into “Beast Mode”, and perform a fitness activity, or “Feast Mode”, and eat something healthy on social media.  Tag a friend and use hashtags #BeastModeFeastMode and #LetsMoveJacksonville to join the fun!

ABOUT I’M A STAR FOUNDATION I’m A Star Foundation is a volunteer program that transforms middle and high school students into the next generation of servant leaders.  An acronym for “Smart, Talented And Resilient” students, the Foundation draws kids ages 13-18 from schools across Duval County.  Students meet on weekends to creatively co-work on solutions to problems affecting their peers.  Since its establishment in 2010, the organization has maintained a 100% graduation rate. Founder and Executive Director Betty Seabrook Burney is a former Duval Co. School Board Chairwoman. I’m A Star Foundation students have been featured in various press outlets, including: “Around Town With Ms. “V”, Florida Times-Union, ABC7Chicago and The Huffington Post.  For more information, please visit the I’m A Star Foundation website.

I’m A Star Foundation’s “Let’s Move JAX”
    8th Annual Field Day

DATE: Saturday, December 1, 2018
TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Henry J. Klutho Park
      204 W. 3rd St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32206

‘The King and I’ troupe bedazzle JAX

Combined photo: PRI Productions & Ms. "V"

You may not want to see a repeat performance of some musicals, even though you may know the plot or you’re able to sing along with some of the songs (please don’t do this out loud); this production of “The King & I” is very unique.  The costumes, scenery, orchestra (10 pieces of quality sound) and actors are not duplicated from other presentations.  It’s major entertainment for your eyes and ears.  You don’t want to miss this show here in JAX, or at a venue near you.

Want to score bid with your kids?  Whenever you notice one of the shows from the Times Union Center promoting “Family Night on Broadway” - get your tickets FAST!.  There is so much for you and your children to see and do before the show such as: arts & crafts, mementos, treats and valuable information from: Jax4Kids, PRI Productions photos, Savor…Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Public Library, Painting With A Twist, MOSH, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, face painting, Girl Scouts, Fun For First Coast Kids, Jacksonville Science Festival and much more.

If you missed Family Night, don’t miss seeing the show so that you and yours will be able to make your own lasting memories.  Tickets are still available for this weekend.  Also, as a friendly reminder, if you carry a purse (or a satchel like me) arrive a little early for a “Purse Inspection” before you enter the building.  This protects all patrons of the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts for unforeseen dangers.  Full Body Scanners are i place and will be functioning in the near future.  Kudos also ring out for the beautiful New Carpet that graces the aisles of the Moran Theatre

 “The King & I”
by Rodgers & Hammerstein
DATES:      TIMES:
Tues., Nov. 13, 2018 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 14     7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 15    7:30 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 16      8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 17    2 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 17     8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 18    1:30 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 18    7 p.m.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: start at $42 plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.  Performance cast is subject to change without notice.

Carlos Rolon’s artwork on view at the Cummer Museum

The front landscape of The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens welcomes Lost in Paradise, an exhibition by artist Carlos Rolon.  The exhibition features sculptures that weave together nature and humankind found in both Florida and Puerto Rico and will be on display from November 3, 2018 to October 20, 2019.  Park across the street and view the collection before you enter the building.

In September 2017 two catastrophic hurricanes (Irma and Maria) made landfall in Florida and Puerto Rico, leaving a trail of devastation in their wakes, and linked Jacksonville and Puerto Rico together again in their relief efforts beyond the Jones Act. In Jacksonville, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens sits on the St. Johns River.  The Museum was not spared from hurricane Irma’s storm surge, and the Cummer Gardens were left heavily damaged.  Within the same week, Puerto Rico was hit head-on by hurricane Maria, leaving the entire island without power, supplies, or infrastructure.

