Summer is a time for taking a break from the usual rigor of our daily lives and taking a little “me-time” to do the things you always say that you want to. I know most of us don’t really get a “summer break”, but it is a time to reorganize how we manage our time, so why not organize in those activities that pique your interest? I know it’s hot, but get outside a little more. Sweating equals weight loss, right? Most Americans could use a little of that. This issue of EU is about getting out and doing.
At first we made this the SummerTeens issue because everyone worries about what the kids will have to do (and especially what teenagers will do to get into trouble) but as we started thinking about activities for teenagers, we realized that we all need to get out and get more active. And there are plenty of activities around town that are as interested in you getting involved as there are activities you are interested in getting involved in.
So whether it is volunteering to help a local charity or non-profit organization that shares some of your social goals, getting involved with a sports team for the summer, meeting new people in new ways, or jumping out of airplanes, the important thing is that you get out there. EU sent our writers all over town to find the best ways for you to get active this summer, even if you don’t need to lose the weight.
by donald dusinberre imartsyfartsy@gmail.com
Summer has always been the time of year when we put our minds on fun and relaxation. Sometimes we get a little too attached to the relaxation part of it and lose the opportunity to get some exercise for our bodies and our brains.
If you live near the beaches, then you will most likely spend quite a bit of time under the sun and in the sand. But don’t forget that you also have easy access to the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach. Offering arts education programs, art appreciation programs, and community outreach programs, the Cultural Center is capable of enriching your life and your community through the arts. Go ahead and work on that tan, but don’t forget to work on your mind.
Participating in the arts can make a community more attractive, more aware and more dynamic. Since 1994, the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach has been a nonprofit organization committed to keeping the arts strong in the community. They have an art gallery that features photography, paintings and drawings from the Jacksonville area’s finest artists. The gallery is free and open to the public.
Not only do they have a gallery, they also conduct a plethora of classes, workshops, lectures and exhibitions for children and adults. Classes include watercolor painting, landscape oil painting, acrylic painting, basic drawing, pastels, poetry, glass and sculpture, figure sculpture, yoga, tai chi, ballroom dancing, crochet, foreign languages, and culinary arts. Fall classes begin in early September, and spring classes begin in January.
For children ages 4 – 10, the Cultural Center hosts a Summer Arts Camp where participants can learn to make artwork from a variety of materials, learn the basics of martial arts, and turn food into art and back again. There will also be acting and writing lessons.
For teens and pre-teens age 11 – 15, the Cultural Center offers advanced workshops at their Summer Arts Camp. With a sculpture workshop, private instrument and voice lessons, and dance lessons, there’s plenty of enriching activities for anyone.
The Summer Camp activities will be organized in conjunction with the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, the Ponte Vedra Ballet & Dance Company, and the Riverside Fine Arts Association.
If you plan on taking advantage of some of the programs offered by the Cultural Center, then consider becoming a member. Memberships serve two purposes: First, they help fund programs offered to the community. Second, they allow members to participate in the Cultural Center programs at a reduced rate.
To become a member, sign up for classes, or register your child for Summer Camp, call (904) 280-0614 xt 204, or check out the Cultural Center website at ccpvb.org.
by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
From Japan to Jacksonville, you can find organized groups of people dressing like it’s 1376. They make mead the old-fashioned way, don full armor and dream of better days- when people settled things with swords. These folks are part of the SCA, better known as the Society for Creative Anachronism. It’s creative because they tend to leave out all the icky stuff that happened in bygone times, like plagues and burning people at the stake. Instead, they focus on fashion, swordplay and largely romanticized versions of history. That’s not to say that there aren’t those in the SCA who yearn for absolute historical accuracy, but most of these folks are out to have a good time with history.
If you’d like to get into the local chapter of the SCA, you might want to go to Riverside Park on Sunday afternoon from about 1 pm – 4 pm. Every week the Shire of Castlemere (our Jacksonville chapter) meets for fighter practice in the Southeastern corner of the park on the corner of Park Street and Post Street in Five Points.
If you want more details on the rules and regulations (what to wear, how to act) visit sca.org and click on the newcomers link.
The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is a not-for-profit educational organization devoted to the study of pre-seventeenth century Western Culture. It concentrates on the European Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with members working to recreate the arts and skills of this era. Some members study the Middle East and explore the interaction between Europe and Asia during the period under study. The SCA was incorporated in 1968, but recognizes a tournament held in Berkeley, California on May 1, 1966 as its founding date.
by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Bowling undeniably has its own culture and competitive spirit. On any given weeknight, you can walk into Jacksonville’s Bowl America and see what I mean. Since there are bowling alleys near almost every neighborhood, it isn’t difficult to find one close to you.
