DECEMBER MIA 10 - Family Magazines
Transcription
DECEMBER MIA 10 - Family Magazines
MIAMI DECEMBER 2010 COMPLIMENTARY Covaerr St ists n Fi al 2010 Holiday Events WinterBreak Activities MOVIE REVIEWS • BOOK REVIEWS • LOCAL EVENT CALENDAR 2 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • November 2010 December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 3 contents FEATURES IN EVERY ISSUE 12 20 22 32 5 From the Publisher Cheers! 6 Community News The Local Buzz 8 Dr. Ray’s Study Tips Get Hooked On Education 26 Meribeth’s Book Reviews Tales of Holiday Happiness 30 Movie Reviews Reel Life With Jane + Rating 31 Restaurant Mom The Role of The Toy 34 Calendar of Events Where to Go, What to Do Winter Break Activities 10 Cool Toys for 2010 Cover Star Finalists Holiday Events AD SECTIONS 8 Private Schools 12 Winter Break Activities 27 Party Section ON THE COVER MIAMI DECEMBER 2010 COMPLIMENTARY Cover Star cutie, Giselle Kipes,3, also known as “Baby G” to her family, |found a hollow in a tree at Flamingo Gardens. ������ � ���� ��� ������� 2010 �������� ������ ����������� ���������� ��������������������������������������������������� 1 ����������������������������� ��������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • �������������������� ������ ������������������������������ �� ������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������� 4 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 ������� From The Publisher Another year has flown by and a lot has happened since January. My daughter, my little boobalah, Oakley and her daddy moved to Miami. I subsequently acquired their cat, Gus, who originated in Chile, he promptly peed on my new leather couch so he was permanently banished to the outdoors, then his fur got all knotted up and had to be shaved so he looked like a lion. My other cat, Fernando who, incidently, is also an acquisition from my daughter, has learned to cope with his companion and they both sit in the driveway 3 feet apart waiting for me to come home and feed them. I’ve become a part-time baby sitter, part-time seamstress and full-time shopa-holic for baby clothes. They’re so little and cute! Of course, while I’m shopping I pick up a few things for myself. What? I’m not just gonna sit in the dark! These days my life is filled with Theater, Tennis, and Toddlers-the three Ts. There were many firsts for little Oakley, she got her first tooth, walked her first step, spoke her first word “agua” (a bilingual baby), flew in a plane, met her Chilean Aunties (Tias) and calls me “Me”-that’s short for Grammi. I’d prefer something with a little more alliteration, but my daughter tells me I’ll have to take what I get. She has lots of new experiences ahead of her, as we all do. I haven’t heard her sing yet and maybe it’s because she doesn’t want to compete with me. Itsy bitsy spider is still her favorite and she doesn’t seem to notice that I can’t carry a tune. Speaking of learning and new experiences, this issue contains a Winter Break section and a private school directory. When school is out for the holidays this month there are lots of choices to expand your child’s life adventures. And there are family adventures waiting to be experienced. South Florida has a plethora of Holiday activities lined up in our Holiday Event Guide just waiting for you to pounce on them like little elves. Have a fun and healthy holiday however you celebrate and remember there’s Festivus for the rest of us! See you in the New Year! ��������������������������������� �� ������������������������������� ��������������������� ���������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� � ���������������������������������� ����������������������� �������������������������������������������� December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 5 Community News ARTS BALLET THEATRE SHARES THE MAGIC OF BALLET WITH NORTH DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS Since the beginning of the school year “Arts Ballet goes to School” has visited David Lawrence Elementary School and Greynolds Park Elementary School in North Miami Beach. The program will continue visiting public schools thereafter through the remainder of the year with the goal to reach 7,000 children in the Elementary Level. “The young spectators are always amazed by the dancer’s abilities” says Ballet Mistress, Luana Hidalgo. “During the first part of the program we explain to the children how a dancer is made and what it takes to be a dancer and how much fun you can have when you dance. This demonstration is followed by a short performance of excerpts of the most famous ballets, performed by the professional dancers of the company. These students will be supporters of the arts in years to come.” Highlights of the program include the participation of the children interacting with the dancers. Young boys get a chance to try turns and jumps and some of them will be asked to try lifting the beautiful ballerinas. The girls will try stretching exercises, learn the basic positions and try on “pointe shoes” with the help of the Ballet Mistress. The program concludes with a question and answer period. For more information about Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida and “Arts Ballet Goes to School,” call 305-948-4777 or visit www.artsballettheatre.org A new species of whitefly, the gumbo limbo spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus), has been confirmed in Broward Co. According to Commercial Horticulture Agent Michael Orfanedes of UF-IFAS Broward County Extension Education, this whitefly differs from the ficus whitefly that devastated so many of the county’s hedges and canopy trees during the past several years. Whitefly Adult The gumbo limbo spiraling whitefly is a larger, slower-moving insect capable of attacking a wider range of landscape plants than the ficus whitefly. Among the plants vulnerable are gumbo limbo, live oak, Calophyllum, black olive, mango, a variety of palms (including coconut palm), and even certain shrubs such as copperleaf, cocoplum, and wax myrtle. The host list is expected to lengthen as more plants are identified with infestations. The telltale symptoms of an infestation of gumbo limbo spiraling whitefly are the eggs that are laid in a spiral pattern on the undersides of the leaves, and the accumulation of flock, a white, waxy substance that coats the eggs and young crawlers. If populations build to high enough levels, says Orfanedes, infested plants can become heavily coated with flock and appear white. Gumbo limbo spiraling whitefly also excretes a sticky substance called honeydew, on which sooty mold fungus grows. Honeydew and sooty mold can create problems when they accumulate on car windshields, pool decks, and patio furniture beneath infested overhanging trees. Foliage and other surfaces coated with honeydew and sooty mold will appear black. According to Dr. Catharine Mannion, an entomologist who researches whiteflies at the UF-IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center in Homestead, gumbo limbo spiraling whitefly will not cause the massive defoliation that was seen with the ficus whitefly, although plants with heavy infestation may suffer damage or leaf drop. The insect is native to Central America, Whitefly Eggs Photos: H. Glenn, UF/IFAS, where it has been generally considered a sporadic nuisance pest. Tropical Research & Education Center, Homestead In South Florida, gumbo limbo spiraling whitefly was first found in Miami-Dade Co. last year. It is expected to spread to other South Florida counties. Orfanedes notes that early detection and intervention are key to managing this pest. Plant owners with small plants may be able to control it by thoroughly washing their plants with a strong stream of water and/or by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, with repeat applications as needed. Complete coverage is essential, including the undersides of leaves where egg laying and development occur. For landscapes with larger plants or plants that are heavily infested, another option is the use of labeled systemic insecticides that can be injected into the tree, sprayed on the trunk, or applied to the soil as a drench or in granular form. Potential users should be aware that most pesticides are not labeled for use on fruit trees or other edible landscape plants. Photo Credits: H. Glenn, UF/IFAS, Tropical Research and Education Center, Homestead. For additional information on gumbo limbo spiraling whitefly, go to www.broward.org/parks and click on the Extension Education button, or call 954-357-5270. Submit community news via email to [email protected] Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz A G A Z I N E M IAM I • F O R T LAU D E R DALE • B O CA Publisher Janet Jupiter [email protected] Executive Editor Janet Jupiter Managing Editor Silvio Estrella Business Manager Gus McArcos Financial Director Fernando Black Staff Photographer Dawn McCarthy Contributors Jane Boursaw Julie Casey Laura Gray Meribeth Shank NEW SPECIES OF WHITEFLY CONFIRMED 6 M • December 2010 Advertising Sales Janet Jupiter 305.661.5514 [email protected] Graphics Kevin Bogusky Fusion Graphics Corporate Office 7045 SW 69th Avenue South Miami, FL 33143 Phone • 305.661.5514 Fax • 305.661.6621 [email protected] www.familymagazine.biz Circulation Audit by Family Magazine is published twelve times per year by Miami Family Magazine Inc. It is distributed free of charge throughout Greater Miami & Greater Fort Lauderdale. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Family Magazine is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to Family Magazine will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. For information on where to find Family Magazine, or how to become a distributor, call 305-661-5514 or e-mail to [email protected] Copyright 2010 by Miami Family Magazine, inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is forbidden. Comments and suggestions are welcome. ����� ���� �������� ������ ������������������ �������� �������������� ���������������� � ����������� ������ ���������������� � ��������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� ��������� ����������������������������������������� �� � � ������������������������� ���������� ������ ������������� ������������ ������� �������� ��� � � ��������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������ ���� ����������� ������� �������� ����� ���� ������������� ������������������������� ��������� ������� ����� ��� ��������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������� “I’m afraid of the FCAT.” ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������� �� Poor FCAT scores can lead to retention and even denial of a high school diploma. So if you or your child fears the upcoming FCAT, call today and ask about our Special FCAT Prep Package. ���������� ������������������������������ Sometime in the past your child didn’t learn ������������ ����������������� ������������ specific reading or math skills the other � � � � � � � ��������� �����������students did learn. Until your child �������� ���� ������������ �������� ������������������������� ����������� ������������ learns those skills, your child’s �� ��������� � ����������������������������� �� � � �� � situation will just get worse, ���������� �������� �� � ���������������������� ��� ������� even if the school has extra � �� ���������������������� ������������ ������� ������������ ���� ������ ������������ Removable��������������������� � FCAT test taking instruction. ��������������������� � � � � Sections ���������������� �Mesh ������������������ ���������������������� ������������������� ���� ��� �������������� ��� ���� ��������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������������������ ������������������������� ��������� ��������������������������������������� ����������������������� ������������������������� Factory Direct ������������ ��������������������������� �������������� �Since 1977, Huntington has Prices ����������������� ������������������ been helping students who ������� ���� ��� 786-470-7402 ������������ Offer expires 12/31/10 ������������ ��������������������� ��������������������� �������������� ������������������������������������ ������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ���������������������������� ������ ����������������������� ������������������� ��������� ������� Fla.