Gulf Coast Family - November 2019

November 2019

Vol. 12 Issue 11

Celebrate Adoption page 28

Photos of the Month page 46

Dungy Diaries page 7

S o M u c h to be

Family Night Out

Thankful For

November 2019

Contents

4 This November We Recommend That You… 5 Movie Night 6 Parent to Parent 7 Dungy Diaries: If There’s One Thing Dads Need to do More, It’s This 8 iMom: Thanksgiving Fun 9 All Pro Dad: Say Thank You to Your Kids 10 Rideshare Accidents 13 Leave This World with Memories, Not Dreams!

14 Extending Their Learning 15 It’s Great to Create! Thanksgiving Crafts 16 Species Spotlight 17 The Tropical Garden 18 Ready for Another Checkup?

19 Give Thanks 20 Young Health Talk: Flu Season 21 Heart Gallery 22 Education Spotlight 24 Family Night Out 26 Kids in the Kitchen 28 Celebrate Adoption 28 10 Things I Wish We Had Known Before Adopting 30 Focus on the Family 33 Building Community 35 Improving Your Marriage Through Thankfulness 36 November Quiz 37 Selfies Subvert Self-Image 38 November Fun Facts 39 November 2019 Events 45 Weekender 46 Reader Photos of the Month 2 • November 2019

It is not happy people who are thankful; It is thankful people who are happy.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Phothteo of Month

Gabby and Maliyah www.gulfcoastfamily.org

About Christ. About Teaching. About Our Students.

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

Keswick Christian School students are prepared with the faith and strength of character that inspires them to lead and impact the world for Christ. From the basics, all the way to advanced college preparatory courses, a Keswick education puts your child on a solid academic footing.

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

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

Learn more: www.KeswickChristian.org or call 727.393.9100

FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE Infants – 12th grade 10101 54th Avenue North St. Petersburg, Florida 33708 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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November 2019 • 3

This November we recommend that you…

READ IT

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier by Ree Drummond

HEAR IT

The Best of Pentatonix Christmas

by Pentatonix New for 2019 from 3 time Grammy Award winning and multiplatinum selling acapella group Pentatonix, comes The Best Of Pentatonix Christmas. The best-of album will feature four new songs, in addition to the quintet’s biggest and best-selling songs and collaborations from their past 4 holiday albums.

EXPERIENCE IT

Ice! Featuring The Polar Express

Christmas at Gaylord Palms November 25 – January 5 ICE! is back at Gaylord Palms with an all-new theme featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Take a journey of imagination through this heart-warming story as a young child embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole while learning about friendship, bravery and the true spirit of Christmas.

Experience this adventure through handcarved sculptures and displays made from more than 2 million pounds of ice.

SEE IT

BRICK HISTORY – A walk through history in LEGO bricks The Tampa Bay History Center Featuring key figures from Mozart to Martin Luther King, scientific discoveries from Electricity to DNA, and recent history from mobile phones to the moon landings, history comes to life in LEGO bricks during “Brick History,” a new exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center. In the U.S. for the first time, the exhibit features ­­­28 meticulously crafted models, each depicting a person, moment or discovery that altered world history – and all modeled in LEGO bricks!

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

Rodney Beck Jennifer Beck Michael Crumley Matthew Crumley

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

4 • November 2019

Santa’s Bag

DOWNLOAD IT

The Pioneer Woman cooks up exciting new favorites from her life on the ranch in this glorious full-color cookbook that showcases home cooking at its most delicious and most fun! This new release features 112 brand new step-by-step recipes that bring fresh, exciting elements into your everyday meals. From super-scrumptious breakfasts, to satisfying soups and sandwiches, to deliciously doable suppers and sides―and, of course, a collection of irresistible sweets you’ll want to make immediately!―these pages will deliver a big list of fabulous new dishes for you to add to your repertoire.

Gulf Coast Family Newspaper is printed monthly, and is distributed throughout Pinellas County. Gulf Coast Family is available in distribution racks in many local Chick-fil-a restaurants, McDonald’s, CVS Stores, R-Clubs, Joto’s Pizzerias, Carmelita’s, After Hours Pediatrics, and Regions Banks in the county, along with many other restaurants, shopping centers, churches, libraries, government offices, and over 180 day care centers and schools. For questions or comments, call (727) 612-0783 or email rbeck@gulfcoastfamily.org.

Gulf Coast Family Publications encourages your input. To comment on one of our articles or to submit photos and articles for possible

This insanely helpful app will help you organize all of your Christmas shopping. With tools for budgeting, allocating gifts, keeping track of present ideas and shopping to-do lists, and a built in countdown to Christmas, it’s like having your very own North Pole at your fingertips. This app is FREE!

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.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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

SEMINOLE RENTAL

See full reviews at www.pluggedin.com

Playing with Fire – November 8

When straight-laced fire superintendent Jake Carson and his elite team of firefighters come to the rescue of three siblings, they quickly realize that no amount of training could prepare them for their most challenging job yet—babysitting.

Lady and the Tramp – November 12

Perfectly pampered Lady and street-smart Tramp embark on thrilling adventures with an unforgettable cast of characters.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood – November 22

Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in a story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.

After a jaded magazine writer is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency.

Frozen II – November 22

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727-657-1259 MarieDrew.com To advertise, call 727-612-0783

November 2019 • 5

preschooler. Later, I would sometimes watch with my younger siblings. Then as a teenager, my friends and I would naturally poke fun at the show along with Eddie Murphy.

Parent to Parent

But one thing I never noticed until I was an adult was just how secure almost everyone in my generation was in the knowledge that even though he had never actually met us, Mister Rogers really did like us just the way we were. I can actually point to the exact moment when I recognized that.

Fred Rogers was inducted into the TV Hall of Fame in 1999. During the ceremony, they played a clip that I had seen before of his visit with Jeffrey Erlinger who was a quadriplegic guest on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as a ten-year-old child. It is a very She is too young to have ever seen Mister Rogers’ touching scene – they talk about Jeffrey’s electric Neighborhood on TV, as Mr. Rogers passed away a wheelchair, they sing a song together, and they talk few years before she was even born, and even reruns about things Jeffrey does when he’s “feeling blue.” stopped playing around the time she turned one. But After the clip finished, then 28-year-old Jeffrey I took her to see the documentary, Won’t You Be My entered the stage, and the look of complete, genuine Neighbor that came out last year, and she enjoyed delight on Mr. Rogers face is really unforgettable. that a lot and has since become quite the little expert Jeffrey told him that “When you tell people that ‘it’s on Fred Rogers’ life. you I like’, they know that you really mean it.” And after watching that reunion, nobody could possibly When I was growing up, Mr. Rogers was always just argue with that. “there”. I enjoyed the show when I watched it as a This month, the new movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, is being released, and my youngest daughter, Haylee, is very excited to see it.

So now I do know what a treasure Fred Rogers was to my generation and the next. I’m sure that there will never be anyone else quite like him, and that makes me a little bit sad. But I do hope that Tom Hanks can do him a little bit of justice, and maybe by keeping his memory alive, the next great champion of young children will be inspired to step forward.

Until next time,

Jennifer

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DUNGY DIARIES

IF THERE’S ONE THING DADS NEED TO DO MORE,

IT’S THIS

by Tony Dungy I was recently asked the question, “What is one thing I wished dads would do more of today?” The question immediately made me think of my father and so many of the things he did well. However, there is one thing that stood out more than any other. And it’s something, I have to admit, that I have struggled with as a dad. So if there was one thing I wished dads would do more today, it would definitely be the following.

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Find a Way to Spend More Quality Time With Your Kids When I was growing up, my father was a school teacher. He was around all the time. When we were off for the weekends, he was off. When we were off for the summers, he was off. I was always spending quality time with him, and I thought that was normal. Since it was all I knew, I thought every dad spent that kind of time with their kids.

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Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What are some things you wished we did more together?”

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“It’s the time spent with our children day-to-day that makes a lasting impact.”

best I could. I took my kids to work with me, and when I was off, I focused my time on doing things that they enjoyed doing. In what ways can you spend more time with your kids? It’s difficult, but it is tremendously meaningful and important for our kids.

going fishing, or taking walks are times I cherished. It’s the time spent with our children day-to-day that makes a lasting impact.

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November 2019 • 7

IMOM.COM

Thanksgiving Day is for fun, food, and football. So when the food is enjoyed and the football is over (or the score is out of reach), it is time for fun! We have some creative activities for kids and adults alike…rain, shine, or snow.

• Pin the tail on the turkey. Have your kids draw a turkey with a missing feather and feathered “tails” to take its place. Put a piece of tape on each tail and see who can get closest to the spot of the missing feather.

• If it’s warm enough, head outside.

Have three-legged races, play a “Pass the sweet potato” relay, or have a turkey trot race where everyone has to strut like a turkey.

To make it even more fun, give out a trophy every year to the big winner.

Inscribe the year and winner’s name and have them bring back the trophy next Thanksgiving to hand off to the next winner.

• If you’re stuck inside, play board games. Have a chess tournament, a monopoly marathon, or play Pictionary.

• Get a spiral notebook or journal.

Write the date and have everyone write down what they’re most thankful for from the past year. Make it a tradition. Bring out the book every year and add new memories.

• Give each person a clothes pin to wear. Each time someone says “Christmas,” “holiday,” or “Thanksgiving,” they have to give up their pin. The person with the most pins wins.

• Decorating cookies isn’t just for Christmas. Prebake some sugar or gingerbread cookies. Have a decorating station where the kids and adults can decorate Thanksgivingthemed cookies.