Rolón’s new works draw inspirations from the architecture and natural landscapes that both Florida and Puerto Rico share.  In Lost in Paradise, Rolón seeks to bring attention to nature’s unbridled ability to change its own landscape, but also humankind’s ability to overcome catastrophe and rebuild stronger than ever. Rolon’s “losa isleño” (island tile) pieces break from the traditional repetitive decorative design, departing from the typical rug or carpet style layouts to create new sculptural paintings that reference homes in Puerto Rico. Looking to his mirrored mosaic floral works, the artist has created indestructible plant life in an effort to memorialize and create monuments to the native plants of Florida and Puerto Rico.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
  829 Riverside Avenue
  Jacksonville, Florida 32204
  (904) 356-6857
  Hours of Operation & Admission

Spend Christmas with ‘Players By The Sea’ for Noises Off!

(Updated: Dec. 10, 2018)

Holidays are joyous, but they can also be stressful if you allow them to be.  Why not spend a night or afternoon, during December, full of laughter with the Players by the Sea’s next production, “Noises Off!”  What a great early Christmas gift - tickets to the theatre.  Don’t miss this opportunity!  You have a choice among ten performances.

The New York Post said, “[Noises Off! Is the] … funniest farce ever written!  Never before has side-splitting taken on a meaning dangerously close to the non-metaphorically medical.”  A fond look at the follies of theatre folk whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss and passionate affairs turn every show into a high-risk adventure, this play-within-a-play gives a window into the inner workings of theatre.  With slapstick comedy, slamming doors, and falling trousers, Noises Off! is a perfect escape from the Holiday craziness!

Director Tom Fallon says, “the point of the show is ‘fun’. Sometimes theatre wants to bend your mind, wants to make you think, wants to make you change perspective — and sometimes it just wants you to have fun.  And this show is all about having fun, especially if you’ve never been backstage at a live theatre experience and have seen what goes on behind the scenes — this particular play shows you what goes on behind the scenes and it’s a rare treat.”

Noises Off! features an incredibly talented team of local volunteers, onstage and off.  The cast includes: Cathy O’Brien, Michael Lipp, Michael Yarick, Katie Johnston, William Collyer, Christopher Watson, Samantha Parsons, Bryan Martins and Anabella Didion.  As previously mentioned, Tom Fallon directs the show, with stage management by Emilee Paris.

“Noises Off”
DATES:      TIMES:
Fri., Dec. 7, 2018  8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 8     8 p.m.
Thurs., Dec. 13   8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 14    8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 15    8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 16    2 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 20    8 p.m.
Fri., Dec.21     8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 22     8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 23    2 p.m.

TICKETS: Regular tickets are $28, with a discounted price of $25 for Senior/Student/Military.  Thursday night performances are special Student Nights, wherein students can receive half price tickets with a valid student I.D.  Showtimes are 8 p.m. from Thursday - Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.  Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.  Tickets are available at playersbythesea.org or by calling the Box Office at (904) 249-0289.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

The Cummer Museum is a great place for everyone

Dad and Daughter on a day off from school.
Ms. "V" and J Dianne of "At The Table"

"Garmin" sculpted by Augusta Savage

Sculpture of Mary McLeod Bethune by Augusta

Photos of Augusta Savage and her famous recreated sculpture of
"The Harp"

It’s a beautiful weekend to visit the “Augusta Savage” exhibit at the Cummer Museum.  What a wonderful time to teach our children a little history.  I don’t know why it has taken me so long to visit this wonderful establishment. I’ve attended other venues downtown, and the Cummer is ranked +5.  It was also much appreciated to be able to take quality pictures without a flash.  The staff is very knowledgeable (especially the security guards) and you will discover more about the exhibits by being friendly and striking up a conversation.  I have so much more to see there. We stayed 3 hours and only touched the surface of what’s available for the eye to see.

