KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
If it weren’t for a Polish pastry, I might not exist. When my great-grandmother Karolina Stelmach was a teenager in a small village in Poland, she was told she’d be entering an arranged marriage. But her heart belonged to Sylvester Nowakowski. So she left... on her own, by boat... and made her way to America. She found work in a restaurant, where
she made her family’s signature dessert: chrusciki. One day, a “distinguished gentleman” insisted on meeting the pastry chef, and he offered her a better-paying job in his own kitchen. She took it, saved enough to bring Sylvester over, and they married. Which means if chrusciki didn’t exist, neither would I. Stories like this do more than entertain. According to psychologist Robyn Fivush, interviewed on a recent episode of the Hidden Brain podcast, they help kids develop
identity, resilience, and self-worth. The more children know about their family’s past—not just the “big” stories like crossing oceans, but even the day-to-day moments and struggles—the more connected and grounded they become. Fivush and her colleagues at Emory University found that kids who know more family stories have higher self-esteem, greater emotional understanding, and a stronger sense of meaning and purpose. But it’s not just the information that matters...it’s the telling. When we sit
down and share what came before, we help kids feel like they’re part of something bigger, and that they belong. No AI can replicate that. A chatbot can write a story, sure. But it can’t tell your kids how Grandma’s meatloaf could’ve doubled as a construction material, or how two little girls in the 1950s turned a couple of ice cream cones into a front-porch endurance contest. So this year, make a point of telling your kids about your family's shared history:
about mistakes, about perseverance, about love, about dessert. Connection doesn’t have to be complicated: Just pull up a chair, pass the cookies, and pass down the stories.
—Debra Ross, publisher |
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Our 2026 Juried Artist Member Exhibition is on the horizon—submissions are now open. Join us for the opening night of our JAM Exhibition! JAM (Juried Artist Member) is an exhibit that showcases the best of our Artist Members at First Coast Cultural Centers.
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Ringling’s The Greatest Show On Earth combines jaw-dropping moments, world-class performances and incredible sights, carrying the legacy of the classic circus that has toured the globe for over 100 years. The long-reigning spectacle swung back into the center ring starting in 2023, and their latest exhibition features classic crowd-pleasing acts alongside modern surprises and stunts. Accompanied by state-of-the-art special effects and set to a pop music playlist combining today’s biggest hits and original tracks, Ringling’s The Greatest Show On Earth offers a fresh and unforgettable take on the time-honored, all-ages circus experience.
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In celebration of Arbor Day, the City of Green Cove Springs, alongside the Green Cove Springs Garden Club, invites the public to a special ceremony and tree planting event. The ceremony will culminate in the planting of a tree on Clay County Habitat's grounds, honoring the cherished memory of GCS Garden Club member, Linda Olson.
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Shanghai Circus: Amazing Acrobats is a top performance troupe famous for delivering top performers with excellent skills, dare-devil acts and a harmonious combination of various kinds of performing arts. The show begins by honoring the essence of the old historic Shanghai Culture and transports you to current Shanghai through the dynamic artists’ dazzling performances which include mystifying acts of strength, colorful dance, breathtaking acrobatics mixed with many charismatic personalities.
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Children learn about flower arranging with the Late Bloomers Garden Club. Budding Gardeners is aimed at children in grades 1-6 to discover gardening, conservation, and wildlife through interactive programs, crafts, and outdoor projects. Children and their parents or caregivers collaborate during a morning of healthy and fun activities. Each registration includes one parent and child.
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In a continued celebration of local artists, the Beaches Museum is proud to present the work of Scotie Cousin. Step into The World Thru Scotie Cousin’s Eyes, a dynamic exhibit that showcases beloved works aside explorations into new mediums, all united by his unmistakable signature style. Come experience Scotie’s energy, creativity, and vision firsthand, and you won’t see the world the same way again. Kids ages 6-10 are invited to join artist Scotie Cousin for a hands-on creative adventure! Participants will create collaborative artwork, learn unique art techniques, and take home a special coloring page inspired by Scotie’s designs. Pre-registration is required and space is limited–reserve your spot today!
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For the first time ever, Southeast Eurofest and Volksfest are joining forces to create ONE EPIC celebration of European automotive excellence right here at the Classic Car Museum of St. Augustine. This collaboration brings together two beloved events into a single, unforgettable gathering you won't want to miss! This is the perfect pit stop for European car lovers and classic car enthusiasts alike. Also be sure to take a stroll through our indoor, air-conditioned Museum filled with 100+ classic cars, memorabilia and vintage treasures!
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Colors of the Wild is back with an all-NEW collection of stunning lanterns you’ve never seen before! This year’s journey takes you from the depths of the ocean to the vast African savanna, then into the realm of mystical creatures from Asia, all illuminated in breathtaking detail. As twilight falls, wander through a shimmering Winter Wonderland filled with sparkling lights and seasonal magic that adds a cozy, festive glow to the evening. Each lantern invites you to explore stories of wildlife, myth and the natural world, celebrating the beauty and wonder that connect us all.
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- Juried Artist Member (JAM) Exhibtion - First Coast Cultural Center - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Friday, January 16, 2026, 5:30pm - 7pm
- City of Green Cove Springs Arbor Day Ceremony - Green Cove Springs, FL, Friday, January 16, 2026, 9:00AM
- Story Time with Ms. Dearsha - Story & Song
Arts - Story & Song Center for Arts - Fernandina Beach, FL, Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10:30am - 11:30am
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Winter is here and fun options for families just keep getting better! Whether you stick with what you love or decide to try something new, KidsOutAndAbout has plenty of ideas. From Ice skating, kid-friendly museums, indoor play centers, and outdoor
activities to thinking ahead to next year's school options - we've got you covered.
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EXPERIENCES create memories much more than stuff does. As you're considering gifts for family and friends, consider giving the gift of a family membership to one of our local attractions in and around Jacksonville. Here are local organizations that offer
memberships.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Jacksonville area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Jacksonville Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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