Gulf Coast Family - October 2019

October 2019

Vol. 12 Issue 10

Fa l l D ays A re F ! u s n y a D Family Night Out

p. 1 6

October 2019

Contents 4 This October We Recommend That You… 5 Parent to Parent 6 Reader Photos of the Month 8 All Pro Dad: 13 Great Fall Date Night Ideas 9 Movie Night 10 Things To Do After An Accident with Injury 13 Leave this World with Memories, Not Dreams!

14 Dungy Diaries: Dangers of Alcohol 16 Fall Days are Fun Days 20 Gourd-eous Carvings 21 4 Things You Need to Fall Back Into 22 Species Spotlight 23 The Tropical Garden 24 Family Night Out 26 Kids in the Kitchen 28 Evaluating Football Injuries 29 Expecting Parents: What Your Pediatrician May Not Tell You 30 How to Help a Friend Through Breast Cancer 32 Adoption in the Empty-Nest Years 33 Heart Gallery 34 Focus on the Family 37 Filling a Void With Social Media 38 Building Community 39 Karrmayne King Reaches 500 Wins Milestone 40 Do Unto Others . . . Back to Basics 41 It’s Great to Create! Halloween Crafts 42 Education Spotlight 44 October 2019 Events 47 Weekender 2 • October 2019

“Autumn by the Sea. The oceans roar is music to the soul.”

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Phothteo of Month Natalie

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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October 2019 • 3

This October we recommend that you…

READ IT

When Life Gives You Pears by Jeannie Gaffigan Two years ago, Jeannie Gaffigan looked at images of a pear-shaped tumor in her brain and asked, am I going to die. She had five children. Six, she often says if you count her husband, Jim Gaffigan — the comedian with whom she’s co-written seven specials, two best-selling books and an acclaimed television series. She’s also a director, producer and community leader in New York. But quite suddenly, Jeannie Gaffigan’s full life narrowed to being a patient. Jeannie’s new memoir tells the story of her surgery, recovery and the steps along the way that both tested and vitalized her faith.

HEAR IT

Tampa Bay Lightning – Opening Day October 3

Downton Abbey Original Score

by John Lunn and The Chamber Orchestra of London The Downton Abbey film score, composed in a similar style to the two-time Emmy Award-winning music from the television series, is richly orchestrated with the familiar title theme making an appearance throughout. In a throwback to the “Roaring Twenties,” upbeat jazz arrangements appear alongside lavish waltzes, reflecting the popular styles of the day.

EXPERIENCE IT

SEE IT

To say that fans are excited for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s new season to begin would be an understatement. After the way last season ended, fans can’t wait to get back to Amalie Arena for the 2019-2020 season. On October 3rd, the Lightning will take to the ice ready to make another Stanley Cup run with a core of young stars and with very high expectations. This October, come and be a part of the Thunder! For ticket information visit www.nhl.com/lightning.

SURF IT

instructables.com/halloween Sesame Street Kids Weekends Every Sat & Sun

If you are looking for some amazing ideas for Halloween, Instructables.com is Halloween Central for this October!

They’ve got everything you need to scare yourself happy, with instructables for instagrammable costumes, terrifying edibles, and ghostly decorations worthy of the Aldridge Mansion itself.

Celebrate Halloween with Elmo, Abby, Grover and all your favorite Sesame Street friends every Saturday and Sunday in October during Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends.

Show off your family costumes during each themed weekend while you trick-or-treat, enjoy exclusive crafts, explore through a hay bale maze and play fall-inspired activities and games in our festival field area. Then, join your favorite Sesame Street friends during a character dance party!

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 • October 2019

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

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

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.

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I dragged my two slowpokes along for about a mile before deciding to just let them walk since that’s what they both really wanted to do. So I made sure Hanna’s phone was adequately charged, instructed them to keep moving and to stay together, and told them that I would come back for them after I finished.

Parent to Parent

The course is an out and back route, so I saw them again after I turned around. They were just strolling along, but they were having a good time, and there were still about 15 to 20 people behind them at that point.

With hockey season getting ready to begin and the 19th Bolt Run coming up this month, our family has had some fun remembering the fiasco of the Bolt Run a few years ago.

Haylee was training for a Disney 10K, and the Bolt Run was just a few weeks before that race. Hanna was training for a later Disney half marathon, but she was at a good point in her training to run 5 miles, so I signed the three of us up for the 5 mile Bolt Run. But it turns out that, while running with one of the girls works fine most of the time, running with both of them at the same time really doesn’t. Or maybe they were just tired. But whatever it was, the two of them were just not feeling it that morning!

After I finished the race, I started walking back along the course. After about ten minutes, there were only a few stragglers left, but I still hadn’t met the girls. When I got to the point where the road was opened back up for cars, I started to get a little worried, and I called them.

“The police officer told us we had to get on the sidewalk! But we’re not in last place, Mom. We’re not in last place!”

After a few more minutes, I finally reached them. By that time, they

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I couldn’t convince them to run any of that last three quarters of a mile. But I did get them to pick up their walking pace a little bit, and they ended up passing one person and coming in 2nd-to-last and 3rd-to-last place overall.

They passed the finish line just as the awards ceremony was starting. And the announcer only called out first place in the 14 and under female category, but they were giving out awards for first through third place in all of the age groups. So we checked the results, and it seems participation in the 5 mile race is pretty low for kids. So the 2nd- and 3rd-to-last place overall finishers also turned out to be the 2nd and 3rd place age group winners!

Until next time,

Jennifer

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actually were in last place, and they were sauntering down the sidewalk, singing at the top of their lungs, and still having a blast.

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October 2019 • 5

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.

Anna When given the opportunity, always wear a costume.

Avea, Anaya and Eliana Dare to be

bagels a doughnut in a world of plain

Quin

Harper “Life is like learning to ride a bicycle.

To keep your balance you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein

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October 2019 • 7

Summer is over and Fall is here. Soon the holidays will be on us. Sometimes the holidays and winter season are viewed as a romantic season when you can you stay warm inside while it’s cold outside. But don’t forget about the Fall season. Show your wife you are creative, fun, and even romantic now. This season gives you some unique opportunities to create great memories with your wife. Here are 13 great fall date night ideas. One for every Friday this season!

1 A football game: Take your wife to a football game without the kids.

High school, college, or NFL. It doesn’t matter. But when you go, focus on her and creating conversation.

She may not understand the game, or care too much about the results, but you can have fun people watching, drinking a warm drink, and chatting it up.

2 Pumpkin picking and carving: This may be something you think of doing with the kids. Instead, just you and your wife go alone. Drive to the country or wherever a pumpkin patch

13 Great Fall Date Night Ideas is in your area. Get out, grab hands, walk, talk, and choose a pumpkin together.

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

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

colors. A corn maze will bring out the competitive side in you as you are faced with the challenge of finding your way out.

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

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

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

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

6 Corn maze: It seems all Fall activities involve being in the country or on a farm doesn’t it? You and your wife will enjoy the fresh air and great

10 Shop at a flea market: As vendors are trying to get rid of their stock before the season changes, you may be able to get some good deals. Grab

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some cool stuff, enjoy some time together, and save a dollar or two.

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

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

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

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October 2019 • 9

Things To Do After An Accident with Injury 1

Contact 911 and seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. The sooner a doctor can assess you, the sooner you can start getting better and you will be maximizing the chance you have a full recovery. Also, the value of your case will decrease the longer you wait to get medical care, so don’t delay.

