 Creative Me ART Studio December Calendar SPECIAL WINTER CLASSES, EVENTS & WORKSHOPS Dec. 3rd: Mini Nutcracker Painting Workshop, 2pm-4pm, Ages 8+ Dec. 8th: Winter-Themed Family Fun Night, 6pm-7:30pm, Ages 4+ Dec. 9th: Parent’s Night Out, 6pm-9pm, Ages 5+ Dec. 10th: Ornament Painting, 12pm-5pm, Pick, Pay & Paint! Dec. 12th: Wreath Making Workshop I, 10:30am-11:30am, Ages 12+ Dec. 14th: Wreath Making Workshop II, 6pm-7:30pm, Ages 12+ Dec. 15th: Cookies-N-Canvas, 6pm-8pm, Ages 8+ Dec. 16th: Ornament Painting, 12pm-8pm, Pick, Pay & Paint! Dec. 22nd: Parent’s Night Out, 6pm-9pm, Ages 5+ Ongoing November 18-January 31 Night of Lights St. Augustine glows with holiday magic from the ground to the rooftops. Selected by National Geographic in 2011 and 2012 as one of the 10 best holiday lighting displays in the world, St. Augustine’s Night of Lights features millions of tiny white lights that create a magical atmosphere in the nation’s oldest city. Tracing its origins to the Spanish tradition of displaying a white candle in the window during the Christmas holidays, the spectacular lighting reflects the city’s history and illuminates the beautiful setting for lasting holiday memories. The lights are turned on at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 18 and come on a sunset each evening through January 31. Go to nightsoflights.com for more details. Ongoing through January 7th Dressing Downton The Dressing Downton in Lightner Museum’s Grand Ballroom Gallery, 75 King St., downtown St. Augustine. **The gift shop features holiday items and Christmas ornaments! Dressing Downton, Changing Fashion for Changing Times is an exquisite exhibition of 36 costumes and accessories paired to perfection in engaging vignettes, immersed amongst Otto Lightner’s collection of turn of the century fine art and furniture. Admission is $19.99 for adults, $14.99 for military/students/seniors, $9.99 ages 12-17, and free for ages 11 and younger. Go to www.lightnermuseum.org/dressing-downton December 6th Luminary Night at St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum Enjoy children’s activities and holiday crafts, yuletide refreshments and live music, including a string quartet inside the Lighthouse tower and the St. Augustine High School choir led by Mr. Jeff Dodd. Guests also get a close-up look at the Lighthouse’s spectacular holiday decorations and lighting displays. December 8-9 Bethlehem Take a walk through the town of Bethlehem and see how it might have looked on the night of Jesus’ birth. Seek out the lowly manger and the Christ Child. Hours are 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 10. at Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church, 4510 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. A cast of more than 200 people, plus live animals, portray the residents, merchants and craftsmen. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Admission is FREE. Parking is $5 per vehicle at the PGA Tour lot off County Road 210, with FREE shuttles. Call 904-285-8225 or go to www.pvpc.com December 9th St. Augustine B&B Holiday Tour www.staugustinebandbtour.com/ December 9th at 4 RiverTown's Winter Festival Enjoy delicious food from our Food Trucks, visit with Santa, have your face painted, pick out sweet treats, and cuddle up a warm cup of cocoa from our hot chocolate bar while you watch classic holiday movies.These are just a few of the many things that we have planned for the evening December 9 at 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Regatta of Lights! St. Augustine’s annual Regatta of Lights begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 on Matanzas Bay, sponsored by the St. Augustine Yacht Club. View boats decorated in lights and holiday decor, all parading along the bayfront near the Bridge of Lions. Arrive early to find parking and a spot to watch the parade. Spectators can view the event for FREE. Call 904-824-9725 or go to www.staugustineyachtclub.com December 7 at 10 AM to December 8 at 8 PM Champagne & Shopping at the Cummer Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers while shopping special artisan merchandise brought in just for this two-day event. Free admission. http://www.cummermuseum.org/event/champagne-shopping-0 December 9-13
St. Augustine Historic Inns Coastal Christmas Tour The 24th Annual St. Augustine Bed and Breakfast Holiday Tour is features five days of festive hospitality, history, and holiday cheer. See more than 20 B&Bs and 10 bonus properties in St. Augustine’s many historic districts, all decorated for the holidays. This celebrated event has become a tradition in St. Augustine, showcasing the ancient city’s array of romantic inns decked out for the season and taste their restaurant partners samples. For tickets, go to www.staugustinebandbtour.com Dec 14 at 10:30 PM to Dec 15 at 11:30 AM The History of Chocolate and Tastings Lightner Museum/The Lightner Museum welcomes world-renowned food historian, James Beard-nominated author, and television personality, Francine Segan to present "Munch, Mingle, and Maticulate". Segan will explore chocolate’s history, starting with its New World origins. Journey to Europe and learn how it evolved from a grainy bitter brew into the treat we know and love today. Learn how chocolate goes from bean to bar as you are guided through a tasting of various types of fine chocolates. December 15-16 The Santaland Diaries Apex Theatre presents “The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris” with musical guest Duffy Bishop at 8 p.m. Dec. 15-16 in the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $20. NPR favorite David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries” is a hysterical retelling of one man’s experiences working as an elf at Macy’s Santaland. “The Santaland Diaries” contains mature content and language. Go to pvconcerthall.com December 16th 12 PM - 10 PM Carrera Wine Cellar Storewide Holiday Sale Carrera Wine Cellar - 35 San Marco Ave, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 