Gulf Coast Family - March 2018

March 2018

Vol. 11 Issue 3

Summer Camp Directory page 27

Family Night Out page 22

Dungy Diaries page 15

S p r i n g , H e re ! e W m e Co Family Night Out p. 22

Relax, Leave The Driving To Us! For over a century, Martz has been providing safe, reliable and courteous transportation.

Martz Group offers private group transportation throughout Florida and the continental U.S. We will take your group to any place you desire; the airport, sporting events, on field trips and much more! Call or email one of our representatives at martzsales@martzgroup.com to inquire.

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2 • March 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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

Rodney Beck Jennifer Beck Linda Crumley Michael Crumley Matthew Crumley

For advertising opportunities: sales@gulfcoastfamily.org

“Don’t forget to sit back and relax every once in a while — you deserve it!”

© 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.

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

Look for Gulf Coast Family in these locations:

Phothteo of Month

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Rebecca Lindquist

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

March 2018 • 3

March 2018

36

26

Focus on the Family

5 Movie Night March We 6 This Recommend That You…

Diaries: The Best 15 Dungy Parenting Advice i Ever

to Parent 8 Parent

by Jennifer Beck

Not Just 16 Families Surviving… But Thriving!

Received

by Tony Dungy, AllProDad.com

9 March Fun Facts 10 Reader Photos of the Month Great to Create!

11 It’s Spring Crafts 13 Heart Gallery Pro Dad: A Spring Training 14 All Checklist for Your Marriage

by AllProDad.com

Reasons to Send Your 26 Three Kids to Summer Camp

Blocks for the 38 Building Family: Amazing Love

27 Summer Camp Directory Cardio Kickboxing: An 30

The Digital Lives 39 PluggedIn: of Teens

Intensely FUN Class

by Ana Frias

Flawed Anti-Texting 18 Florida’s and Driving Laws

32 The Tropical Garden

Break Bucket List 19 Spring

by Nancy Jergins, iMom.com

Spotlight 33 Species

by SeaWorld and Busch Gardens

by Chris Reynolds

Healthy Smile 12 The

by Dr. Nick Reynolds

T hree Reasons to Send Your Kids to Summer Camp

by Jené VanButsel

on Leadership 20 Kids in the Kitchen 34 Wooden

by Coach John Wooden 21 Saving Dinner: Teaching Basic 35 March Madness Trivia Table Manners to Children

by Leanne Ely on the Family 36 Focus

by Jim Daly 22 Family Night Out Coupons 24 March 2018 Events

“Let your Joy burst forth like flowers in the Spring.”

by Kenny McNatt

by PluggedIn.com

40 2018 School Guide Honored at 42 Students Inaugural Hispanic

Achievement Awards

Unto Others… Back to 43 Do Basics

by Dr. Kira Wilson

Smart Bonding 45 Book

by Sarah Cole, Glazer Children’s Museum

educator 46 Mathematics named Pinellas 2018 Teacher of the Year

N U F N U e F h t e e N h U F ee ttt h her r N e e W U h F W e r h e ds! n ss!!

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Reader Photos of the Month

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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

A Wrinkle in Time – March 9

From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and, ultimately, the triumph of love.

I Can Only Imagine – March 16

Growing up in Texas, Bart Millard suffers physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his father. His childhood and relationship with his dad inspires him to write the hit song “I Can Only Imagine” as singer of the Christian band MercyMe.

Sherlock Gnomes – March 23

ON VIEW NOW THROUGH APRIL 1, 2018

MFASTPETE.ORG Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in partnership with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and in consultation with Lucasfilm Ltd. © & ™ 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

The Denver Art Museum provided additional scholarship and creative modifications to the presentation.

MFA leadership support provided by Mark and Marianne Mahaffey, The Bill Edwards Group, and Jeff and Penny Vinik.

First introduced in the film Gnomeo and Juliet, the adorable title characters and their garden ornament friends have a new adventure featuring the legendary Sherlock Gnomes. In the heart of London, gnomes are disappearing from the gardens.

Gnomeo and Juliet join forces with the great Sherlock Gnomes and Watson to discover what is behind the mystery.

Blu-Ray/DVDs

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society; and the City of St. Petersburg Office of Cultural Affairs.

Media support provided by Tampa Bay Times.

Smithsonian Institution www.gulfcoastfamily.org

March 13 To advertise, call 727-612-0783

March 20

March 27

March 2018 • 5

This March we recommend that you…

READ IT

Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis With wry wit and hard-earned wisdom, popular online personality and founder of TheChicSite.com founder Rachel Hollis helps readers break free from the lies keeping them from the joy-filled and exuberant life they are meant to have. Each chapter of Girl, Wash Your Face begins with a specific lie Hollis once believed that left her feeling overwhelmed, unworthy, or ready to give up. As a working mother, a former foster parent, and a woman who has dealt with insecurities about her body and relationships, she speaks with the insight and kindness of a BFF.

EXPERIENCE IT

Homecoming – Live From Ireland

by Celtic Woman

Multi-platinum international music sensation, Celtic Woman returns with their brand new live CD: Homecoming – Live From Ireland. Recorded live at a stunning show in Dublin, Ireland in September 2017, Homecoming features the angelic voices of Susan McFadden, Mairéad Carlin, Éabha McMahon and the breathtaking new violinist Tara McNeill. The album is a universal celebration of life and is both traditional and contemporary!

SEE IT

Disney On Ice Reach For the Stars March 22–25, Amalie Arena

Take adventure to new heights as Mickey, Minnie and your friends from around the Disney Kingdom come together when Disney On Ice presents Reach For The Stars arrives in Tampa from March 22–25 at Amalie Arena. Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy set the stage for a star-studded talent extravaganza as Disney On Ice presents Reach For The Stars. Experience unforgettable feats of strength and heart with the whole family when you see Disney On Ice here in Tampa! For ticket information visit www.amaliearena.com.

6 • March 2018

MLB Spring Training

Spring Training in Florida’s Grapefruit League, a tradition since the 1890s, offers a multitude of treats for families, sun worshipers and casual fans alike. Fifteen Major League teams train in Florida, with many just a short drive away. With so much available, families can easily take a hotdog-filled journey that suits their own schedules and preferences.

DOWNLOAD IT

HEAR IT

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Housecraft Thinking of redecorating?

Housecraft is a neat showcase of the iPhone’s augmented reality capabilities and a cool software toy for anybody thinking about getting a new piece of furniture. You can select 3D models of different furniture such as couches, tables, chairs, desks and houseplants, placing them virtually in your home, using the iPhone’s screen as a viewfinder.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

About Christ. About Teaching. About Our Students.

Keswick is a school where children can grow, develop, and excel.

Keswick Christian School students are prepared with the faith and strength of character that inspires them to lead and impact the world for Christ.

From the basics, all the way to advanced college preparatory courses, a Keswick education puts your child on a solid academic footing.

In the Upper school, a broad college preparatory curriculum assures academic excellence with AP classes and the KCS Scholars program that enriches their regular classwork.

Compass is an intensive learning program in the Lower school for gifted students. The focus is on STEM subjects to help students use their unique talents in real world settings. This truly is an education with a higher purpose, where students will be enabled to meet the academic and spiritual challenges of a diverse global society.

Learn more: www.KeswickChristian.org or call 727.393.9100 Open House: March 7th, 9am & April 11th, 9am Infants – 12th grade 10101 54th Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33708

A Home for Christian families since 1953 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

March 2018 • 7

• Which of us would make the best teacher? Hanna.

• Which of us would make the best chef?

Daniel again.

• Which of us would make the best Disney character? Haylee.

Parent to Parent

• Which of us would make the best architect? David.

Do you notice a pattern? The kids that aren’t Daniel definitely did! Of course many of the occupations were things that none of my kids are well-suited for, so the process of elimination frequently led me to my creative, low-key younger son. I don’t actually think Daniel would make a great waiter for example - he’s a little too laid back with no sense of urgency.

But while David is very precise and would probably never make a mistake on an order, he is also very impatient and could easily end up alienating a good number of customers and kitchen employees alike.

