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  • Family, Faith, and Radio: Dan’s Take on All Three

    Family, Faith, and Radio: Dan’s Take on All Three

    Can you share the story of how you first got into radio? What inspired you to pursue this career?

    I was inspired to pursue a career in radio from a young age. My dad would drive me to school, and we would listen to the radio together on the way. I began to notice that my dad would turn the radio up when the morning host would say something interesting. If the man told a joke, my dad would laugh. If the radio host said something my dad disagreed with, he would comment out loud as if he was talking back to the radio. I was witnessing radio making a connection with a listener, and I was fascinated. I decided I wanted to be the guy on the radio someday. When I was in college, I stopped by a small radio station that was on the way to my grandparents’ house, and asked how I could become a deejay. At first, the woman I met in the lobby asked if I had experience. When I said no, she hesitated a moment, and then said “We have a weekend on-air slot open, but we don’t have time to train someone with no experience.”  I said thanks anyway, but before I made it out the door she said, “Wait, follow me.” I followed her to a tiny production studio outfitted with a reel-to-reel tape recorder and a World War II era microphone on a stand. She sat down and started the tape machine, opened a file cabinet drawer and pulled out a random commercial script for Dairy Queen. I read the script aloud for her, and after she rewound the tape and heard the playback, she hired me to start the next day. The woman who greeted me in the lobby was Mrs. Lee Sanders, the station owner. Female owners were rare in those days, and she became very instrumental in my soon-to-be radio career.

    What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your career in radio, and how did you overcome them?

    The first challenge was finding my voice. Most of us who get into radio start out by imitating what we’ve heard other people do. It’s important for every personality to be unique and genuine on air. That doesn’t happen instantly. It takes time and effort to learn to be yourself on-air. The second challenge is learning to work in what can be an unforgiving business. Corporate radio is driven by ratings and revenue, and many times changes are made to a staff lineup, even if the situation is out of the staff’s control. To put it bluntly, people can lose their jobs if ratings are not good, and budgets are not met. I am so thankful that Z88.3 is different than corporate radio because we are not-for-profit. I was fortunate to work for one other local radio station for 29 years prior to coming to the Z. That’s unusual in broadcasting.

    As a radio host, how have you balanced your professional responsibilities with raising your kids?

    When my wife Janice and I decided we wanted to have a family, we had some decisions to make.  I was working mornings at a radio station in Melbourne, and those hours are difficult to maintain while raising a family. It’s certainly not impossible, as I’ve known many morning personalities who are also amazing parents and have awesome families, but it requires a level of sacrifice.  I decided to leave full-time morning radio behind. In 1990, I was hired to be the Creative Services Director at MIX 105.1 in Orlando, and for the first time in many years, I did not have my own daily radio show.  I was still on the air often, covering for personalities who were on vacation, and hosting a weekend shift, which I continued until 1996 when our daughter was born. I decided, with two small kids at home, it was time to give up my on-air role entirely, and work behind the scenes, so that my hours were more conventional. My voice was still a big part of the station on commercials and station promos, but I always missed being on the radio every day. Our kids are grown now, and I am excited to be back on-air doing what I love most on Z88.3

    Did you have any mentors or role models who helped guide you in your radio career? How did they influence your journey?

    The lady who hired me first, Mrs. Lee Sanders, the owner of WPXE in Starke, Florida was my first mentor. Now that I’ve been in radio for 40 years, I realize just how smart she was. She was a radio pioneer, having been one of the first female Program Directors in the country. When she and her husband bought WPXE in 1964, she ran a tight ship, and so many of the principles and techniques of radio that she taught me in 1982 have been useful throughout my career. She was the first person who said to me, “You can make a living doing this.”  Other mentors include Dave Robbins, a long time Program Director and General Manager that I worked with twice when I was at MIX 105.1. He taught me the power of positivity long before I ever came to the Z! Beth Bacall, our talent coach at the Z was able to help me find my voice on the air again after many years away from the mic. Finally, Dean O’Neal here at Z88.3.  Not only is he an incredible radio programmer, he is also a weather expert, and he has opened my eyes to the importance of severe weather coverage on the radio.  Thanks to Dean, I can find my way around the various layers of a Doppler Radar screen.

    How has your faith played a role in your decision-making throughout your career?

    God was already planting seeds from my very first day on the radio. The little station in Starke, WPXE, was a country music station, but my first shift was Sunday morning, and that was God’s time. I would arrive at 5am, turn on the transmitters for the day, and play a healthy dose of Southern Gospel music for 6 hours, followed by the weekly broadcast of the First Baptist Church of Starke at 11am. When my shift ended at noon, I had sung along with the Word of God, been to church and was ready to start another week at college. After I was moved from Sunday mornings to Saturday afternoons, I enjoyed playing country music also, but I believe that Sunday morning shift was still my favorite. Occasionally, I host Sunday mornings on the Z, and it reminds me of those early Sunday mornings back in the day.

    Can you describe a memorable moment in your career that solidified your passion for radio?

    In 2015, When I was working at MIX 105.1, I just happened to be the only manager in the office when a distressed woman called asking for help. The front desk transferred her to my phone. She shared that she was in an abusive marriage and had decided she needed to get out of this situation before her husband harmed her. We immediately jumped into action and called upon a few resources we had available to find her immediate help. About a month later, she called back and asked to speak to me again. She wanted to let me know that she and her kids were now safe, living with relatives in another state, and just wanted to say thanks for our help. I asked her “Of all the people you could have called that day, why did you call a radio station?” Her response was “I felt like Jay, Dana and Adam, the voices on the MIX 105.1 morning show were the only friends I had in that moment. Even though they were just voices on the radio, I considered them my friends. I trusted them, so that’s why I called you first.”

    How do you incorporate your faith into your radio show? What message do you hope to convey to your listeners?

    We are fortunate at the Z to be able to play music that delivers the messages of faith better than any one of us possibly can. Of course, I share my faith on air, by talking about my church, sharing positive thoughts from scripture, and reminding our listeners that we all have a common bond through our love of Jesus.  But in addition to that, we are all living our every day lives in Central Florida, and I just enjoy doing life right along with our friends who listen, sharing funny stories of things that have happened in my family, and bringing uplifting and encouraging stories to the show to remind us that even though we believe our world is broken, there is still more good than bad. The reason for this is that God love us, and he made us with a purpose, and we have a choice whether to focus on good things or bad things.

    What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in radio but is also concerned about balancing family life?

    Radio is a very different industry today than it was when I was starting out. It’s still a great business, and the types of skills needed are more diverse than ever. Broadcasting is more than just a job, it is a lifestyle. Your family has to understand and embrace that. The families I’ve seen thrive when a parent works in radio, are the families who enjoy sharing that lifestyle with their loved one. Radio is not a Monday through Friday 9 to 5 job. It requires weekend work, evening events and sometimes long hours. My wife and my kids have always understood that we are a radio family. They enjoy being a part of it, and they appreciate that it is a unique calling.

    Looking back on your journey, what are you most grateful for in both your career and your role as a parent?

    I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to work in the business I love for over 40 years!  When I retire someday, I will be able to say the only full-time work I have ever done was working in the radio business. I have many friends who have left radio and moved on to other things, but I am thankful I’ve made it in this industry for all of these years.  As far as being a parent, I am just grateful that my kids are happy, healthy and are enjoying their adult lives.  Daniel and Victoria are both married and have found careers they love.  I count my blessings every single day.

     

    Karis Thompson

  • Behind the Mic: Ellis Answers Listener Questions About Faith and Broadcasting

    Behind the Mic: Ellis Answers Listener Questions About Faith and Broadcasting

    What stations have you worked for? Genres of music?

    I have worked at radio stations in Long Island, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Wilmington, Norfolk, Roanoke, Tampa Bay, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Portland, Rochester, and Orlando. As far as genres, I’ve done Top 40, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Smooth Jazz, Adult Contemporary, Country, Oldies, Alternative, R&B, and all-news.

    What led you to Z88.3?

    My friend Tyler was working here, and when I got released from the country station, she said I should come over here and work with her. We both thought it would be fun to work together again. So, I talked to the Z, and within weeks, I was here working! Now I’ve been here for 16 years. My dad actually always wanted me to do Christian radio, so when the opportunity presented itself, I was happy to do it.

    Why did you choose to go into radio?

    Ever since I was a little kid, I loved the radio. My parents gave me a little transistor radio when I was about 10 years old, and I just fell in love with it. I loved being able to hear places that were far away. I loved hearing the personalities on the radio—they felt like they were my friends. It just seemed like something I could do! So, when I was 17, I landed my first part-time job in New York, and I’ve pretty much been going ever since!

    How do you sleep? Do you go to bed at 7 p.m. or nap? What time do you get up on the weekends?

    I’m normally in bed every night between 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. I don’t nap. I try to just power through the day, but by about 6:30 p.m., I am ready to sleep! Even on the weekends, I’m still up at about 4:00 a.m. most mornings. On weekdays, I’m up by about 2:45 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. So on the weekends, waking up at 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. is still “sleeping in.”

    What’s the biggest surprise most people have when they meet you in person for the first time?

    I don’t know that there are really any surprises anymore. Before the days of the internet and social media, people used to be surprised that I was African-American. That would normally shock them for some reason. But that’s pretty much it. Because we get to interact so much on social media now, there aren’t too many big surprises when they meet me for the first time.

    What is your life verse?

    Yes, I do! Over the years, I’ve had a couple of different ones, but currently, my life verse is Proverbs 3:5:

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
    – Proverbs 3:5

    It seems like there are so many times I want to have the answer. I want to come up with a solution. And I realized, you know what, I don’t have all the answers. So, I’m just leaning on God. I love that verse!

    You’ve traveled to so many places. What’s a place that’s still on your bucket list?

    Japan! I’ve always wanted to go to Japan, especially Tokyo. I just haven’t had a chance to do it yet. It just seems like such a fascinating place, and I’m going to do it one of these days when I can find the right deal!

    How do you find good deals on travel?

    One of my biggest secrets (and it’s not really a secret; I’ve mentioned it many times) is a website called Google Flights. On it, you can punch in your home airport, and it will bring up a map of the whole world. You can see how much it’ll cost to fly anywhere over the next six months. It’ll give you the cheapest price during that time. So, I will just always go through that map and discover places that are unusually cheap right now. We went to China a few years ago for $400 round-trip, and I found that deal by looking on the map on Google Flights.

    Who do you think you get your sense of humor from?

    Definitely my dad! He was a pastor, and everybody has always said I seem so much like him. They even say that I look just like him. So, the apple did not fall far from the tree.

    What’s the best job you’ve ever had?

    This one right here! I feel like God has brought me through everything I’ve been through and every station I’ve ever worked at to prepare me to be right here at Z88.3. And every day, I look forward to being here, hanging out with Tyler, spending time with you, and playing encouraging music that lifts the name of Jesus Christ.

    Sierra Allmand

  • Anniversary of the Z with Founder Jim Hoge

    Anniversary of the Z with Founder Jim Hoge

    What inspired the idea of “Z88.3?”

    I was first exposed to Contemporary Christian Music in high school in the early 70’s.  First, in youth group at church and then in the local Christian bookstore that sold the “Maranatha” albums, Love Song, Honeytree, Andre’ Crouch and others, many of which were recorded in the basement Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa California as documented in the movie, “Jesus Music.”

    At the same time, I was on-the-air part-time on a local radio station in my hometown and one sneak in a CCM song when I thought management wasn’t listening.  It didn’t take long before I was caught.

    After high school and while working on an engineering degree, I was hired to do mornings at a top-40 station.  This was a dream come true as only the best talent was selected for mornings.  I got wind that several local business men were putting an all Contemporary Christian Music station on the air.  I was elated and resigned my morning position to do mid-days and engineering.  They paid a penance of what I was making and the station eventually failed.  It was too early for the format to succeed.

    At my Dad’s urging, I was accepted at the Marshall University school of business…  (to be continued.)

    Give a timeline of events of how the idea of the Z turned into what it is today?

    Several groups tried to get the 88.3 frequency in Orlando, but could not get around the objection of WKMG channel 6, as the presence of an FM station on 88.3 would interfere greatly with the television signal.

    It’s a long story, but in the summer of 1988 after months of discussions, channel 6 was willing to let us try “diplexing” or combining the FM signal into the television signal.  Theoretically, there should be no interference as the television and the FM signal are radiated from the same antenna.

    Next, was to win a construction permit from the FCC.  This took several hundreds of thousands of dollars and eight long years.

    When was the first time Z88.3 went on air and what did you air?/How was the first day on the job? Did it go smoothly?

    In a word, “no.”  The technical plant of channel 6 had technical issues that kept the duplexing equipment from working properly.  After many long nights, God showed me a solution, and at 2:45 AM on August 9th 1995, Z88.3 was on the air broadcasting a test signal.  It was a two minute loop that Dean O’Neal put together.

    Can you recall the first time you thought to yourself “I really just created a whole radio station” and how you felt in that moment?

    I had built a number of radio stations over the years but none with the express purpose of giving God glory and lifting up Christ.

    No one in Orlando saw this coming, and once it hit the air, everyone was rushing in just to find one guy (me) with no employees and no budget.  It was like a scene out of the “Wizard of Oz” where the wizard was exposed by Toto, Dorothy’s dog, by tearing down the curtain to expose a mortal man that was no wizard.

    What was the biggest challenge you faced while creating the Z? How did you overcome it?

    There were two.  One was the stability of channel 6 as they were going through a difficult time.  The second was the specter of a hostile takeover because of our financial position (or, lack thereof.)  God was gracious and worked them both out.

    What is one thing that you were very intentional about during the process of creating the Z?/What is one thing that the Z could not live without?

    Persistence.  I just got up each day and did what had to be done that day and let God take care of tomorrow.

    34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.  –Matthew 6:34 (ESV)

    22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[a]
    his mercies never come to an end;
    23 they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.  — Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

    Did the Z turn out to be what you had originally imagined it to be?

    I never dreamt that it could become this big, let alone the number one most listen to station in town.  Z88.3 was the first Christian radio station in the country to become number one in the ratings much to the broadcast industry’s amazement and the glory of God.

    What is one memory of the Z that you are significantly fond of?

    The first few weeks it was on-the air, my wife, Eunice and I just couldn’t believe it.  We literally slept with the radio on!

    What do you think makes the Z stand out from other stations?

    The excellent and dedicated staff that God has assembled.

    How did you begin to build the Z team?

    As soon as I got money to hire.  We started with Scott Smith.  Then, I brought Dean O’Neal back from Nashville.  Lisa Williams walked through the door soon after.  Then the Wolfman…

    How did the partner stations like Hot and La Z come to be?

    Having the privilege to build radio stations for people groups who can’t afford or have the expertise to build a station of their own.  Our donors bought into this vision and have graciously funded the effort.

    Pastor Davis Uth (First Baptist Orlando) put it this way, “This is planting shade trees that we will never sit under.”

    Karis Thompson

  • Work Hard, Play Hard: How to take the ‘work’ out of your kid’s homework

    Work Hard, Play Hard: How to take the ‘work’ out of your kid’s homework

    After a long day of learning at school, the first thing any kid wants to do is sit down and focus in on more learning with their homework. As much as parents and teachers may wish this to be a reality, the truth is, homework is usually the last thing on a kid’s mind after school. Instead of fighting the uphill battle of getting your child to do their homework, turn the chore of homework into a rewarding experience with these tips and tricks to take the work out of homework.

    Study Buddy
    A lot of times, students can feel alone in their study struggles. Bridge the gap between parent and child by sitting down with your child while they are working on their homework. Whether you are helping them solve a math problem or chipping away at some of your own work, simply being there will help your child feel less alone and more motivated to complete their work. You never know, the streak may go both ways and motivate you to get some of your work done too.

    If your busy schedule doesn’t allow time for homework, try pairing your child up with another student from their class who can work on homework assignments with them. Speak to teachers, parents, or your child to see if any other students in their class are interested in working with a study partner. Sometimes, a study buddy is all you need to lock in to your laser focus.

    Game On
    Most students dread homework time simply due to he fact that it is boring. Turn mundane homework into fun with matching, memorization, and speed games. Break out the good old fashioned flash cards and challenge your child to a speed round or play a game of charades with vocabulary words. Help your child memorize formulas and vocab words with pneumonic phrases, jingles, and rhymes. Before you know it, your child will be singing along to the Pythagorean theorem like it’s their favorite song.

    Pro tip: We live in the age where technology can do just about anything. Try going online to search for games related to your child’s coursework to help them study without even realizing it. Kahoot! and Quizlet are classic sites that your child might already be familiar with that offer a wide variety of subjects and study games.

    Work Hard, Play Hard
    When all else fails, bribery is always an option. Motivate your child by offering them a reward for completing their assignments. Offer your child something they simply cannot resist to get them in the ‘work hard, play hard’ spirit. Use small motivators like an extra 30 minutes of TV time or a Friday night ice cream run, or use long term tactics like a trip to their favorite theme park at the end of the school year to reward good grades. The only catch: if they don’t complete their assignments, they don’t get the reward.

    Remember, every child is different so it may take some time to find what works to help your child excel. Try out different tactics and switch up the regular routine to keep your kid excited and ready to learn.

    By: Jenna Greaves

    Karis Thompson

  • Back to School with Tyler

    Back to School with Tyler

    Can you believe summer break is almost over? I have been trying to soak in every last bit! My baby girl is starting high school and my oldest will be a SENIOR! Where did the time go?

    No matter what grade your kids are going into, making the transition to a new school year can be tough. The anxiety of something new can be a lot for some children. Here are things we can do to help before school starts.

    • Praying with them every night starting now leading up to the first day. Pray for their teachers and for their friends. Thank God for being with us wherever we go. They will hopefully cling to that prayer when they are at school. 
    • Try to find someone that might be in their class this year. Plan a playdate this week. (Maybe their teacher can help). For older kids, a day of fun! Having a familiar face when school starts will help.
    • Get them used to a bedtime routine now before school starts. There will be a lot of change in the coming weeks. Getting them accustomed to a good night’s sleep will be helpful for everyone.
    • Plan regular emotional check ups with them! For some kids, it’s tough to even explain that they are feeling anxious. Ask questions and give them a safe place to answer. Some kids have a tougher time the second or third week so keep checking in! 

    As for us, the new school year comes with an array of emotions! Getting everything done is stressful! Take a deep breath! You aren’t alone in this journey. Many of us are scrambling this time of year.

    • Get your lists together and prioritize what’s most important.
    • Talk to others who have kids in the same school (or are also homeschooling) and are going through the same thing. Help each other!
    • Try to attend the orientations. It may help you feel more prepared and hopefully you can make a friend there too. 
    • Stay connected to others during the school year. (This one is hard for me.) It really does make a difference when things get stressful later. 
    • Create new healthy habits for yourself with the start of the new school year. Going to bed earlier, starting a new devotion, exercising more, etc. 
    • Most importantly, don’t miss this moment in time because of stress! Have fun with your kids. Be intentional in how you spend your time. Put the phones away. You will never regret the moments you took to play games, go for walks, listen to them talk, or just being together. 

    Every school year looks different, but we can trust that God is the same. He is in control! Let’s start this school year bringing our fears, stress, and anxieties to Him!

     

    Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,
    by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
    Philippians 4:6



    I’m in this with you! The Z will be here for your family on the way to school, while the kids are in school, on their way home, and even while they are trying to fall asleep at night, with encouraging music and reminders that God is for you!

    I love you and am praying for you too! – Tyler

    Sierra Allmand

  • Out of the Box Lunchbox Snacks

    Out of the Box Lunchbox Snacks

    Lunchtime. Other than the last bell, it is the most highly anticipated time of the day. As kids sit in idly class, they count down the hours, minutes, and seconds until their lunchtime freedom. Help your child make the most out of lunchtime by trying out new, creative lunchbox snacks. Incorporate ingredients that will increase your child’s memory, focus, and energy to maximize their learning abilities.

    Pinwheel Sandwiches
    Pinwheels are a classic lunchbox find that take minimal effort to make. Pair this protein packed meal with a side of fresh fruit or veggies.

    Ingredients: Turkey or deli meat of your choice, tortillas, and cheddar chees slices or cheese of your choice.
    Directions: Spread thin, even layers of deli meat and cheese on a tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla, incorporating all of the ingredients in the roll-up.

    Pizza Sandwich
    There’s not many things that kids love more than pizza. Turn their favorite meal into a convenient lunchbox snack with this pizza sandwich. This meal is packed with protein and is a great way to sneak veggies into your child’s diet without them knowing. Try adding in spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

    Ingredients: Bread slices, tomato sauce, grated or sliced mozzarella cheese, butter, oregano, chili flakes, chopped tomato and onion.
    Directions: Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Spread sauce on bread and sprinkle with cheese, oregano, chili flakes, chopped tomato and onion. Fold bread into a sandwich and place in pan to toast until golden brown.

    Fruit Kabobs
    This snack is sure to satisfy any child’s sweet tooth. Select an array of all your child’s favorite fruits but be sure to include blueberries which are known to improve memory to make your child a vocabulary genius. Fruits contain a load of vitamins and nutrients that are essential for a child’s health. Leave your child’s teacher stunned by their memorization skills by packing their lunch with blueberries which also act as a great antioxidant. Pair this snack with a side of nuts or sunflower seeds to further increase your child’s focus abilities.

    Ingredients: A selection of your child’s favorite fruits and toothpicks or mini skewers.
    Directions: Chop fruits into small, bite-sized pieces and run the toothpicks or mini skewers through the center of them. Repeat this step for each fruit.

    Lunchbox Tacos
    Convince your child to make their own lunch with this interactive meal. Pack your child’s favorite toppings in mini containers with tortillas so they can create their own tacos. Try including fresh guacamole or avocado slices to boost your child’s energy so they can take on the second half of the day.

    Ingredients: Tortillas, shredded chicken, shredded Mexican cheese, and guacamole.
    Directions: Pack toppings and tortillas into separate mini containers and place in lunchbox.

    Mac n Cheese Muffins
    Mac n cheese is a dish that kids simply cannot resist. Try this creative spin on the classic dish to make sure your child gets all of the protein they need to conquer the day.

    Ingredients: two cups made and cooled boxed mac n cheese, two beaten large eggs, one cup diced ham, and 1/4 cup bread crumbs.
    Directions: Combine ingredients and fill eight greased muffin tins with mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

    By: Jenna Greaves

    Karis Thompson

  • Pack Like a Pro: Gear up to survive the school year with backpack essentials beyond books

    Pack Like a Pro: Gear up to survive the school year with backpack essentials beyond books

    In Florida, it takes a lot more than just books to survive the day at school. Make sure your child is well equipped to take on any challenge thrown their way this school year with these beyond books backpack essentials.

    Stay Clean
    Ward off germs and prevent your child missing school due to sick days. Send your child off with hand sanitizer to use before eating and after playing outside. When they find themselves in sticky situations, equip them with wet wipes so they can clean up with no worries. When runny noses inevitably appear, make sure they are well prepared with mini packs of tissues. To keep things organized in your child’s backpack, designate a specific pocket for their cleaning supplies or fill a small, easy to find pouch with the items.

    Beat the Heat
    While summer may be winding down for back-to-school season, the Florida sun will always be shining. Protect your child from the elements by making sure they have sunscreen to reapply throughout the day. Remind them to use it before they hit the playground or head outside for P.E. Along with protecting your child’s skin, make sure they stay hydrated with a handy refillable water bottle. Try providing your child with an insulated bottle to keep their water cold all day. For kid’s with long hair, hair ties are another essential item to beat the heat. Slide a few hair ties into your child’s bag so they can easily pin up their hair when the heat starts to swelter.

    Rainy Daze
    Other than its heat, Florida is notoriously known for its afternoon showers. When the rain starts to pour, help your child be ready to brave the storm with an easy to use compact umbrella or poncho. Also give your child a small plastic bag for them to store their wet gear when the sun comes back up. Another essential item that your child will thank you for is unusual but extremely necessary. Be sure to pack an extra pair of socks in your child’s bag so they can enjoy the highs of playing in puddles without having to deal with the consequence of sitting in soggy socks for the rest of the day.

    Karis Thompson

  • Ellis’ Travel Tip – Tip 8

    Ellis’ Travel Tip – Tip 8

    This is probably my favorite travel tip. This tool has allowed me to take some incredible trips at a really low cost. For example, I went to Hawaii round trip for $388 and China for $400 round trip!

    Just search Google Flights. On the main page, you’ll see the typical fields where you can enter your destination and travel dates. Ignore all that. Simply enter where you are traveling from. In our case, we’re flying out of MCO in Orlando. Then, hit the Explore button. The site will show you the cheapest prices to fly to various destinations all around the world!

    What I do from here is just look around. Check out different areas, zoom into different states, and see what deals I can find. I check this site regularly, maybe once a week, to see what deals might pop up. You do have to have some flexibility. It may not be the best resource if you have a set time and destination in mind. But if you’re just looking to explore a new area and snag a great deal, this is an easy way to do it.

    Karis Thompson

  • Ellis’ Travel Tips – Tip 7

    Ellis’ Travel Tips – Tip 7

    Traveling can be so fun…until you get sick. It’s miserable to be sick while traveling. My family was on vacation last year and my son-in-law got COVID. By the end of the trip, we all got it.

    Here are some tips for staying healthy while traveling:

    1. Get Some Rest: Try to rest well before your trip to avoid starting your journey fatigued.
    2. Stay Hydrated: It’s easy to forget to drink water when we’re out of our normal routine. Make a conscious effort to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
    3. Pack Healthy Snacks: Bring along healthy snacks like fruits and veggies to keep your energy levels up and avoid unhealthy options.
    4. Get Plenty of Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep during your trip to keep your immune system strong.
    5. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. This helps prevent the spread of germs.
    6. Carry Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes: Use them regularly to keep your hands and surfaces clean, especially in public areas.

    With a little extra effort, we can keep our families healthy and hopefully all have a good time as we travel this summer!

    Karis Thompson

  • From Sunscreen to School Supplies: How to make the summer to school transition seamless

    From Sunscreen to School Supplies: How to make the summer to school transition seamless

    Time flies when you’re having fun! Back-to-school season is just around the corner and it’s time to start packing lunches and buying books. As soon as you got used to having the little ones at home for the summer, it’s time to send them back to school. After a months of adjusting to your child’s new schedule, you may have lost your groove. Slip back into your school routine easily with these tips and tricks to make the summer to school transition seamless.

    Review and Refresh
    After a few months at home, chances are your child has completely forgotten everything they learned in the previous year. Help refresh your child’s memory by playing review games with them so they are prepared to take on the new year. To brush up on foundational vocabulary, play classic games like charades, Pictionary, or hangman. To review math problems and formulas, challenge your child to a times table speed round or look up some online games for them to play. Most importantly, if your child has summer reading assignments, check on their progress to make sure everything is complete by the beginning of the school year.

    Recharge
    The hardest part of a busy day is actually starting it. As the school season begins again suddenly wake up time moves from noon to 7 a.m., rolling out of bed may be harder than usual. To avoid slow starts to your first few back-to-school days, prepare in advance for the early mornings. Instead of hitting snooze, start your child’s school bedtime and wake up routine one to two weeks before school starts to get them back into the swing of things.

    Game Plan
    Before hitting the road, it is essential to check both the weather and the traffic. Plan out the fastest route to get your kids to school and yourself to work by tuning your car radio to 88.3 or turning up your Z88.3 app and listen out for traffic alerts on local roads. Also, follow @Z883FM on X for daily weather updates to stay informed about any lingering summer storms that may come your way.

    Schedule it Out
    To-do lists and calendars are essential for keeping track of all the chaos that comes with raising a family. Try implementing a family planner that everyone can write on to make sure tasks don’t overlap. This way, you can make time for both your hectic schedule and your child’s schedule without the uncertainty of whether or not you’ll be able to get it all done. Go high-tech and download a group calendar app like Time Tree or stick to good old fashioned pen and paper. As you go through your day, check off all of your accomplishments one by one until your schedule is finally clear.

    Inspire Success
    After spending so much time at home, it may be difficult to cut the tether between you and your child, even if it is only for a few school hours. While parents may struggle with watching their child walk away and into the classroom, the exciting process can be just as scary for the child. To ease your child’s first day jitters, allow them to take a small comforting item with them to help carry them through the day. As an added measure to help your child feel even more comforted, tuck a note with a silly joke or a few encouraging words reminding them of how much you love them and how proud of them you are. This simple gesture can provide the right amount of motivation to get your child through the second half of the school
    day.

    By: Jenna Greaves

    Karis Thompson