Gulf Coast Family - July 2017

10 CELEB

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July 2017

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Vol. 10 Issue 7

S u m me r Smiles Dungy Diaries: 11 Keys for Loving Your Family p. 9

Chilren’s Cancer Center Gelatin Plunge p. 36

Experience The Art of the Brick p. 38

All “A” Rated High Performing Charter Schools

NEW School in Trinity 8812 Old County Rd 54 New Port Richey, FL, 34653

The Best and Getting Better...

Manager :

www.platoacademy.net 2 • July 2017

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Publisher: Editor: Contributing Editor: Designer: Web Developer:

Rodney Beck Jennifer Beck Linda Crumley Michael Crumley Matthew Crumley

For advertising opportunities: sales@gulfcoastfamily.org © Gulf Coast Family Publications 2017

Gulf Coast Family Publications P.O. Box 3803, Seminole, FL 33775 Phone: (727) 612-0783 Fax: (727) 865-5135 Gulf Coast Family Newspaper is printed monthly, and is distributed throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties. Gulf Coast Family is available in distribution racks in many local Chick-fil-a restaurants, McDonald’s, CVS Stores, R-Clubs, Walgreens, Joto’s Pizzerias, Carmelita’s, After Hours Pediatrics, Cornerstone Banks, LA Fitness, Shapes, and Regions Banks in these counties, along with many other restaurants, shopping centers, churches, libraries, government offices, and over 200 day care centers and schools. For questions or comments, call (727) 612-0783 or email rbeck@gulfcoastfamily.org.

Gulf Coast Family Publications encourages your input. To comment on one of our articles or to submit photos and articles for possible publication, simply email articles@gulfcoastfamily.org. Submission of your photos and letters constitutes permission to Gulf Coast Family Publications, publisher of the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper, to use them in all media. All submissions become the property of Gulf Coast Family Publications and will not be returned. We reserve the right to edit as necessary, and all submissions will be used at our discretion.

No portion of the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publishers. The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily those of the publishers. Gulf Coast Family Publications assumes no liability for products, services, or statements made by advertisers. Neither Gulf Coast Family Publications nor the advertisers can be held liable for typographical errors, misprints, or misinformation contained herein. The publishers reserve the right to edit and refuse editorial and/or advertising which does not meet the publication’s standards. All rights are reserved.

Look for Gulf Coast Family in these locations:

Phothteo of Month

Alayna Bequelle and Koen Luuk

“Just the smell of summer can make one fall in love!”

You only list once when you list with me.

Yana Syakov |

REALTOR®

Direct: 727.282.5808 Yana.syakov@gmail.com Residential & Luxury Properties Proudly serving Pinellas County Fluent in Russian & Ukrainian You only list once when you list with me!

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 2017 • 3

THE RICHARDS GROUP JOB #: 08-0306-CFA TRIM: 8.5'' x 11'' LIVE: N/A COLORS: B/W DESCRIPTION: Editable PDF FOR QUESTIONS CALL: Natasha Naquin 214.891.5252

CLIENT: Chick-fil-A BLEED: N/A

July 2017

THE RICHARDS GROUP JOB #: 08-0306-CFA TRIM: 8.5'' x 11'' LIVE: N/A COLORS: B/W DESCRIPTION: Editable PDF FOR QUESTIONS CALL: Natasha Naquin 214.891.5252

41

19

Women in Space

5 Movie Night July We Recommend 6 This That You… to Parent 7 Parent

by Jennifer Beck Diaries: 11 Keys For 9 Dungy Loving Your Family

by Tony Dungy, AllProDad.com

Braces the Only Option 10 Are in Orthodontic Treatment for Teenagers?

by Dr. Nick Reynolds

12 Reader Photos of the Month

14 Family Night Out Coupons Words When Your 16 Wise Children Talk Back

by AllProDad.com

Things to Teach Your Kids 17 5This Summer

CLIENT: Chick-fil-A BLEED: N/A

Entertain Your Kids this Summer for FREE!

Summer Ideas for Kids to 18 3Keep Them Smart

Art Students 27 Pinellas and Teachers Honored

Your Kids this 19 Entertain Summer for FREE!

Back to 27 Hillsborough School Health Fairs

20 Kids in the Kitchen 21 It’s Great to Create!

Summer Cookouts 22 Surviving – Burgers, Desserts, Oh My!

Spotlight: Meet 28 Species Micanopy

More Interesting Date 23 Seven Night Ideas

on the Family 30 Focus

by Jim Daly

by iMom.com

by iMom.com

Gulf Coast Family 24 2017 School Guide

26 5 Ways to Help Children Learn Responsibility

Chilren’s Cancer Center 36 The 5 Annual Gelatin Plunge th

at Carnegie Hall

by Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

37 Heart Gallery 38 Experience The Art of the Brick 40 July Fun Facts Legend Nicole Stott 41 NASA Special Presentation: “Women in Space” at MOSI

Tropical Garden 29 The

by Jené VanButsel

33 Building Community 34 About Childhood Cancer Fun in the Sun 34 Safer

by All Children’s Hospital ®

42 July 2017 Events Gulf Coast Family 45 The Weekender Reading List for 46 Summer Tweens

by Judy Adorno, Sylvan Learning

by Dr. Kira Wilson

Cow Appreciation Day, July 11, 2017. ®

by AllProDad.com

Come celebrate the most important day of the year (well, if you’re a cow). Bring your herd to Chick-fil-A ® on us. Maybe you can even hug a cow on the way. dressed in cow costumes, and get a free entrée

Cow Appreciation Day, July 10, 2009.

“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation evermore!”

®

cowappreciationday.com

Go to cowappreciationday.com to download a cow costume kit!

#CowAppreciationDay

12

Reader Photos of the Month

4 • July 2017

Jordyn Garcia

© 2014 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A, Chick-fil-A Stylized, the Chick-fil-A Cows and Cow Appreciation Day are registered trademarks of CFA Properties, Inc.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Plugged In’s award-winning website and reviews are designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate and impact the culture in which they live.

See full reviews at www.pluggedin.com

Despicable Me 3 – July 1

Gru meets his long-lost charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru who wants to team up with him for one last criminal heist; however, the reunited siblings soon find themselves in an uneasy alliance to save the world!

Spider-Man: Homecoming – July 7

This unique camp is led by certified children’s yoga teacher and marine scientist Katie Toth and features daily yoga classes, marine science instruction, and art projects. A different theme of marine ecology, conservation, and community service will highlight each day.

Several months after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker, with the help of his mentor Tony Stark, tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens, New York City while also fighting crime as his superhero alter ego Spider-Man.

The Emoji Movie – July 28

JULY 24-28, 2017 | 8:30 am–3:30 pm Register by July 8 at mfastpete.org or call (727) 896-2667, ext. 210 For rising second- to sixth-graders (Exceptions may be made with the instructor’s approval.)

Hidden inside a smartphone, the bustling city of Textopolis is home to all emojis. Each emoji has only one facial expression, except for Gene, an exuberant emoji with multiple expressions.

Blu-Ray/DVDs

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mfastpete.org July 11

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 11

July 25

July 2017 • 5

This July we recommend that you…

READ IT

Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All by Karen Ehman From Bible times to modern times women have struggled with their words. What to say and how to say it. What not to say. When it is best to remain silent. And what to do when you’ve said something you wish you could now take back. In this book a woman whose mouth has gotten her into loads of trouble shares the hows (and how-not-tos) of dealing with the tongue.

A Celebration by John Williams A Celebration, is a double-disc sampler of John Williams recordings from the 1980s with the Boston Pops Orchestra that also serves as a kind of snapshot album of the conductor and composer. The first disc is entirely devoted to film music. For the second CD, Williams turns to the orchestra’s repertoire of Broadway hits that have enlivened pops concerts for years.

This collection is relaxing to listen to and the arrangements are superb, so sit back and enjoy!

EXPERIENCE IT Art of the Brick

The world’s largest, most elaborate display of LEGO art is now on display in Downtown Tampa and best part is that its FREE! The exhibition titled ‘The Art of the Brick’ features 100 incredible artworks made out of LEGO bricks by award winning artist Nathan Sawaya. The collection features original sculptures, as well as re-imagined versions of iconic art masterpieces, made entirely from LEGO bricks. For a glimpse into the exhibit, checkout our Trips on a Tank review. For more information visit www.artofthebricktampa.com.

6 • July 2017

SEE IT

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Straz Center, July 11–16 This Broadway production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid is an Under the Sea Sensation! With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, this beautiful Broadway hit is based on your favorite Disney film!

Come fall in love with the magic for the first time – or all over again! For details and ticket information visit www.strazcenter.org.

DOWNLOAD IT

HEAR IT

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

ArtPassport ArtPassort provides stunning 360° panoramas of modern and contemporary art exhibitions from the world’s leading galleries and art museums. New exhibitions are added daily, featuring established and up-and-coming artists complete with individual works, exhibition texts and visiting information.

There has never been an easier way to find new art or catch the shows you might have missed. This app is a must have for the art lover!

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

started asking for a “BeForever” doll – the historical dolls that are based on a certain time period and have a series of books. I thought she might still be a little young for them, but she and I agreed on a plan: if she would read all of the books about a specific girl, then I would get her that doll for Christmas. Haylee was a strong reader for her age, so I knew she could handle it, and I figured that if she was willing to dedicate herself to reading six books, then she could be trusted to take care of an expensive doll.

Parent to Parent Almost immediately after my older daughter, Hanna, who was almost nine at the time, received an American Girl doll for Christmas, catalogs started regularly arriving in the mail at our house. My younger daughter, Haylee, who was five, was immediately captivated and started asking for an American Girl doll for herself. We got her one of the babies geared toward younger girls, and she loved it but still wanted a “real” American Girl doll.

When she was seven, Haylee

“ Haylee was a strong

reader for her age, so I knew she could handle it

”

Well, she rose to the challenge, and since basketball was her favorite sport, she selected Julie, the 1970s era doll who stands up for the right to play basketball even though her school doesn’t have a girls’ team.

Haylee finished reading the last book on Christmas Eve, and Julie has joined Winnie the Pooh as one of her best pals ever since.

Haylee still continues to scour each and every catalog, and pretty much knows every girl’s story and every single item that American Girl sells. And whenever she has spending money, it either goes toward

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something Disneyrelated, or something American Girl-related. This year, she decided she wanted to get the “Girl of the Year,” Gabriela, a dancer and poet who uses her art forms to overcome a stuttering problem and help save her mother’s studio. She initially planned to save up her money for it, but a few months ago, she came to me and asked, “If I read the Gabriela books, could I have the doll for my birthday?”

Well, again, I decided if she was willing to put in the effort, I could let her pick her own birthday present.

So now, after her birthday last month, Haylee and Julie have a new friend to hang out with. And after a trip to the American Girl store in Orlando with the birthday money that extended family sent, the three of them also have some cool new outfits, accessories, and a very long wish list!

Until next time,

Jennifer

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July 2017 • 7

n a i t s i r h C o d y Wh ? k c i w s e K moms Love They love Keswick for its proven record for Christ-centered, high-quality education.

It’s a learning environment where virtue and vision matter. Where the timeless truths of scripture and timely instructional resources combine to help children grow, flourish and prosper.

Kids grow in their love for the Lord and knowledge of the world around them at Keswick. Christian moms love the sound of that.

Partnering with the local church since 1953

Financial Aid Available

Learn more: www.KeswickChristian.org 10101 54th Avenue North | St. Petersburg, Florida 33708 Infants – 12th grade | Call for a personal tour: 727.393.9100

8 • July 2017

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

A Home for Christian families www.gulfcoastfamily.org

11 KEYS FOR

LOVING YOUR FAMILY

by Tony Dungy

DUNGY DIARIES

In the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, Derek Redmond believed he could win a silver medal for Great Britain. After five years of daily training and eight operations on his Achilles tendons, Derek had won the first two heats and was running in the semifinals of the 400 meters. Things were going as planned until, coming out of the first turn, he heard a snap and felt a sharp pain in his left leg. Derek went down in a heap on the track as he realized that his left hamstring had exploded, and with it, his dreams of an Olympic medal. He got to his feet and began to run—hop, really—to finish the race.

He later said that he was determined to finish and therefore waved off the race officials, who were running toward him with a stretcher.

And then he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Redmond began to push the hand of assistance away until he turned to find himself looking into the face of his father, Jim. When Jim Redmond had seen what had happened to his son, he had pushed his way out of the crowd and onto the track and rushed to tell Derek that he didn’t have to finish. But when Derek insisted that he complete the race, Jim said they would do it together.

that they’re okay, to help them see that failure isn’t final and that when they take their next steps, they will not be alone. Quality time is important. Being actively engaged with our children in their schoolwork or their activities or by simply reading a book is important.

But they need quantity time, too, and lots of it. Even if there’s nothing special on the agenda, they need to know that we’ve chosen to be in the room or in the house with them, over all other interest competing for our time.

a leader around your home, but 1 Be lead for the benefit of your wife and

Along with your children, your wife should be a priority in your life. Here are keys for loving your family well.

most important decisions you will ever make.

children, not for your own benefit.

your wife breaks 2 Give daily responsibilities.

from her

3 Make memories. your vows sacred. Sometimes 4 Keep better comes after worse. you are not married, be careful in 5 Ifselecting a spouse. It is one of the

present with your family 6 Be emotionally and physically.

—

7 Be careful what you say and do.

8 Write notes to your children.

9 Honor those in authority over you. careful with the authority and 10 Be influence that you’ve been entrusted

Derek cried into Jim’s shoulder as they walked the remainder of the course, and race officials continued to come to their side in an effort to assist the pair.

Jim now was the one who waved them off, later saying he didn’t understand Spanish and wasn’t going to be stopped from being with his son.

with.

can’t come to grips with 11 Ifyouryouparents and your past, find a professional to walk you through it.

Our children need to know that we’re there to help them pick up the pieces of their shattered dreams, to tell them

AllProDad.com

MORNING STAR SCHOOL Serving Students with Special Learning Needs Since 1969 Morning Star School offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the individuals needs of each student in a small, caring environment for grades 1-12.

• • • • • •

The maximum student-to-teacher ratio is 12:1.

All classroom teachers are ESE certified and certified by the state of Florida.

Speech and OT are part of the school day for qualifying students.

Christian studies, Art, Music Therapy and PE are part of our program.

Our High School program includes a Life Skills curriculum.

We accept the McKay Scholarship and PLSA.

727-544-6036

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

morningstarschool.org

@MorningStarPP

Where Fut�res Begin Morning Star School - Pinellas Park

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

4661 80th Avenue North Pinellas Park, FL 33781

July 2017 • 9

Are Braces the Only Option in Orthodontic Treatment for Teenagers?

by Dr. Nick Reynolds, Northeast Orthodontics

Many parents come to my office thinking that braces are the only option for their teenager’s orthodontic needs. In many cases, braces are the best solution to

achieve the smile and bite their teenager deserves. However, braces are not the only solution.

Invisalign, one of the most widely known and used clear aligner companies, offers a “virtually invisible” tool for our office to use to treat your teenagers.

For those of you who are not familiar with the technology, Invisalign allows orthodontists to see and manipulate your teeth in a three-dimensional computerized interface, and design a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten the teeth and improve your bite. Where traditional braces are designed to be glued to the teeth, and a series of wires utilized to straighten the teeth and improve the bite, clear aligners like the ones manufactured by Invisalign, provide a removable option.

Every teenager is unique in their personalities, desires, and treatment needs. Our office meets teens that think of traditional braces as a fashion

statement that can’t wait to pick the color ties to match their clothes. Then we meet some of their friends that can’t stomach the thought of having orthodontic braces on their teeth for the remainder of Middle School. Everyone is different! It’s comforting to me as a provider, and to the concerned parent, to know that there are options for every child. With the advances in technology, in the hands of the right provider, Invisalign can treat almost every orthodontic issue that traditional braces can. Having this tool in our tool box, has allowed us to motivate the teenager that doesn’t want metal braces, to still undergo treatment to attain the beautiful and handsome smile they deserve.

Invisalign’s product for teenagers is aptly named Invisalign Teen. While very similar to their adult product, one

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Dental Fun Fact

Did you know that people who drink 3 or more sugary sodas daily have 62% more dental decay. Also, according to a recent study by the American Dental Association, 78% of Americans have had at least 1 adult cavity by age 17. So what does that tell ya?

of the most helpful tools added to their Teen product is the blue indicator dots built into the aligners that indicates whether or not the aligner is being worn for the appropriate amount of time. This gives peace of mind to the parent concerned if their teenager will truly wear the aligner as prescribed by their orthodontist. Additionally, our teenagers and parents love that the aligners can be removed at any time to brush and floss easily, making maintaining perfect oral hygiene easier than with traditional braces.

Our office has had tremendous success with treating teenage patients with Invisalign Teens product, and we are excited to offer this as a treatment modality to our patients. To learn more about orthodontic treatment, traditional braces and Invisalign’s products, please visit our website northeastorthodontics.com. To find out if your teenager’s orthodontic needs are better resolved with traditional braces, or if by an alternative tool like Invisalign Teen, schedule a complementary consultation with our office. We enjoy the opportunity to serve our community’s oral health and orthodontic needs!

Dr. Nick Reynolds “Since as long as I can remember, it’s been my goal to pursue a career in which I can work with my hands, help someone everyday, be artistic, strive for perfection, and provide for my community. Orthodontics is the perfect marriage of all those things. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else!

My goal at Northeast Orthodontics is to provide the children and adults of St. Petersburg with handsome and beautiful smiles while providing first class service, state of the art care, and a friendly atmosphere.”

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 2017 • 11

Reader

PH TOs

Send us Your Best Photos

YOUR KIDS COULD BE IN GULF COAST FAMILY!

Send your funny parenting stories to articles@gulfcoastfamily.org.

Or email photos of your kiddos having fun at home, school, or anywhere in-between to myphotos@gulfcoastfamily.org. * Please send high resolution photos if possible.

{of the month}

Isabelle Hodson A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose.

Mitchell & Max rious pair: No better A boy and his dog make a glo . – Edgar Guest friendship is found anywhere

Bailey

Moriah

Embrace your inner super hero!

It’s time for All Day Breakfast

Silas Jeriah Kilstrom All my bags are packed. Summer vacation here I come!

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12 • July 2017

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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July 2017 • 13

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We all know that eating out often can add up! So, it’s important to know where the best deals are for the family. Here are some great places in the Tampa Bay area that are family friendly and are offering some great specials.

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14 • July 2017

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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July 2017 • 15

Wise Words When Your Children Talk Back Nothing makes correcting a child more frustrating than to have him constantly “back talk” or offer a response or defense to everything you say. It’s doubly upsetting if those retorts are disrespectful. So how do you nip this back talk habit? Much of it relies on laying a foundation of respect. Next, move on to the nitty-gritty of targeting the talking back and taking it on. You don’t have to do it alone. We’re in it with you. And while you don’t want to engage in a lot of back-and-forth verbal volleyball with your child, sometimes the right response can calm the waters and defuse common kid tactics to distract from the real issues.

“That’s not fair!”

Children like to believe that the only just way for them to be treated is exactly the same as their siblings or friends.

But fair isn’t the same as equal or identical.

A wise parent will measure his words carefully when responding to back talk so that parental authority doesn’t dissolve in a verbal tug of war. The last thing you want to do is engage in a lengthy back-and-forth with your child.

This only encourages future arguments about rules and boundaries. But on those occasions when you think your child’s backtalk deserves or needs a response, here are some wise words when your children talk back.

Response: “Well, what other parents choose to do may not be right for us. In our family we believe _____________, so that’s how we’ll decide about this too.”

Response: “I will always try to treat you and your brothers and sisters fairly, but I won’t always treat you the same.

That’s because you are each different, just like everyone in the world is different from each other.”

“Everyone else gets to do it!”

Kids like to pressure parents by comparing them to other parents.

“You don’t trust me.”

Older kids will try to guilt parents who set boundaries by acting as if the im-

plied lack of trust is damaging your parent-child relationship.

Response: “Even if I trust you, which I do, my main job is to keep you safe.

So in this case, it’s not about trusting you, it’s about keeping you safe and/or looking out for what you need.

“I don’t have to do what you say.”

This is one of those cases of back talk that shows defiance and disrespect and should be dealt with accordingly.

Response: Parent looks behind him and says, “Who are you talking to? I know you’re not talking to me.” That’s the give them a chance to correct their attitude approach. You can follow it with, “Okay, maybe you want to try that again.” If they don’t get the point and keep talking back, take a stronger approach, “I am your parent, and whether you think that I’m right or wrong, you

owe me respect and obedience. Because your attitude and words are showing neither, your consequence is…” (Note: This only has value if the consequence has an impact and you have the backbone to enforce it.)

“Mumble, mumble.”

This is the ploy of the child who wants to get in the last word. You’ve said your piece, but they won’t let it drop. They either keep pushing or they mumble under their breath. Either way, it’s a power play.

Response: “Okay, I’ve listened to what you have to say and I’ve asked you to stop talking.” From there, you can either say, “If you want to get to __________, you will not say another word.” Or, “If you say another word about this, I will _____________.”

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ECKERD COLLEGE

Summer Watersports Camp

A L L P R O D A D. C O M

THINGS

to Teach Your Kids

This Summer

Summer is here! It’s the season to make the most of extra time with the kids. Teaching kids important life skills is a great way to spend the summer hours. From indoors to outdoors, here are 5 things to teach your kids this summer.

1. HOW TO COOK.

Show your kids around the kitchen and teach them the basics.

For instance, how to boil and season pasta, fry an egg or bake a pizza in the oven. Build upon those skills as they progress.

Depending on the ages of your kids, you might also teach them how to grill and barbecue in the correct and safe ways.

2. HEALTHY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.

Our children spend way too much time indoors. Science has proven that being outside and active is not only physically healthy, but also mentally beneficial. Teach them how to swim. Go biking, hiking or on a long run. Perhaps take up tennis. The options are endless.

3. HOUSEHOLD CHORES.

Weekly Classes, Half & Full Day June 5 - August 4, Ages 5 & Above Open Enrollment

As hard as it is to imagine, one day our children will be living independently. They will have a big head start on life if they aren’t living in squalor. Show them how to run the vacuum, clean the toilets, push a mop, and make up a bed properly.

Introduce them to the washing machine and how to operate it without turning their clothes pink. Set up weekly chores to be completed and stick with it.

4. HOW TO BE CHARITABLE.

Popular culture tends to breed selfish desire and unrealistic expectations of what we think we deserve. As parents, we can counter that by teaching our children to have a charitable heart and humble nature. Have a clean sweep day and load up all those toys not being used. Gather up the mountain of clothing that is of great need to others. Donate it all to your favorite source. Also, designate a volunteer day where you and the kids donate your time to any number of areas beneficial to society.

Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Exploring watersports, Fishing, 5. HANDY LIFE SKILLS. EXPLORING Marine LifE, WAKEBOARDING / Water Skiing and More!

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Americans increasingly waste millions of dollars on repairs and jobs we could easily do ourselves. We don’t always need to “call the man.” Teach the kids basic skills such as how to mow the lawn or paint the front porch. Learning how to change a flat tire and jumpstart a battery are both essential.

Even the most simple of tasks such as changing AC filters, replacing bulbs and flood lights or fixing a leaky faucet are skills that need to be taught. We should teach our kids selfreliance, not dependence.

July 2017 • 17

When it comes to helping our children stay on track academically, we need to mimic Mrs. Carson’s determination. At a minimum, make sure your children read a little every day. Help them find fun books they’ll enjoy. Use our reading log (www.imom. com) and get them excited to read by giving them reading rewards: ice cream, a trip to the park, or something else they love.

Also let them know that you believe in them and expect great things from them. Mrs. Carson took that approach, and Dr. Ben Carson says that’s what gave him the confidence to succeed.

2. The Time Managing Mom.

Since our kids work hard during the school year, it’s only natural to want to keep them smart during the summer too. It just doesn’t make sense to let all of that learning slip away during the summer months. So we have some summer ideas for kids to keep them smart.

We found our inspiration for these ideas from some pretty sharp moms; Sonya Carson, mother of Dr. Ben Carson, our own Content Director Susan Merrill, and Jill Savage, a mother of five children who makes learning fun year-round.

Here are 3 Summer Ideas for Kids to Keep Them Smart: First, we want to acknowledge that there are many approaches to keeping our kids sharp

during the summer. Some moms choose a more structured approach like tutoring programs or even summer school classes. Other moms use workbooks or worksheets to maintain skills learned during the previous school year.

Whichever approach you choose, consider the ideas of these really great moms as you come up with your own summer ideas.

1. The No Excuses Mom.

Sonya Carson had 23 siblings. She married when she was 13 years old. She had a third grade education and was not a proficient reader. But Sonya was determined to make sure her sons got a good education and they did. Her oldest son, Curtis, became an engineer, and her youngest, Ben, became a neurosurgeon and political activist.

Summer is great for teaching our children new habits that will actually help them during the school year. That’s the philosophy of our Content Director Susan Merrill. And one of the skills that will help your children the most throughout their school years is time management.

The key to teaching your children how to manage their time is to help them prioritize.

What are the things that your family values most? If it is family time, how much of a priority do you give to having a weekly family night? How often does your family eat dinner together? As you help your children manage their time, think about what is important enough to commit time to each day, whether it is quiet time with God, family time, school studies, extra-curricular activities, or just play time.

Next, help them examine how they actually spend their time. If getting good grades is a top priority, but they spend more time play-

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ing video games than studying, then they will need to adjust their schedule. Or if they have so many activities planned that there is no down time or family time, consider cutting back their commitments to allow for more free time.

Once they’ve done that, talk with them about having some brain time every day.

(Susan’s time management ideas are from her free e-book, Every School Year Counts.)

3. The Learning is Fun Mom.

Summer learning doesn’t have to be boring or overly structured… but it pretty much has to be fun! So even though you might feel an urge to expound on some academic topic, try not to. Instead, author and mom of five Jill Savage says use the relaxed atmosphere of summer to teach your children life lessons while you’re doing fun things with them.

We all want the “perfect summer” for our kids, but rather than activities and schedules making up the perfect summer, it’s actually the not-scheduled spontaneous activities that make memories: running in the sprinkler, having picnics on the porch, laying on the ground and looking for shapes in the clouds, catching fireflies after dark. Sure, have some plans in place, but let spontaneity lead the way.

• Prioritize relationships over tasks.

• Be creative and make some messes.

• Lecture less and laugh more.

These are the elements that make up a beautiful summer.

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www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Entertain Your Kids this Summer for FREE! $2 Tuesdays at the Trop Summer is here, and so are the long days of figuring out how to keep the kids busy without spending every last cent. Here are several great ideas that are both fun and wallet friendly.

AMF Bowling Centers AMF is again offering their great free summer bowling promotion. You have to register your kids with AMF’s free bowling website, and they will be able to bowl two free games every single day this summer. All you pay for is shoe rental, and snacks if your kids can persuade you to buy them. This offer is good through September 2. For more information on the Free Kids Bowling visit AMF’s website at www.kidsbowlfree.com.

As American as apple pie and country music, a baseball game offers families an affordable experience that harkens back to a simpler time when kids and their parents huddled around the family radio to catch the broadcast of their hometown heroes. For all Tuesday home games this summer, tickets for kids 14 and under are just $2 with the purchase of a full price adult ticket. Fans can also enjoy $2 hot dogs! So grab your gloves and head out with your kids this Summer to cheer on the Rays and witness our Nation’s pastime.

Kids Skate Free is offering free passes for kids to skate at local roller skating rinks this summer. Each skating rink will have different restrictions, but most rinks in the Tampa area will allow kids 12 and under to skate for free. If your child doesn’t bring their own skates, there will be a nominal fee for skate rental. For more information visit www.kidsskatefree.com.

Summer Reading Freebies

Kids in 1st through 6th Grades can read any 8 books and record them in them in the Barns & Noble Free Book Reading Journal. Then just bring the completed log to your local Barnes & Noble store between now and Sept 5th 2017 for a FREE book! Kids can also earn a free ticket to a Tampa Bay Rays game this summer. Simply make it all the way to home plate by logging 9 reading hours in your Game Card (handed out at your local library) and you can receive a FREE ticket to a Rays game!

Summer Movie Specials Free and almost free summer movies are also a great way to keep the kids entertained and occupied for awhile. After all, when the weather gets hot sometimes the best escape can be a cold movie theater. Be sure to read all the details for the theater near you where you’d like to catch a summer movie.

All of them run their free and cheap summer movie programs a little differently. For schedules and complete details, visit these sites: www.regmovies.com, www.cobbtheatres.com.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

KidsSkateFree.com

Between these free summer movies, free summer bowling and skating programs, discounted Rays games, and freebies from summer reading programs your kiddos are sure to have a very busy summer.

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 2017 • 19

in the kitchen

If you are planning a BBQ for the Fourth of July (or even if you aren’t), celebrate the U.S.A. with these delicious, festive, kid friendly pretzel snacks!

Chocolate covered pretzels are great but when you add some red, white and blue they are awesome.

Firecracker Pretzels • 1 cup white chocolate chips • Shortening or vegetable oil (if needed)

• 1 12-ounce package pretzel rods • Red and blue sprinkles

1. Place chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. If chocolate is too thick, add a small amount of shortening or vegetable oil.

2. Dip each pretzel rod into the chocolate, coating about 2 to 3 inches.

Roll in sprinkles to cover the tip.

3. Place on waxed paper until chocolate hardens.

Cool Kids Cook

Belleair Montessori Academy…

Where a Child Loves to Learn!

• Family owned for over 60 years • Located in the beautiful town of Belleair • Open 7am – 6pm / year round program • Part-time and full time programs • Ages 1 – 4 • Summer learning program • Free VPK • Child care scholarships accepted from Pinellas ELC

Why choose a Montessori school?

• Multi-age groupings that foster peer learning • Teacher, child, and environment create a learning triangle • Students learn through sensory-motor and practical life activities

Four primary Montessori goals:

• Awaken the child’s spirit and imagination • Encourage independence • Develop kindness and self discipline • To help the child learn how to observe, question and explore ideas independently Cathie Hernandez, Director Patti Andre, Assistant Director

BELLEAIR MONTESSORI ACADEMY

20 • July 2017

Lic. #C890669

2017

SUMMER LEARNING FUN PROGRAM Weekly sessions June 5 – August 11 Each week features a different theme with animal activities, crafts, songs and stories, outside games, “cooking” and lots of fun!

Each week the children will also continue their love of learning through fun summer math, literacy & science projects, & use of the BELLEAIR MONTESSORI Montessori materials.

ACADEMY

905 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Belleair, FL 33756

905 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Belleair, FL 33756

727-584-2867 www.bmakids.com

727-584-2867 www.bmakids.com

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Lic. #C890669

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

t a e r G It’s ! e t a e r ay D to C e c n e d epen Ind

Private, Member-Owned Club, Established in 1924

Candy Bottle Rockets This tasty, fun and entertaining Fourth of July treat will keep kids busy all afternoon — though we won’t blame you if you make these explosive sweets for an adultsonly barbecue instead. Just fill drinking straws with Pop Rocks, stack patriotic-colored Life Savers, and add some cone-shaped Airhead candies on top and Kaboom! A clever treat that’s fun and sweet to eat.

Items Needed: Red, white or blue straws (Make sure they’re big enough to fill with Pop Rocks and that the holes of your Life Savers fit snugly around the straws.)

• Pop Rocks • Red, white and blue Gummie Life Savers • Red and blue Airhead candies – Cut the Airhead candies into 2-1/2-inch strips, and twist them into cone shapes. Trim the bottom edges evenly with a pair of scissors.

Patriotic Centerpiece Flag Bouquet This patriotic centerpiece is quick, easy and makes a great presentation.

Items Needed: Clear glass • Red, White, and Blue M&M’s or other candy • Small USA Flags 1. Cut the flag sticks so the flags are at different heights.

2. Pour candy into glass. May want to layer colors.

3. Put in flags.

Hand Painted Flag Shirt Happy Independence Day! These adorable hand painted t-shirts are fun to make and also make a great conversation piece!

Items Needed: White tee shirts • Red and blue fabric paint • Painters tape 1. Apply a thick coat of blue fabric paint to one of your child’s hands and stamp it in the upper left corner for the blue portion of the flag.

2. Use the painters tape to outline where the red stripes will be.

3. Paint the stripes using the red fabric paint.

4. Peel off tape. Let paint dry. Put on shirt. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

SUMMER MEMBERSHIP BEGINS APRIL 1st!

Competitive Swim Team All Day Fun Camp 7am-6pm w/Lunch & Snacks Included!

Tennis & Golf Camps

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FREE HAIRCUT To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 2017 • 21

Surviving Summer Cookouts — Burgers, Desserts, Oh My!

by Amy Alexander Summer is here – bring on the fun, sun and family cookouts!

Cookouts and all their glory are a great way to bond with your family, but they can detour your healthy lifestyle with high-calorie foods and drinks.

Here are 5 Healthy BBQ Eating Tips to help you steer clear from BBQ extras (and weight) and stick to your workout goals.

1. Find the Fruits and Veggies

Ever notice the fruit and veggie platters always go quick? Everyone loves fresh fruit, especially on a gorgeous day. Celebrate the freshest fruits and veggies of the season; and feel good about what you’re eating.

If you are hosting a BBQ, make sure you include at least one low-calorie option for family and friends. Get creative with your sides, try grilling out vegetables, offer turkey burgers or whip up fresh strawberries and cream for dessert.

2. Use a Smaller Plate – Take Control

For round one, go small — you can always go back for seconds. You may be surprised that a smaller portion satisfies your appetite.

If you think you want to go back for more, wait a couple minutes after eating and see if you’re still hungry, or just mindlessly munching.

3. Watch the Sauces

So you’ve got your turkey burger with half the bun, salad and fruit – you’re proud and feeling good, but what about dressing and sauces? You’ve come this far, hold the mayo, heavy dressings and “special sauce.”

Instead, try adding a healthy salsa for a kick and some extra veggies!

Go for a clear dressing, like balsamic vinaigrette, instead of creamy, high-calorie ones.

Keep the salad dressing on the side and dip your fork in it.

Also, watch out for mayo-filled salads, like potato or macaroni salad. They’re typically filled with calories, so manage your portions.

4. Stay Active – “No Linger Zone” at Buffet Table

Pick a spot far away from the buffet table and curb temptations to go fill your plate. If you’re prone to snacking, engage in activities such as a group walk or tossing the football. You don’t need to work up a sweat, but you’ll get the blood pumping and muscles moving! Every calorie you burn helps, plus it keeps you away from the food.

5. Beware of Beverages

When getting together, it’s easy to kick back and drink sodas or alcoholic beverages (which are both loaded with calories). Try

and drink a glass of water in between every soda or alcoholic beverage, it keeps you hydrated and the calories down.

Best bet, limit to 1 or 2 drinks, and stick with water.

When grandma’s chocolate cake is calling, remember, so is your fit! Practice these healthy tips and you’ll be a cookout survivor. Want more wiggle room with your calories? Burn the calories BEFORE you go with a quick workout at your gym!

Amy Alexander is an ACSM certified Personal Trainer and RPM instructor.

g n i r B We y t r a P e Th T o Yo u !

Host the hottest party of the year. Book a Game Truck or Mobile Laser Tag party with us!

Our fully stocked Game Truck delivered to your door loaded with the hottest video game titles, 6 HDTV’s and multiple consoles per TV including PS 4, X Box One, Wii U, PS 3. X Box 360, Wii, and Nintendo Switch.

Racing, sports, action, shooters and dancing. There is something for gamers of all ages! Want to really get them going wild? Have a water balloon battle or our state of the art mobile laser tag party.

We bring the bunkers to create a customized battlefield allowing players to get in the game! 12 Tippmann taggers and awesome Game Coaches to keep your guests having a blast! Can’t decide? Book a combo party to keep everyone happy. No mess - no stress party fun delivered right to you. What could be easier?

Birthdays, school events, aftercare programs, wedding receptions, bachelor parties and more. You dream it and we’ll make it awesome!

727-422-5099 RollingVideoGamesStPete.com 22 • July 2017

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Maybe the reason you don’t pursue date nights with your husband with more intention is that it has become just…so…predictable. Break out of the rut with some new ideas that go beyond dinner and a movie.

1. L ive theatre, live concerts — live anything.

There’s something about a live performance that’s a bit more exhilarating than a recorded version. Seek out a great play, a concert, or even a coffee house with some live entertainment to spice up your weekend with your spouse.

2. Go ethnic.

Go off your regular culinary path by trying out a new type of cuisine.

Most cities now offer a wealth of eateries representing every corner of the map, from Thai fusion to Ethiopian to Cuban—you might just find new flavors you love!

3. Take a risk.

Okay, listen. We know that “risky” is a relative term. For someone else, it might be skydiving. For you it might be strapping on ice skates. We’re not saying you have to go crazy, but try something together that’s just a wee bit outside your comfort zone. Again, you don’t have to juggle knives here. Just get your heart rate up a bit!

4. Get artsy.

It’s one thing to stroll through a museum together, hand in hand. (And not a bad date idea in and of itself.) It’s another thing to roll up your sleeves and create something yourself. Lots of museums and studios offer couples’ classes in sketching, painting, pottery—the list is endless.

Don’t forget your sense of humor!

Dana Hall McCain writes about marriage, parenting, faith and wellness for iMOM. She’s a mom of two, and has been married to a wonderful guy for 17 years.

5. Move together. www.iMom.com

iMOM exists for you—to inspire you to love your family well. We want to give you help and hope so that you can enjoy the days to come...being a mom!

We know you’ve watched Dancing with the Stars and thought, “That looks fun.” Whether you’ve tried ballroom or any other type of dancing before, there are classes for couples of all skill levels—from beginners to advanced. Who knows? You may find out that you’re the perfect Ginger Rogers to his Fred Astaire.

6. Go all smarty-pants.

If you live near a college or university, you’re within reach of a wealth of opportunities to hear fascinating lectures on topics of current interest and readings from amazing authors. Even if you don’t have a college nearby, check with your local library for special events and visiting authors.

7. Be curious.

Sometimes we try something just to be able to say we did. I was reminded of this in a yoga class recently, when a classmate brought her husband to try it out. He could hardly keep from laughing out loud at our teachers’ suggestions to “breathe deeply” and “focus on the light within.” Trying to get into the poses? Even funnier to him. The couple kept exchanging glances of total amusement. Will he become a devoted yogi? Doubtful.

Did they have a hilarious conversation about that class on the ride home?

I’d be willing to bet my life on it.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 2017 • 23

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727-397-3204 baypineslutheranchurch.org

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# 727-584-2867 bmakids.com ACADEMY

Admiral Farragut Academy

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

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Contact Information

384-5500 x 220 farragut.org 501 Park St. N, St. Peterburg 727-593-5437 Anona Christian Center anona.com; find us under the Grow tab 13233 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo 727-397-3204 Bay Pines Lutheran baypineslutheranchurch.org 7589 113 Lane N, Seminole 727-584-2867 Belleair Montessori Academy bmakids.com 905 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Belleair 727-391-4060 Blessed Sacrament Catholic School blessedsacramentcatholicschool.com 11501 66th Ave N, Seminole 727-449-2247 Calvary Christian High School cchs.us 110A N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater 727-347-8622 Cathedral School of St. Jude cathedralofstjude.org 600 58th St N, St. Petersburg 727-781-2986 Center Academy Palm Harbor centeracademy.com 34054 US 19 N, Palm Harbor 727-541-5716 Center Academy Pinellas Park centeracademy.com 6710 86th Ave N, Pinellas Park 727-954-8856 Community Christian School of Five Oaks ccschool.com 7900 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg 727-733-1438 Cornerstone Christian School cornerstonechristianfl.org 317 Milwaukee Ave, Dunedin 727-799-1618 Countryside Christian Academy myccacademy.org 1850 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 727-542-6294 Covenant Academy covenantacademyfl.org 5495 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park 727-447-6385 Delphi Academy of Florida delphifl.org 1831 Drew St, Clearwater 727-391-9788 Faith Academy Preschool seminoleag.org 10600 113th Street, Seminole 727-573-1012 Feather Sound Christian Preschool feathersoundpreschool.com 13880 Feather Sound Dr, Clearwater 727-544-9465 First Baptist Preschool fbcpp.org/preschool 5495 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park 727-526-8194 Holy Family Catholic School holyfamily-school.com 250 78th Ave NE, St. Petersburg

16

Feather Sound Christian Preschool 727-573-1012 feathersoundpreschool.com

24 • July 2017

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727-542-6294 covenantacademyfl.org

727-733-1438 cornerstonechristianfl.org

2017 Gulf Coast Family

School

Cornerstone Christian School

BELLEAIR MONTESSORI

School Guide Pinellas County

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48 8

31

11

35 36

21

12

14 30 45

Grades 3yr – 12th

Scan this barcode with your QR enabled smart phone to see our complete online school directory. Or visit www.gulfcoastfamily.org

43

4

28

2yr – VPK VPK – 8th

29

1yr – 4yr

6

32

16

2

19 33 24 49 15 46 27 3

Pre-K – 8th 9th – 12th

9

38 23

3yr – 8th

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4th – 12th

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VPK – 12th

47 44

22 39

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5th – 12th

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VPK – 8th Infant – 8th

School

K – 8th

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Pre-K – 9th

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2yr – VPK

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2yr – 5yr

22

2yr – 6yr

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2yr – 8th

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Indian Rocks Christian School

12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo

Keswick Christian School

10101 54th Ave N, St. Petersburg

Lakeside Schristian School

1897 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater

Learning Adventures Preschool

4401 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg

LiFT Academy

13400 Park Blvd, Seminole

Loving Arms Christian Preschool

11220 Oakhurst Road, Largo

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First Baptist Preschool Center Holy Family Pinellas Park Catholic School 727-544-9465 727-526-8194 fbcpp.org/preschool holyfamily-school.com Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Contact Information 727-596-4342 ircs.org 727-393-9100 keswickchristian.org 727-239-7808 lakesidechristianschool.org 727-527-3180 www.AtLearningAdventures.com 727-434-8322 liftacademy.org 727-595-2112 ctklc.org/preschool

Grades Pre-K – 12th Infant – 12th K – 12 2yr – 5yr age 5–18+ 2yr – 5yr

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727-393-9100 keswickchristian.org www.gulfcoastfamily.org

23

School

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49

#

Morning Star School

Northside Christian School

7777 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg

Oakhurst Learning Center

13233 102nd Ave. N., Largo

Pinellas Academy of Math & Science

1775 S Highlands Avenue, Clearwater

Pinellas Preparatory Academy

2300 S Belcher Rd. #100, Largo

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MORNING STAR SCHOOL

727-595-2112 ctklc.org/preschool Contact Information

4661 80th Ave N, Pinellas Park

26

#

FOR TOMORROW

727-434-8322 liftacademy.org 25

25

24

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INDEPENDENCE

LEARNING

#

Grades

727-544-6036 morningstarschool.org 727-541-7593 x 247 nck12.com 727-596-3411 oakhurstlearningcenter.com 727-330-9449 pinellasacademy.com 727-536-3600 pinellasprep.org

2yr – Pre-K

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

K – 8th

727-544-6036 727-541-7593 x 247 morningstarschool.org nck12.com MORNING S T A R S C H54 O O L 57

1st – 12th

58 53

VPK – 12th

K – 8th

52

K – 8th

Plato Academy

2045 Palmetto St., Clearwater 1601 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor 7100 142nd Ave. N., Largo 10888 126th Ave., Seminole 3901 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 2795 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs 8812 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey

Promiseland Preschool

1900 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg

Rainbow Preschool

13400 Park Blvd, Seminole

Rosie’s Play School

4500 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Rosie’s Play School

501 39th St. N., St. Petersburg

Rosie’s Play School

2869 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg

Sacred Heart Interparochial School

7951 46th Way N, Pinellas Park

Shady Creek Preschool

2095 Belleair Rd, Clearwater

Shorecrest Prep

5101 1st St NE, St. Petersburg

Skycrest Christian School

129 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater

St. Jerome Early Childhood Center

10895 Hamlin Blvd, Largo

St. Petersburg Christian School

2021 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg

Westlake Christian School

1551 Belcher Rd, Palm Harbor

Westside Christian School

11633 137th St N, Largo

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thru #

36

56 727-576-1772 fbcstpete.org 727-397-5759 oakhurstumc.com 727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com 727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com 727-521-6931 rosiesplayschool.com 727-544-1106 shsaints.org 727-535-8512 shadycreekpreschool.com 727-456-7511 shorecrest.org 727-797-1186 skycrestchristianschool.org 727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org 727-522-3000 stpetechristian.org 727-781-3808 westlakechristianschool.org 727-517-2153 westsidechristianschool.com

51 2 yr – Pre-K 2 yr – VPK

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

1 yr – VPK Infant – VPK

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Hillsborough County 50

Pre-K – 8th 51 2 yr – VPK 52 3 yr – 12th 53 1 yr – 8th 2 yr – VPK

54 55

K – 8th

56

2 yr – 8th

57

K – 12th

58

39 41

55

2 yr – VPK

Bayshore Christian School

3909 S MacDill Avenue, Tampa

Bell Shoals Baptist Academy

2102 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon

Cambridge Christian School

6101 N Habana Ave, Tampa

Carrollwood Day School

12606 Casey Rd, Tampa

Center Academy

Pre-K – 12th 2 yr – 12th

813-876-8770 cks-school.org

4 yr – 8th

813.510.3901

1 yr – 5 yr

813-884-8250 hillsdalechristianacademy.org

2 yr – 6th

Citrus Park Learning Academy

8003 Beaty Grove Drive, Tampa

Hillsdale Christian Academy

2 yr – 8th

4th – 12th

3809 W Morrison Ave, Tampa

6201 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa

2 yr – 12th

813-909-9442 813-677-7777 centeracademy.com

Christ The King Catholic School

#

727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com

813-839-4297 bayshorechristianschool.org 813-689-9183 bsbacademy.com 813-872-6744 cambridge-christian.com 813-920-2288 carrollwooddayschool.org

1520 Land O Lakes Blvd, Lutz 10518 Riverview Dr, Riverview

44

#

thru #

50

46 St. Jerome Early Childhood Center

#

Shorecrest

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

727-456-7511 shorecrest.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org

July 2017 • 25

5

Ways to Help Children Learn Responsibility

by Dr. Kira Wilson

The price of greatness is responsibility.

Winston Churchill

lots of free time and lots of opportunity to grow in the area of responsibility. Here are five ways to get started.

A responsible person is someone who others can depend on, someone who is faithful with the little things and in time can be trusted with greater things. A responsible person accepts the consequences for his or her actions and words, and does not blame others. As parents we want our children to be dependable, trustworthy individuals who are responsible. It’s summer! Your children have

First: Teaching responsibility requires modeling responsibility. The best teacher is a living example. Children learn responsibility through everyday activities and the conduct of parents, friends, teachers, and other influential individuals.

Second: Increase responsibilities as children earn the right to be trusted. Children can exercise responsibility

in the following areas: taking care of their belongings (room, toys, books, clothing, car, bike…), completing and turning in school work, completing chores, being responsible with their finances, and fulfilling their commitments (sports, work, relationships).

Third: Set aside time to train your children. Training a child when time is limited can be stressful and giving instructions without demonstration can be frustrating. If a task needs to be assigned, begin by having the child observe you while giving instruction. Encourage diligence and thoroughness. It WILL take more time to train them than it will to do it yourself, but the reward of a responsible child is well worth the effort.

Fourth: Allow your children to fail. Teach consequences for behavior and let your child face those consequences.

Experiencing consequences will help children make better decisions in the future.

Fifth: Tie responsibilities and privileges together. Maybe your daughter, who has the responsibility of babysitting her younger brother, gets to stay up later. Or your son, who is responsible for grilling dinner, is given the privilege of driving the family car to do the grocery shopping.

Often, there is a child in the family who tends to be more responsible than the others. Generally, it is the first born but not always. Each and every child needs to learn responsibility. Be purposeful about calling the other children too when you need help or want a task completed.

Here is a resource that provides a list of chores and responsibilities that children are capable of doing at certain ages, beginning at two years old. Check it out. http://alysonschafer.com/home-responsibilities-by-age/

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26 • July 2017

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Remember privilege comes with responsibility, so consider a fun activity together when the task is completed well. Happy parenting!

Dr. Kira Wilson is the Director of Covenant Academy in Pinellas County and the founder of Life and Learning (LifeandLearning.net), an educational blog for parents.

With more than 35 years in Christian education, her passion is to encourage and equip teachers and parents to develop in children a love for learning and a love for God. She cherishes family time with her husband, children, and two grandchildren.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

STARKEY ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH presents

SPORTS CAMP COACHES PROVIDED BY UW (UNCHARTED WATERS) SPORTS MINISTRY

Pinellas Art Students and Teachers Honored at Carnegie Hall Pinellas County students and teachers were honored at the 2017 Scholastic Art Awards National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall on June 8.

Aidan Schaffert and Marica James from Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School, and Kiara Rivera from Lakewood High School were awarded gold medals and were honored at the ceremony. Art teachers Jayce Ganchou, Yoko Nogami, Blaine Barden, Julie Smith, Steve Beverage and Karen Santangelo were also recognized.

Date: July 10 – 14, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Place: Starkey Road Baptist Church, 8800 Starkey Road, Seminole Cost: $30 early registration ($35 after June 30)

T-shirt and snacks included

Cheerleading (6-12 yrs.)

Soccer (6-12 yrs) Basketball (8-12 yrs.)

Flag Football (8-12 yrs) Team 45

(special program for 4 & 5 year olds)

Register online at www.SRBC.org or call 727-397-1654

Award categories include poetry, photography, sculpture, humor, editorial cartoons, and video game design. A record-breaking 330,000 works of art and writing were submitted for adjudication at the regional level this year. In their 93year history, the awards have recognized some of America’s most celebrated artists such as Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon, Robert Indiana, Cy Twombly, Ken Burns, John Baldessari and Kay WalkingStick.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7-12. Twelve Pinellas students received 15 national medals, the largest number of awards Pinellas has ever received in the program.

Students who received the gold medal were honored at Carnegie Hall.

Hillsborough Families Can Now Register for Back to School Health Fairs Hillsborough County Public Schools, in partnership with the Back to School Coalition of Hillsborough County and Project LINK are hosting several free Back 2 School Health Fairs for students and families.

The purpose of the Back 2 School Health Fair is to initiate school readiness, parental involvement, and community interaction, targeting economically challenged families who reside in Hillsborough County and have children that attend Hillsborough County Public Schools.

Free physicals will be available for children in kindergarten through grade 12. Free immunizations will also be available however, immunization records are required at the fair. A parent or legal guardian must accompany children at all times. Sports, Head Start, and Child Care physicals will NOT be available during the fairs.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

School Board Member Susan Valdes is proudly hosting the Back to School Fair at Leto High School on August 5. Ms. Valdes has helped to organize a health fair in the Town and Country area for twelve years.

“I have heard the needs of the community and am honored to be able to organize this initiative which provides basic health care and assistance to families as they prepare their children for the school year,” said Valdes.

Appointments are required at some sites.

See details below. For information about the five coalition fairs or to schedule an appointment, call (888) 779-2552 or www.back2schoolfair.org. For questions about the health fair at Leto High School, email susanvb2school@sdhc.k12.fl.us Sat, July 22 Sat, July 22 Sat, July 29 Sat, July 29 Sat, August 5 Sat, August 5

Swindle Medical Center Lennard High School Middleton High School Shaw Elementary School Blake High School Leto High School July 2017 • 27

Meet Micanopy Meet Micanopy — an endangered twoyear-old, Florida panther that now calls the Lowry Park Zoo home. Micanopy is no longer considered viable for release to the wild due to its behavior. He was captured and removed twice from nearby residential areas because he was preying upon pets — putting himself, the public and their pets at risk. Officials with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) first captured Micanopy last summer, following 2-3 weeks of run-ins with residents in a neighborhood near Immokalee in Collier County.

“Although this panther never displayed aggressive behavior towards humans, the pattern of behavior was concerning enough that we decided to remove it as a proactive response to the risks posed to residents,” said David Shindle, USFWS Florida Panther Coordinator.

The panther likely used exotic vegetation adjacent to houses in the area to hide out and stalk prey. Wildlife officials have since worked with Collier County Housing to remove this vegetation and decrease the likelihood of other panthers or bears lingering too close to residential neighborhoods in the future. Once secured, FWC staff transported Micanopy to the experts at the Zoo, where he received multiple health assessments. Zoo veterinary professionals gave the panther a clean bill of health, and officials released the animal to the Big Cypress National Preserve in late May. Nearly a month later, USFWS and FWC again captured the Micanopy on the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Big Cypress Reservation. The panther was exhibiting the

28 • July 2017

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

same pattern of behavior, frequenting residential areas and preying on pets.

The panther returned to the Zoo, where it received additional medical attention. It was around this time that the Interagency Florida Panther Response Team decided that, due to a lack of change in its behavior, this animal posed a public safety concern and should be permanently removed from the wild. This meant that if officials could not find the panther a suitable home, it would have to be euthanized.

“As soon as we heard he could not be released again, we started looking at our own capacity and that of our partners to see who might be able to take this animal in,” said Dr. Ray Ball, Senior Veterinarian at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. After weighing the options carefully, the Zoo made the decision to house the panther, named “Mickey,” on-site. But this all hinged on one thing – how Mickey got along with Lucy, a resident Florida panther already living at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. In December, following an additional round of check-ups, Zoo staff began the process of introducing the two animals. The meetings went well, and the two panthers are now sharing the same habitat and can be seen by zoo visitors along with other native Florida wildlife.

“We are happy to have made a difference in the life of this animal, and we stand ready to assist USFWS and FWC with any future panther-related needs,” said Dr. Ball. “The Florida panther is more than an important symbol for the state, it is an integral species in our native ecosystem that our Zoo is dedicated to protecting.” www.gulfcoastfamily.org

’ s é n e J

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Specializing in citrus and tropical fruit trees including: miracle fruit, kaffir

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Our highly trained, award winning teachers offer a private school education in a family atmosphere.

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Jené’s Tropicals Garden Center, Inc. 6831 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Open Mon. – Sat. 9 – 5pm

Central Ave

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As you continue through your tropical orchard, you arrive at the Indonesian jackfruit tree. Wow! The tree has 2 big fruit hanging on the trunk. The air surrounding the tree smells like Juicy Fruit gum. This is a sure sign that the mammoth fruit will be ripe soon. The jackfruit is the world’s largest fruit that bears on a tree. The fruit is so heavy, averaging 25 to 40 lbs, that only the trunk of the tree can support this massive fruit. The skin is very rough and looks like a large green alien egg. However, the crisp pulp is awesome! It tastes like a combination of pineapples and bananas. Even the large seeds are delicious roasted.

As you continue your stroll, you admire your fig, sugar apple, longan and pomegranate trees. The espalier atemoya (looks like a hand grenade, tastes like an ultra sweet custard-like pear) is finally setting a few fruit. The passion fruit vine is loaded with fruit this year. How exciting!

Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

S

Picture yourself strolling through your backyard. Your eyes widen as big as saucers as you approach your “Carrie” mango tree. You are filled with excitement as you reach out to pick you first home-grown mango of the season. You gently pluck the prized fruit from the tree and hold it to your nose. Breathe in! Mmmm. The tropical fragrance is magnificent! However, it tastes even better then it smells!

This scenario could be yours. As I said, there are so many fun tropical fruiting trees, bushes and vines to choose from. With a little planning, water, and sunshine, you can grow and harvest your own tropical fruit throughout most of the year. If you are interested in planting a fruit tree or even an edible landscape, but not sure what certain fruits taste like or even where to begin, join us for our 22nd Annual Tropical Fruit Tasting at Jene’s Tropicals in St. Petersburg, July 15th and 16th. You’ll be able to sample fresh exotic fruits from around the world, including many varieties of Indian, Asian and island mangoes, guavas, jackfruit, mamey sapote, and many more. Enjoy tropical fruit eggrolls, deserts and cool beverages to beat the heat! This event is not only tasty, it’s educational and lots of fun! See our ad across the page for details or visit us at tropicalfruit.com.

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It’s a favorite time of the year for tropical fruit lovers!

July is an ideal time to harvest an abundance of exotic tropical fruits, such as mango (Queen of the Tropics), guava, wax jambu, sugar apple, white sapote, mamey, passion fruit and many more. Florida, especially the Tampa Bay area, is perfect to grow many of these fruits.

Lastly, you visit your “Sweet Heart” lychee nut tree.

She has been good to you this year and has produced a bumper crop. The fruit are as big as strawberries and taste similar. They are luscious and juicy. You exit your tropical fruit paradise feeling happy and well rewarded for your efforts.

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6831 Central Ave. tropicalfruit.com St. Petersburg 727-344-1668 July 2017 • 29

with Jim Daly

TALK TO YOUR TEENS ABOUT MARRIAGE TO PREPARE THEM FOR ADULTHOOD

Q: My son and daughter are 15 and 13, respectively.

I’m trying to cover all the bases in helping them prepare for adulthood. Is there something you’ve seen parents neglect or just forget to talk about?

Jim: Parents rightfully want teenagers to learn important life lessons—financial management, work ethic, etc. And those are good things to teach to our children. But there’s another topic moms and dads often overlook: marriage!

You’re probably thinking: “Talk to my teenagers about marriage? I’m just hoping to get them through the dating years in one piece!” But conversations about marriage aren’t something that should be ignored in the teen years.

Marriage is an enormous commitment, and yet parents generally do very little to prepare their kids for it. That’s why I think it’s best to weave healthy principles about marriage throughout a child’s upbringing. Boys should be taught from a young age what it means to serve their wife, to honor her and to treat her with dignity. Girls should learn the value of motherhood and how marriage can enhance her identity as a woman, rather than detract from it.

Values like these can even have a positive impact on single young adults. They’ll be better equipped to have a healthy dating life. And they’ll also be more likely to wait for the right relationship, instead of jumping into the first thing that comes along.

has been the center of attention in your family. Now a screaming, crying little stranger has suddenly appeared on the scene and upset his world, demanding huge amounts of your time and attention. It’s only natural that he feels a bit put out.

So don’t wait until your kids are deeply entrenched in a romantic relationship before talking to them about marriage. Proactively teach them how to have a healthy relationship, so they’ll be able to make a good decision when it counts.

For more tips to help your family thrive at all stages of life, visit FocusOnTheFamily.com.

There are several strategies you can adopt to smooth the transition. First, it’s important for Dad to take an active, involved role with both toddler and baby.

When you’re nursing or tending to the infant, your husband could engage the older child in some kind of fun one-on-one activity, giving the boy his full attention. On the other side of the coin, Dad could give you frequent breaks by changing, rocking, burping and generally helping care for the baby whenever possible. That will enable you to also spend some special time with your toddler each day.

HELPING TODLER ADJUST TO NEW HAVING A NEW SISTER Q: How can we help our 2-year-old adjust to having a new baby sister? He whines and cries for Mommy (me) all the time, and lately he’s been misbehaving as a way of getting our attention. Is this normal?

Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting and Youth: Yes, it’s perfectly normal. Your older child

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Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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Many parents notice some regressive behavior on the part of their toddler after a new baby arrives. For example, the child may try to climb into the infant’s crib or suddenly forget his potty training skills. One way to counter this is to affirm your toddler for his “grown-up” capabilities and to point out some of the advantages of being older. You might say something like, “You’re such a big boy now! You can go to the park and ride on the swings. The baby is too little to do that.” Your older child needs to be reassured that he’s special and unique. So let him know that you love him and praise him generously when he’s helpful or kind toward the baby.

find happiness in your mate, you were probably disappointed. The range of emotions that we normally experience as unmarried individuals has the potential to become even wider in marriage. If you and your spouse were unhappy and unfulfilled as singles, those feelings of discontentment can sink even lower after you tie the knot. But if you each have a sense of deep individual meaning and purpose, and a desire to share your goals in a lifetime of mutual commitment, your satisfaction level can increase as you come together. The object lesson is obvious: If you want to be content living with another person, you have to learn to be content in who you are.

DEALING WITH DOUBTS ABOUT MARRIAGE

Second, shake off the lingering influences of premarital romance and learn to appreciate your spouse for who he or she really is. During courtship, both spouses-to-be tend to get excited about this wonderful new relationship. As a result, they fill in any perceived gaps in their loved one’s personality. Accept that you’re now married to a person who has flaws— just like you have.

Q: What should I do if I fear that my marriage may have been a mistake? It’s only been a short time since the wedding, and already I’m beginning to think that I’ve married the wrong person.

Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries: Simply put, marriage is not primarily about “finding the right person.” It’s about being the right person.

You can begin by working on yourself. If you entered marriage with the expectation that you were going to

Third, remind yourself of the true meaning of love.

Erich Fromm wrote: “To love somebody is not just a strong feeling—it is a decision, it is a judgment, it is a promise. If love were just a feeling, there would be no basis for the promise to love each other forever.”

If you continue to struggle practicing this kind of love in your marriage, please call our counselors at 800-232-6459.

HELPING CHILD OVERCOME HIS FEARS Q: How can I help my small child deal with his overwhelming fear of insects? He’s always been a little scared of bugs, but recently he was bitten by something at preschool during snack time, and now he gets hysterical every time the class is supposed to go outside.

Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting and Youth: Your child’s panicked reaction may be because of his personality, young age and/or his lack of

To know Him and live that others may know Him

Seminole Assembly Ministries 10600 113th Street N 727-391-9788 www.seminoleag.org

113th St N

102nd Ave N

Seminole Blvd

Ulmerton Rd Bryan Dairy Rd

Park Blvd

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Sunday 9:30 am Worship Service 6:00 pm Spanish Service / Youth Group To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 2017 • 31

with Jim Daly understanding. Children’s fears can be due to inexperience—they become paranoid because they don’t have complete or accurate knowledge of the thing that scares them. That can lead them to generalize (“all bugs bite”). Kids who are more anxious and tend to be on “high alert” need help learning how to handle difficulty, adversity and fear.

All of this takes patience and genuine connection with your child. It’s likely that your son will eventually learn that most bugs are harmless. If this doesn’t happen—if the problem persists beyond a few months or seems to get worse—you may want to schedule a full evaluation of your child by a licensed clinical professional.

A practical strategy would be to make a fun project out of helping your son overcome his concerns. Go to the library together and check out some books on bugs.

Learn their names and talk about what they do for the environment. Start with harmless-looking critters like lady bugs and caterpillars. Draw pictures of insects together. You might even buy some toy plastic bugs for him to play with. From there, hold some “safe” bugs in your hands to show that they aren’t threatening. My kids loved to give worms rides on their toy trains. The goal, of course, is to take the thing that causes him to panic and make it familiar and fun.

LASTING LOVE IS MORE THAN A LIST OF REASONS Q: Usually when I want to express my love for my husband verbally or in writing, I list reasons why he means so much to me: He’s a good dad, provides for our family, etc. But he doesn’t seem to appreciate those compliments like he used to.

Am I missing something?

Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries: Most of us, when asked to make a list of the reasons why we love our spouse, would probably start with “because”: I love my wife because she’s good to me… because she’s kind… because she’s considerate… because she’s romantic.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with those things.

But true, lasting love goes much deeper than that.

Author Gary Thomas has noted that it’s easy to love someone because they’re always doing nice things for you and making you feel good about yourself.

Anyone can love somebody like that.

Cornerstone

Real life is different, though. Even the best spouse is going to let you down from time to time. All of us tend to be self-absorbed, forgetful and even meanspirited. It’s true of you and me, and it’s true of the people we’re married to. But if you can love a spouse who disappoints you, you aren’t loving them because of anything—you’re loving them anyway.

Will a woman love her husband who doesn’t express appreciation for the sacrifices she makes? Who takes her for granted? Can a man love a wife who isn’t nearly as kind to him as he is to her? We all want to be loved anyway, in spite of our own faults, so shouldn’t we treat the person closest to us the way we want to be treated?

One key to a healthy marriage is to get to the point where you and your spouse can say to each other, “I love you because… and I love you anyway.” If you can get that balance right, your marriage likely has what it takes to go the distance.

Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family, host of the Focus on the Family radio program, and a husband and father of two.

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July 2017 • 33

Safer Fun In The Sun

About Childhood Cancer

Sun protection is important for Florida’s children all year long, but especially in summer. Try to avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest, and make sunscreen a daily habit. All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg offers these tips for protecting children from the sun:

Did you know?

• One in every 330 Americans with cancer. The average high develops cancer before the age of 21. school has two students who are • On average, two classrooms full of current or former cancer patients. children and adolescents, about 46, • The causes of most childhood are diagnosed with cancer every cancers are unknown. At present, school day in the United States. childhood cancer cannot be • Childhood cancer is the #1 disease prevented. killer of children ages 0-20 in the • Childhood cancers affect more United States. potential patient-years of life than • On average, one in every four any other cancer except breast and elementary schools has a child lung cancer.

Waterproof, water-resistant, and sweatresistant sunscreens… there are a lot of choices! These products are good for active kids, but the names can be misleading. Even “waterproof” sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours,

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Nomin a a teach te er T

ODAY!

TEACHER of the MONTH SPONSORED BY

Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater area Chick-fil-a

INFLUENCE • INNOVATION • INSPIRATION Gulf Coast Family Newspaper is looking for the area’s most dedicated, successful teachers. Nominate an educator you love, or tell others about how to apply for this special honor. Selected teachers will be featured in an issue of Gulf Coast Family Newspaper. ing

Beginn this

ST AUGU

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Holy Family Catholic School Faith – Values – Academic Excellence

At Holy Family, we provide your child with a strong academic foundation in a safe, faith-filled environment.

• IA (Iowa Assessment) and ACRE test scores higher than the national average • Advanced curriculum that includes technology, foreign language, music and art • Enrichment program for qualified students • Student leadership, sports and extracurricular activities • Small class sizes!

• PreK2 through 8th grade • Financial aid available through “Step Up for Students”

Please call (727) 526-8194 for more information or to schedule a tour!

Or eMail us at: jdesrosiers@holyfamilycatholicschool.com 250 78th Ave. NE • St. Petersburg, FL 33702 727-526-8194 • Cmeyer@holyfamilycatholicschool.com www.HolyFamilyCatholicSchool.com

through Grade 8 School” “There’s PreK2 No Place Like Holy Family

34 • July 2017

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especially when children are playing in the water.

The A-B-Cs of SPF & UV Sunlight is made up of two kinds of ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UVA and UVB. Both types damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Even children and teens can get some types of skin cancer. Until recently, sunscreens only protected against UVB rays, but there are new products that may also block UVA rays.

Sunscreens are ranked with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 — SPF 30 is recommended.

How to Use Sunscreen Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Apply to all exposed skin (except eyelids), including ears and

feet. Be extra careful around and just above the eyes. “Stick” preparations may be easier for this area. A hat with a wide brim provides added protection.

If your child does get a sunburn, remember that: • Sunburns can cause dehydration, fever and serious skin damage.

An SPF 30 can turn into an SPF 3 if you don’t apply enough sunscreen!

Older children and adults should use two ounces of sunscreen for each application—that’s ¼ of an 8-ounce bottle).

Younger children won’t need quite as much. Give the sunscreen a chance to be absorbed into the skin before putting on a shirt or getting in the car.

Sometimes a child has a skin reaction that may be a particular sunscreen ingredient. Let your child’s doctor know if this happens, and ask the doctor to suggest a different sunscreen product.

• A severe sunburn in a baby younger than 12 months can be a medical emerBabies Need Extra Protection gency—call your child’s doctor right A baby’s skin needs extra protection. away!

Sunscreen isn’t recommended before six months of age, so it’s important to • If your child has a sunburn and develavoid the sun. Stay in the shade and use ops blisters, pain or fever, call your pea stroller with a canopy. Protect your diatrician. baby’s skin with lightweight clothing. A hat with a wide brim helps protect your • After a sunburn, children need to stay baby’s face and ears. out of the sun until the sunburn is toThere are special sunscreens for babies tally healed.

6 months and older. Before using a new Visit www.allkids.org for health and safety sunscreen product, apply it in advance information and a virtual tour of the All Chilon a small patch of your baby’s skin to dren’s Hospital. check for a possible reaction.

This information here is not intended to be nor should be used as a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment by a healthcare professional. Readers should consult their personal physician or their own professional resources to determine the appropriateness of medical information for the reader.

Bay Pines Lutheran Church and School

John F. Norris, MD, FACC, FHRS Medical Director Board-Certified: Cardiology, Electrophysiology Fellow: American College of Cardiology Fellow: Heart Rhythm Society

Experienced, leading-edge care for the heart’s electrical system.

Cardiac Arrhythmias Atrial Fibrillation Specialist Implantable Cardiac Devices 516 Lakeview Road, Villa 5 Clearwater , Florida 33756 (Two blocks south of Morton Plant Hospital)

(727) 587-6999 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

For cardiac arrhythmias, trust the area’s leader in complete, state-of-the-art medical & surgical treatment.

www.pinellasarrhythmiaassociates.com

VPK – 8th Grade Christ-Centered Values Student Academic Achievement Low Teacher to Student Ratios Close Parental Communication 1:1 Technology Program

WELSSA Accredited

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

727-397-3204 7589 113 Lane N., Seminole baypineslutheranchurch.org July 2017 • 35

The Children’s Cancer Center 5th Annual Gelatin Plunge This June, more than 150 people plummeted down a slide into a pool filled with 2,000 gallons of colored gelatin, which embodies the fun and lively spirit of the Children’s Cancer

Participants in this year’s Children’s Cancer Center Gelatin Plunge lined up on steps to the blue slide — it was pre-greased with vegetable oil — then slithered down into an the above-ground pool full of chilled orange Jell-O. After the plungers climbed out of the pool, they stepped into a blue kiddie pool

SUNSHINE IS HERE! Let Flowers Say It All… Happy Birthday To You, Thanks For Caring, Feel Better Soon…

Sometimes All It Takes Is A Bloom.

We deliver them to St. Petersburg, FL or nationwide.

36 • July 2017

Did You Know?

Center of Tampa. Created in 2013 by the CCC, the Gelatin Plunge has proved to be one of the most unique charitable events in Tampa Bay. The Plunge is a family fun event that’s a blast for all ages and has helped raise thousands to help children and their families who are battling childhood cancer and chronic blood disorders.

Nationally: About 15,000 children and adolescents ages 0 to 19 years are diagnosed with cancer every year!

where Tampa Fire Rescue volunteers hosed off the Jell-O. To take a turn down the slide, individuals had to raise $500. The event was held outside the AAA building on Westshore Boulevard.

“We’re raising money in a way that allows these kids to participate and have fun,” said Patty O’Leary, chief operation officer of the organization.

“On behalf of the Children’s Cancer Center staff, we’re excited to inform you that our Gelatin Plunge event, presented

by Caspers Company, was once again a huge success. Last year we raised $106,000 and this year, we increased our fundraising efforts by 38%! Thank you to everybody who plunged, donated, sponsored, volunteered, supported, and helped promote the 5th Annual Gelatin Plunge! Together, we accomplished this fundraising goal and we couldn’t have hosted such a wonderful event without all of you.”

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Locally: 93% of all newly diagnosed children being treated in Tampa Bay and the surrounding counties are referred from hospitals to the Children’s Cancer Center (CCC) for day-to-day assistance!

These children, their siblings, and parents are all supported through 24 different emotional, educational, and financial programs throughout their journey during diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and too often, bereavement.

The donations from the Plunge will go toward helping the CCC provide daily support to more than 1,000+ children and families coping with childhood cancer and chronic blood disorders.

It is because of the generous donations, support and involvement of local families in these types of events that the Children’s Cancer Center is able to provide financial, educational and emotional support to so many children, parents, and siblings throughout their journey during diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and too often, bereavement.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Adult and Child(ren) Support Groups For: Adopted/Foster-Adopt Children and Parents

Specializing in: Psycho-Education, Intervention Strategies, Social Skills, Anger Management & more…

CURRENT LOCATIONS

NEW LOCATIONS

All Peoples Life Center (Temple Terrace)

Camelot Community Care (Brandon)

6105 E Sligh Ave. Tampa, FL 33617 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month From 6:30pm – 8:00pm

1410 Tech Blvd., Tampa 33619 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month From 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Christ Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Peninsular Christian Church (South Tampa)

19501 Holly Ln. Lutz, FL 33548 1st and 3rd Monday of the month From 6:00pm – 7:30p.m.

3600 W Ballast Point Blvd., Tampa 33611 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month From 6:30pm – 7:30pm

* Refreshments are provided at each group

Do you have room in your heart and home for a waiting child?

Bethany Age 15

Compassionate, caring & helpful, Bethany dreams of someday working as a nurse or police officer. She’s proudest of her arts and crafts skills and her performance in school.

Bethany is particularly interested in her science and reading classes. Creative at heart, Bethany also loves to sing, dance, and write poems. If she had a super power, Bethany wishes she had super speed!

She enjoys listening to rap and hip hop music and watching VH1’s Love and Hip Hop. She looks forward to eating Spanish food and playing board games.

Bethany is hopeful that she will find an adoptive family that is loving and caring.

Photo courtesy of Jeanee James Photography

Adoption Support Program

Janay & Jontae Ages 10 & 11

Photo courtesy of Bryan Kasm | Photographer Bubbly and bright, Janay sees herself as a lawyer someday. If Janay could change the world, she’d stop people being hurt.

She loves her math and science classes as well as singing along with Beyonce and the Frozen soundtrack.

She enjoys watching Girl Meets World in particular, but likes to watch shows Disney XD and Nickelodeon in her spare time. Her favorite animal is a zebra, but she likes dogs and cats too.

For more information contact our team at: Camelot Community Care Adoption Support Director: Krista Eckhoff Adoption Support Counselor: Kim Jackson-McCalla Adoption Support Specialist: Carey Greene

Office: 813-635-9765 Email: keckhoff@camelotcommunitycare.org

Jontae loves watching Bay News 9 and the Cartoon Network.

He loves math and wants to become a mathematician when he grows up. When he’s not watching TV or doing homework, Jontae is outside playing football with his sister or playing video games. Friendly and athletic, Jontae enjoys being part of a team.

Camp Gilead offers children, families, churches, CAMP GILEAD is CELEBRATING 78 years of and groups a life-transforming adventure and “Changing Lives…One Heart at a Time!” a fun, safe, Christ-centered environment in which to LEARN, EXPLORE, and GROW.

w w w.campgilead.com

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Janay and Jontae are looking for a parent who is able to roll with the punches and guide them in life as they work to achieve their goals.

For more information about the Heart Gallery visit www.heartgallerykids.org or call 727-258-4806.

July 2017 • 37

Experience

Nathan Sawaya’s The Art of the Brick is a free event presented by the Vinik Family Foundation, running now through Sept. 4 at 802 East Whiting St. in downtown Tampa. The Art of the Brick is a global touring exhibition rated

by CNN as one of the world’s “Must See Exhibitions.” These are the first art exhibitions to focus exclusively on the use of LEGO bricks as an art medium and artist Nathan Sawaya has taken it to new heights.

The collection features original sculptures, as well as re-imagined versions of iconic art masterpieces, made entirely from Lego bricks. Examples include Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

38 • July 2017

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Visitors will also be able to see a 20-foot-long T-Rex dinosaur skeleton, come face-to-face with a giant skull and construct their own creations in a hands-on build space. You do not need to register or get a ticket for The Art of the Brick. Just show up to experience the event; however depending on the time of day, you may need to wait in line enter, which will be located just outside The Art of the Brick exhibition space.

The Art of the Brick is presented by the Vinik Family Foundation

Nathan Sawaya is an acclaimed New York-based artist who creates artwork out of a toy. His art focuses on largescale sculptures using only LEGO® bricks. Sawaya was the first artist to ever take LEGO into the art world.

During his childhood in Oregon, Sawaya drew cartoons, wrote stories, perfected magic tricks and of course also played with LEGO. When it came time for college, Sawaya moved to New York City, attended NYU and became a lawyer. After years of million dollar mergers and corporate acquisitions, Sawaya realized he would rather create art than sit in a board room. Leaving his law career behind, he made the bold move toward LEGO art.

Now Sawaya is an author, speaker and one of the most popular, award-winning contemporary artists of our time.

802 East Whiting Street, Tampa Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM June 23 – September 4 www.ArtOfTheBrickTampa.com

Play! Learn! Grow!

Pinellas County Schools Pre-K 3 and VPK

Nurturing programs where children: • • • •

Develop social and emotional skills Build language and communication skills Explore math and science Discover the joy of learning

New Online Application Process Apply at reservation.pcsb.org

Learn about Pre-K for 3 Year Olds and VPK at www.pcsb.org/early Questions? Call 727-588-6513

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 2017 • 39

10 Watermelon Facts

Ju ly FU N FACTS

1. Florida is the nation’s leading producer of watermelon 2. Watermelon production in the U.S. in 2014 totaled 3.2 billion pounds 3. Watermelon’s official name is Citrullus Lanatus of the botanical family Curcurbitaceae 4. Watermelon is 92% water 5. Early explorers used watermelons as canteens 6. The first cookbook published in the U.S. in 1776 contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles 7. The largest watermelon on record weighed in at 350.5 pounds 8. Watermelon is usually ready to harvest in about 90 days 9. Women tend to eat more watermelon than men 10. Watermelon tastes best on July 4th

48.2 Pints

Is the amount of ice cream and other frozen dairy products that the average American consumed last year. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day, citing the food’s “nutritious and wholesome” qualities.

This July show your patriotism, pick up your spoon and join in the celebration.

July 4, 2017

Happy B-day NASA On July 29, 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower signed his name to the National Aeronautics and Space Act, creating the National Aeronautics and Space Agency, more commonly known as NASA. Over the past 59 years the agency has had some very monumental scientific achievements which cannot be overlooked. It has given us dust busters, cochlear implants, ultrasonically welded swimsuits, Tang, and freeze-dried food—not to mention, it has taken man to the moon, given us the Hubble Telescope, helped build the International Space Station, and created the amazing shuttle program.

Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. But did you know that the Fourth of July was not declared a legal holiday until 1941, just 76 years ago. Today, the fourth is a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks and a reason to fly the American Flag with pride and honor.

$5,000,000 On July 17th, 1821, the United States acquired Florida from Spain as part of a deal to cancel $5 million in debts owed by the Spanish. Florida became a territory of the United States, and twenty-five years later, Florida became the 27th state to join the Union.

Take a Disney cruise and

SET SAIL ON A DREAM

A safe and loving place where children have fun learning

REGISTER NOW FOR 2017 Ages 2 through *VPK (*9 – 12) Full Time / Part Time Hours 7:30 – 5:30 Phone: 727.573.1012 Email: preschool@feathersoundchurch.com

40 • July 2017

Classes are Filling Up!

13880 Feather Sound Drive Clearwater, Florida 33762

E XC LU S I V E O F F E R Book a Disney Cruise and get UP TO $1000 on-board credit

Restrictions apply. Call for details.

(727) 517-2751

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Kim & Brian Carew

Infinity Cruise Planners A Full Service Travel Agency

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

FL STL # – T157442

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

NASA Legend Nicole Stott

CAMP QUESTIONS? (727) 393-7625

to give special presentation

“Women in Space”

This Summer

at MOSI

Only at MOSI, join astronaut and artist Nicole Stott — the first person to paint a work of art in space — for an inside look at women as explorers and artists in space.

Clearwater native and NASA Legend Nicole Stott will share stories of her inspiring path to space, her life as an astronaut and artist, and the pioneering role of female explorers during Women in Space, a special appearance July 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI).

The award-winning IMAX® film A Beautiful Planet, which was filmed by Stott’s fellow astronauts on the International Space Station, is also part of the special event.

Guests with a ticket to the 2 p.m. Women in Space presentation can also add-on an optional meet-and-greet opportunity from 12 to 1:30 p.m. to get an autograph, take a photo, and spend time one-on-one with Stott, who earned the nickname “The Artistic Astronaut” after becoming the first person to paint a work of art in space.

During Women in Space, Stott will talk about combining her loves of art and aviation into a career as a NASA astronaut, the three months she spent living 220 miles above the earth aboard the International Space Station, and the influential roles women have played in the exploration of space.

Women in Space Presentation July 22, 2017

Stott used a paint set she had tucked into her luggage to create a brilliant, swirling watercolor painting of islands in the Caribbean Sea — while carefully keeping floating drops of water from damaging the $100 billion International Space Station. It became the first work of art painted by a human in space. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

PUT OUR CAMPS TO THE TEST

Women in Space is the latest event in MOSI’s NASA Legends series, which brings NASA’s space pioneers to Tampa Bay. It also coincides with the final weeks of Cardboard Space Adventures, MOSI’s giant summer experience combining imagination and exploration, which ends August 13.

Event Details

“I’m so excited to be in my hometown of Tampa Bay to talk about the women who helped inspire me to explore what’s ‘out there.’ There are so many great stories to share, and I’ll also be able to talk about my own experiences of what it’s like to go from being a little girl in Clearwater to someone who has been fortunate enough to experience the awe of our incredible home planet from space,” Stott said.

BE OUR GUEST

All ages • 2 p.m.–4 p.m. • Clearwater native and NASA Legend Nicole Stott shares stories of her inspiring path to space, her life as an astronaut and artist, and the pioneering role of women in space, followed by the IMAX® film A Beautiful Planet.

Nonmember: $20 | MOSI Member: $15

Add-On Meet & Greet

FROM THE BROADWAY BOUND

TO JUNIOR ROCK STARS...

FOR A FULL LIST OF CAMPS VISIT OUR ONLINE CAMP GUIDE

PLAYSTPETE.COM/SUMMERCAMP

(Only available with purchase of 2 p.m. ticket) All ages • 12 p.m.–1:30 p.m. • Join Nicole Stott for an all-ages meet & greet where you can get an autograph, take a photo, and spend time one-on-one with a NASA Legend.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Spacesuit Art Project. Add-On Tickets: $25 Tickets are available now at mosi.org or by calling MOSI at 813-987-6000.

Summer Music Lessons Having your child in private music lessons over the summer can PREVENT ACADEMIC SUMMER SLIDE. Call Now (727) 393-7625

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

$19.95 For 2 Lessons

July 2017 • 41

July 2017 Events

July 1 - 31 DINOS ALIVE – TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO They’re baaack! Dinosaurs have taken over Tampa Bay and roam the Zoo during the daylight, every day! Grab the whole family and get ready to be surrounded by life size dinosaurs as you experience Dinos Alive! www.lowryparkzoo.org July 1 - 31 FORTS AT THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM What can sheets and pillows become? Let Forts inspire imaginative play! At Glazer Children’s Museum they are helping to raise the Imagination generation. The children playing at GCM today will grow up to be the innovators of tomorrow, and Forts will help them get there. Fort-building invites narrative and creative planning while being a platform for exploration, construction, and dramatic play. www.glazermuseum.org July 1 - 31, select days ISLAND NIGHTS AT ADVENTURE ISLAND Celebrate the summer during Island Nights! The sunset celebration occurs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at Adventure Island® from now to August 5. When the sun goes down, Adventure Island heats up! Join us during Island Nights for tropical vibes that will make your summer unforgettable. www.adventureisland.com July 1 - 31 CARDBOARD SPACE ADVENTURES AT MOSI Ready to explore the galaxy? Quick, jump into MOSI’s cardboard spaceship!

Construction has begun on an enormous, one-of-a-kind summer experience, Cardboard Space Adventures, at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa. Guests will help create a huge outpost in outer space, full of hands-on creativity, engineering, and art—all constructed entirely from cardboard. www.mosi.org

July 1 - 31 BUSCH GARDENS SUMMER NIGHTS Party louder and play later at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay during the reimagined Summer Nights event, featuring park-wide party zones, summer cuisine, thrill rides in the dark and an all-new summer ice show at the Moroccan Palace, Turn It Up! The event lasts through August 6 and is open until 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. www.buschgardens.com

July 4 BUSCH GARDENS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION This Independence Day, families can celebrate the red, white and blue with a night of thrill rides, live entertainment, and incredible fireworks at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. www.buschgardens.com

July 1 - 31 THE RINGLING, THE TAMPA MUSEUM OF ART AND THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS PRESENT ‘SKYWAY: A CONTEMPORARY COLLARORATION’ Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration will open simultaneously at all three museums and highlights the diversity and talent of local artists. The exhibition features 57 artists from Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota County. Works were chosen by a committee of curators from each participating institution as well as Diana Nawi, a guest juror from Pérez Art Museum Miami. www.mfastpete.org July 1 - 9 MATH ALIVE! AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Race a snowboard, control a Mars rover, design a video game, and create a 360 degree freeze-motion video at GCM’s newest traveling exhibit, MathAlive! Experience real math at work in sports, nature, robotics, music, dancing, movie making, and more in this 5,000 square foot exhibit on Level 3! Great for tweens! Free for active military families! www.glazermuseum.org July 1 & 15 MFA MAKE & TAKE SATURDAYS Create your own masterpiece inspired by works in the collection and special exhibitions. Supplies are included.

FREE with Museum admission. No registration necessary Recommended for ages five and older, but entire families are encouraged to participate www.mfastpete.org

July 4 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION AT THE FL AQUARIUM See dazzlingly displays in the sky and sea this Independence Day at the Aquarium! Enjoy our exhibits with extended hours, all-American themed dinner options and more. Reserve a seat on our fireworks cruise for the best seat on the Bay. We invite you to bring your family to soak up the fun at our new Splash Pad and outdoor plaza— fireworks take place at 9 p.m. www.flaquarium.org July 6 TAMPA BAY ROWDIES VS. FC CINCINNATI Rowdies fans! Here’s your chance to cheer on our Tampa Bay Rowdies and enjoy fun filled evening at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete. www.rowdiessoccer.com

July 1 - 31 ELECTRIC OCEAN AT SEAWORLD ORLANDO

When the sun goes down the night comes to life at SeaWorld’s all-new Electric Ocean. Guests explore exotic worlds of light and music filled with glowing sea creatures, DJ entertainment, and a spectacular display of fireworks.

With the return of celebrated shows Sea Lion Tonite and Shamu’s Celebration: Light Up the Night, summer nights at SeaWorld have never been brighter. www.seaworldparks.com

42 • July 2017

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www.gulfcoastfamily.org

July 8 TAMPA BAY RAYS VS. BOSTON RED SOX The first 15,000 fans will receive a Even Longoria Game of Thrones Bobblehead - while supplies last. www.tampabay.rays.mlb.com July 8 DILLYDALLY WITH DALI Children can discover the creative world of Dali through games, puzzles and arts + crafts activities which educate and encourage family interaction. Dillydally with Dali takes place under the direction of the museum’s Family Programs Coordinator in the 1st floor Education Classroom. www.thedali.org July 9 TAMPA BAY RAYS VS. BOSTON RED SOX Kids 14 and under will receive a Rays Toy Truck - while supplies last. www.tampabay.rays.mlb.com

July 9 GREAT CONNECTIONS AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Great Connections is a monthly program just for children with special needs and their families. The second Sunday of the month, Great Explorations will close to the general public from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., will modify lights and sounds, and will provide a “cool down” room for families who need to take a break. www.greatex.org July 11 COW APPRECIATION DAY AT CHICK-FIL-A Cow Appreciation Day is Chick-fil-A’s largest, singleday customer appreciation event and celebrates the quick service chain’s iconic “Eat Mor Chikin”™ Cows. Anyone wearing anything cow-like to a Chick-fil-a between 6:30 am and 7:00 pm will receive one free entrée. Children wearing anything cow-like will receive a free Kid’s Meal.

This year marks the 13th annual Cow Appreciation Day. www.chick-fil-a.com

July 9 LAUREN ALAINA POSTGAME CONCERT Lauren Alaina will take the stage following the Sunday, July 9 game against the Boston Red Sox, which begins at 1:10 p.m. The Georgia native captured America’s hearts when she was named runner-up on Season 10 of American Idol in 2011. Alaina followed up her No. 1 debut album with the release of the eagerly-awaited Road Less Traveled in January 2017. Postgame concerts are free with the purchase of that date’s game ticket and will begin immediately following the conclusion of the game. www.tampabay.rays.mlb.com

July 11 CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FREE TUESDAY The Glazer Children’s Museum proudly presents a Free Admission Tuesday program held on the first Tuesday of every month, between 12-7pm. Join us and great partners like WEDU PBS for free, family fun. www.glazermuseum.org July 12 THE HISTORY OF TAMPA - ARCHIVES AWARENESS WEEK

History Center docent Angela O’Connell will share snapshots and stories of the history of Tampa from the 1800s to modern times. O’Connell will cover the city’s history from the founding of Ft. Brooke in 1832 through the arrival of Henry Plant, the establishment of Ybor City, WWII and the Civil Rights Movement. Trace the evolution of Tampa from frontier outpost to bustling multi-cultural metropolis. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org July 15 ANGIE REY - LIVE & LOCAL AT THE STRAZ Just 17 years old, Angie Rey has a dream, but this is not a little one, rather a vast dream. With her curly top, beautiful smile, and intriguing voice, Angie is from a really small town in Southern California, hoping to change the world one step at a time. In this process she has already seen success that most young teenagers only dream about. www.strazcenter.org July 15 THE GREAT MESS-PLORATION AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Explore messy art and science – and let us clean up the mess! Children will have fun with giant shaving cream art, shake painting, tie-dye, sticky sand castles and more! We’ll also have messy and fun science experiments at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Put on some comfy clothes and get ready for the Great Mess-ploration!

All activities are includes in admission. www.greatex.org

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 2017 • 43

July 15 - 16 THE VEIL OF ILLUSION: A DECADENT EVENING WITH THE AERIAL DRAGONS This theatrical evening of aerial acrobatics dazzles audiences with charismatic performers in feats of strength, elegance and fearlessness. Using silks, lyra, trapeze, rope and flexibility, the diverse members of The Keep create theatrical entertainment that mystifies and transports audiences to another world. www.strazcenter.org

July 21 KIDS’ GASPARILLA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL This new Gasparilla International Film Festival event is designed to inspire children through screenings of short films and animations from the New York Children’s International Film Festival. Included with admission. www.glazermuseum.org July 22 TAMPA BAY STORM VS. CLEVELAND GLADIATORS The Tampa Bay Storm host the Cleveland Gladiators at AMALIE Arena. www.tampabaystorm.com July 22 TAMPA BAY ROWDIES VS. CHARLESTON BATTERY Rowdies fans! Here’s your chance to cheer on our Tampa Bay Rowdies and enjoy fun filled evening at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete. www.rowdiessoccer.com

July 20 - 23 PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS DISNEY’S THE LION KING, JR. The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle… and back again. In this inspiring, coming-of-age tale brought to life by Patel Conservatory students in grades 3-8, you will rediscover the memorable characters and music of this beloved tale. www.strazcenter.org

July 22 NASA LEGENDS: WOMEN IN SPACE Only at MOSI, join astronaut Nicole Stott — the first person to paint a work of art in space — for an inside look at women as explorers and artists in space. Clearwater native and NASA Legend Nicole Stott will share stories of her inspiring path to space, her life as an astronaut and artist, and the pioneering role of female explorers during Women in Space, a special appearance July 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at MOSI. www.mosi.org July 22 TAMPA BAY RAYS VS. TEXAS RANGERS The first 15,000 fans will receive a DJ Kitty Onesie - while supplies last. www.tampabay.rays.mlb.com

July 23 TAMPA BAY RAYS VS. TEXAS RANGERS Kids 14 and under will receive a Chris Archer Emoji Pillow - while supplies last. www.tampabay.rays.mlb.com July 29 - 30 PAW PATROL LIVE! AT THE STRAZ PAW Patrol is on a roll with the first-ever live tour! It’s the day of the Super Adventure Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to help. www.strazcenter.org

Have an Event?

Email submissions to events@gulfcoastfamily.org for consideration or visit our online calendar at gulfcoastfamily.org.

Skycrest Christian School and Skycrest Christian Preschool The Future of Skycrest is looking BRIGHT!

Skycrest Christian Preschool was created to serve children and their families in Christian early education programs by providing age-appropriate opportunities so that young children will learn to love God and love learning.

-One e-to ch n O iPad nt Laun e Stud -17 6 201 ol year. .

Scho ls soon i a t De

Coming 2016-17...

New STEM program for K5-8th grade to include 3-D printers, Coding, VEX Robotics, Raspberry Pi, and much more.

K4 - 8th Grade

129 N. Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 727-797-1186 tel • 727-797-8516 fax

44 • July 2017

Complete renovation of elementary and middle school classrooms.

New innovative design with updated furniture, upgraded technology, and improved functionality from floor to ceiling.

We want children to approach education with a joyous attitude and truly believe that by first establishing a love for Christ in their lives, that the desire to flourish and grow in Him will lead to a life-long love for learning and Christian growth.

NOW ENROLLING FOR VPK

www.skycrest.us

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

1 year olds - VPK

129 N. Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33765 727-799-8467 tel

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

The Gulf Coast Family Weekender

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

An American Celebration

SUNDAY

Independence Day at Walt Disney World

Independence Day is coming up, and the parks at Walt Disney World will celebrate our nation’s 241st birthday with some star-spangled salutes to America! At Magic Kingdom “Disney’s Celebrate America!” rockets into the air above Cinderella Castle and at Epcot the celebration continues with the addition of a heart-pounding, allAmerican grand finale.

7

The Art of the Brick Downtown Tampa, June 23 – Sept. 4 www.artofthebricktampa.com The Art of the Brick is the first art exhibition to focus exclusively on the use of LEGO® bricks as an art medium and artist Nathan Sawaya has taken it to new heights.

Presented by the Vinik Family Foundation

14 Tropicana Field, July 14–16 www.tampabayhomeshows.com The Home Show at Tropicana Field will feature hundreds of area home specialists - all in one location. Everything from furniture to decorating ideas to landscaping to remodeling to interior design, and the list goes on.

21

Lion King Jr. Straz Center Patel Conservatory, July 20–23 www.strazcenter.org

The African savannah comes to life with Simba and an unforgettable cast as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle… and back again. Presented by Patel Conservatory students.

20

Largo - Largo Central Park - www.largoevents.com St. Pete - Vinoy Park - www.stpete.org Clearwater - Coachman Park - www.myclearwater.com Tampa - Channelside Bay Plaza - channelsidebayplaza.com Tampa - Busch Gardens - www.buschgardens.com

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Tropicana Field www.mlb.com/rays

The Tampa Bay Rays host the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field.

9

Shark Con presented by the Florida Aquarium Florida State Fair Grounds www.shark-con.com July 8-9

GO RAYS! The first 15,000 fans get a Free Evan Longoria Game of Thrones Bobblehead

15

22

Tropical Fruit Tasting Jene’s Tropicals www.tropicalfruit.com

Women in Space MOSI www.mosi.org

16

This convention hopes to raise awareness for ocean conservation by bringing the general public and ocean enthusiast together to inspire a love of the ocean.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Straz Center, July 11 – 16 www.strazcenter.org

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.

23

Summer Sunset Celebrations Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Every Friday and Saturday in July www.lowryparkzoo.org Illuminated Entertainment, Laser Light Show, and Dining until 10pm.

Mainstage Band: GW Souther

Join astronaut Nicole Stott — the first person to paint a work of art in space — for an inside look at women as explorers and artists in space

29

28 At Bush Gardens Summer Nights, the rides are even wilder with music, lights and fireworks every weekend in July. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Fireworks - July 4, 9 pm

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Pittsburg Riverhounds Al Lang Stadium rowdiessoccer.com

Cheer on the Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium in downtown St. Pete.

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

30

Tampa Bay Comic Con Tampa Convention Center July 28–30 www.tampabaycomiccon.com The Tampa Bay Comic Con is all about fun! The convention features comic books (new and old), toys, artwork/commissions, anime and cosplay.

July 2017 • 45

Summer Reading List for Tweens

by Judy Adorno, Sylvan Learning Summer should be a break from school, not from learning. Making sure that kids are reading throughout the summer is a great way to keep their minds active and ensure a smooth transition back to the classroom come fall. This is especially important during the tween years when activities such as playing sports, attending summer camp and watching TV begin to compete more for your child’s free time. While all parents hope that their children will read for pleasure on their own, this is not always the case. To help give parents a list of books they can suggest to their kids this summer, Sylvan Learning has compiled the following summer reading list for tweens in grades four through eight for summer 2017: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Harry Potter series Percy Jackson and the Olympians The Hunger Games series

5. Charlotte’s Web 6. Hatchet 7. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory 8. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing 9. Holes 10. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe 11. The Princess and the Page 12. The Warden’s Daughter 13. American Girl: Gabriela 14. Scar Island 15. Last Kids on Earth series 16. Wings of Fire series 17. Forget Me Not 18. Kat Greene Comes Clean 19. The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street 20. Skeleton Tree For most parents of tweens, merely buying their children a book isn’t enough to get them reading. Here are five ways you can encourage your tween to read this summer:

1. Let Them Choose

Kids spend all year long reading books that are required as a part of their school’s curriculum. Summer is a great time for tweens to explore their interests and pick a book that they WANT to read instead of HAVE to read. Giving your tween the chance to choose what book he or she wants to read significantly helps keep your tween interested in reading.

GET $25 OFF a Sylvan STEM CAMP*

Space is limited in our STEM camps.

Register Today!

Crazy Fun Today - Skills they need Tomorrow!

Let our STEM camps keep your child’s mind growing over the summer. We can’t wait for your child to start this creative learning adventure and build a love for STEM! To get you started in our Robotics or Coding Camps, we’d like to share a special offer with you.

*Availableat St. PetersburgSylvanlocation only.

Offer expires 07/31/2017.

Mention coupon code 2017 STEM to redeem.

2. Reap the Rewards

There are a number of companies that give kids rewards for reading.

Sylvan’s Book Adventure lets kids search for books to read and take quizzes once they’re done. Those quizzes earn tweens points that can be redeemed for prizes.

Half Price Books has a “Feed Your Brain” summer reading program where kids up to age 14 can earn “Bookworm Bucks” by reading for at least 15 minutes each day in June and July. Finally, most public libraries also offer rewards and prizes for tweens that read throughout the summer.

3. Make it Social

Many parents of tweens said their child gets interested in reading a book because their friends are reading it. According to parents, the most popular genres among tweens are: • Humor (e.g. Diary of a Wimpy Kid) • Fantasy (e.g. Harry Potter series, Percy Jackson series) • Action Adventure (e.g. Holes, Hatchet) • Science Fiction (e.g. A Wrinkle in Time, 1984) • Books Made Into Movies (e.g. Divergent series, The Giver)

Many libraries and recreation clubs offer age-specific books clubs. If your community doesn’t have this option, you can join with other parents to create your own book club and give kids a chance to make friends and socialize while discussing the latest novel.

4. Set a Good Example

If your children see you reading for pleasure, they may be more likely to do so themselves. Take it one step further and read a book along with your tweens. Many popular tween and young adult novels have universal themes that both parents and children can relate to. You can discuss the latest chapter over dinner or on the way to soccer practice!

5. Offer Incentives

So many of today’s popular tween books are also movies, and offering kids a trip to the movies after they’ve completed the book can be great motivation. For more information about helping your child with his or her reading skills, check out Sylvan’s reading programs at www.sylvanlearning.com.

Bring in this coupon for a

FREE ACADEMIC CHECKUP! Get the facts while you SAVE

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SYLVAN OF ST. PETERSBURG 727-347-6284 director@sylvanstpete.com

SYLVAN OF ST. PETERSBURG

727-347-6284

Register on-line: https://locations.sylvanlearning.com/us/saint-petersburg-fl/schedules

SYLVANLEARNING.COM/SAINTPETERSBURGFL

GET AN E D G E !

*Availableat St. PetersburgSylvanlocation only.

Offer expires 07/31/2017.

46 • July 2017

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

This summer it’s Robotics, Coding & Science!

Let our STEM Camps keep your child’s mind growing over the summer. 





Robotics Camps. Working with a buddy, your child will enjoy fun, hands-on projects building and animating LEGO® robots. Each session encourages creativity and imagination. It’s a wonderful way to develop critical STEM and problem solving skills.

Coding Camps.

Your child will learn computer programming through engaging, hands-on projects like animating stories and creating video games.

Science Camps. Kids use the latest LEGO® WeDo2.0 robotic technology to dive into the world of science with hands-on exploration of real-world environmental concepts.

Robotics – Coding - Science

Sylvan is your Best Educational Partner.

Sylvan is different, and better, than other summer tutoring choices because: 





We make learning personal. Your child isn’t one dimensional and the way he or she learns shouldn’t be either! We make sure your child is learning in the way that works best for him or her.

We deliver big-time results. Sylvan is the only tutoring company that measures academic achievement in a systematic manner. Sylvan students achieve up to two times more growth in their math and reading scores than their peers. Up to two times!

We engage kids at a deeper level. First, we Assess, then we create a Unique Learning Plan for your child. We continuously Measure Learning and Reward Progress – keeping your child engaged every step of the way.

Math – Reading – Writing – Study Skills

3951 Tyrone Blvd. St. Petersburg

347-6264

director@sylvanstpete.com www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

July 2017 • 47

All “A” Schools

TAMPA’S NEWEST CHARTER SCHOOL OPENING FOR THE 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR

K-2 Grades

4903 EHRLICH RD TAMPA, FL 33624 Superior Technology

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Open Enrollment K–1 : MAY 17- JUNE 22 Apply Now at www.platoacademy.net

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