Over 250 selections of imported and domestic wines in stock for your shopping pleasure! Prices starting as low as $3 a bottle! Take advantage of this great sale to stock up on your holiday wine needs, or better yet, for the upcoming year! December 21-23 It’s A Wonderful Life Apex Theatre presents the Christmas classic “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” at 8 p.m. Dec. 21-22, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 23 in the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $25. This beloved American holiday classic will come to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealist George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful night. Go to pvconcerthall.com December 21 at 7:30 PM - 10 PM A Christmas Carol Times Union Center. Woven throughout this classic tale are beautiful new arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Wassail Wassail,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” “Away in a Manger,” “Greensleeves,” “The Boar’s Head Carol” and many more. Featuring a cast of 23 performers, live musicians, and Broadway-style scenery and costumes, audiences cherish this sumptuous holiday classic. December 31 at 6:30 PM - 1 AM New Year’s Eve Gala Alahambra Champagne reception & hors d’oeuvres. Four-course table-served surf & turf dinner. Midnight champagne toast & balloon drop. Our famous Midnight Breakfast Buffet. Featuring The Legend of Johnny Cash starring Philip Bauer (The Highwaymen, Music Series 2015). With dancing all night to the live music of Crescendo Amelia Big Band and the culinary magic of Executive Chef DeJuan Roy, you don’t want to miss ringing in the new year at the Alhambra! Creative Me Art Studio Winter Wonderland ART CAMP January 2nd – 5th Choose a time session: 9:00am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm – 4:00pm $30 per child, per day/session Ages 5+ Drop the kids off for some creative fun! Call the studio @ 904-770-2222 Or visit our website www.CreativeMeArtStudio.com
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by Ali Lindenfeld Since 1992, The Community Nutcracker has been delighting audiences of all ages with its annual holiday production of the Nutcracker Ballet. Performed by more than 4,300 local and 36 professionals in 95 live, full-length performances, the Community Nutcracker brings out the whimsical culture of Christmas through childlike imagination and artistry, but it is the impact to the community that many may be unfamiliar with.
In the past 25 years, more than $600,000 has been donated to various nonprofits in Northeast Florida, including its main beneficiary for the past twelve years, Dreams Come True of Jacksonville. Through their partnership, more than 50 local children have seen their dreams fulfilled from the proceeds raised during the annual production. Dreams have ranged from week-long trips to Walt Disney World to tropical getaways to shopping adventures and even sailing the high seas. “For more than 33 years we have been able to bring hope and joy to local children and their families because of our community partners,” stated Andrea Siracusa, Senior Manager for Dreams Come True. “It is through the generosity and talents of volunteers with the Community Nutcracker that Jacksonville is given the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful, artistic production, while knowing that an investment is being made back into the community.” As part of their dedication to Northeast Florida, over 2,000 free tickets are issued city-wide each year through the Community Nutcracker. More than 4,000 school children from area schools are also provided the opportunity to see the performance during one of two school productions. Together with its main sponsors, Community First Credit Union as the 2017 Principal Sponsor and Nimnicht Family of Dealerships as the Community Service Night Sponsor as well as many other amazing donors, the Community Nutcracker continues to produce a performance using over 250 local and talented dancers ranging in age from 9 years old to 85. The Community Nutcracker and Dreams Come True are such important efforts” said John Hirabayashi, CEO and president of Community First. “We’re proud to help continue the tradition of this treasured local performance that supports the dreams of performers as well as those in need.” Joining the production this year for the principal roles, is Yinet Fernandez and Jorge Villirani from the acclaimed Dance Theatre of Harlem. Directed by the talents of three artistic directors Dulce Anaya (Dulce Anaya School of Ballet), Debbie Rankin (Baggs Studio) and Mark Spivak (Mark Spivak Dance Extension & Institute), plus two new choreographers Heather Loveland (Heather Loveland Dance Academy) and Suzanne Saltmarsh (Saltmarsh Dance), the Community Nutcracker is scheduled for Friday, December 8, 2017 at 8 p.m. as well as Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Florida Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit www.jaxnutcracker.org. by Jennifer Yarbrough  On April 1, 2017 local Cancer Survivors, Caregivers, and citizens will come together at the American Cancer Society Bartram Trail Relay for Life to remind the community that “There’s No Place Like Hope.” The Relay for Life is a “grassroots, community-based team event,” which happens all over the United States every Spring. The day starts with a “Survivor’s Lap,” and then a “Caregiver’s Lap,” to recognize those directly affected by Cancer. Teams set up “camps,” around the track selling items to raise funds for the event and team members take turns walking around the track. A member of each team must be walking at all times to symbolize how those battling cancer never rest. In the evening, Luminarias will be placed around the track in honor of loved ones lost to Cancer and Cancer Survivors. The lit luminarias against the night sky are a powerful reminder of just how many people in our community have been affected. One of those Survivors is Danielle Rodriguez. Danielle