2

Call the police: This will make sure you have all of the insurance information and information from witnesses. The police will ensure you have correct insurance policy information, which attorneys cannot otherwise obtain. Further, the police can create a record of how the crash happened, note the point of impact of the vehicles and the damage involved, record the location of any debris from the crash, interview witnesses, locate any video of the crash, and test for drunk driving if needed.

3

Take pictures of the accident if possible, including all vehicles in the accident. Take both close-up and wide angle shots of all vehicle damage.

Why It’s Important to Hire a Trial Attorney

4 5

Take photographs of all injuries before they heal.

6 7

Save copies of your medical records you are given.

Make sure to save receipts when you purchase any medications. Get a folder and start putting everything from the accident in a folder so you don’t lose anything.

Try to get names, phone numbers, addresses, emails, and insurance information from anyone involved in the accident, including any witnesses to the accident. It’s often easy to just take a picture with your phone of insurance cards and drivers licenses just in case the police record the wrong name or insurance policy number. This is your backup.

8

You are required to contact your own insurance company after an accident, but we highly encourage you to call an attorney first. Insurance companies will often get you to say things that might be harmful to your case later and since you don’t know what information they are allowed to ask, you won’t know if you are volunteering information you aren’t required to disclose. Instead, speak to an attorney first and let your lawyer speak to the insurance company for you.

10 • October 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Most attorneys have never set foot in a courtroom.

A recent survey by the American Bar Association indicates that about 95% of all attorneys have never tried a case in front of a jury. Insurance companies know the attorneys who file lawsuits and the ones who settle every case with no lawsuit. When an insurance company knows that a law firm doesn’t litigate or try cases, the threat of a big jury verdict is gone, so they make a much lower offer. On the other hand, attorneys who do try cases and litigate tend to get much higher offers to settle. If 95% of the attorneys out there have never tried a case, then only 5% of the attorneys available will get you the highest offer. Chris Reynolds is a trial attorney who has litigated thousands of cases and who is a member of the National Association of Trial Lawyers and has been awarded the top 100 Trial Lawyers designation. Regardless of who you hire, please hire a trial attorney to maximize the offers you get from an insurance company, and then if you don’t like the offer and want to litigate the case and possibly go to trial, you will already have one of the 5% of attorneys who have experience in litigation.

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.

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

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October 2019 • 11

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Leave this world with

Memories, not Dreams!

by Gaynel Senka

How would you describe planning a family vacation? Exciting? Promising?

Overwhelming? Stressful? The answer to this can be any and all of these at the same time! Family vacations are so exciting to look forward to and experience together, but they can also be stressful to plan and with so many options available can also be overwhelming! Let’s start with the assumptions that a family vacation is a huge benefit to your family, and is something you definitely want to do!

Now, where do you start?

Choose your adventure!

Where do you want to go? What do you want to experience? Living in Florida gives us so many options as we look to plan a family vacation. Do we make a short drive to Orlando for a visit to the

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theme parks? Do we book a cruise and visit the Bahamas or Caribbean? Do we hop on a flight and visit one of many tropical destinations that are within a half-day trip? I’d suggest deciding on what destination you want first.

Plan ahead!

While it’s true that on occasion you can score a last-minute deal on a cruise or hotel, in general the best rates are going to be available months or even years in advance. You’ll get the best selection and choice of accommodations. It also forces you to put it on your calendar and plan the rest of “life” around those dates. If you know what you’d like to do, consider putting a deposit down a year or so ahead of time. This gives you the time to make payments on your upcoming trip, and secure the best prices for your dream vacation! I always suggest figuring out the cost of your vacation up front, what you want to spend,

and then breaking it down into payments you can afford each month. Also, going on vacation and not having the cost follow you home is a wonderful way to add to the enjoyment of your trip!

Know your options!

When you get there, what are you going to do? Where are you going to eat? Do you want accommodations with a kitchen where you can prepare meals in your room? Would you prefer a dining package that covers the cost of your meals in advance? If you booked an all-inclusive, what exactly does that mean? What is included and what isn’t? (hint: they’re all a little bit different!) What are the must-do’s wherever it is that you’re going?

These are my top three suggestions for planning your next family vacation.

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As a travel advisor, I help families like yours navigate these options and prepare for the vacation of their dreams!

I don’t charge any fees, and will do everything I can to find the perfect vacation for your family, that fits your budget, and helps you create amazing memories! Contact me for a free, noobligation quote on your family’s next adventure!

October 2019 • 13

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

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

Drinking is a False Rite of Passage DUNGY DIARIES

by Tony Dungy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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14 • October 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Consequences of Alcohol

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

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

Play! Learn! Grow!

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Nurturing programs where children: • • • •

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

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

New Online Application Process Apply at reservation.pcsb.org

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

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 2019 • 15

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

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

Fall Days Are Fun Days SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular Weekends October 5 – 27

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

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

16 • October 2019

Brick or Treat LEGOLAND Florida, Weekends October 5 – 27

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

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party October 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29 & 31 This October celebrate Halloween...with a Disney twist! Back again this Fall, it’s the happiest haunting on Earth! Don’t miss your chance to collect candies, sweets and frightfully delightful treats—all while the park hosts grim grinning ghosts, eerie entertainment and Disney Characters that go bump in the night. Best of all: since the tone of this event is “not-soscary,” that means children of every age can enjoy the fun!

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

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Creatures of the Night ZooTama at Lowry Park, Friday & Saturday Nights October 4 – 26

Creatures of the Night returns even spookier than last year, for ghouls and goblins of all ages! Hoot, howl and hang out as the Zoo transforms into an eerie and immersive Halloween adventure for the whole family.

Creatures emerge at dusk with startling surprises around every corner. No horror or gore, just fun frights for all! For more information visit www.zootampa.org. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Guppyween

City of Largo Spooktacular

Florida Aquarium, Oct. 26 & 27, 9:30 – 5:00 Join the Florida Aquarium on the only day they let wild animals, ghosts and princesses roam the aquarium—Guppyween! Trick-or-treat tank-to-tank among over 20,000 sea creatures, making for the perfect family-friendly Halloween event. Entertainment and treats will be provided, so come dressed in your best costume! All Aquarium exhibits, including the new outdoor plaza tiki bar and Splash Pad, will be open.

For more information visit www.flaquarium.org.

October 26, 12 – 5 p.m.

Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends

Busch Gardens, Weekends October 5 – 27 Celebrate Halloween with Elmo, Abby, Grover and all your favorite Sesame Street friends every Saturday and Sunday during Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends. Show off your family costumes during each themed weekend while you trick-or-treat, enjoy exclusive crafts, explore through a hay bale maze and play fall-inspired activities and games in our newly expanded festival area. Then, join your favorite Sesame Street friends during a character parade and dance party at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. each event day. For more information visit www.buschgardens.com.

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

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

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

October 10 – 31

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

For more information, visit www.hydeparkvillage.com.

Halloween Spree at Glazer Children’s Museum

October 26

It’s time to show off your most creative costume! Bring your little ghouls and goblins to GCM to enjoy safe, indoor trick-or-treating, spooky experiments, creepy crafts, costume parades, and more! Tickets are available now and will be available at the door. Also, GCM is participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Keep an eye out for stations with a teal pumpkin, where your little ones will receive non-edible goodies. For more information visit www.glazermuseum.org.