• Have everyone bring a toiletry item (comb, brush, razor), snack food, or other small gift to pack up to send to a soldier overseas.

• Write down the names of everyone at your Thanksgiving dinner on slips of paper. Draw a name and tell what you’re most thankful for in that person.

• Read the story of the Mayflower or the first Thanksgiving. Better yet, act it out!

• Have a blank card or have the children make a card. Have everyone sign it and mail it to a family member or a friend who couldn’t join you.

Find more Thanksgiving ideas at: www.imom.com

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8 • November 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

“Thank you”

3 Get physical.

Those two words are some of the most powerful words you can say to your kids.

My guess is we can all say that a little more. And I’m not talking about only when they do something you’ve asked them to do. I’m talking about thanking them just for being them.

My love language is physical touch and at least one of our three kids share the same love language. When I hug him, high five him, give him a fist bump, or anything physical, he feels loved and appreciated. Try it with your kids.

I try to say it to my kids as much as possible, and when I do, the smile on their face can light up a city block. When I say it to our 8-year-old, he seems to be part surprised, part flattered, but most of all, loved. It’s important to let your kids know you are thankful for them in your lives and that you appreciate your family.

My life wouldn’t be the same without my kids. They need to know that. Sometimes our reactions to the things our kids do, or even the sacrifices we make for them, can make it look like they are a distraction. They aren’t and we need to communicate that consistently. For this month’s basic training, here are 5 ways to say thank you to your kids for being your kids.

1 Just say it.

As dads, sometimes, it’s tough to find the right words. “Thank you” are two powerful words you can say to your kids.

2 Give a card or gift.

Some dads are better putting words on paper, or even in gift form. Do a random act of thanks and give your kids something that says I appreciate you.

4 Do something.

Sometimes saying thanks is helping them complete a task they are struggling with. Or even relieving them of the task.

This small act can let them know you are thankful for them and their effort and you want to show it by helping complete it.

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5 Hang out with them.

Our daughter loves to just hangout with either one of us. Thanking her can be as simple as just spending some quality alone time, where she gets all of us.

No matter how you say thank you to your kids, just say it. Saying thank you can come in many different forms. It doesn’t matter how you say—the important thing is you do say it.

Sound Off: How does it make your kids feel when you say thank you to your kids?

Huddle up with your kids and say “One reason I am thankful for you is _____________________.” ©2015 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

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November 2019 • 9

Rideshare Accidents

by Chris Reynolds

Taxi and cab car accident cases have been a common form of negligence in the Tampa Bay area for many years. However, with the power of modern technology, new methods of transportation have become common.

Ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft now fill our roadways. These companies operate similar to a regular taxi, except that they allow automobile owners to use their personal vehicles as a taxi service for other individuals.

Riders can request the trip in advance by booking at the mobile application installed on a mobile device such as a smartphone. Upon booking, the driver receives the request and picks up the requestor from his or her location.

However, drivers are still humans who are prone to making mistakes and subject to possible harm. Just like any other taxi service, there are rideshare drivers who drive poorly and cause accidents. Uber and Lyft drivers can be minimally insured, so this leaves possible victims of car accident feeling helpless and without assistance

10 • November 2019

is okay with letting drivers use their personal insurance for liability coverage, your ride may not be covered.

In 2014, Uber announced that they would provide $1 million in coverage for passengers, drivers, and any other person injured by an accident that occurs during an Uber ride. Lyft has a similar policy.

However, don’t be fooled by this large insurance policy, because it may not actually apply to your individual situation.

You may have to use your own insurance for your injuries. In the event that a driver’s auto insurance doesn’t cover your injuries in a ride-share accident, you would then look to your own auto insurance company to cover your injuries. However, if you have a minimal policy, this option might not be of any help.

The Uber/Lyft drivers’ personal auto insurance doesn’t cover ridesharing. Most personal auto insurance policies explicitly state that they do not cover accidents that occur when the policyholder was driving in a commercial capacity for a profit. That means that even if a ride-share company

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

So, you can look to the Uber/Lyft additional coverage, but unfortunately that coverage might not actually cover you. Most ride-share services state that they offer up to $1 million in additional coverage when their drivers’ insurance falls short. Unfortunately, these insurance policies might not cover certain important things, like underinsured motorists or your medical bills.

Further, Ride-share companies such as Uber and Lyft may try to separate themselves from drivers who are between fares.

Accordingly, any injuries that result from a ride-sharing service are extremely complicated, so it is important that injured parties seek counsel from an attorney to help navigate through these complex situations.

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

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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November 2019 • 11

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Is an All-Inclusive vacation right for you?

Think about the best vacation you’ve ever taken... (or want to take!). Chances are you stayed somewhere memorable, in a nice clean room. You also probably ate some great food (even if it was homemade!). And, of course, you probably took part in some memorable activities!

The truth is, the cost of all those things can add up quickly! That’s why I’d say that YES, an all-inclusive could absolutely be right for your family!

I book couples and families to Sandals and Beaches Resorts as well as the AMResorts family of resorts, among others. What I can tell you is that, trips to these resorts absolutely stand up as a value compared to other vacations.

Accommodations

The first time we stayed at an allinclusive, it felt like we were on a cruise, but without the motion and with a room we could actually spend time in and with room to move around! Imagine

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all the benefits of a cruise. Unlimited Included dining options, activities and top-notch service—without having to cram into a tiny room at the end of the day!

All-inclusive resorts have many different categories. Budget-friendly rooms for those looking for a more affordable option, all the way up to deluxe over-the-water bungalows complete with Butler service! There really is an option for everyone!

Dining

Imagine going on vacation and not having to budget or think about paying for food! All-inclusive resorts have some amazing restaurants. For example, every one of Sandals Five Star Global Gourmet restaurants are included with every resort stay. So is all your coffee, desserts, frozen yogurt with all the toppings (at select resorts), smoothies and every single food and drink item the resort has to offer are included in the price of your vacation! Room service is

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You like to snorkel? Water ski? Golf? All of these and more are included in the cost of your all-inclusive resort vacation! Some resorts include scuba certification and daily dives, also included in your vacation. Want to paddle board, go tubing, swim with sea turtles? How about play at the water park? All of these are included at select resorts!

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reservations are necessary for most restaurants. When you get to the resort you’ll be checked in and shown to your room, and let the fun (or relaxation) begin!

I’d love to help you see how an allinclusive resort can be the perfect vacation for your family! Call me today and remember, leave this world with Memories, not Dreams! www.travelmation.net/gaynelsenka Gaynelsenka@travelmation.net Facebook – Travelmation-Gaynel Senka 727-480-5073

November 2019 • 13

Extending Their Learning Dr. Kira Wilson, Director, Covenant Academy I think it’s fair to say that we all have a love/hate relationship with research. A study comes out espousing a new and improved way to brush our teeth only to find out a year or two later that we had it right all along.

Fat is the cause of obesity and is bad for our health.

Non-fat becomes the craze; then we learn we need to eat good fat!

In the world of education, we swing from one method of instruction to another based on current research.

Presently, educators are focused on differentiated instruction which basically means we teach whatever works for any given student. For all the innovations in education and research there are some consistent discoveries that are worth practicing. Decades of research shows a positive relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement-reporting it to be the number one factor for success. It’s common sense, right? The person closest to the child, the one who taught him how to eat with a spoon, tie his shoes, learn colors, and ride a bike, has tremendous influence and opportunity to teach their child. Parental involvement is not about volunteering at school and helping with homework. Parental involvement is spending purposeful time with your child, interacting, supporting, and encouraging them in the learning process.

Conscientious parents often greet their child at the end of the school day with questions like: how was your day, what did you do today, or what did you learn today? Frequently parents receive the classic response – “nothing.” But you know this isn’t true. Your child spent six hours in the classroom with direct instruction, group work, and structured and unstructured interaction with peers! So how do you extract this knowledge from your child and become involved in his learning? Somewhere in the backpack or school folder is a clue. An art project, a map, a new reader, or a note from the teacher can all function as a catalyst for conversation.

After our Kindergarten teacher read the Drinking Gourd to the class, a little boy went home excited about this lesson on the Big Dipper. He carried home a model of the asterism and was able to explain what he had learned at school. The parents extended the classroom learning with their son by searching for the Big and Little Dipper in the night sky. The learning became relevant and was reinforced by the parents’ involvement. This young student will long remember the lesson he learned that day.

Rather than asking a broad question when you pick your child up from school or an activity, try searching for a catalyst for conversation and say, “tell me about this story you wrote (or book you’re reading, or picture you drew),” and be ready to explore the night sky.

Dr. Kira Wilson is the Director of Covenant Academy in Pinellas County. With more than 30 years in Christian education, her passion is to encourage and equip teachers and parents to develop in children a love for learning and a love for God. She cherishes family time with her husband of 38 years, three children, and two grandchildren.

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Turkey T-shirt

Items Needed: Brown T-shirt • Large package of assorted felt / fabric sheets • Scissors • Fabric Glue – Spray can works best 1. Cut out the tail feathers from the felt sheets. Use a variety of colors, but make feathers all the same size.

2. Cut out the eyes, the beak, and the snoods.

3. Spray each feather with fabric glue. Arrange the feathers on the back of the T-shirt, working from the outside in – on both sides.

4. Glue the eyes, beak and snoods onto the front of the T-shirt.

5. Let the glue dry and you are all set for your Thanksgiving fun!

Pumpkin Turkey Table Topper

Items Needed: Little pumpkin • Brown foam sheet • Yellow foam sheet • Red foam sheet • Artificial fall leaves • Googly eyes • Hot glue gun • Scissors

Register for our Open House by Contacting us at: info@CovenantAcademyFL.org or Call: (727) 542-6294 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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1. Cut out the body parts of the turkey: head and feet from brown foam, the beak from the yellow foam, and the “snoods” from the red foam.