is like so many of us, a 40-something mom of two small children, she leads a busy life. Last February, she noticed a small pimple on her breast, but thought she might wait until her scheduled exam in April to get it checked out. Her mother intervened and as mother’s often do, encouraged her to make an appointment right away. Thankfully, she did. She was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer and had to undergo two surgeries and six weeks of daily radiation treatments. Throughout her experience her family, her mom especially, gave her strength. Her mom, her “rock,” who was already a “medical buff,” researched everything that she was going through and helped her gain peace of mind. Danielle describes herself as a person with a “get it done,” mentality and credits that with getting her through. She also found strength in prayer and keeping a positive outlook. Since her diagnosis and treatment, she has worked hard to change her lifestyle and that of her family. She encourages eating organic and being mindful of the food you eat and the chemicals you bring into your home and body. Her advice for people who receive a Cancer diagnosis: it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Get all your facts from all sources—traditional and non-traditional. Work to change your lifestyle, focus on your spirituality, eliminate stress and make your health a priority. By finding strength in the people around her and her faith, Danielle Rodriguez beat Cancer and is living her life with a new focus and passion. Another Cancer Survivor is Bjorn Huysmans. Bjorn didn’t know when he got involved with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life that one day he would be walking the “Survivor Lap,” himself. In 2014, the 30-something, Small Business Owner decided to get involved with Relay for Life, making his signature “Belgian Waffles,” from his homeland to raise funds for the cause. When he shares his experiences with Relay for Life, one cannot help, but see his dedication and love for the event and what it represents. Last year, he walked the “Survivor Lap,” after being diagnosed with Sarcoma, but before the start of his treatment. During that lap, he walked and talked with someone he describes as his angel, Philip White. That was the first time he had met White who had been fighting his own 7-year battle with Cancer.  Throughout Huysman’s surgery, Radiation, and Chemotherapy, White was there to answer his questions and give him support. Their shared experiences and White's strength in his fight, gave Bjorn strength. Another friend, Trish, a Breast Cancer Survivor, also stepped up and supported Bjorn during his experience. Perhaps the greatest support and strength came from his partner, Petra, a former nursing teacher, who helped with emotional support and the day-to-day routine of recovering from surgery, treatments, and with his wound-care. Her simple statement of, “I’m loving you through this,” made a tremendous impact on his recovery and gave him strength to continue.
Dana Wolf, BT Relay for Life Community Manager had this to say about Bjorn and Petra, both RFL volunteers, “Together they are battling cancer and helping create a memorable Relay For Life experience for North St. Johns County. I am inspired every day by the volunteers that give so much of themselves to Relay so that others might never have to hear the words: "You have cancer." By finding strength in the support of those around him, Bjorn Huysmans has beat Cancer and is a Survivor.  by Rachel Lord Mom Look! The Pumpkin Patch! If this sounds familiar then you already know what time of year it is. The time of year where families come together and fun is made, at Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch and Fun Zone. Being the sixth year of Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch, we have gone bigger and better than ever. We are back, and 2016 is going to be the best thus far! Not only is Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch and Fun Zone a great place to bring the family, but it has also become a family tradition to many. With a hay ride, a petting zoo (equipped with all of our favorite furry friends such as goats, sheep, chickens, and so many more), a minion train, a city corn maze, 2 bounce houses, 2 mega slides, a leaf room, a toddler zone, duck races, concessions & new pavilion area, and so much more, Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch is a place you will want to visit year after year. Oh and let’s not forget about all of the pumpkins to choose from! From the perfect jack-O lantern to carve, to white Cinderella pumpkins, to miniature pumpkins for the children, you will be sure to find your family’s perfect pumpkin. And while we are talking about pumpkins, have you ever had Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch’s homemade pumpkin pie? I myself was not a big pumpkin pie eater, but let me be the first to tell you that our pie has changed me to the biggest pumpkin pie eater ever! Some people come to Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch every year just for the pumpkin pie. So, when you come, make sure you grab a slice or a pie. As a family run business, owners Tommy & Carmen Outley and Greg & Rachel Lord, along with our staff, strive in making sure that your family has a blast! That is why we are there, working and giving families that “personal touch”. Many local families grew up somewhere where they had the pumpkin patches and the fall festivities when they were younger. So, where can you go in our Sunshine state that has that? That is why the entire staff of Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch and Fun Zone try our best to bring the fall atmosphere to the St. John’s area. In conclusion, even though it is still warm here in October, Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch and Fun Zone helps us pretend the weather is cool, the wind is blowing, and the leaves are falling, so be sure to bring the entire family!