Free!

October 31 6 – 8 PM www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Hyde Park Village Annual Pumpkin Patch

8800 Starkey Rd, Seminole

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

October 2019 • 17

Fox Squirrel Corn Maze Weekends October 5 – 27

A Night at the Museum –Tampa Family Trick or Treat Bay History Center, October 20, 2 p.m. or 4:30

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

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

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

A Nightmare on Franklin Street Tampa Theatre, October 18 – 31

Tampa’s most historic – and most haunted – majestic movie palace presents 14 nights of petrifying programming on Oct. 18-31 for everyone from hard-core horror fans to the gentlest ghosts & goblins, including classic horror movies, family-friendly Halloween films, Ghosts of Tampa Theatre tours, special guests, an evening of live storytelling, and a special presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. For more information visit www.tampatheatre.org/nightmare.

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

Hydro Harvest Farm’s Great Pumpkin Patch Weekends October 5 – 27

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

For more information visit www.hydroharvestfarms.com.

Crayola Experience, October 1 – 31

Our Lady of Lourdes Fall Festival

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

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

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

Screamin’ Green Hauntoween

October 10 – 13

St. Early Jerome Childhood Center Space Available for Fall

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

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•Preschool for Ages 2 – 4 •Free VPK Program •Full & Half Day Options

A faith-filled Register Now! beginning 727-596-9491 stjeromeearlychildhoodcenter.org 10895 Hamlin Blvd, Largo 18 • October 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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

All proceeds support the ministry of Keswick Christian School.

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

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

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

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Trunk or Treat

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

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

Sacred Heart Fall Festival

Pumpkin Palooza Family Fall Festival

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

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

October 16 – 20

Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sweet Fields Farm Fall Fun

For information visit www.gfwc-spjwc.org.

Scarecrow Festival

Weekends October 5 – 27

Harvest Holler Corn Maze Weekends October 5 – 27

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

Fall Season opens Saturday October 5th! Get your season started with a Fall-tastic visit to the farm.

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

Pioneer Florida Museum, October 12, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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

Faith Foundation Future

9 am to 12pm - Weekdays (727) 894-4661

St. John Vianney Catholic School VPK-8th Grade

A faith-based Parents’ Morning Out program for children 3 – 23 months.

Accepting Step Up and

No reservations required.

McKay Scholarships

212 3rd Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33702 www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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

500 84th Ave St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727-360-1113

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 2019 • 19

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

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

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

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

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

You will also need vegetable oil.

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

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

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

inside of the pumpkin using your ice cream scoop.

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

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

this is motherhood

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

Drama Kids offers exciting programs for ages 4 to 18. Kids who take our classes have tons of fun and develop important confidence-building skills that will help them personally and academically.

Activities include: • Improvisations • Mini-scripts • Speaking skills • Character analysis

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

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Sept 13 | Oct 11 | Nov 8 | Dec 13 | Jan 10 | Feb 14 | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | May 8

Starkey Road Baptist Church 8800 Starkey Road, Seminole

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

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

Here are 4 things you can fall back into this season with your family.

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

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

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

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

3. Traditions Start some fall traditions for your children. Have each member of your family cut out and decorate a construction paper leaf. Bake pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffins. If you live in an area where the leaves change color, go on an annual Fall Color Drive and admire the scenery. Of course, top off the drive with a cup of hot chocolate!

4. Eating Together Mealtime “Remember When?” Game.

While eating, get out a stack of old photos and put them face down and draw one (playing card style) and explain what was happening when the picture was taken. If you can’t remember, you have to make something up. Take turns taking a picture from the stack and going around the table… “Remember when….”

The kids will likely be hungry at 5 (since it’s the “old” 6 o’clock), so take advantage of their earlier hunger and gather round the table as a family. If you or your husband don’t get home until later, give the kids a snack to hold them over until you do get in and get dinner on the table.

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

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 2019 • 21

Creatures of the Night begins THIS Friday at 4pm! Don’t miss all-new scare zones, up-close animal mingles, animals chats and MORE!

ZooTampa Welcomes Cynthia Stringfield After a thoughtful and thorough selection process, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is proud to welcome Cynthia Stringfield, DVM as our new senior vice president of medical sciences, conservation & education.

Dr. Stringfield brings more than 35 years of experience as a medical professional and is a passionate advocate for the care and conservation of animals throughout the world.

“We are confident that her extensive experience and skills will continue to establish ZooTampa as a leader in the rescue, rehabilitation and care of endangered and threatened Florida species.”

care professionals dedicated in their mission every day to protect and preserve wildlife,” says Joe Couceiro, CEO and president of ZooTampa,

Additionally, Dr. Springfield is working towards her board certified in animal welfare and also served as a member of the California Condor

Members receive unlimited FREE admission. Pay for a Day, Get the Rest of 2019 Free ticket holders Most recently, Dr. Stringfield was receive complimentary admission veterinarian for the Santa Barbara Zoo the first weekend (Friday, October and a professor and chair of exotic 4 and Saturday, October 5) and animal training and management at every Friday in October, as well Moorpark College. Prior to that, she “We are excited to have Dr. Stringfield worked for the Los Angeles Zoo as as a special $10 rate on Saturday join our world-class team of animal their Head of the Animal Division. Veterinary Team through US Fish & nights!

Wildlife.

Join us in welcoming Dr. Stringfield to ZooTampa!

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If you’re ready for a spooktacular time visit ZooTampa.org/Creatures to purchase your tickets.

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West Bay Drive 727-586-1601 2401 Largo, FL 33770 Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 2019 • 23

Your Neighborhood Favorite Since 1974…

VALID FOR DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

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.

NO OTHER COUPONS, DISCOUNTS, OR OFFERS APPLY

13050 Park Blvd.

(727)

397-6661

(727)

544-5611

Banquet Room Available

9119 Belcher Road DINE IN DELIVERY

TAKE-OUT CATERING

www.jotospizza.com

Family Owned and Operated for over 40 Years!!!

{ SMOKIN’ OFFER} HERE’S ONE FOR YOU!

$5.00 OFF 4088 Park Street N St Petersburg, FL 33709 727-614-0574

24 • October 2019

any purchase of $25 or more!

with any other special, Please present coupon when ordering. Not valid 11-30-19. 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.

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

FRESH FOOD FAST Dine-In or Drive-Thru Catering

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

Catering Available for Tenders, Sandwiches, Salads Spend over $100 in catering With this ad. Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 11/30/2019.

BUY ONE TENDERS, SALAD OR SANDWICH COMBO MEAL

BUY ONE TENDERS, SALAD OR SANDWICH COMBO MEAL

Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 11/30/2019.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

Valid at Pinellas Park and St. Petersburg PDQ only. Expires 11/30/2019.

October 2019 • 25

Turn a simple loaf of bread into a ghoulish delight with this very easy bread and dip recipe. These bread mummies make fun appetizers for children or guests to enjoy during the Halloween season and we are confident that all your little spooks will love it!

in the kitchen e kitchen Yummy Mummy • 1-pound loaf frozen bread dough • 3 pieces string cheese • 2 cups sour cream

• 1 envelope ranch dip mix • 1 black olive slice • Assorted fresh vegetable dippers

1. Let dough rise according to package directions. Place on a greased baking sheet and roll into a 12-inch oval. Make indentations on each side about 2 inches down from one end to form the head. Let rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes.

2. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Pull string cheese into strips and arrange over bread. Bake 2 minutes longer until cheese is melted.

3. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and ranch dip. Chill.

4. Cut mummy in half horizontally. Hollow out the bottom half, leaving a ¾ inch shell. Cut removed bread into cubes and set aside.

5. Place bottom half of mummy onto a serving plate and spoon dip into shell. Replace top. Cut olive slice in half and position on head to make eyes.

6. Serve with bread cubes and vegetable dippers.

Cool Kids Cook

26 • October 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Bring some magic to your kitchen this October and try our delicious caramel apple recipe. Our family loved them but who doesn’t enjoy red apples on sticks, bathed in gooey caramel, chocolate, candy and nuts. It just doesn’t get much better than that!

Caramel Apples • 6 large or 8 small apples • Craft sticks • 1 14-ounce bag soft caramels • 2 tablespoons milk • Chopped nuts, miniature chocolate chips, and/or small candies 1. Remove stems from apples and insert a craft stick into each. Dip into boiling water for a few seconds to remove wax, and dry thoroughly. Place into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Unwrap caramels and place in a microwave safe bowl. Add milk.

3. Microwave on 75% power for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth, stirring after each minute. Let rest for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Dip apples into caramel to coat. Spin gently to allow excess to drip off. Roll in desired toppings and place on a greased baking sheet.

5. Place apples in the freezer for 15 minutes, or in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow caramel to set.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

October 2019 • 27

Evaluating Football Injuries by

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

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

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

or two before seeking medical attention.

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

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

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

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

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

Head and Neck Injuries

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

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

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

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Head injuries can lead to concussions and brain damage that get worse with repeated exposure. If your child is complaining of headaches related to football, he should stop play and see his doctor.

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Expecting Parents: What Your Pediatrician May Not Tell You Expecting a child can feel overwhelming: There’s a lot to learn in the months before your baby arrives. Your obstetrician and pediatrician are excellent resources for caring for your baby and keeping them healthy, but they may not tell you how to keep your child safe in your home.

Parents and caregivers often think preventable tragedies won’t happen to their family, but sadly, accidents can happen to even the most attentive parents and caregivers. In 2018, 33 children in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties died from unsafe sleep, accidental drowning or abusive head trauma (also known as shaken baby syndrome).

These deaths are 100 percent preventable. Learn and share these life-saving tips for safe sleep, water safety and safe stress relief.

Safe sleep The safest way for infants to sleep is Alone, on their Backs, and in a Crib.

Your infant’s crib mattress should be firm and fit snugly inside the crib’s frame, and a fitted sheet should fit tightly around the mattress. Crib bumpers, stuffed animals, toys, sleep positioners, pillows and blankets increase the risk for suffocation and should remain outside of the crib.

Safe stress relief Surprisingly, parents are most often responsible for causing injury or death from shaking a baby. As stress levels rise, parents and caregivers may shake their baby out of frustration, causing permanent injury or death.

The parent or caregiver does not mean to cause abusive head trauma, but they lack the knowledge or skills to cope with a stressful situation. Shaking an infant or young child – even once – can be fatal.

Crying is normal for babies – it’s how they communicate. A baby may cry because they are hungry, need a diaper change, are teething, are too hot or too cold, or because they’re simply overtired. Prepare for and prevent situations that might cause your child to cry, and attempt to soothe your baby.

Know that it’s okay to take a time out.

If a crying child becomes frustrating, leave the child safely on their back in the crib and step out of the room to regroup.

Stepping away reduces the chance of stress leading to a dangerous situation.

Check on the child every few minutes to ensure they’re still safe.

Make time for yourself by getting a trusted caregiver to watch your baby. Make sure your caregiver also understands it’s ok to put the baby down safely for a few moments if they need a break.

Water safety The best protection against an accidental drowning is supervision. Children can drown in as little as 20 seconds, and without splashing or calling out for help. Designate a “water watcher” who pays close attention while children are near water.

Understand that there are hidden hazards in the home too. Children can drown in as little as one inch of water, which means that a pet’s water bowl, toilets, buckets with water, and bath tubs all pose a threat.

Unsafe sleep, abusive head trauma and drowning are the top preventable deaths among babies and young children in the Tampa Bay area. For more information on how to keep kids safe, visit PreventNeedlessDeaths.com.

Install door alarms that alert you when your child goes outside your home.

Most children who drown in a nearby pond or pool were last seen inside the house, and caregivers thought the children were napping or playing inside.

Add pool and yard fences with selfclosing gates and locks, which can keep a crawling or walking child from reaching the water. Check pool fences for tears and damage – like a small tear that a child could fit through – that need to be repaired.

Place your baby’s crib or a bassinet in your room while they are an infant. It offers the same benefits of bonding without the risks.

More infants die in adult beds than anywhere else. Infants are 40 times more likely to die in an adult bed than in a crib. They can get stuck in blankets or pillows, and without control of their neck muscles, can lead to suffocation.

Anyone sharing the bed with the infant can also accidentally roll over and suffocate the child – this includes adults, other siblings or even pets. www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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October 2019 • 29

How to Help a Friend Through Breast Cancer

by Janet Thompson Founder of Woman to Woman Mentoring

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

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

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

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

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

30 • October 2019

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

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

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

Helping Her with the Bad Days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Do her laundry.

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

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

8. Answer her email.

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

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

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

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

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

14. Pick up prescriptions.

15. Run errands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

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October 2019 • 31

Adoption in the Empty-Nest Years

What empty-nest families can offer a child

by Matt Kaufman

Empty-nest adoption and foster care come with unique advantages and challenges, Weber says.

Among the advantages: The families are better able to handle kids who’ve been through trauma. They’re more experienced and often more flexible with their time and finances.

Among the challenges: It can be tough to muster up the required physical energy. And they may have to alter their expectations for spending time with their grandchildren.

In that vein, adoptive parent Teerie Morrow urges empty nesters to consider every aspect of their lives before pursuing adoption.

“I don’t want to discourage adoptions, but I want to discourage failed

by Paul J. Batura

1 The adoption process is hard, but it’s good

Empty nesters who have finished raising their kids still have plenty to offer children who have no home of their own.

“EMPTY-NEST families usually aren’t trying to fill a void in their lives,” says Jason Weber, national director of foster care initiatives for the Christian Alliance for Orphans. “They’re looking solely to give a home to a child who needs one. They’re more likely to adopt a child from foster care, from an orphanage or from another country— the kids who are harder to place.”

7 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Adopting 5 Patience is a necessity That stress-free, smile-filled, pictureperfect 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 kind of person who likes everything neat and predictable, you’re going to have to let that go.

Almost every adoption discussion involves more questions than answers. adoptions,” Morrow says. “These children can’t handle that.

“I wouldn’t go back or have done anything differently because it was God’s plan for our lives. But make sure it’s God’s plan for your lives. Count the cost. Consider the strength of your marriage, your relationships, the impact on the rest of the family.”

An empty-nest adoption absolutely requires some sacrifices, Weber says, but you’ll rarely hear them expressed as regrets.

“We talk to people who say things like, ‘All our friends are going on long vacations and we’re still doing science fairs,’” he says. “But they’re not complaining when they say that.

They’re saying, ‘We’re glad that we’re doing this instead.’”

“Things you may have looked forward to your whole life and saved for, like buying a boat, now you’re putting that money into a special school your kid needs. But I’ve never met anyone who regrets givin up those old dreams.”

Everyone wants to put their best foot forward when putting together an adoption profile, but don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and down-to-earth. Most birthparents appreciate authenticity.

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.

Skilled legal counsel is invaluable.

Some adoption agencies have attorneys, but they’re responsible for representing the agency, not necessarily your family.

7 Yes, you can love them just as much

4 Dont keep your desire to adopt a secret Although it’s a very personal and intimate matter, resist the urge to keep quiet about it. Adoption placements often 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.

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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.

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

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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!

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October 2019 • 33

with Jim Daly Q: Our family always seems to be in a reactive mode—it seems like there’s some small but stressful crisis every day. My husband and I are both tired of this pattern, and how it’s affecting us and our kids, but we feel stuck. Are there any strategies we can use to help?

Jim: Since it’s football season again, and as a former quarterback, I’d like to share an analogy and tactic from the game that works well off the field, too.

FAMILY MUST LEARN TO COPE WITH LIFE’S UNEXPECTED SETBACKS

But here’s the key: For that strategy to work, everyone on the offense has to understand what to do before the pressure comes, and what their responsibility is if certain defenders blitz.

That same principle works well in life, too.

Challenges drop into our lives without warning from all directions. Maybe it’s a car that unexpectedly breaks down or the sudden loss of a job. Creating a “hot read” plan ahead of time can help families keep their bearings when unexpected pressure hits: If “X” happens, then we do “Y.” Take some time to “huddle up” with your spouse and discuss how everyone in your family reacted to past unforeseen crises. Then talk through what you’ll do differently when another one happens. With a little advance planning, you’ll be better prepared to handle the next blitz life throws your way.

DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF ANGER One football scheme that translates well into real life is called the “hot read.” Here’s the setup: The defending team typically rushes the quarterback with three or four players. But sometimes, the defense will blitz using extra players (five, six, even seven) to put extra pressure on the QB. To counter that, the quarterback will run a “hot read”—when he sees the blitz, he immediately passes to an alternate receiver before the charging defenders can get to him.

Q: I’ve got a big problem in how I speak to my wife and children; too often, I fly off the handle and yell at everybody. I desperately want to be a better husband and father, and I need to change my behavior. Do you have any suggestions?

Greg Smalley, Vice President, Family Ministries: You’ve taken an important first step by realizing that you have a problem with anger and verbal abuse. In a

very real sense, that’s more than half the battle, and I commend you for it.

You can start moving in the right direction by getting some intensive counseling with a pastor or a professional marriage and family therapist. This might involve extended sessions (up to three hours each) for several days in succession. There are a number of therapists in the field who specialize in brief intensives. Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department can help you with referrals to qualified practitioners in your area; call 855-771-HELP (4357).

As you go forward, remember that anger is often fueled by feelings of fear, hurt and shame (a sense of not being good enough). Counseling will help you identify these triggering patterns. It will teach you new coping skills and help you practice more effective communication techniques. It will also uncover underlying wounds and highlight “re-enactment behaviors” resulting from unfinished business with your family of origin and/or difficult life experiences.

This, in turn, will enable you to avoid the reactionary type of language that can take such a devastating emotional toll on the people around you.

A book that can help jump-start the process is Robert McGee’s “The Search for Significance,” which addresses the fear of failure, rejection, punishment and shame that is often the source of the kind of anger you’ve experienced in your family relationships. It can be ordered online and found in most bookstores.

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TRAGEDIES REMIND US WHAT REALLY MATTERS Q: I vividly remember exactly where I was 15 years ago when I heard about the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. My son was just an infant then; now he’s reading about significant events like 9/11, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. Yesterday, he asked me how people respond to these tragedies. What’s your take?

Jim: The biggest challenge we all face may be to live every moment focused on what truly matters. For example, each time a natural disaster occurs, I listen to the wisdom of those who survive. These good folks stand in the rubble of their lives and, almost without exception, share the same perspective about what’s really important. Though they’ve lost everything from a material standpoint, they express deep gratitude that their loved ones are safe.

Our culture constantly offers a skewed idea of what’s valuable, and we buy into that hype far too easily. Parents work longer and harder in a never-ending quest for bigger houses, newer cars and the latest technology. Eventually, the “stuff” of life overshadows what really matters, while time with our family dwindles away.

When disaster rocks our lives at a foundational level, we need something to comfort us that goes even deeper.

There are only two things in life that we can count on to do that—the love and support of family and friends, and, most importantly, the bedrock of faith.

Nothing besides love and an eternal perspective can reach into our suffering and bring us true comfort.

That type of reaction makes sense.

After all, tragedy has a unique way of bringing clarity into our lives. But I’m troubled that it often takes a crisis for us to see clearly. We get distracted, and family priorities soon begin to erode.

For example, studies have shown that on average, fathers spend less than 60 seconds in daily conversation with each of their children!

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Q: My wife and I generally get along great, but I’m surprised how much we argue about little chores around the house. Is this normal?

Jim: When couples are asked about stress points in marriage, things like kids and finances usually come up first. But studies show that household chores rank third on that list!

It’s easy to understand how something as simple as housework can fuel conflict in a marriage. Life gets busy for couples. Before long, they’re each fowww.gulfcoastfamily.org

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October 2019 • 35

with Jim Daly cused on the tasks they care about, while forgetting the burdens their spouse is carrying. The next thing you know, they’re locked in power struggles over who does more and who works harder.

I’d encourage you to try to change your mindset, and remind yourselves you’re on the same team. The household chores should benefit your relationship, not tear it down. In fact, instead of arguing over who does more, what would happen if you each tried to “out-serve” one another?

There are also practical ways to avoid conflict. Say a particular chore is your spouse’s responsibility. Don’t dictate how and when they do it just because that’s when you think it ought to be done. And don’t forget to leave some room for individual preferences. Even though you’d prefer the bed be made each morning, is that really an issue important enough to come between you?

As with any other area of your marriage, sorting out the housework is all about connection and communication. I encourage you to prioritize honoring one another and finding some common ground.

DAUGHTER’S SNIDE BEHAVIOR HAS MOM AND DAD WORRIED Q: Our daughter is married to a good, kind, giving man. We love them both very much, but most of the time my daughter is disrespectful and mean to her husband. He’s passive and just takes it from her. This upsets our entire family and I’m inclined to speak with my daughter about it. Do you think I should?

Jim: This is a judgment call that requires careful thought and perhaps some outside counsel. In considering your response, it’s important to recognize that as an adult your daughter is your peer rather than your “child.” I’d also suggest you try to look at her and her husband as if they weren’t related to you.

By adopting this perspective, you’ll be less likely to inappropriately inject yourself into their relationship.

If the quality of your relationship with your daughter is such that you think she’d be open to hearing your concerns, talk to her about your feelings. Again, it’s critical that you approach the conversation as a caring friend and not a condemning parent. If your daughter responds positively, you can discuss the problem further and offer ways you might be of encouragement and help.

If, however, she proves resistant to your concerns, I’d recommend you ease off. In many cases, a trusted third party to whom your daughter might be more inclined to listen may prove to be a more effective means of intervening.

Meanwhile, if your daughter’s behavior makes everyone uncomfortable, you can remedy the situation by adopting a “my house, my rules” approach. You can’t dictate how she should talk to her husband. But you can say, “At my house we have a rule that everybody is to be treated with respect.” If your daughter refuses to comply, stop inviting her to family gatherings.