The Cummer Gardens are coming along nicely, nonetheless, your restorative contributions are always welcome.  The Cummer Museum of Art and it’s reconstructed gardens will continue to be featured in “Around Town With Ms. “V”.  It can be a great learning experience for the entire family.  Stay tuned!  And don’t forget to consider the Cummer for Holiday Gifts, FREE Children’s admission for November 2018, and the great events that are sponsored for this month.  There is ample FREE parking across from the museum.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission

2019 St Augustine Celtic Festival ticket sale

International band, the Dublin City Ramblers, will return to St. Augustine in March 2019 during the 9th Annual St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival.  The annual event is set for March 8-10, 2019 at Francis Field in downtown St. Augustine.

Black Friday Super Discount Ticket Sale will be from Thanksgiving Day, Nov 22, 2018 through Monday, November 26 ONLY!  During the event, 8 of the top Celtic Bands in the world will perform in America's oldest Celtic city, along with the St. Augustine Highland Games, Celtic artisans and food, and so much more.

In addition, the St. Augustine St. Patrick's Day Parade is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 9.  The world's ORIGINAL St. Patrick's Day Parade was held in 1601 in St. Augustine, Florida!

Dublin City Ramblers: The Dublin City Ramblers were named Ireland’s No.1 Ballad & Folk Group of The Year by The Irish Country Music Association.  The group has performed at major festivals worldwide, including headlining: The Milwaukee Irish Festival, The Cleveland Irish Festival, Hollywood Irish Fest, Miami Irish Fest, and other festivals around the globe.  In addition, the group has performed at every major venue in Ireland and abroad, including Dublin’s National Stadium, National Concert Hall, Cork’s Opera House, England’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and many others.

Make plans to find the CELT in YOU in America’s Oldest Celtic City
The three-day St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is the finest Celtic event in the United States, according to the international bands who perform here.  The festival is set for March 8-10, 2019 in downtown St. Augustine, featuring internationally acclaimed Celtic bands, a pre-festival Whiskey Tasting, Highland games, Celtic artisans and food, live music, and two stages with a variety of entertainment.  The ONLY St. Patrick’s Day parade in Northeast Florida begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9.

Tickets are available at CelticStAugustine.com.  Festival tickets may also be purchased at Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub located at 23 Orange Street, downtown St. Augustine.  The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is produced by Romanza-St. Augustine, Inc. and is funded in part by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, Visit Florida, and the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.

Teens present large sum to Homeless Students

“I’m A Star Foundation” teen servant leaders presented a check for $30,000 to the Duval County Families in Transition Department, at the November 7th school board meeting.  “I’m A Star” teens raised the money through donations and their annual Jacksonville HELPS (Homeless students Empowered through Leadership, Partnerships and Service) Celebrity Basketball Game held in September.  See excerpt of game video HERE.

Since 2012, the Foundation has raised a total of $126,500 via live telethons, a 5K and four celebrity basketball games— donating all funds to the Duval County Families in Transition Department for homeless students. Out of the total amount raised, I’m A Star Foundation has awarded 20+ scholarships to homeless students entering college.

I’m A Star Foundation is a volunteer program that transforms middle and high school students into the next generation of servant leaders.  An acronym for “Smart, Talented And Resilient” students, the Foundation draws kids ages 13-18 from schools across Duval County.  Students meet on weekends to creatively co-work on solutions to problems affecting their peers.  Since its establishment in 2010, the organization has maintained a 100% graduation rate.  Founder and Executive Director Betty Seabrook Burney is a former Duval Co. School Board Chairwoman.  I’m A Star Foundation students have been featured in various press outlets, including: Florida Times-Union, Around Town With Ms. “V”, ABC7Chicago and The Huffington Post. For more information, please visit “I’m A Star Foundation”

Salute to Veterans on a special day

Clara White Mission invites you to participate a special ceremony on Veteran’s Day.  What a grand way to honor our fallen heroes as we take our children along and we have the opportunity to explain why this day is so important to us.

Clara White Mission will participate in the city of Jacksonville’s Celebration of Valor.  Staff and volunteers will reactivate the Flag and Wreath Memorial in honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.  During her lifetime, Dr. Eartha M. M. White placed flags and wreaths at the Old City Cemetery (820 Iona St.) on this special day to honor our vets.