Then my sweet, outgoing, but slightly scatterbrained Hanna would have a great rapport with her customers and coworkers, but might never actually get an order right. And while Haylee might eventually come out of her shell, at this point in her life, she is too shy to think she will ever make a living at a profession that requires that level of customer interaction.

• Which of us would make the best waiter/waitress?

Daniel.

We had a good time, and I think it helped the kids to recognize some of their own strengths as well as

My kids and I had an interesting conversation at dinner the other day. One of them would ask me, “Which one of us would make the best...?” Then I was supposed to determine which of the four would be the best at that particular occupation.

Because of the occupations they picked though, it ended up going something like this: • Which of us would make the best artist?

That would be Daniel.

those of their siblings as we talked about the reasons for each of the answers. And had they asked about different professions like “Who would make the best actor?” (not Daniel), “Who would make the best pharmacist?” (nope, not Daniel), or “Who would make the best pilot?” (definitely not Daniel!), the results might not have been quite so lopsided.

And they never did ask me who would make the best lawyer either. But with David giving me at least two or three reasons why he was actually the best choice for every single occupation except “Disney character”, I can assure you that would have been a very obvious decision!

Until next time,

Jennifer

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M a rch FU N FACTS

11 Days of Flavor and Fun For over 80 years the Florida Strawberry Festival has rolled out the red carpet to welcome visitors from throughout the Sunshine State and the world. This year from March 1st to 11th, visitors will come from near and far to discover the charm and allure of Plant City. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, crafts and of course tons of luscious strawberries! For more information about the festival visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com. See you there!

St. Patrick’s Day, which is observed on the 17th of March by people around the world, is a day to celebrate the life of St. Patrick and the culture of Ireland. The St. Patrick’s Day custom came to America in 1737, when it was publicly celebrated in Boston. Even if your family has not a wee smidgen of Irish heritage, it’s great fun to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by donning your green.

Each year on March 14th at 1:59 pm many math and science classrooms around the world break from their usual routines to observe the festivities of “Pi Day”. Pi Day commemorates the first few digits of one of the oldest know constants, 3.14159…. and it also happens to coincide with Albert Einstein’s birthday - which makes it a doubly cool day for math enthusiasts.

If you are wondering how to celebrate Pi Day and Al’s birthday here are simple fun ideas for you and your family: • Order pizza and try to determine the circumference • Participate in a “Pi-mile” run – It is approximately equivalent to a 5K run.

• Wear an Einstein or math-themed T-shirt • Send Pi cards to your friends • Serve pie at your “Pi” party • Take time to read and learn about Albert Einstein Whether or not you’re a math enthusiest, you’ll enjoy celebrating this irrational holiday and whatever you do, don’t be afraid to express your inner geek!

March 17, 2018

With 11 Races

the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a weekend long event featuring 3 days jam packed with non-stop action and family fun.

The Verizon IndyCar Series Race will take to the streets on Sunday, March 11, for a 198mile shoot-out on a 1.8-mile course with 14 turns. Whether you are a racing fan, live entertainment fan or just enjoy having a good time, there is a little something for everyone during this festival.

March 11, 2018 at 2am

Daylight Savings Time in the U.S. starts on the second Sunday in March of each year and ends the first Sunday in November of each year. When it goes into effect each spring, clocks are moved forward by one hour at 2:00 AM standard time, and the time becomes 3:00 AM daylight savings time (DST). The main purpose of Daylight Saving Time is to make better use of daylight.

• Learn to Ice Skate • Daily Public Skating • Learn to Play Hockey • Birthday Parties • Group Events

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To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Buy one admission get one admission free with this coupon – Save $11 Expires 4/30/2018. Skate rental not included.

Good at all 3 facilities.

March 2018 • 9

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}

Layne, Tiffin, Buckley and Penelope

Drew and Brady Brickell

Winter and Baseball!

There are only two seasons –

10 • March 2018

Beads & Bling - It’s a Mardi Gras Thing!!!

Sureya and Estéanna “A sister is a little bit of childhood that cannot be lost.”

Hayden Taylor So much Awesome in such a little boy!

Zachary Have the will of a tiger, the speed of a cheetah and the heart of a lion.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE

t a e r It’s G ! e t a e to Cr

Get ready for spring with these cute crafts to accent your home. These crafts are easy to make and a lot of fun to do with the kids.

Peeps Bunny Table Centerpiece You need: • Six inch glass cube vase • Four inch glass cube vase • Bag of Jelly beans • One or two packages of mini Peeps • Spring flowers – if you want to eat the candy later on, use artificial flowers

Directions: 1. Take the four inch cube vase and put it inside the center of the six inch cube vase.

2. Add the colorful jelly beans between the walls of the cube vases.

3. Add the Peeps on top of the jelly beans. You want a nice tight fit to help fill in all the gaps.

4. Cut the flowers to the length you want them and add them inside the four inch vase.

5. Place on the table and enjoy!

Join Us Tuesday, March 13th at 7pm Northside Christian School

7777 62nd Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709 727-541-7593 | www.nck12.com

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

2300 S. Belcher Road, Largo, FL 33771

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

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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.

Now accepting applications for 2018-2019

Application deadline for lottery is April 1, 2018 at 4:00 pm.

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Lucky Rainbow Jar You need: • Large mason jar • Mini • Coin candies marshmallows • Rainbow Skittles • Ribbon • Tag / card Directions:

1. Fill bottom of mason jar with golden coin candies.

2. Separate the Skittles into piles by color.

3. Pour the Skittles, color by color, on top of your golden coins. Don’t forget the order of the rainbow colors!

4. Top your Skittles with mini marshmallows.

5. Place the lid on the mason jar and tie on card using the ribbon

Candy Easter Baskets You need: • Glue Gun & Glue Sticks • 4 Boxes of Peeps • Cardboard

• Scissors • Craft foam for handle • Ribbon and bow

Directions: 1. Using the hot glue gun, glue the corners of the candy boxes together.

2. Cut a piece of cardboard to fit the bottom and glue to Peeps boxes.

3. Cut a piece of craft foam about 16 inches long and glue to make the handle.

4. Decorate with ribbon and bow.

5. Fill with artificial grass and Easter goodies.

March 2018 • 11

Dental Health Tips for Teens

by Dr. Nick Reynolds, Northeast Orthodontics Dental decay is the most common chronic disease in young people between the ages of 5 and 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Here are some simple tips your teens can follow to stop cavities before they start.

• Skip soda. Teens are drinking more soft drinks than ever, both in school and at home. Sugar in sweetened sodas can cause cavities, and acidic flavor additives (found in both unsweetened and sweetened sodas) can also erode and damage tooth enamel.

If you must drink soda, try these tips to reduce its harm: sip soda through a straw to cut down on the contact the beverage has with teeth, and rinse the mouth with water after drinking soda.

• Play it safe. Contact sports can cause oral injuries, but teens can prevent injuries by wearing a mouthguard while playing sports. More than 200,000 injuries to

the mouth and jaw occur each year, and dentists regularly recommend the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.

Whether a mouthguard is custom-fitted by a dentist or bought at a store, teens should keep it clean by rinsing it often and storing it in a ventilated container.

• Avoid oral piercings. People with tongue or other mouth piercings can easily chip their teeth while eating, sleeping, talking and chewing. The fracture can be confined to tooth enamel and require a filling, or it may go deeper, which can lead to a root canal or tooth extraction.

Infections are also common with oral piercings. The tongue can swell after being punctured, and in some cases can become infected and swell to such a degree that it interferes with breathing.

Unclean piercing equipment can cause other infections, such as blood-borne hepatitis.

• Make time for healthy habits. Teens eat quick meals in the form of “nutrition” bars and fast food to stay alert and on schedule between school, extracurricular activities and part-time jobs. However, these habits can permanently damage oral and overall health. Teens should have access to healthy snacks such as apples, carrot sticks and cheese. Keeping a travelsize toothbrush in a locker or backpack can help teens keep up good teeth-cleaning habits by brushing after meals and snacks.

Chewing sugarless gum with xylitol (a natural sweetener) after meals or snacks can also help cleanse the mouth.