Different days of the week accommodate different types of bowlers, with serious leagues dominating on a particular day of the week. Most leagues are built around age groups or interests and divided by the skill level of the participants, and if you take a look at the crowd, you’ll see retirees, lawyers, doctors, mechanics and entire families.
There are all kinds of leagues in place at the various alleys. Some are family based, but others, like the Socialites League, cater to folks who like to eat, drink and be merry. With youth, senior and the various themed leagues, you’re bound to find a group that will appeal to you. Even if your place of business doesn’t have a team, you can still join one. All you need to do is go up front and ask. Most of the time they have a form at the shoe rental counter that you can fill out. Leagues start with the seasons, and we’re already a few weeks in, but there are always teams still looking for players to fill in the gaps.
The cost of starting is $18 for a UBC membership plus an additional $13 – 20 for weekly dues, depending on the league. The dues go toward league and team prizes. Many teams and leagues divide the winnings by awarding cash prizes or with gift certificates. Although you can still get in for this season, the fall season starts either the last week in August or the beginning of September. Visit the Bowl America website at bowl-america.com, or call the location nearest you.
by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
When I first mentioned to my editor that I might like to skydive for a story, he was pretty clear that it wasn’t an assignment and that any ensuing death or paralysis was all my doing. My husband, who feels that bungee jumping is a safe activity, simply asked me why I would jump out of a perfectly good airplane. Although I’m oddly comfortable with the idea of stepping out of a plane soaring thousands of feet above the earth with a man strapped to my back, I would never bungee jump. I’ve just seen too many Road Runner cartoons. Anything involving what is essentially a giant rubber band never ends well for Wile E. Coyote.
Maybe it isn’t the best idea to make life-altering decisions based on a cartoon, but as long as they didn’t pack an anvil instead of a parachute, everything would be just fine.
And it was, which is why I’m not dead and writing this now.
I wasn’t really all that nervous on the way up. I’d already considered my death, plus, the law and safety rules pretty much require that you jump tandem on your first time. This is a good idea because skydiving is one sport where it’s best if you don’t make mistakes. (If at first you don’t succeed…splat!) Tandem means, as I mentioned, that you’re going to have a man strapped to your back (an experience that may or may not be familiar to you). That man is responsible for all the fun stuff, like checking his personal altimeter, pulling the ‘chute cord and steering you down. Even if your new bestest friend passes out, there’s a safety mechanism in place that tells a computer to release the parachute.
I was feeling just a tad queasy when we took the step out of the plane. It wasn’t what I expected. Here we were, hurtling towards the earth, and I didn’t feel like I was falling; I didn’t get that stomach-in-your-shoes, stomach-in-your-throat feeling you get from an elevator. It felt, actually, something like what flying might feel like.
Although you’re only supposed to be falling for about a minute before the chute billows out, it feels like a dreamtime infinity. When the chute does catch, you’re jerked a little and gravity becomes a reality again. You’re no longer flying. When the chute opens, it feels more like a controlled fall. My tandem buddy worked the lines on the ‘chute, and we did circles in the air, looping down. When the chute was open it felt more like a ride at the fair.
As we came down, I remembered to lift my legs up and let my tandem buddy handle the touch down. As soon as we touched down, I was promptly sick, mostly on my shoes.
I’d definitely do it again.
To book your skydiving experience, call 1-(888) JUMP-JAX. The facility is just past the main entrance of Herlong Airport on Normandy.
by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
On any given Friday or Saturday night at the Crop Shoppe, you’ll find more than a dozen women busily trading ideas and showing each other pictures. These women are part of a legion of dedicated scrapbookers in the area, and they’re busily creating a special place for memories and artistically-crafted gifts that will mean something to it’s recipient, far more than some prepackaged gift.
Scrapbooking might not seem like the most athletic thing to do in Jacksonville, but the scrapbooking community is very active here, especially in Orange Park and Mandarin. Mandarin is where you’ll find the Crop Shoppe, a huge locally owned shop with all your scrapbooking needs.
Throughout the month of July, the Crop Shoppe will host various events and workshops, including “Get Your Doodle On!” (July 11th), Basic Scrapping Techniques (July 12th), Stamping (July 18th), and Mother-Daughter Scrapbooking (July 28th). These special events and workshops cost anywhere from $5 – $35, and many require supplies. Call ahead to reserve a spot and find out what you’ll need.