There will be flags available for you to distribute and all it will cost is a little of your time.  The Clara White Mission is bringing back this tradition to honor Dr. White’s legacy and her birthday which was on Nov. 8.

Veteran’s Salute With Flags & Wreaths
Date: Sun., Nov. 11, 2018
Time: 2 p.m.

Location: 820 Iona St.
    Jacksonville, FL. 32206

17th annual ‘Family Night’ on Broadway for ‘The KING and I’

Once again it’s 'Family Night' at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts and “The King & I” is the big-ticket show.  The FSCJ Artist Series is partnering with: Jax4Kids, PRI Productions, Savor…Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Public Library, Painting With A Twist, MOSH, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and many more to create special pre-show activities from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  All Family Night activities, including children’s games, face painting, photo ops, coloring stations, crafts, experiments and more are free with paid show admission tickets.  Kid-friendly foods will be available for purchase from Savor…Jacksonville, the Times-Union Center’s official caterer.  “The King And I” is recommended for children aged 8 and up.

 “The King & I”
by Rodgers & Hammerstein
DATES:      TIMES:
    Tues., Nov. 13, 2018 7:30 p.m.
(Family Night On Broadway!  6:30 until 7:30 p.m.)
Wed., Nov. 14     7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 15    7:30 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 16      8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 17    2 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 17     8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 18    1:30 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 18    7 p.m.

TICKETS: start at $42 plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.  Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
Save on Family Night tickets purchased through the FSCJ Artist Series. Buy an adult ticket and receive a child’s (12 and under) ticket free with promo code ROYAL at fscjartistseries.org. Restrictions apply!*

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

Cummer Museum offers Holiday shopping experiences

There are so many opportunities to shop, save, and support the Cummer Museum this holiday season. Shop the Season at the Cummer Shop is a selection of three distinct holiday shopping opportunities, all supporting the programs and mission of the Museum.  Follow #ShopTheSeason on Facebook and Instagram for previews of exciting merchandise and details!

The first event of the season is Holiday Shoppes in partnership with the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach.  This event will take place at the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and will host a variety of vendors.  The event will take place on Friday November 9, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Admission is $5.  Proceeds from the event will support the Cultural Center and the Cummer Museum.

Museum Store Sunday, in partnership with the Museum Store Association, will take place on Sunday, November 25, 2018 from noon to 4 p.m.  This event is free to the public and all shoppers will receive a 25% discount on their purchases.  Join the Museum the Sunday after Thanksgiving for this worldwide museum shopping day that puts the spotlight on the mission-related products found at museum stores.  Celebrate with 25% off on the 25th, trunk shows by local artisans, free Museum Store Sunday tote bag with first 25 purchases over $50, free entry to win one of two Family Memberships on all purchases over $50.  #BeAPatron

The final event in the series is the Cummer Shop’s annual Champagne & Shopping.  This fantastic event takes place on Thursday and Friday, December 6-7, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers while shopping special artisan merchandise brought in just for this two-day event.  Trunk show offerings will include: Alynn – Conversational neckties and accessories; Betsey Drake Interiors – Outdoor home accessories; Italianissimo – Very Italian modern jewelry design; KJK Jewelry – Distinctive museum-inspired jewelry; Melissa & Doug – Toys to ignite the imagination; Museum Gifts Company – Music gifts for all ages; Uncommon Artwear, and much, much more!

For more information on any of these events, please contact the Cummer Shop at 904.899.6035 or email.  The Cummer Shop is filled with items that are educational, inspirational, and fun.  The selections reflect the quality of the Cummer Museum’s permanent collection, gardens, and exhibitions.  The Shop features artwork for sale by local and regional artists, a dynamic selection of wearable art, garden and home décor, children’s toys, books, cards, and art prints.  Proceeds from the Cummer Shop support the many programs at the Museum.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission