Earth To Echo
Relativity Media
July 2, 2014 
In Relativity’s PG summer family adventure movie, Tuck, Munch and Alex are a trio of inseparable friends whose lives are about to change. Their neighborhood is being destroyed by a highway construction project that is forcing their families to move away. But just two days before they must part ways, the boys begin receiving a strange series of signals on their phones. Convinced something bigger is going on, they team up with another school friend, Emma, and set out to look for the source of their phone signals. What they discover is something beyond their wildest imaginations: a small alien who has become stranded on Earth. In need of their help, the four friends come together to protect the alien and help him find his way home. This journey, full of wonder and adventure, is their story, and their secret. From http://callhimecho.com/#story
 
 
And So It Goes 
Clarius Entertainment
July 11, 2014
There are a million reasons not to like realtor Oren Little (Michael Douglas), and that’s just the way he likes it. Willfully obnoxious to anyone who might cross his path, he wants nothing more than to sell one last house and retire in peace and quiet, until his estranged son suddenly drops off a granddaughter (Sterling Jerins) he never knew existed and turns his life upside-down. Clueless about how to care for a sweet, abandoned nine-year-old, he pawns her off on his determined and lovable neighbor Leah (Diane Keaton) and tries to resume his life uninterrupted. But little by little, Oren stubbornly learns to open his heart, to his family, to Leah, and to life itself, in this uplifting comedy from acclaimed director Rob Reiner.
From http://www.clarius.com/films.html
 
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Fox Movies
July 11, 2014 
A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species. 
From http://www.foxmovies.com/ 

Planes: Fire & Rescue
Walt Disney Studios
July 18, 2014
“Planes: Fire & Rescue” is a new comedy-adventure about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world-famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire-and-rescue helicopter Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris) and his courageous team, including spirited air tanker Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter (voice of Wes Studi), ex-military transport Cabbie (voice of Captain Dale Dye) and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero. “Planes: Fire & Rescue” hits theaters in 3D on July 18, 2014.
From http://movies.disney.com/planes-fire-and-rescue/

Hercules
Paramount 
July 25, 2014 
Both man and myth, Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) leads a band of mercenaries to help end a bloody civil war in the land of Thrace and return the rightful king to his throne. A tormented soul from birth, Hercules has the strength of a God but feels the suffering of a human. Unimaginable villains will test the mythical power of Hercules in Director Brett Ratner’s gritty take on one of the most epic action heroes of the ages. From http://www.mightyhercules.com/#/about

Tammy
New Line Cinema
July 2, 2014 
Melissa McCarthy and Susan Sarandon star in New Line Cinema’s comedy “Tammy,” marking Ben Falcone’s directorial debut.Tammy (McCarthy) is having a bad day. She’s totaled her clunker car, gotten fired from her thankless job at a greasy burger joint, and instead of finding comfort at home, finds her husband getting comfortable with the neighbor in her own house. It’s time to take her boom box and book it. The bad news is she’s broke and without wheels. The worse news is her grandma, Pearl (Sarandon), is her only option, with a car, cash, and an itch to see Niagara Falls. Not exactly the escape Tammy had in mind. But on the road, with grandma riding shot gun, it may be just what Tammy needs. 
From http://tammymovie.com/
 
Magic in the Moonlight
Sony Classics
July 25, 2014 
“Magic in the Moonlight” is a romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue. The film is set in the south of France in the 1920s against a backdrop of wealthy mansions, the Côte d’Azur, jazz joints and fashionable spots for the wealthy of the Jazz Age.
http://www.sonyclassics.com/