The fee for weekly crops is $5 per session, a cheap price for scrapbook camaraderie and a large space away from the chaos of home. Often, scrapbookers find it easier to surprise their significant other and their kids with a finished scrapbook because they save the work for crop nights.
The weekly crops are held on Fridays from 6 pm – midnight and Saturdays from 4 pm – 10 pm. You do need to call to reserve your seat. Fridays fill up quickly (book 2 weeks in advance) but it’s possible to get in at the last minute on a Saturday, since those don’t book as quickly.
The Crop Shoppe is located at 10584 Old St. Augustine Road. Call (904) 260-4330 to book a weekly crop or scheduled class.
by donald dusinberre imartsyfartsy@gmail.com
Softball is a sport made for so many people. It gives people the chance to play a game with their spouse. It provides an opportunity to get out of the house and make new friends. For me, it’s a chance to relive my youthful dreams of baseball stardom, not to mention shed a few dozen unwanted pounds. By the way, I’m still working on both.
If you’ve never played softball, then you’ve just arrived here from Papua New Guinea. Welcome to America. Of course, it’s similar to baseball in a thousand ways, but its rules and speed of play are friendly to all ages. The ball is bigger and yes, softer, which makes it easier to hit and field. Pitching is slower, making strikeouts scarce and hits common. There are some leagues in which the players and teams are fiercely competitive, but for the most part, everyone plays for the fun of it.
In Jacksonville, Florida’s First Coast ASA Softball is a softball organization organized by the city. This American Softball Association softball league has leagues all over the First Coast, from Baker County to Flagler County. Providing structure to the game for kids, men and women, FFCASA operates on numerous fields throughout the area, supplying umpires, scorekeepers, and making sure the fields are safe for play.
No matter what your age or skill level, there’s a league for you, from the ultra-competitive to the “just for fun.” Businesses and social groups organize many of the teams, while others are simply comprised of friends and acquaintances. There is always room for one more player. I joined a team and didn’t know anyone at all.
To learn more about playing in a softball league, go to ffcsoftball.com. There is a wealth of information that will help you fit right in on your new team. Dust off that old glove and get active again.
by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
If you’re looking for a good way to meet new people and get in a workout, look no further than Jacksonville Indoor Sports, where the athlete and the beginner can join a team or take part in a pickup game. The 55,000 square-foot center offers a variety of sports, some conventional, some not so much.
Famed dodge ball champion Patches O’Houlihan once said “If you’re going to become true dodge-ballers, then you’ve got to learn the five d’s of dodge ball: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge!” You’re guaranteed to master the five d’s after a season of adult coed dodge ball at Jacksonville Indoor Sports. The 7-week season begins on July 18th, with leagues at the recreational and intermediate levels. Each team will play one match a week on Wednesday evenings. After the regular season, single elimination playoffs will determine which team is number one. Register now to join a league. The price is $575 for a team of 15 players or $60 for individuals. This popular callback to the school yard fills up fast, so sign up soon to get in on the action.
Even the most dedicated player has to admit it’s a little too hot to play volleyball at the beach. Beat the heat by taking the competition inside on one of Jax Indoor Sport’s 6 volleyball courts. Registration for the fall session, which starts on September 25th, begins in July. Coed teams of four (intermediate-level players) and teams of 6 (recreational) will have a 7-week season followed by playoffs, with each team playing once a week. For pricing for teams or individuals, sign up at jacksonvillescene.com to be added to the volleyball waiting list. If waiting two months is too long, take part in a pickup game at the facility on Friday evenings or all day Saturday and Sunday. At just $7 for a single admission or $35 a month for unlimited drop-in games, this is an inexpensive alternative to taking part in the leagues.
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and is continuing to grow in popularity in the US. Men have the opportunity to see what all the fuss is about with the men’s Thursday night soccer league, which begins their 8 week season on July 19th. Seven teams will take part in the season, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs. The league will only hold seven teams, so if you would like to participate, you must call to reserve your spot as soon as possible. The cost for each team of 10 is $550 plus tax and $55 for each additional player. Ladies can also give soccer a try during drop-in and pickup games, which take place Friday evenings and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 pm.
If you’ve dreamed of being like Mike, basketball is yet another sport offered at Jacksonville Indoor Sports. While league play is already underway, you can still get your dunk on at pickup games each Friday evening and all day long on Saturdays and Sundays.