2. Using your hot glue gun, glue the back of the head to the stem of the pumpkin.

3. Glue the feet to the base of the pumpkin and the beak and snoods to the head.

4. Glue the googly eyes above the beak.

5. Arrange the leaves in a fan pattern and then glue together.

Then glue the leaves to the back of the pumpkin to make the tail feathers.

6. Place on the table and you are all set!

November 2019 • 15

Run, Don’t Walk…

It’s International Cheetah Day! December 4th is International Cheetah Day, but Busch Gardens Tampa is already celebrating! Get up close to the world’s fastest land animal with us! But first, let’s start with some fun facts about these incredibly fast felines.

• Cheetahs are the only cat that cannot retract their claws, an adaptation to help maintain traction.

• Cheetahs also have special padding on their feet, specifically designed to grip the ground while running.

Their long tail helps with balance!

• Top speeds are up to 70mph, and they can do so in just 3 seconds!

• Cheetahs are easily identified by their spotted fur, but did you know their skin is spotted as well?!

• Cheetahs are included on both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of vulnerable species as well as on the US Endangered Species Act list of threatened species. There are less than 8,000 left in the wild.

Learn even more about cheetahs and get closer than ever with these exciting offerings at Busch Gardens Tampa:

Painting on the Wild Side

Get Hands on With Enrichment!

What if there was a place where you could paint, drink wine, AND meet a cheetah? Oh yeah, you can.

Reserve your spot online at www. buschgardens.com

Visit the Animal Care Center to help decorate enrichment for the cheetahs, then head over to the habitat to witness them enjoying it! Crafts, stickers, cards, and much more will be available in the ACC as well.

Cheetah Insider Tour The Cheetah Insider Tour includes designing enrichment activities as well as exclusive access to behindthe-scenes views of the naturalistic habitats of the world’s fastest land animal. We’ve added more spots (no pun intended) to the tour to maximize the fun.

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Best Times to Visit the Habitat Although you can see cheetahs at Busch Gardens every day, here are the best times to see the Cheetahs: • Cheetah Presentation: 10:30am & 11:30am • Lure Run: 3:00pm • Custom enrichment: 3:30pm

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November 2019 • 17

Ready for Another Checkup?

1. How do you best prefer to communicate with me? (Email? Phone? Text? Notes?)

by Judy Adorno,

2. What do you see as my child’s strengths?

Director St. Petersburg Sylvan Learning Center Ready for another checkup? Only this checkup isn’t at the doctor’s office, it’s at your child’s school.

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

3. What do you think are the academic challenges for my child?

4. What would you do if my child were struggling academically with something?

5. How is my child doing socially?

It’s parent teacher conference time.

Did you know that parental involvement is a strong predictor of academic success? Teachers want you to attend conferences and be involved in your children’s school lives. This is an exciting opportunity for both you and the teacher.

To make the most of this opportunity, here are ten important questions to ask during a parent teacher conference. The goal is that by asking these questions, you will get a better understanding of how your child is doing in school and the values and beliefs of your child’s teacher, which will both be extremely valuable as the school year continues.

6. How do you support kids in their social development? For example, how do you address challenges that happen at recess?

7. Is my child on grade level for reading?

What about math, science and writing?

8. How does the school handle standardized testing and prep for those tests?

9. Can we talk more about your homework policy and how my child is doing with homework?

If you are concerned about something, start with a positive comment first such as “thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.” Then use an “I message” such as “I’m concerned” to bring up the topic. Also, be sure to tell the teacher what you’re doing at home to solve the problem. That will show your intent to work with the teacher to find the best solution for your child.

Above all, remember to keep your conference friendly and positive. Just like the old adage says, you’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Be positive and solution-oriented.

You and your child’s teacher can be a strong team of support for your child. Make this checkup a helpful stepping-stone in a successful parent-school partnership.

For more educational resources for children in grades pre-K through 12, please visit www.SylvanLearning.com or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.

10. What can I do at home to support what you’re doing in the classroom?

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

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

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Complete renovation of elementary and middle school classrooms.

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

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

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Give Thanks

S

ince the Pilgrims observed the initial Thanksgiving holiday in 1621, this occasion has served as a singular expression of the transcending spiritual values that played an instrumental part in the founding of our country.

One hundred and twenty years ago, in the midst of a great and terrible civil conflict, President Lincoln formally proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to remind those “insensible to the ever watchful providence of almighty God” of this Nation’s bounty and greatness. Several days after the dedication of the Gettysburg battlefield, the United States celebrated its first national Thanksgiving. Every year since then, our Nation has faithfully continued this tradition. The time has come once again to proclaim a day of thanksgiving, an occasion for Americans to express gratitude to their God and their country.

In his remarks at Gettysburg, President Lincoln referred to ours as a Nation “under God.” We rejoice in the fact that, while we have maintained separate institutions of church and state over our 200 years of freedom, we have at the same time preserved reverence for spiritual beliefs. Although we are a pluralistic society, the giving of thanks can be a true bond of unity among our people. We can unite in gratitude for our individual freedoms and individual faiths. We can be united in gratitude for our Nation’s peace and prosperity when so many in this world have neither.

As was written in the first Thanksgiving Proclamation 120 years ago, “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God.” God has blessed America and her people, and it is appropriate we recognize this bounty.

– Ronald Reagan, Sept. 15, 1983

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November 2019 • 19

Young Health Talk: Flu Season

As the flu season fast approaches, many of my patients are seeking my advice as to whether or not to get the flu shot.

Firstly, I stress it’s their decision, but as for myself, I won’t be getting one. Your first response to this may be that firstly, a doctor, as a first responder, should arm himself against the flu in order to be available himself to treat the sick, and secondly he should do so as an example to others. Be assured, I have come by my decision after much study and deliberation, so let me list my reasons.

It’s in February, at the end of the flu season, when the WHO (World Health Organization) gathers data from scientists from around the world, giving their best educated guess as to what flu strain will be the most prevalent come November/ December. Sometimes their prediction is accurate, sometimes it’s not. If their prediction is off, it means the flu shot prepared for that year’s flu is of little help. And even if they get it right, the

flu shot is not comprehensive enough to tackle all the types of flu strains circulating during flu season.

Another reason I choose not to get the flu shot is that many patients, after getting the shot, come down with flu anyway, as this is a side effect of taking the vaccination.

So what do I recommend instead? I have several tricks up my sleeve. Firstly, I make sure I’m getting enough protein each day. (Take your weight and divide by 2 – that is the protein in grams you should be consuming each day to maintain a healthy immune system). Secondly, I need to maintain my iodine levels. Thirdly, I need to take appropriate amounts of Vitamin C. Each person has a different tolerance level for Vitamin C. Take Vitamin C in small increments.

Your goal is loose but formed stools. Diarrhea would be an indication that your body has hit its saturation point and you

by John D. Young, MD need to back down to the previous dosage. You’ll find that your daily dose may change. If you start fighting the flu, your body’s tolerance for vitamin C goes way up as it uses all the available C to fight the virus.

and trace minerals delivered intravenously. Because it bypasses the gut, the body is able to handle the higher doses of Vitamin C, B and magnesium. Speaking from personal experience, it works quickly and very effectively.

And finally, at the first sign of flu symptoms, I get a shot of Vitamin D3 (or I’ll take it orally if the shot is unavailable). If flu symptoms persist after I’ve taken these measures, I have one last bow in my quiver: the Myers IV cocktail. Developed

by Dr. John Meyers, former Chief of Medicine at John Hopkins University of Medicine, it’s a combination of vitamins

Getting the flu shot does not guarantee you will not get the flu.

But be assured, should you start feeling symptoms, there are some natural alternatives you can take to fight it. Please remember to consult with your physician before embarking on any vitamin regimen.

To Your Health, John Young, MD

Dr. Young has been an Emergency Room Physician and Family Practitioner for over 16 years. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Marshall School of Medicine, WV. Dr. Young’s ongoing research in alternative therapies has led to many innovative products being used around the world.

Treat the Cell, Heal the Body A Step Beyond Alternative Medicine Our goal is to treat each patient with specific remedies custom designed to attain optimal health on a cellular level.

We endeavor to treat the root of a health issue, rather than just treat the symptoms. We believe that optimizing cellular nutrition and function is the best path to a healthier you.

John Young, MD

Young Foundational Health Center

7241 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo, Florida 33777 Office: 727-545-4600 Fax: 727-545-4611 foundationalhealth@tampabay.rr.com www.foundationalhealthcenter.org 20 • November 2019

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

Deziyer & De’Zarrion Ages 13 & 10

Photos courtesy of Bryan Kasm

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

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

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Yaromie Age 16

Photo courtesy of Angela Clifton Photography

Yaromie wants to serve her country as a Marine someday.

But for now, Yaromie is happiest when she gets to hang out with her friends, as well as watch movies, like her favorite, Captain Underpants.

She also loves going to the mall, mostly to look at shoes, especially if they are Converse.

Yaromie also loves the colors red and black, the TV show Catfish, and Fetty Wap. At school, her favorite subjects are reading, math and history. If you’re serving pizza or tacos, Yaromie is there, but she will pass on sandwiches.

Yaromie’s ideal family will have parents who like to spend time together as a family – playing Monopoly on rainy days or going to the park or beach when it’s sunny out. Siblings would be a bonus!

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

November 2019 • 21

Student Artwork on Display at the Dunedin Fine Art Center

Photo: (Left to right): PCS PreK-12 Visual Arts Specialist Jonathan Ogle, DFAC Youth Education Director Todd Still, Greta Welfring, Athena Axley, Anna Shell, Olivia Szymanska, Molly Moraniec and Ozona Elementary art teacher & Pinellas Art Education Association representative Krista Schilling

Artwork created by 72 students was selected for the Creative Start exhibit at the art center. Students participating in the exhibit attend schools that begin with the letters N-W. Their artwork will be on display through Dec. 13 at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, located at 1143 Michigan Blvd. Congratulations to all of our young artists and our award-winning students: • Greta Welfring, Kindergarten, Safety Harbor Elementary • Athena Axley, 3rd grade, Southern Oak Elementary • Anna Shell, 1st grade, Perkins Elementary • Olivia Szymanska, 5th grade, Ozona Elementary • Molly Moraniec, 2nd grade, Northwest Elementary

District Teacher Named State Outstanding Science Educator Amber Robinson, a teacher at Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Elementary, was named the 2019 Outstanding Elementary School Educator by the Florida Association of Science Teachers (FAST). Robinson received the award on October 25 at the annual FAST conference in St. Augustine, Fl. The award honors educational professionals for their outstanding work and achievement in science education.

A 16-year educator at Jamerson, Robinson was recognized for her dedication to science and STEM excellence, while inspiring students and fellow teachers in her innovative approach to learning about and living STEM education. Her contributions include developing STEM integrated curriculum that uses engineering as the link among the science, mathematics, and language arts components. For the past two years, Robinson has presented along with her husband, Rafael (educator and author of The Super Sprockets STEM Club Trouble) at the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).

NSTA is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence in science teaching and learning, preschool through college.

“I will continue to provide opportunities inclusive of girls and urban students to get involved in STEM education, Robinson said. “This is my life’s work and passion.”

“My vision is for all students to have authentic experiences that expose them to the wonderful world of engineering,” Robinson said. “The handson problem solving that we engage in at Jamerson Elementary and in the Super Sprockets STEM Club is a model of student accomplishment and program capabilities for classrooms nationwide.”

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After school, Robinson co-teaches STEM with her husband Rafael. ‘Tipping Point STEM-ulating an Urban Arising’ brings the Super Sprocket STEM Club to three schools within the district through a grant. The Super Sprocket STEM Club provides students with comprehensive skills built on problemsolving and real-world experiences.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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November 2019 • 23

Your Neighborhood Favorite Since 1974…

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

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24 • November 2019

any purchase of $25 or more!

with any other special, Please present coupon when ordering. Not valid 12-31-19. Limited to one Discount, promotion or coupon. Enjoy through locations in Pinellas y’s Coupon per household. Good at participating Sonn GCF and Hillsborough Counties Only.

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FRESH FOOD FAST Dine-In or Drive-Thru Catering

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Catering Available for Tenders, Sandwiches, Salads Spend over $100 in catering With this ad. Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 12/31/2019.

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Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 12/31/2019.

November 2019 • 25

in the kitchen

Our kids love parties and even if the party is for mom and dad to watch a big game, they love to feel a part of all of the excitement. Having them help with the food preparation is a great way to help them get involved. This Seven-Layer Bean Dip is a simple appetizer that your kids will have a blast helping to prepare.

The Mexican dip is very easy to make, is fairly healthy, tastes great and looks nice in a party setting!

Also the individual serving cups are great at helping to stop the “double dippers.”

Individual 7-layer Bean Dip • 15-ounce can refried beans • 16-ounce container sour cream • 16-ounce container guacamole

• 8 ounces salsa • 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

• Shredded lettuce • Chopped tomato

1. Warm beans slightly in microwave until soft, not hot (about 30 seconds). Spread ¼ cup into the bottom of 8 clear plastic cups.

2. Spread ¼ cup each of sour cream and guacamole over beans.

3. Spoon 2 tablespoons salsa over guacamole.

4. Top with cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

5. Serve with tortilla chips.

Cool Kids Cook

26 • November 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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With the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, it’s no surprise these are my family’s favorite cookies. Each cookie has a miniature peanut butter cup pressed into the center which makes for a wonderful treat and because of their ease of preparation, you are able to make them at a moment’s notice. Yum, Yum!!

Peanut Butter Cups • ½ cup butter • ½ cup sugar • ½ cup brown sugar • ½ cup peanut butter • 1 egg • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups flour • ¾ teaspoon baking soda • ½ teaspoon salt • 24-30 miniature peanut butter cups

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla on medium speed until fluffy.

2. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat until well blended.

3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place in greased miniature muffin cups.

4. Bake at 375 for 10 to 12 minutes.

5. Immediately after removing from oven, press one unwrapped peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie.

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November 2019 • 27

10 Things I Wish We Had Known Before Adopting

By Paul Batura

On a blustery evening in March 2005, just days after experiencing our latest miscarriage, my wife, Julie, and I received a call from a friend. After some initial small talk, he posed a question that changed the course of our lives.

Did you know that there are over 687,000 children and youth throughout the United States currently in foster care and about 1/3 of those children are waiting for adoptive families.

November is National Adoption Month, a month set aside each year to raise awareness about the adoption of children and youth from foster care. In his proclamation recognizing National Adoption Month, the President reminds us that all children deserve a safe, loving family to protect and care for them. “Adoption is a blessing for all involved. It provides needed relief to birth parents, who may not, for whatever reason, be in a position to raise a child. It fosters loving homes for children. It enables individuals to grow their families and share their love.

And it fosters strong families, which are integral to ensuring strong communities and a resilient country.”

If you are interested in learning more about the waiting children here in our area, we encourage you to contact the Heart Gallery at (866) 233-0790.

A young, unmarried friend of their family was five months pregnant and looking to make an adoption plan. Might we be interested?

We immediately said yes!

At the time, we had no idea how the next four months would unfold. Although a few of our friends had adopted internationally, we were still relatively unfamiliar with the process, especially when it came to domestic adoption.

To me, adoption was something that happened to somebody else, and most often in a movie, a book or on television.

Today, 13 years and three adoptions later, I’ve often thought about how helpful it would have been to know then what we know now. Here are 10 things we’ve learned about adoption. Granted, this list might make the journey seem daunting, but let me assure you, it’s worth it!

1

T he adoption process is hard, but it’s good.

There were plenty of ups and downs in the months between our friend’s phone call and our son Riley’s birth. If you’re the kind of person who likes everything

28 • November 2019

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www.gulfcoastfamily.org

neat and predictable (like me), you’re going to have to let that go. Almost every adoption discussion involves more questions than answers. There will be good days and bad days. Every placement is unique because every child is unique.

2

That picture-perfect, stress-free, smile-filled meeting between the adoptive parents and their new son or daughter – the one you see in the movies? That may happen eventually, but before it does there are mountains of paperwork, interviews, financial disclosures, difficult decisions, home visits, parent training, CPR classes, fingerprints and waiting. Lots of waiting. If you’re the type of person who likes to run the show, you’ll again need to make some adjustments.

The Lord may be in control of the process, but the birthparents and agency are also in the driver’s seat.

3

D on’t let the cost scare you away.

It’s easy to be discouraged when you read that the average cost of adoption is more than $40,000. While it can certainly be expensive, there are many different types of adoption and not every placement costs even close to that amount. Private and agency adoptions tend to be the most expensive, but the federal adoption tax credit is significant. Adopting from foster care, meanwhile, is often less than $2,000. Low-interest loans are also available. In the end, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lots of families hold creative fundraisers, and many people enjoy giving to such a worthy cause.

4

D on’t keep your desire to adopt a secret.

While families adopt for a variety of reasons, infertility is a common motivator. Although it’s a very personal and intimate matter, resist the urge to keep quiet about it. Adoption placements occur through family and friends of friends, so the more people who know of your interest to adopt, the greater your chances of being matched with a child.

5

A candid family profile can make all the difference.

Everyone wants to put their best foot forward when putting together their adoption profile, but don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and down-to-earth. Most birthparents appreciate authenticity. Sometimes it’s the little things: One caseworker told us about a birth mom who chose a family because they had a black Labrador retriever. “I want my daughter to have what I had growing up,” the mother said.

6

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P atience is a necessity.

A good attorney is worth the expense.

Skilled legal counsel is invaluable. Some adoption agencies have attorneys, but they’re responsible for www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Y es, you can love them just as much.

Partially out of ignorance and admittedly out of pride, I was initially determined to do whatever my wife and I could to conceive a child naturally. I liked the idea of having a child with our DNA and our characteristics.

After all, it was President Ronald Reagan who famously said that having a daughter “was like watching your wife grow up all over again.” Yet I’m so thankful that God had other plans. Had we conceived biological children, we likely never would have adopted the three boys we now have the privilege of raising. representing the agency, not necessarily your family.

With our third adoption, a complex out-of-state placement, our attorney’s advice at a key turning point helped prevent the entire process from falling part.

Lawyers might not be cheap, but good ones are worth every penny.

7

D on’t be intimidated by an open adoption.

The thought of maintaining an ongoing relationship with our eldest son’s birthparents put a lump in my throat. What if his mother didn’t like me or my wife?

What if our son liked her more than us? Open adoption is increasingly common, and while it’s not possible or even wise for every placement – especially those involving adoption from foster care – it can still be tremendously rewarding.

8

D on’t be overly sensitive.

Adoptive families still represent a relatively small demographic, so many people aren’t quite sure what to say when discussing the topic. It’s important to remember that most people mean well, even if they say the wrong thing. For example, we’ve had people ask about our boys’ “real” parents. And since two of our sons are Hispanic, we’ve had people ask if they’re brothers, which of course they are, though not biological. In the end, cut people some slack. If I’m honest, I probably made some of the same mistakes before becoming an adoptive parent.