Drinking water throughout the day can help cleanse the teeth of excess bacteria and food debris.

keep teeth bright and shiny (a boost to any teens self-esteem), they can also help catch minor problems before they become worse.

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

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

Just like adults, teens should visit their dentist at least twice a year. Regular dental visits and cleanings not only help

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First Baptist Preschool Center

For more information (727) 544-9465 5495 Park Blvd.

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Free registration with this coupon.* A $100 value.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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

Photo courtesy of Kelly Smith Creative

Honesti Age 17

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Griffin Photography

Honesti has her sights set on becoming a marine biologist so she can spend more time at the beach. When she’s not hanging out by the water, Honesti likes going to the mall.

Honesti shows off her creative side through her painting and drawing. When asked to describe herself, Honesti said she was “bubbly, beautiful, appreciative, positive, and helpful.”

She loves pizza and will pass on lasagna. Honesti’s ideal forever family would include a cat and older siblings.

Brandon

Age 16

Optimistic, caring and helpful, Brandon describes himself as a good friend and an excellent writer.

Brandon loves to draw, sing and write music!

If he had a super power, he’d want to have super speed. Brandon dreams of being a pilot for the Air Force and helping other countries gain their freedom.

While he’s waiting, he is practicing on his video games. Brandon enjoys watching The Walking Dead, hanging out with and texting his friends, and eating chicken wings. He is proud of his ability to know the words to a song after only hearing it once! Brandon is looking for a family that won’t cook cabbage or Brussels Sprouts and will support his dreams.

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

March 2018 • 13

A Spring Cleaning Checklist for Your Marriage You are probably beginning the process of spring cleaning your home. As I think about the tasks of spring cleaning our house and specifically our garage, and the clutter, dirt, and grime that awaits me, I can’t help but think about my relationship with my wife.

by her, but it is noticed by you and will eventually come out in words or actions. Be patient, be kind, and be gentle even in challenging situations with your wife.

There are some dirty issues in our relationship that could use a good cleaning in order for us to function in the best way possible, while remaining attracted to one another.

There are times when the way I serve my wife is like when we were dating. Then there are times when I’m nowhere close to that type of service.

These are the times when you need to go back to the dating days. Put your love in the form of action, and serve your wives.

I’m sure you are in the same boat. Here are 5 areas in your relationship to add to your spring cleaning checklist.

Your conversation.

Have you allowed non-loving words, or words that aren’t building up your spouse, into your relationship? Clean that up quickly. Make sure the words you speak to your spouse are in love and will build her up, not tear her down.

Your acts of service.

Your time together.

Kids, work, and everything else seem to compete with our quality time. It can be easy to allow your quality and alone time in your relationship to fall off the radar. Don’t let this happen; clean up your calendar and your schedule, making time for your relationship a priority.

Your attitude.

After cleaning up your words, how about your attitude? Your attitude may not always be noticed

Your Intimacy.

Has your focus when it comes to intimacy been on you and your needs? Clean it up immediately!

Focus on loving your wife and meeting her physical, emotional, and intellectual needs first. The rest will take care of itself.

How would a good spring cleaning impact your relationship?

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Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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I have been asked many times what is the best parenting advice I have ever received. For me, it goes all the way back to 1984. Our first daughter Tiara was just born and Ron Blackledge was an assistant coach with me on the Steelers staff. He had children already and this is what he told us.

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I’ll be glad when they are out of diapers.

I’ll be glad when they start walking.

I’ll be glad when they are in school.

I’ll be glad when they can drive.

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And so on and so on. You’ll be glad when you get to the next stage when things get easier and your kids can help you out more and more. He then said, “but I promise you it will all be over so fast, don’t ever say that. Enjoy every stage they are in without looking to the next stage because you’ll blink and they’ll be gone.” That is exactly what has happened. So Lauren and I have tried to enjoy every stage with each child.

Sure enough it has gone by really fast so I am grateful for Ron’s advice.

Read more from Tony Dungy at www.allprodad.com/dungy/

March 2018 • 15

Families Not Just Surviving...

But Thriving!

When you think of camping “roughing it” might be a term that first comes to mind. Well, not for the dads and families at Plato Academy. These dads are part of the All Pro Dad Program and because they are involved in this program they think a little “outside the box”. Regularly, these dads set aside time to meet together at school with their children and bond as a family. They sit together over breakfast and talk about a character trait like teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect to name a few. The All Pro Dad program is designed to encourage dads, give them tools to engage with their family, and challenge them to “huddle-up” and continue that conversation well beyond breakfast with their children.

It is these continuing discussions that sparked something wonderful and amazing at Plato Academy. Back in 2012, the dads thought it would be a great idea to get together as a group and go camping for a few days. Dads wanted to include the entire family for this event and the original group started off with 30 families. One tenet that the dads are passionate about is that the dads would lead the event and that the moms deserve break from volunteering to work during the event. The men would do the work and the ladies could kick back and relax.

Ashley tells us she enjoys the camaraderie, and the village feel of the campout. Lynn enjoys that the dads do all the planning of the activities, organize all the fun, cook and serve all the meals & clean-up which makes the trip the best experience for moms.

list. Other activities were added like a scavenger hunt, campsite and golf cart decorating, swimming, survival training, a church service, and a soccer game.

One leader, Ben, believes that wilderness survival is integral part of kids growing up, learning different skills hands-on. This year families learned rope craft, building gurneys, and fishing together.

Another leader, Eric was amazed at the turnout for what is dubbed the “Hunger Games” and enjoys seeing the competitive spirit during the field games where teams compete for medals.

Another event favorite is the campsite and golf cart decorating contests which can earn a family a

Since this was a family event the dads decided there would be some fun “family friendly” activities on their trip. The families are a bit competitive and some sporting events such as a sack race, egg and spoon relay, and tug-o-war were added to the

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cash prize award. The golf cart competition ends with a parade. The scavenger hunt promotes good communication and problem solving skills. This year a DJ was added at the Friday night pizza party to keep the energy up. The dancing turned out to be a big hit!

Plato families enjoy meals together as a group and share the work. The Sunday evening meal is a favorite featuring grilled steak and chicken. Each day, at dusk, there is a movie, popcorn, hot chocolate, and roast s’mores over the fire.

The Plato Academy campout is organized and led by a Leadership Team (20 dads) who plan

& coordinate a group of volunteers. All the dads volunteer a few hours during the campout to help out, which spreads out the workload. It also maximizes the time spent with their family. This volunteer process is why the event is so successful. The campout is held in February and advertised at the beginning of the school year and usually is SOLD OUT within a month. The 2018 campout, in its seventh year, hosted 225 families from 9 different campuses (almost 1,000 campers).

Derek told us this was his first campout and that it was an amazing experience for him to bond more with his son Jackson. Roger, who served on the welcoming crew, indicated this was his third year attending the campout. He likes the great atmosphere, interactive activities, and can let his son have fun. Mark has attended for four years and has

developed a great family dynamic. His family enjoys the ability to be worry-free during the whole event.

The campout attendance grows each year for the simple reason that Plato families enjoy knowing that they are not alone in parenting. They have a resource in each other that allows them to “do life together” and it all started with dads engaging with their kids through the All Pro Dad program.

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

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March 2018 • 17

Florida’s Flawed Anti-Texting and Driving Laws

by Chris Reynolds

victed of a DUI can lose their license, pay thousands of dollars in fines and court costs, attend educational courses on the dangers of drinking and driving, and potentially end up in jail for repeat offenders. The purpose of these DUI laws is because we know how dangerous drunk drivers are on our Florida roadways.

It is common knowledge by now that texting and driving is extremely dangerous. However, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 2015 saw 214 deaths and 45,740 motor vehicle accidents due to distracted driving in Florida. These numbers are a significant increase from 2012, when 175 people died and there were 33,511 distracted driving crashes. That is an increase of 22% in deaths and 36% increase in the number of automobile collisions due to distracted driving.

Further, it seems that the reported numbers of distracted driving accidents is likely lower than the real number. For example, it doesn’t seem likely that a driver in an accident will often freely admit to law enforcement that they were texting when the accident occurred. The accurate numbers of deaths and accidents are likely much higher.

