s e l y t s e f at Li
Grand Hampt n FEBRUARY 2024
MAGAZINE
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
GRAND HAMPTON LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE - FEBRUARY 2024 1
Grand Hampton HOA
8301 Dunham Station Drive • Tampa FL 33647 T: 813.973.8368 F: 813.929.1972 www.egrandhampton.com Melrose 24 hour emergency number - 813-854-5033
Grand Hampton Board of Directors
President: Rich Craig Vice President: Janet Wasserberger Secretary: Rich Kennedy Treasurer: Michael Holmes Director at Large: Rob Norris Community Association Manager - Chris Haines, LCAM chaines@melrosecorporation.com grandhampton@melrosemanagement.com Amenities Supervisor - Barry Moon bmoon@melrosemanagement.com Lifestyle Director: Laurie Ferguson grandhampton@melroselifestyle.com
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Please take the time to set your profile and guest list so the guards at the gate can get your family, friends, and preferred vendors in to see you as fast as possible.
Website: www.egrandhampton.com
Log onto www.gateaccess.net/login to get started. Your community code is GH. Your username is the primary phone number in our system. If you don’t know or have forgotten your Resident Access 4-digit security code, you would need to contact our office to obtain it at 813-973-8368. Information on the website includes GH Events, Amenities & Rental Info., Forms and Documents for exterior alternations, list of Board of Directors, Board Meeting Minutes, Monthly Newsletter, Association Announcements. And more.
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©2022 Lifestyles at Grand Hampton. All rights reserved. Lifestyles at Grand Hampton is currently published monthly, distributed by the U.S. Postal Service free to all residents of the Grand Hampton area and advertisers. Unless otherwise noted, the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Publisher. Lifestyles at Grand Hampton is not an officially sanctioned publication of the Grand Hampton Association. Grand Hampton logo used with permission. Lists are for reference only and do not imply official sanction or recommendation by Lifestyles at Grand Hampton. Editorial submissions are welcome. Publisher reserves the right to reject or edit all submissions for length and clarity. The Publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.
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Love Your Life By Laurie Ferguson/Lifestyle Manager
As we approach the month of February, love is in the air, and there's a buzz of excitement at Grand Hampton! Our community thrives on the bonds we share, and this Valentine's Day, let's delve into the true meaning of this special day of love. Valentine's Day is more than just a celebration between couples; it's a day to express love and appreciation for all those who hold a special place in our hearts. Whether it's your partner, family, friends, beloved pets, or even yourself, this day is an opportunity to spread joy and kindness. At Grand Hampton, we believe in fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Let's use this Valentine's Day as a reminder to cherish the connections we've built within our neighborhood. Take a moment to express gratitude, share a smile, or even engage in small acts of kindness that make a big difference. Let's not forget the unconditional love our furry friends bring into our lives. This Valentine's Day, show some extra love to your pets – whether it's a cozy cuddle, a special treat, or a playful outing in our beautiful community. For more details on events and to stay updated on all things Grand Hampton, make sure to check our website at www.egrandhampton.com. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out to me at grandhampton@melroselifestyle.com. Let's make this Valentine's Day a memorable celebration of love, unity, and the special bond we share at Grand Hampton!
About Us
Not just your neighborhood professional real estate team - we also specialize in New Home Construction, Downsizing, Transitioning and the Senior Market.
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Wishing you all a month filled with love and joy, Warm regards,
Laurie Ferguson Lifestyle Director
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A Gentle Reminder: Keep Your Canine Companions Leashed in Grand Hampton As a community that values harmony and consideration, we'd like to remind everyone about the importance of keeping dogs on a leash while strolling through our beautiful neighborhood. Grand Hampton is not just a collection of houses; it's a community where we share common areas, walkways, and green spaces. Keeping our dogs on leashes is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining a pleasant environment for all residents. Leashes play a vital role in ensuring the safety of both your pets and fellow neighbors. Even the most well-behaved dogs may be unpredictable in certain situations, and a leash provides a level of control that helps prevent accidents or conflicts with other pets. Not all residents may be comfortable around dogs, and some may have allergies or fears. By keeping your dog on a leash, you show consideration for your neighbors' comfort and contribute to an atmosphere of mutual respect within our community. As we look forward to upcoming community events and gatherings, a collective effort to keep our dogs on leashes enhances the overall safety and enjoyment for everyone involved. It ensures that our fourlegged companions can join in the festivities while maintaining a sense of order and security. Thank you for your cooperation in making Grand Hampton a community where all residents – both two-legged and four-legged – feel welcome and secure. Let's continue to work together to create a neighborhood we can all be proud to call home.
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8th Annual Music Festival
Get ready to mark your calendars because on April 6th, 2024, Grand Hampton is hosting a spectacular Music Festival that promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone in our community.
Save the Date: April 6th, 2024 5:00pm-10:00pm Prepare to immerse yourself in a night filled with incredible music, delicious food, and exciting activities for the whole family. This is an event you won't want to miss, and you're encouraged to bring along your friends and loved ones to join in the festivities. Our Music Festival lineup is sure to get you on your feet dancing! We've curated an outstanding selection of bands to provide a diverse and entertaining musical experience for all. Stay tuned for more details about the featured artists who will be gracing our stage. Satisfy your taste buds with a variety of delectable treats from some of the best food trucks around. Our lineup includes: Aussie Grill, Craving Donuts, Wright
Kinda BBQ, Kettle Corn, Kelley's Hot Dogs, Freshly Squeezed Lemonade. We haven't forgotten about the little ones! A 92-foot inflatable will be on site to provide hours of entertainment for our young residents. Watch as they bounce, slide, and play in this exciting inflatable adventure. As your Lifestyle Director, my goal is to create memorable experiences that bring our community together. The Grand Hampton Music Festival on April 6th is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate, connect, and enjoy the vibrant spirit of our neighborhood. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the event. Save the date, invite your friends, and get ready for a day of music, food, and fun!
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Sponsorship Opportunity at the 8th Annual Music Festival By becoming a vendor or sponsor, you can showcase your products and or services in your own community! Saturday, April 6th from 5pm – 10pm. This is the community’s most exciting and well attended signature event, growing bigger and better each year. In past years it has drawn over 500 attendees. In a community of over 1,000 residential units, the Music Festival is open to Grand Hampton residents as well as their invited guests. The festival will feature four high energy bands performing on a professional stage for everyone’s listening and dancing pleasure. Food trucks and activities for all the kids will round out the event. If you are interested in becoming a 2024 Sponsor please email: grandhampton@ melroselifestyle.com . Sponsorships range from $300 to $1,000 Laurie Ferguson Lifestyle Manager
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Artistry
Unleashed I am delighted to share the pictures from our recent Wood Sign Craft Event! The atmosphere was filled with creativity, laughter, and a strong sense of community as residents came together to craft one-of-a-kind signs that truly reflect the unique spirit of Grand Hampton. The event, held on January 20th, was a fantastic opportunity for neighbors to unleash their artistic talents and personalize their welcome signs. From vibrant colors to heartfelt messages, each sign was a testament to the diversity and creativity that make
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our community so special. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated, making this event a resounding success. The Wood Sign Craft Event exemplifies the spirit of Grand Hampton – a place where creativity flourishes, and neighbors become friends.
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Creating a Florida Native Butterfly Garden Did you know that Florida is home to over 200 species of butterflies, some of which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth? While many of these species are (or will be) at risk of extinction due to the increase in Florida residents and the clearing of space for new homes, you can contribute to their survival by planting a butterfly garden! Butterfly gardens are a win-win: they attract butterflies that are beautiful to the eye and relaxing to watch while supporting the pollination of flowers. Without butterflies (and other pollinators), there are no flowers; without flowers, there are no pollinators! Below are some pointers for building a butterfly garden to attract, feed, and protect these majestic creatures.
Attracting Butterflies
When choosing plants for your butterfly garden, consider color, height, bloom time, and origin. Butterflies prefer flowers that are red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white. It’s best to vary plant height throughout the garden since different butterflies prefer
plants at different heights. To attract butterflies year-round, choose plants that bloom at different times of the year. Butterflies are most active in mid to late summer, so you may want more plants that bloom during that timeframe. Butterflies are known for being picky when choosing where to lay their eggs. With over 170 of the 200 species of butterflies found in Florida being native to the Sunshine State, selecting plants that are native to Florida will exponentially increase the variety of butterflies you attract while benefiting the garden in many other ways (easier on the environment, reduce the need for fertilizer and pesticides, require little to no supplemental water, etc.).
Feeding Butterflies
Just like humans, butterflies need food and water. Provide a puddling station such as a bird bath or plant saucer with water and rocks, gravel, or sand. When considering what food is best for butterflies, it’s important to remember that adult and baby butterflies (caterpillars) require
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different plants. Adult butterflies get their nutrients from flowering nectar plants; however, they prefer to lay eggs on specific plants called “host plants.” For example, the Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies use native milkweeds (Asclepias) as their host plant, whereas the Giant Swallowtail butterfly uses native wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara) as their host plant.
Protecting Butterflies
A thriving butterfly garden includes some strategic considerations regarding the location and other components. Butterflies are cold-blooded and seek warmth in the morning, so place your garden in a spot that receives at least 5-6 hours of sunlight, preferably in the a.m. Other components that aid in providing warmth include flat stones, patches of soil, and even pavement. In addition, consider planting your garden near other trees, shrubs, or a log pile to protect your butterflies from the rain and predators. Lastly, keep your garden free of pesticides, which can be harmful and sometimes deadly to butterflies and their larvae. Building a butterfly garden is fun and so rewarding. The fruits of your labor will be a wonderful masterpiece full of life beyond beautiful flowers and butterflies. You will attract and support other pollinators like bees, moths, and even hummingbirds! For more information or to get advice on your specific space, reach out to Bee Happy Native Nursery on Instagram, Facebook, by emailing beehappynatives@gmail.com, calling (954) 662-3885, visiting beehappynativenursery.com or stopping by the nursery on Friday’s and Saturday’s from 9 am - 3 pm at 38176 Huff Drive Zephyrhills, FL 33542.
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Maximizing Convenience and Gate Access Control: The ABDI GateAccess App for Our Community
Dear Residents, In our ongoing efforts to enhance the living experience in our community, we're excited to introduce you to an invaluable tool that will make your life both safer and more convenient – the ADBI GateAccess App. We’d like to share with you the benefits of this app and how it can streamline access for you, your guests, vendors, and even your favorite food deliveries like Uber Eats. Included with this article is also an instructional video that shows the app. and how to use it. You can access the video by clicking here.
The ABDI GateAccess App: Your Key to Convenience Effortless Guest Registration: One of the standout features of the ABDI GateAccess App is its ability to simplify guest registration. No more phone calls or waiting at the gate! You can now add your guests and regular visitors to the app, allowing them easy access to our community. Whether it's family, friends, or frequent service providers, adding them to your approved list is a breeze. Seamless Vendor Access: For those of you who rely on various vendors for home maintenance or other services, the app streamlines vendor access. You can pre-authorize their entry, ensuring that your scheduled services go
off without a hitch. It's all about efficiency and peace of mind. Delivery Services Made Simple: Many of us rely on food delivery services like Uber Eats or DoorDash for a quick meal. With the ABDI GateAccess App, you can provide delivery drivers with seamless access instructions, ensuring your meals arrive promptly and without any hiccups.
Get Started with the Gate Access App 1. Download the App: Simply download the ABDI GateAccess App from your smartphone's app store. 2. Registration: Register your account using your community credentials provided by our management team. 3. Add Guests and Vendors: You can easily add your guests and vendors to your approved list through the app. This can be done in advance. Guests can be added as permanent guests or temporary guests for specific days. 4. Receive Notifications: Enjoy the convenience of receiving notifications when your guests or vendors arrive and
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access our community. Push notifications can be set up on the app., so you receive notifications when your guests arrive. Finally, here are some tips for a smooth experience. To ensure the best experience with the ABDI GateAccess App, here are some additional tips: 1. Keep your approved guest and vendor lists up to date. 2. Keep your phone number and/or email address up to date. 3. Set up notifications to stay informed about access to your property. 4. Familiarize yourself with the app's user guide for any troubleshooting. 5. Store the guardhouse phone number, 813-907-9047, in your phone so you know when the gate guard is calling you. We believe that the ABDI GateAccess App significantly improves your living experience by offering both convenience and enhanced access control. We encourage all residents to download and start using the app today to take full advantage of its features. If you have any questions or need assistance with the app, our community management team is here to help. We're dedicated to making your life in our community as enjoyable and secure as possible. Thank you for being a valued member of our community, and we look forward to seeing you embrace the convenience of the ABDI GateAccess App.
FEBRUARY 2024
SUNDAY
MONDAY
For upcoming lifestyle events: check out the GH website at www.egrandhampton.com
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Laurie Ferguson Lifestyle Manager
SATURDAY
CDD 3:00pm
Lifestyle Committee Meeting 10:00am 70’s Disco Party 7:30pm
Valentine’s Day Cookies & Crafts 2:30pm-4:00pm
DRC 6:00pm
Buildings & Grounds 5:30pm
Edward Jones Education 7:00pm
Comedy Show 7pm
Book Club 7:00pm
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Breaking Ground on New Pickleball Courts A Thrilling Development for the Grand Hampton Association! By Grand Hampton Community Association Manager
We are delighted to share plans that are set to transform the former putting green into two state-of-the-art pickleball courts. This exciting initiative reflects our dedication to providing diverse recreational opportunities that cater to the evolving preferences of our residents. Pickleball, a sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been gaining widespread acclaim for its accessibility and engaging gameplay. In response to the growing popularity of this sport, we are breaking ground on two new courts that promise to be a hub of activity, fostering a sense of community and promoting an active lifestyle. As construction gears up, the Grand Hampton community is buzzing with anticipation. The two new courts will undoubtedly become a focal point for socializing, friendly competition, and overall well-being. We understand that the temporary
closure of the construction site, where the putting green once stood, may cause some inconvenience. However, this measure is crucial to ensuring the safety of our residents and the efficient progress of the construction project. The closed areas will be clearly marked with caution tape during the duration of the construction project. Please be sure to avoid this area during the project as the area will be an active construction site. The construction process is expected to be a sizable undertaking, involving heavy machinery, skilled labor, and meticulous planning. Rest assured; our team is dedicated to delivering top-notch facilities that meet the standards of our vibrant community. Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or a newcomer to the sport, these courts are designed to provide an inviting space for all to enjoy. The project aligns
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with our commitment to offering diverse recreational options, and we believe that the end result will outweigh any short-term inconvenience. In conclusion, the breaking ground on the new pickleball courts is a momentous occasion for the Grand Hampton community. As your Community Association Manager, I am thrilled to be part of this venture, which not only responds to the changing recreational landscape but also signifies our commitment to fostering a sense of community and well-being. As we eagerly anticipate the completion of this construction project, the prospect of enjoying pickleball in a brand-new setting adds a touch of excitement and anticipation to our local recreational scene. Thank you for your understanding and support as we embark on this thrilling development together.
The Rising Popularity of Pickleball: A Game That's Taking Courts by Storm
P
ickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a casual player looking for a fun and social activity, pickleball has something to offer. In this article, we'll explore the basics of pickleball, its growing popularity, and the essential rules and etiquette that make the game enjoyable for everyone.
The Basics of Pickleball: Pickleball is typically played on a rectangular court that's divided into sections for singles or doubles play. The court size is similar to a badminton court, and the net is placed at a height similar to a tennis net. Players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over the net. The game starts with an underhand serve, and the serving team must let the ball bounce once before volleying. The opposing team then has the chance to return the ball after it bounces. The point continues with volleys until a fault occurs or the ball goes out of bounds. Scoring is straightforward, and matches are often played to 11 or 21 points, depending on local rules. What sets pickleball apart is its accessibility. The sport is easy to learn, making it appealing to players of all ages and skill levels. Addition-
ally, the game is less physically demanding than some other racquet sports, allowing for a broader demographic to participate. Community centers, recreational facilities, and even retirement communities have embraced pickleball, contributing to its widespread adoption.
Pickleball Etiquette: To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone on the court, pickleball players adhere to a set of etiquette guidelines. