New Art Exhibit

Reddi-Arts will host a show featuring the work of Marianne Phopahl, Cookie Davis, Andrea and Helen Ashmead.   Phopal will present “Blossoms and Dance”, a collection of photographs during the exhibit. Davis is currently exploring the use of acrylic paints on large canvas. Andrea Ashmead is an award-wining photographer who is currently using paint as her medium of choice. Helen Ashmead is an artist, and teacher. Their work will be on display through December 31st.

Toy Drive

Duval County Tax Collector‘s office will once again serve as a toy drop-off sites for the Toys for Tots Program. You can drop off any new, unwrapped toy  through Dec.14. For more information on the program, go to www.toysfortots.org.

WinterFest

The second annual WinterFest will kcik off Saturday at Adventure Landing on Saturday. The theme park will turn into a winter wonderland. There will be a snow village with a large, outdoor ice skating rink, a 130-foot ice slide, nightly snowfalls and much more. Patrons will get a chance to enjoy Crystal Creek Lodge for a variety of winter treats and sweets from hot soup to hot chocolate. It will also be running a “White Paper Drive.” This drive will benefit Seamark Ranch, a home for kids in crisis in Clay County. Donations of new non-perishable items such as toilet paper, towels, tissue, napkins, paper plates and cups will be accepted in exchange for a free game of mini-golf.  Winterfest kicks off on Saturday, November 17 and will continue through January 13, 2013. For more information, go to www.jaxwinterfest.com.

Cypress Point Family Dentistry Food Drive

Cypress Point Family Dentistry is hosting a food drive to benefit Second Harvest North Florida. Bring in a non-perishable food item and be entered into a drawing to win a membership into Cypress Point’s Quality Dental plan or receive a dental exam and x-ray for only $10. The dentistry is located at 8130 Baymeadows Circle West, suite 103. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jacksonville Humane Society Calendar on Sale

The Jacksonville Humane Society Calendar is now selling copies of the 2013 calendar. The Portraits and Paw Prints calendar includes pictures of dogs and cats submitted by their owner. Supporters selected the pets featured in the calendar by voting for their favorite photos for $1 per vote. Calendars are $15 each and $25 for two. You can purchase a calendar at www.jaxhumane.org or at the Humane Society’s boutique on Beach Boulevard, Animal Hospital on Beach Boulevard or the thrift store.

Hippodrome Theatre Holiday’s Productions

You can get in the holiday spirit at the Hippodrome in Gainesville. The theatre will open the holiday season with its annual production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and A Tuna Christmas. A Tuna Christmas has been a fan favorite for 9 years. The show opens on Friday at 7:30 p.m. It will be on stage Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. through December 23.  A Christmas Carol is on stage beginning Saturday through December 2nd, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Kids can get in free with a paying adult and a donation of a non-perishable food item or unwrapped new toy. Tickets for both plays can be purchased by call the box office at 352-375-HIPP or online at www.thehipp.org.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

Ripley’s Believe It or Not wants to give you a chance to enjoy some holiday fun from around the world. Beginning Monday, the attraction will be offering half-off admission for Florida residents. This includes the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine Odditorium, Ripley’s Red Trains, Ripley’s Ghost Train Adventure, and Bayfront Mini-Golf. This deal runs through Friday, December 21.