Gulf Coast Family - June 2019

June 2019

Vol. 12 Issue 6

S o a r I nto Su mmer

Family Night Out

Publisher: Editor: Designer: Web Developer:

Rodney Beck Jennifer Beck Michael Crumley Matthew Crumley

For advertising opportunities: sales@gulfcoastfamily.org © Gulf Coast Family Publications 2019

Gulf Coast Family Publications P.O. Box 3803, Seminole, FL 33775 Phone: (727) 612-0783 Fax: (727) 865-5135

Phothteo of Month

Corban, Atalia & Elora

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.

“Schools Out, Summers In, Let the Drama Stop and The Fun Begin.”

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

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

Look for Gulf Coast Family in these locations:

2 • June 2019

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June 2019 • 3

June 2019

24

Diaries: Finding 10 Dungy Balance in Life

Soar Into Summer

to Parent 6 Parent

by Jennifer Beck

New Rental Car Laws 22 Species Spotlight: Koala 14 Florida’s

by Chris Reynolds Joey Emerges from Mother’s

7 Movie Night June We Recommend 8 This That You…

15 It’s Great to Create!

Mommy Must-Haves 9 10 by iMom.com

Grown-Ups 17 Celebrating

by Sarah Cole, Glazer

Pouch at ZooTampa

by ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Young to App? 16 Too

by PluggedIn.com

Tropical Garden 23 The

by Jené VanButsel 24 Soar Into Summer

Children’s Museum

Diaries 10 Dungy

by Tony Dungy, AllProDad.com

12 June Fun Facts Ways to Make Dad’s Day 13 10 by iMom.com

Families Together 18 Bringing for a Bright Future

by Krista, Kim and Carey, Camelot Community Care

19 Heart Gallery 21 Education Spotlight

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Summer 30 Budget-Friendly Activities That Help You Lose Weight

Your Kids 31 Entertain This Summer Learning Part of Your 32 Make Summer Fun

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4 • June 2019

Keep Kids Safe from 40 Help Drowning, Unsafe Sleep,

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42 June 2019 Events 44 Weekender 45 Reader Photos of the Month 46 June is Men’s Health Month Now Enrolling for Fall

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June 2019 • 5

Parent to Parent Every time my husband swims with the sharks at Typhoon Lagoon or any other water park, he is always the last person out of the water. And not by a little. He always has workers trying to get his attention and speed him along so that a new group can get in. But since his head is under water, he of course can’t hear them, and he spends several more minutes enjoying the sharks than anyone else.

A few years ago, the kids and I got Rodney his best birthday present ever – a backstage tour and the chance to snorkel in the huge aquarium at Epcot.

Once again, he was the very last person out of the water, having used every drop of oxygen in his tank.

taken scuba diving lessons. We’ve actually looked into it several times for him, but there was always something about the schedule that didn’t work – either the classes were at an inconvenient time, the practice dives were too far away, or both. So when I found out that the cruise we are taking this summer has scuba lessons available on the ship and at the ports, I knew we needed to take advantage of that.

Then last year, our family went on a cruise, and one of our stops was in the Honduras, where the world’s second-largest coral reef is just a few hundred feet offshore. For the occasion, I bought an extra fullface snorkeling mask. We already had one, and I figured that with two, we could all take turns, and everyone should get plenty of time to see the reef.

Well, that was a little naïve of me. As it turned out, seven of us – the four kids, me, and my two brothers who were on the trip with us – all got to take turns using one of the masks, while Rodney spent almost three hours monopolizing the other one! He did get a very bad sunburn on his back as punishment, but he considered that to be a small price to pay for all of the amazing fish he got to see!

So a few weeks from now, Rodney should come back from the Caribbean with his Open Water Diving Certification, and he is very excited.

Given his track record though, the rest of the family is just a tiny bit worried that he might wander off from his instructors while he is underwater.

For as much as he clearly loves to watch sea creatures, you might wonder why Rodney has never

Until next time,

Jennifer

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Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and a new toy named Forky. The adventurous journey turns into an unexpected reunion as Woody’s slight detour leads him to his long-lost friend Bo Peep. As Woody and Bo discuss the old days, they soon start to realize that they’re worlds apart when it comes to what they want from life as a toy.

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June 2019 • 7

This June we recommend that you…

Photo by Silver Moon Custom Art & Photography

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Pulitzer Prize–winning historian David McCullough rediscovers an important and dramatic chapter in the American story—the settling of the Northwest Territory by dauntless pioneers who overcame incredible hardships to build a community based on ideals that would come to define our country. The Pioneers is a uniquely American story of people whose ambition and courage led them to remarkable accomplishments.

This is a revelatory and quintessentially American story.

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SEE IT Busch Gardens Summer Nights The thrills come out at night at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from June 1 to August 5 during Summer Nights. Thrill seekers can challenge world-class thrill rides like the park’s newest spin coaster, Cobra’s Curse, and North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower Falcon’s Fury in the DARK. And celebrate with an amazing fireworks show as Busch Gardens lights up the sky every night of the event with an incredible aerial display set to popular music.

The Gelatin Plunge is your chance to make a difference in the lives of the children and families supported by the Children’s Cancer Center (CCC).

Started in 2013 by the CCC, the Gelatin Plunge has raised more than $650,000 to help families fighting cancer. The Plunge embodies the lively spirit of the CCC and has attracts hundreds to plummet down a slide into a pool filled with 2,000 gallons of orange gelatin. This charitable event has proven to be a moving and one-of-a-kind cause which embodies the spirit of Tampa Bay.

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8 • June 2019

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June 2019 • 9

DUNGY DIARIES

FINDING

BALANCE IN LIFE

by Tony Dungy When I was a coach people often asked how it was that even though I wasn’t a “disciplinarian,” our teams played in such a disciplined manner. I think it is because of our desire to pay attention to details and not take anything for granted. We ask players to do their jobs exactly as they should be done and to take ownership for doing them well. Doing things the right way and following through on what you are supposed to do is the difference between being a championship team and being a mediocre one.

Reaching those different personalities in the way they can understand, while at the same time helping them to grow

as people and learn to discipline themselves, is a necessary skill in coaching.

It’s very similar to my parents’ approach to teaching.

That is how I have been able to create margins—those allocations of time reflecting a commitment to the proper priorities—in my life and strike a balance between the things I have to do and those I want to do. I strive to manage my time so that when the day’s responsibilities are complete, I can head home. Here are several things that will help you if you are working on finding balance in life.

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To me, “balance” cannot be achieved simply by walking out the door at a set time or by scheduling a certain number of family activities. Rather, it is a function of our preparation and performance in those realms that we are seeking to balance, measured against our prescribed priorities.

In other words, if I work hard and get my work done, I can go home knowing that I have given my employer my best. If I am diligent when I am at home about being present for Lauren and my children, then I can leave with a clear conscience and right relationships when it is time to go back to the office.

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Two Obstacles to Creating Margin

The two biggest obstacles I have seen in creating margins in our lives are poor time management and workaholism.

The former keeps you from ever feeling like you can allow yourself to leave the office, while the latter is a function of misaligned priorities, a distorted selfimage, or some combination of both.

I know many men who have professional achievement as their main priority: climbing the corporate ladder all the way to the top. For some of these men, it probably flows from a sense that this will make them more valuable as men-or at least seem more valuable to themselves and others. They see themselves in terms of the respect, the status, or possibly the power that they hope to achieve through the job. Still others probably have an inadequate and unfinished image of themselves, and they believe-subconsciously at times-that more work helps them to be complete.

They see themselves as the determined,

diligent, committed worker, and therefore spend too many hours at the office trying to fulfill that image they have created.

Some men use the office as an escape from their families. To those, I say, have some guts. Make some changes. Go home and start restoring relationships one day at a time. Avoidance doesn’t solve anything; it merely serves as a temporary salve.

For the great majority, however, I would suspect that the inability to prioritize and work through tasks during the day is the single biggest impediment to having enough time to do the things they would like to do.

Doing things the right way all the time is the hallmark of a good team, and the cornerstone of a balanced life.

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June 7th

Ju n e FU N FACTS

480 Years Ago

In the summer of 1539, Hernando de Soto landed nine ships with over 620 men and 220 horses here in south Tampa Bay. On June 3, 1539 Soto claimed formal possession of the Florida peninsula for Spain. Soto’s ships brought priests, craftsmen, engineers, farmers, and merchants — some with their families. De Soto’s expedition explored La Florida for three years, however, he never found any expected treasures or a hospitable sites for colonization.

June 14 is Flag Day, a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag. Our nation’s flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation… one nation, under God, indivisible. As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. This June take time to celebrate our freedoms and raise the American flag with pride!

June 14, 2019

is National Doughnut Day, and Krispy Kreme is celebrating! You can join them — with a free tasty treat — by stopping in for your free doughnut at any of Krispy Kreme’s participating locations! This sweet national holiday was established by the Salvation Army in 1938 to raise money to help people in need. With several delicious, one-of-a-kind doughnuts to select from, including the signature Krispy Kreme Original Glazed, you can pick your favorite or discover a new preferred sweet treat for FREE. No purchase is necessary to redeem the offer. For more information visit www.krispykreme.com.

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on the 6th of June, the fate of the world changed when over 160,000 Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy. This month, take the opportunity to remember and honor those men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Early dawn. Late sunset. Long day. Short night. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice officially begins at 11:54 a.m. EDT on the 21st of June. Not only is it the longest day of the year but it’s also our signal to celebrate the first day of summer.

12 • June 2019

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10 Ways To Make Dad’s Day

Celebrate your own father as well as the father of your children this June, and make Dad the center of attention for a change. Here are some ways that you and your kids can make Dad’s day!

1. Before Father’s Day, sit down and write a note to your husband, telling

him what a great dad he is and how important he is to your family. Have each of your kids write a note or draw a picture; then, on Fathers’ Day, leave them in places where Dad is sure to find them.

2. Make Dad’s favorite meals all day, starting with breakfast and ending the day with a spectacular dessert.

3. Have your kids make Dad’s Day coupons to give as a gift. They can

make coupons for hugs, kisses, shining Dad’s shoes, washing Dad’s car, total access to the TV remote… you get the idea. Use your imagination!

4. Take a walk with Dad. It’s a simple thing, but a half-hour walk away from the telephone, the TV, and the distractions of the day can be a real bonding experience.

5. Commit to complimenting Dad often. But don’t just make it a once-ayear event. Dads deserve compliments every day.

6. Make up a song about Dad and sing it to him.

7. Remember all the Dads in your family: your husband, your own father and your father-in-law, and all of your grandfathers.

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9. Indulge Dad in his favorite pastime.

On Dad’s Day, take him bowling, fishing, or browsing through the home improvement warehouse... Do whatever he enjoys doing, and do it with joy!

10. Take a few minutes at the end of the day to be thankful for the man who loves you, protects you, and provides for you.

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Florida’s New Rental Car Laws

by Chris Reynolds

Riding in a recalled rental car that the owner has not been repaired does not sound appealing.

It would not be unreasonable to assume that Florida law would not allow this to be legal. However, only as of June 1, 2016, did Florida law finally prohibit renting cars that had an unrepaired recall. So, up until recently, rental car companies have been able to legally rent vehicles that were deemed unsafe by the manufacturer itself. Further, there was no requirement for a rental car company to even inform the renter that they were getting a recalled vehicle.

In 2004, two sisters in their 20s drove in a rental car they assumed was safe to drive. What they did not know was that the vehicle had been recalled due to a steering fluid leak issue. The car they picked up had not been repaired regarding the steering fluid leak issue.

In fact, they were the fourth renter of the vehicle after the recall was announced.

Sadly, the steering fluid did begin to leak as they were driving the vehicle, and they lost control of the vehicle.

They collided with a large truck and the rental car caught on fire, killing both.

They were sisters.

The mother of the two sisters began a crusade to stop this from happening to anyone else, but it proved to be a much bigger challenge that one would have imagined. The rental car industry fought back and it has taken over a decade to enact national and Florida Laws to protect renters.

In 2014 alone, there were nearly 900 vehicle recalls in the United States involving approximately 51 million vehicles in the United States. It is reasonably believed that car companies wait before issuing a recall, so most experts believe that they number of cars that have defects is much higher than the number of recalls. The accidents that occur from defective cars endanger not only the occupants of the rental, but all vehicles on the roadway.

In 2015, congress passed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which was finally signed into law in December of 2015. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said recently, “When a family picks up a rental car on vacation, they should be able to expect it is free of any known safety defect.”

recalled vehicle without first repairing the vehicle. Florida has now enacted its own laws consistent with the FAST Act that will require Florida rental car companies to repair recalled vehicles timely and not rent recalled vehicles that have yet to be repaired.

The FAST Act prevents any rental car company or dealership from renting any

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

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a rental car, please contact a personal injury trial attorney at 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.

Buy 1 Get 1

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14 • June 2019

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

COUNTRYSIDE Westfield Countryside Mall 727-723-7785

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Buy one admission get one admission free with this coupon – Save $11 Expires 7/31/2019. Skate rental not included.

Good at all 3 facilities.

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COMPENSATION

WITH COMPASSION

Automobile Accidents Slip and Fall Wrongful Death Pedestrian Injuries Motorcycle Accidents You Focus On Healing While I Deal with the Insurance Company

Father’s Day Pot

No Fee Unless We Recover For You

• 1 Small to mid-sized flower pot • Spray paint in color of choice • Foam ball or circle • 1 wooden skewer • Construction paper • Fabric (the size you want your tie to be) • Tag board or poster board • Double sided tape • Glue

Free Consultation You Owe Nothing Until we Recover For You

Experienced Trial Attorney

727-777-7737

If a settlement can’t be reached, Chris has the experience and understanding of trial advocacy to continue working on your behalf.

Personal Injury Attorney Office in Pinellas County

Get Spotted Advertise in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper.

Are you pregnant? Interested in adoption?

Adoption is an Option Project Patchwork www.projectpatchwork.org

727-824-0863

To advertise, call

727-612-0783 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

It’s Great to Create!

Lic# 100012915

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Father’s Day is such a fun day to celebrate the men in our lives. We found a fun little craft idea that kids will enjoy making for Dad and one he will enjoy receiving, a decorated flower pot full of his favorite candy or anything else that he might like!

Directions: 1. Spray paint the pot your color of choice.

2. While the paint is drying, make the tie to go on the front. Cut a tie shape out from the fabric and then glue to poster board. Then cut out.

3. Cut out a piece of foam to go in the pot.

4. Take a wooden skewer and construction paper and make a flag to go on top.

5. Decorate flag and place skewer in the foam.

6. Using double sided tape, tape the tie on the front of the pot.

7. Fill the pot with Dad’s favorite candy.

8. Give to Dad and watch the smile on his face!

Personalized Pillow for Pa This simple and adorable Handprint Pillowcase craft project is a ton of fun for preschoolers and kindergarten children to make, and just perfect for a Mother’s Day theme unit.

• White Pillowcase • Fabric paint • Fabric marker • Paint brush • Paper plates Directions:

1. Pour a small amount of paint onto the plastic plates.

Bright paints work the best.

2. Have the children paint one of their hands and then press their hand print on the front of the pillowcase.

3. Repeat the process till the pillowcase is full of hand prints.

4. Once the pain has dried, using the fabric signature marker add the names to each hand print and any additional message you would like to ad.

5. Give to dad and let him kick back and relax!

June 2019 • 15

Too Young to App? by pluggedin.com

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pluggedin.com Not only are mobile devices more widespread than ever, but the folks using them are younger than ever, too. How young? Well, a study conducted at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia discovered that some little ones are using smartphones and tablets before they can talk or even walk.

The center surveyed hundreds of parents, discovering that 14 percent of 1-year-olds and 26 percent of 2-yearolds spend at least an hour a day using mobile media – watching TV shows, playing games, using apps. By age 4, that figure climbs to nearly 40 percent.

The Runaway Egg follows the adventures of a special egg that escapes from an Easter egg hunt. Through unpredictable circumstances, the egg travels on an incredible journey. How will the egg survive its wild adventures? Could God be behind a runaway egg?

The study’s author, Dr. Hilda Kabali, said that accepted guidelines recommend parents limit children’s screen time to two hours a day. “But most children aren’t spending time on TV anymore. They’re using tablets and smartphones.”

“Prolonged engagement in such activities limit parental interaction and affects a child’s capacity for social development,” Kabali added. “Not to mention that too much sedentary entertainment can contribute to obesity.”

Parent’s let their kids play with mobile media…

While doing chores around the house

73%

To calm the child

65%

While running errands

60%

To put the child to sleep 16 • June 2019

29%

Source: Einstein Medical Center

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Celebrating Grown-Ups

by Sarah Cole, Director of Education, Glazer Children’s Museum Last month, we celebrated moms, and talked about using the holiday as an opportunity to teach your kids how to think about someone else’s needs and wishes. This month brings us a celebration of dads and the men in our lives. This is another great chance to celebrate the adults in your child’s life!

Who can you celebrate? Dad is the obvious choice, along with grandpa, uncles, godfathers, and big brothers. Coaches, scout leaders and teachers are also on the list! Even if someone doesn’t have children, they can still celebrate!

We celebrate at home, and our kids have 4 legs and fur!

And while there are many dads out there who would love another tie, remind your kids that this is about what DAD wants. Maybe your dad would rather spend a day at the beach, or maybe a theme park? Sit down with your child and make a list of what makes this guy so special and the things he likes. Helping your children learn that adults have unique interests is a great learning moment!

In all the celebration, we should remember that for many children, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are stressful holidays. Many children today come from homes with only one parent. Some children live with grandparents or other caring adults. Children who are in foster homes may worry about who the card they make in class is for – their birth parent or their foster parent. Children with step-parents may want to make gifts for everyone. And for children raised by two moms or two dads it can be hard to divvy up the holidays.

If your family is one of the 80% of families that falls outside of the traditional model of mom + dad + kids, first of all recognize that you’re clearly not alone. Take a moment with your children to talk about what makes your family special. Be sensitive to any stress they might be feeling about the holiday.

Remind your kids that family is what you make it, and that they are

Be incredible!

loved. Don’t be afraid to address this topic with your child’s teacher or care provider if you are worried.

Use these holidays as a chance to discuss honoring and appreciating grown-ups in your child’s life. Discuss all the adults who raise children and how many adults are responsible for turning your child into the adult he or she will become. Remind your child that regardless of your own family structure, these holidays are meant to celebrate the idea of family!

So, to all the dads, grandpas, uncles, brothers, friends, teachers, mentors and other men who make a difference to a child — Happy Father’s Day! And to all of you, remember, your family is special, so embrace it!

9 am to 12pm - Weekdays (727) 894-4661 A faith-based Parents’ Morning Out program for children 3 – 23 months.

No reservations required.

For over 20 years Classical Conversations has been equipping parents to be great educators at home.

Get access now to the tools that over 40,000 families use to home educate.

classicalconversations.com/incredible www.gulfcoastfamily.org

212 3rd Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33702

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Contact: Lora UIrich Director of Children’s Ministries 727-894-4661, ext 212 June 2019 • 17

A couple of years ago, an adoptive mother voiced her struggle with post adoption services and pulled at the heartstrings of our agency. She exposed a need in our community that was underrepresented.

There is a long standing belief that on the day of adoption, all of their children’s ‘issues’ would disappear. While most children find comfort in knowing they’re in their forever home, working towards healing from their past truly begins after adoption. As a result of this mother’s plea, Camelot Community Care obtained state funding in order to serve pre and post adoptive families; who have either adopted from Hillsborough County or are currently living in Hillsborough County.

The main goals of the program are to connect adoptive families to one another for peer support, link families to community resources, provide adoption competent counseling, and support families from the beginning through the many years post adoption. Our support groups encourage 18 • June 2019

the whole family to attend; the parents meet in one room with an experienced adoptive family leader. The children meet with program staff who engage in fun activities focusing on social skills, self-esteem building, anxiety reduction, anger management and peer interactions. A mantra of the program is to connect with families, from the beginning of the adoption process, in order to give them the tools to overcome the ups and downs of parenting children from difficult pasts. Our team is made up of three very dedicated women who have extensive experience in the adoption and foster care realms. We are called to do this work so that families don’t have to struggle in isolation. So come see what we are about; join us at the support group closest to you, give us a call or shoot us an email! We would love to hear from you.

Krista, Kim and Carey Camelot Community Care Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Krista, Carey, and Kim

Contact us: www.camelotcommunitycare.org 727-593-0003 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Let Us Guide You On Your

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

Elena Age 15

Adoption Journey

Elena is sweet and down to earth. On her free time, she likes to draw and go outside.

She also loves to cook. Especially empanadas! She loves any kind of Hispanic food! If Elena could have any pet it would be a husky! She thinks they are elegant dogs. When Elena grows up, she wants to be a Lawyer. Preferably one for the Government. She wants to make a difference in this world. With a loving family, she just might be able to do that!

Destiny Adoption Services and Consulting, Inc is a private not-for-profit adoption organization that provides adoption services to birth parents who are considering placing their child for adoption and to prospective adoptive parents who wish to grow their family.

Steven Age 11

Our team offers the best in support services for the adoptive family and the birth parent, including counseling services and assistance connecting the right child with the right family in both private and dependency adoption.

We understand the adoption journey will be one of the most profound moments in your life, and we want to be by your side every step of the way.

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

Photo courtesy of Brandi Image Photography

We’re ready to help, 24 hours a day!

727-202-8966 destinyadoption.com

Steven is a caring energetic kid. He loves to play outside and with his friends. His friends would describe him as being a good friend and funny! In his free time, Steven likes to play video games, watch baseball and play outside! Steven likes school, especially PE! His favorite food is chicken fingers. Steven’s ideal family will be loving.

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.

Accepting Applications for 2019-2020 To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Photo courtesy of Peter Acker Photography

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

June 2019 • 19

Now Hiring Apply online at www.rclub.net

Strengthening children, families & communi�es since 1976

49 Convenient Loca�ons in the Tampa Bay Area VPK offered at All 10 Early Learning Academies High Quality Before & A�er School Care in 49 loca�ons throughout Pinellas County Na�onally Accredited Early Childhood Educa�on Centers & VPK, Head Start and Early Head Start throughout Pinellas & Hillsborough Coun�es ♦ Free 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Middle Schools ♦ Special Services for children 0-5 years with special needs and/or social emo�onal/ behavioral challenges ♦ HIPPY (Home Instruc�on for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) a na�onal model early Literacy program with excellent school readiness results ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

R’Club Offers a Variety of Volunteer Opportuni�es

For more informa�on contact Ka�e Yeates 727-578-5437 ext. 2951

Happy Workers an R’Club Early Learning Academy

Lic. #52511737517

www.rclub.net

Preferred Child Care Provider of the Tampa Bay Rays 20 • June 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

District’s third-graders increase reading proficiency There is still time to register for Summer VPK Will your child be attending kindergarten in August?

With summer fast approaching, there’s still time to apply for summer voluntary prekindergarten.

The program gives children a jump-start on their education. The Summer VPK program prepares children for school, helps them develop skills they need to become strong readers and enhances their social skills. If your child has not attended VPK before, they can attend VPK all day, all summer for free. Summer VPK will take place June 5 to July 26. Learn more at www.pcsb.org/summervpk.

Questions? Call 727-588-6513.

Pinellas County Schools’ third-graders increased their proficiency rate three percentage points on the English Language Arts (ELA) Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) according to results released today by the Florida Department of Education. The state’s percentage of proficient students increased by one point.

Districtwide, 68.3 percent of the district’ schools increased or remained the same in their proficiency rates.

Over 25 percent of the district’s schools (20 schools) saw double-digit increases in proficiency rates including: Belcher (+22), Blanton (+16), Brooker Creek (+13), Dunedin (+13), High Point (+17), Northwest (+23), Sanderlin (+25), Starkey (+24) and Woodlawn (+18).

The district’s highest performing schools were Tarpon Springs Fundamental, Brooker Creek and Cypress Wood elementary, scoring 97%, 89% and 84% respectively.

Within the Transformation Zone, seven of 11 schools increased their third-grade reading scores with significant gains at Ponce de Leon and Campbell Park elementary both going up 17 percentage points.

This substantial increase is a result of the district working aggressively to prioritize reading

2 Easy Steps Complete the VPK Application Online

Visit www.vpkpinellas.net and complete the online application for a Certificate of Eligibility (voucher). For information or questions regarding the online application please call the Early Learning Coalition at 727-400-4411.

Enroll at Selected School Site

To enroll, bring your Certificate of Eligibility (voucher) and the following documents to one of the school sites: • Birth certificate/proof of child’s age • Florida Certificate of Immunization (DH Form 680) • Physical examination certificate signed by a licenced examiner • Proof of Florida residency

Voluntary Pre Kindergarten Summer Sites: • • • • • • •

Bardmoor Elementary Belleair Elementary Campbell Park Elementary Dunedin Elementary Fairmount Park Elementary High Point Elementary Maximo Elementary

• • • • • •

McMullen Booth Elementary Melrose Elementary Northwest Elementary Ridgecrest Elementary Sexton Elementary Tarpon Springs Elementary

achievement in the early grades. Pinellas County Schools engaged in a year-long study of its K-5 literacy practices, seeking input from all stakeholders including students, teachers and administrators. The district is fully committed to using the recommendations of this audit to continue to improve curriculum, professional development and instructional practices to accelerate this positive trend.

Gibbs High School grad earns Tony Award nomination Pinellas County Center for the Arts graduate Ephraim Sykes has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. The nomination recognizes his portrayal of David Ruffin in “Ain’t Too Proud — The Life and Times of the Temptations.”

Sykes has also received Astaire Award nominations in the past for outstanding dancing in “Memphis” and “Newsies” and outstanding ensemble work in “Hamilton.”

“Ain’t Too Proud” has earned 12 nominations, including best musical, best book, best direction, best choreography, and best orchestrations.

The Tony Awards will air on June 9.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

June 2019 • 21

Koala Joey Emerges from Mother’s Pouch at ZooTampa at Lowry Park

Animal care team welcomes first koala baby born at the Zoo

by Andrea Alava, Director of Communications ZooTampa A koala joey has started to peek out of its mother’s pouch for the first time at ZooTampa at Lowry Park. The joey is the first koala baby born at the Zoo in its history. Once an embryo the size of a jellybean, the joey has made the journey to mom Ceduna’s pouch, where it will finish its final stages of pouch life development, with dad Heathcliff nearby.

Koalas are mammals and are sometimes referred to as bears, even though they are not. Rather, koalas are marsupials that differ from other mammals because their newborns develop inside mothers’ pouches instead of a womb. Initially, a joey is blind and earless and relies on natural instincts and strong senses of touch and smell to find its way from the birth canal to its mother’s pouch.

Ceduna, who arrived at the Zoo in 2015, and Heathcliff, who arrived

in 2014, are part of the Zoo’s effort to conserve the koala through the Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). After the pair’s successful mating, veterinary and animal care teams are celebrating the recent birth and new addition to the Australia habitat, Wallaroo Station.

Throughout the pregnancy and joey’s development, Ceduna’s care has included thermography scans that inform her care team of changes in her muscular, skeletal and nervous systems and ensure optimal health.

“We do routine check-ups with Ceduna to build strong bonds with her and ensure the highest quality of care,” said Lauren Smith, D.V.M., veterinarian at ZooTampa. “The animal care team continues to monitor Ceduna and her baby closely as the joey’s exciting development continues.”

One of Australia’s most iconic animals, koalas live primarily in forests and woodlands dominated by eucalyptus plants. Though poisonous to other species, specialized bacteria in a koala’s digestive tract enables it to break down the plant’s toxins and rely heavily on eucalyptus for its food. Mature koalas spend up to five hours feeding on the plant leaves every day. For this solitary species, the rest of the day is spent sleeping.

Up to 95 percent of a koala’s life is spent by itself. In large part because of Australia’s national pride in the species, koalas have survived the threat of extinction from habitat loss and hunting. ZooTampa is committed to continuing to aid the conservation of the species.

“We are proud to support conservation initiatives both at home and beyond,” said Dr. Larry Killmar, senior vice president and chief zoological officer at ZooTampa. “Our partnership with the Australian government allows us to support the goals and objectives of the Koala Species Survival Plan.”

Guests can catch a glimpse of Ceduna practicing her yoga poses while her joey clings to her back or belly, until it reaches one year old and can begin climbing trees on its own. To get an even closer look at this unique species, guests can add a Koala Photo Encounter presented by the Yob Family Foundation to their visit to meet the joey’s dad, Heathcliff, and receive a photo. Guests are encouraged to stay tuned to the Zoo’s social media pages for more Joey updates.

LOTS OF FUN!!

CHECK OUT OURTOTALLY COOL S! FOR BEGINNER P S U M M A MER C THROUGH ADVANCED SKATERS!

We are offering an Upscale Blend of high quality Clothing, Shoes & Accessories in an inviting “boutique” setting.

Learn to Skate Camps • Hockey Camps • Advanced Figure Skating Camps On Ice and Off Ice Activities • Includes Skating Instruction

You will also find Furniture, Household Goods, Toys and more.

All proceeds support the ministry of Keswick Christian School.

OLDSMAR

CLEARWATER

We are committed to Community Investment through participation in a FREE Clothing Voucher program.

Be a part of changing lives ... visit our store and ... be pleasantly surprised!

13940 ICOT Blvd 727-536-5843

6225 Seminole Boulevard Seminole • 202-6986 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-5pm

22 • June 2019

ATTENTION CAMP DIRECTORS!

Keep your campers cool this summer...

Daily Open Sessions with Special Group Rates!

255 Forest Lakes Blvd 813-854-4010 x0

COUNTRYSIDE

Westfield Countryside Mall

727-723-7785

10% DISCOUNT

on summer camp registration when you mention this ad (not valid with any other offer) 53112

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

June 2019 • 23

24 • June 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

June 2019 • 25

3 Take a Musical Journey through the Cosmos 4 Take the Plunge at Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park Touted as a “water theme park” instead of just a water park, Universal has sought to make a water park as thrilling as their theme parks. And they absolutely have!

Your favorite Guardians and alien band are back this summer — so join Star-Lord and Gamora for an intergalactic concert sure to send you to the cosmos! Bust a move at an out-of-this-world musical event with the Guardians and an alien band from Xandar!

your family can sing, dance and get into a cosmic groove!

After the concert, travel around the globe, Under the Sea, into Outer Space… and Beyond! Then cap off your day at EPCOT with the unforgettable sights & sounds of famous Disney fireworks show IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth! The show, which debuted Oct. 1, 1999, will close in later this summer, so say your goodbyes now while you have a chance.

From June 14 to August 18, 2019, Guests of all ages are invited to Epcot for a live concert featuring music from the films at Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! And while an alien band from Xandar plays timeless For more information on Disney’s EPCOT classics from the 70s and 80s, you and visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com.

Volcano Bay is one of the largest and best water parks in the world. Themed to a mythical South Seas island, Volcano Bay features more than a dozen water slides, two lazy rivers, children’s and toddler water play areas, whitesand beaches and a zippy aqua coaster that take you through and round the 200-foot Krakatau volcano at the heart of the park.

Volcano Bay is also the first theme park to run entirely off a virtual line system for all of their attractions. You’re free to roam around the park after you get in the virtual queue, and your TapuTapu notifies you when it’s time to ride.

This summer you will want to experience firsthand all the unique rides and fun thrills Volcano Bay has to offer.

Note: Volcano Bay does not have its own parking lot, so visitors need to park at Universal’s main parking structure, next to CityWalk. From there, guests follow signs to buses that will take you to Volcano Bay. For more information on Universal’s Volcano Bay visit www.universalorlando.com.

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

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

MARTZGROUP.COM 727•202•5561

26 • June 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

6 Build a Summer to Remember at LEGOLAND Sure, a trip to LEGOLAND Florida is always awesome. But this summer, with the addition of Bricksburg, your trip is about to be “Awesomer!”

5 Experience the Thrills of Busch Gardens Busch Gardens has 7 of the top rated coasters in America to get your adrenaline pumping—including Cobra’s Curse and their newest family thrill-ride, Tigris, which just opened in April and brings a new level of excitement as Florida’s tallest launch coaster. An innovative experience, Tigris will catapult riders through an exhilarating array of looping twists with forward and backward motion, breath-taking drops, a 150-foot skyward surge, and an inverted heartline roll, all at more than 60 miles per hour. Tigris will race riders along more than 1,800 feet of steel track designed to mimic the awe-inspiring agility of the world’s largest and most powerful cat –the tiger.

theme park ranks among the largest zoos in the world. It’s a don’t-miss attraction for children and adults who can see, in person, all those wild beasts they’ve watched on Animal Planet. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has more than 2,000 exotic animals living in natural-style environments.

Although its heart-pounding thrill rides get much of the attention, this amazing

For more information on the park visit www.buschgardens.com.

This Summer, Busch Gardens Tampa events include the signature Summer Nights festival. It returns with more heat, featuring an end-of-night show packed with live musicians, singers, dancers and artists from around the world. Plus, summer nights are a great time to cool off with the rush of Busch Gardens’ world-class thrill rides.

Play! Learn! Grow!

• • • •

• Unikitty’s Disco Drop which is a drop-style ride which brings guests to the top of Cloud Cuckoo Land before dropping, spinning, and bouncing them back down to the ground.

• Battle of Bricksburg which requires the help of Master Builders everywhere!

For more information on the park visit www.legoland.com/florida/.

Created in conjunction with Warner Bros, the brandnew land will also include three family-friendly attractions all inspired by THE LEGO MOVIE and THE LEGO MOVIE 2: The Second Part. The three rides include:

STARKEY ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH presents

Pinellas County Schools Pre-K 3 and VPK

Nurturing programs where children:

The immersive world of THE LEGO MOVIE comes to life when you step out into the streets of Bricksburg and embark on a bricktastic journey with all of your LEGO friends. Throughout the city of Bricksburg, guests can enjoy character meet and greets inside Emmet’s apartment, the Taco Tuesday Everyday eater, and the Awesome Shop. Plus, the new land features a space-themed playground inspired by Benny’s ship.

• Masters of Flight which takes guests on an adventure onboard Emmet’s Triple Decker Flying Couch.

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

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

Date: July 15 – 19, 2019 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Place: Starkey Road Baptist Church, 8800 Starkey Road, Seminole Cost: $35 early registration

New Online Application Process Apply at reservation.pcsb.org

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

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

($45 after June 30)

T-shirt and snacks included

Cheerleading (6-12 yrs.)

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

Flag Football (8-12 yrs) Team 45

(special program for 4 & 5 year olds)

Register online at www.SRBC.org or call 727-397-1654 To advertise, call 727-612-0783

June 2019 • 27

7 Explore the Sea at SeaWorld Orlando This summer immerse yourself in wonder at SeaWorld Orlando, where the aquatic world comes alive. Only at Sea World can you experience Orlando’s new tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, Mako, named for one of the ocean’s fastest known sharks. Then, see the world through the eyes of a penguin in the thrilling, chilling adventure of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, and laugh to the all-new Clyde & Seamore’s Sea Lion High show.

You can also climb aboard and ride the mighty Manta, experience the power and grace of killer whales in the awe-inspiring Shamu

show One Ocean, and share an epic voyage with sea turtles on the 3D 360 TurtleTrek.

Guests can also embark on a new deep sea virtual reality mission alongside sea creatures inspired by extinct and legendary animals of the past, including the mighty Kraken. The addition of VR to this fan-favorite brings a new level of excitement and interest in Kraken, for both new and returning guests.

For more information on SeaWorld’s amazing attractions visit www.seaworld.com.

Faith Foundation Future

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

500 84th Ave St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727-360-1113 28 • June 2019

8 Blast Off Into A World of Wonderment at Kennedy Space Center

There’s no better place to revel in the science of space than at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral.

Something between a museum and a theme park all about space exploration, there’s a lot to see and do at this family destination, including the Heroes and Legends attraction and the awe inspiring Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit.

The Kennedy Space Center is a must-do for any family interested in science, space and American history. This summer join the Kennedy Space Center as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo Program. This summer the commemoration continues with a series of on-site and community events honoring the historic Moon landing of Apollo 11, and giveaways on all milestone dates.

Plus, new and redesigned exhibits will continuously be added to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, showcased in a big ceremony this July.

Don’t miss out on these celebrations!

For more information on the Kennedy Space Center’s amazing attractions visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

10 Swing into Summer with your Tampa Bay Rays

9 Jump aboard the Hogwarts Express at Universal

Two things are synonymous with summer here in the Tampa Bay area: Sunshine and Baseball. Whether you’re excited to go to the ballpark or just watch a MLB game from home, the Tampa Bay Rays have something special planned all summer long! So get your friends and family together and have fun cheering on your Tampa Bay Rays.

Enter two lands of groundbreaking thrills and magical fun in Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. Step inside the story on the streets of Diagon Alley where hidden dangers lurk far beneath Gringotts bank. Travel to the village of Hogsmeade and into Hogwarts castle for a spellbinding journey through the skies.

This summer enjoy $2 Kids Tuesdays, Senior special Thursdays, $7.11 tickets from 7-Eleven on Fridays, and over a dozen unique and fun collectible weekend giveaways. This June make some memories with your family and come catch a game and all the new excitement happening at Tropicana Field.

Experience the wizarding world like never before—joining Hagrid to fly far beyond the grounds of Hogwarts castle, deep into the wilds of the Forbidden Forest, to discover rare magical creatures on an all-new thrilling roller coaster adventure - Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure opening June 13.

Universal Orlando will send the entire family on a journey beyond imagination featuring unforgettable rides and attractions, extraordinary entertainment and some of the wizarding world’s most well-known restaurants and shops.

For more information visit www.universalorlando.com.

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

Sometimes All It Takes Is A Bloom. We deliver them to St. Petersburg, FL or nationwide. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

June 2019 • 29

Budget-Friendly Summer Activities That Help You Lose Weight Kids Love Them Too! Getting the whole family together this summer is a great way to create special memories and stay fit. With all the beach outings, park picnics and backyard barbeques, when do you have time to hit the gym and burn off those extra calories?

Turn your family activities into a fun way to exercise together!

Check out these budget-friendly or free activities that are fun for parents and gets your child’s creative juices flowing.

Fit Tip: Rock climbing builds upper body strength, improves balance and increases teamwork and confidence.

Jumping is a cardio workout that improves your heart health, balance and coordination.

Go for a swim

Go for an evening swim to socialize with other families, play with the kids and get fit.

Fit Tip: Swimming increases muscle tone and strength,

improves flexibility, burns calories and improves breathing functions.

When making weekend plans, use these ideas as a guide to enjoy the beautiful weather, create family memories and shed a few pounds!

p

Family Fun Activities That Count as Exercise

Day Cam

The activities below won’t break the bank and are guaranteed to bring lots of fun while working up a sweat!

Plus, they’re ideal for working parents and make great weekend plans.

Bike ride around the neighborhood

With more daylight, this is an after dinner activity you can plan on the fly. It gets the family moving, out of the house and provides a full body workout.

Fit Tip: Cycling builds strength and muscle tone, burns calories, improves coordination and reduces stress.

Monday through Friday

Fit Tip: Running will increase your heart rate and begin burning fat.

Relay races

Races are an exciting and fast-paced activity for small or large groups and can be set up at the beach, park or in your backyard. Create a course, organize teams and even place some obstacles along the way (filling up a bucket with water or sand) for a more challenging race.

Fit Tip: Combining cardio and interval training helps you burn calories even after your workout.

Bounce houses, indoor trampoline jump centers and rock climbing walls

Kids love to climb and jump on mostly anything! Give them a way to get out their energy and have a blast at a jump center or rock climbing wall. They’ll work up a sweat and tell their friends about it.

30 • June 2019

7 AM – 6 PM

Ulmerton Rd

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

102nd Ave N

Seminole Blvd

Starting a game of softball is easy and requires no advanced planning. Grab a ball, bases and your kids, and then have a ball!

June 3 – August 9 113th St N

Backyard softball

Bryan Dairy Rd

Park Blvd

Half Day & Full Day – Register Today!

727-391-9788 www.seminoleag.org

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

ENTERTAIN YOUR KIDS THIS SUMMER!

Summer is coming, and so are the long days of figuring out how to keep the kids busy without spending every last cent. Here are several great ideas that are both fun and wallet friendly.

AMC Summer Movie Camp

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity to take the kids to this summer, AMC Theatres is offering a $4 movie deal to keep them occupied while school is out.

Admission to a kid-friendly movie and a KidsPack containing popcorn, a fountain drink and a pack of AMC Footi Tootis is just $4 plus tax.

The special offer is every Wednesday morning throughout the summer at participating AMC location.

The promotion is called “Summer Movie Camp,” and there are participating locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. While you’re saving at the movies, AMC also recently announced its “Discount Tuesdays” deal is here to stay for 2019.

Planet Fitness Free Summer Membership

As part of a broader Teen Summer Challenge initiative, national gym chain Planet Fitness is giving teenagers ages 15 to 18 a free membership for the summer, lasting from May 15 to Sept. 1.

That’s right, parents, FREE. There are no gimmicks; teens just have to be at least 15 years old and work out at the gym where they signed up. Online signups are not available, so Mom and Dad’s only role is to take their teens over and sign a waiver (for those under 18). Once the waiver is signed, parents can leave their child to work out alone.

Fitness classes will be offered to the teens Monday through Friday, as will opportunities to win prizes and scholarships. Free membership for teens is available at any Planet Fitness location in the Tampa Bay area. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

AMF bowling centers

AMF is again offering their great free summer bowling promotion. You have to register your kids with AMF’s free bowling website, and they will be able to bowl two free games every single day this summer. All you pay for is shoe rental, and snacks if your kids can persuade you to buy them. This offer is good through September 2.

If you like to bowl as well, AMF is offering several adult and family specials as well. So, even if you only go once or twice, it is a great way to get out of the heat and have a little family fun. For more information on the Free Kids Bowling visit AMF’s website at www. kidsbowlfree.com.

Vertical Ventures Rock Climbing Gym

Do your kids love to climb things? Then Vertical Ventures is the place for you with over 6,000 sq. ft. of rock climbing excitement. Every day Vertical Ventures offers introductory classes in which you can learn the basics of rock climbing. They are open six days a week with discounted rates during the summer. Anyone with the willingness to engage in a sport which inspires creativity and confidence will definitely love Vertical Ventures! For more information visit www.verticalventures.com or call (813) 884-ROCK.

Rays Baseball

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

Astro Skate

Kids Skate Free is offering free passes for kids to skate at local roller skating rinks this summer. This is a great way for kids to stay active, improve balance, increase strength, and most importantly, have fun while they’re getting healthy.

Visit Kids Skate Free at www.kidsskatefree.com to register.

Choose the roller skating center near you to view how the passes work at your local rink. Included are the dates and times they can skate, age restrictions, skate rental cost, and any other details and restrictions that are specific to that roller skating rink.

Also you will find information on how to contact your rink for questions.

After you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email that you’ll need to validate in order to verify that you signed up for the Kids Skate Free program. Please note that there’s a limit of four kids that can be added to any one account. To add more people, you have to make another account with a different email address.

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

On select games, tickets are just $2 for kids 14 and under with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket.

Up to two $2 tickets can be purchased per full price paid adult. Also, for all Friday home games, fans may purchase discounted tickets for only $7.11. To take advantage of this special price, fans should visit a participating local 7-Eleven store and pick up the Rays Friday night discount coupon.

Lastly, every Sunday home game is Family Fun Day presented by Tampa General Hospital. Kids can enjoy pregame entertainers, postgame fun and promotional giveaways especially for them. From face painters and balloon artists to running the bases and attending DJ Kitty’s after game Dance Party, Family Fun Days at the Trop is a fantastic way to bring smiles to your kiddos and the entire family.

June 2019 • 31

Make Learning Part of Your

Summer Fun

by Judy Adorno, Sylvan Learning

There’s no question that kids lose some of what they’ve learned in school during the summer months. By incorporating learning activities during the summer, parents can provide their children with valuable opportunities to retain what they’ve learned, and practice the skills they need to be successful in the upcoming school year.

To help you get started, the experts at Sylvan have developed a variety of grade-specific ideas and activities.

Check-out these suggestions to see which are most appropriate for your children.

Remember, the best learning often occurs when children don’t even realize they’re learning! Whether taking a nature walk, planting a mystery garden, or planning the family vacation, summer is the perfect time to discover that learning is fun—and can happen anywhere.

Take a nature walk and as you and your child walk, stop to record your observations—a drawing, a snapshot with your phone, gathering items you may want to examine more closely—or research on the internet when you get home. This can be a one-time adventure or an exploration that lasts all summer!

Grades K-3 Take a Walk on the Nature Side!

Ready, Set, Read!

Reading can be so much fun—especially when the whole family joins in. Set a reading goal for your child and challenge family and friends to participate too. Make a chart to track time spent reading, or pages read, or books read.

Gather weekly to tell about the reading adventures and to see who is improving their score by reading more pages or books. At the end of the summer, cele-

brate with a pizza party—and look back to see that your child is a better reader!

Grades 3-6 Plant a Mystery Garden.

Visit a garden supply store with your child and together pick out a variety of flower seeds or seedlings. Now, here’s the trick: remove the labels so you won’t know which is which. It’s up to your child to grow the plants and figure out what they are! Have your child keep a garden journal which can include the plant’s growth, changes in stem or leaf color, buds that appear, etc. To learn more about each plant, visit the library or search the internet. At the end of the summer, press flowers in clear contact paper and place in the garden journal.

What’s Cooking?

Developing a cookbook is a great way for your child to share favorite foods and snacks with friends and family. Decide together how elaborate you want this project to be: how many recipes, when will your child try out a recipe, where will he find the recipes. Make a

timeline that will fit into the family schedule. At the end of the summer she can draw/design a cover for the cookbook and you can help create a table of contents so recipes can be easily found.

Make copies, staple together and share with family and friends. Bon Appetit!

Grades 6-9 Let’s Plan a Vacation!

Half the fun of a trip happens before you even go—so why not have your teen help plan your next vacation? Start by having her research your destination for fun, interesting things to do and sites to see. Talk about the route you will take, how you will travel, places to visit along the way, what the costs will be. As you travel, he can keep a journal with details about the trip, pictures and notes about favorite places and any unplanned adventures. The journal will be a remembrance of the best family trip, ever!

Feather Sound Smiles Dr Amir Daoud, DDS BDS

Restorative, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry

2325 Ulmerton Rd Ste 27 Clearwater FL 33762

727-561-0800

www.feathersoundsmiles.com 32 • June 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Sign up now for Summer camp! ymcasuncoast.org www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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

See our interactive map online at gulfcoastfamily.org

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

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

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

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

Busch Gardens Summer Camp for Wild Things 877-BGT-CAMP buschgardens.org Calvary Chapel Kids Camp 8900 US-19, Pinellas Park 727-577-7705 www.calvarystp.org/kids Camp Gilead 1444 Camp Gilead Drive, Polk City 863-984-1353 campgilead.com

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Clearwater 727-441-1790 x252 seewinter.com Dance Central Summer Camps 12527 Ulmerton Rd, Largo 727-386-0586 thedance-central.com Dunedin Parks and Recreation Day Camps Dunedin Community Center & MLK Jr. Rec. Center 727-738-2920 dunedinGov.com/camps

Camp Invention 800-968-4332 x6920 campinvention.org

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

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

First United Methodist Summer Camps 212 3rd St. N., St. Petersburg 727-894-4661 www.fumcsp.com

Champion Tae Kwon Do Summer Camp 7590 Starkey Road, Seminole For our complete listing of over 100 summer camps here in the Tampa Bay (727) 399-2999 championtaekwondo.net Area, visit our interactive online directory at www.gulfcoastfamily.org.

Circle F Dude Ranch Our summer camp directory contains detailed camp information, links to Lake Wales 863-676-4113 circlefduderanchcamp.com camp web sites and printable directions.

Florida Aquarium AquaCamps 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa (813) 273-4015 www.flaquarium.org Glazer Children’s Museum Camp Connect Tampa 813-443-FUN1 (3861) glazermuseum.org

N O I P M A Summer Camps! C H N DO Inclusive

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School Programs Children’s Classes Family Classes

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To advertise, call 727-612-0783

(727) 399-2999 www.ChampionTaeKwonDo.net June 2019 • 33

ECKERD COLLEGE

Great Explorations Children’s Museum Summer Camp 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg 727-821-8992 greatex.org Independent Day School Camp IDS 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa 813-961-3087 idsyes.com

WEEKLY CLASSES HALF & FULL DAY J UNE 3 - AUGUST 2 AGES 5-17 OPEN ENROLLMENT

IRCS Summer Sports Camp 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo (727) 596-7192 www.ircs.org JMAC Kids Summer Camp 2177 NE Coachman Rd, Clearwater 727-430-3902 jmackids.com Keswick Summer Sports Camp 10101 54th Ave N, St. Petersburg (727) 393-9100 www.keswickchristian.org Largo Cultural Center Summer Theatre Camps Largo Cultural Center 727-587-6751 largoarts.com

SAILING, WINDSURFING, PADDLESPORTS, LITTLE MARINERS, FISHING, CHILDREN’S MARINE DISCOVERY, EXPLORING MARINE LIFE, AND WAKEBOARDING!

LCC Day School Summer Camp 4400 Chancellor St NE, St. Petersburg 727-522-8331 lccdayschool.com Liberty Bowling Summer Camp 11401 Starkey Rd, Largo 727-397-3947 libertylanesbowling.com

Learn how to live before you 727.864.8288 learn eckerd.edu/waterfront/camp how to make a living 26

TampaBayParenting.com MARCH 2019

Lowry Park Zoo Summer Camps Tampa 813-935-8552 lowryparkzoo.com Mathnasium Summer Camp 3451 4th Street North, St. Petersburg 727-823-6284 mathnasium.com/stpetersburg Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy 15906 Mapledale Blvd, Tampa 813-969-0210 mjpaa.com Minor Achievements 113 S. Disston Ave, Tarpon Springs 727-234-0924 minorachievements.com

Those two years are still the best years of my life, and I would never trade them for the world.

– Benjamin Ward Jack Wyrtzen Center New York Campus

TRACS accredited www.wordoflife.edu

New York | Florida | Ontario, Canada | South Korea

34 • June 2019

Pinellas Preparatory Academy Summer Camp 2300 S. Belcher Road, Largo 727-536-3600 pinellasprep.org Plato Academy Summer Camp 2045 Palmetto Street, Clearwater 727-301-1590 platoacademy.net PLAY Performing Arts 1920 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg 727-393-7625 playstpete.com/summer R’Club Summer Camps 727-578-5437 rclub.net Robotics Summer Camp Tampa • Brandon • Trinity 813-249-5522 funwithbots.com Saddle Up Riding Club 9301 62nd Street, Pinellas Park 727-520-3132 saddleupridingclub.org Saint Paul’s School Summer Camps 1600 St. Paul’s Dr, Clearwater 727-536-2756 st.pauls.edu Seminole Assembly Adventure Kids 10600 113th St N, Seminole 727-391-9788 seminoleag.org Shorecrest Summer Camps 5101 1st St N, St. Petersburg 727-522-2111 x173 shorecrest.org Soul Adventures Camps at Skycrest 129 North Belcher Rd, Clearwater 727-797-1186 souladventures.us SPCA Tampa Bay Summer Camp 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo 727-586-3591 spcatampabay.org St. Jerome ECC Summer Camp 10895 Hamlin Blvd, Largo 727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org

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

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

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

St. Petersburg Country Club Summer Camp 2000 Country Club Way, St. Petersburg 727-867-2111 stpetecountryclub.com

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

St. Petersburg Sailing Center Summer Sailing Camp 11 Central Ave, St. Petersburg 727-822-3873 spyc.org/sailingcamp

Pinellas County Summer Camps 333 Chestnut Street, Clearwater 727-464-4600 pinellascounty.org/ summercamps

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Starkey Road Baptist Church Sports Camp 8800 Starkey Rd, Seminole 727-397-1654 srbc.org www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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

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

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

Paradise Summer Camp 2019 Rising K - 6th Grade

Word of Life Florida Youth 877-412-8687 wolflorida.org Xtreme Fun Center Summer Sports Camp 13211 93rd St N, Largo 727-584-9876 xtremefuncenter.com YMCA Summer Camps ymcatampabay.org To have your camp listed in Gulf Coast Family’s printed summer camp guide, call 727-612-0783 or visit gulfcoastfamily.org.

Saddle Up Riding Club Horseback lessons Barn Times – kids learn to care for and ride horses Equine Therapy Summer Horse Camps

7 Amazing Weeks of Camp!

June: 3, 10, 17, and 24 July: 8, 15, and 22

Northside Christian School www.saddleupridingclub.org 727-520-3132

www.nck12.com

Saddle Up Riding Club, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

June 2019 • 35

with Jim Daly Q: It seems like every year we look forward to a summer vacation, but it somehow always falls flat and we come home tired and disappointed.

How can we change that this year?

piness occurred before the person even left on vacation. In other words, most of us enjoy looking forward to the trip more than actually taking it. Anticipation is often better than realization.

Jim: Researchers in the Netherlands set out to measure the effect of vacations on someone’s overall happiness.

They also wanted to figure out how long the feeling of euphoria lasted. Believe it or not, the largest surge in hap-

Speaking as a dad of two sons, my most stressful moments are at the airport when we’re headed to the vacation.

I’m telling the boys to “stay off of that,” “don’t touch that” or “get off the people-mover.” They’re just having

MAKE VACATIONS MEMORABLE BY RELAXING AND NOT OVERSCHEDULING 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.

fun, while I’m frustrated. But the tables turn when we get to the hotel and they find that the pool’s been drained—and then they’re frustrated too.

Interestingly enough, there was one caveat within the study I mentioned. If people really and truly relaxed while on vacation, they were just as happy before, during and after the trip.

What’s the lesson? You’ve heard the line in sports: go big or go home.

When it comes to taking a vacation, you might try that same logic.

Actually “vacate”—don’t try to go on vacation and still work, too. Build plenty of margin into your time away and don’t overschedule. Leave some down time and room for spontaneity, and you’ll probably be more “up” when you get home.

Q: Our two teenagers — brother and sister — both seem to get overwhelmed when they’re assigned tasks at home or school. They start projects, but don’t finish them. Do you have any advice?

Jim: There’s a great quote attributed to Mark Twain: “The secret to getting ahead is getting started. The secret to getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”

TO KNOW HIM AND LIVE THAT OTHERS MAY KNOW HIM You will be encouraged, challenged and have opportunity to grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ!

Sunday

36 • June 2019

6:00 pm

Worship Service Youth Group / Adult Small Groups

Small groups Developing deep rooted relationships with God and each other Senior / Young Married / College & Career / Teens

102nd Ave N

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Seminole Blvd

Ulmerton Rd

113th St N

Come Alive!

10:00 am

Bryan Dairy Rd

Park Blvd

Seminole Assembly 10600 113th Street N

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

TO ACCOMPLISH BIG TASKS, START WITH LITTLER TASKS I like to use a story to illustrate how to achieve what may seem like an impossible goal, by breaking it down into smaller steps. In 1848, a suspension bridge was scheduled to be built near Niagara Falls, connecting the United States with Canada. The engineers faced a daunting challenge: How were they to get the bridge’s first cables across the 800-foot river gorge? The water was too swift and dangerous to pull their lines across by boat.

Their solution was clever. A teenager, Homan Walsh, flew a kite from the Canadian side until it landed on the American side. With this accom-

plished, the thin kite string was used to pull a slightly thicker rope across the river. Then that rope pulled an even stronger one across. Repeating this method, the engineers were soon able to pull the first steel cable from shore to shore, and the bridge’s construction was underway.

Teenagers (and really, all of us) can easily become overwhelmed when facing a large project. But by remembering to “fly a kite,” they’ll learn how to break assignments into more manageable pieces—and accomplish more than they ever dreamed.

BE POSITIVE WHEN WATCHING YOUR CHILDREN PLAY SPORTS

Changing Lives Reaching the World

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

Please give me a call for a no obligation

I’m your REALTOR.

assessment of your needs!

Welcome Home.

Q: My wife and I were both varsity athletes in college, and we’re very competitive. Our 6-year-old twins want to start playing soccer this summer. We’re all for it, but we want to make sure that we maintain a healthy family perspective about competition. Do you have any advice?

Jim: I can relate—my athletic career was everything to me until an injury cut it short prior to college.

I’m a competitive guy myself, so I’ve had to temper my approach with my own sons. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

It’s bad news when a youth sporting event disintegrates into poor sportsmanship, yelling and even fistfights.

It’s even worse when it’s the parents’ behavior in question. We’ve all heard stories about adult behavior at children’s sporting events that leaves us shaking our heads. Fortunately, most parents wouldn’t dream of acting out violently. But it’s not just extreme cases that take the fun out of youth sports. Yelling at coaches, officials and players, or criticizing your child’s performance, can be humiliating for all concerned.

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

Proudly serving the Real Estate needs of Pinellas County.

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

June 2019 • 37

with Jim Daly If you’re one of those moms or dads who experiences soaring blood pressure while sitting in the stands, keep perspective on what’s really important. Winning isn’t everything, and a child’s bad game isn’t the end of the world. There are many positive character traits they can develop through sports, even if they aren’t the best player. They may decide they’d rather do something else, and that’s OK. (These days, my older son leans toward science and chess.)

Tell your kids that you’re proud of them regardless of whether they win or lose—and really mean it! And treat everyone connected with the game with respect.

The way you handle yourself when you disagree with a referee’s call or a coach’s decision will teach your child how to act as well. When moms and dads are team players and good sports, everyone wins.

STRIVING TO UNDERSTAND YOUR SPOUSE’S NEEDS

Q: How can I get my husband to help keep the house clean? I never noticed that he was messy before we were married. Since I’m the one who likes the house clean and orderly, I’m the one who picks up after him and does all the housework.

I’m getting tired of it. What should I do?

Dr. Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries: This is actually a fairly common problem.

When you and your spouse fell in love, you weren’t thinking about housework. Now that you’re married, it’s a whole different ball game.

If your relationship is to thrive, you’ll have to find a mutually satisfactory way to manage this aspect of your life together. It may help to remember that, to a certain extent, this is a question of conflicting personalities. Creative types, for instance, are often less concerned about neatness than people who take a more left-brained approach to life.

Ultimately, nobody can change another person. The only person you can

change is yourself. But you can make positive alterations in your living situation and your relationship if you’re willing to approach the problem with patience, understanding and lots of love. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind: •

Be upfront and honest. Assume ownership of your feelings, then voice them candidly and respectfully. Approach the situation as equal partners with the goal of working out an arrangement that’s acceptable to both of you.

•

Don’t attack your mate. Confront the problem; don’t belittle the person.

•

Encourage growth. When you see positive progress taking place, offer praise for your mate’s efforts.

•

Recognize that change takes time. Be patient, and let your spouse know that you’re in this together for the long haul.

As you go through this process, try to view it as an opportunity for cooperation rather than conflict. A key to the challenge of marriage is striving to understand each other and seeking to meet each other’s needs. This is a great area in which to put these principles into practice.

Summer will never be the

SAME! Summer is coming, and Jr. Adventure Camp is the place to be. Join us for a summer of crazy games, fun field trips, awesome crafts and our annual food fight! Our weekly camps offer a fun and exciting alternative for summer. Energetic camp counselors will keep your child active during our fun-filled weeks. Join us for a summer adventure!

“Mom, I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.” If you’ve ever heard your child say that, then we have an adventure for you! “Bored” is never heard at a Soul Adventures summer camp.

Your 10-15 year old can choose from 11 weeks of outdoor adventure camps, including kayaking,

paddle boarding, sailing, fishing and much more.

Combine these exploits with a powerful daily devotion time, and you have the recipe for an adventure that might just last a lifetime.

REGISTER TODAY AT www.souladventures.us 38 • June 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Cold Water & Heated Conversations

By Dr. Greg Smalley

To keep your marriage strong, learn how to listen well I was cooking a meal with my wife, Erin. Once the chicken was on a platter, I put the skillet and glass lid in the sink.

“Make sure that you don’t run cold water over the lid,” Erin shouted from across the kitchen.

I’m not an idiot; I know how to wash dishes, I thought, as I ran cold water over the lid.

Blam! The lid exploded. Glass flew everywhere.

I looked at Erin. “I don’t think you’re supposed to use cold water,” I said sheepishly.

Most of us want our husband or wife to pay attention to what we say, but I suspect that many of us are not always the most attentive listeners ourselves.

To keep from pouring cold water on our relationship, we first need to learn how to listen well. This is especially true when discussing deeper matters of the heart. Let me give you several pointers about how to actively listen: • Turn toward your spouse and look him on her in the eyes.

• Resist distractions, such as your phone or the television.

• Pay attention to your spouse’s nonverbal cues and body language.

• Don’t think about rebuttals or whether you agree.

• Let your husband or wife finish talking. And, when it’s appropriate,

repeat what you hear your spouse saying for clarification.

• Pay special attention to your spouse’s feelings.

Later that evening, Erin and I were revisiting the moment.

“Glass went everywhere!” I said.

“I could have been seriously injured.”

“Exactly,” Erin said. “That’s why I told you not to use cold water.”

Feeling the emotional energy intensifying, I tried to calm the situation: “Don’t worry. I’ll buy you a new glass lid.”

“You’re missing the point of my frustration,” Erin said. “I don’t care about the lid. I felt disregarded.”

Every part of me wanted to defend myself. Instead, I leaned into empathy.

“You’re right,” I said.

“Thank you,” Erin said. And then she added, “To make up for it, you can buy me a new Alessi cooking set. It’s only $4,500.”

We ended up having a nice conversation that night. Holding Erin’s hand as we talked created special connection I was deeply grateful for.

I’m also grateful that Erin forgot about the Alessi set!

Dr. Greg Smalley is the Vice President of Marriage and Family Formation at Focus on the Family. This article is adapted from his book Fight Your Way to a Better Marriage. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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June 2019 • 39

/////////////////

Help keep kids safe from drowning, unsafe sleep, and abusive head trauma

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Learn tips to prevent the top three causes of preventable child deaths in Tampa Bay and share them with parents and caregivers

By Kelley Parris Executive Director, The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County In the Tampa Bay area, nearly 200 children under the age of six have died in the last five years (2012–2016) from the top three causes of preventable child death: drowning, unsafe sleep practices, and abusive head trauma.

These tragedies can happen to anyone, and every member of our community — not just parents — bears the responsibility of educating themselves on these dangers.

Take a few moments to learn the measures you can take today to prevent needless child deaths in our community.

DROWNING PREVENTION AND WATER SAFETY Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the Tampa Bay region. In fact, over the last five years, more than 40 children under the age of 6 have died from drowning in our area. Six of those deaths occurred in 2016.

as texting. Infants and toddlers should always be accompanied in the water and adults should stay within arm’s reach of the child.

;;Never rely on floatation devices.

Flotation devices, such as water wings, inner tubes or even life vests should be used only in conjunction with close adult supervision.

;;Be aware of hidden hazards.

A child can drown in as little as 1 inch of water.

Everything from your toilet to your pet’s water bowl can pose a drowning risk. Empty bathtubs when they are no longer in use and keep bathroom doors closed.

;;Get professional help.

Take advantage of programs that offer swim lessons. For example, The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County’s Mobile Water Safety Team provides swim lessons and water safety education at no cost in community and apartment complex pools.

Drowning can happen to any child, anywhere, at any time. It’s not limited to pools and beaches — there are potential hazards in and around the home that can put children at risk.

More infants die in adult beds than anywhere else. In fact, infants are 40 times more likely to die in an adult bed than in their own cribs.

Co-sleeping, which means having babies sleep in the same bed as parents, siblings or caregivers, can cause a baby to suffocate if an adult unintentionally rolls on top of them.

Pillow-top mattresses, comforters, fluffy pillows, and stuffed animals also pose a danger to infants in adult beds as well as in cribs. They’re dangerous because infants under six months lack the muscle control to move their neck if something like a pillow or stuffed animal is blocking their airway.

Safe sleep tips:

;;Bring the crib into the parent or caregiver’s room.

Sharing a room with a child has almost all of the same benefits of sharing a bed, but without the risks. It’s recommended to bring the baby’s crib, or a smaller bassinet, into the parents’ room for the first year of the baby’s life.

;;Practice the ABCs of safe sleep.

The safest way for infants to sleep is Alone on their Backs in a Crib. This minimizes the risk of the infant suffocating, especially if they have not yet developed neck muscle control.

Drowning prevention tips:

;;Designate a “water watcher.”

Lack of adult supervision in and around the water is the main reason children die from drowning. An adult should be assigned to keep their eyes on the child at all times when they are in or near water, and must avoid distractions such

40 • June 2019

SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES

;;Follow crib setup recommendations.

A crib mattress should be firm and fit snugly inside the crib’s frame, and sheets should fit tightly around the mattress. The sleeping area should free of blankets, pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals, sleep positioners and toys.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

///////////////// Eckerd Kids’ mission is to provide and share solutions that promote the well-being of children and families in need of a second chance.

The Children’s Board invests in partnerships and quality programs to support the success of all children and families in Hillsborough County.

/////////////////

;;Learn from the past.

;;Attempt to soothe the child.

SAFE STRESS RELIEF TO PREVENT ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA

;;Remember it’s okay to take a time out.

As more information becomes available, parents and caregivers must let go of some practices in order to provide children with the safest environment possible for sleeping. We changed our habits about car seats and lead paint; it’s time to change our habits on co-sleeping.

Shaking an infant or young child — even once — can be fatal. While most parents think this tragedy could never happen to their families, parents are most often responsible for causing injury or death from shaking a baby, or another form of abusive head trauma.

Babysitters, grandparents and other caregivers can also be responsible, especially if they are not properly prepared to handle stressful situations.

In most cases of abusive head trauma, or shaken baby syndrome, the parent or caregiver does not mean to harm the child, but lacks the knowledge or skills to cope with a stressful situation. This means education is key to preventing head trauma deaths.

If the obvious solutions do not seem to be working, the next step may be a soothing action such as swaddling in a blanket, slowly rocking in a chair, humming or going for a walk. Parents should provide the child’s caregiver with a recommendation of what typically works.

If a child is crying and the situation becomes frustrating, it’s okay to leave the child safely on their back in the crib and step out of the room to regroup. Check on the child every few minutes to ensure they are still safe.

;;Talk about it.

Have frank conversations with caregivers, including spouses and immediate family members, about the dangers of head trauma. Share the above tips with them, and watch for signs that a caregiver may not be prepared to care for a child, such as if they are easily angered or stressed, or seem inattentive.

Even one preventable child death is too many. Learn more about how you can help keep children in our community safe at www.preventneedlessdeaths.com.

The Prevent Needless Deaths Campaign is an awareness campaign made possible by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Eckerd Kids and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Head trauma prevention tips:

;;Understand that crying is normal.

Crying is the way infants communicate. A baby may cry because they are hungry, need their diaper changed, are teething, are too hot or too cold, or simply because they are over-tired. Prepare for these situations where your child might cry.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

www.eckerd.org To advertise, call 727-612-0783

June 2019 • 41

June 2019

Events

June 1 – 30 SUMMER NIGHTS @ BUSCH GARDENS Experience fireworks and thrilling rides like the all-new Tigris at Summer Nights.

As the sun goes down, the party heats up at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay during Summer Nights from June 1 - August 11.

It’s your first chance to ride the all-new Tigris at night! Take on Tigris and its 150foot skyward surge, 60+ mph top speed and dramatic heartline roll. Then dance the night away at themed party zones in Stanleyville and Cheetah Hunt Plaza.

Finally, cap off your Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with a thrilling fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.! www.buschgardens.com June 1 – 30 SUMMER OF MAKING AT THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM What is a problem you want to solve for your life, your community, or the world?

Tinker, build and create in our Summer Makerspace on Level 3 to learn new skills, play, and create your solution! Enjoy a hands-on experience in the making process using different materials. Bust out your problem-solving skills to create designs, solutions, and incredible inventions all summer long! www.glazermuseum.org

June 1 – 30 OCTONAUTS: AMAZON ADVENTURE AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM Guests of all ages are invited to venture into the deepest, darkest depths of the Amazon with underwater adventurers!

Octonauts: Amazon Adventure 4D is the latest 4D Experience® to premiere at The Florida Aquarium’s 4-Dimension Theater.

This innovative and exciting experience is the latest addition to the Aquarium’s 4 Ducks Theater, which was designed by SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment in close collaboration with The Florida Aquarium. www.flaquarium.org June 1 – 2, 10 – 12, 13 – 16 & 28 – 30 RAYS GAMES AT THE TROP Baseball season is in full swing and here is your chance to cheer on your hometown Tampa Bay Rays! Dig out your baseball gloves and those cowbells and come out to the Trop this June and cheer on your Rays as they face off with the Twins, Athletics, Angels and Rangers! www.mlb.com/rays June 1 – 3 2019 EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN FESTIVAL Don’t miss out on the last three days of the festival and delight in the magnificence of spring with a multisensory selection of vibrant displays and captivating experiences. Nurture your sense of curiosity at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival—a fun-filled destination for Guests of all ages.! www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

June 3 MEMORY MONDAY AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS On the first Monday of the month, Great Explorations hosts a FREE program for adults with memory loss. Participants take part in programs focusing on art, music, and movement and stress reduction and will enjoy quality time with others. www.greatex.org June 4 CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH FREE TUESDAY AT THE GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Join us for free, family fun at the GCM as the Children’s Board of Hillsborough proudly presents a Free Admission Tuesday. www.glazermuseum.org

June 8, 15, 22 & 29 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 June 8, 15 & 29 TAMPA BAY ROWDIES SOCCER

June 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21 & 22 THE JUNGLE BOOK - THE MUSICAL

A new and thrilling musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic story. Alone in the jungle, how will Mowgli survive in a terrifying but wonderful new world? In this funny and heart-warming story, Mowgli is taken on a journey of self-discovery by his friends Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and Akela the wolf, where he must learn the laws of the jungle and uncover his true identity. www.carrollwoodplayers.org

Kick it at Al Lang Stadium and cheer on the Tampa Bay Rowdies! Experience the electrifying home games with stands packed with fans cheering the team on with age old songs and chants, top notch concessions, and an outdoor stadium situated right on the waterfront of downtown St. Pete. Gates open 60 minutes prior to kickoff. This June take a trip downtown and cheer on the Rowdies as they take on the North Carolina FC, Charleston Battery and Ottawa Fury. www.rowdiessoccer.com

www.WeSellPinellas.com

42 • June 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

June 8 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CAMP IN AT MOSI A hurricane is headed towards the Tampa Bay area and you are setting up a shelter at MOSI! Learn how to prepare for and survive a natural disaster, as you spend the night at a mock hurricane shelter and emergency center. The camp-in includes the Emergency Preparedness merit badge workshop, light snack, sleeping at MOSI, light breakfast, parking, a MOSI 2019 Fun Patch for scouts, and general admission to MOSI. www.mosi.org June 11 TODDLER TUESDAYS AT ZOO TAMPA

June 15 MAKE & TAKE SATURDAY AT THE MFA Create your own masterpiece inspired by works in the collection and special exhibitions. Supplies are included and the event is free with Museum admission. No registration necessary. Recommended for ages five and older, but entire families are encouraged to participate. www.mfastpete.org

There are also flicks for date night, with deals on popcorn, other perks and trivia for some evenings. www.rutheckerdhall.com

period attire, and will present stories and artifact demonstrations related to specific topics and eras in Florida history. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

June 22 & 30 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WARRIOR GAMES – OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES

June 24 – 28 HISTORY ADVENTURE CAMP: AMERICAN GIRL Spend your summer with American Girl© characters from three different periods in history – Cecile & Marie-Grace (1853), Kit (1934), and Julie (1974). Campers will learn about each era, along with Tampa’s history. Open to children ages 7-11, History Adventure Camps include hands on experiences including games, crafts, outdoor activities, gallery time and guest speakers. At the conclusion of each camp, each child will take home a memory book of their adventures. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

June 15 7TH ANNUAL GELATIN PLUNGE The Gelatin Plunge is your chance to make a difference in the lives of the children and families supported by the Children’s Cancer Center. Started in 2013 by the CCC, the Gelatin Plunge has raised more than $650,000. The Plunge embodies the lively spirit of the CCC and attracts hundreds every summer to plummet down a slide into a pool filled with 2,000 gallons of orange gelatin. www.childrenscancercenter.org June 16 SUMMER MOVIES AT THE BILHEIMER CAPITOL THEATRE The seasonal movie series at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre begins June 16 with family-friendly Pixar hit The Incredibles.

Tuesdays are for the toddlers! Once a month, Zoo Members can bring their little ones to the Zoo and enjoy story time, arts & crafts, an animal mingle and a complimentary snack! This June join guest author, Jessica Freedman, as she reads her published work “My Little Yoga” and leads your little ones through song, dance and storytime! Stick around at the end of Toddler Tuesday for an exclusive animal mingle inspired by the story. www.zootampa.org

The entire Tampa Bay community is invited to come out and be a part of history as Tampa Bay welcomes the 2019 Department of Defense Warrior Games for the first time. One of the biggest highlights of the Warrior Games are Opening and Closing Ceremonies, taking place at AMALIE Arena and hosted by former host of The Daily Show, and long-time supporter of the Warrior Games, Jon Stewart. www.amaliearena.com June 22 LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY New for 2019, you can interact with living history reenactors on the last Saturday of each month at the Tampa Bay History Center. Included with gallery admission, our living history experts are dressed in

June 29 LAUGHS FOR THE TROOPS: THE FUNNIEST NIGHT IN AMERICA Join us at the Straz as we celebrate all veterans and first responders and give you the Funniest Night in America – 4 great comics – 1 great cause – 1 night of “laugh ‘til your tummy hurts” entertainment. This family-friendly show, featuring Laughs for the Troops’ founder Thomas Brown, along with fellow comedians Happy Cole, Tommy Drake, and Phil Palisoul will have you laughing all night. www.strazcenter.org

Have an Event?

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

MORNING STAR SCHOOL Serving Students with Special Learning Needs Since 1969 At Morning Star Catholic School, we provide our 1st–12th grade students with individualized instruction from caring professionals who are skilled at understanding and meeting each child’s unique needs.

Our Recipe for Success

• Talented Florida state-certified ESE teachers • Low student-to-teacher ratio • Nurturing environment • Speech and OT services during the school day • Life Skills curriculum in High School

4661 80th Avenue North Pinellas Park, FL 33781 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

• Comprehensive curriculum includes language arts, math, writing, science, social studies, religion, art, music therapy, guidance and PE • Gardiner, McKay and Step Up for Students scholarships accepted

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There are many paths to success.

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MSSPP June 2019 • 43

The Gulf Coast Family Weekender

FRIDAY

Summer Nights at Busch Gardens May 31 – August 11 www.buschgardenstampa.com

7

1

This is a great show to get all your questions answered and see all the RV products the industry has to offer.

8

9

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs North Carolina FC Al Lang Stadium www.rowdiessoccer.com

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

Octonauts: Amazon Adventure 4D Florida Aquarium www.flaquarium.org

Dive into the action with daring aquatic explorers Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso in Octonauts: Amazon Adventure 4D!

21

SUNDAY

June

Tampa Bay Summer RV Show Florida State Fairgrounds, June 6–9 www.frvta.org

14

SATURDAY

15

Rays Baseball Tropicana Field tampabay.rays.mlb.com

The Tampa Bay Rays host the Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field.

GO RAYS! All fans get a Rays Short Sleeve Hoodie! (while supplies last)

22

Tropicana Field, June 21–23 www.tampabayhomeshows.com The Home Show at Tropicana Field will feature hundreds of area home specialists - all in one location. Everything from furniture to decorating ideas to landscaping to remodeling to interior design, and the list goes on.

28

Summer Circus Spectacular Historic Asolo Theater www.ringling.org Disney H2O Glow Nights Laughs for the Troops: The Funniest Typhoon Lagoon, Select nights in June Night in America www.disneyworld.com Straz Center www.strazcenter.org

Celebrate Summer with the ultimate glow party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park!

44 • June 2019

29

Celebrate all veterans and first responders with the Funniest Night in America – 4 great comics – 1 great cause – 1 night of “laugh ‘til your tummy hurts” entertainment. This family-friendly show features Thomas Brown, Happy Cole, Tommy Drake, and Phil Palisoul.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

2

Summer Classics Movie Series: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Tampa Theatre www.tampatheatre.org

World Oceans Day Celebration Florida Aquarium www.flaquarium.org

Celebrate World Oceans Day with the grand opening of the new Moon Bay jelly touch experience!

Discover amazing habitats and why they’re important to us and the ocean with special themed activities, crafts and programs throughout the Aquarium.

16

Free entry into the following parks and museums

23

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Tampa Bay History Center Glazer Children’s Museum The Florida Aquarium MOSI

Madama Butterfly St. Petersburg Opera, Palladium Theater www.mypalladium.org

Cio-Cio San renounces her family and religion to be with the man she loves, but the American naval officer has his own cultural ideas of marriage.

Sung in Italian with English projections above the stage.

30

Warrior Games Closing Ceremonies Amalie Arena www.amaliearena.com Sara Evans will take the stage during the Closing Ceremonies while we celebrate the performances of the wounded, ill and injured service members in the 2019 Warrior Games. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Reader

Send us Your Best Photos

PH TOs

YOUR KIDS COULD BE IN GULF COAST FAMILY!

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

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

{of the month}

Wren Life is like a watermelon – SWEET – but you have to spit out the seeds.

Sadie Mae

LAUGHTER is timeless, IMAGINATION has no age and DREAMS are forever!

— Walt Disney

between friends A hug is the shortest distance

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June 2019 • 45

June is Men's Health Month awareness | prevention | education | family

01

Eat Healthy. Start by taking small steps like saying no to super-sizing and yes to a healthy breakfast. Eat many different types of foods to get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Add at least one fruit and vegetable to every meal.

100%

Women are 100% more likely than men to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventive services.

1 2 in

46 • June 2019

1 in 2 men are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime compared to 1 in 3 women.

02

Get Moving. Play with your kids or grandkids. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Do yard work. Play a sport. Keep comfortable walking shoes handy at work and in the car.

Most importantly, choose activities that you enjoy to stay motivated.

1994

On May 31, 1994 President Clinton signed the bill establishing National Men’s Health Week.

“Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.”

Congressman Bill Richardson (May 1994) In 2000 there were fewer than 80 men for every 100 women by the time they reach age 65 – 74.

80

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

03

Make Prevention a Priority.

Many health conditions can be prevented or detected early with regular checkups from your healthcare provider. Regular screenings may include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate health and more.

Online Resources Men’s Health Month menshealthmonth.org Men’s Health Network menshealthnetwork.org Get It Checked getitchecked.com Talking About Men’s Health Blog talkingaboutmentshealth.com Women Against Prostate Cancer womenagainstprostatecancer.org www.gulfcoastfamily.org

STEM-ologists at Work!

Pinellas Academy of Math and Science www.pinellasacademy.com

STEM Focused Education SACS Accredited Tuition-free Public Charter School Pinellas Academy of Math and Science is a member of the Charter School Associates family of schools. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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Grades K–8 Apple iPod & Computer Labs Middle School Sports Programs

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Visit our website to apply on-line or to download an application!

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

June 2019 • 47

A Magnet School for

Spiritual Leaders

Keswick is a safe and welcoming environment where faith is the sure foundation for a high quality education.

As part of the Ministry Leadership Institute, Keswick offers specialized curriculum, instruction and opportunities for those desiring to use their spiritual gifts, talents, and passions to make a kingdom impact.

Benefits include: • Workshops • Focused Curriculum • Internships • Advanced Bible Education Guidance • Service Opportunities • Leadership Field Trips • 50% tuition discount at Word of Life Bible Institute

Word of Life Bible Institute announces scholarship Keswick Christian School and Word of Life Bible Institute have partnered to extend a 50% tuition discount to WOLBI for students completing four years in our Ministry Leadership Institute program. Take the next step in your education with this collegiate-level Biblical opportunity.

Contact Karen Yale, our Spiritual Formation Director at: 727.393.9100

A Home for Christian Families

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