10

R eal life can be awkward, and that’s OK.

When I grew up, TV shows were mostly wholesome and innocent. I came to subconsciously believe that most challenges in life could be solved in 30 minutes or less. Of course, real life is unpredictable. Real life involves awkward and difficult moments. In the midst of adopting three children, I’ve come to realize that some of my most invigorating, faith-filled moments came on the heels of some of the most stressful circumstances surrounding adoption.

In such moments, I’m reminded that we weren’t created to handle life’s challenges alone.“My grace is sufficient for you,” the Lord said to Paul, “for my power is made perfect in weakness”.

Indeed, the Lord’s grace is sufficient in our parenting pursuits, whether we’re raising biological children or forming our family through the gift of adoption.

Paul J. Batura is the vice president of communications for Focus on the Family. He is the author of Chosen for Greatness: How Adoption Changes the World.

Chosen for Greatness profiles 16 well-known adoptees who were given the opportunity to change history for the better when they were taken in by their new families. Their contributions and accomplishments span the spectrum from science to sports, religion to entertainment, technology to politics.

To purchase Paul Batura’s most recent book, visit www.amazon.com or www.focusonthefamily.com To advertise, call 727-612-0783

November 2019 • 29

with Jim Daly Q: I enjoy the holidays, but I want our kids to learn that it’s more than just food, football, shopping, presents and days off from school. Do you have any suggestions?

Jim: One of the secrets to a happy life is gratitude—not just brief moments here and there where we acknowledge the good things in life. I’m talking about living a life of gratitude.

Gratefulness isn’t just an emotion we feel; it’s a choice we make. This is especially important considering the problems we all face in life. We may have to search for reasons to be grateful. Perhaps we’re having trouble at work. We can still be thankful we have a job. Or maybe our child is making poor decisions. Although we’re disappointed, we can be grateful they’re healthy and safe at that moment.

Gratitude is not merely thankfulness when everything is going right. After all, life is rarely like that. Instead, gratitude is understanding we live in a broken world, yet choosing to be thankful anyway.

TEACH KIDS TO BE GRATEFUL ALL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

To do that, we have to intentionally see the goodness in our lives. That can be tough, because the smallest blessings can be the hardest to notice. But they’re also what help give our life its richness and meaning.

The Thanksgiving holiday is a great occasion to begin that practice. In our household, we go around the table and share what we’re grateful for. But once the holidays end, we carry that tradition on throughout the rest of the year because we believe it’s important to do.

Life will always confront us with challenges, and those hardships can sap us of our gratitude. But making it a daily habit to pause and reflect will help us remember just how much we have to be thankful for. For more encouragement to make every day count, visit FocusOnTheFamily.com.

DURING STRESSFUL HOLIDAY TIME, OFFER KINDNESS TO RELATIVES Q: Do you have any advice for dealing with extended family members who don’t get along? My in-laws like to host big get-togethers with all the relatives, but they’re always marked by tension and dissension. I don’t want to offend my spouse or his parents, but I’m tired of all the conflict. Can you suggest a solution?

Jim: This a common situation—in home after home, family gatherings that are supposed to be filled with love and warmth end up turning into tense, uncomfortable confrontations. But “common” isn’t the same thing as “unavoidable.”

One option is to be honest. When you get an invitation, tell your in-laws that you appreciate their thoughtfulness, but aren’t going to be able to join the party. You don’t need to defend yourself or offer a long explanation. Just state your position and leave it at that. Naturally, you and your spouse will have to be in agreement on this.

A second choice would be to attend the gathering, but minimize your contact (if travel is involved, make plans to stay at a hotel rather than in your in-laws’ home). Tell them that you’re looking forward to spending time with them, but don’t want to get involved in a feud with other members of the family. If the party disintegrates into a shouting match, politely excuse yourselves and head for home.

There’s also a third option. You could approach the next family gathering with an entirely different attitude. Try to see it as a time for reaching out in kindness and grace, even when it’s hard. Look for opportunities to extend love to some unlovely people. In the process, you may end up having a bigger impact in all their lives than you might suspect.

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FATHER-DAUGHTER “DATES” CAN HELP TEEN SEE SHE IS VALUED Q: I’m the father of a slightly “boy crazy” 14-year-old daughter. I’m really dreading the whole dating thing as she gets a little older. What can I do to prepare both of us?

Jim: Most fathers with daughters go through the same struggle watching their little girls grow up. I’d suggest you teach your daughter the proper role of dating by taking her out yourself, frequently.

Going on a “date” with Dad has many benefits for a daughter, regardless of her age. For example, as girls develop their identity, they measure themselves against the impossible standard of beauty portrayed

by Hollywood. This is where fathers become very important. By spending time with your daughter, you can

have a positive influence on her perception of herself.

Also, taking your daughter out on a “date” allows you to model how a man should treat her. By making one-on-one time a priority, you’re showing your daughter she is valuable. And your acceptance for who she is will build her self-esteem. You can also help her develop a sense of individuality by listening to her and respecting the opinions she shares. Most importantly, spending time with your daughter regularly keeps her heart open to you.

So get out your calendar and schedule a “date” with your daughter. Let her suggest some activities she would like to do. It doesn’t have to take all day, but make sure the time is special by limiting interruptions. The best way to ensure success in your daughter’s future dating experiences is to make sure it starts with Dad.

dependability; 2) ability to maintain close family ties; and 3) self-sufficiency. Aging folks often don’t want to reach out for help, rely on government assistance or have hired help in their homes. They want to do things independently, proving themselves dependable and responsible.

The key to honoring aging loved ones is to understand how to encourage them in these areas. Here are some suggestions: • Recognize skills and successes. Honoring your father entails recognizing him not only for who he is, but also for past achievements, abilities and talents.

AGING PARENTS CAN BE RELUCTANT TO ASK FOR HELP AROUND HOME Q: My wife and I are more than willing to take care of my aging father, but he’s always been a proud man, and we don’t want to crush his spirit. How do we protect him against the feeling that he’s becoming useless?

Jim: According to researchers, most older people measure their personal worth by how well they meet three goals: 1)

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with Jim Daly • Reminisce. It’s important to help an aging loved one capture his personal history and pass it along to children and grandchildren. Preserve his memories and current interactions with kids and grandkids on digital media, in still photos or in memory gift books.

SOUL MATES AREN’T FOUND — THEY’RE FORMED OVER TIME

• Reinvent memories. Celebrate everything! Affirma- Q: I’ve been dating a great guy for a while. I think he tions of life and love remind elderly people that they would be a good husband, but I’m not sure if he’s my are appreciated. “soul mate.” Should I move on and keep looking?

• Remember old friends—and make new ones. Friendships help people stay engaged, and are also beneficial in processing loss, depression and feelings of worthlessness. Do everything you can to ensure that your father has access to friends by phone, email, “snail” mail and regular visits.

• Renew energy with regular exercise. Swimming, walking or other light exercise improves circulation and keeps the endorphins—those “feel-good hormones”—flowing through the blood system.

Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries: Before you decide one way or another, I’d encourage you to consider this: soul mates aren’t found, they’re formed over time.

Doug Block, a wedding videographer, produced a documentary about couples whose nuptials he’d filmed. He wanted to see how their marriages had fared after a few years. His conclusion was that the Hollywood-fueled notion of the “soul mate”—the idea that there’s one person out there just for you—is a myth. As he told Time magazine, “A lot of marriage is coming to terms with who is this imperfect person you’re living with, and acknowledging that you’re not exactly a perfect person either.”

• Seek opportunities for senior volunteers. Many nonprofit organizations not only provide a place for seniors to volunteer, they also need this assistance to No one “clicks” with another effortlessly. We’re all flawed carry out their mission. people prone to selfish impulses. That’s why relation• Encourage latent talents. If appropriate, nudge your ships—and especially marriage—can be so challenging at dad in the direction of developing a hobby such as times. It takes hard work to love our spouses through the painting, drawing, writing, woodworking or learning good and the ugly. So when you encounter differences in how to use different computer programs. Probe his in- your relationship, don’t assume your significant other isn’t terests until you see his eyes light up, then find a way your soul mate. Disagreements should be addressed, but understand we’re all prone to selfishness. to get him involved.

It’s only by going through that tough process that a couple can create the true intimacy of marriage. So, remember: Soul mates aren’t found; they’re formed over time through sacrifice and enduring love. When you identify someone with whom you can mutually commit to that dynamic, it just might be “the match.”

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

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Living Hope Church

Serving God In Newness of Life Psalm 100:2 paints a wonderful picture describing the heart of the Christian with the appropriate attitude for serving the Lord: “Serve the Lord with gladness and come into His presence with singing.”

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Isn’t it an amazing privilege and honor to have the opportunity to serve the Lord? When we function in our natural mind, we cannot receive the things of the Spirit, they are foreign to us. In our natural ability, serving the Lord can become mechanical, ritualistic, religious, ceremonial, and burdensome; or a real drudgery. But when we are filled with the Spirit of God, which is the Life of God permeating my very being, serving God becomes pure joy!