����������������������� Code Approval � ������������������� ����������������� !! s rt Pa r t yExp e ��������������������� ��������������������������������������� ����������������������� ��������������������� ������������������������������������ ������������������������� ��������� ��������������������������������������� � ����������������������� � ! ����������������� o otyo u rH o r n T struggle with homework, can’t keep up with classwork and get poor grades. We pinpoint your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and tailor an individualized program just for your child. Just a few hours per week after school, all grade levels. �������������������� HELP! Call today about our Special FCAT Prep Package. �������������������� � ���������������������������� 514 5 .305-661���������������������������� � �������������������� AdvertiseinourPartySectioninJanuary! GetaFreeListingwithAd M A G A Z I N If this school year has not started the way you hoped, you can start now to make it the best school year ever for your child and family. Call today. Waiting for more poor report cards or poor FCAT scores just puts the problem off until it’s harder and maybe too late to fix. E M IAM I • F O R T LAU D E R DALE • B O CA Reading • Writing • Math • Spelling Phonics • Study Skills • H.S. Entrance Exam Prep College SAT and ACT Prep • FCAT Prep ����������� �� ������ ���� Aventura Coral Gables Coral Springs (305) 792-2535 (305) 443-1222 (954) 752-5401 Doral/Sweetwater Kendall Pembroke Pines East (305) 552-1110 (305) 598-0686 (954) 436-3330 Pembroke Pines West Plantation Pompano Beach (954) 431-4443 (954) 474-4144 (954) 782-9880 © 2010 Huntington Learning Centers, Inc. Individually Owned & Operated. December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 7 PRIVATE SCHOOL Making Learning Fun: Help Your Child Get Hooked On Education By Dr. Raymond J. Huntington ���������������������� M A G A Z I N E M IAM I • F O R T LAU D E R DALE • B O CA MONTESSORI An Education For Life The Montessori method is a child-centered, alternative educational method based on the child development theories originated by Italian educator Maria Montessori. Its method of education is characterized by emphasizing self-directed activity on the part of the child to stress the importance of adapting the child’s learning environment to his or her development level and learning practical skills. Reading is taught via phonics and whole language. Discover the Montessori School In Your Neighborhood! Aventura / Hallandale Aventura Montessori School 123 SE 1 Avenue • 954-456-5609 License # 46361 Coconut Grove/Miami COCONUT GROVE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2850 SW 27 Avenue & 3280 Bird Ave 305-444-4484 DCF# C11MD0468 www.aventuramontessorischool.com www.cgrovemontessori.com Coral Gables / Miami GABLES MONTESSORI SCHOOL 990 South LeJeune Road 305-567-1900 DCF# C11MD1425 www.gablesmontessori.org Miami Lakes MONTESSORI CHRISTIAN CENTER (Montessori Children’s House) 6381 Miami Lakeway NE 305-823-5632 DCF# C11MD0920 www.montessorichristiancenter.com Doral Miami Shores PETERSEN MONTESSORI ACADEMY 10395 NW 41 Street • 305-463-9085 CHILDREN’S VILLAGE MONTESSORI SCHOOL DCF# C11MD1295 650 NE 88 Terrace • 305-757-1236 www.petersenmontessori.com South Miami / Coral Gables INTERNATIONAL BILINGUAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL 6330 SW 40 Street • 305-661-6434 DCF# C11MD1456 www.ibmontessorischool.com DCF# C11MD1571 www.childrensvillagemontessori.com South Miami/Coral Gables SUNSET MONTESSORI SCHOOL 7430 Sunset Drive • 305-666-2008 DCF# C11MD0215 www.sunsetmontessorischool.com School Not Listed? Call to join on this ad. 305-661-5514 8 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 Whether your child is four or fourteen, there are a number of ways to nurture his or her passion for learning—all the way through his or her schooling. Here are a few tips to raise an inquisitive and interested child who continually seeks new knowledge: Notice what subjects your child enjoys. As your child grows older, it’s natural that his or her interests will change and that some subjects or activities will become more appealing than others. Pay attention to the things that captivate your child and offer him or her opportunities to practice those skills (or learn new things about the subject). If your child enjoys math, for example, research math clubs or competitions in your area (or find fun math games online or at a book store). If your child is a bookworm, make sure he or she has plenty to read by visiting the library often, and talk with him or her about favorite books, topics or characters. Welcome all questions. As any parent of a baby or toddler will attest, young children are infinitely curious. Even the simplest of things can spark their interest—a game of Peeka-Boo, the cracking of an egg, rain falling from the sky. As some children progress through school, however, they grow more self-conscious about their knowledge (or lack thereof) on a topic. They become less likely to raise questions in class for fear of sounding “dumb” (or alternately, “too smart”). You can help your child at home by responding positively to questions—no matter the question. Never respond with annoyance or make your child feel that there is something wrong with asking lots of questions. Boost your child’s confidence. Research shows that children who are confident approach school and life with optimism and are more likely to strive for future success (and not get down when they sometimes fail). Show your child that you believe in him or her, praise his or her efforts often, and do whatever you can to build your child’s confidence. Be a good role model. Children learn from their parents, so try to be open to new ideas, to embrace new activities and hobbies. Let your child see that you also enjoy and value learning, whether by teaching yourself to play the guitar, taking a class or watching a documentary on a subject that interests you or learning a new sport. Point out the connections. While your child’s teacher is a great person to show him or her how and where school subjects apply to life, you can reinforce this at home, too. Math homework may seem a little more interesting when your child discovers that astronauts, engineers, architects and other professionals use math every day. The more you can show your child the value of and meaning behind homework, the better. There’s no magic formula to getting children to enjoy school, but by raising your child to appreciate learning and never lose his or her sense of wonder and curiosity, you will help your child discover that learning—and school—can be a lot of fun. Dr. Raymond J. Huntington and Eileen Huntington are co-founders of Huntington Learning Center, which has helped children achieve success in school for 30 years. For more information about how Huntington can help your child, call 1 800 CAN LEARN. www.huntingtonlearning.com OPEN INVITATION FOR FALL FUN FLY & SWAP MEET SUNDAY DECEMBER 5, 2010 Bring your RC models and items you want to swap and enjoy a fun filled day Lots of free flying time Warbird fly in Helicopter Demonstration Jet Turbine flight demonstration Test your skills in our contests Like to try flying? Come try it with one of our instructors Osprey Field South of the Miami Homestead Race Track On Palm Dr./S.W. 137 Ave. Entrance Opposite 142 Ave Time 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Refreshments: Burgers, Dogs & Soft Drinks available Parking on site ( $2.00 donation requested) For more information contact Jay Caballero C.D. Email [email protected] • Telephone: (786)319-8248 Or visit our web site at www.ospreyrcclub.com December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 9 PRIVATE SCHOOLS ����������������������� ����������������������� �������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ��������������� ��������������� ������������ ������������ ��������������������������� ���������������������� ��������������������������� ���������������� ������������� ���������������� ���������������������������������� ���������������������� ���������������������������������� �������������������������� ������������� ���������������������������������� ������������������������� ����������� ����������� �������������������������� �������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������� 10 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 Here is a listing to help when exploring the options for your child’s education. Private Schools often offer more individual attention, expect closer parent involvement, and have higher academic standards, religious teaching and a more balanced program of extracurricular activities. Check out some of these local private schools & pre-schools and see for yourself. Gulliver Schools Kids Learning Adventure For over 55 years, Gulliver Schools has been committed to creating an atmosphere which fosters and nurtures the uniqueness of each student. The school offers an integrated and comprehensive college preparatory program from primary school through grade twelve. Gulliver is a 501(c) (3) private, not-for-profit , independent, coeducational, nonsectarian day school. Gulliver Academy, 12595 Red Rd. Coral Gables 305-665-3593 Gulliver Preparatory Campus, 6575 North Kendall Dr. Pinecrest. 305-666-7937 www.gulliverschools.org Our pre-school center will encompass diverse activities that will nurture your child’s growth & development. Our faculty is well trained to serve your children’s needs in a loving and safe environment. Our pre-school center reflects the modern and trendy identity of the community that it is a part of. Our philosophy is carried out by emhasizing the child’s abilities, competence & natural aptitude. Hours: 8am–8pm. Registration is now open. Spaces are filling up quickly. Three locations: Brickell -600 SW 1st Ave.Miami. 305-377-0391 • Coral Gables 4573 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305-377-0391 • Aventura -20301 Biscayne Blvd. 786-422-6262. www.klaschools.com Montessori Schools Cognitive and social development is emphasized with the teacher as a mentor and guide. Instruction is based on varied learning styles with mixed age grouping and pursuit of interests through discovery. • Aventura Montessori School 123 SE 1st Ave, Hallandale, 954-456-5609 • Children’s Village Montessori School 650 NE 88 Terr. Miami Shores. 305-757-1236. www.childrensvillagemontessori.com • Coconut Grove Montessori School 2850 SW 27 Ave & 3280 Bird Ave, Coconut Grove, 305-444-4484. www.cgrovemontessori.com • Gables Montessori School 990 So. LeJeune Rd. Coral Gables, 305-567-1900. www.gablesmontessori.org • International Bilingual Montessori School 6330 SW 40 St, Miami, 305-661-6434. www.ibmontessorischool.com • Montessori Christian Center 6381 Miami Lakeway NE, Miami Lakes 305-823-5632. www.montessorichristiancenter.com • Petersen Montessori Academy 10395 NW 41 St. 305-463-9085 www.petersenmontessori.com • Sunset Montessori School 7430 Sunset Dr, Miami, 305-666-2008. www.sunsetmontessorischool.com PRIVATE SCHOOLS Private School Directory Gulliver S C H O O L S “Fostering a Community of Lifelong Learners” Gulliver has an 80-year tradition of enabling students to identify and nurture their individual talents. The PreK-Grade 12 school offers conservatory-level performing arts, premier athletic opportunities, and signature academic programs across five campuses. For admission information, contact 305.665.3593 for PK-8, 305.666.7937 for 9-12, or visit us on the Web at www.gulliverschools.org. John W. Krutulis, Head of School Gloria M. Bracciano, Provost Gulliver Schools does not discriminate in admission on the basis of race and national or ethnic origin. Westminster Christian School Westminster Christian School is South Florida’s premiere college-preparatory, Christian school. Founded in 1961, Westminster serves more than 1,000 students from preschool through 12th grade. Our “Education for Life” approach develops learners that are prepared for success, by fostering skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, problem solving, adaptability, initiative and more. 6855 SW 152 St. Palmetto Bay. 305-233-2030. www.wcsmiami.org December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 11 WINTERBREAK ACTIVITIES By Samantha Suaya “Are Purchasing Sneakers Becoming A Sneaky Business?” I recently told one of my students she needed new sneakers because the bottom of her sneaker had no tread left and she was slipping throughout our exercise class...forgetting about her safety - this same student returned to class with the same sneakers saying she had no idea what kind of sneakers to buy! With so many options & marketing campaigns out there, how does one know which sneaker is really is the best: the crosstrainer, the walking shoe, the high heel sneaks that claim to burn more calories & help with posture, the bling-bling wedge sneaker (which is so pretty) or the latest trend - the barefoot slipper sneaker? Winter Break When schools let out for the holidays, December 20– 31 the following locations offer winter break activities for your children. Schedules are subject to change so please call to confirm. Below are some basic recommendations they may help make buying a new pair of sneakers an easier decision based more on your foot then on slick advertising. ATTRACTIONS & PARKS 1. Get measured and have the salesperson check the shoes for Since they offer different shapes, one will mold better to your foot then another. Session I : December 20–24 Session II : December 27–31 Winter camp is offered at the Deering Estate, A.D. Barnes Park, Arch Creek Park, & Bill Sadowski Park. Children will enjoy a variety of nature-based activities, trail hikes, wildlife encounters and more! Camp Hours: 9am–4:30pm. Early drop off and late pick up are available for an additional fee. 16701 SW 72 Ave, Miami. 