Clara White Mission assists those in need during Christmas

Clara White Mission, Radio Station V101.5/93.3, The McGowan Chiropractors, Councilman Reggie Brown, Jacksonville Brotherhood of Firefighters, along with over 200 local Greek Sororities and Fraternities, will host the “21st annual December to Remember Christmas Party”, dedicated to lifting the spirits of 5 deserving families.  This year over 60 applications were submitted to the Clara White Mission for consideration, by local schools and community organizations.

Recently, five deserving families were selected for the 21st December to Remember and their heart felt compelling stories are being read and shared with V101.5/93.3 radio listeners for two weeks.  The caring people listed above will celebrate the five families with a special luncheon prepared by Ashley Street Catering.  Each family will be provided with their Christmas “Wish List” items, their own personal Santa Claus, a limo ride to the event courtesy of Susie’s Limo, entertainment by recording artists, Alja’ Kamillion, and an afternoon filled with holiday cheer.  In addition, there will be a surprise gift presented to each family by McGowan Chiropractors.

One of the Stories from last year: “I was missed diagnosed and found out, on last December that I had stage 4 cancer.  For the past 11 months, my life and financial situation has been unstable.  After chemo, I am weak and in pain most of the time.  My 5-year-old doesn’t understand what has happen to me. All she knows is that we can’t play like we use to.  My health has caused many medical bills that I can never afford.  It’s Christmas and there’s no money to live on - I’m broke.   It saddens me a lot that I can’t buy household supplies when I need them.  I have to decide, if I’m going to pay the electric bill or do the laundry.  Life is not supposed to be this difficult.  I will be glad to see another Christmas to be with my daughter, I just wish I can purchase the things to make her happy this holiday season.”

21st December to Remember
DATE: Sunday, December 18, 2016
TIME: 1 – 3 p.m.

LOCATION: The Legend Community Center
      5130 Soutel Drive
       Jacksonville, FL  32208

     Clara White Mission
       Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
      (904) 354-4162 (for more information)

Alhambra releases the 50th season Commemorative Book

The Alhambra Theatre and Dining stands proudly as one of the few remaining dinner theaters dotting North America.  “The Alhambra Theatre & Dining: 50 years of Memories” is a commemorative book that was released this week, to celebrate the Alhambra’s half-a-century anniversary.  Three generations of Alhambra owners (original owner Johnson, most recent owner, Tod Booth and current owner Craig Smith), will gather for a photo and be available to sign copies of this keepsake book.  Joining them for a complimentary light appetizers & desserts gala will be author, Charles Day.

Written by Jacksonville biographer and former University of North Florida professor, Charles Day, the Alhambra Theatre & Dining: 50 Years of Memories, features more than 175 pages of archival photos, biographies of actors and behind the scenes stories as the book chronicles the rise, fall and rebirth of America’s longest running professional dinner theater.  Mr. Day wrote the book over the course of 18 months, interviewing prior and current owners, guest stars, culinary staff, members of the press and patrons of the Alhambra.  The book is handsomely designed by David Parrish as a coffee table book.

The book is broken into three chapters, appropriately-referred to as “Acts,” each highlighting a different era in Alhambra lore.  From interviews with Ballis and Johnson to current owner, Craig Smith and tales from prior owner and long-term Director Tod Booth, the Alhambra’s story traces a remarkable history.  Weaved among several hundred photos, newspaper clippings and historical ads, are sidebars called, “Celebrity Showcase,” which call out the remarkable and seemingly endless list of talent who graced the Alhambra’s stage.

The Alhambra has hosted legends such as Imogen Coca, Bob Crane, Lee Meredith, Dawn Wells, Mickey Rooney, Tony Curtis, Claude Aiken, Sid Cesar, Cesar Romero, and, recently the likes of Loretta Swit, Barry Williams, Jamie Farr, Sally Struthers, Joyce DeWitt, Michael Learned, Barbara Eden, Lisa Whelchel and Mike Farrell. The Alhambra is also home to former Miss America, Orange Park (FL) native Leanza Cornett, who started at the Alhambra when she was 15.  Current owner Craig Smith often credits Swit for saving the Alhambra in 2010, and the book tells the story in detail.  A full page is dedicated to Betty Grable’s 1973 role in “Born Yesterday.” The show opened in early January and was scheduled for three weeks.  She was so popular that the show was held over for two weeks.  Grable died of cancer in July of the same year.  “Remarkably, despite her illness she never missed a show” — George Ballis.

"The Alhambra Theatre & Dining:
  50 Years of Memories" Event
DATE: Tues., Dec. 13, 2016
TIME: 4 - 5 p.m. (3 - 4 p.m. for Season Partners only!)
BOOK PRICE: $39.99

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
CALL: (904) 641-1212 to reserve your spot and a commemorative book.

Cummer Museum will entertain you and the Children this Dec

Women Artists: from the Renaissance to Abstract Expressionism – Tues., Dec. 6 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. | Members Free, Non-Members $10 (includes admission) Registration required.

The last lecture in this series addresses the 20th century, when art education became available to women. For major artists from Georgia O’Keeffe to Helen Frankenthaler, a new question emerged: “to be an artist or a woman artist?” Space is limited. For further information, please email or call (904) 355-0630.

Champagne & Shopping At The Cummer Shop
Dates: Thurs., Dec. 8 & Fri., Dec. 9, 2016
Times: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days | Free. Additional 20% off
Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers while shopping expanded Shop inventory and special artisan merchandise brought in just for this two-day event.

Folk Art: Mixed Media Class – Thurs., Dec. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Members $30, Non-Members $40. Registration required.  Create a work of art that is yours to keep with instruction by mixed media artist Sharla Valeski.  All supplies, wine, beer, and light nibbles are included. For further information or to register, please call (904) 899-6038.

Art for Two: City On The Water! – Sat., Dec. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to Noon | Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair. Registration required.  Students will look at artwork in the Permanent Collection, then explore the different techniques of watercolor painting to create a city silhouette on the water. Projects will be completed within one class. Open to children ages 3 through 5 and their favorite adult. Class size is limited. For further information, please email or call (904) 355-0630.

Talks & Tea: David Ponsler – Wed., Dec. 14 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Members and Non-Members $6. Registration required. You are invited to the Museum to enjoy an insightful talk over a cup of tea and a sweet treat. Enjoy a discussion by the featured Sculpture Garden artist David Ponsler, as he gives you an in-depth look at his art. For further information or to register, please call (904) 899-6038.

Art Adventures: Clay Hand-Building! – Sat., Dec. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Members $10, Non-Members $15. Registration required.  This class will explore the works of sculpture in the Permanent Collection before returning to the studio to experiment with various clay tools and hand-building techniques. Projects will be completed within one class. Open to children ages 6 through 12. Class size is limited. For further information, please email or call (904) 355-0630.

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