Gulf Coast Family - October 2018

Calendar of Events page 42

Family Night Out

October 2018 Vol. 11 Issue 10

page 12

Photos of the Month page 47

Fa ll D ays A re Fun Days!

Dungy Diaries: Dangers of Alcohol  p. 8

How to Help a Friend Through Breast Cancer p. 32

Q&A With Jim Daly p. 34

p. 2 4

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2 • October 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 © 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.

Dare to be a DOUGHNUT in a world of plain bagels

Phothteo of Month

Avea, Anaya and Eliana

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October 2018 • 3

October 2018

32

to Parent 5 Parent

by Jennifer Beck

14 Kids in the Kitchen Dinner 16 Destination Frog Pond

6 This October We

Recommend That You…

7 Movie Night 8 Dungy Diaries: Dangers of Alcohol

by Tony Dungy, AllProDad.com

10 October Fun Facts 11 It’s Great to Create!

12 Family Night Out Coupons

Reader Photos of the Month

4 • October 2018

17 4 Things You Need to Fall Back Into

by iMom.com

Healthy Smile 18 The

by Dr. Nick Reynolds

19 Heart Gallery 20 Florida Automobile

Insurances Coverage Overview

by Chris Reynolds

Made Sweet 21 Savings

by Heather Brickell

“Purses are like friends.. you can never have too many!”

46

Days Are 24 Fall Fun Days

How to Help a Friend Through Breast Cancer

Spotlight 22 Species

by ZooTampa at Lowry Park

23 The Tropical Garden

by Jené VanButsel

24 Fall Days Are Fun Days 28 All Pro Dad: 13 Great Fall Date Night Ideas

by AllProDad.com

29 Gourd-eous Carvings 30 Trunk-or-Treat 32 How to Help a Friend

Through Breast Cancer

by Janet Thompson

37 Filling a Void With Social Media

by PluggedIn.com

Education Spotlight 38 PCS

by Pinellas County Schools Football Injuries 40 Evaluating

by After Hours Pediatrics 41 Looking Back

42 October 2018 Events 45 Weekender 46 Jokes for the Month 47 Reader Photos of the Month

on the Family 34 Focus

by Jim Daly

Pearl Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

“ He’s been a candy snob since he was very young ” candy, but also because it rewards extortion – think about it, a kid comes up to the door and threatens you, then you give him candy to go away. David is very literal like that!

Parent to Parent My oldest son, David, likes exactly three kinds of candy: Godiva dark chocolate, Ghirardelli 72% cacao (60% will do in a pinch) dark chocolate, and York peppermint patties.

This is not anything new – he’s been a candy snob since he was very young. So because of that, we never bothered to take him trick or treating when he was little – there weren’t too many houses in our neighborhood that were passing out Godiva chocolate!

Then when David’s younger siblings (who are far less selective about candy) were old enough to start celebrating Halloween, he liked to argue that trick or treating is a bad idea not only because of the inferior

The one thing that David does enjoy about Halloween is carving jack-o-lanterns. After all, they have fire in them, and fire is really exciting, after all!

Some years, he gets more creative with his pumpkins than others. A few years ago, he picked out one that was covered with bumps that looked like warts and carved out a giant, goofy smile on it. He jazzed up his other “boring” round pumpkin by leaving the seeds inside, pushing them through the jack-olantern’s mouth and nose, and making it appear that the pumpkin was vomiting. He had a good time sitting outside and just watching the reactions to his masterpieces. He did grudgingly pass out the candy for us as well.

Every year, David also makes at least one attempt to grow his own pumpkins (along with a few other

vegetables).

The most success he’s ever had was a vine that yielded two or three softball-sized pumpkins.

That same year, he sent one of his plants back to Michigan with his Grandma, and up there, it did actually yield a few decent-sized pumpkins (I assume our sandy soil is probably the biggest difference).

This year’s crop was damaged during the repairs that were going on at our house as a result of last year’s hurricane. So as usual, we’ll be buying our pumpkins. There’s always next year - maybe he will have a great crop. Or maybe one of these years, he’ll acknowledge that he probably inherited the black thumbs of his parents and give up gardening!

Until next time,

Jennifer

Family Fun for All Ages!

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October 2018 • 5

This October we recommend that you…

READ IT

This Is the Day: Reclaim Your Dream. Ignite Your Passion. Live Your Purpose by Tim Tebow Beyond Tim Tebow's exploits as a Heisman-winning football player, he is widely known and respected for his exemplary character and personal excellence, which have made him a role model for millions.

In his new, inspiring book, readers will receive the advice and encouragement to daily move from "pause" to "play" in finding deeper meaning and success. Tim illustrates the book's themes with stories from his personal life that will delight all readers, including his an update on his dream pursuit of a baseball career.

Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends

HEAR IT

Weekends October 6–28

Look Up Child by Lauren Daigle Using her smoky-sweet voice, reigning queen of the delta blues Daigle calls you to worship the Lord along with her in humble, heartfelt praise. With this new album, Lauren Daigle wanted these songs to represent childlike joy and spirit; even when faced with heaviness and strife, being able to hold onto hopefulness and exude God’s light.

SEE IT

EXPERIENCE IT

Celebrate Halloween with Elmo, Abby, Grover and all your favorite Sesame Street® friends every Saturday and Sunday during Sesame Street® Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends. Show off your family costumes during each themed weekend while you trick-or-treat, enjoy exclusive crafts, explore through a hay bale maze and play fall-inspired activities and games in our festival field area. Then, join your favorite Sesame Street friends during a character dance party! All new for 2018, Sesame Street Safari of Fun welcomes The Not-Too-Spooky Howl-O-Ween Radio Show to the Sunny Day Theater. For more information visit www.buschgardens.com.

SURF IT

Tampa Bay Lightning Opening Day October 6

www.instructables.com/halloween

To say that fans are excited for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s new season to begin would be an understatement.

After the way last season ended, fans can’t wait to get back to Amalie Arena for the 2018-2019 season. On October 6th, the Lightning will take to the ice ready to make another Stanley Cup run with a core of young stars and with very high expectations. This October, come and be a part of the Thunder! For ticket information visit www.nhl.com/lightning

If you are looking for some amazing ideas for Halloween, Instructables.com is Halloween Central for this October! They’ve got everything you need to scare yourself happy, with instructables for instagrammable costumes, terrifying edibles, and ghostly decorations worthy of the Aldridge Mansion itself.

While you’re at it, enter your own Halloween handiwork into one of this year’s four contests— Costumes, Props, Food, and Decor. You could win a boat load of some amazing prizes!

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

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

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

6 • October 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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

What is the NAMI Basics Education Program?

NAMI Basics is a free, six-session program designed for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents with emo�onal and behavioral difficul�es. NAMI Basics helps parents and other family caregivers of children to understand the illnesses that are causing those behavioral difficul�es, and the cri�cal role families play in the treatment of those illnesses. The program is taught by trained teachers who are also the parents or family caregivers of individuals who experienced emo�onal or behavioral difficul�es prior to age 13.

NAMI Pinellas County FL, Inc. the local organiza�on of the Na�onal Alliance on Mental Illness, will offer its NAMI Basics Educa�on Program for the fall beginning September 12th through October 24th, with a break October 3rd. It will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6-8:30pm at Great Explora�ons Children’s Museum 1925 4th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704. Limited spaces are available for childcare children ages 5-13 and includes a pizza dinner. Register in advance to secure your spot!

Participant Perspectives “This is such a great step by step program that walks parents every step of the way. It is as if you are holding their hand through it all.”

“The course is inclusive of almost all aspects of family and child resources. I could have spent a life�me ge�ng all this informa�on on my own. I feel supported, strong and ready to go forward.”

See full reviews at www.pluggedin.com

First Man – October 12

First Man is the riveting story of NASA’s mission to land a man on the moon, focusing on Neil Armstrong and the years 1961-1969. A visceral, first-person account, based on the book

by James R. Hansen, the movie will explore the sacrifices and the cost—on Armstrong and on the nation—of one of the most dangerous missions in history.

Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween – October 12

“NAMI Basics bridges the gap. It provides help that can’t be found in a doctor’s office.”

Contact us to register for this NAMI Basics class!

Two boys face an onslaught from witches, monsters, ghouls and a talking dummy after they discover a mysterious book by author R.L. Stine.

Sarah Miller NAMI Pinellas County FL, Inc. PO Box 12773 St. Petersburg, FL 33733 727-826-0807 sdmiller@nami-pinellas.org

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

Indivisible – October. 26 About NAMI

NAMI, the Na�onal Alliance on Mental Illness, is the na�on’s largest grassroots mental health organiza�on dedicated to building be�er lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI Pinellas County is an affiliate of NAMI Florida. NAMI Pinellas County and dedicated volunteer members and leaders work �relessly to raise awareness and provide essen�al educa�on, advocacy and support group programs for people in our community living with mental illness and their loved ones.

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.

Army chaplain Darren Turner receives orders to deploy to Iraq, leaving his wife behind to care for their three young children.

The harsh realities of war soon take their toll on Turner and his battalion, making it hard to stay connected to his beloved family.

Blu-Ray/DVDs

Now accepting applications for 2018-2019

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

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 9

October 16

October 30

October 2018 • 7

Alcohol is a Drug Again, I didn’t mind those guys drinking, but what I do mind is our society’s inability to see alcohol for what it truly is: a drug. We have, rightly I think, strongly warned our children about tobacco and illegal drugs, but I am concerned about what sometimes tends to be a “look the other way” relationship with alcohol.

So how does your consumption of alcohol affect your kid’s future behaviors when they are placed in a situation where alcohol is present?

Drinking is a False Rite of Passage DUNGY DIARIES

by Tony Dungy

In April 2001, a group of us were gathered in Jerry Angelo’s office at our team headquarters, having just completed what would turn out to be my final draft with the Buccaneers. It was around ten o’clock at night, and we were chatting about the completed draft and other topics. Shortly thereafter, I headed home. As soon as the door closed behind me, my coauthor, Nathan, who was part of the Bucs’ scouting department at the time, was ordered to his feet. “Get up!” He looked around, confused, and the command was given again. As he stood, he realized the towel he had been sitting on was

covering the beer cooler. Out of respect for me, they had waited until I was gone.

I had tried to tell those guys for years that even though I don’t drink, I didn’t mind if they did. I don’t mind parties- Jesus went to plenty of parties. And just because drinking isn’t the right choice for me, it doesn’t mean that others can’t partake; after all, Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine. However, I do think there are some things that are dangerous that we need to talk to our children about. Here are several dangers of alcohol.

We don’t allow anyone to drink who is under the age of twenty-one, which I completely agree with.

The unintended consequences of that law, however, is unfortunate. Because they can’t legally drink until twenty-one, many young people now view that twentyfirst birthday drink as a rite of passage into adulthood.

The law seems to have made drinking more attractive because it is forbidden until then.

I’m very sensitive to this issue, based on my profession and its financial relationship with alcohol.

Our league drives a great deal of revenue from alcohol sponsorships, which certainly helps to pay my salary.

It’s the one aspect of working in the NFL that I really struggle with when I’m asked about it. I know that my work indirectly promotes alcohol consumption on

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

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8 • October 2018

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SKATE TO BE COOL. COUNTRYSIDE Westfield Countryside Mall 727-723-7785

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Consequences of Alcohol

dangerous levels. Personally, I would be willing to live with less money if it would help keep even one kid from making a mistake. I think we’d all be better for it.

The Influence of a Father As I have reflected on my father’s influence in my life, one of the things I am most grateful for is that he chose not to drink any alcohol. It would have been fine if he did, but his abstinence was a powerful example for me, maybe even more than he realized at the time. Whether in high school or college, whenever I found myself in a situation in which everybody was drinking, I always thought of my dad. Because someone that I respected so highly had chosen to not drink, I could make the same choice with confidence.

Kids imitate their father’s behaviors and therefore, I encourage fathers to be careful with alcohol, and don’t get near anything else that’s mind-altering. It’s just not worth being part of the crowd in that way, and the downside may be far worse than the upside could ever be for you and your sons.

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To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 2018 • 9

6 crime prevention tips

O c to b e r FU N FACTS

20,000 boxes of candy

were given away October 8, 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio to the “newsboys, orphans, seniors, and the poor” on the very 1st celebration of Sweetest Day. Sweetest Day is celebrated each year in the U.S. on the third Saturday of October. Although often thought of by many as a second Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day is actually a day meant to celebrate all the people who make your life special. It’s an occasion to make someone happy, a chance to celebrate and give gifts to relatives, friends, and associates.

68 years ago

In 1984, the National Crime Prevention Council designated October as Crime Prevention Month. Since then, businesses and organizations from all over the country have done their part to educate the public on the precautions they can take to stay safe.

1. If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.

2. Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets.

3. Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.

4. Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.

5. If someone tries to rob you, give up your property— don’t give up your life.

6. If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately.

Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

October 31, 2018

On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts comic strip featuring a meek, nervous, and insecure Charlie Brown debuted in seven newspapers. The Peanuts comic strip was written and illustrated by Charles Schulz and became arguably the most popular and influential comic strip in history. At its peak, Peanuts ran in over 2,600 newspapers, with a readership of 355 million in 75 countries.

Halloween is the second most commercially successful holiday – beaten out only by Christmas. According the Census Bureau, over 80% of children in the U.S. and almost 70% of adults will take part in Halloween festivities this year. This month, check out our list of family friendly Halloween activities in the Tampa Bay area. These activities range from hayrides to haunted attractions, and are guaranteed to entertain the entire family.

2,624.6 lbs The world’s largest pumpkin was grown in 2016

by Mathias Willemijns. Weighing in at a recordsmashing 2,624.6 pounds, his pumpkin beat the previous record by over 300 pounds.

This October, farmers all across the country will be competing in the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off to see if they can beat the new record. In addition to bragging rights, winners of giant-pumpkin contests often receive big cash prizes equal to about $6 per pound of pumpkin.

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

Buy 1 Get 1

FR E E Public Session Admission

SKATE TO BE COOL. OLDSMAR 255 Forest Lakes Blvd 813-854-4010 x0

10 • October 2018

SKATE TO BE COOL. CLEARWATER 13940 ICOT Blvd 727-536-5843

COUNTRYSIDE Westfield Countryside Mall 727-723-7785

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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

Good at all 3 facilities.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

FALL FESTIVAL OCTOBER 31, 2018

-

t It’s Grea ! e t a e r C to

Halloween!

5PM-8PM

Are you looking for some fun Halloween Craft Ideas for the kids? If so here are some simple and fun crafts which we think are just spookalicious! These craft ideas are quite simple and would be a great addition to your Halloween party

Spooky Spider Lollipops

FREE

Trunk-Or-Treat Inflatables Hay Rides Games Lots of Candy Food Chili Cook-Off Safe Environment

Have fun making these cute critters with just pipe cleaners, lollipops and googly eyes! These cute little spiders make great decorations as well as delicious treats.

Items needed: • 1 lollipop • 4 short lengths of pipe cleaner • Googly eyes - ones with adhesive on back Directions: 1. Wrap a pipe cleaner around the lollipop stick.

Bend each end slightly to make the spider’s legs.

2. Repeat three more times so that the spider has eight legs, four on each side.

3. Stick the googly eyes over the area where the legs meet.

4. Repeat with more lollipops to make spooky spiders for all your guests.

Halloween Stress Balls Items needed:

• Orange Balloons • Funnel • Black Magic Marker • Filler Ingredients: Flour, Corn Starch, Baking Soda, Play Dough, Corn Kernels, or Dried Beans. There are many possibilities.

Directions:

727-391-9788 www.seminoleag.org www.gulfcoastfamily.org

102nd Ave N 113th St N

10600 113th Street N

Seminole Blvd

Ulmerton Rd Bryan Dairy Rd

Park Blvd

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

1. Blow up a balloon and hold it for 30 seconds. This will help pre-stretch the balloon before you fill it.

2. Fill the balloon. Use a funnel for fine ingredients like flour. For materials like play dough or corn kernels, an extra set of hands to stretch the balloon works best.

3. Tie off the balloon and then use permanent marker to draw faces.

4. Have fun with your new toy! These stress balls are the perfect squeeze.

October 2018 • 11

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.

Your Neighborhood Favorite Since 1974…

{ SMOKIN’ OFFER} HERE’S ONE FOR YOU!

VALID FOR DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

NO OTHER COUPONS, DISCOUNTS, OR OFFERS APPLY

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(727)

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(727)

544-5611

Banquet Room Available

9119 Belcher Road DINE IN DELIVERY

TAKE-OUT CATERING

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Family Owned and Operated for over 40 Years!!!

12 • October 2018

$5.00 OFF

any purchase of $25 or more!

with any other special, Please present coupon when ordering. Not valid 11-30-18. Limited to one Discount, promotion or coupon. Enjoy through locations in Pinellas y’s Coupon per household. Good at participating Sonn GCF and Hillsborough Counties Only.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

FRESH FOOD FAST Dine-In or Drive-Thru Catering

eatPDQ.com US

49th St. N.

19

Park Blvd.

4601 Park Blvd.

Pinellas Park, FL 33781 Catering: 727-362-1007

Catering Available for Tenders, Sandwiches, Salads Spend over $100 in catering With this ad. Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 11/30/2018.

BUY ONE TENDERS, SALAD OR SANDWICH COMBO MEAL

BUY ONE TENDERS, SALAD OR SANDWICH COMBO MEAL

Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 11/30/2018.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 11/30/2018.

October 2018 • 13

in the kitchen

Looking for a Halloween snack idea? These Yummy Mummy Dogs are cute, fun, tasty, and sure to be a hit with the kids. Made with refrigerated breadstick dough and hot dogs, this recipe is a snap to prepare, and it is even more fun to eat!

Yummy Mummies • 1 package hot dogs • 1 package refrigerated breadsticks • Catsup and/or mustard

1. Separate breadsticks and roll each into a 12-inch long rope.

2. Leaving about 1/3 uncovered, roll one breadstick around each hot dog.

3. Divide remaining breadsticks into smaller ropes and roll around the uncovered end of each hot dog to make the heads.

4. B ake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes until bread is lightly browned.

5. A llow to cool slightly, then use catsup or mustard to add eyes between the two segments of bread on each mummy.

Cool Kids Cook

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Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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These Graveyard Cups are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. They are quick and very simple to make, and they add just the right festive touch to any Halloween party. (Tip: make sure you do not refrigerate the pudding cups with the worms. Add the worms at the very end; otherwise the taste of the gummy worms will spread through all the pudding.)

Graveyard Cups • 1 package chocolate wafer sandwich cookies • 2 large packages instant chocolate pudding • 6 cups milk

• 10 oval cookies – any type • Frosting • Gummy worms, optional

1. In a food processor, process cookies into crumbs.

2. Spoon about 2 tablespoons into the bottoms of 8 to 10 clear plastic 9-ounce cups.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat pudding mix and milk about 2 minutes. Allow to thicken for a few minutes.

4. Spoon about ¾ cup of pudding into each cup. Cover with remaining cookie crumbs.

5. Decorate with oval cookies (for gravestones), frosting, and gummy worms if desired.

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October 2018 • 15

Destination: Dinner with the

Hungry Family

Frog Pond

It’s time for a little trip to the pond this month… The Frog Pond, that is. This month the Hungry Family headed to Madeira Beach for Sunday lunch, breakfast style.

The Frog Pond is a local icon that has graced Gulf Boulevard since 1982 “with the belief that food (with the exception of the stirfry) was not meant to be quickly prepared, NOR was it meant to be delivered through the window of a slow moving car.” The unassuming strip mall location surprises immediately with the warm and yet quirky and lighthearted frog-filled décor, even featuring the well-loved Kermit and several custom frog murals! Their goal of “great food, unique atmosphere, continued quality, and incredible portions” has been met aplenty on our visit!

Sundays at The Frog Pond are breakfastonly, so we feasted in style. The Hungry Mama enjoyed Seafood Crepes with a honey

mustard sauce, but although it was fabulous, traded with the second Hungry Brother for his Krab Benedict. The massive plates held the entrée along with our choice of sliced tomato, grits, or home fries (our advice: DO NOT pass up the opportunity to “upgrade” to “Sunflower Potatoes,” which are piled with cheese and sautéed onions), along with fresh fruit. As one Hungry sibling pointed out, “there must be a quarter of every kind of melon here!” The Hungry Daughter (yes, our tiny little girl) ordered a meat lover’s omelette, and took home enough for two more meals!

Which reminds us, the portion sizes are unbelievable at The Frog Pond. The Corned Beef Hash with toast and eggs ordered by the oldest Hungry brother could easily serve three 12 year olds. (Order and share – the $2 sharing fee is more than worth it. There is no children’s menu, but there are more than enough options to please any palate!)

This visit The Hungry Family took Nana along, and her Frog Pond Quiche Lorraine was loaded with the requisite spinach and cheese, along with, of course, the fabulous sides.

With a secondary location on St. Pete Beach, co-owner David Hitterman and his crew deliver an enchanting experience and food that will make you “hop” with happiness!

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Kids love flashlights—it’s as simple as that. So buy a couple of inexpensive ones and go on evening walks. You can also let the kids use their flashlights for under the covers reading, which leads us to our next suggestion…

2. Cover Time Cover, as in book covers. Give them some hot tea or hot chocolate and let them burrow into a book. Fall is also a great time for cuddling up with your kids for bedtime reading.

Even if your children can read on their own, kids as old as third or fourth grade will enjoy having you read to them. Here are some fall-themed titles for younger children: I Know It’s Autumn; In November; ‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving; and Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf.

You can also create a reading nook for your kids with a comfortable place to sit and blankets draped overhead to give it a secluded feel. If you start reading a book series to your children, like C. S. Lewis’ Narnia books, invite your children to a special event at the reading corner, “Tonight in the reading corner we will discover what dangers are ahead for Aslan. Meet at the reading corner at 7 p.m. and bring ______________.” List an item from the book in the space. Serve a treat and get everyone cozy for the big read!

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© iMOM. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

October 2018 • 17

7 Steps to a Better Smile

by Dr. Nick Reynolds, Northeast Orthodontics Wish you had close-to-perfect pearly whites? (Who doesn’t!) Then make all seven of these dental-health musts a part of your daily routine.

It’s probably no surprise that a bright, white smile can make you appear younger and more attractive. In fact, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a whopping 96 percent of respondents surveyed believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing.

But good dental health goes beyond the way you look. The mouth is the gateway to the body, which means the state of your teeth and gums affects your overall health. By following these steps to a better smile, you’ll be taking important strides for the rest of your body, too.

1. Brush regularly.

Brushing is the cornerstone of dental hygiene. It removes food particles that bacteria feed on, cleans teeth, and freshens breath. A toothpaste with fluoride helps strengthen teeth, but you must brush for at least two minutes to allow it to do its work. Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in two-minute timer, which can make brushing for the full amount of time easier.

2. Floss daily.

Flossing removes the bacteria from in between your teeth that your toothbrush does not reach, which helps prevent gum disease. We recommend flossing twice a day, but if you only do it once daily, be sure to floss before bedtime. When you sleep, you produce less saliva, which leaves teeth and gums particularly vulnerable to bacteria.

3. Visit your dentist.

Visit your dentist at least twice a year for thorough dental cleanings. Your dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease, which is more easily treated when caught in the beginning stages.

If you are prone to gum disease and cavities, consider visiting your dentist every four months.

Similarly, if you have other health conditions that put you at higher risk for dental problems (such as diabetes, or a depressed immune system from HIV, cancer, or chemotherapy), ask your dentist how often you should have an exam. A special dental-hygiene regimen should be considered for pregnant women, people with diabetes, and anyone undergoing chemotherapy treatment or using medications that can affect the gums.

It’s wise to examine your own mouth regularly for signs of trouble, such as a nonhealing sore on Tooth enamel is the hardest substance the lip or inside of your in the human body. However, people cheek, swollen gums, or sensitive or bleedwho drink 3 or more glasses of soda ing gums. If you notice daily have 62% more tooth decay, any of these conditions, make an extra dental apfillings and tooth loss than others. pointment to have them Every can of soda has 10–12 checked out.

Dental Fun Fact

4. Eat a healthy diet.

Include plenty of dairy and other calcium-rich foods, like sardines and kale, in your diet. Calcium helps maintain strong bones and teeth, and the vitamin C in citrus fruits boosts gum health.

Equally important to what you do eat is what you don’t.

Sugary and sticky foods that stick to the crevices of your teeth are particularly bad, as bacteria feed off the sugars and release acids that cause cavities. If you do eat candy or other sweets, try to brush immediately afterward or, if that’s not possible, rinse your mouth with water.

whitening products are effective for minor staining; professional-strength whitening products are better for moresevere yellowing. Speak to your dentist before undergoing any whitening procedure to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.

5. Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco.

7. Consider cosmetic procedures.

People who smoke are four times more likely than nonsmokers to have gum disease, according to a study by the Journal of Periodontology. Using smokeless tobacco increases a person’s risk for oral cancers, including lip, tongue, cheeks, and gums. On a smaller scale, tobacco products contribute to bad breath, or halitosis.

6. Whiten teeth.

While the benefits are solely cosmetic, with today’s products, whitening is a very safe procedure that will not harm your teeth as long as the products are used as directed and you are under the care of a dentist. Over-the-counter

teaspoons of sugar — the recommended daily intake is 4 teaspoons.

18 • October 2018

The first thing a person sees when they meet you is your smile, and having crooked, stained, or missing teeth can affect your confidence. There have been great advances in cosmetic dentistry over the past decade, and it is possible to fix most cosmetic problems. Veneers for improving the appearance of crooked, stained, or oddly shaped teeth and orthodontics for straightening teeth are only two of the many cosmetic procedures offered.

It’s important to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist prior to undergoing any type of procedure.

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.”

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Photo courtesy of Brandi Image Photography

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

Dashawn Age 9

Kind and polite, Dashawn says he is happiest when he is in a loving home. For fun he likes playing basketball.

Dashawn’s favorite food is lasagna, but he’ll pass on broccoli. Dashawn’s favorite animals are dogs. He would love to have a dog as a pet someday. Dashawn likes most that he is smart and hopes to make a lot of money someday. In school, Dashawn’s favorite subject is math, something he’s also very good at. He’s also good at playing basketball. Dashawn’s other favorites include the color white and rap music.

Dashawn only has one request of his ideal forever family – to have a mom who would love him.

Photo courtesy of Angela Clifton Photography

Yaromie Age 15

Yaromie wants to serve her country as a Marine someday.

But for now, Yaromie is happiest when she gets to hang out with her friends, as well as watch movies, like her favorite, Captain Underpants. She also loves going to the mall, mostly to look at shoes, especially if they are Converse. Yaromie also loves the colors red and black, the TV show Catfish, and Fetty Wap. At school, her favorite subjects are reading, math and history. If you’re serving pizza or tacos, Yaromie is there, but she will pass on sandwiches. Yaromie’s ideal family will have parents who like to spend time together as a family – playing Monopoly on rainy days or going to the park or beach when it’s sunny out. Siblings would be a bonus!

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

October 2018 • 19

Florida Automobile Insurances Coverage Overview

by Chris Reynolds

We often hear people tell us that they have “full coverage” for their vehicle, but what does that really mean?

In truth, saying you have “full coverage” doesn’t really mean anything. Florida has minimum requirements for motor vehicle insurance, but there is no definition for anything called “full coverage.”

As you will see, the minimum coverage required in Florida (that many drivers have) does not cover much.

Under Florida Statute 627.733, every vehicle owner must have two minimum coverages: (1) property damage (PD) in the amount of at least $10,000, and (2) personal injury protection (PIP) in the amount of at least $10,000.

PD coverage only covers property of someone else if you are at fault. PD coverage does not cover your own vehicle. If you want coverage for your own vehicle for an accident, you need comprehensive and collision coverage, though these are not required when purchasing insurance. Also, the minimum coverage required is $10,000 in PD, and we often see at fault drivers that cause significantly more than $10,000 in damage, or accidents involving multiple vehicles where the total damage to all vehicles far exceeds $10,000.

Two common issues with the minimum property damage coverage arise: (1) If you are at fault in an accident and the property damage you cause is more than $10,000, you may be personally liable to anything over $10,000; and (2) If you are not at fault, but do not have comprehensive and collision coverage, you may end up having to pay for your own damage to your vehicle if the at-fault driver has no valid automobile insurance.

As for PIP (personal injury protection), the only other type of required automobile insurance, this coverage typically only covers the person who purchased the vehicle (and possibly family members or occupants of the insured vehicle). This $10,000 is generally for medical expenses (80%) and lost wages (60%) for the person who purchased the insurance, regardless of who is at fault. If you have a car and purchased automobile insurance, this PIP covers you (and possibly family members and people in your car), but does not cover people in other vehicles involved in an accident.

That’s it for the required automobile insurance coverage in Florida. Florida law requires only that you have

20 • October 2018

coverage that pays for damage to other people’s property, and for medical bills for you (but not for other people). If someone else is at fault in a motor vehicle accident and you are injured, there is no requirement in Florida that the other driver/vehicle have insurance that will cover your injuries.

There is no requirement in Florida that anyone have bodily injury coverage (BI). BI is what would cover you if you are at-fault in an accident and injure someone. Put another way, if someone else hits you and they are at-fault in the accident causing you injury, there is no requirement in Florida that the at-fault driver have insurance (BI) that will cover your injuries.

The best way to protect yourself from other drivers on the road with no BI is to have uninsured motorist coverage (UM) on your policy. If you are injured due to the fault of someone else, and if they don’t have BI, then you are still covered for your injuries if you have UM. However, you can only get UM if you also get BI, and your UM coverage limits cannot be higher than your BI limits. For example, if you have $10,000 in BI to cover injuries to others if you are at fault, then you cannot have more than $10,000 in UM to protect you if you are hit by an at-fault driver with no BI. Or, if you have $100,000 in BI, you are allowed to have UM in an amount that is $100,000 or less.

Keeping in mind that automobile injuries often incur tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, it beSay you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

comes obvious that the minimum insurance coverage required in Florida is unlikely to be sufficient.

The best way to protect yourself is to make sure you have UM, BI and more than the minimum $10,000 in PD, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage.

The increased PD amount will protect you if you are in an accident and cause more than $10,000 in property damage. The BI coverage will protect you if you are at-fault and cause injury to another person. Finally, the UM will protect you if someone else is at fault, injures you, but does not have BI. This is intended to be a basic discussion of the available automobile coverages in Florida, and we encourage you to speak with an attorney or insurance agent if you have questions about your policy and what you might need.

If you are involved in a car crash, please contact a local personal injury attorney for a free consultation to discuss your options.

Mr. Reynolds hails from St. Petersburg, graduated from Northside Christian High School, Eckerd College, and Stetson University College of Law. He lives in Pinellas with his wife and three boys, all of whom attend Keswick Christian School. Mr. Reynolds also has parents living in Pinellas County and a sister who recently returned from overseas as a Christian missionary.

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Savings Made Sweet

By Heather Brickell I don’t know about you, but I love to dine out with my family! Not only do I get the night off from cooking, but I also get out of doing the dishes!

Dining out with your family can be a fun and frugal experience when you know how to look for special offers and discounts. Here are some tips that will help you not to break the bank when dining out.

First of all, plan ahead! Don’t just get into the car and ask everyone where they want to eat. Planning ahead allows you to take a look at the restaurant menu online beforehand to see what kind of prices that they offer.

Secondly, see if the restaurants you frequent offer any type of online printable offers. Many times, restaurants will offer coupons for a FREE appetizer or dessert, or maybe “buy one get one free” entrees! Just sign up to receive emails from your favorite restaurants, and very quickly your inbox will be filled with money-saving offers! Some of my favorite restaurants that frequently send out coupons and money-saving offers include Smokey Bones, T.G.I.Friday’s, Chilis, Bob Evans and Bahama Breeze.

Check local magazines such as this one for money-saving coupons. And, don’t throw away those coupons that you receive in your mailbox! There may actually be some great money-saving offers in those ads.

Facebook is a wonderful place for promotional offers.

“Like” your favorite restaurant and they may offer anything from a Free dessert to “buy one get one free” entrees.

Outback Steakhouse recently gave away free steak dinner coupons for their new Wood Fired line!

Take advantage of “kids eat free” promotional offers that are available. This alone can be a big savings off of your bill, especially if you have several children!

Sign up for birthday clubs at your favorite restaurant.

You could score a free meal or dessert on your birthday!

You may be surprised at how many restaurants offer birthday clubs, and it really does pay off to sign up for them.

Share a meal with your spouse or child when dining out. The entrée portion sizes offered at many restaurants are usually enough for 2 people. If bread and salad are included this makes for a satisfying meal.

Lastly, instead of ordering soda or tea with your meal, what about ordering good old fashioned water? Soft drinks can really add to the price of what you thought was going to be a frugal meal.

For more great savings tips, visit mysweetsavings.com

Heather Brickell

October 2018 • 21

Southern White Rhinoceros Gives Birth at ZooTampa at Lowry Park New arrival of nearly threatened rhino species continues Zoo’s conservation leadership Celebrations are taking place at ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s southern white rhinoceros’ habitat. Mother Alake gave birth to a calf in September, marking the sixth successful southern white rhino birth and ninth rhino in the Zoo’s history.

After bonding with mom, the calf will be introduced to the rest of the rhino herd. As the herd grows, animal care professionals continue to deliver high-quality care for the rhinos’ physical health and well-being.

“ZooTampa is deeply committed to the species’ continued survival, both at home

and beyond. Every birth brings hope to the continued conservation of this incredible species.” said Chris Massaro, general curator at ZooTampa.

The Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Rhino Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), which includes the Southern White Rhino Species Survival Plan (SSP). Over the past 20 years, ZooTampa has contributed $100,000 to conservation projects, such as anti-poaching and habitat repair and restoration efforts in Africa.

The majority of southern white rhinos live in just four countries in Africa: Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Their unique body is characterized by a pronounced hump and two horns at

the ends of its muzzle, used to defend against its predators and establish social dominance.

This birth is a welcome addition to the population of wildlife that rely on human care. Record numbers of rhinos have been killed by poachers due to the high demand for keratin, a protein found in rhino horn that is believed to have medicinal properties. The northern white rhino, a relative of the southern white rhino, have

been considered extinct in the wild, with only two remaining in professional care.

This rhino birth continues the Zoo’s baby boom which last month saw the birth of a rare, endangered okapi. Guests may catch a glimpse of the adorable rhino calf on the Zoo’s safari tram ride, included with daily admission. To get an even closer look, guests can also add on a white rhino encounter starting at $10.

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October 2018 • 23

Halloween can be so much more than just one night of trick-or-treating.

This October take your little ladybugs and monsters to these local attractions and add an extra dose of magic to their October.

Fall Days Are Fun Days SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular Weekends October 1 – 28

It’s an ocean of Halloween fun for the whole family at SeaWorld Orlando’s Halloween Spooktacular. During this daytime event, families are immersed in an underwater “fantasea” including trick-or-treating, whimsical sea creatures, and more in this family-friendly event that could only come from SeaWorld.

This ultimate family-friendly event returns this year with even more colorful characters. Meet everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends including Elmo, The Count, Cookie Monster and more, plus watch our silly, not-so-spooky live shows, and trick or treat for candy and goodies throughout the park. For more information visit www.seaworldparks.com/spooktacular.

24 • October 2018

Brick or Treat

LEGOLAND Florida, October 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 & 31 This Halloween event is built for kids! Brick or Treat returns on select dates this October with nightly themed fireworks!

Ghouls, ghosts and goblins descend on Miniland USA transforming it into a haunted adventure with a scavenger hunt in search for these scary creatures that have invaded our famous cities. This spooky event takes place select weekends in October, and features trick-or-treating along the brick or treat trail, super brick build activities, the largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern in the world, Halloween entertainment and an all-kids costume contest with brick-tastic prizes! For more information visit www.legoland.com/florida.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party October 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30 & 31 This October celebrate Halloween...with a Disney twist! Back again this Fall, it’s the happiest haunting on Earth! Don’t miss your chance to collect candies, sweets and frightfully delightful treats—all while the park hosts grim grinning ghosts, eerie entertainment and Disney Characters that go bump in the night. Best of all: since the tone of this event is “not-soscary,” that means children of every age can enjoy the fun!

So get your favorite costume ready for Mickey’s Not-SoScary Halloween Party and come discover all the boo-tiful ways that the spirits of the season have transformed the park into a happy haunted hallows. For more information visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Creatures of the Night

ZooTama at Lowry Park, Friday & Saturday Nights October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27 Creatures of the Night returns even spookier than last year, for ghouls and goblins of all ages! Hoot, howl and hang out as the Zoo transforms into an eerie and immersive Halloween adventure for the whole family. Creatures emerge at dusk with startling surprises around every corner. No horror or gore, just fun frights for all! For more information visit www.zootampa.org. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Guppyween

City of Largo Spooktacular

Florida Aquarium, October 27 & 28, 1–5 p.m.

Join the Florida Aquarium on the only day they let wild animals, ghosts and princesses roam the aquarium—Guppyween! Trick-or-treat tank-to-tank among over 20,000 sea creatures, making for the perfect family-friendly Halloween event. Entertainment and treats will be provided, so come dressed in your best costume! All Aquarium exhibits, including the new outdoor plaza tiki bar and Splash Pad, will be open.

For more information visit www.flaquarium.org.

October 27, 12 – 5 p.m.

Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends Busch Gardens, Weekends October 6-28

Plan on a good time at this year’s Halloween Spooktacular event held at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. This widely popular, familyfriendly event includes fun and games for kids 14 and under.

Enjoy activities, music, a hay maze, concessions and much more. Bounce houses, a petting zoo and strolling entertainment are just a few of the activities that make this a great event for the whole family.

Wristbands are needed for most activities. For more information visit www.largoevents.com.

Celebrate Halloween with Elmo, Abby, Grover and all your favorite Sesame Street friends every Saturday and Sunday during Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends. Show off your family costumes during each themed weekend while you trick-or-treat, enjoy exclusive crafts, explore through a hay bale maze and play fall-inspired activities and games in our newly expanded festival area. Then, join your favorite Sesame Street friends during a character parade and dance party at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. each event day. For more information visit www.buschgardens.com.

October 10 – 31

Bring the family and join us as we celebrate the autumn season with Hyde Parks annual pumpkin patch. The whole family can enjoy face painting, pumpkin carving, a photo op area, seasonal samples and crafts.

For more information, visit www.hydeparkvillage.com.

Glazer Children’s Monster Mashup October 1 – 31

From spooky science to costume design, the GCM is celebrating Halloween all month long. Dress to impress for the costume contests and parades. Monsters, ghosts, and ghouls of all kinds can wiggle, wobble, and work it to the music of some spooky tunes between visits to all of the museums trick or treat stations filled with games, prizes, and candy. For more information visit www.glazermuseum.org.

Free!

October 31 6 – 8 PM www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Hyde Park Village Annual Pumpkin Patch

8800 Starkey Rd, Seminole

727-397-1654 www.srbc.org To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 2018 • 25

Fox Squirrel Corn Maze Weekends, October 6 – 28

A Night at the Museum –Tampa Family Trick or Treat Bay History Center, October 14, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Families are invited to haunt the History Center while they trick or treat their way through our hands-on exhibits and snag candy from historical figures come to life during A Night at the Museum, at the Tampa Bay History Center.

Storm Troopers and other Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion join pirates, pioneers and other ghosts from Florida’s past as they haunt the History Center.

New this year, A Night at the Museum features a kid’s silent disco, powered by the Gasparilla Music Festival, along with a costume contest for prizes and crafts and games. The event is appropriate for all ages. For more information visit www.tampabayhistorycenter.org.

A Nightmare on Franklin Street Tampa Theatre, October 19 – 31

Tampa’s most historic – and most haunted – majestic movie palace presents 13 nights of petrifying programming on Oct. 19-31 for everyone from hard-core horror fans to the gentlest ghosts & goblins, including classic horror movies, family-friendly Halloween films, Ghosts of Tampa Theatre tours, special guests, an evening of live storytelling, and a special presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. For more information visit www.tampatheatre.org/nightmare.

The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze and Sunflowers On the Ranch events are hosted on the Futch Family Ranch by your friendly neighbors of Plant City. They have opened the barnyard gates again to bring you four weekends of some great fun in the sun! Come stroll through 5 acres of beautifully hand grown sunflowers and colorful zinnias that have been planted in the same place as the popular October Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. For more information, visit www.foxsquirrelcornmaze.com.

Hydro Harvest Farm’s Great Pumpkin Patch Weekends, October 6 – 28

You will not want to miss out on this year’s Great Pumpkin Patch at Hydro Harvest Farms – with tons of Jack O Lanterns, Gourds, Hay bales and cornstalks. Photo opportunities abound at the pumpkin patch and dogs are always welcome.

For more information visit www.hydroharvestfarms.com.

Crayola Experience, October 1 – 31

Our Lady of Lourdes Fall Festival

Screamin’ Green Hauntoween is back at the Crayola Experience inside The Florida Mall in Orlando and it’s bigger and more colorful than ever! Get ready to get ZOMBIFIED with all-new monster-ific crafts and special, spooky happenings all month long, including weekend dance parties, a themed scavenger hunt, a live slime-themed show and SLIME TIME, an ooey-gooey class that’s fun for the whole family!

Plus trick-or-treating every weekend, all while exploring 26 exciting hands-on attractions. There is so much to “BOO”, you may never want to leave. ALL included with general admission! For more information visit www.crayolaexperience.com/Orlando.

For over forty years, the OLL Fall Festival has been an integral part of the Dunedin community. Every October, volunteers from the parish and school come together to put up the “big tent” and fill the school campus with rides, games, music, laughter, and fun! Dozens of rides cater to children of all ages with a special section of “kiddie rides” for the little ones. Festival attendees can win prizes at a variety of games or through the raffle, which this year offers a $3,000 grand prize! For information visit www.ollfallfestival.com.

Screamin’ Green Hauntoween

October 11 – 14

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Trunk or Treat

Starkey Road Baptist Church, October 31, 6 – 8 p.m.

Come visit Starkey Road Baptist Church for some Halloween fun — Trunk or Treat! Families decorate their trunks in the main parking lot and distribute Halloween treats to those who are dressed in their costumes. Everyone is invited. For information visit www.srbc.org.

Sacred Heart Fall Festival

Pumpkin Palooza Family Fall Festival

This five-day community fall festival is a fun time for all and a great event for the entire family. Admission and parking are free. Rides are provided by Myers International Midways with a variety of kiddy rides, standard rides and spectacular rides. There are also a variety of games for the kids. As for food there is a very large variety, including great food sponsored by local restaurants. For more information visit www.sacredheartfestival.com.

The GFWC St. Petersburg Junior Woman’s Club is hosting its 15th Annual Pumpkin Palooza Family Fall Festival. This event offers a pumpkin patch, kids’ games, face & hair painting, inflatables, food & treats, arts & crafts vendors, opportunity drawing baskets, and a community awareness zone. This year the event will be held at Northside Baptist Church, 6000 38th Avenue North Saint Petersburg. Admission to the event is free, and new this year, there will be local food trucks on-site and the option for a “play all day” wristband. Bring your family and enjoy a great day!

October 17 – 21

Sweet Fields Farm Fall Fun Harvest Holler Corn Maze Weekends, October 1 – 29

For a really fun day on a working family farm come visit the Harvest Holler Farm and Corn Maze. Conveniently located just 10 minutes north of Lakeland, FL, and less than 45 minutes from either Orlando or Tampa, it is a great place to enjoy an amazing corn maze, visit a pumpkin patch, pet live farm animals and enjoy a fun hay ride! Plus much more. For more information visit www.harvestholler.com.

October 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 & 29 Fall Season opens Saturday October 6th! Get your season started with a Fall-tastic visit to the farm.

Pumpkins, Hayrides, Fresh Pressed Apple Cider… need we say more. There is always something new to experience at Sweet Fields Farm! Even though recent weather took away the large corn maze this year, the storm left room for the addition of other fun activities. It is definitely going to be a fun Fall season at the farm! For more information visit www.sweetfieldsfarm.com.

Saturday, October 6, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For information visit www.gfwc-spjwc.org.

Scarecrow Festival Pioneer Florida Museum, October 13, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Come take a trip back in time at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village and enjoy their annual Scarecrow Festival. Take part in traditional old fashioned fall games and activities. Guests can make a scarecrow, touch a truck, take part in a spelling bee, ride a train, get your face painted and much more. Also, don’t forget to stop by the museum’s amazing Pumpkin Patch for photos and for your next jack-o-lantern. For more information visit www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org.

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October 2018 • 27

13 Great Fall Date Night Ideas

Summer is over and Fall is here. Soon the holidays will be on us. Sometimes the holidays and winter season are viewed as a romantic season when you can you stay warm inside while it’s cold outside.

But don’t forget about the Fall season. Show your wife you are creative, fun, and even romantic now.

This season gives you some unique opportunities to create great memories with your wife. Here are 13 great fall date night ideas. One for every Friday this season!

1 A football game: Take your wife to a football game without the kids. High school, college, or NFL. It doesn’t matter. But when you go, focus on her and creating conversation. She may not understand the game, or care too much about the results, but you can have fun people watching, drinking a warm drink, and chatting it up.

2 Pumpkin picking and carving: This may be something you think of doing with the kids. In-

stead, just you and your wife go alone. Drive to the country or wherever a pumpkin patch is in your area. Get out, grab hands, walk, talk, and choose a pumpkin together.

3 Haunted house: No explanation necessary. Be ready to be squeezed tight. Just don’t be the guy who plays the scary practical jokes. Be her protector and comforter, even though you know it isn’t real.

4 State Fair: Another typical event to go to with your kids. Do that in the daytime and take your wife out in the evening. Walk hand in hand, talk, eat elephant ears, corn on the cob, a funnel cake, and enjoy the rides and each other.

5 Hayride: Get some warm cider or hot chocolate and enjoy a nice scenic hayride. Remember to bring a blanket to sit on and cuddle.

6 Corn maze: It seems all Fall activities involve being in the country or on a farm doesn’t it? You

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and your wife will enjoy the fresh air and great colors. A corn maze will bring out the competitive side in you as you are faced with the challenge of finding your way out.

7 Apple picking: Find an apple orchard, take a tour, and pick some delicious apples. Afterwards, bring them home and make some type of apple desert, drink, or snack from your fresh picked apples.

8 Go hiking: Get some hardcore exercise. Go to a state park and begin your journey. Bring a camera to take pictures of all you see.

9 Visit a local winery: Many wineries will have tastings and tours. If wine is your thing, or your wife’s, then this is a must. Take the tour, taste some great wine, eat some appetizers or desserts, and make it a great date.

10 Shop at a flea market: As vendors are trying to get rid of their stock before the season changes, you may be able to get some good deals. Grab some cool stuff, enjoy some time together, and save a dollar or two.

11 Rake leaves: Yes, raking leaves together can be a date night. You just have to make it fun. Remember making leaf piles and jumping in them as kids?

Do that with your wife. Let loose and have fun.

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12 Have a bonfire: The Fall is not complete without a bonfire. Join some friends for a fire in your back yard fire pit or theirs. If you don’t have one, you may be able to find one near a pumpkin patch or where hayrides are done.

13 Take a long drive in the country: The colors of the leaves in Fall are amazing! Get in your car and just drive. Talk, enjoy what you see, and take as long as you can before coming back home to the kids.

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Gourd-eous Carvings If your family is raring to carve pumpkins this year, we’ve got the scoop on how to do it right. Whether it’s simply carving a pumpkin to sit on the doorstep or holding a pumpkin-carving party, the following tips can help make your pumpkin turn out Gourd-eous!

Choose your pumpkin Look for pumpkins that have at least a 2-inch stem, smooth skin, and are uniformly orange.

Prepare your pumpkin Clean the outside of your pumpkin by washing it with water and a sponge.

Keep your pumpkin in a cool place until you are ready to carve.

Gather your tools You will need a sharp knife to cut the top, a pumpkin-carving knife with teeth, a Sharpie marker, a poker tool, and an ice cream scoop or a big spoon.

You will also need vegetable oil.

Select your pattern When selecting your pattern, always keep in mind the shape of your pumpkin. There are hundreds of different patterns that you can choose from online.

Clean out your pumpkin Cut an opening in the top or bottom of your pumpkin. When cutting the opening, make the hole big enough to allow you to clean out the pumpkin easily.

Also, when cutting, place the knife at a 45 degree angle so the lid will have a place to rest when you are finished. After the top has been removed, pull out as many seeds and as much “goo” as you can by hand. Then scrape out the

inside of the pumpkin using your ice cream scoop.

Transfer the pattern Tape your pattern onto the pumpkin and poke holes through the paper and into the pumpkin, following the lines of the pattern. You can also use a sharpie marker if you simply want to freehand your design.

Carve your pumpkin Begin carefully sawing out each section. When you are finished carving, apply a light coating of vegetable oil or petroleum jelly on all of the cuts. This will help the pumpkin to last longer.

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Halloween is traditionally a time for kids to roam neighborhoods and gather treats. However, the new trend of trunkor-treating has brought families and neighbors together in one safe place.

This October churches and schools from all around the area will be hosting their own Trunk or Treat events. “Our kids can’t wait for Trunk or Treat,” commented principal Cynthia Yevich of Blessed Sacrament Catholic School.

“Our kids and parents look forward to this safe event all year long. Each year our families go all out with their decorations and they do with a great spirit of fun and fellowship.”

What is trunk-ortreating?

Picture this: a huge parking lot with the back ends of vans and trucks decorated in a variety of fun themes, complete with games and treats. Maybe in one section of the lot there is an inflatable bounce house and in another section there is a puppet show. From babies on up to grandpas and grandmas, there is something for everyone. What a fun way to spend the evening as a family!

In many communities, churches sponsor the fun events and families plan their own themes for their vehicles. Sometimes elementary schools, sororities, and large neighborhoods sponsor them as well. The best part of Trunk-or-Treating is that the parking lot is roped off, freeing kids to skip or stroll from place to place.

Let’s bring it to our school!

So you want to hold your own trunkor-treating event? Consider what you would like to offer, from carnival-like attractions to down-home cooking.

Some communities enjoy hotdogs and popcorn; others warm bowls of chili and delicious apple cider. You could bob for apples, offer hayrides, or paint faces. Then of course there is always the main event—the vehicles.

October 27 ADDAMS FAMILY VALUEs

Food truck and concessions available.

30 • October 2018

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Ideas

Sports

Truck beds or trunks can be transformed into scare- Team displays, like the Bucs and Rays, are quite crow fields, pumpkin patches, blanketed gardens, popular. mortuaries, or other scenic ideas. Choose a unified theme and go with it. Here are some great theme Decorating the vehicle up like a monster or shark is ideas to get you started: quite easy and fun.

Monster Mouth

Pirate Ship

Christmas

Aye, mateys! Chart yer course for this ship, which features buried treasure in a sandbox and “fishing” All the stores are already selling merchandise. Why off the side of the boat for candy. Be ready for some not join in on the fun? swashbuckling fun!

Wild West

Giddy-up, cowboy! This space will be a hit with the little critters. Toss coins or lasso stuffed animals while square dance music plays in the background.

Beach Party

Plenty of beach balls, umbrellas, and colorful towels will set the mood for this space. Kids can do the limbo to get a treat.

Noah’s Ark

Children can pose behind cut-outs of tigers, elephants, or giraffes. Enjoy some laughs with a game of Pin the Tail on the Zebra.

Winnie the Pooh

Oh, bother! Wander the Hundred Acre Woods with Tigger, Eeyore, and Roo to find yummy surprises.

Trunk or treat is a safe way to enjoy the holiday without going to strange neighborhoods and knocking on random doors. The only frightening part of trunkor-treat may be your school principal’s costume, but you’ll make memories to laugh about all year long.

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October 2018 • 31

How to Help a Friend Through Breast Cancer

by Janet Thompson Founder of Woman to Woman Mentoring

“I’m sorry… but you do have breast cancer.”

Those shocking words crackling through my cell phone rocked my world eleven years ago. I was running errands…trying to outrun suspected bad news. After the doctor’s parting words, “You’ll be fine,” I fired up the car engine and started driving and dialing.

The first person I called, after I told my husband, was my best friend, but she couldn’t comprehend the diagnosis. “A positive biopsy doesn’t mean it’s malignant, does it?” she asked.

It’s hard to know what to say or do when a friend or relative drops the bombshell news that she has breast cancer. Often our natural response is to recoil and retreat. Maybe it’s the fear of facing our own mortality or the time and emotion required if we do get involved. We ease our conscience by thinking: she would rather be alone right now anyway. Or she needs her family at a time like this.

Or she has so many friends; I know someone will help her.

32 • October 2018

We may send a card or make a call offering to help, closing with “I’ll be praying for you,” then on we go about our life while her life crumbles. Yet the Bible clearly tells us to, “Help each other in troubles and problems. This is the kind of law Christ asks us to obey.”

How can we put that verse into practical terms? What does it truly mean to help each other in troubles and problems?

Perhaps you can glean some ideas from the ways my friends and family came along side me during my initial breast cancer journey and two recurrences.

Helping Her with the Bad Days

Don’t Just Offer to Help — Do Something Tangible Most of us find it difficult to receive help; we are hesitant to impose on others. When asked the generic question, “How can I help you?” our common response is, “I’m fine, but thank you for asking.” Truthfully, we need every-

thing, but we don’t know if the person is offering to mop our floors or pick up our kids from school—both of which we need, but are afraid to ask.

Another well-meaning comment I received was, “Just call me if you need anything.” Now how many women are going to pick up the phone and ask for help, especially if they are not feeling well? Again, we don’t know what the person is willing to do for us, and we don’t want to be a burden.

So instead of offering to help—just jump in and do something. If you know your friend well, you know where she needs help; and even if you don’t know her well, you know where all women need help. If she is in the midst of cancer treatment, she is going to need assistance with every area of her life, especially if she is single. Here are some practical ideas: 1. Schedule her friends, family, and church to bring meals. Use your lunch break to take her lunch and eat with her.

2. Offer to drive her to doctor’s appointments or treatments and take notes for her.

3. Shuttle her kids to and from school or find someone who can.

4. Sit with her during chemo treatments or accompany her to radiation. Talk, read a book to her, or just hold her hand.

5. Take her children on a play date or to your house.

6. Do her laundry.

7. Do her grocery shopping. If she is too sick to dictate a list, take an

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

inventory of her refrigerator and cupboards and make your own list.

8. Answer her email.

9. Bring her a gift that makes her feel feminine.

10. If she feels like talking, sit and chat with her. When she doesn’t feel like talking, just be a presence in her home so she doesn’t feel alone.

11. Babysit her kids so she and her husband can have some private time.

12. Clean her house or pay someone to do it.

13. Go with her to pick out a wig or prosthesis.

14. Pick up prescriptions.

15. Run errands.

My first surgery and treatment extended over the Christmas holidays, and we had six grandchildren at that time.

I had bought their presents already but couldn’t imagine wrapping them. So my friend took all the presents home and wrapped them, as well as organizing other friends to deliver meals for three months. During my recuperation, she sat on my bed with my laptop, read my emails to me, and then sent my dictated answers. Later, she accompanied me to radiation, fixed my hair when I had a frozen shoulder, and stuck beside me through the entire cancer ordeal, even though she admits that her first reaction to my phone call on that dreaded diagnosis day was, “Lord, I don’t want to do this.” God assured her that she could do it, and she did.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Helping Her Enjoy the Good Days Be Happy with Her When She’s Happy

Cancer is a grim word. Overnight life becomes serious, tense, and laden with fear. There is very little laughter during those first shocking days following the “dreaded diagnosis.” But life continues and there are going to be good days interspersed with the bad. An insightful friend will capitalize on the moments of reprieve when there is an opportunity to laugh or smile. Be ready, because it may only last a moment, but the break from pain and fear is immeasurable.

If your friend is having an especially good day, avoid topics that you know will bring her down. You aren’t minimizing or making light of the seriousness of the situation, but you are giving her a recess from the intensity. Don’t fake happiness, but take advantage of humorous or lighter moments. Smile.

Laugh. Be happy. Don’t let the serious eclipse the humorous.

I remember laughing at myself one day in the shower when I realized that I was so carefully not shaving under my left arm because of the lymph node surgery, that I also wasn’t shaving my left leg.

I frequently retold that story so people could laugh with me.

Shower Her with Love Surprise her. What woman doesn’t love an unexpected gift or demonstration of how valuable she is to us? We were in the midst of a messy kitchen remodel when breast cancer assaulted me. Everything in my life seemed out of control. But I felt so loved the day I returned home after the painful needle biopsy and spotted amongst the rubble—gift bags full of treats with balloons attached and a card from two girlfriends assuring me they had been praying during the ordeal.

The Bible assures us that “A friend loves at all times.” What a privilege it is to put that verse into practice for your precious friend with breast cancer.

You probably won’t be able to do everything I suggest and I hope you have ideas of your own, but as a three-time breast cancer survivor, I assure you there are three things that will endure through the good and the bad times— faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Janet Thompson is a three-time breast cancer survivor, speaker, and author of the “Dear God” book series including, Dear God, They Say It’s Cancer: A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey. Janet found purpose in her breast cancer journey by writing for her breast cancer sisters the book she wished she had going through her surgeries and treatment.

Visit Janet’s Breast Cancer Support page on her website www.womantowomanmentoring.com.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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with Jim Daly

FATHER CONCERNED WITH UPCOMING DEPLOYMENT’S IMPACT ON FAMILY

Q: I’m a soldier getting ready to deploy overseas (again).

Previous deployments have negatively impacted my relationship with my kids. My wife and I want to be proactive this time; do you have any suggestions?

frequently. Tell her she’s beautiful. Fill her soul with words of affirmation that bring her heart to life.

Jim: I thank you for your service, and my heart goes out to your family. Life can be tough for military households, especially when one of the parents is deployed. But it is possible to have an influence at home when you’re half a world away.

But just as important as what your daughter hears from you is what she sees from you. Mom, she’ll watch how much emphasis you place on outer beauty and how positively or negatively you talk about yourself. Dad, your daughter will notice how you treat women. If she sees you objectifying women, she may believe it’s OK for men to treat her the same way.

For example, use recorded messages. Before being deployed, make some videos of yourself reading stories to the kids, telling them you love them, encouraging them to obey Mom and so on. Many families also use Skype or similar technology to allow the deployed parent to interact with the family in real-time.

Here’s what I suggest: Don’t overemphasize your daughter’s outer beauty or her inner beauty. Address her as a whole person. Teach her that she’s a unique human being with a body, a soul and a spirit. Help her to balance what she sees in the mirror and who she is on the inside. That’s how she’ll discover genuine happiness.

Also, spouses should consult and consort whenever possible. Even when you’re overseas, you should talk about major decisions that will impact the family. Make sure the kids know that Mom and Dad are still making decisions together.

Families should also communicate in both directions. Mom can send Dad pictures of the kids and their artwork and school projects -- maybe even video clips of them in their everyday routine. At the same time, the family needs to hear from the deployed father, even if he just has the energy to say he’s tired and will share more later. (These same principles apply when Mom is the one who’s deployed.)

With a little work, a spouse at home can help keep the deployed parent at the center of the family, even from thousands of miles away. We have plenty of information for military households at FocusOnTheFamily.com.

DAUGHTER LOSING PERSPECTIVE AS SHE OBSESSES OVER HER LOOKS Q: Our 14-year-old daughter has recently become obsessed with her appearance. She’ll practically lock herself in her bedroom or bathroom until she gets her hair, makeup and clothes perfect. What can we do as her parents to help her keep her perspective?

P.S. Your daughter might be interested in our organization’s Brio magazine for teen girls. Call 1-800-232-6459 or see FocusOnTheFamily.com for details.

Jim: It’s no secret that teens today—and especially girls— are pressured from all directions about their appearance.

Social media only makes it worse. So you want to be proactive about helping your daughter balance her desire for outer beauty with her inner self-confidence.

Many parents don’t have a plan. Mom says to Dad, “You need to talk to her.” And Dad says to Mom, “You’re a woman. This is your territory.” But your teenage daughter needs to hear that she’s beautiful from both of you—

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HUSBAND WANTS TO DO MORE TO HONOR HIS WIFE Q: After 15 years of marriage, I’m starting to realize that I take my wife for granted. I want to start honoring her better, but I’m not sure where to start.

Jim: Here’s an illustration that might come as a surprise: ballet. A friend once told me about a famous Russian choreographer who said, “The ballet is woman.” What he meant is that the beauty of the dance is primarily captured by a woman’s grace, her strength and her expression of beauty through the language of movement.

The male ballet dancer’s primary role is to showcase his female partner. When he lifts her and twirls her, she should glow in the spotlight and wow the audience. When he uses his strength to support her through her most difficult steps,

he helps her achieve more from her performance than she could on her own. Then, while the audience rewards her with a thunderous standing ovation, the male dancer steps back into the shadows while she is celebrated and adored.

What if we husbands adopted that same attitude toward our wives? What if men asked themselves, “How can I showcase my wife and honor her? How can I support her so that other people see the beautiful woman that I see?

How can I bring out the best in her?” Don’t just love your wife; cherish her.

I agree with the dancer who said, “My job is to make the beautiful yet more beautiful.” I think that’s the job of every husband as well.

HOW TO TELL IF TEENAGER IS FAKING Q: How can I tell if our teenager is faking an illness to get out of school? He often complains of not feeling well on school day mornings, but interestingly enough, his symptoms usually disappear by midafternoon and rarely surface at all on weekends. Is it wrong of me to distrust him?

Danny Huerta, Vice President, Parenting and Youth: Many kids struggle with overwhelming stress and the anxiety of going to school. It may be that your son truly does not feel well because of this. (For example, our emotions affect our digestive system.) Consider taking him

to a doctor and/or a counselor who could help determine what might be contributing to these morning episodes. If a medical evaluation uncovers a specific diagnosis, come to an agreement about what should be done—including the parameters for going to school versus staying home.

If the problem doesn’t appear to be an ongoing physical illness, ask your son what he thinks about the night before school or on school day mornings. Discuss what is happening socially at school, in the neighborhood or at church. Ask questions with no obvious right or wrong answer (“Who do you like to hang out with?” or “What’s your least favorite class?” or “What causes you the most stress?”). This may provide opportunity to talk about things that influence how he is feeling emotionally and physically.

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October 2018 • 35

with Jim Daly Armed with that information, there are several practical things you can do to help your son. Look at how you handle stress, and proactively model how to do so in healthy ways. Work with him to find and practice what best helps him to process anxiety, according to his personality and interests.

CONSIDER FOLLOWING A BROAD SET OF PRINCIPLES WHEN MANAGING MONEY

Q: My wife just got a new job with a substantially Also, acknowledge that life can be scary and also man- better salary, and I received a significant promotion. aged. Help your child feel heard and validated. Remind We’re empty-nesters and want to handle our increased him that you’re on his team and care deeply for him. Help income responsibly. (We haven’t always been the best financial decision makers in the past.) What should we him feel safe in sharing what troubles him. keep in mind?

Finally, set some positive goals together (attendance, Jim: This isn’t really a question about the best way to grades, etc.) and celebrate as those objectives are met. use your money. That’s a highly subjective issue that we Again, don’t be afraid to seek help as you go through this can’t possibly resolve for you. What you really want is a process. We can help you find a local counselor through broader set of principles. Financial expert Ron Blue sugour referral network; visit FocusOnTheFamily.com or call gests the following criteria-based model for making fiscal decisions: 1-800-232-6459.

• For people of faith—pray together about how to handle your money.

• Define your decision. What’s the question? Many times your decision statement will include such words as “choose,” “select” and “best.”

• Clarify your objectives. What are you trying to achieve?

What are the decision criteria?

• Prioritize your objectives. What are the non-negotiables? What are the trade-offs?

• Identify your alternatives.

• Evaluate your alternatives. What are the facts?

• Make a preliminary decision.

• Assess the risk. What could go wrong here?

• Make the final decision.

• Test the decision.

This multistep matrix has a number of benefits. Perhaps the most important is its capacity for maximizing objectivity, minimizing bias and thus defusing emotion-based disagreements. If you discuss and apply it carefully, you will separate the relevant data from the trivial, provide direction for your thinking and set the stage for consensus as a household.

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

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Duke Energy provides financial support for STEM Academies Iraqi journalists visit Lakewood High’s Center for Journalism and Multimedia

Five Iraqi journalists spoke with students who are in Lakewood High School’s Center for Journalism and Multimedia program.

Lakewood High School hosted five Iraqi journalists Thursday who came to inform Center for Journalism and Multimedia students about what it’s like to be a journalist in Iraq.

With thorough answers to the students’ questions, the Iraqi journalists described a country where very little press freedom leaves them at risk every day. Despite those risks, they joined the field of journalism to make a change by exposing corruption and injustices in their country, whether it pertains to politics, economics or other social issues. The Iraqi journalists noted that stakes are much higher for them than they are for journalists in America, where press freedom is taken for granted.

“We are not afraid,” one of the Iraqi journalists said. “We keep working.”

The journalists traveled to the United States as part of the World Partnership program and the United States Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program.

The students in Lakewood High’s Center for Journalism and Multimedia program were astonished by the stories that were shared about journalists who had been attacked and even killed for the stories they had written.

“It was really interesting to listen to them because of how different freedom of the press is in Iraq,” said Cristin Thomas, a Lakewood High senior and an editor of the school newspaper. “I never really sat down to think about how different journalism is in other countries.”

- By Spartan News Network Staff Writers Malkolm Belfor and Camila Cherone

38 • October 2018

With funding from Duke Energy, the district’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Academies will be able to move students toward a brighter STEM future through innovative learning experiences.

Duke Energy presented the district with a $212,000 check this week that will facilitate the continuation of 112 after-school STEM Academies for students in grades 2-12 at 51 Title I schools.

Title I schools will be able to offer a minimum of two afterschool STEM Academies with a potential student impact of over 2,000 students.

Through PCS STEM Academies, students are immersed in STEMbased activities for an hour, once a week. The academy lasts 26 weeks. Students complete

engineering investigations that involve a series of handson activities with a real-world approach to experiencing STEM content. Each activity allows students to use their background and understanding to evaluate their progress for solving realworld problems.

The partnerships with Duke Energy affords students the opportunity to explore careers in STEM, improve team building

and leadership skills, learn about business planning, and to interact with Duke Energy employees. Since 2013, Duke Energy has donated $913,222 to the district’s K-12 STEM Department in support of the STEM Academy program. The support has impacted over 9,300 students. During this time, student achievement in mathematics and science have increased districtwide.

District to hold Family Resource Fair The Office of Strategic Partnerships will host a districtwide Family Resource Fair 9-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 13 at Thurgood Marshall Fundamental School, 3901 22nd Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL. The fair will be an opportunity for Pinellas County Schools families to learn about, interact with and gain valuable information from a variety of community resources in one location. There will be between 30 to 50 participating agencies to include: • Health Department • Housing Authority • City Municipalities • Pinellas County Government • Afterschool and Child Care Agencies • Juvenile Welfare Board • Colleges/Universities • And Much More!

ESE COLLEGE, CAREER & LIFE FAIR OCT. 10, 2018 Join us for a special event for PCS high school students with disabilities and their families.

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Evaluating Football Injuries by

by Ted Ted A. A. Kaplan, Kaplan, MD, MD, FAAP, FAAP, After After Hours Hours Pediatrics Pediatrics Urgent Urgent Care Care Dr. Ted A. Kaplan is a board certified pediatrician at After Hours Pediatrics Urgent Care (www.afterhourspediatrics.com).

School’s in session and that means football season. In today’s world, that includes children as young as four to five years old playing tackle football, with all the bells and whistles (helmets, refs, scoreboards, stadiums, etc.). It’s important to be able to evaluate your child for certain types of injuries.

Injured Arms and Legs For the younger kids (under the age of ten), unless you see some obvious deformity in the arms or legs, it will be rare your child has a serious injury, even with lots of crying and thrashing around. Gently take the child off the field and put ice on the injured area for 15 minutes: always place a cloth between the skin and the ice pack to avoid injury). If your child’s injury needs further attention, give a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and wait at least another hour

or two before seeking medical attention.

This approach will save a lot of unnecessary trips to the doctor.

If there is a visibly deformed bone, call 911 so fire rescue can splint the limb and transport your child for medical attention.

If things are improving, but there is still a sore area, continue ice treatment for 15 minutes every two hours (again, through a cloth so you don’t freeze the skin); give acetaminophen as needed; and instruct your child not to use the area until it is pain free.

Your child should not go back into a game or back to practice until there is no pain or limping without the use of pain medicine.

Some extra padding to the area that was injured (usually bruised) will make things more comfortable for your little player.

Head and Neck Injuries

You may visit the doctor to check out continuing pain sometime within the first 48 hours. Even if it is determined there is a broken bone, waiting the extra time to see if the symptoms resolve will not delay healing.

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Head and neck injuries are treated more cautiously since the potential consequences of an injury can be serious. The good news is it is rare to have significant head or neck injuries before 14-15 years old. The culprit in most of these injuries is head/helmet tackling, so do what you can to make sure your child doesn’t do this and that his coaches don’t teach or encourage it.

If your child is complaining of either head or neck pain, he should stop any further play until cleared by a doctor. If he is lying on the field complaining of either of these, call 911 so he can be moved in a safe manner.

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

(Courtesy of HCPL.)

The Tampa-Clearwater Bus carries passengers through Clearwater on a sunny day in October 1919.

(Courtesy of HCPL.)

Miss Rey, Miss Florida of 1931, poses in her swimsuit in front of a crowd of onlookers at a promotion for the Joyland Silver Dome. (Courtesy of HCPL.)

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

Bathers relaxing on Bellair Beach on a breezy summer day in 1926 are listening to music Photos courtesy of Lisa Coleman, and the Clearwater on their phonograph.

Historical Society and Arcadia Publishing. Reprinted (Courtesy of FSA.) with permission from Images of America: Clearwater,

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October 2018 • 41

October 2018

Events

October 1 - 31 2018 EPCOT FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL It’s almost time to figure out your MustEats for the 2018 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, which will run from October 1 - November 12, 2018! Your EPCOT admission is all that’s needed to participate in this popular event! The Festival will play host to seminars, tasting events, and sumptuous meals overseen by top Disney Chefs as well as renowned guest Chefs. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com October 1 - 14 WINTER & HOPE’S BIRTHDAY BUBBLE BASH

month, between 12-7pm. Join us for free, family fun at the GCM. www.glazermuseum.org October 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 TERRIFIC TOTS AT GREAT EX Join the Great Ex S.T.E.A.M. Team at 9:30am at Sundial in downtown St. Petersburg to participate in this iconic Great Ex program. Terrific Tots is a FREE members-only program that offers a unique bonding experience for children aged 1-3 and their caregivers! Explore art, music and language with your little one in this fun and safe environment. In the beginning of each class we’ll join in sing-a-longs that encourage movement and parent involvement. www.greatex.org

October 5 & 6 RAYMOND JAMES POPS: BERNSTEIN’S BROADWAY Celebrate a century of Leonard Bernstein, one of America’s greatest composers and musicians. Featuring some of his best loved works for musical theater, including selections from West Side Story, Candide, On the Town and more. www.floridaorchestra.org

October 6 & 20 MFA MAKE & TAKE SATURDAYS Create your own masterpiece inspired by works in the collection and special exhibitions. Supplies are included. FREE with Museum admission. No registration necessary. Recommended for ages five and older, but entire families are encouraged to participate. www.mfastpete.org

October 6 - 7 WORLD SPACE WEEKEND AT MOSI Blast off and visit MOSI Tampa during World Space Week! Join us at the Museum of Science & Industry Oct 6th & 7th for World Space Weekend! The weekend will feature a new Planetarium movie premier, fun activities in the Idea Zone and a special exhibit path. Plus, celebrate the return of Tampa Bay Lightning hockey by wearing your Lightning gear to MOSI on Oct 7th & get a free Sky Trail Ropes ticket. www.mosi.org

October 6 TAMPA BAY ROWDIES HOME GAMES Rowdies fans here’s your chance to cheer on your home town team and enjoy a fun filled evening at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete as the Tampa Bay Rowdies host the Charlotte Independence! www.rowdiessoccer.com

October 6 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING VS. FLORIDA PANTHERS - SEASON OPENER The Lightning open the 2018-19 campaign with their first game of the season against the Florida Panthers at AMALIE Arena.

Also, the Lightning will host Vancouver, Columbus, Carolina, New Jersey and Detroit

Join us in celebrating Winter’s 13th and Hope’s 8th birthdays! This October the CMA invites guests to come and have a bubbly-fun time for Winter and Hope’s Birthday Bubble Bash presented by Clearwater Toyota. Kids 12 and under who bring a birthday card for Winter or Hope will receive $9.99 admission at the ticket window. www.seewinter.com October 2 TODDLER TUESDAYS AT ZOOTAMPA Join us for a spooky Toddler Tuesday this month! Enjoy an exclusive preview of the all-new Creatures of the Night show, “Pigpimples School of Mystery and Mayhem!” Come dressed in your Halloween costume for festive and spooky morning at the Zoo! www.zootampa.org October 2 CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH FREE TUESDAY AT THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The Children’s Board of Hillsborough proudly presents a Free Admission Tuesday program held on the first Tuesday of every

42 • October 2018

October 6, 13, 20 & 27 DILLYDALLY WITH DALI Children can discover the creative world of Dali through games, puzzles and arts + crafts activities which educate and encourage family interaction. Dillydally with Dali takes place under the direction of the museum’s Family Programs Coordinator in the 1st floor Education Classroom. www.thedali.org

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throughout the month. So grab your gear, head downtown and help bring the Thunder! www.nhl.com/lightning October 6 SILLY SAM THE MUSIC MAN Silly Sam brings his magical treasure of wind instruments, strings, percussion and electronics for kids to connect with the wonder of sound. www.strazcenter.org October 7 4192-AN EVENING WITH PETE ROSE Baseball’s hit king, Pete Rose, returns to Clearwater for his Capitol Theatre debut with 4192 - An Evening with Pete Rose Live! Pete will share stories of his past in baseball in this Broadway style theatrical event that captures the golden years of America’s pastime. Storytelling, enhanced with visuals, will make the audience laugh as well as be inspired by “Charlie Hustle.”

Pete Rose is an American icon and, in this show, he tells it all as he takes you inside the game of baseball as no other person can. www.rutheckerdhall.com

your favorite characters: Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Sofia The First, Puppy Dog Pals, Elena of Avalor, Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, The Lion Guard, Muppet Babies and more! Kids of all ages and their families are invited to get up and dance, play games and join the biggest dance party around! www.strazcenter.org October 13 - 14 HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN IN CONCERT Relive the magic of your favorite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ In Concert. Based on the third installment of J.K. Rowling’s classic saga, fans of all ages can now experience the thrilling tale accompanied by the music of a live symphony orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen. www.strazcenter.org October 13 LORD OF THE DANCE AT RUTH ECKERD HALL

October 7 DISNEY JUNIOR DANCE PARTY ON TOUR AT THE STRAZ Are you ready to DANCE?!? Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour Presented by PullUps® Training Pants is an ALL-NEW interactive live concert experience. Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with Ruth Eckerd Hall presents Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games Saturday, October 13 at 8 pm. The Lord of the Dance story emerges from the dreams of the Little Spirit. It is a classic tale of good versus evil. In her dream, the Lord of the Dance represents all things good in the world, but he must fight against evil in the form of The Dark Lord and his army of Dark Disciples. The show features cutting edge technology including a giant Radiant flat screen that spans the width of the stage, special effects lighting, dancing robots and world champion acrobats. Let the dance

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

embrace you and take you on a journey filled with energy and passion. www.rutheckerdhall.com October 14 GREAT CONNECTIONS AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Connect your family with other families and with resources in the community. For this event, Great Explorations Children’s Museum will open early for children with special needs and their families to enjoy Great Connections, a sensory-friendly event. Great Explorations will close to the public, offer discounted admission and provide a “cool down” room for families who need to take a break. www.greatex.org October 14 A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Find pirates, explorers, Florida pioneers and other ghosts from Florida’s past sneaking around the museum galleries during A Night at the Museum, Sunday, Oct. 14 at the Tampa Bay History Center!

Families are invited to haunt the History Center while they trick or treat their way through the museum and collect candy from historical figures and fictional characters come to life. The historical characters are joined by fictional ones, too: Storm troopers and a Darth Vader will join in on the Halloween fun. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org October 18 MUSIC IN THE MUSEUM AT THE HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM On the third Thursday of each month visit the Museum at 11 AM to hear a live classical music performance. Live concerts were the most popular daily entertainment at the Tampa Bay hotel, and Music in the Museum restores this authentic tradition.

Enjoy the sounds of the harp, guitar, or violin as you explore the Museum. This program is included with admission to the Museum. www.plantmuseum.com

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 18 - 21 PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL Students in grades 8 through 12 get creepy and kooky in this original tale of a grown-up Wednesday Addams bringing home Gomez’s worst nightmare—a nice, respectable, normal boy. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s new boyfriend and his equally normal parents. This hilarious musical version is filled with clever new songs and memorable characters from the nostalgic television show, just in time for Halloween. www.strazcenter.org October 18 - 21 CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY

October marks the return of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Oct. 18-21. The signature annual event on the waterfront in beautiful Coachman Park is one of the most popular and enduring jazz festivals in America, consistently drawing tens of thousands of attendees annually, many of whom plan their Florida vacations around it. The 2018 lineup features an exciting blend of classic and contemporary musical acts that continue the festival’s jazz tradition but celebrate a variety of genres. For the complete lineup, further info and to buy tickets, visit ClearwaterJazz.com. www.rutheckerdhall.com

October 2018 • 43

October 20 THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS

When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic, inter-planetary field trip. But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system. Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in Theatreworks USA’s new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic. www.strazcenter.org

when the magazine was first published 50 years ago.

View his iconic photos as he talks about his memorable encounters with Bill Graham and rock stars of his time. $9 per person for general admission and/or free for Museum members. www.flholocaustmuseum.org October 26 THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA - EVENING AT BACH’S COFFEEHOUSE Go Baroque with TFO’s strings, led by renowned conductor and harpsichord soloist Jeannette Sorrell. The program features Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, along with music by Telemann and Vivaldi. You couldn’t have a better guide in your journey back to the Baroque period, when the orchestra was born. www.strazcenter.org

October 27 WALK TAMPA: CENTRAL AVENUE BLACK HISTORY TOUR Led by noted local historian Fred Hearns, you’ll tour “the Harlem of the South,” Tampa’s Central Avenue district.

Learn about life in Tampa’s African-American community, from the 1890s through the late 1960s. This outdoor trek begins at the new Robert Saunders Public Library and explores the social, political, musical and religious traditions of Tampa’s Black life in Tampa. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

Have an Event?

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

October 20 JEREMY STOLLE LIVE IN CONCERT

Most any Broadway fan will recognize Jeremy Stolle after his electrifying eight-plus year run as multiple characters in The Phantom of the Opera. Now the mask is off for this intimate cabaret concert featuring Jeremy and his piano accompanist in a night of Broadway tunes, swingin’ jazz standards and hits from his debut album In The Moment. www.strazcenter.org October 22 HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA AT THE TAMPA THEATRE Everybody needs a vacation now and then. Doesn’t matter how much you love your job, sometimes you just need to get away from everything for a while. Especially when you’re under threat of persecution by human society because you’re, like, a werewolf or a mummy or Frankenstein’s monster or whatever. That’s why Dracula has turned his castle in Transylvania into a kind of bedand-breakfast for monsters. www.tampatheatre.org October 24 THE ROLLING STONE YEARS Baron Wolman was Rolling Stone’s Chief Photographer

44 • October 2018

S TA R T P L AY I N G T O DAY

The hospital can be a scary place for anyone, especially children.

Big machines and doctors in masks can seem like monsters.

At St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, we help kids and their parents get to know the monsters. Because once you understand them, the things that scare us aren’t so bad after all.

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The Gulf Coast Family Weekender

FRIDAY

5

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Magic Kingdom, Select Nights in October www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

Dress up for this “not-so-scary” occasion where all kinds of candies and sweets are just waiting for you to find.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium www.seewinter.com

Artists use the pavement as their canvas to create breathtaking traditional and 3D chalk paintings.

26

6

Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends Busch Gardens www.buschgardens.com

13

12 19

SATURDAY

www.clearwaterbeachchalkwalk.com EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

Celebrate Halloween with Elmo, Abby, Grover and all your favorite Sesame Street friends!

Show off your costume while you trick-or-treat, make crafts, and more.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert Straz Center www.strazcenter.org

Relive the magic of your favorite wizard. Fans of all ages can experience the thrilling tale accompanied by the music of a live symphony orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen.

20 27

Tampa Pig Jig Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park www.tampapigjig.com

SUNDAY

7

21

2

The Florida Orchestra Disney in Concert – Tale as Old as Time Straz Center www.strazcenter.org

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

A magical journey into storytelling and music with the timeless tales of Disney. Brought to life by Broadwaycaliber singers and film sequences.

3

USF Bulls vs Tulane Green Wave Raymond James Stadium www.gousfbulls.com

Cheer on the USF Bulls as they take on the Tulane Green Wave at Raymond James Stadium.

Big Shot Volleyball Tournament Clearwater Beach www.eevb.net

EEVB has grown into the largest beach volleyball series in the country.

The highest level in the tournaments, the Open Division, funnels players into the Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.

Buccaneers vs Eagles www.buccaneers.com

28

www.johnspass.com

NOV

Are you ready to DANCE?!?

Kids of all ages and their families are invited to get up and dance, play games and join the biggest dance party around!

14

Enjoy great food, live music, games and a BBQ competition.

The event benefits NephCure Kidney International, committed to finding a cure for FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) and Nephrotic Syndrome.

The country’s best seafood festival, including Music, Entertainment and great times, all free on sunny Madeira Beach, Florida.

Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour

Straz Center www.strazcenter.org

4

44th Annual International Folk Fair Vinoy Park www.spiffs.org

St Petersburg International Folk Fair returns for its 44th year! The festival showcases food and culture from 36+ member organizations representing immigrants from nations across the globe.

Straz Live! in the Park Curtis Hixon Park www.strazcenter.org

Enjoy this free family-friendly mash-up of an afternoon picnic, a concert in the park and a block party!

Go Bulls!

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 2018 • 45

s e k o J

for the Month

Halloween Survival Guide

1. When it appears that you have killed the monster, never check to see if it's really dead.

START HERE

2. If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice, more if you are of the female persuasion. Also note that, despite the fact that you are running and the monster is merely shambling along, it's still moving fast enough to catch up with you.

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Tired of paying too much for cable?

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NEW WAVE CABLE 46 • October 2018

We offer cable at only $25.00 per month (no added charges ever)

No additional charge for HBO, Cinamax, Showtime, Starz and Pay-Per-View completely free, plus over 500 channels Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

3. Do not search the basement, especially if the power has gone out.

4. If you find a town which looks deserted, it's probably for a reason. Take the hint and stay away.

5. Don't fool with DNA technology unless you're sure you know what you're doing.

6. Stay away from certain geographical locations, some of which are listed here: Amityville, Elm Street, Transylvania, the Bermuda Triangle, or any small town in Maine.

7. If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behavior such as hissing, fascination for blood, glowing eyes, increasing hairiness, and so on, get away from them as fast as possible.

Did you hear about the cannibal who was expelled from school?

He was buttering up his teacher.

What goes “Ha-ha-ha… THUD!”?

A monster laughing his head off How can you tell when a vampire has been in a bakery?

All the jelly has been sucked out of the jelly doughnuts.

What did the mother ghost say to the baby ghost?

“Don't spook until you're spooken to.”

What do you do with a green monster?

Wait until it ripens.

What do you get when you divide the circumference of a pumpkin by its radius?

Pumpkin pi.

What game do ghost like to play?

Peek-a-Boo. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Reader

PH TOs {of the month}

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.

Natalie I didn't do it, nobody saw me do it, there's no way you can prove anything!

Jade

Forget Love, Fall in Coffee

Makayla Fashion is what you buy. Style is what you do with it. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Hunter “You miss 100% of the shots you don't take” – Wayne Gretzky

Moses Let your smile change the world!

Aaliyah

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

The world is our playground October 2018 • 47

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

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

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

Partnering with the local church since 1953

Financial Aid Available

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

A Home for Christian families