That’s why the scriptures teach us to serve the Lord in newness of Spirit and in newness of life: Romans 7:6. Think about the promise David gives in Psalm 16:11, “In Thy presence is fullness of joy and at Thy right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Fullness of joy! That means there is nothing lacking in my life for service. I’m full of the life of God because joy is a Fruit of the Spirit, (Galatians 5:22). Joy is the natural production of having the life of God and His words dwelling in me richly! Oh how the Church needs to be Spirit-filled! So whatever we do, we do it with our entire heart to glorify God! “Do not be drunk with wine but, you be continually filled or controlled with the Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 i.e. It’s our responsibility as growing-godly Christians, to yield to the Holy Spirits power and authority, by grace through faith; by letting Him, and allowing Him, to control us. The result is He will permeates our spirit, soul, and body!! This is how we overcome the Devil, the World, and our sinful nature, and how we serve God in the newness of the Spirit, and not the oldness of the letter; in other words, our natural ability!! Where does the Bible come in to this picture?? I’m obeying God’s word and His Divine Commandment through the Spirit by faith! (Galatians 5:5 & Romans 7:6) This is why Paul declares of himself in Phil. 1:1, Titus 1:1, Rom. 1:1, Phile. 1:1, ”Paul, a servant, called to be an Apostle.” He saw his life as a servant as being more important than his rank. That truly is the mind of a Spirit-filled Christian. Because it’s a privilege and a blessing to be a servant of God! And, Spirit-filled Christians experience great joy in serving the King of Kings and Lord of lords! Amen.

Pastor John Collins

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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Improve Your Marriage Through Thankfulness

by Janine Petry

My husband and I recently moved. While the house the more I’m able to be truly gratewas new to us, the task of blending our separate tastes ful for the gift of my spouse. and treasures was a familiar practice. As we’ve done before, we carefully added each item, transforming the Responding with thankfulness emptiness into the fullness we know to be home.

After learning to fully recognize But the secret to keeping two lives beautifully blend- the gift of my spouse, I can start ed doesn’t rest on our ability to merge personal items responding to it. This heartfelt reor personalities. Rather, it comes from a heart of sponse strengthens our connection. thankfulness—even for our differences.

I do this by verbalizing my obserTrue thankfulness is more than polite words and good vations to my husband: I mention manners. And it’s more than an attempt to muster posi- the gifts I’ve been given that day tive feelings. A genuine spirit of thankfulness flows and what they mean to me. I dwell deep from the heart and provides a steady stream with on the joy he has given me through his actions, words which I can continuously refresh my marriage. and personality. I make this intentional response a daily practice because I want no gift to go unmentioned. It Recognizing gifts might be a casual reference to how a late-night errand In order to grow in thankfulness, I need to first see it he ran on my behalf helped me feel secure and comas a response to receiving a gift. Thankfulness doesn’t fortable. Or it might be telling him that I love how he precede; it follows. Every day that I spend with my cares about me. husband is an opportunity to be thankful and to recognize the ways he blesses me. I make it a point to be When I respond with thankfulness, I get to pour out the specific in naming these gifts: One day, I appreciate his gratitude that’s shaping my heart, and I’m able to see love for God’s creation and his love for people. Anoth- the bonds between us grow stronger. er, I admire his strength, honesty and level-headedness.

After a dinner, I’m thankful for his grocery store savvy Acknowledging the Giver and his aptitude for cooking. And sometimes, I’m even The goal of thankfulness is to connect with a giver. It is grateful for our struggles and for the way he’s chal- not enough to receive gifts and express my gratitude; I lenged me to grow. The more specifics that I recognize, must seek the source.

When it comes to my marriage, my gratitude is ultimately directed to God. Marriage is His gift, His reminder of how He is drawing my husband and me into a relationship with himself. He created marriage, and He is the source of its goodness.

Choosing to grow in a spirit of thankfulness leads to the most beautiful part of all: As my life and heart are transformed, my marriage glorifies God. And the joy of seeing God shine through my marriage is worth the effort of it all.

This article first appeared on Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family website. Used by permission.

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November Quiz

1

2

A Peanuts character balloon has been featured in this annual Thanksgiving event every year since the debut of the Aviator Snoopy balloon in 1968.

This popular daytime game show first aired on November 26, 1956 and is the longest running game show in television history.

On November 8, 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen made a scientific breakthrough that would forever change the course of history. What did he discover?

Celebrated on the 2nd Saturday in November this day is recognized as an American folk event in which girls take the initiative to ask a boy out for a date.

5

Born November 6, 1861 this individual is credited with inventing the great sport of basketball in 1891. Note: He also tossed up the ball for the opening tip-off at the very first Olympic basketball competition at the 1936 Olympic Games.

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This November marks the 151st anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, the most quoted speech in American history. How many words are in the speech?

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On November 4 1879, this famous American inventor filed for a US patent for an electric lamp using “a carbon filament.”

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On Friday, Nov. 22, 1963 shots were fired at President John F. Kennedy’s motorcade in Dallas Texas. Who were the three individuals wounded in this shooting?

4 7

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Quiz Anwers

“The attention to physical attributes may be even more dangerous on social media than on traditional media because participants in social media are people we know,” said British researcher Petya Eckler. “These comparisons are much more relevant and hit closer to home.”

Is social media doing more good or bad for our culture?

Not hurting Not helping at all Helping more than at all (2%) (7%) hurting (11%)

Equally hurting and helping (23%)

1. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2. The Price is Right 3. President John F. Kennedy, Texas Governor John Connally and spectator James Tague.

4. The X-Ray 5. James Naismith 6. After Thomas Jefferson. Ben Franklin mockingly called the turkey “Tom Turkey” after Jefferson.

7. Sadie Hawkins Day 8. Thomas Alva Edison 9. 272 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Researchers from U.S. and British universities who surveyed nearly 900 female students in the American Midwest discovered that the more young women were exposed to self-portraits (“selfies”) and other photos via social media, the more insecure they felt about their own appearance. More time spent on Facebook, for example, was associated with more negative feelings and more comparisons to the bodies of friends.

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Taken from a poll of PluggedIn.com readers

Hurting more than helping (57%) November 2019 • 37

N ove m b e r FU N FACTS

272 Words

“Four score and seven years ago…” So begins the Gettysburg Address. With a few appropriate remarks, President Lincoln was able to summarize the Civil War in just ten sentences. Only two minutes long, the speech captures the essence of America and its principles as put forth in the Declaration of Independence and in our Constitution. Delivered on November 19, 1863, as a part of a dedication ceremony, the speech transformed the U.S. Civil War from a conflict about slavery to a conflict about being true to the principles upon which the United States was founded.

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is the most quoted speech in American history.

11/11

236 years ago on the 21st of November, 1783, the first recorded manned flight in a hot air balloon took place in Paris. Built from paper and silk, this balloon was piloted on a 22 minute flight by Jean Francois Pilatre de Rozier and the Marquis François-Laurent d’Arlandes. From the center of Paris they ascended 500 feet above the roof tops before eventually landing about 6 miles away in the vineyards. Local farmers were very suspicious of this fiery dragon descending from the sky. The pilots offered champagne to placate them and to celebrate the flight. This tradition is carried on by balloonists to this day.

November 28, 2019

The American Thanksgiving holiday began as a feast of thanksgiving in the early days of the American colonies. In autumn of 1621 over ninety Wampanoag Indians joined the Plymouth Pilgrims in celebrating the year’s bountiful harvest with three days of feasting, games, and prayers of thanksgiving for all the blessings they had received. This November 28th, even though things have been difficult for many this past year, don’t forget to set aside time to give thanks.

30.3 Million

children and adults in the U.S. currently live with diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association.

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to shine a spotlight on a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications. To find out how you can help stop diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org.

Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11. Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who have served honorably in the United States military.

This November we join the rest of the nation in remembering the sacrifices of America’s over 20 million veterans and expressing our appreciation for their great service.

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November 2019

Events

November 1 - 23 EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL It’s almost time to figure out your MustEats for the 2019 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, which will run from November 1– November 23rd! Your EPCOT admission is all that’s needed to participate in this popular event! The Festival will play host to seminars, tasting events, and sumptuous meals overseen by top Disney Chefs as well as renowned guest Chefs. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com November 1 - 30 BRICK HISTORY Featuring key figures from Mozart to Martin Luther King and recent history from mobile phones to the moon landings, history comes to life in LEGO® bricks during “Brick History,” a new exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center. The exhibit features ­­­28 meticulously crafted models, each depicting a person, moment or discovery that altered world history. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

November 1 - 3 DISNEY WINE & DINE HALF MARATHON WEEKEND Wine, Dine and Celebrate Your Run! It’s a fabulous weekend with some of your favorite Disney characters! Disney is serving up a delectable race menu for participants of all ages and skill levels, plus a challenge for those craving two courses. Enjoy a cornucopia of Disney entertainment at the races, and later, live it up at an after-hours Post-Race Party— exclusively for runners and their Guests! www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

November 1 CIRQUE DE SOLEIL PRESENTS AXEL AT AMALIE ARENA Spectacular skating, breathtaking acrobatics, live music and stunning graphics - It’s waiting for you in an all new ice spectacle: Cirque du Soleil AXEL. Join Axel and his adrenaline-fueled crew on an exhilarating adventure as his passion for music and graphic arts takes you on an electrifying journey. www.amaliearena.com November 1 - 30 PENSACOLA: FLORIDA’S SECOND CITY If not for a mid-summer hurricane, Pensacola would be celebrating its 460th birthday this year, and it would be known as the oldest permanent European settlement in the United States. Instead, the colony founded by Tristan de Luna in midAugust 1559 was abandoned within two years. Four years after that, in 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles established the colony of St. Augustine. This was the first of many instances where Pensacola would find itself on the outside looking in, and that theme forms the core of this new exhibit. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

November 5 TODDLER TUESDAYS AT ZOO TAMPA In honor of Manatee Awareness Month, this month’s Toddler Tuesday will be all about manatees. Join us as we read “Kobee Manatee: Heading Home to Florida” by Robert Scott Thayer and “A Manatee Morning” by Jim Arnosky. After the readings, stick around for an exclusive animal mingle. www.zootampa.org

November 5 CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FREE TUESDAY The Glazer Children’s Museum proudly presents a Free Admission Tuesday program held on the first Tuesday of every month, between 12-7pm. Join us and great partners like WEDU PBS for free, family fun. www.glazermuseum.org

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November 2019 • 39

for an adventure in our Global Cafe exhibit with special programming on a different country each month. Learn about a different culture through activities, story time, and endless fun! November’s Worldwide Wednesdays will be all about Sweden! www.glazermuseum.org

November 5 - 10 FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Audiences across North America are toasting a new production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF! Rich with musical hits you know and love, including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life,” FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. www.strazcenter.org

November 7 HANSEL AND GRETAL Join the Straz Center in this wondrous retelling of The Brothers Grimm fairy tale about parents, children and witches. Hansel and Gretel stray from the path which invariably leads to a witch’s gingerbread house, but they outsmart the witch and find that the real treasure is family and home. www.strazcenter.org November 7 7TH ANNUAL WINE, WOMEN & SHOES Created for women who enjoy fine wine, great style, and supporting a noble cause,

Wine Women & Shoes is one of the fastestgrowing charity events in the country. The Children’s Cancer Center is once again thrilled to bring this exclusive event to the Tampa Bay area and to be working alongside Wine Women & Shoes’ expert team. Join us on this exciting journey as an active supporter and be part of helping to make this another successful event for Children’s Cancer Center. www.childrenscancercenter.org November 7 - 9 26TH ANNUAL KING OF THE BEACH KING MACKEREL FISHING TOURNAMENT The King of the Beach Tournament has offered a competitive angling experience and helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity and programs the past 25 years. The increased prize packages will draw even more competitive anglers from across the southeast U.S. More anglers means more money for our charities and programs. It’s a win all the way around. www.oldsaltfishing.org November 7 - 10 THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TAMPA’S 16TH HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET This shopping event held at the Florida State Fairgrounds features more than 150 specialty merchants from across the country offering unique gift items. The League commits 100 percent of the net proceeds to fund its mission. www.jltampa.org.

November 6, 13, 20 GCM’S WORLDWIDE WEDNESDAY: SWEDEN Travel the globe with GCM during Worldwide Wednesday! Pack your bags

November 8 THE MOTHER OF ALL BABY SHOWERS Forget everything you know about baby showers, because this event is unlike anything you have ever experienced. The Mother of All Baby Showers® (MOABS) is an adults-only night full of resources, support and education from experts, peers and hand-picked local and national brands.

New and expectant parents who attend are showered, educated and entertained all under one roof. All of our events offer amazing, exclusive deals on products and

Decorate your holidays

services, plus food, refreshments and spa treatments — hey, you deserve it! www.glazermuseum.org November 8 TASTE OF SPACE: AN APOLLO 12 CELEBRATION This culinary event is hosted by Master of Ceremonies Jim Colbert of The Jim Colbert Show on Real Radio 104.1. Throughout the newly transformed Apollo/Saturn V Center, explore exclusive NASA art and artifacts from the archives while enjoying culinary demonstrations, cocktails and interactive exhibits that bring NASA’s Apollo Program to life. The event will highlight the crew of Apollo 12 and their advocacy for the arts and will welcome local artist Derek Gores as he unveils his new work that commemorates the second Moon-landing mission. www.kennedyspacecenter.com November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 22 and 24 MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY Here Comes Mickey… and Santa Too! This Christmas season, get ready for a magical holiday gathering with your loved ones—and some familiar Disney faces.

When Mickey celebrates the season, Magic Kingdom park lights up with excitement for guests of all ages. Cinderella’s Castle shimmers. Joyful music fills the air. Disney Characters don their most festive attire.

Favorite attractions take on a holiday theme. And enchanting surprises lie around almost every turn! www.disneyworld.disney.go.com November 9 CASTING CROWNS, HILLSONG WORSHIP & ELEVATION WORSHIP LIVE!

with memories from Southwest Florida

A S S O C I AT I O N

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Learn about all the great attractions waiting for you at

40 • November 2019 Scan for Coupons

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Photography and support provided by

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Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau Charlotte Harbor Visitor & Convention Bureau

at swflattractions

This concert series is the first time three of the most prolific bands in the Christian music space join forces for what is guaranteed to be a musical experience unlike any other. With each of the three acts bringing together their devoted fan bases all under the same roof for a night of music, worship and praise, this tour promises to reinforce the truly unparalleled power of Christian music and the powerful messages at the core of each song. www.amaliearena.com www.gulfcoastfamily.org

festivities at the Sesame Street Safari of Fun play area. On Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10, enjoy Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary Celebration where guests of all ages can celebrate with Sesame Street character strolls, DJ dance parties and more from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. each day. www.buschgardens.com

November 9 2019 TAMPA BAY HEART WALK By participating in the Heart Walk, you’re joining a million Heart Walk Heroes from across the nation raising funds for lifesaving science. Science that can teach us all how to live longer and be Healthy For Good. This year’s event will be held at Raymond James Stadium and festivities begin at 7:30 a.m. www2.heart.org

November 9 & 16 PRAISE WAVE

November 9, 14, 16, 23, 25, 27 & 30 TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING HOME GAMES The Tampa Bay Lightning have become one of the NHL’s must-see franchises.

Without a doubt, the Lightning are one of the best experiences in sports, and a visit to Amalie Arena makes it easy to see why. This November make plans to come out and “Be the Thunder” as the Bolts take on the Buffalo Sabres, the New York Rangers, the Winnipeg Jets, the Anaheim Ducks, the St. Louis Blues and the Carolina Hurricanes. www.nhl.com/lightning November 9 - 10 CELEBRATE 50 YEARS & COUNTING OF SESAME STREET C is for Celebration and there is plenty to party about at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay! This year marks the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street, and you’re invited to the

November 10, 17, 24 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Parents, sign your budding Bucs fan up for the Jr. Bucs Fan Club today! This exclusive club gives Bucs fans ages 6-14 the chance to connect with the Buccaneers year-round and attend special Jr. Bucs events. Then bring the whole family out to Raymond James Stadium as the Buccaneers host the Arizona Cardinals, the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons! www.buccaneers.com November 10 GREAT CONNECTIONS AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Connect with your family, with other families and with resources in the community. For this event, Great Explorations Children’s Museum will open early for children with special needs and their families to enjoy Great Connections, a

sensory-friendly event. Great Explorations will close to the public, offer discounted admission and provide a “cool down” room for families who need to take a break. www.greatex.org

With the return of Praise Wave, guests can celebrate Christian fellowship and fun at SeaWorld Orlando. Uplifting, live concerts from the hottest names in Christian music will light up the stage at Nautilus Theater at ­­1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Guests can also enjoy SeaWorld’s thrilling rides, shows and attractions. www.seaworld.com November 9, 16, 23 DILLYDALLY WITH DALI Children can discover the creative world of Dali through games, puzzles and arts + crafts activities which educate and encourage family interaction. Dillydally with Dali takes place under the direction of the museum’s Family Programs Coordinator in the 1st floor Education Classroom. www.thedali.org

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November 2019 • 41

November 10 FLOW WITH THE FISHES Experience the serenity of the sea at The Florida Aquarium before it opens to the public with a class by Pose by Pose Yoga.

All levels are welcome to Flow with the Fishes in front of our flagship exhibit, the Coral Reef, or one our newest habitats, Heart of the Sea, as you perfect your boat pose. www.flaquarium.org November 13 AN EVENING OF CONVERSATION WITH JULIE ANDREWS

A true legend in every sense of the word, Academy Award, Golden Globe, Grammy and Emmy Winner Julie Andrews has entertained millions for more than half a century. Ms. Andrews shares her extraordinary experiences from her early days of vaudeville in England to the popular projects and work she continues to create today. Opening with a beautiful video montage of her work, ‘An Evening of Conversation with Julie Andrews’ is a unique and unforgettable visit with one of the world’s most beloved icons. www.rutheckerdhall.com November 15 & 16 WINTER DREAMS: TCHAIKOVSKY & SIBELIUS Hear the symphony that launched a legend – Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, while Benjamin Beilman brings “pure poetry” to Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. Also Vivian Fung’s expressive Fanfare. Daniel Black conducts. The performance on the 15th will be held at the Straz Center and the performance on the 16th at the Mahaffey Theater. www.floridaorchestra.org November 16 - 30 WINTER’S WONDERLAND Join Winter for a splashingly great holiday celebration at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Experience Winter’s Wonderland with lights and decorations 42 • November 2019

all around the aquarium. See the holidaythemed habitats and wish happy holidays to all the CMA’s resident animals and watch and interact with Santa and his elves as they dive in Mavis’s Rescue Hideaway.

Extended evening hours presented by Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. www.seewinter.com

for a special day of family fun! With arts and crafts, family tours, and other special programming, there is so much to do at the MFA. Each month will feature a different theme so your family can explore with us again and again!