Jacksonville ICE, an ice sports and recreational center, is housed in the same facility. Here, kids of all ages can try their hand at ice skating during public sessions or the Learn to Skate program. But, the big attraction for sports lovers is hockey, and Jacksonville ICE has teams for everyone. Kids ages 3 to 17 can join the Junior Barracudas, which begins their regular season in the fall. Registration is on August 18th, with practices beginning on the 25th. Adult hockey players have a much shorter wait. Registration has begun the summer leagues, whose season runs from July 8th to August 10th. The season fee is $200 and space is limited so sign up today. Finally, if you’re a woman who’s pretty good on skates, consider trying out for the Jacksonville Breakers, a local women’s hockey team that brought home the league championship back in 2004-2005. Tryouts will be held late summer. Keep an eye on jacksonvillebreakers.com for exact dates and times.
Taking part in team sports gives people a chance to get social, get active and try new things. Jacksonville Indoor Sports and Jacksonville ICE give local sports enthusiasts an all-inclusive place to meet and compete. For more information on Jacksonville Indoor Sports and what they have to offer, visit jaxindoorsports.com or call (904) 346-3WIN. For info on Jacksonville ICE, visit jaxiceskating.com or call (904) 399-3223.
by jon bosworth jaxvillain@yahoo.com
With gas prices nearing three dollars, the climb in oil prices does not show any sign of slowing. Although a great deal of hubbub is being made about alternative fuels, there is one sustainable resource that makes a glaring impact on the oil struggle. Pedal power.
Clif Lee is the regional manager for Cycle Spectrum. He is also an avid biker. The “bicycle guy” in his circle, which includes a number of other area cyclists, Lee rides bikes everyday.
“I ride bikes everyday for my job and I try to ride a couple times a week in my free time. I don’t have a set schedule,” said Lee.
From the managers of his stores to his assortment of friends in the San Marco, Riverside, and Downtown area, Lee knows many of the people at the core of Jacksonville’s urban biking scene.
Before the biking bug struck, Lee went to school to become and auto mechanic but found he preferred working with bicycles.
“There is more steady work in bicycles and it’s actually fun. The customers aren’t mad at you because their car is broken. Bicycling is recreational, people want to do it.”
I caught up with Lee after work to pick his brain about the local biking scene.
EU: What kinds of biking is there around Jacksonville?
CL: There’s road biking, BMX parks or skate parks you can ride BMX in, and trail biking, or off-road biking, in Hanna and Westside Regional Park. The best road biking would be on the Baldwin Trail, a railroad track that has been converted to a bike road.
EU: If someone wants to get into a biking group, where do they look?
CL: Go to North Florida Bicycling Club online or check with the various shops for novice rides to experienced rides. There’s also family biking and all-around biking groups. North Florida Bicycling Club is the best place to look. (nfbc.us)
EU: Do you ever find out about group rides?
CL: Through our store? Not too much. We don’t have a lot of people that ride from our store. We usually send them to other shops. Open Road has some sessions and UNF has a club as well.
EU: What is the deal with fixed gear bikes?
CL: (laughing) You had to ask me that. I don’t know, it’s a simple bike, you know, nothing can go wrong with it. It’s good for commuters, good transportation. Its a fad right now, but it’s not good for people with bad knees, for sure. Anyone that gets a fixed gear should get brakes put on them in case of stop signs or emergencies.
EU: What are some of the other new bicycle trends around town?
CL: I’ve seen a lot more of the BMX kids out doing flat land and street ramps and stuff. They’re always up at Metro park and at the Riverwalk around Friendship Fountain.
EU: What sides of town are especially good for bicycling?
CL: There’s a lot of bicycling activity on San Jose, vehicles need to be more aware of that fact. A1A from the beach to St. Augustine has a good lane now. Down 17 has a nice off-street path for all users, runners, bike riders, all types. It’s probably the safest one, besides the Baldwin Trail.
EU: What’s the best starter bike?
CL: A comfort bike. Just get into cycling and see where you want to take it. You might just want to ride around the neighborhood or you might want to get some serious mileage. You can also do anything in a comfort bike, on road or off road, and be comfortable.
Cycle Spectrum has three locations in Jacksonville. Look for their stores in Jacksonville Beach, Flemming Island, and St. Johns Town Center. They are the ones with signs that say “Bike Shop.” Or you can find them online at bikesdirect.com. There is a fourth of July ride from Jacksonville to the Baldwin Trail if you are interested in getting started as soon as possible. Get good enough and you may be able to cut your gas usage in half. See you on the streets!
|
EU Critic’s Choice Awards