Currently, Florida’s ban on texting and driving is found in Florida Statute 316.305. That law makes texting and driving a “secondary offense,” which means that the police are not allowed to stop a driver solely for texting and driving. Only if law enforcement observes a “primary offense,” such as speeding, can the officer then issue a citation for texting and driving. Moreover, even if the police do issue a citation for texting and driving, the fine is only $30 for a first-time offender, and it increases only to $60 for a second-time offender.

We can no longer claim ignorance of the similar dangers posed by texting and driving, and so we must have stronger laws to deter texting and driving, while also educating the public about the dangers involved. Only then can we reasonably expect the number of texting and driving accidents to drop.

In 2015, only 3,417 citations were issued for texting and driving.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of negligence by a distracted driver, please call an experienced personal injury attorney for a free consultation about your options.

Such a weak law cannot serve as ample deterrent for engaging in a potentially deadly activity.

Unfortunately, people are more and more addicted to their phones, and therefore don’t stop this dangerous activity. It would seem that only increasing the severity of the laws would have an effect.

Compared to driving while intoxicated, texting and driving is barely a slap on the wrist. A person con-

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.

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iMOM.com

How many times have you come to the end of spring break and realized that although you might have had fun, you didn’t really get the chance to bond with your children… to love well. Make this spring break different with our Spring Break Bucket List. Instead of ideas for going here and there, you’ll find ten ways to renew and refresh your relationship with your children. Because what better way to fill your days than with time spent bonding with your kids? Each idea on our list takes 15 minutes or less, so try one a day for a spring break relationship renewal!

1

Hold your child’s face with both hands, look her in the eye and say, “You have no idea how much I love you!”

2 3

Take a photo with your children. Frame it!

Write your children a letter of love.

4

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5 6 7 8

Talk to them about their hopes and dreams.

Read a book together.

Teach your child to pray. (It’s never too late!)

Fill out a family tree and talk about your child’s grandparents.

Look through their baby book or look through their baby pictures.

9 10

Hug, hug, hug.

Laugh, laugh, laugh.

March 2018 • 19

in the kitchen

If you are needing a quick and easy dessert this March, then this Strawberry Trifle recipe is just what you are looking for. This Strawberry Trifle recipe is a delicious, low-fat dessert that you can quickly assemble and then put in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together until it is time to serve.

Strawberry Trifle

• 1 loaf pound cake, or ½ large (bundt) pound cake • 32 ounces strawberries • 1 16-ounce package non-dairy whipped topping, thawed 1. Cut or break cake into bite-size cubes. Place half of the cake cubes into the bottom of a trifle bowl.

2. Slice tops off strawberries and cut in half. Place half of the strawberries over the cake.

3. Spread half of the whipped topping over strawberries.

4. Repeat layers and refrigerate for one hour before serving.

Cool Kids Cook

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20 • March 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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Teaching BasicTable Manners to Children by Leanne Ely You know how I feel about making dinner an event in your home. I'm a firm believer in getting everyone around the table together for dinner to reconnect with each other, discuss the day's events and to nourish our bodies with good home-cooked food.

something at the table, rather than asking for me to pass it to them.

If you have children around your table, you have lots of time to train them in dinner table etiquette.

Last month I talked about the importance of learning how to set a proper table. Today, I'm going to talk about something else that makes sitting down to a meal an enjoyable experience. Today we're talking table manners.

My children were taught how to behave at the table from the time they were in their booster seats, so they naturally grew up knowing what to do and what not to do at the table.

This might not seem like a significant life skill to some people, but I believe that it is.

Think about it. How quickly can someone be turned off by a person chewing loudly with their mouth open in a formal dinner setting? It drives me up the wall when someone reaches over my plate to grab

• Say please and thank you • No toys at the table • Ask to be excused from the table • Set your napkin in your lap and to use it when wiping your face • Thank the person who cooked the meal • Use utensils to eat • Take small bites • No running around or yelling during dinner For children at the higher end of this age bracket, they can be taught to say nice things about the foods they like and to not make a fuss about the foods they don't like.

Teaching table manners to grade-school children.

Teaching table manners to pre-schoolers.

It's never too early to start teaching the basic stuff, like washing your hands before going to the table and sitting down on your chair to eat. Those things can start being drilled into a child as young as 2. Between then and kindergarten age, here are some other basic table manners you can start to teach:

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A child at this age should automatically wash their hands before sitting down at the table and they should already be sitting nicely at the table, and saying please and thank you. But now it's time to teach some more adult table manners: • Don't slurp • Use a knife and fork to cut food • Chew with mouth closed • Don't reach over a fellow diner's plate

• Wait until everyone is served before starting to eat Include children in discussion around the table and make sure your child knows that you're interested in hearing about their day.

When they have these manners down as children, it's really just a matter of refining them through young adulthood.

Comment on their good manners when you find they're using them. Your praise goes a long way.

Teenagers should already have these basic table manners down, but please make sure there's a "no phones at the table" rule in place. Lead by example! Everyone should wait until dinner is over before returning to their mobile device.

Leanne Ely, a.k.a Dinner Diva, is the author of the best-selling “Saving Dinner” and “Saving Dinner the Low Carb Way” (Ballantine). What’s for dinner? Go to www.savingdinner.com and find the solution! Copyright 2018; Leanne Ely Used by permission in this publication.

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March 2018 • 21

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

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March 2018 • 23

March 2018 Events Calendar SUNDAY

March

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1–May 28 www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

4

Tampa Bay Boat Show – March 2–4 Florida State Fairgrounds tampabay.com/expos/boat-show/

11

5

March 1 – 18 Under the Big Top, Tampa Greyhound Track www.cirquedusoleil.com/volta

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg – March 9–11 gpstpete.com

Whether you are a racing fan, live entertainment fan or just enjoy having a good time, there is a little something for everyone during this festival.

18

Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival – Weekends March 3–April 29 www.buschgardens.com Feed your appetite for adventure with wild flavors and concerts for every taste!

25

Bay Area Renaissance Festival: High Seas Adventure – Weekends in March bayarearenfest.com

24 • March 2018

12

19

The New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays for a Spring Training game at Steinbrenner Field.

20

mlb.com

Art in Bloom – March 22–26 Museum of Fine Arts mfastpete.org

Lightning Hockey Amalie Arena nhl.com/lightning

7

Valspar Champio Innisbrook Resort valsparchampions

14

PI Day at Gla Museum glazermuseu

21

Shen Yun 20 Mahaffey The shenyun.com

The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Amalie Arena.

vs.

GO RAYS!

26

13

Experience the New Vanish Point at Adventure Island – Opens March 9 adventureisland.com

Festive floats and spectacular performers parade through the streets as countless strands of colorful beads are tossed into the crowd.

Vanish down an epic free-fall at Adventure Island’s newest attraction.

This 70-foot drop slide sends riders through 425 feet of spiraling tubes.

Ruth Eckerd Hall rutheckerdhall.com

New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays Steinbrenner Field

6

Mardi Gras at Universal – March 1–April 7 universalorlando.com

GO BOLTS!

27

28

UniverSoul C Star Wars And the Raymond Jam Power of the Costume at universoulcir the MFA – March 1–31 Museum of Fine Arts Get ready for a mfastpete.org bigger, faster, louder, funkier show like no other with EVEN MORE SOUL!

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Y

THURSDAY

1

Florida Strawberry Festival

March 1–11 www.flstrawberryfestival.com

onship – March 5–11 and Golf Club ship.com

azer Childrens

um.org

018 – March 21–25 eater m/fl

8

NMCA Muscle Car Nationals – March 8–11 Bradenton, FL nmcadigital.com

15

The Young Irelanders Ruth Eckerd Hall rutheckerdhall.com

22

Disney on Ice – March 22–25 Amalie Arena amaliearena.com

From wheels to waves, icy wonderlands to infinity and beyond, your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice: Reach for the Stars!