Our staff of licensed counselors would be pleased to help you navigate this sensitive situation. Don’t hesitate to call them at (800) A-FAMILY.

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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www.ircs.org 727-595-3421 36 • October 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

Filling a Void With Social Media by pluggedin.com

Do you ever log on to social media when you can’t sleep or you’re feeling down? You might actually be making the situation worse.

as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat are at greater risk of eating disorders and negative body-image concerns.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have linked frequent use of social media to a host of physical and mental health concerns:

• Frequent use of social media is associated with a significantly increased risk of depression.

• Young adults who spend a lot of time on social media platforms such

DENTISTRY

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• Those who spend hours on social media or check it repeatedly throughout the week are more likely to have trouble sleeping.

Researchers admit that it’s sometimes difficult to separate the cause from the effect. Explains senior author Dr. Brian Primack: “Difficulty sleeping may lead to increased use of social media, which may in turn lead to more problems sleeping.”

pluggedin.com

What do teens consider the “most important” social network?

Snaptchat 28% Instagram 27% Twitter 18% Facebook 17% Source: Piper Jaffway

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October 2019 • 37

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Karrmayne King Reaches 500 Wins Milestone in Volleyball The longtime Keswick Christian coach and athletic director had already surpassed that mark in girls basketball.

By Rodney Page, Preps Reporter, Tampa Bay Times (This article appeared originally in the Tampa Bay Times. Reprinted with permission.)

[SCOTT PURKS | SPECIAL TO THE TIMES]

Let the celebration begin. Keswick Christian players hold up a banner and grin big for volleyball coach Karrmayne King moments after King sealed up her 500th career volleyball coaching victory.

As the final point of Keswick’s Christian’s match against Seffner Christian landed softly on the gym floor, it was time for the visiting team to celebrate.

Keswick Christian won in straight sets, which meant coach Karrmayne King earned her 500th career victory as the school’s volleyball coach.

“It’s all about the girls that are standing over there and all the ones that came before them,” King said.

“It’s all about them. That’s what every win represents.

It’s not about championships as much as it is about champions.”

After the match she took pictures with her team and was presented balloons that spelled out “500.” She was also given a game ball and students held up cut out pictures of her face.

King, 57, is in her 35th year at the school. After graduating from Liberty, where she played two years of basketball, she started as volleyball and softball coach and also assisted the boys basketball team.

King is part of an exclusive club of area coaches who have led more than one major sport for an extended time. Kaylyn Bayly coached volleyball and softball at both Lakewood and Countryside for more than 20 years. Anne Balderson was Clearwater’s girls basketball and volleyball coach. She won more than 200 games as basketball coach and led the Tornadoes to a state championship in 1997, which was her 500th career win.

[SCOTT PURKS | SPECIAL TO THE TIMES]

Keswick Christian fans hold up pictures of volleyball coach Karrmayne King along with 500 signs.

Frank Vining of Brandon was 424-93 as volleyball coach from 1978-2002. He was 502-109 as the boys basketball coach. And William Bethel coached basketball and football at Middleton from 1946-71.

He was 551-88 as basketball coach and 146-72 as football coach.

As volleyball coach, she is now 500-370 in 35 years.

As basketball coach, she is 571-269 in 30 years.

King said this will be her last year as the volleyball coach. She will remain as basketball coach and the school’s athletic director.

Keswick Christian players gather around and cheer for volleyball coach Karrmayne King moments after beating Seffner Christian.

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

And then there is Becky Larsen, who played basketball and volleyball for King from 1989-93. She was on King’s first basketball team in ’89. Her daughter, Audrey, is a right side hitter on this year’s team.

“Winning was important to her but winning wasn’t the only thing,” Becky Larsen said. “She wanted to teach you life lessons off the court as well. I’m so happy that my daughter is here playing for Coach King.”

[SCOTT PURKS | SPECIAL TO THE TIMES]

Karrmayne King, surrounded by her team, took her usual intensity into the match Thursday night at Seffner Christian.

But no area coach has won 500 games in two sports.

King, who is low key by nature, deflected any praise.

But her current and past players couldn’t be happier.

[SCOTT PURKS | SPECIAL TO THE TIMES]

“You can tell she really cares about us,” Hannon said.

“She always wants the best for us. There are times when we may not think it’s the best, but you realize later it is. If you just listen to her and trust her you will learn things on and off the court in every area of our lives.”

“It’s great to be part of the journey for her to get there,” said sophomore outside hitter Sydney Jackwin, who also plays basketball. “It’s very exciting to be part of the team that makes that happen.”

Senior Rylee Hannon also plays volleyball and basketball.

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With the win Thursday night, the Crusaders improved to 14-3. King admitted to having a bit of relief now that she has reached the milestone.

This year’s team is one of the better ones she has had in recent years. No matter what happens, she will step down at the end of the season, although she will miss it.

“My job never gets boring,” King said. “You have different girls every year. There are different dynamics.

The skill level is different. It’s always exciting.”

Contact Rodney Page at rpage@tampabay.com.

Follow @RodneyHomeTeam.

October 2019 • 39

DO UNTO OTHERS . . .

BACK TO BASICS

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

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

High school was a bigger environment than elementary school and easier to pick on others without being held accountable. These actions were just plain mean.

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

Meanness is a condition of the heart, as is its opposite-

by Dr. Kira Wilson

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

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

and modeled for your children by those who have influence in their lives?

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

Getting back to the basics is really that simple.

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

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

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

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Items needed: • Mason Jar • Gauze • Googly Eyes • Glue • Candle Directions: 1. Cut the gauze into thin (2-inch) strips.

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October 2019 • 41

PCS Receives State Recognition for Outstanding Health Practices

Walker’s Rising Stars Casting Call is Underway

Pinellas County Schools earned the Florida Healthy School District Gold Level Achievement Award.

The award recognizes Pinellas for having outstanding policies and processes that promote good health. The recognition was awarded by a partnership including the Florida Partnership for Healthy Schools, Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS), Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

PCS juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for the Walker’s Rising Stars competition. The program helps students hone their audition, portfolio and performance skills. Students who participate in Walker’s Rising Stars compete for college scholarships up to $5,000 in six categories: Culinary Arts, Dance, Instrumental, Theater, Visual Arts and Vocal Performance.

The Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Competition is funded by the Pinellas Education Foundation and noted Bay Area neurosurgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Walker.

Students interested in competing in any of the fields, except culinary arts, can learn more and apply on the Pinellas Education Foundation website (www.pinellaseducation.org/initiatives/multiplepathways/) If you would like information about the culinary competition, please contact the RyanWells Foundation, which is managing the culinary arts portion of the competition. (www.ryanwellsfoundation.com) Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Oct. 7.

The district submitted the Florida Healthy School District Self-Assessment.

The self-assessment tool is based on sustainable infrastructure, policy, programs, and practices identified from national and state guidelines, best practices, and Florida statutes. The district will hold its designation from September 2019 through August 2021.

Clearwater Fundamental Middle Receives International Recognition for Helping Students Become College and Career Ready Clearwater Fundamental Middle School is one of 28 schools from across the U.S. and Ireland to be recognized by CFES Brilliant Pathways as a School of Distinction.

The award acknowledges the development and execution of a highly effective plan for the entire student body to become college and career ready, through the CFES core practices of Essential Skills, Mentoring and Pathways to College and Career.

Only three schools in Florida earned this honor.