305-235-1668x233. www.deeringestate.org 3. Let men buy men’s shoes, girls/women should buy shoes Miami Children’s Museum proper sizing. Today we have stores that specialize in helping with size & gait analysis - wide, narrow, excessive pronators, etc. Some of the stores will even have the customer walk on a treadmill and analyze their gait. 2. Try on a number of styles from different manufacturers. made for females. Week 1 December 20–24: Tropical Holidays Week 2 December 27–31: Whimsical Winter Come spend winter break at Creative Island Winter Camp where you can play, learn, imagine & create. Camp is open for children ages 4–11. 9am–3pm. 980 MacArthur Cswy, Miami. 305-373-KIDS (5437)x112. www.miamichildrensmuseum.org 4. Wear the same socks you will be using during exercise and bring any orthotics or inserts you use. Also keep in mind your feet can swell when hot so shopping in the afternoon is recommended. 5. Make sure you allow a finger’s width of space between the end of your toes and the shoe. If you don’t have a knowledgeable sales person or a specialty store near you, the next best option is the web. Many offer shoe buying guides that can help you with the process. Some shoes designs are truly based in science and are scientific wonders, while others are just creative marketing...backed by multi-million dollar companies. With so many choices out there, knowledge can help find the right shoe for you. My main motto - COMFORT is most important. Samantha Suaya is a Freelance Fitness Writer, Certified Fitness Professional / Youth & Family Wellness Director American Council on Exercise. 12 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • Winter Camp at Deering Estate Miami Seaquarium’s Winter Camp Week A: December 20-December 24 Week B: December 27-December 31 Each day of camp includes one marine mammal show, one to two animal interactions, arts & crafts, interactive games & much more. Campers will receive a Camp T-shirt, a Kodak souvenir photo, daily lunch, snacks & beverages. Hours: 9:30am–4:30pm. $200/week nonannual pass holders. Additional sibling $180. $180/week annual pass holders. Additional sibling $180. Early care (additional $25) 8:30-9:30am. Late care (additional $25) 4:30-5:30pm. Both: $45. E-mail: [email protected]. December 2010 WINTERBREAK ACTIVITIES Miami Seaquarium Education Department, 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy. Miami. 305-361-5705x207. www.miamiseaquarium.com Magicamp & Jungle Adventure Holiday Camp December 20–24 Enjoy the magical snowfall and winter activities of Winter Wonder Island. Participate in indoor & outdoor games, activities & crafts. 9:30am–3:30pm. 305-6662992, www.funcamps.com. 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami. GYMNASTICS & MARTIAL ARTS Moti Horenstein’s Mixed Martial Arts South Florida’s premier fitness and safety center is located in No. Miami Beach. The academy has classes for all ages: Little Dragons (3 & 4) & Little Ninjas (5 & 6) is a preschool program designed to instill confidence and discipline while building the children’s motor skills through drills and games. Our Junior’s program ages 7 & up teaches reality based self defense, bully buster, antiabduction skills, character development, academic achievement, and a champion mindset through a rotating curriculum that covers martial arts techniques from around the world. Adults train in Israeli Self-Defense, Mixed Martial 2780 SW 37th Avenue 2780 SW 37th Avenue Arts and great fitness boot Suite: 200 Suite: 200 camps. 18425 NEMiami, 19 Ave, No. Florida 33133 Miami, Florida 33133 Miami Beach/Aventura. Tel: Tel: 786-270-0562 305-935-1855. www.mhka.com786-270-0562 Nu Age Gymnastics & Dance nce & Enrichment After School Homework Assistance Program & Enrichment Program Mondays–Thursdays, December 20–23 & 27–30 ACT Prep FCAT / SAT / ACT Prep A funfilled holiday day camp recess. Enjoy ng during / winter Writing Math / Reading / Writing tumbling, theme days & fun activities. Call now for details ricular Activities Sports & Extra-curricular Activities and to register, limited spaces available! 8:30am–3:30pm. orkshops Academic Workshops 2675 NE 188 St, 1 Block East AskAboutOurWinterBreakCamp of W Dixie Hwy & 188 St. No. Miami Gardens. 1-888-682-4318. www.nuagegymnastics.com ningcenter.net www.miamilearningcenter.net continued on page 14 December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 13 WINTERBREAK ACTIVITIES continued from page 13 Master Agon’s Perfect Balance Perfect Balance Martial Arts & Fitness Our classes incorporate the latest technology of Western fitness and an Eastern philosophy of martial arts to create a family oriented atmosphere where children and adults enjoy the benefits of reaching their fitness goals. Programs offered include Kung Fu/Karate, Kickboxing, Lil Ninjas, Mixed Martial Arts and Customized Personal Training Programs. South Miami, 5900 Sunset Dr. 305-669-8445 & Kendall, 13550 SW 120 St. 2nd fl, 786-242-1075. www.freekrate.com Martial Arts • Fitness • Personal Training Children • Teenagers • Adults • Beginners’ Classes • Personal Training • Kickboxing • Family Wellness Center Builds • Self Esteem • Confidence • Focus • Aptitude South Miami • Leadership Skills • Life Skills • Attitude • Academics Tumblebees Gymnastics Holiday Break Kendall 5900 Sunset Drive 13550 SW 120th Street, (Corner US1 & Sunset Dr/72 St.) Suite 500 305.669.8445 786.242.1075 Franchise opportunities available Contact [email protected] • www.freekarate.com and 786.301.6002 Two Weeks • • Free!! Family Magazine www.familymagazine.biz July 2009 Includes FREE Official Uniform & Consultation. Enroll Now! Expires 12–31–10 MFM Session I : December 20–24 Session II : December 27–31 Campers will enjoy instructional coaching on trampoline, balance beam, bars, vaulting & tumbling on the spring floor. Pre-schoolers will also enjoy arts & crafts and creative movement activities. Dance, movies & karaoke will be included for the all day campers. Early drop off & pick up available. 6950 SW 117 Ave, Miami, 305-596-2337. www.tumblebeesgymnastics.com Universal Dance Studios Universal Dance Studios in Miami provides elite dance training for children and adults in several styles of dance including: Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, & Salsa. We are dedicated to helping you reach your confidence & dance goals. 18401 NE 19 Ave. No. Miami Beach/ Aventura. 305-937-2513. www.universaldancestudiosmiami.com SCHOOLS A & A Children Academy Preschool & Child Care Holiday Drop-Off Days Monday–Thursday, Dec 20–23, Monday–Thursday, Dec 27–30, Closed on Dec 24 & 31 School 1–4541 SW 64 Ct, Miami, School 2–6725 SW 21 St, Miami, 305-310-0243 www.childrenacademy.net Alper JCC Winter Mini-Camps December 20–24 & 27–31 From 9am– 4pm (December 24 & 31: from 9am– 1pm) Two weeks of fun with cooking, arts and crafts, science, swimming, computers and all kinds of sports and 14 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 Early Childhood Schools The following accredited early childhood schools are dedicated to quality early childhood education. • Kids for Kids Academy 14465 SW 144 St, Country Walk, Miami 305-232-0606. www.kidsforkidsacademy.com • La Scuola 13301 SW 87 Ave. Miami. 305-278-9555. www.lascuola.com WINTERBREAK ACTIVITIES physical activity & special field trip! Dave and Mary Alper JCC on The Jay Morton-Levinthal Campus, 11155 SW 112 Ave. Miami. 305-271-9000. www.alperjcc.org � � � � � � � � ��� ������������� ���������� ������������������������������������ �������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ������������������������������ • L’Atelier 5960 SW 71 St. Miami, 305-662-2326. www.latelier.org ���������������������������������� ������������������������������������ ��������������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������ • Lollipop Preschool 8100 SW 132 Ave, Miami. 305-380-0360 • Paradise Christian School 6184 W 21 Ct, Hialeah & 7500 NW 58 St, Miami. 305-828-7477. www.paradisechristianschool.com ������������������������ �������������������������������� ��������������������� ���������������������������� Torequest materialinaccessibleformat, information onaccessfor persons withdis abilities, orsignlanguage interpreter services(7 d aysinadvance)call 305-365-6706. • REM Learning Center 16400 SW 147 Ave, Miami. 305-235-0300. www.remlearningcenter.com • The Wonder Years 2965 S. Douglas Rd, Miami. 305-567-5855. www.thewonderyearspreschool.com Kids Learning Adventure Our pre-school center will encompass diverse activities that will nurture your child’s growth & development. Our faculty is well trained to serve your children’s needs in a loving and safe environment. Our pre-school center reflects the modern and trendy identity of the community that it is a part of. Our philosophy is carried out by emhasizing the child’s abilities, competence & natural aptitude. Hours: 8am–8pm. Registration is now open. Spaces are filling up quickly. Three locations: • Brickell -600 SW 1st Ave. Miami. 305-377-0391 • Coral Gables -4573 Ponce de Leon Blvd. 305-377-0391 • Aventura -20301 Biscayne Blvd. 786-422-6262. www.klaschools.com M A G A Z I N PROOF EE M!I!A!M!I! $!!%!&!' !( !!!)!A!* !+!E!' !+!A!) !E!!$!!- !&!. !A ����������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ���� �������� ������������������������������������������������������������ ���� ���� Continued on page 16 December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 15 Winter Break continued from page 15 WINTERBREAK ACTIVITIES La Scuola Winter Camp La Scuola’s WINTER CAMP will keep your child’s mind engaged over the break while having tons of FUN! Running from December 20-31, the winter camp will feature tons of FUN, CREATIVE activities including Art and Cooking experiences!!! For more information please call the school at 305-278-9555 or visit their website at www.lascuola.com. TUTORING Montessori Schools Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Service It’s never too early to think Montessori. Cognitive and social development is emphasized with the teacher as a mentor and guide. Instruction is based on varied learning styles with mixed age grouping and pursuit of interests through discovery. SOUTH MIAMI LEARNING CENTER Chem’s Therapy & Programs for Special needs Children, Autism & Related Disabilities • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) (Kidcare,Tricare & Self Pay) • Music Therapy For further information call 305-665-4999 7800 SW 57 Ave, Suite 228 South Miami, FL 33143 Visit our website at: www.chem-learning.com 16 Miami Family Magazine • using training techniques for theater and film, while our primary focus is on acting for film. Ages 6–12. $187.50/ week, $350/two weeks. 9am–4pm. Monday–Friday. info@miamichildre nstheater.com. Robert Russell Theater, 11155 SW 112th Ave. Miami. 305-274-3595. www.miamichildrenstheater.com • Aventura Montessori School 123 SE 1st Ave. Hallandale, 954-456-5609 • Children’s Village Montessori School 650 NE 88 Terr. Miami Shores. 305-757-1236. www.childrensvillagemontessori.com • Coconut Grove Montessori School 2850 SW 27 Ave & 3280 Bird Ave, Coconut Grove, 305-444-4484. www.cgrovemontessori.com • Gables Montessori School 990 So. LeJeune Rd. Coral Gables, 305-567-1900. www.gablesmontessori.org • International Bilingual Montessori School 6330 SW 40 St, Miami, 305-661-6434. www.ibmontessorischool.com • Montessori Christian Center 6381 Miami Lakeway NE, Miami Lakes. 305-823-5632. www.montessorichristiancenter.com • Petersen Montessori Academy 10395 NW 41 St. Doral. 305-463-9085. www.petersenmontessori.com • Sunset Montessori School 7430 Sunset Dr, Miami, 305-666-2008. www.sunsetmontessorischool.com THEATRE CAMP Holiday Lights, Camera, Action December 20–31 Miami Children’s Theater Campers participate in lessons that introduce them to finding the actor within, while simultaneously training their instrument to do the kind of technical, emotional, and physical work necessary for acting on film. The camp concentrates on developing a foundation of acting www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 START THIS SCHOOL YEAR WITH CONFIDENCE! Our Average Student Improves 2 Letter Grades. Club Z! One On One In Home Tutoring can help with all subjects: PreK–Adult SAT/ ACT Prep, FCAT Prep, Math, Reading, Home Schooling & more. www.clubztutoring.com • Aventura/No. Miami Bch/Miami Beach 305-861-8279 • South Miami/Pinecrest/Homestead 786-249-6700 Huntington Learning Centers Since 1977, Huntington has been helping students reach their full potential. Huntington will pinpoint your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and tailor an individualized program just for your child. Just a few hours per week after school, all grade levels. Get help in reading, writing, math, spelling, phonics, study skills, college SAT and ACT Prep, FCAT Prep and more! For a location near you call 1-800-CAN-LEARN or visit www.huntingtonlearning.com • Aventura, 305-792-2535 • Coral Gables, 305-443-1222 • Coral Springs, 305-752-5401 • Doral/Sweetwater, 305-552-1110 • Kendall, 305-598-0686 • Pembroke Pines East, 954-436-3330 • Pembroke Pines West, 954-431-4443 • Plantation, 954-474-4144 • Pompano Beach, 954-782-9880 Miami Learning Center Academic success starts today! Miami Learning Center (MLC) provides affordable academic solutions, enrichment programs, fitness & wellness, and home school support to students in grades K–12 and college. FCAT/SAT/ACT workshops offered year round. CDS approved! 2780 SW 37 Ave. Miami. 786-270-0562. www.miamilearningcenter.net. December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 17 WINTERBREAK ACTIVITIES 18 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 �������������������������������������� �������������������� ������������������������ ���������������������������� ����������������������������������� ��������������������������� �������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� E R T S !! PA R T YEXP ORN ! TO OTYO U RH 514 305-661-5 ���� ���������� ������� ��������� ������������������������� ������ ������������������������������� ����� ������������ ������� ����������������� ������������ ��������������������� Advertiseinour PartySection January M A G A Z I N E M IAM I • F O R T LAU D E R DALE • B O CA SCHOOLS!ADVERTISEIN OURJANUARYISSUE & Schools After School Programs Special Section MIAMI TARY COMPLIMEN JANUARY 2010 (with free category listing) �� ������ ��� ��� ��RS ��� NE WIN ����������� Space deadline: December 11 ������� ����������� ����������� ����������� M A G A 1 Z Reserve Today 305-661-5514 I N E M IAM I • F O R T LAU D E R DALE • B O CA www.familymagazine.biz [email protected] December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 19 WINTERBREAK ACTIVITIES IMPROVE YOUR GRADES NOW! 1 Radica: Puppy Tweets $29.99 If you are looking for the paw-fect stocking stuffer for your dog loving family and friends, then look no further. With Puppy Tweets, an electronic dog accessory, owners can now follow their dog’s everyday activities via Twitter. Owners simply have to attach the Puppy Tweets tag to their dog, connect the included USB receiver, download easyto-use software then create a Twitter account for the dog. Puppy Tweets captures the dog’s level of activity and barking and translates that to a humorous or poignant tweet that’s sure to make the owner smile. If Sparky’s hyper and running around the house, he might tweet, “I finally caught that tail I’ve been chasing and…OOUUUCCHH!” Owners can follow furry friends via computer or smart phone. Puppy Tweets works with PC and MAC and the Twitter. 5 Crafty Kids Playhouses 2 Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Deluxe Action Wing Pack $49.99 Once kids slip into the backpack-styled design, they push a button on the chest plate and – ZAP – the wings automatically pop out, the wingtips light up and Buzz starts speaking his signature phrases. When tipped horizontally, the Wing Pack’s sensors know kids are “flying” and makes corresponding flying sounds! When coming in for a landing, just push a button and the wings contract for a perfect “touch down” so every Buzz kid superhero can continue saving the planet and going to “infinity and beyond!” Ages: 6+ Rainy days and Mondays were made for an arts & crafts project! Designed by dads for their sturdiness, these small white cardboard structures are perfect to play with dolls or Whiskers (meow) for hours of endless creativity and imagination. Both the Creation Cottage and Shuttle Imagination are made of 100% recycled material and await a child’s finishing touch of crayons or markers to make it a one-of-a-kind playhouse. Each Craft Model will come with six washable, non-toxic, jumbo markers to get the creative juices flowing. Winner of Tillywig 2010 Top Fun Award, Creative Child 2010 Seal of Excellence & The National Parenting Center Spring 2010 Seal of Approval. Cool To 20 6 Wild Creations’ Classic EcoAquarium $30 Creation Cottage • $19.95 20 Shuttle Imagination • $22.95 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 The Wild Creations EcoAquarium comes with its own ecosystem - colorful filtration rocks, a plant and large decorative rock and base, two frogs, and a year’s supply of frog food. No extra filtration system necessary. Simple instructions for set up and care are included. Ages: 5–15 yrs. Parents’ Choice Approved Award 3 oys for 010 HABA’s Bucket With Valve $24 This is a fabric-yes, fabric--bucket with handles for transporting water from the hose to the sandbox or from the ocean to the sandcastle. The bucket also features a plastic, easy-to-work spout at the bottom that allows children to control how and where they dispense the water. Testers decorated sand “cakes,” wrote their names in the sand, and even watered the tomato plant seedlings in the back yard. This collapsible bucket fits easily into the family beach bag Ages 18 mos.+. Parents’ Choice Silver Honor. Splash Bombs Balls by Primetime Toys are like water balloons only better. These colorful foam balls are covered with a durable nylon/cloth covering. Soak it and toss (okay, aim) at the nearest kid or grownup. And then wait for your turn to get it! Ages 4+. Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award 8 7 4 Prime Time Toys’ The Original Splash Bombs $5.99 The Key to a Magical Christmas $19.99 Bring the Magic back to Christmas this year. The excitement starts when the family gathers to read the original storybook “The Key to a Magical Christmas”. After recording your child’s Christmas wish on the Magic Christmas Key, light up the Magic Key and hang it on your front door to guide Santa to your home. Santa then leaves a personal message for your child! Your Magic Key literally captures this precious time to be enjoyed for years to come as a family ornament and keepsake. For more details search Facebook for “The Key To a Magical Christmas”. 9 Howard B. Wigglebottom Book Series $15 each Picture books for children 4–8 deal with various issues. including bullying, anger, listening and more. The authors objective is to teach important skills to children using humor and real situations. iParenting Media Award Winner, National Parenting Publications Honors Award. www.wedolisten.com The Magic School Bus - Solar Energy to the Rescue $19.99 Designed for children 5 and up, the Solar Energy to the Rescue kit includes almost everything to perform sixteen age-appropriate experiments to help children better understand the concept of capturing the sun’s energy to create electricity as well as how greenhouse gases work and can negatively impact the earth. Ages 5+. Parents’ Choice Recommended Award 10 CitiBlocs’ Skyline 200 Piece Hot & Cool Colors $43.99 the 200 piece set is a wonderful way to get the enthusiastic builder started building simple, medium-sized structures. Start low and wide, and then stack them high and narrow. Whatever your preference, the Citiblocs 200 piece set will keep the enthusiastic builder flexing his or her imagination while developing fine motor skills. All Citiblocs Wooden Building Sets are compatible and interchangeable. Blocks made of New Zealand Radiata Pine. Ages 3+. Parents’ Choice Recommended Award December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 21 pic to come Z A G A D AUDER L T R O •F MIAMI E N OCA B • E L A I r e v Co ar St ists l a n Fi M Oakley Arcos, 1.5 Kai Arteaga, 14 mos Anthony Bello, 14 Brandon Buendia, 2 Katia Buendia, 11 Conor Byrden, 2.5 Aurora Diaz, 3 Gianna DiMare, 3 2010 Brandon Cruz, 3 Victoria Cruz, 6 mos Samantha De La Torre, 2 Aimee Fontil, 4 Valentina Bernal, 6.5 Aidan Galan, 3 Madison Galvis, 5 Yina Garcia, 7 Samantha Giraldo 5 Vinny Iapichino, 8 mos Enzo Iapichino, 2 Yvonne Jebian, 4 Sofia Jensen, 5 Cephus “CJ” Johnson, 4 Julius Johnson, 3 Imani Corsivo, 4 22 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 Jayden Bernal, 2 Kaylee Black, 7 Meliney Blake, 2 Alondra Blaya, 5 Aubre Boose, 4 London Bruni, 2 Salette Cateriano, 5.5 Jessica Chavez, 3 Jocelyn Chavez, 7 mos, Bella Coll, 3 mos Nathalie Concepcion, 10 Samantha Correa, 5 Giselle DiMare, 1 Nicolette DiMare, 5 Asia Dubois, 9 Jayda Dubois, 6 Johanna Evers, 3 D’Angelo Fafard, 2 Scarlett Gomez, 6 Sophia Gorostiza, 9 Kaylee Grossman, 9.5 mos Rafael Guerra, 5 Leanne Hernandez, 3 Saharah Johnson, 14 mos Audrey Jones, 5 Juliana Khalilova, 6 Alexandr Kim, 7 Kloë Laurent, 2 Christian Hoyos, 10 Zahra Laurent, 10 mos Continued on page 24 December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 23 Miranda Martel, 6 Katya Massa-Llanos, 7 Fauianna Mayorqa, 3 Devin McIntyre, 3 Chloe-Nadya Michel, 4 Afsaana Mohammed, 11 Cara Pitkins, 4 Kaellan Poff, 5 Nicholas Ponz, 21 mos Franco Quetglas, 2.5 Chloe Reyes, 4 Victor Ribeiro, 4 Kian Saba, 5 Kimya Saba, 4 Christian Santacruz, 6 Ryan Scarane, 3 Tyler Schack, 2.5 Katelyn Smith, 6.5 Michael Stewart, 4 Gabriela Tovar, 9 Elizabeth Valdes, 2 Hannah Valdivia, 4 Ernesto Vazquez, 5 Kalani West, 5 Grace Williams, 2.5 Mallory Williams, 4 Sha’Niah Wilson, 2 Hilly Yehoshua, 9 Oryn Yehoshua, 6 Ana Zayas, 2 24 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 Nadya Mohammed, 8 Salma Mohammed, 6 Christian Rivadeneira, 5 Jordan Rivadeneira, 2 Joel Noriega, 9 Jada Olmos, 7 Chloe Roman, 4 Tristan Roman, 3 Christina Muniz, 6 Who will be our next Cover Star? Vote for your favorite on our website, www.familymagazine.biz. There will be 3 lucky winners and 3 lucky runners-up. Your votes and the votes of 3 top modeling and talent agencies will determine the winners. They are Martin & Donalds, The Green Agency & World of Kids. Ava Roman, 13 mos Paris Parise, 5 Alanna Ruggles, 4 Don’t forget to vote at www.FamilyMagazine.biz for your favorite Cover Star Finalist. MIAMI MI A MI SEPTEMBER 2010 JANUAR Y 2010 COMP LIMEN TARY ������ ����� �������� WINNERS Watch for the January issue to find out who the winners are. It will be a tough decision for the judges because they have so many great choices. The suspense is killing you?! Too bad, you have to wait. Winners will not be announced until the January issue hits the stands. We will also post the winners on Blabber Mouth, our weekend newsletter and then on our website so you can tell your friends and relatives about it. If you do not receive Blabber Mouth, you’d better get on the list. Email us at [email protected] Put “Blab Me” in the subject line. Simple as that! After the winners are published, we will call them to schedule a photography session throughout the year. Good luck to all, thanks for participating in the contest. �������� ������ ���������� 1 ��������������������������������������������������� ������� ������� ������� �� ������ ��� �������� ������ ����� 1 E N I Z A G • BOCA E L A A D R M LAU D E • FORT MIAMI r e v o C ar St ists l a n i F 2010 December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 25 Tales of Holiday Happiness by Meribeth C. Shank Family, friends and food are among the ingredients we choose to help us honor and celebrate holidays in ways we value. Choose any and all of these wonderful tales to remember the past and establish unforgettable traditions to share. The Spider’s Gift: A Ukrainian Christmas Story retold by Eric Kimmel, illustrated by Katya Krenina. Celebrated author Eric Kimmel collaborates once again with Ukrainian artist Katya Krenina for this version of a lovely folktale from her native land where Christmas customs are ancient. Not only the story itself, with roots in central and eastern Europe, but the contrasting bright and dark acrylic illustrations, showing clothing, landscapes, and iconic images, transmit both cultural and family traditions in an almost primitive flat style that accents the descriptive language and importance of the foods and symbols, which were significant aspects of the religious experience for people from that time. Young Katrusya is upset to learn her peasant family will not be celebrating Christmas because the harvest has been so poor there is no money for the extras that define the celebration. But the family ultimately decides that although there is no money to spend, they can still celebrate with a tree, -- which costs nothing to cut down in the forest – by making their own presents, tree ornaments from old brass buttons and paper, hand embroidered cloth, whittled nativity figures, bandura music, and even a braided Christmas bread whose three rings symbolize the Christian trinity. Bringing the tree into the warm house hatches hundreds of spider eggs hidden in the branches, drawing the attention of Katrusya’s mother who wants the spiders out of the house, immediately. The family convinces her to keep the tree and its spiders in the house until after Christmas, a kind gesture that causes Katrusya to rejoice. When they all return from the evening worship celebration, she discovers the webs have, miraculously, become real silver. Graciously, the family shares the wealth of silver with those from their village. Holiday House, $16.95, Ages 6-9 La Noche Buena: A Christmas Story by Antonio Sacre, illustrated by Angela Dominguez. For those unfamiliar with a Miami Christmas, here is a grand introduction to many special Cuban traditions that characterize this holiday. Even for local South Floridians, acquainted with warm winter festivities instead of the typical northern icy winter fare, this lively picture book is a rare treat. Storyteller and author Sacre uses strong sensory language to show the differences Nina experiences from her customary ice skating and building snowmen at Christmas with her mother’s family up north. This year, since it’s her dad’s turn, Nina arrives in Miami’s Little Havana to stay with her Abuela (Grandmother) Mimi for La Noche Buena, (Christmas Eve) the best night of the year for many Cuban families. Not only does Nina have a chance to meet many extended family members, pick fresh avocados and prepare ingredients for the fiesta, she also meets other neighbor children, gets to see everyone (including herself) dressed in their best, shares the huge traveling party through many nearby backyards, walks to the Rooster’s Mass at midnight, dances, and listens to stories and jokes. Readers can almost feel onion- and spice-generated tears in their eyes, see and hear loud bright colorful parrots, listen to Cuban-accented Spanish words -- part of the lilting language of the story -- taste the garlic flavored marinade, smell the roasting pig and feel the warm hugs from family and congregation members Nina is charmed, as are readers and listeners, by both the bright pastel background colors of buildings, clothing, and food reproduced with joyful acrylics by artist Dominguez in this accessible and entertaining story, and by this intriguing glimpse into a distinctive cultural celebration of La Buena Noche. A helpful small glossary of Spanish words and phrases is included at the back. Abrams, $16.95, Ages 5-8 Great Joy by Kate DeCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. When an organ grinder man with his monkey appears, in the week before Christmas, on the street where Frances lives with her mother, Frances wonders where the two newcomers go at night. The music sounds sad and, while her mother finishes Frances’ costume for the pageant, Frances watches from the window as the monkey holds out his tin cup to the people walking past. Luminous, lightly focused paintings in sepia tones suggest a city setting from the 1940’s with clothing, streetlights and cars to strengthen this perception along with a photo of a navy officer on a shelf in the living room. Illustrator Ibatoulline carefully contrasts bright holiday lights with dark snowy night, using tenderly textured acrylic gouache to focus attention on important details like the monkey, the falling snow and faces, especially Frances’ face in her pageant role. On her way with her mother to the nearby church for the Christmas play, Frances stops long enough to drop a nickel in the monkey’s cup and invite the man with the monkey to come to the play. Although he smiles at her, it’s the sadness in his eyes that stays with her later as she prepares to speak her line. But the words simply won’t come out . . . . until the sanctuary door opens to show her guests, releasing Frances to smile. “Behold!” she shouts. “I bring you tidings of Great Joy!” The use of repetition emphasizes the importance of the simple, direct language; particularly as the final double page spread wordlessly shows the entire congregation, including the organ grinder and the monkey, joyfully celebrating with refreshments afterwards. Candlewick Press, $8.99, Ages 4-8 Meribeth C. Shank works in the Media Center at Miami Country Day School, an independent school in Miami Shores, Florida, teaches classes on Writing Books for Young People at Miami Dade College, and earned her MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont Colle 26 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 12 ���� ��� ���� ASK FOR OUR MONTHLY OFFERS. 24050 SW 8th Street (U.S. 41) Miami, Florida • (305) 559-2255 1-800-559-2205 12 miles west of Florida Turnpike on S.W. 8 St Visit us at gatorpark.com for additional savings �������� ��������� CIRCUSDAYS DeluxeCart&PartyService ����������� ������������������������ We Take Pride in Offering the Quality Service You Expect! 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N FU G CITIN EX 10 ACRES A VAILABLE 28 Miami Family Magazine • E M IAM I • F O R T LAU D E R DALE • B O CA www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 PARTY SECTION December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 29 Movie reviews for you and your family REEL LIFEE WITH JAN — by Jane Louise Boursaw Those adventurous Pevensie kids are back on the big screen this month, along with Yogi Bear, the Focker clan, and the return of Jeff Bridges in ‘Tron: Legacy.’ Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new in theaters in December. THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER TRON: LEGACY Rated PG for some frightening images and sequences of fantasy action. In theaters 12/10. Ok for kids 8+. 3 This third film in the Narnia franchise finds Edmund and Lucy Pevensie (Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley), along with their pesky cousin Eustace Scrubb (Will Poulter), swallowed into a painting and onto a fantastic Narnian ship headed for the edge of the world. The voyage will test their hearts and spirits as they face magical Dufflepuds, sinister slave traders, roaring dragons and enchanted merfolk. Only an uncharted journey to Aslan’s Country – a voyage of destiny and transformation for each of those aboard the Dawn Treader – can save Narnia and all the astonishing creatures who live there. The third movie is usually about the time a franchise starts to slip wildly, but that’s not necessarily the case here if you or your kids are fans of the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis. Also check out the BBC series which originally aired in 1988, but was released on DVD Nov. 9, 2010. Not yet rated; likely PG-13. In theaters 12/17. Ok for kids 13+. Surely one of the most anticipated movies of the year, ‘Tron: Legacy’ is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) is a rebellious 27-year-old who’s haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges, who played the same part in the original 1982 ‘Tron’), a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer. When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from his dad’s shop, he finds himself pulled into a virtual world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. With the help of fearless warrior Quorra (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a lifeand-death journey across a visually stunning cyber universe created by Kevin himself. The advanced world contains futuristic vehicles, weapons, landscapes and a ruthless villain who’ll stop at nothing to prevent their escape. I suggest watching the original movie right before you head to the theater to see this one. The story and special effects are worth the trip. YOGI BEAR GULLIVER’S TRAVELS Rated PG for some mild rude humor. In theaters 12/17. Ok for kids 7+. Everyone’s favorite pica-nic basket-stealing bear comes to the big screen in this CGanimated flick based on the classic HannaBarbera cartoon that dates back to 1958 (Yogi started out as a supporting character on ‘The Huckleberry Hound Show’). Jellystone Park has been losing business, so greedy Mayor Brown (Andrew Daly) decides to shut it down and sell the land. That means families will no longer be able to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors -- even worse, Yogi (voiced by Dan Aykroyd) and Boo Boo (Justin Timberlake) will be tossed out of the only home they’ve ever known. Is Yogi really “smarter than the average bear”? Time will tell as he and Boo Boo join forces with their old nemesis Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh) to save Jellystone Park from closing forever. Ok, so it all sounds a little hokey, but it’s Yogi Bear and Boo Boo! And Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake! Not yet rated; likely PG. In theaters 12/22. Ok for kids 8+. 30 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • This modern re-telling of the classic tale finds the loopy Jack Black starring as Gulliver, a bigtalking mailroom clerk. After he’s mistakenly assigned a travel piece on the Bermuda Triangle, Gulliver endures a storm at sea and finds himself washed ashore on the hidden island of Lilliput, home to a population of very tiny people. At first enslaved by the diminutive and industrious Lilliputians, Gulliver eventually becomes their hero and learns that it’s how big you are on the inside that counts. Director Rob Letterman also helmed ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ and ‘Shark Tale.’ Jane’s Reel Rating System: One Reel – Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it. Two Reels – Tolerable. Coulda been a contender. Three Reels – Thought-provoking. Something to talk about. Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick! Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of. Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance writer specializing in the movie and television industries. Visit her online at www.filmgecko.com and www.ReelLifeWithJane.com, or email [email protected]. December 2010 LITTLE FOCKERS Not yet rated; likely PG-13. In theaters 12/22. Ok for kids 12+. It’s taken ten years, two little Fockers with wife Pam (Teri Polo), and countless hurdles for Greg (Ben Stiller) to finally get “in” with his tightly wound fatherin-law, Jack (Robert De Niro). But when Greg and Pam’s entire clan -- including Pam’s lovelorn ex, Kevin (Owen Wilson) -- descends for the twins’ birthday party, Greg must prove to the skeptical Jack that he’s fully capable as the man of the house. Expect plenty of misunderstandings, spying and covert missions to determine whether the circle of trust will be broken forever. This is the third film in the Focker franchise, and while the second movie faltered a bit, the addition of Laura Dern, Jessica Alba and Harvey Keitel injects new life into it, not to mention the return of Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand and Blythe Danner. THE TOURIST Rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language. In theaters 12/10. Ok for kids 13+. Johnny Depp stars as an American tourist named Frank Tupelo whose playful dalliance with a stranger leads to a web of intrigue, romance and danger – even more so because the mysterious stranger is played by Angelina Jolie. Two mega-stars in one movie. When Frank embarks on an impromptu trip to Europe to mend a broken heart, he finds himself in a flirtatious encounter with Elise (Jolie), a woman who unbeknownst to him, deliberately crosses his path. Co-starring in the movie are the stunning locales of Paris and Venice, where their romance quickly evolves into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Maybe you haven’t heard of director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, but he wrote, directed and produced The Lives of Others, one of the best films of 2006. �� The Role of “The Toy” By Julie Casey Intrusive or necessary? That is the question and the answer usually falls in one camp or the other in the discussion of restaurants giving toys to kids. In San Francisco last month, city officials passed a ban on toys in kids’ meals that do not meet nutritional guidelines; specifically that the meal must be less than 600 calories, include a fruit AND vegetable, and no soda. The ban goes into effect December 2011. It may surprise you that San Francisco is not the first locality to place such a ban, just one of the biggest. Who is the ultimate decision maker? Government or parent? Decision Maker: The Parent Is it really the toy that entices the kid to want the “happy” meal? When Jon Stewart recently interviewed actor Harrison Ford inquiring about the intrigue of the toy to compel parents to “drive through monsoons” to acquire said item, Ford quickly questioned Stewart’s parenting skills. It made for fun TV fodder but underneath is the crux of the recent toy debate: are the toys really the reason parents choose one kid’s meal over another? According to most parents, a resounding “No!” Many kids, including mine, don’t ask to go to a specific restaurant because of the toy. Every once in a while there is an exception, like for a specific movie, but in that case my child doesn’t end up eating the food – he truly did just want the toy. After watching this story on the news with me recently, my four-year-old astutely proclaimed, “They (McDonald’s) would never give me a pencil!” He may be right but at the end of the day the toy doesn’t matter. It is our role as parents to make well-balanced decisions for our children especially when it comes to their nutrition and most of us do not make this decision based on a toy. Decision Maker: Government In the camp supporting the San Francisco decision is a combination of both parents with kids and adults without kids who feel too many parents are not making balanced food decisions for their children and that big companies are using toys to lure kids in without regard to nutritional values – only about the almighty dollar. With the rise in childhood obesity, it is natural to try and make a connection between the two. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the CDC, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years. However, there are more significant factors that contribute to the obesity epidemic including decreases in physical activity and school lunches. The restaurant industry, especially fast food, takes the brunt of the blame. There are citizens who feel that government must step in to curb childhood obesity and prevent companies from targeting children through things like toys in their meals. Whose Decision Is It? Research tells us that parents are not choosing a place to feed the family because of a toy. The deciding factors are more likely to be: value, location, good service, family friendly atmosphere, activities, and menu choices. If restaurants address these opportunities, including healthier menu selections which parents have been requesting for some time now, taxpayer dollars wouldn’t need to be used to ban toys. In fact, if all of the factors and people related to the increase in childhood obesity came together in a happy world of working together, would we even be having this discussion? Go to the Family Magazine website www.familymagazine.biz and click on the Restaurant Mom icon which will take you to the blog at MyKidsPlate where you may submit your own recommendations for a great Grown-Ups Night Out. December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 31 Holiday Events Thursday December 2 thru Saturday, January 8 Aventura Station Aventura Mall –JCPenney Court Travel through a miniature town, amusement park, old time mill & snow capped mountain range that measures 16 x 29ft. Display built & designed by Smartt Inc. & features MTH Electric Trains. 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura. www.aventuramall.com Friday, December 3 Tree Lighting Ceremony Deering Estate at Cutler The Deering Estate kicks off their holiday season of events with the annual tree lighting ceremony in the historic Stone House Ballroom. Guests can enjoy live performances of some of their favorite holiday music! 7–9pm. Adult/$12, Child(4–14)/$7. 16701 SW 72 Ave. Miami. 305-235-1668. www.deeringestate.org Saturday, December 4 thru Sunday, December 20 A Christmas Carol, The Musical Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre The Charles Dickens classic takes a musical turn in this festive holiday favorite. Tiny Tim and the entire Cratchit family join 3 unearthly “Spirits” in trying to convince Ebeneezer Scrooge to change his “BahHumbug” ways. This is a fabulous musical adaptation written especially for family audiences that will warm your heart as it reveals the true meaning of the holidays. Sat’s@11am. Special holiday performances on Dec 19 & 20@7pm. $15pp. 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305-444-9293. www.actorsplayhouse.org Saturdays, December 4 & 11 Snow Days in the Grove The forecast is calling for snow - 8 tons of snow to be exact. Visitors long accustomed to Miami’s standard winter ‘chill’ will have a chance at an authentic winter experience including building snowmen, making snow angels & even launching a snowball or two. Virginia St. & Grand Ave. Noon–5pm. 305-461-5506. www.coconutgrove.com Sunday, December 5 Saturday, December 11 & 18 “What the Dickens?” Holiday Festival & Gift Bazaar Story Time with Santa Pinecrest Gardens Enjoy some of your classic holiday stories next to the enchanting Christmas tree in the historic Stone House Ballroom. Children can have their picture professionally taken with Santa for an additional fee or parents can bring their own cameras and take their own photos for free. After storytime, children can participate in an arts & crafts activity. 10am–Noon. Adult/$12, Child (4–14)/$7. 16701 SW 72 Ave. Miami. 305-235-1668. www.deeringestate.org An all-day extravaganza featuring the works of Charles Dickens and other performances with a Victorian twist… (Oliver Twist, that is) featuring actors, singers, musicians, choirs, puppeteers, mimes, story tellers…food...”Glorious Food” and a fabulous holiday gift bazaar with something for everyone in the family. Whether you light a Christmas Tree, a Hanukah Menorah, or Kwanzaa Candles…we will have something wonderful in store for you! All ages. Child/$5, 5 & under/free. 10am– 6pm. 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest. 305-669-6990 Sunday, December 5 Holiday Music in the Garden Celebrate Fairchild’s 17th year of Holiday Music in the Garden. Heart-warming seasonal music combines with the gorgeous backdrop of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. 6–10pm. 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables. 305-663-8058. www.fairchildgarden.org Saturday, December 11 Holiday Art Party & Toy Drive Cool-de-sac Adopt-a-bear day Cool-de-sac Adopt-a-bear.org and Cool-de-Sac invites you to Adopt a bear to benefit Children at Miami Childrenʼs Hospital Free Admission and gift with bear adoption. 10am–9pm. 5701 Sunset Dr. Miami. 305-446-1686. cool-de-sac.com Miami Family Magazine Sunday, December 5 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Coconut Grove 32 Carolers at Pinecrest Gardens’ “What the Dickens” Holiday Festival • Join Miami Artist Ed King and Santa for a Cool Art Workshop! Donʼt forget to bring a camera to take your Awesome Santa picture! Free Admission Coupon with Toy Donation from thru Dec 11. To benefit Foster Children from Family Resource Center of South Florida. 10am–9pm. 5701 Sunset Dr. Miami. 305-446-1686. www.cool-de-sac.com www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 Deering Estate at Cutler Sunday, December 12 Sunday Afternoons of Music A Holiday Brass Bash Maurice Gusman Concert Hall -U of M Come hear an old fashioned band concert your Great-Grandparents used to listen to on the village green! A toe-tapping, hand-clapping afternoon presented in the style of the great bands of John Phillip Sousa. The Greater Miami Symphonic Band, 85 members strong, celebrates the holidays with musical pizzazz!! 3pm. Adult/$12; Child/$10. 1314 Miller Road. Coral Gables. 305-271-7150. www.sundaymusicals.org Sunday, December 12 Miami Children’s Chorus: Voices of Angels First United Methodist Church Annual Holiday Concert 4pm. Adult/$20, Senior & Student/$5. 536 Coral Way, Coral Gables Friday, December 17– 31 Thru Sunday, January 2 Wild Lights Holiday Train Zoo Miami Visit the Zoo at night Fridays thru Sundays for a special holiday event featuring animal shaped lights, music and more! 7–11pm. 12400 SW 152 St. Miami. 305-255-5551. www.zoomiami.org Saturday, December 18 Handel’s Messiah Arsht Center -Knight Concert Hall Seraphic Fire and the Firebird Chamber Orchestra return to the Knight Concert Hall to give their annual performance. Now a Miami tradition, Messiah has been performed for sold-out crowds since 1742, and this year will be no different. $15–$150. 8pm. 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 305-949-6722. www.arshtcenter.org Saturday–Thursday December 18 –30 Winter Nights & Lights Miami Seaquarium Complete with nightly snowfall, a Kids Winterfest, extended park hours & Holiday themed shows & exhibits. The show will light up the Holidays with colorfully illuminated sculptures of reef fish, flamingos, dolphins, seals, sea lions, killer whales and other marine friends. Come early & enjoy your favorite shows. Stay late for new Holiday spectaculars: “Flipper & the Nutcracker” & “Salty Saves the Holidays.” Also enjoy Top Deck’s Holiday Cruise, a seasonal classic. Gates open from 9: 30am–8pm(daily,) Dec 24 & 25 park will close at 6pm. 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy. Key Biscayne. 305-361-5705x225. www.miamiseaquarium.com Saturday, December 18 Thru Sunday, January 2 Winter Wonder Island Jungle Island Jungle Island brings winter dreams to life this holiday season. The jungle will be transformed with a magical snowfall, a special holiday-themed show, and of course, photos with the big man himself - Santa Claus. There also will be games, activities & seasonal treats for kids of all ages. Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami. 305-400-7000. www.jungleisland.com Sunday, December 19 Holiday Bay Cruise Deering Estate at Cutler Bay Cruises are offered on the “Pelican Island Skipper,” a 45-foot Corinthian Catamaran. The boat will depart from the Deering Estate and explore the waters of Biscayne Bay. A Deering Education & Interpretive Staff Member will educate passengers on birds, sea mammals, Native Americans, and early pioneers. 2–4pm (please arrive at 1:30pm). $35pp. All ages are welcome. Space is limited. Res req. 16701 SW 72 Ave. Miami. 305-235-1668. www.deeringestate.org Aventura Mall -Center Court Kids will have a blast riding the Holiday Train over & over in the beautifully decorated Center Court. 1 ticket/$2; 4 tickets/$6; 9 tickets/$12; 15 tickets/$20. 19501 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura. www.aventuramall.com Thru Sunday, January 2, 2011 Winter Holiday Fun @ The Library Holiday Stories & Crafts Thursday, December 9 11–11:30am. Stories, crafts & more. West Dade Regional, 9445 Coral Way. Miami. 305-553-1134 Santa’s Enchanted Forest Celebrate Winter: Toddler Storytime Tropical Park 11–11:30am. Stories & crafts. Coral Gables Branch, 3443 Segovia St. Coral Gables. 305-442-8706 An enchanting holiday wonderland filled with rides, food & an impressive array of lighting displays. 5pm–Midnight. Adult/$24.30; Child/ $16.82. Season tickets available. 7900 SW 40 St. (Bird Rd), Miami. 305-559-9689. www.santasenchantedforest.com Thru Sunday, January 2, 2011 Cirque du Soleil: Kooza Bicentennial Park Kooza combines two circus traditions acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. It’s your last chance to see Kooza in No. America before it heads to Japan. Times vary. $35–$255. Bicentenial Park, Under the blue & yellow Grand Chapiteau. Biscayne Blvd. & NE 3 St. downtown Miami. 800-450-1480. www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza Thru Friday, December 24 Meet Santa & Photos Friday, December 10 Holiday Puppet Show Saturday, December 11 3–3:45pm. Puppets, stories & more. Homestead Branch, 700 N Homestead Blvd. Homestead. 305-246-0168 Holiday Storytime Saturday, December 11 3–3:30pm. Stories, crafts & more. For children ages 5–12 years. Res req. Kendale Lakes Branch, 15205 SW 88 St. Miami. 305-388-0326 Holiday Storytime Tuesday, December 14 10–10:30am. Stories, crafts & more. Palm Springs No. Branch, 17601 NW 78 Ave. Miami. 305-820-8564 Holiday Arts & Crafts Wednesday, December 15 10–11am. Crafts and activities to celebrate the Holidays for toddler, preschool & elementary school age children. Hialeah Gardens Branch, 1300 NW 87 Ct. Hialeah Gardens. 305-820-8520 Celebrate Safe Toys & Gifts Month Wednesday, December 15 Aventura Mall -Santa’s Village, Fountain Court Have your photo taken with Santa at his village located near Bloomingdale’s. Mon–Fri: 11am–8pm, Sat: 10am–8pm, Sun: Noon–7pm. Santa will be feeding his reindeer daily at the posted time. A fee will be charged for photos with Santa.19501 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura. www.aventuramall.com Thru Sunday, December 26 Oliver! Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre One of the most beloved musicals of all time, Oliver! vividly brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more. Book, music & lyrics by Lionel Bart, based upon the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Times vary. $40–$48, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305-4449293. www.actorsplayhouse.org. www.mdpls.org Thru Friday, December 24 Santa’s House 3:30–4:30pm. Learn how to be safe while enjoying your gifts or toys. No. Dade Regional, 2455 NW 183rd St. Miami. 305-625-6424 Holiday Fun Saturday, December 18 11–11:45am. Stories, crafts & more. Sunset Branch, 10855 SW 72 St. Miami. 305-270-6368 Holiday Storytime Saturday, December 18 3–4pm. Celebrate the Holidays with stories, crafts and more. Virrick Park Branch, 3255 Plaza St. Miami. 305-442-7872 Holiday Stories & Crafts Saturday, December 18 3–4pm. Stories, crafts and films. Main Library, 101 W. Flagler St. Miami. 305-375-26 Holiday Sing Along Tuesday, December 21 4:30–5:30pm. Join Naranja Library Staff for an afternoon filled with your favorite holiday songs & feel free to sing along. Naranja Branch, 14850 SW 280 St. Naranja. 305-242-2290 Holiday Fun The Falls Shopping Center Thursday, December 23 Santa will take up residence at his home for the Holidays at “Santa’s House” in Center Court, where guests and their families may take photos with Santa. One million lights showcase giant animal topiaries of elephants, giraffes, dolphins and more throughout the Mall. Santa’s hours will be posted. 8888 SW 136 St. Miami. 305-255-4570 Celebrate Kwanzaa December 2010 • 3:30–4:30pm. Stories, crafts & more. Coconut Grove Branch, 2875 McFarlane Rd. Coconut Grove. 305-442-8695 Monday, December 27 7–8pm. Stories, crafts, & more. North Dade Regional, 2455 NW 183 St. Miami. 305-625-6424 www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 33 December Events Events are subject to change or may be cancelled or postponed without notice. It’s best to call and confirm. FAIRS & & FESTIVALS FESTIVALS FAIRS Cirque du Soleil: Kooza Friday, November 12– Sunday, January 2 The show starts with The Trickster bursting onto the scene like a jack-in-abox right in front of The Innocent, and that is just the first of many surprises to follow. The Innocent’s journey brings him into contact with a panoply of comic characters such as the King, the Trickster, the Pickpocket, the Obnoxious Tourist & his Bad Dog. Kooza combines two circus traditions - acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. It’s your last chance to see Kooza in North America before it heads to Japan. Times vary. $35–$255. Bicentenial Park, Under the blue & yellow Grand Chapiteau. 1-800-4501480. www.cirquedusoleil.com/kooza Art Basel Miami Beach + Art Kids Daycare Thursday–Sunday, December 2–5 This international art show and American sister event of Art Basel in Switzerland is recognized as the most important annual art show of its kind in America. Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Art Kids is a daycare center for children with parents visiting Art Basel Miami Beach. During public show days (December 2–4, noon to 8pm & December 5, noon to 6pm), children enrolled in the program will participate in activities including arts & crafts, art history & storytelling, under the supervision of Miami Children’s Museum’s well-trained staff(call for( Advanced registration is highly recommended, as space is limited. Registration forms can be found at www.miamichildr ensmuseum.org. Either sign up online or fax the form to 305-373-5431). Art Basel/1-Day/ $36, Two-Days/$60, Permanent Pass/$75, Evening Ticket (valid from 4pm) )/20. Reduced 1-Day Ticket for Students w/ID, Seniors 62+, Groups of 10+ /$22. Under 16 (accompanied by an adult)/free. Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr. Miami Beach. 305-674-1292. www.artbaselmiamibeach.com Verge Art Fair Art Miami 2010 Friday–Sunday, December 3–5 Wednesday–Sunday, December 1–5 Art Miami is the longest running contemporary art fair in Miami. More than 80 international galleries will exhibit the best modern and contemporary paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography & prints from Europe, Asia, Latin America, India, the Middle East & the United States. 117pm. $15–$40. The Art Miami Pavilion-The Miami Midtown Arts District, Midtown Blvd (NE 1st Ave) between NE 32 & NE 31 Streets. Miami. www.art-miami.com Verge is an international platform for the most exciting and interesting new and emerging art. Verge exists to establish boundaries of the extraordinary as a counter to the natural compulsion towards stagnation in the way art is evaluated and delivered to the public. Dec 3 &4@Noon–8pm, Dec 5@Noon–6 pm. Adult/$10, student & senior/$5. The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, 1732 Collins Ave. Miami Beach. www.vergeartfair.com Ribfest Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5 So Fla’s largest annual barbecue & live music festival is fired-up with over a dozen grill masters competing to prove who has the best barbecue recipes. The 2-day food & music extravaganza showcases live performances by some of the hottest rock & country music artists; fun-filled activities at the Family Fun Zone; great food; arts & crafts vendors; classic car show; motorcycle rally; & more. Sat: 2–9pm, Sun: noon–6pm. $15pp. Under 10/Free. Parking/$5. No coolers allowed. Advanced special family packages@ www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. Homestead Air Reserve Park, SW 268 St (Moody Dr.) & SW 122 Ave. 305-668-4343x215. www.miamiribfest.com 34 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 DECEMBER EVENTS FAIRS & & FESTIVALS FESTIVALS FAIRS FAIRS & FESTIVALS Winter Nights and Lights Celebration Big Orange New Year’s Eve Celebration Saturday–Thursday, December 18–30 Complete with nightly snowfall, a Kids Winterfest, extended park hours and Holiday themed shows and exhibits, Winter Nights & Lights, will light up the Holidays with colorfully illuminated sculptures of reef fish, flamingos, dolphins, seals, sea lions, killer whales and other marine friends. Winter Nights & Lights will also feature a variety of Holiday themed shows after dark. Come early and enjoy your favorite shows. Stay late for our new Holiday spectaculars, “Flipper & the Nutcracker” and “Salty Saves the Holidays.” Also enjoy Top Deck’s Holiday Cruise, a seasonal classic. Fireworks finale. Gates are open from 9:30am–8pm. daily, except for December 24 and 25 when the park will close at 6pm. Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy, Miami. 305-3615705x225. www.miamiseaquarium.com Noon Year’s Eve Friday, December 31 Friday, December 31 Join the Funtastic Countdown just for kids! Games, arts & crafts, and plenty of fun! Make sure to be there for the countdown & balloon drop. This is free with paid admission to the museum & open to children of all ages & parents. 10am–3pm. Admission $15/pp, Under 1/Free. 3pm, Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy. Miami. 305-373-KIDS (5437) www.miamichildrensmuseum.org Orange Drive Friday, December 31 –Sunday, January 2 Miccosukee Indian Arts Festival Sun, Dec 26–Sun, Jan 2 Ocean Drive will officially be renamed Orange Drive for this exciting New Years celebration. Closed to vehicle traffic, the streets & beach will become one big party zone featuring food, concerts, kids’ festival, pep rally & more leading up to the Orange Bowl on January 3. Ticket prices TBA. Ocean Drive between 5th & 14th Streets, Miami Beach. 305-341-4700. www.orangedr.com Experience the color and pageantry of costumed Native Americans from all over the country at the Village. Arts, crafts, storytelling, fashion show, music, dance, native foods & more. 9:30am–5pm. Adult/$13, Child(7–12)$9, 6&Under/Free. Miccosukee Indian Village, Mile Marker 70 on US 41, Tamiami Trail, Miami. 305-925-2555. www.miccosukee.com A City of Miami tradition, the 35-foot neon Big Orange (one of the official time balls of our nation) will rise 400 feet to the top of the Hotel InterContinental Miami. Fireworks & a laser show round out the festivities. The Big Orange will start its climb at 6pm. Presented by the Greater Miami Host Committee & Hotel InterContinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza, Downtown Miami. 305-577-1000 Bayfront Park New Year’s Eve Friday, December 31 It’s time to ring in the New Year and Bayfront Park is the place to be for the largest Free party in south Florida! Disco Dance Party & count down to midnight with Miami’s own Big Orange. At the south end of the park, this New Year’s Eve icon will slowly ascend the side of the Hotel Intercontinental, reaching the top at midnight in conjunction with a grand display of fireworks shot over beautiful Biscayne Bay. Note: No bottles, cans, coolers, recording devices, or fireworks can be brought into the park. Bayfront Park, 301 No Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 8pm–midnight. 305-358-7550. www.bayfrontparkmiami.com City of Miami Beach New Year’s Eve Celebration Friday, December 31 Enjoy free fireworks at midnight on the beach as Miami Beach rings in the New Year. Ocean Drive & 8th St. Miami Beach. 305-673-7400. www.miamibeachfl.gov December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 35 DECEMBER EVENTS FAIRS & & FESTIVALS FESTIVALS FAIRS THEATER & SHOWS The Drowsy Chaperone Friday–Sunday, December 10–19 This musical boldly addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained. It all begins when a diehard musical-theater fan plays his favorite cast album on his turntable, and the musical literally bursts to life in his living room, telling the rambunctious tale of a brazen Broadway starlet trying to find, and keep, her true love. Times vary. $15pp. Alper JCC, Russell Theater, 11155 SW 112 Ave. Miami. 305-274-3595. www.miamichildrenstheater.com Fizz Peter Pan Friday–Monday, December 3–19 Friday–Saturday December 10–18 Gun-toting Southern belles, Rockettes, & insane soda execs all take part in this based-on-a-true-story comedy about one of history’s biggest flops - the creation of New Coke. WARNING: The play contains smoking & adult content!. $15–$40. New Theatre, 4120 Laguna St. Coral Gables. 305-443-5909. www.new-theatre.org One night in the Darling nursery, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell fly in through the window and whisk Wendy and her brothers out into the night. Off they go to the island of Neverland, where the children encounter the Lost Boys, the exotic princess Tiger Lily and the dreadful Captain Hook.Times vary. 12–$15. Coral Gables Youth Center Theater, 405 University Dr. Coral Gables. 305-274-3595. www.miamichildrenstheater.com A Christmas Carol Saturday, Dec. 4–Sunday, Dec. 20 The Charles Dickens classic takes a musical turn in this festive holiday favorite. Tiny Tim and the entire Cratchit family join 3 unearthly “Spirits” in trying to convince Ebeneezer Scrooge to change his “bah-humbug” ways. This is a fabulous musical adaptation written especially for family audiences that will warm your heart as it reveals the true meaning of the holidays. Times vary. $15pp. Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305-444-9293. www.actorsplayhouse.org. www.mdpls.org The Mammoth Follies Sunday, December 5 Miami Beach’s “Art in the Parks” is a free, family-friendly arts program at city parks. The Mammoth Follies is a dinosaur musical starring Hudson Vagabond Puppets.11am & 2pm. North Shore Open Space Park, Collins & 85 St. Miami Beach. 305-673-7730. www.miamibeachfl.gov 36 Miami Family Magazine • Forbidden Broadway Tuesday–Sunday, December 14–26 This long-running, Off-Broadway satirical revue began over a decade ago and has since spread around the world. Forbidden Broadway is a musical comedy revue that satirizes Broadway’s biggest shows & stars with parody lyrics set to popular tunes. With its rapid-fire delivery, 10 to 20 musical sketches within the course of 60-minutes & its huge array of costumes & prop gags, this is a small show that creates a huge impact. $45. Times vary. Arsht Center for Performing Arts - Carnival Studio Theater,1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 305-949-6722. www.arshtcenter.org Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Thru Sunday, December 19 The PlayGround Theatre’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland adds a tropical twist to a familiar story. Lewis Carroll’s Alice is a 19th century 7-year-old who lives in the English countryside. The PlayGround’s Alice is a 21st century 11-year-old who lives in metropolitan Miami, Florida. While you watch Alice tackle the challenges of an ever-changing dream world, look for costumes, sounds, objects, and images that infuse the classic fairytale with contemporary life. Recommended for the whole family. Times vary. $20. The PlayGround Theatre, 9806 NE 2 Ave. Miami Shores. 305-751-9550. www.theplaygroundtheatre.com. www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 Photo courtesy of Miami City Ballet from George Ballanchine’s the Nutcracker DECEMBER EVENTS FAIRS & & FESTIVALS FESTIVALS FAIRS THEATER & SHOWS Oliver! Thru Sunday, December 26 One of the most beloved musicals of all time, Oliver! vividly brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more. Book, music & lyrics by Lionel Bart, based upon the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Times vary. $40–$48. Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305-4449293. www.actorsplayhouse.org The Nutcracker Saturday, December 4 Thomas Armour Youth Ballet presents this timeless holiday classic. 7pm. $10–$25. Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler St. 305-547-5414. www.thomasarmouryouthballet.org Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida: The Nutcracker St. Petersburg Classic Ballet’s: The Nutcracker Saturday, December 4 Saturday, December 11 7:30pm. $22–$75. Olympia TheaterGusman Theater for the Performing Arts, 174 E. Flagler St. Miami 305-374-2444. International Artists Series presents this timeless holiday season classic. $17–$70. 8pm. Miami Dade County Auditorium, 2901 W. Flagler St. Miami. 305-547-5414. www.ticketmaster.com Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Friday–Sunday, December 10–12 Tuesday–Sunday, December 28–January 2 Dec 10 & 11@7pm, Dec 12@3pm Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188 St. Aventura. 305-466-8002 Lush, romantic & enchanting, the Broadway musical for all generations, is coming to Miami for a special limited holiday engagement! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this classic musical love story is an eye-popping spectacle that has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. Times vary. $25–$84. Arsht Center for Performing Arts - Ziff Ballet Opera House,1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 305-949-6722. www.arshtcenter.org Snowflakes, sugarplums, naughty little boys, & magical dolls! The charm of the holidays fascinates all audiences. Tchaikovsky’s popular score & the engaging choreography by renowned Ballet Master Vladimir Issaev -- from the fun of the party scene, to the harrowing battle scene, to the enchanting kingdom of the sweets -- is guaranteed to entertain any age. www.artsballettheatre.org December 2010 • Miami City Ballet: George Ballanchine’s The Nutcracker Fridays–Thursdays, Dec. 17–19 & 21–23 Miami City Ballet presents George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. This delightful holiday season family event features a cast of more than 100 professional dancers & talented students from Miami City Ballet School. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 NE Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 877.929-7010. www.miamicityballet.org www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 37 DECEMBER EVENTS MUSIC & CONCERTS Sunday Afternoons of Music: Elmar Oliveira Mannheim Steamroller Sunday, December 19 Grammy award winning composer/ musician Chip Davis is one of the most successful innovators and entrepreneurs in music today. More than 25 years ago, he transformed popular instrumental music by introducing what has become known as the New Age Music genre. By mixing pop music with classical and rock styles, he has given new life to country music and rejuvenated Christmas music with the release of his best-selling series of holiday albums. 7pm. $40–$80. Arsht Center for Performing Arts-Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 305-949-6722. www.arshtcenter.org Unsurpassed in his combination of elegance & impeccable artistry, Elmar Oliveira is one of the most distinguished violinists in the world today. He has consistently expanded repertoire boundaries as a champion of both contemporary music & rarely-heard works of the past. He is devoted to the development of young artists, & enthusiastic about the art of modern violin makers. 3pm. Adult/$35, Student/ $10. Gusman Hall - University of Miami, 1314 Miller Dr. Coral Gables. 305-2717150. www.sundaymusicals.org Handel’s Messiah Saturday, December 18 Hallelujah! Messiah, Handel’s most enduring classic and a timeless holiday tradition, becomes a part of The Arsht Center’s end-of-year holiday celebration. Rejoice! Miami’s critically acclaimed chamber choir, Seraphic Fire makes its debut with orchestra. The voices of this young ensemble have been compared to a choir of angels. 8pm. $15–$150. Arsht Center for Performing Arts-Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 305-949-6722. www.arshtcenter.org Sunday, December 26 MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS Susan Rothenberg: Moving in Place Sunday, November 7–March 6, 2011 This exhibition features the artist’s first museum show in over a decade, first exhibition in So. Fla. It includes a select group of 25 paintings ranging from Rothenberg’s early horse paintings of the mid-1970s to her most recent body of work, and explores a number of central motifs that have occurred throughout her 35-year career. Tues–Fri: 10am–5pm, Sat & Sun: Noon–5pm. Adult/$8, Child under 12/Free. Second Saturdays/Free. Miami Art Museum, 101 West Flagler St. Miami. 305-375-3000. www.miamiartmuseum.org African-American Art: Works On Paper Saturday, November 13 – January 16, 2011 Selections from the Harmon & Harriet Kelley collection of African-American art provide a rare opportunity for the public to view master graphics spanning three centuries. The sixty-nine works in the exhibition include drawings, etchings, lithographs, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, gouaches, & screen prints by such noted artists as Henry Ossawa Tanner, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Elizabeth Catlett, and Alison Saar. Adult/$10, Student/$5. Lowe Art Museum -University of Miami, 1301 Stanford Dr. Coral Gables. 305-284-3535. www6.miami.edu/lowe Dino Island Through January 2, 2011 Enter the time machine and journey back 230 million years into the Jurassic & Cretaceous periods when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The exhibit will entertain and educate, as children learn about scale through an interactive light display, experience the magnitude of dinosaurs’ size with a life sized footprint, learn the difference between meat & plant eating dinosaurs, & discover the evolution of dinosaurs into birds, their closest living descendents. $15/pp, Under 1/Free. 10am–6pm, Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy. Miami. 305-373-KIDS (5437) www.miamichildrensmuseum.org 38 Miami Family Magazine • www.familymagazine.biz • December 2010 Plants & People: An Interactive Garden Doral Parenting Forum Monday, December 6 Dr. Marisa Azaret, Miami Children’s Hospital Psychologist, invites parents of children of all ages to a free forum every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the MCH Doral Center. Topics include: discipline in a technologybased world, self-esteem, & other issues that affect Hispanic parents & children. 7–8pm. Res req. (In Spanish) MCH Doral Center, 3601 NW 107 Ave. Doral. 305-279-9990. www.mch.com Tuesday, December 7 Unearthing a world of experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s. Early to mid-stage patients and their caregivers will be treated to lunch and an exclusive and interactive tram tour of Fairchild. Free/limited seating. Res req/(one week in advance). 11:30am. Support is generously provided by Lin Lougheed, the Aaron I. Fleischman Foundation, & the Alzheimer’s Association. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd. Coral Gables. 305-667-1651x3388. www.fairchildgarden.org Ballroom Dance w/ Lessons Mondays, in December Have a lot of fun with line dances, mixers, swing, disco, tango, waltz, cha-cha, merengue, rumba, fox-trot, mambo, polka. $2/donation. 7–9:30pm (lessons from 7: 30–8pm). St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church, 7410 SW 72 St, Miami. 305-667-7715 Wednesday, December 8 Meet the Singer/Author: Judy Collins Tuesday, December 14 Judy Collins will be appearing to promote her enchanting picture book Over the Rainbow and 3-song CD set, featuring Judy Collins’ version of the beloved song that Judy Garland made famous. Working on this project gave Collins “great pleasure.” She was named after Judy Garland 4 months before “Over the Rainbow” came out on the radio in 1939. Her parents adored the song and played it at home, over and over, so it became little Judy’s favorite lullaby. 1pm. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave. Coral Gables. 305-442-4408 Drumming for Wellness Sunday, December 12 Back Country Kayak Fishing Ongoing You will be accompanied by an expert guide while fishing from a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 fishing kayak along the shallow western shoreline of Biscayne Bay. Targeted fish include barracuda, redfish, bonefish, snook, tarpon, & permit. $85. Res Req. Matheson Hammock Park & Marina, 9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Black Point Park & Marina, 24775 SW 87 Ave. Homestead, Convoy Point (Biscayne National Park), 9700 SW 328 St. Homestead, Crandon Park Marina, 4000 Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne. 305-365-3018. www.miamidade.gov/ecoadventures CPR Class Rock to Jeffrey Deen’s rhythm each month as he performs on various percussion instruments from around the world, Jeffrey captivates his audience and then invites them to join the fun by handing out a drum to each member. Admission. $15/pp, Under 1/Free. 2pm, Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy. Miami. 305-373-KIDS (5437) www.miamichildrensmuseum.org This course in Pediatric CPR teaches parents, grandparents & caregivers how to administer CPR to infants & children. Conducted in Spanish. 6–8 pm. Reg req. Miami Children’s-Blue Lagoon Center, 6101 Blue Lagoon Dr. Miami. 305-662-8282. www.mch.com The Oscar Project -A Child Caregiver Education Program Saturday, December 4 This course is designed to educate child caregivers & provide them with the skills and critical information necessary to handle crisis situations involving children in their care. The following topics will be covered during the course: infant & child CPR, pool & water safety, infant/ child choking, injury prevention, first aid, basic childcare, kitchen & bathroom safety, outdoor safety, poison control & emergency management. Reg req. 9am–4pm. Miami Children’s Hospital, 3100 SW 62 Ave, Miami. 305-205-3315. www.mch.com. www.oscarproject.org CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS E-mail: [email protected] To view calendar online: www.familymagazine.biz • Events are listed on a space available basis. • Preference is given to non- profit or community based events and events of broad appeal to families. • Include the name of the event, location, address, day & date, time, brief description, cost and a telephone contact for the public • Items must be submitted by the 15th of the month prior to the event month December 2010 • www.familymagazine.biz • Miami Family Magazine 39 DECEMBER EVENTS MCH EVENTS FUN ACTIVITIES PARTY SECTION ��������� ��������� ������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ 40 ��� ���� ��� ���� �������� ���� ������ ������ ��� ������� ���������� ��� �� ���������� ����� ������ �������� ��������� ���� ������� ������ ���� ���� ����������� ��������� ����� ���� ������� ������� ������ �������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Family Magazine www.familymagazine.biz September 2009 ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ • •