Gulf Coast Family - April 2018 by Gulf Coast Family

April 2018 Vol. 11 Issue 4

Summer Camp Directory page 21

Focus on the Family page 38

Dungy Diaries page 16

L e tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s G o B o s ! lt

Family Night Out p. 24

“Sunshine is the Best Medicine!”

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 2018

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.

Phothteo of Month

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.

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April 2018 • 3

April 2018

2018 42 April Events

Summer Camp Survival Guide

to Parent 6 Parent by Jennifer Beck

Family 15 Experience Fun at the Trop!

April We Recommend 7 This That You…

Diaries: 4 Essential 16 Dungy Ways to be a Person of

8 Reader Photos of the Month 9 Movie Night Healthy Smile 10 The by Dr. Nick Reynolds

11 Heart Gallery 12 April Fun Facts to be a Joyful Mom 13 6byWays iMom.com Pro Dad: 10 Ways to Instill 14 All Character in Your Children

21 Summer Camp Directory 24 Family Night Out Coupons 26 Kids in the Kitchen Social Manners for 27 10 Children

Substance Over Style

by Tony Dungy, AllProDad.com

Automobile 18 Florida Insurances Coverage

by iMom.com

Overview

by Chris Reynolds

The Digital Lives 19 PluggedIn: of Teens by PluggedIn.com

Camp Survival 20 Summer Guide by Sarah Cole, Glazer Children’s Museum

by AllProDad.com

“If it’s the right chair, it doesn’t take too long to get comfortable in it.” – Robert De Niro

28 Looking Back Tropical Garden 29 The by Jené VanButsel Spotlight: The Baby 30 Species Boom Continues at Zoo Tampa

by Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park

32 2018 School Guide 34 Education Spotlight Summer Fun 36 Out-of-the-Box Activities for Kids by iMom.com

on the Family 38 Focus by Jim Daly

42 April 2018 Events 44 Weekender 45 Here’s What’s New! is an Adventure 46 Reading by Judy Adorno, Sylvan St. Petersburg

31 Earth Day Quiz

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As a Christian school united by common beliefs and values, it is no wonder Keswick has become something much larger. Students, families, faculty, and staff are bound together as a community of believers united in a single mission and purpose. It’s an atmosphere where warmth and love are demonstrated daily, and where families enjoy a wonderful peace of mind knowing they have made the right educational choice for their child. That, will make you smile. Experience Keswick for yourself: www.KeswickChristian.org or call 727.393.9100 for a cheerful tour.

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April 2018 • 5

day roster, this family is gearing up for the hockey playoffs and hoping that this will be the year for the Lightning!

Parent to Parent With March Madness about to wrap up and only about three names we recognize on the Rays’ opening

Well, most of us are at least. My oldest is pretty die-hard in his anti-sports stance. So he doesn’t really care about the Lightning (or March Madness, or the Rays) — the only thing that makes him happy about a Lightning win is 50% off Papa John’s the next day. And while 10-year-old Haylee does also enjoy Papa John’s, she insists that just like her two uncles, when it comes to hockey, she will only cheer for the Red Wings (the rest of us are Red Wings fans too, but Lightning fans first). So I guess she’ll be sitting out the playoffs this year. But the rest of us, including the two middle kids are hopeful that the Lightning can stay healthy enough to bring another Stanley Cup to Tampa Bay. No matter what happens, and even though they’ve slipped a little in the second half, it really has been a fun season—a great goaltender, great shooting and scoring all make the games fun to watch. Not to mention that winning is more fun than losing. My girls have both been to a couple of games—Hanna is convinced that she is a good luck charm for the Lightning, since they’ve won every game she’s been

to. And Haylee is afraid that she might be bad luck for the Red Wings, since the Lightning have beaten the Red Wings at both games she’s attended this year. I do think statistics may just have a little more to do with those results than luck though! Hopefully we’ll be watching the Lightning play well into June. And yes, as the baseball season goes on, we’ll always be pulling for the Rays too, and maybe we’ll eventually even be able to keep all of the new players’ names straight! Until next time,

Jennifer

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This April we recommend that you… READ IT

Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines Magnolia Table is infused with Joanna Gaines’ warmth and passion for all things family, prepared and served straight from the heart of her home, with recipes inspired by dozens of Gaines family favorites and classic comfort selections from the couple’s new Waco restaurant, Magnolia Table, which opens early 2018.

I Can Only Imagine - The Very Best of MercyMe by MercyMe In celebration of the upcoming global movie release, MercyMe is unveiling I Can Only Imagine – The Very Best of MercyMe, a 13 piece collection of the band’s most beloved songs alongside a special version of the monumental hit “I Can Only Imagine” made just for the movie called “I Can Only Imagine (The Movie Session).” Carefully selected by the band, the impressive track listing for this album includes their biggest hits.

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SUN ’n FUN International Fly-In & Expo April 10–15, Lakeland

The 44th Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo kicks off Tuesday, April 10 and continues through Sunday, April 15, 2018 in Lakeland, Florida. Attendees will enjoy over 450 exhibitors, a Kids Zone play area, tours, displays, a wide variety of food vendors, car shows, evening entertainment, and much more. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headline this year’s Sun ’n Fun Fly-In with shows Thursday through Sunday. The Saturday evening program will include fireworks with a night airshow. Details and directions are available at www.flysnf.org.

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Tampa Bay Lightning 2018 Divisional Playoffs Starts April

The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to make a big run at the cup this year, and it’s our job to support them! So this April, come out to Amalie Arena and “Be the Thunder” as the Bolts seek to bring the Stanley Cup back to Tampa. For ticket information visit www.nhl.com/lightning.

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April 2018 • 7

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}

“Baby Bear” “I just wanna be your teddy bear!”

Christa much… I just have to Sometimes I like my outfit so ’t handle the cuteness! close my eyes… because I can

8 • April 2018

Eliana, Avea & Josiah “Three little blessings sent from above. Three times the smiles, three times the Love!”

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Brady “Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

Aaleyah “Dance as if your Feet were Kissing the Ground.”

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

Disney Nature: Dolphins – April 20

Call Today to Schedule Your Private Tour

Make a splash with Disneynature’s Dolphins. Echo is a youngster who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities-or give in to her silly side and just have fun. Dolphin society is tricky, and Echo has a tough time resisting the many adventures the ocean has to offer.

Duck Duck Goose – April 20

Northside Christian School 7777 62nd Avenue N St. Petersburg, FL 33709

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Pinellas Preparatory Academy, Inc Award Winning Art Departments Music / Spanish / Athletics Challenging Curriculum Afterschool Clubs Technology Integration

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Call 727-536-3600 to schedule a school tour.

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Now Accepting Applications for 2018-2019

PPA is a high performing, tuition free, public charter school for highly motivated students in grades K-8. Our highly trained, award winning teachers offer a private school education in a family atmosphere.

Misfit bachelor goose Peng thinks he’s better than any of his fellow geese. He does crazy flying stunts and doesn’t want to practice for the migration south like the rest of his flock. When one of his stunts goes awry, he winds up hitting a flock of ducklings. Now Peng has to take the ducklings under his wing.

Avengers: Infinity War – April 27

Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet—the evil Thanos. On a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones, Thanos plans to use the artifacts to inflict his twisted will on reality.

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April 2018 • 9

5 Reasons Your Smile Is Stronger Than You Think by Dr. Nick Reynolds, Northeast Orthodontics The right smile can leave you laughing, fill you with joy or make you melt with emotion. But, ultimately, the best smile is one that is healthy and strong. Here are some of the “tooth truths” about how tough your teeth really are – and how to keep them that way.

1. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body.

The shiny, white enamel that covers your teeth is even stronger than bone. This resilient surface is 96 percent mineral, the highest percentage of any tissue in your body—making it durable and damageresistant.

2. Your bite is powerful!

Did you know your teeth can exert an average of 200 pounds of pressure when you bite down? That’s probably what tempts us to use our teeth as tools from time to time—but as your dentist will remind you, that’s one of the worst habits when it comes to preserving healthy teeth.

3. Teeth can last for hundreds of years.

your Orthodontist or dentist can help you learn what food and drink choices are good for your teeth and which ones to avoid. The professionals at Northeast Orthodontics are also ready to help you create a personalized plan to care for your teeth so you can enjoy good dental health for life.

Thanks to the durability of tooth enamel, our teeth actually outlast us. In fact, some of the most fascinating things we know about human history come from the study of our forebears’ dental remains. For example, we know that the first travelers to leave Africa for China set out as many as 6,000 years ago—and that early humans used a simple form of aspirin for pain relief—thanks to teeth!

4. Strong as they are, teeth can’t heal on their own.

All other tissues in our bodies have the power to repair themselves, but our teeth can’t. When damaged, they must be repaired by a skilled dentist using caps, crowns, fillings or veneers. When our teeth fall out, the only options are partial or full dentures or dental implants. (Just one more reason to take great care of your teeth every day!)

Dr. Nick Reynolds 5. Healthy teeth have the power to resist decay, but they need our help.

Did you know there are more than 300 kinds of bacteria that can attack your teeth? The good news is that with healthy dental hygiene habits and regular checkups, you can protect your teeth from bacteria and other substances that can weaken teeth and cause decay.

“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.”

In addition to cleaning and checking your teeth for signs of trouble,

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First Baptist Preschool Center

For more information (727) 544-9465 5495 Park Blvd. Pinellas Park fbcpp.org/preschool

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

Photo courtesy of Rinat Halon Photography Communication

Deairra Age 14

Deairra loves playing games, whether it be on her Xbox video games or old fashioned games like Pictionary and Monopoly. Someday, she’d like the company of a dog and a hamster to play with too. Deairra enjoys watching SpongeBob, eating Chinese food, and listening to R&B artist August Alsina. She wishes she was able to fly and the world had more police to stop people from stealing. Deairra is proud of her helpfulness. Deairra enjoys being around people so much she’d like to work in a daycare in the future. Her ideal forever family would include siblings.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Kasm | Photographer

De’zarrion & Deziyer Ages 11 & 9

Deziyer is proudest of her singing and dreams of being on the radio. Her forever family would give her a chance at a fresh start with her brother and be open to having a cat someday.

If De’Zarrion, also known as DJ, could change the world, he would make it so everyone served in the military. His ideal forever family would enjoy playing with his army guys and be interested in getting a dog!

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

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

April 2018 • 11

5 Earth Day Activities

A p ri l FU N FACTS

Every year on April 22, over a billion people in 190 countries take action for Earth Day. Here are five simple ways to make this Earth Day a family affair.

505 years ago

1. Start a Compost Bin: Composting makes use of kitchen and garden scraps to create black gold, nutrients for the plants in your garden. 2. Check Your Footprint: The Earth Day Network site has a Footprint Calculator that will show you how your lifestyle affects the environment.

the Spanish explorer and soldier Juan Ponce de Leon came ashore on the northeast coast of Florida sometime between April 2 and April 8, 1513. He called the area la Florida, in honor of Pascua florida (“feast of the flowers”), a popular celebration held in Spain around Easter. While Ponce de Leon never did find the “Fountain of Youth” here in Florida, he is credited with the European discovery of Florida and the Atlantic Gulf Stream.

3. Get Back in the Kitchen: By hitting the drive-through less often, you can reduce the amount of packaging material you contribute to landfills. 4. Plant a Seed: Planting a garden is one of the best ways to share the Earth with your children. 5. Volunteer: When you lend a hand on Earth Day, you help your neighbors and teach your children that becoming involved is worth one of your most precious gifts—your time.

Easter is considered one of the oldest and most joyous days on the Christian calendar. Also known as Resurrection Sunday or Pascha, the festival of redemption, Easter is the day Christians celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Easter Sunday is also typically the most wellattended Sunday service of the year for Christian churches.

April 1, 2018

Tuesday, 4/17 1861 was the first year the U.S. income tax was levied upon the American people. President Abraham Lincoln signed into law this revenue raising method to help the federal government pay for the expenses of the Civil War. Tax Day this year is April 17, the last day on which tax returns can be mailed to avoid penalties. So mark your calendars and make sure to mail your return out on time to avoid some tax battles of your own.

33,228 hours is the amount of time the average American spent last year in front of a screen consuming media. Screen-Free Week is April 30 to May 6. This April try putting down your tablet or PC and heading outdoors. You can do some gardening, go for a walk, fly a kite, read a good book or even write a few letters.

Westside Christian School K – 12 Christ Centered, Preparing for Purpose What makes Westside Christian School different? We teach to the student – not all students learn the same – so how can they be taught the same? Individual lesson plans, building and preserving their conﬁdence, leading and growing to their full potential is at the heart of Westside. McKay and Step-Up Scholarships accepted.

12 • April 2018

Tuesday and Thursday Free clubs for students: Art, Digital Photography, Chess, Discovering God’s World Science Club

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Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

WC S

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1. Stop saying how tired you are.

imom.com

If you’re always complaining about how tired you are, your kids will think you see your job as a mom as drudgery.

2. Smile at your kids. Try this: Look at your child and smile. Keep smiling. If they ask you what you’re smiling about, say, “It just makes me happy to be your mom.” 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.

3. Laugh! Find the humor in life. I noticed something as I was putting my children to bed last night. They were extra affectionate with me. I wasn’t surprised because I had made a conscious effort to be joyful throughout the evening. Instead of being the command-shouting, clock-watching, “you do this now,” mom, I chose to communicate with them in a less harsh manner. I made up my mind to leave a trail of joy. When you walk into the room do your kids smile or cringe? When you leave the room do they sigh or applaud? We’re kind of kidding here, but what kind of trail do you leave behind during the day? Even though every moment can’t be sunny and fun, do try to be a joyful mom as much as you can. Here’s some mom advice on how to start!

If you tend to be fascinated by bad news or sad stories, don’t always share the grim and unfortunate things of life with your kids. Look for joy and laugh when you find it.

4. THC. As we rush, rush, rush through our day, we can forget the simple joys of THC –tickling, hugging and cuddling our kids.

5. Don’t snap at your kids. If you have something to say, say it in the nicest way you can and in a tone of voice that doesn’t come across as an impatient outburst.

6. Don’t rush your kids. Going through the day telling your kids to “Hurry! Let’s go! Do it now!” leaves a trail of tension, not joy.

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.

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Morning Star School - Pinellas Park April 2018 • 13

10 Ways to Instill Character in Your Children Most of us are well aware that our kids are “characters.” But how about developing character in our kids? That’s another story, but it’s an intention well worth the effort. There’s a principle in education that refers to family – and parents in particular – as “first teachers.” Nothing has the potential to impact children to the extent of what they learn… or don’t learn… at home. The point is, children have the best chance of learning and developing character in the context of life at home base in family relationships.

3 Find reference works on character education and actually teach it: Take a trip

to your Christian bookstore; Google “character education”, ask the guidance counselor at school. There are workbooks available for all ages. Make it a family project and participate yourself.

4 Help your children select their heroes:

Don’t wait for the up to ten hours of daily media barrage to impose role models. We can be a part of the process by exposing our kids to heroes with the character to back up the claim. Be a character filter.

8 Ask kids’ help to point out non-examples:

So how do we accomplish this? It’s not really a chore, it turns out, if we provide a consistent environment where character is part of the fabric. When we – as a family - live values such as integrity, honesty, humility, goodness, fairness, reliability, trust etc., then we’re already more than halfway there.

5 Be their hero: Actually, as a dad, you already All dads have to do is ask a few probing questions,

Here are some additional ideas to help tip the balance:

proactive is better than reactive when it comes to developing character. Don’t rely on anyone else to teach these lessons for you. You’re the parents, it’s your opportunity!

1 Read together: Get in the habit of sharing

some of the great stories that feature people who do the right thing, like the classic “Ben-Hur”, the Newbery winning “Bridge to Terabithia”, and C.S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia.”

are. The opportunity is to live character out loud to the extent that it rubs off.

6 Remember that the family is always “first teacher”: Always be ahead of the curve because

7 Learn to grab the teachable moment:

Sometimes, life requires commentary. Once in a while, all it takes is ice cream and a chat to elevate an interesting experience into a solid life lesson.

2 Watch movies as a family: Some of these stories make great movies. But don’t just pass it off to the kids. Watch it together and make time for conversation.

and our kids will fill in the rest. “Why do you think (insert famous athlete name here) is still on probation?” typically works better than a parental lecture on his sins.

9 Practice character-building exercises: It’s

naïve to believe that the right lessons will always come along naturally. Make plans to help an elderly neighbor on a regular basis. Help serve food at a local homeless shelter. Plan family meetings where you target specific character lessons and develop strategies together.

10 Make sure the family is rooted in something bigger than itself: It’s not enough

to do or value things because “that’s the way this family does things” – there has to be a higher standard still. So ask yourself this question; “How do I instill character in myself?” AllProDad.com iMOM.com FamilyMinute.com

14 • April 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Faith Foundation Future

Experience at the Trop!

Two things are synonymous with spring here in the Tampa Bay area: Sunshine and baseball. This April make some memories with your family and come catch a game and all the new excitement happening at Tropicana Field.

Rays 20th Anniversary

The Rays are excited to celebrate 20 years of playing Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay. The festivities this year will bring smiles to faces as we recall the many colorful moments and incredible accomplishments of the last two decades.

All New Ticket Promotions The Flex Packs are back!

St. John Vianney Catholic School Now Enrolling VPK-8th Grade Accepting Step Up and McKay Scholarships

Choose tickets for any 2018 regular season game, with NO blackout dates. The new Flex Packs offer savings up to 50% off the single game ticket price.

Salute to Service Monday

For 2018, Military, Teachers, and First Responders can receive complimentary tickets to select Monday home games, additional bonus dates and special ticket offers throughout the season. Some exclusions apply.

$2 Kids Tuesdays

Tickets are $2 for kids 14 and under with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Up to two $2 tickets can be purchased per full price paid adult. $2 hot dogs are also available for all fans on Tuesdays.

Senior Special Wednesday

Fans 60 years of age and older can purchase Press Level tickets for just $15.

727-360-1113

$7.11 Fridays, presented by 7-Eleven

For all Friday home games, fans may purchase Upper Level tickets for only $7.11. To take advantage of this special price, fans should visit a participating local 7-Eleven store and pick up the Rays Friday night discount coupon.

Weekend Giveaways

Now Enrolling – Please Call or eMail to Schedule a Tour!

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

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

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

The Rays will be giving away over four dozen unique and fun collectibles this season. This April’s giveaways include a Chris Archer & Kevin Kiermaier Emoji T-Shirt, Carl Crawford Bobblehead, Rays Car Sun Shade, and Raymond Socks.

Rays Touch Tank Meet the rays before you watch the Rays. This 10-minute interactive experience with stingrays is free to fans until two hours after the first pitch.

Ted Williams Museum

The Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame brings a special element to Tropicana Field. This museum is dedicated to some of the greatest players to ever “lace ’em up.” April 2018 • 15

actly who you are, both individually and as a team. You need to know your strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your opponent. That’s also a good first step in developing a solid game plan for becoming an uncommon man. There are a lot of perceptions today about manhood, masculinity, and how to succeed in this world. I think we have to look deeper into things and use resources like the Bible to help define what manhood truly is. Some of the definitions that our young men are living by today don’t give them a chance to succeed.

2. Move Away From Distorted Perceptions

DUNGY DIARIES I used to talk to my teams regularly about perception versus reality. Valuing style over substance happens in football a lot, just as it does in life. Certain players are perceived by fans and the media as different people than the ones their families and friends know. Certain teams are looked at in ways that may not be accurate. Analysts are always using terms like “a finesse team, a physical team, a dome team, an offensive team,” and so on. But to win and be effective, I wanted our players to know what they were really dealing with, so we tried

to dig beyond the perception and look at the reality. Perceptions are built by a lot of things: reputations, media portrayals, sometimes even past performance. Uncovering reality sometimes requires a little work. This is how to live a life of substance over style.

1. Know Who You Really Are

The first step in developing a good game plan is to determine who we really are-or should be-beyond the perceptions of the world and beyond the lure of who society says we should be. It’s important to know ex-

One of the most compelling and distorted perceptions is that respect comes from status. We tend to focus on what we do, how much we earn, what we look like, what we wear, and what we have. Therefore, it becomes important to us to have a job that will provide the type of status we want, as well as enough income to be able to buy the stuff that will add to that status. It’s important to dress a certain way and to go to certain schools. The media equates all these things with a certain level of respect. We see it in popular cultureplayed up in magazines, television shows, and movies. Such a constant onslaught perpetuates the perception that respect comes from status. And then, all too often, we begin to view and evaluate other people that way as well. If they don’t have certain types of jobs, if they don’t dress a certain way, if they don’t have money or the material things that we equate with a certain level of status, we decide that they probably aren’t successful and don’t have significance, and therefore we don’t respect them.

ROBBYN QUANDT REAL ESTATE BROKER ASSOCIATE HOMES.RQ@GMAIL.COM 727-251-3501

HELPING PEOPLE BUY AND SELL HOMES SINCE 1996 FREE CONSULTATION • REFERENCES AVAILABLE 16 • April 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

rive status from these things, with style being the key. Somewhere we’ve lost the concept that respect comes from appreciating who a person is inside and what he is truly all about. We don’t respect the man; we respect what he does or what he has.

4. Value the Things That Have Real Worth The real danger here is that choosing style over substance keeps us from valuing those things that truly do have worth. Being a good parent, being a loyal and committed spouse, modeling proper behavior for others, mentoring the less fortunate-these things may not give us status in today’s world, but they are important to God.

3. Status Doesn’t Make a Man With this mindset, status becomes one of the most important measures of a man’s masculinity. It’s style over substance, perception over reality-everywhere you look. Success, or at least the appearance of success, becomes more important than anything else. And we allow our feelings of personal significance and worth to be shaped by it. I think that’s why so many guys

have trouble when they leave the game of football. They don’t feel they have the status they once enjoyed, so it’s hard for them to find significance in anything else they might do. Once the status they enjoyed on the football field has evaporated, they feel worthless. Of course, this quest for significance plagues men in all walks of life, not just in football. Many young men (and even some older men) are really into the kind of car they drive and the brand of clothes they wear. Again, it’s the idea that we somehow de-

It was refreshing for me to see a guy like Franco Harris ride his bicycle to work when I played with the Steelers. Or to watch so many of our guys who volunteered at the local high schools as tutors or assistant coaches. These guys aren’t concerned about image, but instead, focus on significance and making a difference. Substance or style-the choice is clear if we want to live the significant lives we were meant to live. Read more from Tony Dungy at www.allprodad.com/dungy/

Drama Kids offers exciting programs for ages 4 to 18. Kids who take our classes have tons of fun and develop important conﬁdence-building skills that will help them personally and academically. Activities include: • Improvisations • Mini-scripts • Speaking skills • Character analysis

• Theater games • Creative movement • Performances

ENROLLING NOW! Classes across Pinellas County

Call 727-877-6835 Visit our website at

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If you want your child to get a jump on achievement, enroll them today. Space is limited.

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

April 2018 • 17

Florida Automobile Insurances Coverage Overview by Chris Reynolds

We often hear people tell us that they have “full coverage” for their vehicle, but what does that really mean? In truth, saying you have “full coverage” doesn’t really mean anything. Florida has minimum requirements for motor vehicle insurance, but there is no definition for anything called “full coverage.” As you will see, the minimum coverage required in Florida (that many drivers have) does not cover much. Under Florida Statute 627.733, every vehicle owner must have two minimum coverages: (1) property damage (PD) in the amount of at least $10,000, and (2) personal injury protection (PIP) in the amount of at least $10,000. PD coverage only covers property of someone else if you are at fault. PD coverage does not cover your own vehicle. If you want coverage for your own vehicle for an accident, you need comprehensive and collision coverage, though these are not required when purchasing insurance. Also, the minimum coverage required is $10,000 in PD, and we often see at fault drivers that cause significantly more than $10,000 in damage, or accidents involving multiple vehicles where the total damage to all vehicles far exceeds $10,000. Two common issues with the minimum property damage coverage arise: (1) If you are at fault in an accident and the property damage you cause is more than $10,000, you may be personally liable to anything over $10,000; and (2) If you are not at fault, but do not have comprehensive and collision coverage, you may end up having to pay for your own damage to your vehicle if the at-fault driver has no valid automobile insurance. As for PIP (personal injury protection), the only other type of required automobile insurance, this coverage typically only covers the person who purchased the vehicle (and possibly family members or occupants of the insured vehicle). This $10,000 is generally for medical expenses (80%) and lost wages (60%) for the person who purchased the insurance, regardless of who is at fault. If you have a car and purchased automobile insurance, this PIP covers you (and possibly family members and people in your car), but does not cover people in other vehicles involved in an accident. That’s it for the required automobile insurance coverage in Florida. Florida law requires only that you have

18 • April 2018

coverage that pays for damage to other people’s property, and for medical bills for you (but not for other people). If someone else is at fault in a motor vehicle accident and you are injured, there is no requirement in Florida that the other driver/vehicle have insurance that will cover your injuries. There is no requirement in Florida that anyone have bodily injury coverage (BI). BI is what would cover you if you are at-fault in an accident and injure someone. Put another way, if someone else hits you and they are at-fault in the accident causing you injury, there is no requirement in Florida that the at-fault driver have insurance (BI) that will cover your injuries. The best way to protect yourself from other drivers on the road with no BI is to have uninsured motorist coverage (UM) on your policy. If you are injured due to the fault of someone else, and if they don’t have BI, then you are still covered for your injuries if you have UM. However, you can only get UM if you also get BI, and your UM coverage limits cannot be higher than your BI limits. For example, if you have $10,000 in BI to cover injuries to others if you are at fault, then you cannot have more than $10,000 in UM to protect you if you are hit by an at-fault driver with no BI. Or, if you have $100,000 in BI, you are allowed to have UM in an amount that is $100,000 or less. Keeping in mind that automobile injuries often incur tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, it beSay you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

comes obvious that the minimum insurance coverage required in Florida is unlikely to be sufficient. The best way to protect yourself is to make sure you have UM, BI and more than the minimum $10,000 in PD, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage. The increased PD amount will protect you if you are in an accident and cause more than $10,000 in property damage. The BI coverage will protect you if you are at-fault and cause injury to another person. Finally, the UM will protect you if someone else is at fault, injures you, but does not have BI. This is intended to be a basic discussion of the available automobile coverages in Florida, and we encourage you to speak with an attorney or insurance agent if you have questions about your policy and what you might need. If you are involved in a car crash, please contact a local personal injury attorney for a free consultation to discuss your options. Mr. Reynolds hails from St. Petersburg, graduated from Northside Christian High School, Eckerd College, and Stetson University College of Law. He lives in Pinellas with his wife and three boys, all of whom attend Keswick Christian School. Mr. Reynolds also has parents living in Pinellas County and a sister who recently returned from overseas as a Christian missionary.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

COMPENSATION

WITH COMPASSION

Automobile Accidents Slip and Fall Wrongful Death Pedestrian Injuries Motorcycle Accidents

The Digital Lives of Teens

You Focus On Healing While I Deal with the Insurance Company No Fee Unless We Recover For You Free Consultation You Owe Nothing Until we Recover For You

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Personal Injury Attorney Office in Pinellas County

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More teens than ever are making new friends online, mostly through social media. But the digital age definitely has a downside, too. A recent Pew Research Center study provides details.

Online drama. More than two-thirds of teens who use social media say it contributes to drama among friends. More than half have seen postings about events to which they weren’t invited, and nearly 40 percent say they feel pressure to post content that makes them popular or look good to others. And 21 percent of teens report feeling worse about their own lives because of what they see from others on social media. Conflict. One in four teens has had a conflict with a friend over something that occurred online or via text message. Teen girls are more prone than boys to such digital disputes. Unfriending. When friendships end or go through tough times, many teens choose to cut social-media ties. While 58 percent of all teens who use social media or cellphones have “unfriended” or “unfollowed” a former friend, the figure is again even higher (63 percent) among girls. What do teens experience on social media?

53% Posts about events they were not invited to osts criticizing things about them that 42% Pthey can’t change/control 68% People stirring up drama eople supporting them through 68% Pchallengers / tough times

Source: Pew Research Center

For more tips on guiding your family’s media choices check out Pluggedin.com. April 2018 • 19

Summer Camp Survival Guide by Sarah Cole, Glazer Children’s Museum Ah spring, when the sun shines and a parent’s mind turns to thoughts of…summer break! If you are like many parents, you’re already planning summer activities for your youngsters, which might include summer camp. Here are some things to consider if you are planning summer camp experiences for kids.

OVERNIGHT CAMPS When most people think of camp, they think of the sleepaway model, where campers bunk up with friends and tell stories around a bonfire. However, don’t be limited to the classic nature camp as Overnight Camps come in all shapes and sizes, from survival style camps, to overnight arts and computer camps. How do you know if your child is ready for an overnight camp? • In general, children around age 8 are ready for an overnight camp experience. • Is he comfortable staying the night away from home? Do a few test runs – such as a weekend at a friend’s house – just to be safe. • Is she self sufficient? Does she get ready for bed and get ready in the morning by herself? • Consider the location of the camp. A camp you have in mind but which is farther away may sound amazing, but for the first few times, a camp closer to home may be a safer option.

DAY CAMPS AND COMMUTER CAMPS For those who want a great camp experience for their child but without the stress or parameters of the overnight, commuter camps and day camps are great options and are becoming the new standard of

20 • April 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Summer Camp. These camps will range from a few hours to an entire day, but your child will be home for dinner! Commuter Camps generally take children to a camp location, where they spend the day in activities, whereas Day Camps are held at a variety of locations, from schools and churches to YMCAs and museums or cultural centers. Day Camps typically offer a range of themes and activities, appealing to a much broader range of interests and abilities. These are a particularly ideal choice for younger campers. If you are thinking about sending your preschooler to camp for the first time, consider the following: • Has he had experience in a formal classroom (church school, day care, etc)? • Has she spent an extended period of time away from you? • Is he toilet trained? (Many camps will not allow children in diapers to attend.) • Try a few days or a week to test things out. If you are unsure if your child will be okay on her own, it may be wise to only sign up for a short stint at first. Many Day Camps offer half days for younger campers. Camp experiences are a great part of childhood! They provide educational, social and active experiences that help kids grow and mature, connecting them to each other and the world around them. Check out local camps at area museums, parks and schools for great offerings around Tampa Bay (for a list of camps, check out our Summer camp directory in this issue). www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Summer Camp Directory Here is a listing of some fantastic summer camps for children here in the Tampa Bay area. Included in our summer camp directory are arts and drama camps, theme camps, sports camps, preschool camps and many more. All of these camps are open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. So reserve your spot soon.

Adventure Club at Countryside CC 1850 North McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 727-799-1618 ext. 1012 adventureclub.cc

City of Largo Summer Camps 727-518-3016 – Highland Recreation largocamps.com

Anona Christian Center Summer Camp 13233 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo 727-595-2581 ext. 292 anona.com

City of Tampa Summer Camps 813-274-3345 tampagov.net/SummerCamp

Busch Gardens Summer Camp for Wild Things 877-BGT-CAMP buschgardens.org

Clearwater Community Sailing Center Youth Summer Camps 1001 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater 727-517-7776 clearwatercommunitysailing.org

Calvary Chapel Kids Camp 8900 US-19, Pinellas Park 727-577-7705 www.calvarystp.org/kids

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Clearwater 727-441-1790 x252 seewinter.com

See our interactive map online at Camp Gilead gulfcoastfamily.org 1444 Camp Gilead Drive, Polk City

863-984-1353 campgilead.com

Dance Central Summer Camps 12527 Ulmerton Rd, Largo 727-386-0586 thedance-central.com

Camp Invention 800-968-4332 x6920 campinvention.org

Dunedin Parks and Recreation Day Camps Dunedin Community Center & MLK Jr. Rec. Center 727-738-2920 dunedinGov.com/camps

Camp Seal 19501 Holly Lane, Lutz 813-229-7946 www.sealswimschool.com

Eckerd College Summer Watersports Camp 4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg 727-864-8288 eckerd.edu/waterfront/

Champion Tae Kwon Do Summer Camp 7590 Starkey Road, Seminole For our complete listing of over 100 summer camps here in the Tampa Bay (727) 399-2999 championtaekwondo.net Area, visit our interactive online directory at www.gulfcoastfamily.org. Circle F Dude Ranch Our summer camp directory contains detailed camp information, links to Lake Wales camp web sites and printable directions. 863-676-4113 circlefduderanchcamp.com

First Lutheran Summer Camp 1644 Nursery Rd, Clearwater 727-462-8000 www.flcclearwater.org Florida Aquarium AquaCamps 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813) 273-4015 www.flaquarium.org

Skycrest Specializes in

Happy Campers

Discover a summer of fun at Skycrest Christian School. Choose from our

half-day specialty camps; Band, Drama, Robotics, Soccer, Lacrosse, Basketball and Volleyball. Or select one of our full-day options from Soul Adventures. Your 10-14 year old can choose from 10 weeks of outdoor adventure camps, including kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, fishing and much more. Your 5-9 year old can join in the fun at our Jr. Adventure Camp, with 2-3 off-campus activities each week. Be inspired by Christian leaders, grow in self confidence and have tons of fun along the way. Visit www.skycrest.us for more information!

A ministry of Skycrest Community Church

@skycrest @souladventures1 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

@skycrest_christian @soul_adventures1

@SCS_Skyhawks To advertise, call 727-612-0783

129 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765 727-797-1186

www.skycrest.us

April 2018 • 21

ECKERD COLLEGE

Summer Watersports Camp

Glazer Children’s Museum Camp Connect Tampa 813-443-FUN1 (3861) glazermuseum.org

Ovations School for the Arts Camps 2100 4th St S, St. Petersburg 727-470-2787 ovationsarts.org

Great Explorations Children’s Museum Summer Camp 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg 727-821-8992 greatex.org

Patel Conservatory Dance, Theater, and Music Summer Camps 813-222-1002 patelconservatory.org

Hillsborough Community College Kids College 39 Columbia Drive, Tampa tampatraining.com/kids-college Independent Day School Camp IDS 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa 813-961-3087 idsyes.com IRCS Summer Sports Camp 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo (727) 596-7192 www.ircs.org JMAC Kids Summer Camp 2177 NE Coachman Rd, Clearwater 727-430-3902 jmackids.com

Weekly Classes, Half & Full Day June 4 - August 3, Ages 5 & Above Open Enrollment

Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking, Exploring watersports, Fishing, EXPLORING Marine LifE, WAKEBOARDING / Water Skiing and More!

727-864-8288

eckerd.edu/waterfront/ Celebrating 25 years! Since 1991 Family Owned Bakery specializing in Delicious Desserts

Home of Florida Keys Finest Key Lime Pie

and Toucan’s Café

Sunday “All-You-Can-Eat” Breakfast served 9am–1:30pm Includes juice, coffee & cobbler Retail/Wholesale • Catering & Fundraisers available

12777 Walsingham Road • Largo, FL 33774 727.593.1884

Mon. – Thurs. 10am – 6pm • Fri. & Sat. 10am – 8pm • Sun. 9am – 3pm

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22 • April 2018

Keswick Summer Sports Camp 10101 54th Ave N, St. Petersburg (727) 393-9100 www.keswickchristian.org Largo Cultural Center Summer Theatre Camps Largo Cultural Center 727-587-6751 largoarts.com

Pinellas County Summer Camps 333 Chestnut Street, Clearwater 727-464-4600 pinellascounty.org/ summercamps Pinellas Preparatory Academy Summer Camp 2300 S. Belcher Road, Largo 727-536-3600 pinellasprep.org Plato Academy Summer Camp 2045 Palmetto Street, Clearwater 727-301-1590 platoacademy.net PLAY Performing Arts 1920 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg 727-393-7625 playstpete.com/summer R’Club Summer Camps 727-578-5437 rclub.net Robotics Summer Camp Tampa • Brandon • Trinity 813-249-5522 funwithbots.com Saddle Up Riding Club 9301 62nd Street, Pinellas Park 727-520-3132 saddleupridingclub.org

LCC Day School Summer Camp 4400 Chancellor St NE, St. Petersburg 727-522-8331 lccdayschool.com

Saint Paul’s School Summer Camps 1600 St. Paul’s Dr, Clearwater 727-536-2756 st.pauls.edu

Liberty Bowling Summer Camp 11401 Starkey Rd, Largo 727-397-3947 libertylanesbowling.com

Science Center of Pinellas Camp 7701 22nd Avenue North, St. Petersburg (727) 384-0027 sciencecenterofpinellas.com

Lowry Park Zoo Summer Camps Tampa 813-935-8552 lowryparkzoo.com

Seminole Assembly Adventure Kids 10600 113th St N, Seminole 727-391-9788 seminoleag.org

Mathnasium Summer Camp 3451 4th Street North, St. Petersburg 727-823-6284 mathnasium.com/stpetersburg

Shorecrest Summer Camps 5101 1st St N, St. Petersburg 727-522-2111 x173 shorecrest.org

Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy 15906 Mapledale Blvd, Tampa 813-969-0210 mjpaa.com

Soul Adventures Camps at Skycrest 129 North Belcher Rd, Clearwater 727-797-1186 souladventures.us

MOSI Summer Science Camps 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa 813-987-6000 mosi.org

SPCA Tampa Bay Summer Camp 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo 727-586-3591 spcatampabay.org

Northside Christian School Paradise Summer Camp 7777 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg 727-647-0349 nck12.com

St. Jerome ECC Summer Camp 10895 Hamlin Blvd, Largo 727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org

Oakhurst Learning Center Summer Camp 13233 102 Ave N, Largo 727-596-3411 oakhurstlearningcenter.com

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

St. Petersburg Christian School Sonny Days Camp 2021 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg 727-522-3000 stpetechristian.com www.gulfcoastfamily.org

St. Petersburg Country Club Summer Camp 2000 Country Club Way, St. Petersburg 727-867-2111 stpetecountryclub.com St. Petersburg Sailing Center Summer Sailing Camp 11 Central Ave, St. Petersburg 727-822-3873 spyc.org/sailingcamp Starkey Road Baptist Church Sports Camp 8800 Starkey Rd, Seminole 727-397-1654 srbc.org

Private, Member-Owned Club, Established in 1924

Sylvan Robotics and Coding Camps 3951 Tyrone Blvd. St. Petersburg 727-347-6284 sylvanlearning.com/stpetersburg Tampa Bay History Center Adventure Camp 801 Old Water Street, Tampa 813-228-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org Tampa Bay Ice Summer Camp 255 Forest Lakes Blvd, Oldsmar 13940 ICOT Blvd, Clearwater Westfield Countryside Mall tampabayice.com

813-854-4010 727-536-5843 727-723-7785

The Florida Aquarium AquaCamps 813-273-4015 flaquarium.org Tutterow Dancers 452 5th Ave SE, Largo 727-585-1232 tutterowdancers.com

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

Word of Life Florida Youth 877-412-8687 wolflorida.org Xtreme Fun Center Summer Sports Camp 13211 93rd St N, Largo 727-584-9876 xtremefuncenter.com YMCA Summer Camps ymcatampabay.org

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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

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

April 2018 • 23

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.

Coupon not valid with any other oﬀer, one per visit. Expires 5/31/18. Good at St Petersburg loca�on only.

24 • April 2018

Coupon not valid with any other oﬀer, one per visit. Expires 5/31/18. Good at St Petersburg loca�on only.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

It’s time for All Day Breakfast

2909 Highway 19 Holiday, FL 34691 (727) 934-7035

33817 Highway 19 Palm Harbor, FL 34684 (727) 781-7303

7901 Ulmerton Rd Largo, FL 33771 (727) 531-4841

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THAI & SUSHI

Limit 1 coupon per person. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 5/31/18.

Buy 1 get 1 ½ off Valid from 4–6pm

½ off second entreé of equal or lesser value. Limit 1 coupon per person.Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 5/31/18.

FRESH FOOD FAST Dine-In or Drive-Thru Catering

eatPDQ.com

727-545-3057 Catering and Take Out available

49th St. N.

4871 Park Street N. St. Petersburg FL

Park Blvd.

4601 Park Blvd. Pinellas Park, FL 33781 Catering: 727-362-1007

Catering Available for Tenders, Sandwiches, Salads Spend over $100 in catering With this ad. Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 5/31/2018.

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Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 5/31/2018.

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

BUY ONE TENDERS, SALAD OR SANDWICH COMBO MEAL

Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 5/31/2018.

April 2018 • 25

in the kitchen Peanut Butter Honeybees • ½ cup creamy peanut butter • 2 tablespoons softened butter or margarine • ½ cup confectioners’ sugar

• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs (about 12 squares) • 1 square (1 – 2 ounces) semisweet chocolate • ⅓ cup sliced almonds, toasted

1. Combine creamy peanut butter, soft butter, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs; blend until smooth. 2. Shape teaspoonfuls of dough into ovals, approximately 1-1/2” long. Place ovals on a piece of wax paper or lined baking sheet.

With flowers in full bloom and bees buzzing all around town, these “bite-size bees” are the perfect snack for the beginning of summer. These tasty treats are not only easy to make but also a lot of fun to prepare. You and your kids will love getting your fingers sticky with this recipe, as you roll the soft and squishy peanut butter dough into little bees.

3. Place chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1 minute or until the chocolate is melted. Transfer melted chocolate to a sealable plastic bag. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag. 4. Decorate bees: Pipe three stripes on each bee. Insert two almonds into each bee for wings. Use a toothpick dipped in chocolate to make the eyes. Refrigerate and serve.

{ SMOKIN’ OFFER} HERE’S ONE

Makes approximately 3 dozen

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26 • April 2018

13050 Park Blvd.

(727)

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(727)

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Banquet Room Available

9119 Belcher Road DINE IN DELIVERY

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Family Owned and Operated for over 40 Years!!!

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Brunch anyone? This hearty and delicious salmon quiche is perfect for any spring or Easter celebration. With this recipe salmon, broccoli and lots of cheddar cheese are baked together in this simple, yet sophisticated egg pie. Serve alongside a light salad this salmon quiche makes for an unforgettable brunch.

A little bit of good manners goes a long way. Here are 10 social manners for children that will take your children far. Reward good manners with our Manners Rewards Coupons available at www.iMom.com/tools/

1 P lease

2 Thank you

Say,

, when asking

when receiving

3 Excuse me

Salmon Quiche

Say,

• 1 refrigerated 9-inch pie crust • 1 cup chopped brocolli • 4 to 5 ounce salmon filet, fully cooked or smoked

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese • 8 eggs • ¼ cup milk

after bumping into someone

1. Spread brocolli in the bottom of the pie crust.

3. Spread cheese over salmon. 4. Combine eggs and milk and beat thoroughly.

Put down your

5 in the eye Look people

5. Season egg mixture with salt and pepper as desired, and pour over pie crust. 6. Bake at 375 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes until set.

4 electronics

2. Flake salmon into small pieces and spread over brocolli.

when someone enters the room

when speaking

Cool Kids Cook

6 finish

7 firmly

Let others

Feather Sound Smiles Dr Amir Daoud, DDS BDS

Say

8 Yes ma’am Yes sir

and , when talking to grownups

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Shake hands

before you speak

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9 Greet people

with “Hi” and “How are you?”

10 Open doors for others

April 2018 • 27

Looking Back

Beauty contestants pose in front of a bi-plane on July 3, 1930. Miss America is Tampa’s Margaret Eckdahl and Florida’s Healthiest Girl is Florence Smock of Eustis, Florida. The men on the right are identified as Mayor H.H. Baskin of Clearwater and R.B. Norton, president of the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy of HCPL.)

Capt. Severian Villa is pictured telling a bystander about catching this rare 1,400 pound leatherback turtle. The photo was taken in 1947 at Sportsman’s Dock. (Courtesy of FSA.)

The Tampa-Clearwater Bus carries passengers through Clearwater on a sunny day in October 1919. (Courtesy of HCPL.)

Bathers relaxing on Bellair Beach on a breezy summer day in 1926 are listening to music on their phonograph. (Courtesy of FSA.)

Photos courtesy of Lisa Coleman, and the Clearwater Historical Society and Arcadia Publishing. Reprinted with permission from Images of America: Clearwater, by Lisa Coleman. This beautiful book along with dozens of other Images of America books highlighting the local Tampa Bay area are available from Arcadia Publishing online at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling 888-313-2665.

This 1930s scene shows a crowded Clearwater Beach, both in and out of the water. (Courtesy of HCPL.)

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April 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ 29

The Baby Boom Continues at Zoo Tampa A baby boom continues at Zoo Tampa with the hatching of three African Penguin chicks. The Zoo’s “clutch mate” chicks hatched in January (weighing in at 54 grams and 48 grams) to experienced parents Tinkerbell and Loki. “Clutch mates,” means that Tinkerbell’s two chicks hatched from eggs that she laid a few days apart. The third African Penguin chick at the Zoo hatched later (weighing in at 53 grams) to first time parents Tyke and Tyra. “Both pairs of parents are doing a great job taking care of their chicks,” said Chris Massaro, General Curator at Zoo Tampa. “The addition of

these chicks is a great win for the species and an exciting time for our community to learn more about these beautiful birds.” The Zoo, currently home to a colony of twelve African Penguins, participates in the African Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP). The program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) protects wildlife species at risk of extinction. Zoo Tampa also participates in the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program which focuses on having animal experts identify threats, develop action plans, raise new resources and educate visitors on animal conservation. At the same

time, SAFE will build capacity to increase direct conservation spending, as well as our members’ impact on saving species through work in the field, in our zoos and aquariums, and through public engagement. We have done it before. Some species exist only because of the efforts of aquariums and zoos and their contributing partners. The three chicks will be the first additions to the Zoo’s colony since June 2014. According to keepers, it is very difficult to tell a penguin chick’s sex. A DNA blood test will be used to determine the sex of the chicks when

they are old enough. The Zoo uses bands on the adult penguins’ flippers to differentiate: right flippers for males and left flippers for females. TLPZ plans to publicly reveal the sex of the chicks in the near future. Native to the coastlines of South Africa and Namibia, the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is one of five true warm weather species. The species is classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN due to food shortages from commercial fishing, oil spills, egg collection and fishing nets. The population declined more than 50 percent during the last 40 years.

Please give

Earth Day Quiz

Answers

3. b. 50% 4. b. 4.4 pounds 5. d. All of the above 6. c. 500 gallons 7. a. Every 5 - 7 days 8. c. Ulysses S. Grant — Yellowstone was one of the last unexplored regions in the continental United States. It’s known for its astounding geological diversity and exotic natural features. Created March 1, 1872, it is the first US national park.

30 • April 2018

no obligation

(Quiz on page 31)

I’m your REALTOR.

1. c. 1970 2. d. Gaylord Nelson — In the spring of 1970 U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin called for a nationwide demonstration aimed to raise awareness of environmental issues. It worked.The first national Earth Day was April 22.

me a call for a

9. d. 1973 — The Endangered Species Act has been, for the most part, successful. Only two species listed (that weren’t already extinct) have gone extinct. Nineteen others have recovered and have been delisted. The ESA has a 93% success rate in the US Northeast. Bonus: Environmental Protection Agency — The EPA was signed into law by Richard Nixon. The aim of the agency is to protect our health by keeping the environment in a livable, useful condition. In 1992, the EPA unveiled the Energy Star program, an international standard for energy-efficient products.

assessment of your needs!

Welcome Home. Mark Sanchez REALTOR® Mobile: 727-488-1419 Email: MarkSanchez@kw.com

Proudly serving the Real Estate needs of Pinellas County. Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Earth Day Quiz

April 22nd will mark the 46th anniversary of Earth Day. With this in mind, we thought that it would be fun to test how knowledgeable are you about Earth Day and the environment. Take our quiz and find out! Below are some basic questions about Earth Day, the environment, and recycling. When you have finished the quiz, check your answers on page 30. 1. When was Earth Day founded?

a. 1950 b. 1960 c. 1970 d. 1980

2. Who founded Earth Day?

a. Will Rogers b. Nelson Reilly c. Mitch Gaylord d. Gaylord Nelson

3. How much of our air pollution comes from motor vehicles, such as cars and trucks? a. 30% b. 50% c. 75% d. 90%

4. The average U.S. citizen produces how much waste each day? a. 3.5 pounds b. 4.4 pounds c. 6.1 pounds d. 10.0 pounds

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5. Which of the following types of products are recyclable? a. Paper b. Glass c. Aluminum d. All of the above

6. How many gallons of water are wasted each day from the average toilet leak? a. 300 gallons b. 400 gallons c. 500 gallons d. 600 gallons

7. How often should you water your lawn? a. Every 5 - 7 days b. Every 3 - 4 days c. Every 2 - 3 days d. Every day

8. Which President signed the Act of Dedication into law and, thus, created Yellowstone National Park? a. James Garfield b. Teddy Roosevelt c. Ulysses S. Grant d. William Taft

9. What Year was the Endangered Species Act passed? a. 1970 b. 980 c. 1964 d. 1973

Bonus: The EPA was formed in 1970. What does EPA stand for?

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April 2018 • 31

727-397-3204 baypineslutheranchurch.org

# 727-584-2867 bmakids.com

Cornerstone Christian School

ACADEMY

School Guide Pinellas County Contact Information

Admiral Farragut Academy

Anona Christian Center

13233 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo

2yr – VPK

727-397-3204 baypineslutheranchurch.org

VPK – 8th

727-584-2867 bmakids.com

1yr – 4yr

Belleair Montessori Academy

905 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Belleair

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

7 8

727-347-8622 cathedralofstjude.org

3yr – 8th

Center Academy Palm Harbor

727-781-2986 centeracademy.com

4th – 12th

727-541-5716 centeracademy.com

5th – 12th

classicalconversations.com

Pre-K – 12th

727-954-8856 ccschool.com

VPK – 12th

727-733-1438 cornerstonechristianfl.org

VPK – 8th

Classical Conversations

Over 30 locations in Pinellas & Hillsborough 10 11

Cathedral School of St. Jude

6710 86th Ave N, Pinellas Park

Community Christian School of Five Oaks

7900 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg

Cornerstone Christian School

317 Milwaukee Ave, Dunedin

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

32 • April 2018

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

38 23

9th – 12th

Center Academy Pinellas Park

19 33 24 50 15 46 27 3

727-449-2247 cchs.us

34054 US 19 N, Palm Harbor

Calvary Christian High School

600 58th St N, St. Petersburg

Pre-K – 8th

110A N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

727-391-4060 blessedsacramentcatholicschool.com

11501 66th Ave N, Seminole

Grades

727-593-5437 anona.com; find us under the Grow tab

7589 113 Lane N, Seminole

35 36

14 30 45

3yr – 12th

Bay Pines Lutheran

49 8

384-5500 x 220 farragut.org

501 Park St. N, St. Peterburg

727-542-6294 covenantacademyfl.org

727-733-1438 cornerstonechristianfl.org

BELLEAIR MONTESSORI

2018 Gulf Coast Family

School

13 17 25 42 37

18 48 44

22 39

34 10 1

47 School

Contact Information

Grades

727-799-1618 myccacademy.org

Infant – 8th

727-542-6294 covenantacademyfl.org

K – 10th

Delphi Academy of Florida

727-447-6385 delphifl.org

Pre-K – 9th

Faith Academy Preschool

727-391-9788 seminoleag.org

2yr – VPK

Countryside Christian Academy

1850 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater

Covenant Academy

5495 Park Blvd, Pinellas Park 1831 Drew St, Clearwater

10600 113th Street, Seminole

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

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

School

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31 32

Feather Sound Christian Preschool

13880 Feather Sound Dr, Clearwater

727-595-2112 ctklc.org/preschool Grades

727-573-1012 feathersoundpreschool.com

2yr – 5yr

727-544-9465 fbcpp.org/preschool

2yr – 6yr

33 34 35 36

727-526-8194 holyfamily-school.com

2yr – 8th

727-596-4342 ircs.org

Pre-K – 12th

727-393-9100 keswickchristian.org

Infant – 12th

First Baptist Preschool

250 78th Ave NE, St. Petersburg

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

727-239-7808 lakesidechristianschool.org 727-527-3180 www.AtLearningAdventures.com

LiFT Academy

727-434-8322 liftacademy.org

13400 Park Blvd, Seminole

Loving Arms Christian Preschool

727-595-2112 ctklc.org/preschool

11220 Oakhurst Road, Largo

Morning Star School

4661 80th Ave N, Pinellas Park

727-544-6036 morningstarschool.org

Northside Christian School

727-541-7593 x 247 nck12.com

Oakhurst Learning Center

727-596-3411 oakhurstlearningcenter.com

7777 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg 13233 102nd Ave. N., Largo

Pinellas Academy of Math & Science

1775 S Highlands Avenue, Clearwater

727-330-9449 pinellasacademy.com

Pinellas Preparatory Academy

727-536-3600 pinellasprep.org

2300 S Belcher Rd. #100, Largo

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

2045 Palmetto St., Clearwater 1601 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor 7100 142nd Ave. N., Largo

thru #

K – 12 2yr – 5yr age 5–18+ 2yr – 5yr

40 41 42 43

1st – 12th 45 VPK – 12th 46 2yr – Pre-K 47

thru #

Plato Academy (Continued)

10888 126th Ave., Seminole 3901 Park St. N., St. Petersburg 2795 Keystone Rd, Tarpon Springs 8812 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

K – 8th

727-576-1772 fbcstpete.org

2 yr – Pre-K

Rainbow Preschool

727-397-5759 oakhurstumc.com

2 yr – VPK

Rosie’s Play School

727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com

2 yr – VPK

Rosie’s Play School

727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com

1 yr – VPK

Rosie’s Play School

727-521-6931 rosiesplayschool.com

Infant – VPK

727-544-1106 shsaints.org

Pre-K – 8th

727-535-8512 shadycreekpreschool.com

2 yr – VPK

727-456-7511 shorecrest.org

3 yr – 12th

727-797-1186 skycrestchristianschool.org

1 yr – 8th

727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org

2 yr – VPK

727-360-1113 sjvcs.org

VPK – 8th

727-522-3000 stpetechristian.org

K – 8th

727-781-3808 westlakechristianschool.org

2 yr – 8th

Promiseland Preschool

1900 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg 13400 Park Blvd, Seminole 4500 38th Ave. N., St. Petersburg 501 39th St. N., St. Petersburg 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. John Vianney Catholic School

K – 8th 48 K – 8th

K – 8th

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

Plato Academy

727-544-6036 727-541-7593 x 247 morningstarschool.org nck12.com MORNING School Grades S T A R S C H O OContact L Information

Contact Information

5495 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park

Holy Family Catholic School

MORNING STAR SCHOOL

FOR TOMORROW

727-434-8322 liftacademy.org

INDEPENDENCE

LEARNING

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

727-517-2153

westsidechristianschool.com

K – 12th

# 46 47 St. Jerome Early Childhood Center

727-526-1038 rosiesplayschool.com

727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

727-360-1113 sjvcs.org

April 2018 • 33

Gibbs High Army JROTC Team Reaches National Competition

All-Academic Team named The Pinellas County All-Academic Team has been chosen and will represent the district at the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge for the state championship. The 33rd annual tournament will be held April 19-21, 2018 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World.

The members of the team are Garrett Toenjes, Palm Harbor University High; Ashwin Ganesh, East Lake High; Aden Yacobi, Largo High; Jasper Everitt, Dixie Hollins High; Andre Marroquin-Garcia, Seminole High; Camilo Fonseca, Palm Harbor University High. The coaches Scott Kaplan from Largo High and Susan Wolodkowicz from Seminole High.

Gibbs High School’s Junior ROTC team is one of 40 teams across the country to qualify for the National 2018 Army JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl Championship. The national competition will be held June 22-26 at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

in the second round held in February. Each round consisted of multiple sections about JROTC and leadership knowledge. The top 40 teams out of 1,900 Army JROTC programs across the United States were selected to attend and participate in June’s national competition.

The team consists of cadets Thomas Adkinson, Najee Bradley and Lynzi Hoffman who are juniors, as well as Parker Payne, a sophomore. The JROTC Leadership and Academic Bowl competition began in November and included an online competition. Teams with high enough scores were then invited to participate

Countryside High School Art Students Beautifying the Community

Countryside High School’s Art Club members have taken their creative ability to draw and paint from the school’s campus and into the local community. Partnering with Winn-Dixie located at Enterprise and McMullen Booth roads in Clearwater, the students create different paintings on the store’s front window to match the holiday, season or observance. During Christmas, there were snowflakes and snowmen. To observe Valentine’s Day, there were red hearts and bears. For Easter, there are colored eggs and white bunnies. The student’s artwork has been a real hit in the community and now other business are interested in participating.

34 • April 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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April 2018 • 35

burner for weeks or months? Pull it out and dust it off! Kids can complete a summer scrapbook, create a video montage or short film, or perfect their free throw shot.

Learning Outside the Classroom Take learning beyond academics and cook some new recipes together, explore a nature preserve, or practice teamwork on a ropes course with friends or family. Take a park district class on animal tracking or bugs or how to identify trees by their leaves. Use a trip to the beach to learn about sea creatures or an amusement park day to learn about budgeting and time management. imom.com by Carrington Cunnington, IMOM.com What parent hasn’t gotten one week into summer vacation without hearing those dreaded words: “I’m bored!”? For most kids, there is no shortage of time over summer break, but another day at the playground or picnic on the lawn might not always feel compelling. It’s time to brainstorm some out-of-the-box summer ideas to shake things up a bit! Summer is a great time to tackle goals, learn a new skill, or pursue a favorite interest. Use the following fun activities to get your

36 • April 2018

wheels spinning on how to fill those sunny days, which are just around the corner.

Achievement Oriented Free summer days are a great opportunity to apply some hard work and accomplish goals. Maybe this is the summer your child learns to swim, masters a twowheeler, authors a long story, or completes drivers’ ed. What project or interest has been put on the back

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Just for Fun Don’t forget the simple pleasures of a childhood summer. Go out for ice cream, enjoy a summer blockbuster in the theater, or try out a new restaurant. Walk barefoot in fresh water, meander downstream in a canoe, ride a tandem bike, or visit a carnival or amusement park and wander the grounds with a big wad of cotton candy. Make some fresh-squeezed lemonade and sell it to your neighbors on the street corner. Have a yard sale and let your kids help with the organizing, sorting, and selling.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Programs or Camps

Close to Home

The opportunities for summer camps are almost endless. Drama camp, sports camp, art camp, horsemanship camp, and overnight camps. Check out the offerings at the local park district, YMCA, or Boys and Girls Club. Museums, arboretums, historic sites and churches offer a wide variety of activities. Look for programs at local animal shelters or become regular volunteers at a charitable organization.

Time, expense, or schedules may keep you close to home this summer. No worries. Take the opportunity to explore your hometown in a new way. Pretend you are tourists and go to a museum, take a walking tour, camp in the backyard, host a slumber party or visit a new park every week. Watch a sunset. Watch a sunrise. Stay up all night in between if it sounds fun! Sleep in, paint a mural, bake cookies or build something out of duct tape. Compile a summer reading list and take turns reading, or have your kids read out loud to a pet. Visit the library, build a massive lego creation, or tackle a home improvement project.

American Top Team St. Petersburg

Once in a Lifetime Is this the summer for a big to-do? Plan a vacation to a place you’ve never been. Road trip to some national parks. Build a tree house in the backyard, a clubhouse in the basement, or a fort in the woods. Invent a new game, host a family reunion, spend a day at the horse races, or walk part of the Appalachian trail.

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d April 2018 • 37

with Jim Daly Q: My wife and I don’t fight that often, but when we do, it seems to escalate quickly. I think we’re both at fault. One of us says something snide, and the other responds with something that’s a bit angrier and a bit louder. Then back and forth it goes. How do we nip this in the bud? Jim: I think most couples know exactly what this is like; you don’t necessarily mean to escalate things, but it happens. A few years ago, I interviewed a relationship expert for our radio broadcast, and he called this “climbing the crazy ladder.”

and wife don’t get easier to resolve when a disagreement escalates into a heated argument. As couples, we not only need to stay off the crazy ladder for the sake of our marriages, but we also need to do it for our children if we have them. There’s plenty of research that shows children suffer lifelong repercussions when they’re exposed to chronic, poorly handled conflict. The best advice is not to go up the crazy ladder in the first place. Learn how to stay calm, discuss your differences ratio-

Fighting as a couple is like racing up an emotional ladder. The thing about ladders is you can go up fast, but coming down quickly is a lot harder. In other words, once a disagreement has escalated into a heated argument, it’s much more difficult to calm things down.

AVOID THE ‘CRAZY LADDER’ WHEN FIGHTING WITH SPOUSE nally, and resolve your problems in a way that strengthens your marriage instead of weakening it. The first step might be the willingness to say, “Honey, we’re climbing the crazy ladder again.” We have many resources to help at FocusOnTheFamily. com. You can even contact our staff counselors for advice and assistance.

OVERCOMING SIBLING CONFLICT Q: Our two daughters (ages 13 and 7) fight and bicker all the time. We’ve talked many times about the need to be kind, loving and forgiving. They always promise to do better next time, but nothing ever changes. How can we help them overcome this sibling rivalry? Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting and Youth: I think most families deal with sibling conflict at some point. It happens with my children—usually at the most inconvenient times! Overcoming sibling

Also, it’s really unstable at the top of a ladder. The problems between a husband

conflict takes consistency, focus and time, so keep these three things in mind: Stay calm: This is difficult when children are bickering; it’s “ninja level” parenting. Breathe deep and remember that you’re teaching them how to handle relationships and resolve conflict—skills we all need as we mature. Take time to understand each of your daughters’ perspectives. Their age and personalities factor in, as well.

R E S A E

E T A R B E CEL

with Pinellas Park First Assembly and New Life International Church

Easter Family Fun Day

A FREE event on Saturday, March 31st, 2018 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Featuring games, bounce houses, live music, and FREE food, with special guest “Magic Marty” and an extra special Easter Egg Hunt! 38 • April 2018

Easter Family Worship Services Sunday April 1st, 2018 8:45 am, 10:30 am and 5 pm Free breakfast at 9:30 am and free dinner after the evening service.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

For information call (727) 545-5663

6380 62nd Ave N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Listen and Teach: Carefully listen to your children, help them identify the real issue between them, and involve them in finding solutions and setting consequences. The agreement in our home is, after five minutes of fussing, the kids have hired me for $1-a-minute to help them sort the conflict. We work on taking turns listening, practicing empathy (“What’s it like to be with me?”) and asking, “What do I really want?” They’re learning to self-reflect and put themselves in the other person’s

shoes. It’s not always perfect, but this is an unnatural skill for all of us.

this is motherhood

Provide consistent limits: If the children are rude, mean or physical, you have to intervene with consequences. I know several families who do this: Whoever is being a bully must clean the toilets, signifying that the issue needs to be flushed out of the home. There are many other options for consequences, from time-outs to losing privileges or toys (with the opportunity to earn them back).

We build circles of women who love each other like family, because raising humans is beautiful and hard, and having each other to lean on is life-giving.

PARENTS CAN STILL OFFER GUIDANCE AFTER KIDS LEAVE THE NEST Q: We have two kids—twins who will be graduating from high school soon and spreading their wings. I’m having a hard time adjusting to the idea our influence as parents is almost finished. Is that a normal reaction? Jim: Many Moms and Dads think their parenting responsibilities are over once their kids move out. But that’s not always the case. In fact, the empty nest years can offer some of your greatest moments of influence as a parent—if you’re prepared. Throughout their teen years, kids usually strive for more and more independence and often don’t listen to their parents’ instruction. But once they’re old enough and leave home, reality hits. These newly christened adults are suddenly confronted with budget constraints, job challenges and relationship pressures—with no safety net from you. As life’s pressure builds, young people often turn back

to their parents for guidance. For Mom and Dad, it’s an opportunity to share the wisdom their children probably rejected in high school. But here’s the catch. Your kids will only turn to you if you’ve maintained a strong relationship with them. In part, that means allowing them to find their way without constantly rushing in to offer your advice before they ask for it. Stay connected, encourage them and let them know you’re available. Then be patient—and wait. In time, they may seek you out, and you can experience a whole new level of connection and influence with your adult children.

CONSIDER THESE TIPS WHEN CARING FOR AN ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBER Q: What do we need to do to make our home as safe and as comfortable as possible for my elderly mom? She’s not coping well on her own, so we’re arranging to have her come and live with us. We’re open to remodeling, if necessary. Can you offer any suggestions? Jim: I’ve asked Focus on the Family’s advisory Physicians Resource Council for input on this question. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Given the effects of decreased mobility, oncoming deafness or diminished eyesight, even the most comfortable house can become hazardous for an elderly person. This is particularly true if the lighting is inadequate, there are too many stairs (or stairs are hard to climb), or the doorknobs and faucets are difficult to use. Some simple changes and minor remodeling can make a big difference in the safety, comfort and convenience of your home from your aging mother’s

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April 2018 • 39

with Jim Daly perspective. Here are some ideas to consider:

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to protecting your mother from dangerous falls and injuries. In addition to making physical and structural changes to your home, you can help promote safety by measures as simple as wiping up spills or wet places on the floor; encouraging your mother to have a physical therapy evaluation to assess her gait and determine the potential need for assistive devices such as canes or walkers; and providing her with physical assistance when rising from a reclining or sitting position. If you live in a two-story house, you might want to think about rearranging the living environment so as to allow your mother to

live on the first floor. Of course, this works best if there’s a bathroom on this level, but there are special chair lift systems that can be installed on stairways to move your mother from one floor to the other. Some insurance policies cover the cost for these aids. Finally, take advantage of the resources available from several helpful sources: • The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website (cpsc.gov) includes a document entitled “Safety for Older Consumers: Home Safety Checklist.” • The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a.org) encourages members to help older persons and persons with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible. • The Caregiver Action Network (caregiveraction.org) educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved

ones with a chronic illness, disability or the frailties of old age. • The Aging Life Care Association (aginglifecare.org) is an organization of practitioners whose goal is the advancement of expert assistance to the elderly and their families. 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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• Replace steps with ramps. Install ramps over doorsills or remove the sills altogether for wheelchair accessibility. • Install handrails on both sides of stairs or hallways. • Elevate toilet seats using an insert specially designed for this purpose. Install sturdy grab bars in the bathroom by the toilet, shower stall and bathtub. • To avoid tripping, remove area rugs and runners that slide. • Make sure that all lamp, extension and telephone cords are out of the flow of foot traffic. Incidentally, don’t place electrical cords under furniture or carpeting, as this can cause a fire. • Check stairways to make sure they are well lighted and equipped with non-slip strips. • Install night-lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways. Place flashlights near your mother’s favorite chair, beside the bed and in other convenient places.

Consider purchasing a lamp that can be turned on and off with a simple touch. • Eliminate low furniture such as coffee tables and footstools that may present a tripping hazard. • Replace heavy dishes and glasses with lightweight, non-breakable dishware.

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April 2018 Events April 1 - 30 EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL Fun is blooming at the 25th annual event bursting with brilliant gardens, fresh flavors, interactive playgrounds and rocking entertainment. The Festival is a fun-filled destination for guests of every age—and the perfect place for nearly every member of the family to dig up their sense of curiosity and discovery. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com April1, 3 & 6 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING HOME GAMES Catch the Tampa Bay Lightning as they close out the regular season and skate for the Cup! Bring the Thunder this April and come cheer on your hometown Bolts as they take on the Predators, the Bruins, and the Sabres! www.amaliearena.com April 1, 6-7, 14-15, 21-22, & 28-29 FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL - BUSCH GARDENS Weekends in April, a world of taste awaits at the fourth annual Food & Wine Festival. The festival features signature dishes along with exciting new cuisine, including 16 all-new dishes plus a large selection of wines, craft brews and cocktails. Eighteen of the biggest acts in musical entertainment will take the stage every weekend on Gwazi Field. All concerts are included with admission. www.buschgardens.com

April 1-8 REPTILEPALOOZA AT THE CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM Experience this special exhibit at CMA before its gone. Learn all about these coldblooded creatures with fun activities. Get up close and see live tortoises every day and meet snakes, skinks, alligators and other rescued reptiles on select dates. www.seewinter.com 42 • April 2018

April 1, 13-15, 16-18 & 20-22 RAYS GAMES AT THE TROP Baseball season is in full swing and here is your chance to cheer on your hometown Tampa Bay Rays! Dig out your baseball gloves and those cowbells and come out to the Trop this April and come cheer your Rays as they take on the Red Sox Phillies, Rangers and Twins! www.mlb.com/rays

docent-led tour of the Museum will begin at 5:15 PM. This event occurs on the first Friday of each month through November. Experience the magic of the Museum at dusk! www.plantmuseum.com

special events, demonstrations, lessons and other fun and games. These events are perfect for those looking to try something new or even those just looking for something fun to do with the whole family! www.tampabayice.com

April 6 RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA Cinderella is the Tony Award- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! www.rutheckerdhall.com

April 7, 14, 21 & 28 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

April 3 CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH FREE TUESDAY AT THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The Children’s Board of Hillsborough proudly presents a Free Admission Tuesday program held on the first Tuesday of every month, between 12-7pm. Join us for free, family fun at the GCM. www.glazermuseum.org April 4 DISNEY JUNIOR DANCE PARTY Are you ready to DANCE?!? Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour is an ALL NEW interactive live concert experience. Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with your favorite characters: Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, The Lion Guard and more! Kids of all ages and their families are invited to get up and dance, play games and join the biggest dance party around! www.rutheckerdhall.com April 5 THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA - FIESTA! AT THE STRAZ A concert with Latin flair, including music from Astor Piazzolla and more. Jeff Tyzik conducts. Includes a spirited mix of live symphonic music, drinks and snacks, and a meet-and-greet with Florida Orchestra musicians. www.strazcenter.org April 6 FIRST FRIDAY AT THE HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM The Museum will be open with free admission from 5 – 7 PM. Visitors are encouraged to explore the nation’s only Victorian railroad resort hotel museum, enjoy live music on the veranda, and share a treat with friends at our tastings table. A

April 6-8 SOUTHEAST STREET ROD NATIONALS AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS Bring the whole family for a day of fun at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Although everyone will enjoy the spectacular vehicles there are other activities the family will enjoy as well. Here are a few: the Commercial Exhibitors, Swap Meet, Women’s World (exhibitors with items that will interest women as well as men and children) and even a model car show! www.floridastatefair.com April 7 & 21 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 April 7, 14, 21 & 28 TAMPA BAY ICE Have you ever wanted to lace up a pair of skates and try to get on the ice? Now is your chance! This April the Tampa Bay Skating Club and Florida Suncoast Figure Skating Club in conjunction with TBSA and Clearwater Ice Arena will be holding

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

April 7, 14, 21 & 28 CITY OF TAMPA PRESENTS MOVIES IN THE PARK Enjoy “Movies in the Park,” a free family outdoor movie event that has been a hit with families throughout the Tampa Bay area. The outdoor cinema will be featuring Ferris Bueller, Finding Dory, Guardians of the Galaxy and Lego Batman. Food trucks and concessions will also be available. www.tampagov.net April 12-15 SHRINER CIRCUS AT THE FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS Make plans to enjoy the best in family entertainment, the Shriner Circus at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Get up close and personal with friendly clowns, ride animals, and so much more! Relive your childhood memories with your family! www.floridastatefair.com

April 12 SONS OF SERENDIP AT THE STRAZ These America’s Got Talent finalists wowed audiences with their serene, ethereal interpretations of pop music using voice, harp, piano and cello. With the success of their self-titled debut album, Sons of Serendip launched an international tour to showcase the quartet in their best possible setting: live – where their soulful renderings lift audiences to a sublime experience. www.strazcenter.org www.gulfcoastfamily.org

new MOSI entrance. All ages are invited and no ticket or purchase is required. www.mosi.org April 22 EARTH DAY: RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP AT THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Happy Earth Day! Come join the Glazer Children’s Museum from 2-4pm for an awesome rain barrel activity. Also, come learn how we can preserve our planet during Water Conservation Month! The GCM is focusing on Citizen Science all month. www.glazermuseum.org April 13-22 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL There’s no better way to see Clearwater Beach’s famous white sand in action. This 10-day festival brings more than 1,000 tons of sand to life in a 21,000 square-foot walkthrough display at Pier 60. The festival also includes a children’s play area, street performers, artisans, live entertainment, fireworks, sand sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations, and a master sand sculpting competition. This April eleven world-class sculptors will sculpt elaborate sand sculptures from Clearwater’s famous sugar sand. This year’s theme is Sea America: A Celebration of America’s Treasures. www.sugarsandfestival.com April 14 HAPPY, HEALTHY KIDS AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Join Great Explorations and our friends from John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for a day of Happy, Healthy fun! Guests can create salad collages, fruit and veggie works of art, and enjoy a Publix shopping healthy foods scavenger hunt. Community partners from John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital will be available to discuss nutrition and brain health. All activities are included in admission. www.greatex.org April 21 MY DOLL AND ME: FELICITY Travel through time with your favorite dolls! Peek into the past as we enjoy crafts, games, and snacks as well as hands-on gallery experiences. All activities reflect the time period or theme of each doll. American Girl dolls are welcome but not required for participation. Designed for ages 6-12, space is limited and preregistration is required. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org April 21 MOSI: SKYWATCH Join the space experts at MOSI to enjoy an evening of space exploration through MOSI’s telescopes. SkyWatch stargazing events are located in the parking lot by the www.gulfcoastfamily.org

April 28 TAMPA BAY INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACES On Saturday, April 28 the Garrison Channel will come alive with dragon boat racing and fun for the entire family. Downtown Tampa provides the perfect backdrop for the hottest race weekend competition in Florida! This free, annual event attracts people to the Riverwalk and highlights Tampa’s cultural institutions, local music, restaurants and vibrant health and wellness community. www.jltampa.org

April 29 MFA’S 11TH ANNUAL PAINTING IN THE PARK Join the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg on the North Lawn for loads of fun, family, and kid-friendly activities like kite making and flying, face painting, making gigantic works of art and more! Special guests include Nomad Art Bus. Food and Beverage available for purchase. Free for everyone! www.mfastpete.org

Have an Event?

April 24 YANNI 25 ACROPOLIS ANNIVERSARY Marking the 25th Anniversary of Live at the Acropolis Yanni returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall! This is Yanni as you know him best, performing his instrumental hits from shows that have become famous around the world. Fans will witness Yanni and his world-class musicians as they take the stage to perform his greatest instrumental hits made famous in his shows from The Acropolis in Greece, The Taj Mahal in India, The Forbidden City in China and The Royal Albert Hall in England. www.rutheckerdhall.com

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

8:00 p.m.

Water Works Park 1710 N. Highland Ave.

Apr i legol 7 batm an

April 26 PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS PETER PAN, JR. Students in grades 3-8 perform this timeless musical as it whisks you away to a place where dreams are born and no one ever grows up! Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. www.strazcenter.org April 28 THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS CELEBRATE BROADWAY Join Broadway star Daniel Narducci and the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay for an evening of Broadway showstoppers from Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Camelot and more. Bob Bernhardt conducts. www.themahaffey.com

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Food truck and concessions available. April 2018 • 43

The Gulf Coast Family Weekender

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Stanley Cup Playoffs

Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

Seven Seas Food Festival – March 1–April 15

Sea World Orlando seaworld.com

Sample your way around the world of international food traditions and enjoy live musical performances.

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival www.sugarsandfestival.com The front-end loaders are moving more than 1,000 tons of our world famous sugar sand as the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival returns to beautiful Clearwater Beach.

Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival www.buschgardens.com

The Florida Orchestra: Celebrate Broadway Straz Center floridaorchestra.org

33rd Annual Best of Tampa Bay

www.strazcenter.org

Tampa Bay’s longestrunning culinary benefit is an annual tradition you don’t want to miss! Partake of the Bay area’s best offerings in a fun festival of food and drink on the beautiful Straz Center grounds.

Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park www.jltampa.org

Join Broadway star Daniel Narducci and the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay for an evening of Broadway showstoppers from Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Camelot and more.

44 • April 2018

Southeast Street Rod Nationals Florida State Fairgrounds www.floridastatefair.com

Enjoy the spectacular vehicles, Swap Meet, Women’s World and even a model car show!

Rays vs Phillies Tropicana Field www.mlb.com/rays

The Tampa Bay Rays host the Philadelphia Phillies at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

GO RAYS!

Feed your appetite for adventure with wild flavors and concerts for every taste!

1 Easter 2018 Christians celebrate the Easter holiday in many different ways. But without doubt, Easter is the single most important holy day of the Christian Church, for it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Watch the Tampa Bay Lightning as they chase their Second Stanley Cup. Cinderella Ruth Ekerd Hall www.rutheckerdhall.com

SUNDAY

22 Earth Day 29 Peter Pan, Jr. By the Patel Conservatory Straz Center www.strazcenter.org

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Adventure Island - Vanish Point

This April vow to Vanish down the all new epic free-fall ride “Vanish Point” at Adventure Island. This newest attraction will sweep guests off their feet all season long.

Come Alive!

As you step into Adventure Island’s new waterslide, the mood is set by the piped-in soundtrack of a heartbeat. It’s fake, but it does the trick of increasing anxiety as you wait for the countdown before the floor loudly collapses under you. This 70-foot drop slide lets riders choose between two skyboxes, each sending them through 425 feet of spiraling tubes until they reach the splash run finale. Since Adventure Island’s opening back in 1980, it has seen a great amount of changes, but Vanish Point will certainly bring an all new level of aquatic thrills to the water park. To purchase tickets to Adventure Island visit www.Adventureisland.com.

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At Tropicana Field this season, guests will find MORE fun, MORE value and MORE variety. Tropicana Field received some major changes over the offseason, with the Tampa Bay Rays working to improve multiple aspects of the game day experience. Along with a new indoor/outdoor social space, the changes to Tropicana Field include new menu offerings, technology upgrades, and improved retail space. Tropicana Field will now feature Ballpark & Rec, an indoor/outdoor area inspired by St. Petersburg’s Park & Rec. Another focal point for the Rays in their effort to shakeup the fan experience at Tropicana Field is the food offerings. Levy Restaurants is now on board as the concessionaire and has worked with the Rays to introduce new food items, including food from over a dozen local restaurants. Tropicana Field is also debuting a newly renovated Rays Republic merchandise store and a new turf playing surface. For more information on the Trop or to purchase tickets visit www.mlb.com/rays. April 2018 • 45

Reading is an adventure that begins early inbya child’s life. Judy Adorno, Director, Sylvan St. Petersburg

Pre-K children eagerly soak up information about the world around them. (Don’t you just love watching your child’s eyes light up when his or her curiosity is sparked?) Have you noticed that books, new words and “once upon-a-times” are capturing your child’s imagination?

Read stories aloud and act them out. Or, pick a storybook character and pretend that character is coming to dinner. As you read a favorite book to your child point to the words as you say them — encouraging her to recognize that words have meaning. To motivate and inspire your soon-tobe-reader, give supportive feedback and lots of fun books to choose from.

Reading aloud continues to be important with Kindergarten children, as it helps them to develop language skills. Encouraging discussion with a child also contributes to language development and can help with reading too. Nurture your kindergarteners reading behaviors by helping your child relate read-aloud stories to events in her life. Subscribe to a magazine for your child to learn about topics that interest him and have fun making cookies together — using the recipe to demonstrate the need for reading and math.

Don’t forget to read outside the home as well there are many opportunities to read to your child — and have him read back to you — as you’re running errands, attending events, or dining out. Parents can also take advantage of reading opportunities on the Internet. For example, Book Adventure is a free, interactive, reading motivation program created by Sylvan Learning and found online at www.BookAdventure.com. For additional tips on instilling the joy of reading and making learning a fun family endeavor, visit the “Parent Resources” area of www.SylvanLearning.com. For more information about your local Sylvan, call 727-347-6284 or visit www.SylvanLearning.com/SaintPetersburgFl.

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This is the perfect time to bring words to life with pre-K reading activities. Use a multi-sensory approach to introduce your child to the wonderful world of stories, sounds and letters. Try a variety of reading activities so your child gets to see, hear, touch and move around — a truly engaging approach to learning to read.

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Parents play a key role in helping their child become a life-long reader by instilling the joy of reading at an early age. Educational experts recommend that parents spend at least one hour per week — or 10 to 15 minutes a day — reading with children long before school starts. Reading skills and habits develop young, so it’s important for parents to encourage their children’s love of reading.

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