“Through our partnership with CFES Brilliant Pathways, our students have been afforded opportunities to work with West Point Robotics professors, deepen their exploration of careers and colleges, and work on essential skills to be successful in life,” said Clearwater Fundamental Principal Stephanie Joyner.

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October 2019 • 43

October 2019

Events

October 1 - 31 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 October 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 October 1 - 13 WINTER & HOPE’S BIRTHDAY BUBBLE BASH Join us in celebrating Winter’s 14th and Hope’s 9th birthdays at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Sign a giant birthday card for Winter and Hope, play Pin-the-tail on Winter game and enjoy daily bubble enrichment with Winter & Hope + PJ in the Winter Zone! www.seewinter.com October 1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WALT DISNEY WORLD Disney World officially opened to the public on October 1, 1971. After Disneyland’s success in California, Walt Disney decided to build a bigger second park, setting his sights on Florida.

“May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place .. .a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together,” read the dedication plaque. www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

October 1 TODDLER TUESDAYS AT ZOO TAMPA This October, your kids will be the first to see 2019’s “Pigpimples School of Mystery and Mayhem”. Not officially opening until October 4th, your toddler will get to experience all the fun of the Creatures of the Night Birds of Prey show without staying up late! www.zootampa.org OCTOBER 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 GCM’S WORLDWIDE WEDNESDAY: KENYA Travel the globe with GCM during Worldwide Wednesday! Pack your bags 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! September’s Worldwide Wednesdays will be all about Kenya! www.glazermuseum.org October 3 AMERICAN LEAGUE WILD CARD GAME - GO RAYS

Start your engines! The reveal of the 2020 Stingray convertible is coming to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on October 3, 2019 and we invite you to join us and hear from Chevrolet experts and a special astronaut guest. Two presentations will include the “reveal” of Chevrolet’s 2020 Corvette Stingray Convertible and showcase the car’s legacy with United States astronauts. A guest speaker from Chevrolet will share information on the Chevrolet cars and what is new with the 2020 Corvette. www.kennedyspacecenter.com October 3, 19, 23 & 26 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 October make plans to come out and “Be the Thunder” as the Bolts take on the Florida Panthers, the Colorado Avalanche, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Nashville Predators. www.nhl.com/lightning

The MLB playoffs are in full swing and your Tampa Bay Rays are playing in the American League Wild Card game vs the Oakland A’s. So put on those Ray’s jerseys, grab those cowbells and cheer on your hometown Rays! www.mlb.com/rays October 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29 & 31 MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY Get your favorite costume ready and make your plans to live it up—collecting candies, sweets and delightful treats—all while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with special fireworks, eerie entertainment and Disney Characters that go bump in the night. Best of all: since this event is “notso-scary,” children of every age can enjoy the fun! www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

44 • October 2019

October 3 2020 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY CONVERTIBLE REVEAL

October 4 - 6 REVOLUTION: MUSIC OF THE BEATLES - A SYMPHONIC EXPERIENCE It’s a ticket to ride through the history of The Beatles as told through their hits and Grammy winner Jeff Tyzik’s orchestral arrangements using the original Abbey Road recordings. Featuring hundreds of rare photos and stunning video along with top vocalists singing hits like Penny Lane, Get Back, Here Comes the Sun and Hey Jude. www.floridaorchestra.org

October 4 PEPE PIG LIVE! AT RUTH ECKERD HALL Peppa Pig Live! returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall with an ALL NEW action-packed live show featuring your favorite characters in her new live show, Peppa Pig’s Adventure!

Come join Peppa on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

Sheep and Gerald Giraffe. With lunchboxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor adventure, full of singing, dancing, games and surprises! www.rutheckerdhall.com October 5 BABY SHARK LIVE! AT THE STRAZ CENTER Take an adventure into the sea with Baby Shark as he joins his friend Pinkfong to sing and dance through some of your favorite new and classic songs! In this one of a kind live experience young fans will be dancing in the aisles as Baby Shark and his friends, go on fun adventures to learn about shapes, colors, numbers and so much more! www.strazcenter.org

October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 & 27 SESAME STREET KIDS’ WEEKENDS Celebrate Halloween with Elmo, Abby, Grover and all your favorite Sesame Street friends every Saturday and Sunday in October during Sesame Street Safari of Fun Kids’ Weekends. Show off your family costumes during each themed weekend while you trick-or-treat, enjoy exclusive crafts, explore through a hay bale maze and play fall-inspired activities and games in our festival field area. Then, join your favorite Sesame Street friends during a character dance party! www.buschgardens.com October 5 TRAIN WEEKEND AT LARGO CENTRAL PARK Hop on for a ride around beautiful Largo Central Park on the parks miniature railroad on the first full weekend of the month from 10am-4pm. The accurately modeled scale locomotives pull you and your family along a mile long loop through great scenery, the spooky tunnel and our waterfall pond. Fun for all ages! www.playlargo.com

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

MOSI’s telescopes. SkyWatch stargazing events are located in the parking lot by the new MOSI entrance. Event begins at 8pm and is weather dependent. www.mosi.org

October 8 - 13 ROALD DAHL’S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory … to a lucky few. That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to burst with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before – get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper! www.strazcenter.org October 12 - 31 THE GRASHOPPER AND THE ANT AND OTHER STORIES A neo-Victorian, a creator of unexpected experiences, and a visionary artist who twists the familiar into the unsettling, Jennifer Angus challenges our perceptions and expectations by working in an unusual medium: dried, exotic insects.

Her site-specific installations often incorporate large, brilliantly-colored insects into elaborate patterns inspired

by Victorian wallpaper and 19th-century book illustration – always to dramatic and startlingly beautiful effect. www.mfastpete.org

October 13 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 October 17 - 20 PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS CHARLOTTE’S WEB This beloved theatrical presentation, performed by students ages 9-17, tells the story of Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher and an extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be “a true friend and good writer.” Wilbur and Charlotte are joined by a cast of memorable characters in this beautiful play about friendship. www.strazcenter.org

October 18 - 20 CLEARWATER BEACH CHALK ART FESTIVAL The Clearwater Chalk Art Festival brings local and regional artists, students and artist groups to participate in this three day event, transforming the beach’s sidewalks into spectacular larger-than-life canvases.

Offering a rare glimpse into the way art is produced in all stages of the process, the public is invited to vote for their favorite artist in the “People’s Choice Award” category. The festival also includes a kid’s zone, arts & crafts vendors, music, and more! Entry is free and open to the public. www.clearwaterbeachchalkwalk.com October 19 TAMPA PIG JIG ON THE RIVER

October 17 - 20 CLEARWATER JAZZ HOLIDAY

October 12 TAMPA BAY ROWDIES SOCCER Kick it at Al Lang Stadium and cheer on the Tampa Bay Rowdies! Experience the electrifying home games with stands packed with fans cheering the team on with age old songs and chants, top notch concessions, and an outdoor stadium situated right on the waterfront of downtown St. Pete. Gates open 60 minutes prior to kickoff. This October take a trip downtown and cheer on the Rowdies as they take on the Indy Eleven. www.rowdiessoccer.com

Enjoy sweet Sounds at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Four days of swinging jazz surrounded by warm breezes and wafts of sea-salty air . . . what better way to enjoy the most American of music styles than outdoors in sunny Clearwater, Florida? At the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, you’ll not only be treated to a warm atmosphere (not just weather-wise, but people-wise), you’ll also take in the sounds of top musical performers. This year’s featured artists include Boyz II Men, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Chicago and Alison Krauss. www.clearwaterjazz.com