by Debbie Gaylord

     Some people are destined to shine their light on the world.  This June graduates throughout the United States will cross over from childhood to adulthood taking with them the lessons they have learned and embark on the journey of their life.  Some, like Nease graduate Carter S. Grant, have accomplished a lot already.  Even before she transitions from high school student to college co-ed, this young woman has lived on her own for a year as an exchange student in a developing nation, hiked the Inca Trail, and will receive the International Baccalaureate diploma, one of the most prestigious in the world.
     Carter is part of the newest generation, known in popular culture as Globalists or Digitals.  According to Forbes Magazine, they are coming of age during a severe economic downturn, have never known a world without the US being part of a war, and they are the most diverse generation yet. Their technology is always on and as a result, they are rarely alone.  This generation’s impact on the world remains to be seen but their future seems bright.
     Carter describes herself as outgoing, intense and sarcastic.  But I would add fearless, self-aware and humble to the list. She is a 2014 graduate of Nease’s International Baccalaureate program, which is known for its grueling academics, desire to teach young people the positive aspect about differences, to respect cultures foreign to their own and how to create a more peaceful world.  
     In addition to her academic studies, Carter was the Captain of the Nease Hi-Q Team and the Vice President of the Nease Interact Club. She participates in many Rotary sponsored events and is very involved with the Rotary Youth Exchange program in Jacksonville.
     During her junior year, Carter had the extradordinary opportunity to study abroad in Lima, Peru as part of Rotary Exchange.  Rotary programs allow students to live with a family and go to school in the host country, therefore experiencing the culture in a much deeper way than simply traveling there on a vacation.  While there, she had the chance to visit sites like Macchu Picchu and the Nazca Lines, and was also able to hike the Inca Trail.  She also traveled extensively in Ecuador.  Carter’s time in Peru and Ecuador allowed her to hone her language skills and she is now fluent in Spanish, something she says has already opened many doors for her in the United States.
     When asked how she was able to just leave her home country and everything familiar to go to a country that is very different from her own she says it was not difficult.  “I’ve always been an independent person and I never let any insecurities affect my exchange. Rotary and my family were extremely supportive as well, so that helped my transition.  Also, I was trained to disconnect myself from my Florida life and integrate myself into Peruvian culture so as to not get homesick.”
     Using this experience as a springboard to her future, this fall Carter will attend University of South Carolina and plans to enter their International Business program where she will eventually study abroad, possibly in Germany and Austria.  She would like to learn German, which would make her trilingual.
One wonders if Carter is truly representative of her generation – the Globalist?  Is her adventurous spirit and fearlessness something the world will see more of in the coming years?  Carter says she has always known she wanted to travel.  “I come from a family of travelers and I’ve always loved learning about other cultures.”  It seems for Carter and her generation, it is a matter of destiny.  As the world grows smaller, Globalists will feel at home in an ever-changing, digital world, equipped with knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultures and an open  attitude that is poised to unite us all.  It is a world I look forward to living in.
       Congratulations to Carter and her fellow Globalists of the class of 2014!

by Debbie Gaylord   

       He was a big guy, over six feet tall, with the broad shoulders of farmer and the largest hands I have ever seen. Since I am only 5’ 1”, getting a hug from him felt like a big (cuddly) bear was going to protect me from the world. He had two different colored eyes, one green and one brown, which he would roll dramatically when he encountered injustice or bullies. He was never afraid of anyone or anything and he spoke his mind, always telling us, “I am what I am”. He smiled and joked A LOT but he had a serious side too, quick to anger but always quick to forgive.
     He loved to mow the lawn and for that reason the smell of freshly cut grass always triggers an image in my mind of Dad sitting on his red John Deer with a pipe in his mouth, tooling around the lawn for hours on end. He liked to drink Chevas on the rocks or Budweiser, loved to dance with my Mom, and always knew how to make me smile even when I was desperate with tears.
     That guy, my Dad, was one in a million. In my eyes, he was the strongest, funniest, most talented Dad on the planet. I loved going out and about with him in our little town or when he visited his brothers and sisters up on the farm where he grew up. He seemed to know everyone and I would stand in his shadow and never even have to say anything as I basked in his popularity. He would just scoop me up in his arms or put me on his shoulders and give me that knowing little grin he had like we were in on something that no one else understood. I knew he would watch out for me and I would never have to worry in life.
     I wasn’t the only one who thought he was great. I was the lucky daughter of a Dad who truly liked kids. He knew how to play and have fun and make everyone laugh. He organized games of kickball for the kids in the neighborhood, hit the fat bat better than anyone we knew, clear across the road, and taught me how to throw a frisbee with ease. One of my favorite memories is how we would wait for him to get home from work, usually around 6 pm and then he would change out of his suit. We would rush into my parent’s bedroom and he would let us jump on the bed and get all riled up until he was ready to wrestle. We would attack him like banshees and he’d just laugh and tickle us until we screamed with delight. This was my life, I was the luckiest girl! 
     Thank you Dad, you leader of whirlpools, of family reunion shenanigans, of hugs! Thank you for being YOU! Tonight, I will make a toast to you - Happy Father’s Day!

by Carrie Tacca of safetyfirstjax.com

In addition to SAFETY, here are some other qualities that should be considered:

EXPERIENCED  
Has she watched kids before?

MATURE
Can you have an adult conversation with this person, even if she is young? Has she demonstrated maturity, such as good grades in school and/or involvement and commitment to an extracurricular activity? 

TRUSTWORTHY/RELIABLE Check her references. Find out what other parents or employers have to say about her. 

GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS - When you interview your potential babysitter and/or meet her for the first time, notice such things as: Does she look you in the eye, speak clearly, answer all of your questions, and ask intelligent questions of you about your children and your home? 

FUN - Yes, you want your babysitter to be FUN, as well, but fun is not the most important quality. Being fun is a great runner-up to these other important qualities. 

Every parent needs a night out from time to time…..give yourself that break, but do your due diligence first in hiring the right babysitter to watch your kids!