Circus – March 28–April 1 mes Stadium rcus.com

29

Gaylord Palms Easter Extravaganza – March 9–April 1 Gaylord Palms Resort

FRIDAY

3

9

10

Day Out with Thomas – March 10–11 Florida Rail Museum frrm.org

17

Tampa Mayor’s River O’Green Fest Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park tampagov.net

2

Read Across America Day www.nea.org

Pow Wow Festival – March 9–11 Seminole Recreation Center powwowfestival.com

16

Joshua Citrus Orange Blossom Festival – March 16–17 joshuacitrus.com

23

The Florida Orchestra: A Little Night Music – March 23–25 floridaorchestra.org

A cozy evening with TFO’s strings, performing Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Haydn’s treasured Cello Concerto No. 1 and Schubert’s Symphony No. 5.

30

Seven Seas Food Festival – March 1–April 15

Sea World Orlando seaworld.com

SATURDAY

Rhythm in the Night – March 1–3 Busch Gardens Concert Series buschgardens.com

24

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Bethleham Steel FC Al Lang Stadium rowdiessoccer.com

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

31

Glazer Children’s Museum Egg Hunt glazermuseum.org

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

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

March 2018 • 25

Three Reasons to Send Your Kids to Summer Camp While children are excited for a threemonth break from school, summer break can cause panic and anxiety in parents. What will we do to keep our children busy? Kids will want to sleep in, play with friends and visit the local swimming pools and amusement parks.

However, as parents we want our children’s minds enriched, and we would love for them to learn a new sport, skill or just keep their minds busy. For this reason, summer camp is great option for both parents and children.

2

Learning to have fun without technology.

Your kids will have to put down the iPads and smart phones, and have fun without technology. Whether it is a park or a campground, pool or lake, children will see how much fun taking a break from the screen can really be. (More like the summer’s you remember, hm?)

Summer camps can keep your child busy, keep them out of your hair and your children learn new skills and meet new friends. Here are three great reasons to send your kids to summer camp.

1 Your children will stay both physically and socially active during summer camp.

There are so many activities to participate in and things for them to do. Camp ensures that your children will be a part of a group and make new friends instead of whining about being bored or getting into trouble at home.

3 Learn independence.

Kids in summer camp will learn to listen to new adults, their counselors, make new friends and enter into an unfamiliar environment. This is a skill every child should learn, making them more socially and emotionally confident.

Whether you’re looking for an overnight camp, or a day camp, we’ve got a comprehensive directory to choose from and your kids will be set for next summer!

26 • March 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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

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March 2018 • 27

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

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

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

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28 • March 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 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

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

Tennis & Golf Camps

YMCA Summer Camps ymcatampabay.org To have your camp listed in Gulf Coast Family’s printed summer camp guide, call 727-612-0783 or visit gulfcoastfamily.org.

Join Today and Begin Making Your Family’s Summer Memories www.stpetecountryclub.com

LET THE IMAGINATION GROW 7 WEEKS OF CAMP, JUNE 13 - JULY 29, AGES 6-14 Castles & Dragons, Comics & Clay-Mation, Mosaics, Pottery, Printmaking & Journaling, Digital Photography and more!

FOR DETAILS, REGISTRATION, & BRIGHT FUTURES VOLUNTEER INFO

VISIT www.BeachAr tCenter.org Scholarships Available, Sponsored by

The Rotary Club of Indian Rocks Beach

1515 BAY PALM BLVD, INDIAN ROCKS BEACH

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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.

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To advertise, call 727-612-0783

March 2018 • 29

Cardio Kickboxing: An Intensely FUN Class Cardio kickboxing refers to a fitness class delivered and practiced in groups, where a combination of fast-paced cardio and martial art techniques is applied. It’s often referred as an intense, high-energy workout that tackles beginners and pro athletes alike. Cardio kickboxing results can be measured in a number of ways, especially by building stamina, increasing flexibility, improving coordination and – the most sought of all – burning calories while building strong, lean muscles.

Our Kickboxing program at American Top Team St Petersburg is known as a popular fitness program that replaces the need for heavy exercise equipment to get the best of a workout. Cardio kickboxing is a full-body workout that targets every part of your body and has become one of the most popular methods for fitness classes.

The discipline is the perfect balance and combination of aerobics; this type of regime focuses on increasing heart rate, thus, burning more fat and calories in a shorter time span. You can expect to burn as many as 350 to 450 calories in a onehour class. The kickboxing classes in our St Petersburg FL program also include a good, medium-paced warm up and cool down interval – great for muscle recovery – and both dynamic and static stretching. We also include a more-focused interval,

30 • March 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

By Ana Frias

aimed at working the core with crunches and planks.

Despite the name (which can scare people away when they don’t know what it implies), cardio kickboxing is a non-contact program. All the punches and kicks that you throw, are directed into the air, and sometimes onto pads.

These types of fitness classes have a positive impact on your heart. Taking part in a cardio routine improves heart conditions and allow a paced fat loss. Excess body fat has often been associated with having a higher risk of heart failure or disease, diabetes and eating disorders. A good cardio kickboxing class will challenge your physique, by targeting your endurance, resistance, strength and concentration. One should know that, practicing cardio kickboxing is not only physical, but also mental. You will need to focus on movements that make up a good combination.

Cardio kickboxing is an ideal program within the fitness classes. This choice is good for those looking to burn calories for weight loss, or to improve stamina and heart health. If you tend to become bored or tired of the same stationary cardio equipment in your gym or at home (treadmills, steppers, etc),

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

American Top Team St. Petersburg

Martial Arts for the

you will definitely enjoy the rapid movements and fast rhythm of a cardio kickboxing class.

Another good thing about taking cardio kickboxing, is that you don’t need previous experience to practice the sport. Everyone, with or without training experience, is welcome!

Whole Family

At our kickboxing program, you can expect a full-body workout that engages every muscle group in your body, with a strong focus on your core. Fast movements in our fitness program also aimed at improving and building up your body’s flexibility, your coordination, balance and your reflexes, by making you faster and more aware.

In addition to all the physical results you can get from it, cardio kickboxing is an effective way to relieve stress and vent out anger and/or frustration. Practicing the sport helps your body release hormones (endorphins and dopamine) that improve your mood and block feelings of pain.

Finally, these fitness classes are full of fun! Unlike a traditional martial arts class, the music that sets the mood for the workout, adds to your stimulation and motivation. Our kickboxing classes go by fast and they are highly enjoyable, making you forget about the actual workout and focusing on the fun part.

Sign up now and get a FREE UNIFORM

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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.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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

Wednesday Youth Group, Praise Band and Yearbook Elementary Art, Computer and Spanish classes

Free tutoring To advertise, call 727-612-0783

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Westside Christian School 11633 137th St. N., Largo

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Call for a campus tour

www.westsidechristianschool.com Like us on Facebook Westside Christian School – Home of the Warriors March 2018 • 31

32 • March 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

5 (awesome) Manatee Photos & Facts to Get You Through The Day Another long day? Oh the (Hu) manatee! …See what we did there? Here at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, we really love sharing our passion for animals with people. And that’s why we really want to share some super cool facts about one of our favorite marine animals, the manatee. We promise—these fun facts with make

your day seem a little bit better. The super adorable photos won’t hurt either.

Because really, who doesn’t love a cute sea cow?!

(Here’s a fun fact to start off, female manatees = cow & male manatees = bull)

How long can you hold your breath?

Manatees go to the water’s surface every three to five minutes to breathe.

But what makes this even cooler?

They can stay underwater for much longer, holding their breath for up to 20 minutes.

We can really feel the love.

The calf remains close to its mother for up to two years. It is dependent on its mother not only for nutrition, but also for learning about feeding and resting areas, travel routes, and warm water refuges.

NOW that’s a BIG baby.

Manatee calves are about one meter (between 3-4 feet long) and weigh between 37-31 kilograms (60-70 pounds) at birth.

They are more unique than you think.

Mammals; human and non, normally have seven neck vertebrae. BUT manatees have an irregular number of vertebrae—only six.

BONUS FACT!

Probably the coolest fact about manatees is that they don’t have any predators in the wild. But with that being said; Watercraft encounters, fishing instruments, and cold water are three of the biggest threats to these sweet marine animals.

If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 1-888-404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.

Who said anything about counting carbs?

The herbivorous manatee eats about ten percent of it’s body weight every day. Even better? They actually spend a good part of their day just chomping. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

March 2018 • 33

Wooden on Leadership

by John Wooden

With all the hoopla of the NCAA Basketball tournament going on, we thought it appropriate to share with you some advice from one of the greatest coaches ever. The following excerpt comes from Coach John Wooden and Jay Carty’s book Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success.

Success is peace of mind that is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.

Winning seems so important, but it actually is irrelevant. Having attempted to give our all is what matters—and we are the only ones who really know the truth about our own capabilities and performance. Did we do our best at this point in our life? Did we leave all we had to give on the field, in the classroom, at the office or in the trenches? If we did, then we are a success – at that stage of our life. But being successful at one point doesn’t necessarily make us a success at every point – and it does not mean that we reach the apex. We must learn to give our all in one success after another. Likewise, accomplishing certain goals does not necessarily translate to success.

Goals are wonderful in that they stretch us and help us to reach our potential, but making or missing goals has nothing to do with success.

As I write these words, I am 94 years old. God has given me good health beyond what most people could ever dream to have. I still Competitive Greatness drive my car for short distances. I “Perform at your best am still independent, and I want when your best is to stay that way. I want to required. Your best is required each day.” continue to live in the home that I shared with my dear Poise Confidence “Be yourself. Don’t be “The strongest steel is wife, Nellie. But being thrown off by events well-founded self-belief. It able to accomplish whether good or bad.” is earned, not given.” that goal has nothing to do Condition Skill Team Spirit with being “Ability may get you to the “What a leader learns after “The star of the team successful. top, but character keeps you’ve learned it all counts is the team. ‘We’

Believe me when I say, none of these factors is part of the criteria.

I am not saying I don’t appreciate the blessings that have come my way. I am not saying that at all.

But if none of these good things had ever occurred, I would not be any less successful.

When do we know that we have succeeded?

While many rank Wooden as the greatest coach of the twentieth century he considered himself first a teacher. Wooden was married to his high school sweetheart, Nell, for fiftythree years. Coach Wooden lived to be 99.

Coach Wooden passed away on June 4, 2010.

When asking ourselves this question, we should forget what others think. They don’t know.

We should be more concerned with our character than with our reputation: Our character is what we truly are, while our reputation is merely what others perceive us to be. As I have often said, having a good reputation doesn’t determine success.

Neither do awards, accolades or achievements.

“Success is never

To find out more about Coach Wooden, his books and Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success visit www.regalbooks.com or www.coachwooden.com.

nce

Fai t

h

tie Pa

final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.”

you there – mental, moral, and physical.”

Self-Control

most of all.”

Alertness

supercedes ‘me’. ”

Initiative

Intentness

“Control of your organiza- “Constantly be aware and “Make a decision! Failure “Stay the course. When tion begins with control of observing. Always seek to to act is often the biggest thwarted try again; yourself. Be disciplined.” improve yourself and the failure of all.” harder; smarter. Persevere team.” relentlessly.”

Industriousness

Friendship

“Success travels in the “Strive to build a team company of very hard filled with comaraderie work. There is no trick, no and respect: comrades-ineasy way.” arms.”

34 • March 2018

Loyalty

“Be true to yourself. Be true to those you lead.”

Cooperation

Enthusiasm

It is not my way to count or list my awards. I know that people still want to hear me speak, and I am honored by their requests. People still want to meet with me – in fact, they come from all over the world. It is a privilege to be able to continue to encourage others. My hectic schedule has probably done much to keep my mind as clear as it is, even though it’s not as sharp as it once was. My family has been around me, too. What a blessing that has been! I am blessed beyond belief – but am I a success?

I can recount the blessings in my life, but blessings aren’t success.

The real determining factor is this: Did I make the effort to do my best? That is the only criteria, and I am the only one who knows (well, me and God).

Am I a success?

I have peace of mind.

Well done, my good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).

“Have utmost concern for “Your energy and enjoywhat’s right rather than ment, drive and dedication who’s right.” will stimulate and greatly inspire others.”

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

TRIVIA

2018 NCAA March Madness begins with the highly anticipated Selection Sunday on March 11 when college basketball team match-ups are finally announced—followed by the opening round games on March 13.

The national championship is then determined during a month-long battle of skill, determination, and dazzling performances by top competing college teams leading up to the final four games played March 31 - April 2 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Here are some great NCAA Basketball Tournament facts and stats that we hope you will whet your appetite for this year’s tournament! Enjoy and go Bulls!

The phrase “March Madness” was coined by Henry V. Porter in 1939 to describe an Illinois high school basketball tourney. Brent Musburger first used it during NCAA coverage in 1982 causing a legal battle almost as insane as the playoffs.

According to the NCAA, more than 10 percent of Americans participate in March Madness “office pools.”

Odds of picking a perfect bracket?

9,223,372,036,854,775,808 to 1. That’s nine quintillion to one! That is a billion times as big as 9 billion! Think of it this way: if every man, woman, and child on the planet randomly filled out one million brackets each, the odds would be less than 1 in 1,000 that even one would have a perfect bracket.

The school that has won the most national titles in basketball is UCLA. The

Bruins have claimed 11 championships over the years, with the first coming in 1964 under legendary coach John Wooden, who led the university to 10 in a span of a dozen years from 1964 through 1975 before retiring. Kentucky is second in the championship category, winning eight; North Carolina, six; Indiana and Duke each have five.

Defining an upset as beating a team at least 4 seeds higher, there are an average of 8.7 upsets per year. There’s never been a year with fewer than 5 upsets.

Last year American businesses lost an estimated $1.2 billion in worker productivity during the NCAA tournament.

(I bet the productivity of the guy who estimates American worker productivity goes down more than the national average during the NCAA tourney.)

Number 16 seeds are 0 for 132 in tournament play, while number 15 seeds are 8 for 132. Number 13 and number 14 seeds are less than 19% combined.

No. 9 seeds have a winning record overall against No. 8 seeds.

Since 1979, every NCAA champion except one has had at least one AllAmerican. This makes perfect sense when you consider that the tourney is a rollercoaster that requires an on-thefloor leader. On the way to winning six straight games a team will likely face a number of make or break situations, and having a strong leader on the floor in those spots makes all the difference.

The first men’s college basketball game was played on January 18, 1896 between the University of Iowa and the University of Chicago. The final score was a mind blowing 15-12. (There weren’t a lot of slam dunks and fast breaks back then).

The first NCAA basketball tournament was held in 1939 and included 8 teams that eventually grew to sixty four teams.

Division I basketball’s all-time leading scorer is Pete Maravich, who played at Louisiana State University from 1968 through 1970. Maravich scored 3,667 points in just three years and averaged an astounding 44.2 points per game.

Learn how to live before you learn how to make a living

Please give me a call for a no obligation

I’m your REALTOR.

assessment of your needs!

Welcome Home.

Mark Sanchez REALTOR® Mobile: 727-488-1419 Email: MarkSanchez@kw.com Those two years are still the best years of my life, and I would never trade them for the world.

– Benjamin Ward Jack Wyrtzen Center New York Campus

TRACS accredited www.wordoflife.edu

New York | Florida | Ontario, Canada | South Korea www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Proudly serving the Real Estate needs of Pinellas County.

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

March 2018 • 35

with Jim Daly Q: With two working adults and three teens in the house, I feel like our family is more disconnected than ever; everybody seems to be on their own schedule. What’s one thing we can do to stay close?

Jim: I’ll ask this: How often does your family have dinner together? I know it’s challenging—it sure is in our house—but it’s one of the best time investments you can make.

The statistics speak for themselves. The largest federally funded study of American teenagers found a strong link between regular family meals and academic success, psychological health, as well as lower rates of alcohol and drug abuse, early sexual activity and suicide. A 2005 Columbia University study found that teenagers who eat with their families at least five times a week

are more likely to get better grades and less likely to have substance abuse problems.

A University of Michigan study found that mealtime is the single greatest predictor of better achievement—more than studying, sports or other school activities. And research conducted at the University of Minnesota found that adolescent girls who ate with their families regularly were at far less risk for anorexia and bulimia than girls who didn’t eat with their families.

I could quote studies all day, but I think we all know that it’s just common sense. It’s a beneficial thing for families to spend time together whenever possible.

SCHEDULE FAMILY MEAL TIMES TO STAY CLOSE TO TEENAGERS SUPPORTING SOMEONE GOING THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME CAN BE TRICKY Q: One of my friends was recently widowed, and someone in my extended family has been diagnosed with a serious (possibly terminal) illness. I see both of them fairly often and want to encourage them, but I feel awkward.

Jim: It’s natural to want to ease a loved one’s pain. But we’ve all stumbled through enough uncomfortable moments to know finding the right words can be tricky.

Still, you can offer something meaningful and truly comforting to a friend or family member who’s struggling. To start with, don’t try to avoid whatever dark emotion they’re feeling. Be willing to enter into it.

It’s when you’re running away from a person’s pain that you’ll tend to say something trite or insensitive.

Instead, connect with the person by saying, “I’m here for you.” Then, stay engaged. You see, there may be moments along the way when everything in their life seems relatively back to normal. That’s usually when most people minimize the ongoing crisis their loved one is experiencing. And it’s why it’s one thing to say you’ll be there, but another

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!

36 • March 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

to actually stay involved for what could still be a long journey ahead.

Another idea is to simply say, “You’re in my prayers” (and really pray, of course). There may even be days when it’s best to say nothing at all. Just offer a smile and a hug.

Remember, your challenge isn’t to find that magic word that will take away

someone’s pain. Life doesn’t work like that. Your role is to connect with them and let your consistent presence show you’re with them throughout their time of suffering.

this is motherhood

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.

If you’d like to talk to our counselors and discuss these matters, I invite you to call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) or visit FocusOnTheFamily.com.

WOMAN HAS NAGGING FEELING THAT SHE’S “JUST A MOM” Q: When our extended family gathered a couple of months ago, I felt overshadowed and inadequate around other women. My sisters and female cousins all have satisfying careers, but I’m just a mom. Sometimes I feel like a complete failure.

Jim: Mothers often have a way of seeing their own shortcomings and minimizing the role they play in their kids’ lives.

I don’t believe those perceptions are accurate, but I can certainly understand what drives them. On the surface, there’s nothing glamorous about chasing kids around the house, fixing meal after meal and stepping on toys scattered down the hallway.

But I agree with author Lisa-Jo Baker, who says mothers are modern day superheroes. Their capes may be a little tattered at the end of a long day of laundry and runny noses. Still, moms deserve superhero status for all they do for their kids.

That’s because there is nothing ordinary about motherhood. Moms aren’t simply changing diapers; they’re molding character. That’s what inspired poet William Ross Wallace to pen the verse titled “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Is the Hand That Rules the World.” His point is that beginning at birth, a mom’s influence has profound impact on what any person—and especially the “great and powerful”—will eventually become.

Every famous world-changer has had (and will have) a mother.

Directing the course of a child’s life is no easy task. That’s why on any given day a lot of mothers may feel like they’re doing a terrible job. But remember this: Motherhood isn’t hard because you’re so bad at it. It’s hard because -- like no other role in life -- it requires sacrificing your own wants and desires on behalf of others.

So, please, give yourself some grace. Laying down your life for your children takes more than “just a mom.” It takes a superhero.

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. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

MARCH

10

Second Friday of each month 9 a.m. – Noon Breakfast and Childcare Provided

For moms from pregnancy to kindergarten.

Sept 8 | Oct 13 | Nov 10 | Dec 8 | Jan 13 | Feb 10 | Mar 10 | Apr 14 | May 12

Starkey Road Baptist Church 8800 Starkey Road, Seminole

(727) 397-1654 mops@srbc.org www.srbc.org/mops

Changing Lives Reaching the World

Starkey Road Baptist Church 8800 Starkey Road * Seminole, FL 33777 (727)397-1654 www.SRBC.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

March 2018 • 37

Amazing Love

by Kenny McNatt I will be the first to admit that given the choice between curling up to watch a Hallmark movie, or watching the curling competition during the Winter Olympics, I will choose olympic curling 99.9% of the time. But, there are those rare moments that I give in to gentle persuasion and watch a romantic comedy with my lovely wife.

an oath to protect and defend our nation, our communities, and schools. They stand in harms way in order to preserve our rights, benefits and safety. The love of country and the commitment to fulfill their duty is the motivation that moves these individuals to a place of being willing to give their life to save others.

Jesus himself expressed it this way, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”.

I am grateful for those who have taken

There is always a price to pay in order to have something of great value. With that in mind, I think It is safe to say that you have great value to God. He paid

In the same way, It was God’s love for us that motivated Jesus to take the risk of placing his life in the hands of corrupt individuals filled with hate and the desire to harm him. It is this love that culminate with Jesus paying the ultimate price, his life.

the ultimate price for you to have the wonderful opportunity of experiencing something that is often so allusive… peace.

This Easter, I want to invite you to join me at Seminole Assembly as we celebrate the ultimate expression of love and I hope that you will always cherish the fact that you are part of the greatest love story ever told. The story of God’s love for you!

Kenny is a husband, a father, and a follower of Christ. He is a graduate of Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florid.

He curently serves as the Lead Pastor at Seminole Assembly of God.

Day Cam

p

Over time, and many Hallmark movies, I have come to realize that no matter how different the storylines might be, all great love stories have the same element, a love that is finally found because someone was willing to take the risk, to pay the price and pursue the person with whom they were destined to live life.

As we approach the Easter season, I am reminded of a love story that would rival any other in terms of the price paid. It is a narrative that transcends the narrowly defined parameters of most love stories. While it is not necessarily a romantic portrayal of love, it is the ultimate depiction of taking a risk, paying the ultimate price and pursuing a relationship with someone that was oblivious to what was taking place around them. It is the story of a man who gave his life so others might live.

It is the story of Jesus, a man brutally beaten in order to purchase peace for those whom he loved.

Monday through Friday

May 29 – August 3 7 AM – 6 PM

Ulmerton Rd

Exciting Field Trips Crafts Dramas Seminole Assembly Ministries 10600 113th Street N Seminole, FL 33778 Activities & More!

113th St N

102nd Ave N

Seminole Blvd

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.

Bryan Dairy Rd

Park Blvd

Space is Limited… Register Today!

727-391-9788 www.seminoleag.org

38 • March 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

The Digital Lives of Teens

Come Alive!

pluggedin.com

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.

2018 Easter Weekend Celebration March 31 – April 1 Saturday, March 31 Sunday, April 1 Kids Easter Eggstravaganza

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.

9:00 Resurrection Breakfast (Please RSVP) 10:00 “Come Alive” Worship Service

Easter Egg Hunt • Games • Activities • and More • Free

Small groups

Sunday

Developing deep rooted relationships with God and each other

10:00 am

Senior / Young Married / College & Career / Teens

6:00 pm

Youth Group

6:00 pm

Adult Small Groups

113th St N

102nd Ave N

Seminole Blvd

Ulmerton Rd Bryan Dairy Rd

Park Blvd

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Worship Service

Seminole Assembly 10600 113th Street N

727-391-9788 www.seminoleag.org To advertise, call 727-612-0783

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.

March 2018 • 39

#

3

4

#

727-397-3204 baypineslutheranchurch.org

11

# 727-584-2867 bmakids.com

Cornerstone Christian School

ACADEMY

School Guide Pinellas County Contact Information

Admiral Farragut Academy

1

Anona Christian Center

2

13233 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo

2yr – VPK

727-397-3204 baypineslutheranchurch.org

VPK – 8th

727-584-2867 bmakids.com

1yr – 4yr

Belleair Montessori Academy

4

905 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Belleair

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

5

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

12

classicalconversations.com

Pre-K – 12th

13

727-954-8856 ccschool.com

VPK – 12th

14

727-733-1438 cornerstonechristianfl.org

VPK – 8th

15

Classical Conversations

Over 30 locations in Pinellas & Hillsborough 10 11

#

5

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

16

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

40 • March 2018

17

#

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

32

9

38 23

9th – 12th

Center Academy Pinellas Park

9

19 33 24 50 15 46 27 3

727-449-2247 cchs.us

34054 US 19 N, Palm Harbor

6

16

2

Calvary Christian High School

600 58th St N, St. Petersburg

12

28

29

Pre-K – 8th

110A N McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater

21

43

4

727-391-4060 blessedsacramentcatholicschool.com

11501 66th Ave N, Seminole

6

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

3

49 8

31

11

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

#

13 17 25 42 37

26

20

41

18 48 44

22 39

34 10 1

40

7

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

18

#

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

20

#

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

23

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

37

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 #

36

K – 12 2yr – 5yr age 5–18+ 2yr – 5yr

40 41 42 43

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

thru #

41

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

39

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

39

44

#

727-793-2400 platoacademy.net

38

49

Plato Academy

30

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

26

#

MORNING STAR SCHOOL

FOR TOMORROW

727-434-8322 liftacademy.org

16

25

24

#

INDEPENDENCE

LEARNING

#

50

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

March 2018 • 41

Faith Foundation Future Students Honored at Inaugural Hispanic Achievement Awards

St. John Vianney Catholic School Now Enrolling VPK-8th Grade Accepting Step Up and McKay Scholarships 727-360-1113

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

42 • March 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

More than 450 students from elementary, middle and high schools were recognized at the Inaugural Maria Edmonds Hispanic Achievement Awards Ceremony. The event, which was held this past month at Ruth Eckerd Hall, honored the legacy of Maria Nieves Edmonds. Mrs. Edmonds, who passed away Jan. 19, 2017, was an advocate for women, children and members of the Hispanic Community. She was an Associate Provost at St. Petersburg College and served on the Juvenile Welfare Board and as chairperson for the Hispanic Leadership Council.

At the event, St. Petersburg College, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and Pinellas Technical College announced scholarship opportunities for our Hispanic students.

Bay News 9 Anchor Veronica Cintron was the master of ceremonies.The event featured performances by students and teachers, a presentation by Pinellas Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego, a message by Mount Vernon Elementary School Principal Robert Ovalle and closing remarks by East Lake High School student Jenaka Ducey. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

DO UNTO OTHERS . . .

BACK TO BASICS

You know The Golden Rule – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Do you know these are the words of Jesus, to a large crowd, recorded in the book of Matthew (7:12)? In my elementary years, The Golden Rule was something practiced and recited. It was integrated into the lessons taught at school and permeated the culture.

by Dr. Kira Wilson

By high school, things were different. Looking back, I recall several students being tormented and verbally abused by other students. Kids who were socially awkward, economically disadvantaged, academically challenged or less attractive than average were the brunt of jokes and snickers. While many practiced the words of Jesus, others forfeited the teaching to exalt self, or sadistically enjoyed making fun of classmates.

High school was a bigger environment than elementary

school and easier to pick on others without being held accountable. These actions were just plain mean.

Today, we use the word bully to describe a person who is unkind and mean to others. Bullying has become more widespread and allowed to fester in our schools.

Meanness is a condition of the heart, as is its oppositekindness. Luke 6:45 states, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Jesus is communicating a simple truth- garbage in, garbage out.

What goes into the heart is determined by the voices our children listen to. Children are influenced by the example of others, by the messages communicated through television shows, music, books, video games, peers, and social media sites. The home, the playground, the neighborhood, church and school are places where values are developed, character is cultivated, and the heart is filled—for better or for worse.

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To advertise, call 727-612-0783

To improve school culture and create an environment where students feel safe, we must look to the heart of the child, the values taught at home, and practice The Golden Rule. Examine the voices that have your child’s ear. Are the constant messages that influence their thinking consistent with the values you want to instill in them? Are the words of Jesus being practiced and modeled for your children by those who have influence in their lives?

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Clearly this includes showing love and kindness toward others, and exercising patience and forgiveness.

Getting back to the basics is really that simple.

Dr. Kira Wilson is the Director of Covenant Academy in Pinellas County and the founder of LifeandLearning.net, an education blog for parents. With more than 35 years in Christian education, her passion is to encourage and equip teachers and parents to develop in children a love for learning and a genuine relationship with God. She cherishes family time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

March 2018 • 43

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44 • March 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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So, what is it about reading with an adult that is so important?

Children who see their parents reading are much more likely to read for pleasure as they get older. Students who read for pleasure tend to be better readers and writers and to score better on tests. A recent study has shown that children who grow up in homes with many books obtain on average 3 years more schooling than children in homes with few or no books, regardless of parental education level, occupation, or socio-economic status.

The importance of reading goes far beyond school success. Reading with children is an important bonding moment.

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4 Reading isn’t just for bedtime. For parents who work odd hours, bedtime books aren’t always an option. Try reading over breakfast, or have an older child read aloud to the family during the commute!

5 Keep a spare book handy. Stuff a few books in the car, your bag or even in the trunk. These books may come in handy during summer traffic jams or while waiting for a table at a restaurant.

Until next time, enjoy your family. Enjoy your time together. And remember, in all things, Family First!

“HEROES OF YEARS AGO, STILL AGLOW” Ten-time local author, Rick Rhodes offers a variety of educational programs:  The Underground Railroad  The Trail of Tears  Pre-Civil War America  Ulysses S. Grant  Civil War Luminaries  World War II Leadership

web email phone fax www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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 Exploring Florida’s Big Bend Gulf Coast  The Ohio River in American History  And more Rick’s tenth non-fiction book, “THEY Made America Great – 31 Endearing Legacies Worth Heeding Today”

www.rickrhodes.com rick@rickrhodes.com 727-459-5992 727-527-8287 March 2018 • 45

Mathematics educator named Pinellas 2018 Teacher of the Year

Jessie Boyce, a mathematics teacher at Tyrone Middle School, was named the Pinellas County Schools Outstanding Educator of the Year. The announcement was made Wednesday night at the Evening of Excellence held at St. Petersburg’s Mahaffey Theater.

Boyce has been teaching for 10 years, the last five at Tyrone Middle School.

She has taught both math and science but most recently has been teaching sixth-grade math. Boyce helped start a one-to-one technology initiative as Tyrone Middle transitioned to the Center for Innovation and Digital Learning. As part of the Pinellas Innovates initiative, she has spearheaded personalized learning and

flexible seating in the county. Boyce writes, provides training, speaks at conferences and blogs about education and ways to bring innovation into the classroom.

Boyce will receive cash and prizes valued at approximately $10,000 including cash awards totaling almost $5,000 from the Pinellas Education Foundation and the Pinellas Community Foundation. She will receive a Keg A Que gas grill from Clearwater Gas System, a limo ride to school courtesy of His & Hers Limousines, a gift basket from Nardo’s Natural Organic Skin Care, Mahaffey Theater tickets courtesy of the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts, a

two-night stay at the Hotel Indigo, a weekend luxury car rental from Crown Auto Dealerships, a $3,500 scholarship from Nova Southeastern University, the Outstanding Educator commemorative ring courtesy of Balfour, tickets to Walt Disney World, Sea World and Aquatica courtesy of Disney and Sea World respectively, and special recognition at the Education Night with the Rays in the spring at Tropicana Field.

Jenni Herman, a second-grade teacher at Pinellas Central Elementary, was named the Outstanding Educator Fan Favorite Award. This award is voted on by students, parents and the community on the Education Foundation’s Facebook page. As the Fan Favorite, Jenni will receive a special recognition and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Education

Night with the Rays at Tropicana Field and a personalized Rays jersey.

She will receive a Keg A Que from Clearwater Gas System, Mahaffey Theater tickets courtesy of the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts, a two-night stay at the Hotel Indigo, and other gifts.

All Educator of the Year finalists will receive a $500 cash award from the Pinellas Education Foundation, an autographed copy of Wanderlust by Dick Jacobs, a $2,500 scholarship from Nova Southeastern University and other gifts.

The Evening of Excellence was presented by the Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Schools and sponsors Ditek, Humana and the Tampa Bay Rays.

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

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

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

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727-544-6036 46 • March 2018

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March 2018 • 47

“A” Schools

TAMPA’S NEWEST CHARTER SCHOOL 4903 Ehrlich Rd, Tampa, FL 33624

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