October 12 SKYWATCH AT MOSI Join MOSI’s space experts and enjoy an evening of space exploration through

October 18 - 20 JOHN’S PASS SEAFOODFEST The John’s Pass Seafood Festival has always been a celebrated event. For 38

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

years, the community has come together, utilizing hundreds of local volunteers in support of the vision. John’s Pass Seafood Festival is currently the second largest Seafood Festival on the East Coast. The Festival gives visitors and the residents of Pinellas County a reason to visit Madeira Beach to have fun and enjoy the bounty of seafood that inhabits our coastal waters. www.johnspassseafoodfest.com

The Tampa Pig Jig is an annual fundraiser event hosted on downtown Tampa’s beautiful waterfront featuring live music, great food, a BBQ competition, drinks and games. The event benefits the NephCure Kidney International, the only non-profit organization committed to supporting research, improving treatment and finding a cure for the debilitating kidney disease, FSGS. www.tampapigjig.com October 19 EXPLORE MORE! FAMILY DAYS AT THE MFA Join us each month 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

To advertise, call 727-612-0783

will feature a different theme so your family can explore with us again and again! www.mfastpete.org October 19 FREE POPS IN THE PARK Whether you come with a date or the whole family, the music is just right at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park. Features film scores, Broadway hits and symphonic favorites. Bring plenty of canned goods for Tampa Bay Harvest. Daniel Black conducts. www.floridaorchestra.org October 25 - 27 SPIFFS 45TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FOLK FAIR

SPIFFS 45th Annual International Folk Fair will be held from October 25 - 27, 2019 at Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. The festival showcases food and culture from 36+ ethnic organizations, each representing immigrants from nations across the globe. The groups will unite in a Grand Parade of Nations, culminating in a swearing-in ceremony of new American citizens. www.www.spiffs.org October 26 HALLOWEEN SPREE AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM It’s time to show off your most creative costume! Bring your little ghouls and goblins to GCM to enjoy safe, indoor trickor-treating, spooky experiments, creepy crafts, costume parades, and more! Also, GCM is participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Keep an eye out for stations with a teal pumpkin, where your little ones will receive non-edible goodies. www.glazermuseum.org October 27 CELEBRATING H.B. PLANT’S 200TH BIRTHDAY Celebrate the 200th birthday of railroad magnate and hotel owner Henry Plant with a special lecture, book signing, and of course, birthday cake. The Henry B. Plant Museum and the Tampa Bay History Center join together to honor the man who was instrumental in the development of Tampa.

The highlight of the festivities is a talk by Canter Brown Jr., Florida historian and author of a brand-new biography of Plant. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org October 2019 • 45

October 27 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. www.buschgardens.com October 27 19TH ANNUAL BOLT RUN Let’s Bolt to the Blue line at this year’s 19th Annual Bolt Run, presented by AdventHealth. Join us for the coolest finish line around the Bay - just inside AMALIE Arena! Register online to run, walk or cheer. www.nhl.com/lightning October 27 ONE GIANT LEAP On July 20, 1969, humans walked on the moon for the first time. Join the entire Florida Orchestra for an afternoon of

family activities and a concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic moment. Featuring stunning footage from the lunar surface, the concert explores space travel and music about the skies with “Jupiter” from Holst’s The Planets, selections from E.T. by John Williams and much more. The concert also includes introductions to the instrument families of the orchestra. www.floridaorchestra.org

October 30 CAMPFIRE STORIES AT THE TAMPA THEATRE Since the beginning of time, humans have gathered around the fire to share stories and tell tales. If you’re not careful, your eyes start to play tricks on you, and your imagination starts to wonder what might be lurking in the shadows just beyond the trees. Join Tampa Theatre on Halloween Eve for scary stories around the campfire under the historic movie palace’s iconic starry sky! Author and local scare-lebrity Scott Swenson will host a family-friendly evening of PG-13 tales, featuring the Storytellers of Old Tampa Bay. www.tampatheatre.org October 31 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

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an exhilarating adventure as his passion for music and graphic arts takes you on an electrifying journey. www.amaliearena.com

Have an Event?

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

S I M P LY E V E N T S O F T A M PA B AY ’ S

Shabby Chic Vintage Market & Artisan Day 10 • 13 • 19

10:00am-4:00pm • 401 Main St., Safety Harbor TAMPA BAY’S MOST UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Local Artisans • Upcycled & Original Art Live Music Unique Home Decor • Vintages & Antiques Join us for Interactive seminars by your favorite vendors.

Over 150 Unique Decor, Artists & Artisans.

46 • October 2019

Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper

For More Information: Simply Events (727) 674-1464 Vendor Applications: www.simplyeventsfl.com

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

The Gulf Coast Family Weekender FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 6 4 5 Peppa Pig Live!

Ruth Eckerd Hall www.rutheckerdhall.com

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

Come join Peppa on an exciting camping trip to the woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep and Gerald Giraffe..

11

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factry Straz Center www.strazcenter.org

12

18

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs Indy Eleven Al Lang Stadium www.rowdiessoccer.com

13

Clearwater Marine Aquarium www.seewinter.com October 1–13 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival October 1–31 www.disneyworld.disney.go.com

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

Enter a world of “Pure Imagination!” Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before!

Clearwater Jazz Holiday Coachman Park October 17–20 www.clearwaterjazz.com

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

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

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19 www.johnspass.com

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

October 18–20

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

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45th Annual International Folk Fair Vinoy Park www.spiffs.org

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St Petersburg International Folk Fair returns for its 45th year! The festival showcases food and culture from 36+ member organizations representing immigrants from nations across the globe.

31Halloween MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY www.disneyworld.disney.go.com CREATURES OF THE NIGHT www.zootampa.org BRICK-OR-TREAT www.legoland.com

www.gulfcoastfamily.org

www.clearwaterbeachchalkwalk.com

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Halloween Spree Glazer Children’s Museum www.glazermuseum.org

Bring your little ghouls and goblins for trick-or-treating, spooky experiments, creepy crafts, costume parades, and more!

19th Annual Bolt Run Amalie Arena www.nhl.com/lightning

Let’s Bolt to the Blue line at this year’s 19th Annual Bolt Run, presented by AdventHealth. Join Lightning fans for the coolest finish line around the Bay - just inside AMALIE Arena!

TASCO’S FIELD OF SCREAMS www.stpeteparksrec.org

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR www.largo.com

SCARECROW FESTIVAL AT PIONEER FLORIDA www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org

HOWL-O-SCREAM AT BUSCH GARDENS www.howloscream.com

HALLOWEEN SPREE AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM www.glazermuseum.org

PIRATE WATER TAXI HAUNTED RIVER TOURS www.piratewatertaxi.com

GUPPYWEEN AT FLORIDA AQUARIUM www.flaquarium.org

HUNSADER FARMS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL www.hunsaderfarms.com

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

RIVERWALK TRICK-OR-TREAT www.thetampariverwalk.com

FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE www.futchentertainment.com HARVEST HOLLER CORN MAZE www.harvestholler.com HARVESTMOON FUN FARM www.harvestmoonfl.com

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October 2019 • 47

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43rd Ave. N 40th Ave. NE 38th Ave. N

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4305 4th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33703

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