This month’s theme is “All about Insects.” www.mfastpete.org

November 16 - 30 BUSCH GARDENS CHRISTMAS TOWN It’s Christmas every day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, with millions of twinkling lights, the Sing-Along Train, holiday shows and of course, visits with Santa and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Christmas Town features extended hours on weekends and additional select dates with even more festive experiences, including indulgent culinary treats at the Christmas Town Village, nighttime experiences on Florida’s best thrill rides and more. www.buschgardens.com

November 21 DISNEY JUNIOR HOLIDAY PARTY! ON TOUR Are you ready to DANCE?!? Disney Junior Holiday Dance Party On Tour, an ALL NEW interactive live concert experience, returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall! Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits with your favorite characters: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Vampirina, Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Puppy Dog Pals, and Fancy Nancy! Preschoolers and their families are invited to get up and dance, play games and join the biggest dance party around. www.rutheckerdhall.com

November 16 LARGO CAR SHOW Everyone is invited to the 3rd annual City of Largo Car show at Largo Central Park! The annual car show will feature a line up of beautiful classic cars, live music and more! All proceeds go to Athletic Scholarship Fund and to Teen Programming. Trophies will be presented

by Seminole Subs and Gyros, door prizes, silent auction, and music by WKID 96.7FM. www.playlargo.com November 16 EXPLORE MORE! FAMILY DAYS AT THE MFA Join the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg the third Saturday of the month

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park • 600 Ashley Drive

Saturday

Friday

Dec 6

6pm - 9:30pm

Dec 7

Holiday entertainment by

Late NightBrass

Free Movie presented by

Tampa Theatre

Parade 11 am Festival Noon-4 pm

Activities for kids include makeand-take crafts, photos with Santa, rock wall, bounce houses, and entertainment stage.

FOR MORE INFO VISIT FRIENDS OF TAMPA RECREATION ON FACEBOOK Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

November 23 GHOSTBUSTERS IN CONCERT Who ya gonna call? The Florida Orchestra, of course, who will perform the iconic score live while Ivan Reitman’s 1984 comedic masterpiece plays on the big screen. All under the baton of composer and conductor Peter M. Bernstein, son of Elmer Bernstein, who composed the original soundtrack. www.floridaorchestra.org

November 23 LIVING HISTORY SATURDAYS - MARINES OF THE SEMINOLE WARS Get face-to-face with Florida history during Living History Saturdays! Each month, a living historian will tell stories, show artifacts and give a short presentation on a different Florida-related theme. Discover what life at sea was like for an 18th century privateer, listen to a young couple navigating changing social attitudes during the 1960s, or hear about the home front in 1940s Tampa during WWII. This month Historian and author Dave Ekard portrays a marine during the Second Seminole War in 1830s Florida. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

November 24 CONSERVATION CONNECTIONS AT BUSCH GARDENS The Conservation Connection speakers series is just one way Busch Gardens Tampa Bay brings awareness to the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund was created to raise support for grassroots conservation projects that are truly making a difference. This month come hear Cara Martel, Busch Garden’s Zoological Supervisor, as she discusses the efforts underway to save the Black Rhino. www.buschgardens.com

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November 2019 • 43

November 25 - 27 READY FOR LAUNCH! THANKSGIVING BREAK CAMP Looking for an exciting adventure when school is out? There is no better place than MOSI to spend doing lots of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) activities! What makes a rocket fly? How do astronauts stay in orbit?

Find out the answers to these questions and more as you learn about the basic principles of Aeronautics and launch highflying rockets! www.mosi.org

Keene Road just south of Gulf to Bay Blvd. (except the 5k Fun Run) and end in Jack White Stadium at Clearwater High School. www.tampabay.com

November 29 & 30 CHRISTMAS IN THE WILD Oh Come, All Ye PLAYFUL to Tampa’s Most Beloved Holiday Tradition Christmas in the Wild returns with more twinkling lights, delectable holiday treats, and new jolly adventures. This wild family tradition immerses you in a world of holiday cheer that will create lasting holiday memories for your whole family. www.zootampa.org November 29 KIDZ BOP WORLD TOUR 2019 The #1 music brand for kids, KIDZ BOP, returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for KIDZ BOP World Tour 2019! KIDZ BOP is the ultimate family concert experience featuring today’s biggest hits, “sung by kids for kids.” Four KIDZ BOP Kids will take the stage for each performance, which will include innovative stage design, special effects, fan interaction, and even a parent lip-sync battle to 90’s hits! www.rutheckerdhall.com

November 28 TAMPA BAY TIMES TURKEY TROT The Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot is a family-friendly race event that takes place in Clearwater annually on Thanksgiving morning. It began in 1979 as a 10K and has grown into one of the most popular holiday events in the county. All races begin at

November 29 - 30 NEXT GENERATION BALLET’S NUTCRACKER Now a glittering, star-studded Tampa holiday tradition, Next Generation Ballet’s Nutcracker includes principal dancers from powerhouse companies such as New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre alongside NGB’s award-winning young dancers. This family-friendly favorite takes audiences into Clara and Drosselmeyer’s fantastical world of dancing sweets, swordfighting rodents and some of ballet’s most famous music. www.strazcenter.org

2019 TAMPA BAY

Heart Walk

November 30 THE FOUR ITALIAN TENORS: VIVA ITALIA The next generation of great Italian tenors is here with Viva Italia! This humble, humorous and heartfelt tribute by four young rising stars of Italian opera salutes the giants – Caruso, Pavarotti, Bocelli and Lanza. The young lions ascend as they honor the men who have stood so long as the pride of modern Italian opera, introducing themselves as the very exciting future of Italian tenors. www.strazcenter.org

November 30 THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL There are dozens of film versions of the long-beloved Dickens story out there, but the Muppets bring this one a kind, funny, heartwarming, empathic energy that elevates it above many of the rest. This FREE outdoor screening will be at Curtis Hixon Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, as part of the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village event. Concessions will be available and the Shops at Winter Village will be open; picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged! www.tampatheatre.org November 30 EPCOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS - CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL

Hear the stirring story of Christmas as told by a celebrity narrator, and accompanied by a choir and 50-piece orchestra. Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem.

All the while, gorgeous choral pieces are woven into the production as an orchestra and choir provide and inspirational backdrop with songs of hope and joy. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

Have an Event?

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Raymond James Stadium 7:30 a.m. Festivities Begin 9 a.m. Walk Begins TampaBayHeartWalk.org 44 • November 2019

#TBHeartWalk Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

The Gulf Coast Family Weekender FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 3 1 2 Amalie Arena www.cirquedusoleil.com

8 15

Cirque du Soleil Is Back on Ice

www.oldsaltfishing.org

Tampa Bay New Car + Truck Show Tampa Convention Center www.autoshowtampa.com

New cars, trucks and SUVs will fill the Tampa Convention Center for the 2020-Model Tampa Bay New Car + Truck Show!

22

Winter Village at Curtis Hixon Park Curtis Hixon Park www.wintervillagetampa.com

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages.

29

Tampa Riverwalk Fall Food & Art Festival Water Works Park www.yourtampamarkets.com Discover a wide variety of local made food, crafts, and art. Make & Take your own special art and craft gifts

9

Fiddler on the Roof Straz Center www.strazcenter.org

Brick History Tampa Bay History Center www.tampabayhistorycenter.org History comes to life in LEGO bricks during “Brick History.” The exhibit features ­­­28 meticulously crafted models, each depicting a person, moment or discovery that altered world history.

10

Bucs vs Cardinals www.buccaneers.com

17

St. Jude Fall Festival Most Holy Name Parish www.stjudefestival.com

Fiddler on the Roof is the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter.

To joy! To love! To life!

16

Lightning Hockey Amalie Arena lightning.nhl.com

The St. Jude Fall Festival is back!

The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Winnipeg Jets at Amalie Arena.

Ride Tickets benefit Cathedral School of St Jude

GO BOLTS!

23 30

Christmas Town Busch Gardens Tampa buschgardens.com Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens® Tampa into a holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas on select nights.

24

Festival of Trees Amalie Arena www.nhl.com/lightning

The whole family will enjoy community decorated trees and wreaths, shopping, daily performances, arts & crafts, face painting and a visit with Santa himself! All to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by The Arc Tampa Bay.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom disneyworld.disney.go.com

Join Mickey at this festive winter celebration for live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.

Select nights November 8 – December 22. Separate admission is required.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

November 2019 • 45

Reader

PH TOs {of the month}

Send us Your Best Photos

YOUR KIDS COULD BE IN GULF COAST FAMILY!

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

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

Avea and Eliana “When I say I won’t tell anyone – my SISTER doesn’t count!”

Joey Schorling “Grandma says I’m the cutest

Pyper May “Can’t keep calm, because it’s my Birthday!”

46 • November 2019

Koen Wielenga “Kindness is like Sugar… It makes Life taste a little sweeter.”

pumpkin in the Patch!”

Payton “I never met a pumpkin I didn’t like.”

Jasmine

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

make a “One touch is all it takes…to girl fall in Love with a horse.” www.gulfcoastfamily.org

2019 Holiday Gift Guide

Next Issue

in the

December 2019

Cover story ▲

of Gulf Coast Family

Gulf Coast Family is pleased to bring back our annual Holiday Gift Guide. Come with us as we visit many of our sponsors for some creative and unique gifts for your holiday shopping this year! You are sure to find unique, practical, and yet affordable gifts for you and your family! If you have a product that you would like for us to take a look at for the gift guide, simply email us at articles@gulfcoastfamily.org.

◀ Christmas Reflections

Tis the Season ▶

Remember the excitement you felt when you were a child around Christ­mas? How eagerly you waited for the day to come?

Our memories are a precious treasure worth preserving and sharing. In our December issue, we will take a look at some wonderful Florida Christmas traditions.

Where else in the world can you spend Christmas in the gorgeous Florida sun and in the North Pole, all in the same day? The Gaylord Palms in Orlando is a stunning resort in its own right, but at Christmas its amenities are enhanced by twinkling lights and greenery, professional holiday performances and ICE!

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

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

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www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

November 2019 • 47

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