Discover Aviation Event July 12-July 13

A two day event recently introduced Bridge inner city youth to the world of aviation. The program, hosted by Atlantic Aviation and Bill Cirmo, Chief of Operations, at Herlong Airport exposed youth to an educational hands on learning experience to different components of aviation. A second two day visit from 9-4 was scheduled for Monday, July 12 and Tuesday, July 13.

Each group of youth participated in a flight simulator to learn the basics of aircraft piloting and how a pilot controls a flight; learned about airport and aircraft safety; learned procedures to ready an aircraft for flight; boarded a training aircraft and were given a demonstration of aircraft taxi procedures; toured an FAA Control Tower and were introduced to flight line operations; built a  solid fuel rocket and launched at a height of 300’.

One youth, Zeotavia Brown, age 11,  who experienced the first trip and was afraid to fly, explained after he taxied down the runway, “Now, I am ready to fly and work at an airport!”

The Atlantic Aviation van picked  the group up at the Bridge and transported the youth to and from the airport for the full two day adventure.  A final group trip was held July 19 and 20.

Bridge Garden Project Expands to Riverside Arts Market 

The Bridge of Northeast Florida Community Garden has added another dimension when staff, volunteers and students manned a booth at the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) on Saturday, July 10. Six boys who are currently enrolled in the garden classes at The Bridge Summer Camp went to the RAM selling fruits and vegetables grown in the community garden – even selling out before noon. 

The purpose of the RAM field trip was to teach the boys about business and entrepreneurship along with the importance of healthy eating. The boys assisted with displaying the fruits and vegetables so that they looked most appealing to the customer. The boys also acted as salesmen – engaging and luring people to their booth to close the deal.

“I was so impressed with them. They just hit the ground running and did an amazing job pushing the fruits and vegetables they grew to the people,” said Dan Bradford, the lead volunteer for the community garden.

Numerous community partners came by to support The Bridge in their effort including Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver, owners of the Jacksonville Jaguars and several Bridge board members. The Weavers agreed to match the sales dollar for dollar on the profits.

“I had so much fun. It was fun talking to the people about our fruits and vegetables and selling them to make a profit,” said Bridge summer camper Jeremiah Patrick, 11.

The six boys also attend War On Poverty nutrition classes where they learn the importance of portion sizes, eating healthy on a budget and other tips for a healthier lifestyle. The boys attend the garden classes two days a week. 

Buy Jags tickets and benefit The Bridge!

Thanks to a new parternship between The Jacksonville Jaguars, The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida and WeGive.org, now you can purchase tickets to the Jags game of your choice and benefit your favorite charity at the same time!  Follow the link below to learn more and buy your tickets today.  And don't forget to select The Bridge of Northeast Florida!

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