  "A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SWAMP" JULY 16TH, LEWIS AUDITORIUM
St. Augustine, FL- Swamp Radio, Northeast Florida's culture and arts variety live radio experience, will take its annual summer road trip to St. Augustine to celebrate all things summer, St. Augustine and Shakespeare. The live radio performance will take place at Lewis Auditorium on Saturday, July 16th at 7:30 p.m. to be recorded for broadcast in late summer on WJCT 89.9. Tickets are available at www.swampradiojax.com. "So much of what we treasure about a visit to the ancient city has to do with a richness of character, spectacle and poetry. These same qualities are what has made William Shakespeare the most striking dramatist in the English language," stated host and producer and Ian Mairs. "Swamp Radio is all about telling a story, so we it made sense that we explore the ultimate storyteller of the past four hundred years," Mairs added. The show will also feature St. Augustine novelist Laura Lee Smith's humorous instructions for the proper way to walk on the beach. Times -Union columnist Mark Woods will do a reading from his latest book, Lassoing The Sun, an account of his year long trek in the national park system. Comic writer Kate Norton has rendered a hilarious profile of a fictional ancient city trolley driver with her own bizarre tour narrative. The Retreads, Swamp Radio's resident sketch comedy group, will be on hand to provide their own rifts on some of the Bard's sonnets and audience favorite, Swamp Lady, will address the nagging questions of classic Shakespearean kings and queens. Special musical guests will include hometown favorites The Willowacks and Shea Birney. General admission tickets are $25.00 and are available at www.swampradiojax.com and at the box office one hour before the show. Contact Ian Mairs (904) 476 5582 ianamairs@gmail.com A Great Way to Get in the Mood for Halloween.....Bram Stoker's Dracula at Bartram Trail High School10/7/2015  Ben Samples & Grace Ludke in Bram Stoker's Dracula at Bartram Trail High School October 22-24, 2015 at 7pm Are you afraid of the mysterious forces that lurk in the night? Beware the dark side is all around us: day and night. Now the scene is set and you are beckoned to attend a theatrical performance of Bram Stoker’s Dracula adapted by John Mattera , Dramatic Publishing, The novel Dracula by Bram Stoker, was first published in 1897 and since then the character of Count Dracula has lived on in the imagination. In this adaptation, the mysterious Count Dracula has gone to England where he is living on a large estate next to an insane asylum run by the incredibly naive Dr. Seward. The others that make up the cast of this thriller include Professor Van Helsing who must convince Dr. Seward that Count Dracula is a vampire; Renfield, a fly-eating lunatic who serves the Count (once too often); beautiful Lucy Westenra, who has an uncanny resemblance to a girl Count Dracula loved over a hundred years ago; Charles, the Westenra family butler whose poor eyesight saves him from being hypnotized; as well as three female vampires! Dracula is an ancient monster who has come upon the modern world, and those who encounter him must somehow find the courage to fight against him. But victory is not assured… The Bartram Trail Drama Club will perform the show on October 22-24 (Thursday-Saturday), 2015 at Bartram Trail High School just in time for Halloween. Guests are invited to have fun with it and dress in Dracula theme and enjoy a Haunted Dracula Corridor, which will open an hour before the show begins. Count Dracula demands punctuality, so don’t be late. Beware this performance is PG. Please feel free to dress in Dracula theme. The Haunted Dracula Corridor will open its doors at 6pm. Dracula will  Jack Story, Stephen Clarke, Anthony Freed, Ben Samples, Sofia DiMartino Tickets are $10/person and are on sale now.
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St. Johns Magazine is a fun and friendly resource guide connecting the growing communities of northern St. Johns. We focus on the positive aspects of life with entertaining features and articles promoting local businesses, people, places and events!
St. Johns Magazine is published monthly and distributed free of charge to select homes in northern St. Johns, Florida ©2012-2019 All Rights Reserved - St. Johns Magazine LLC |
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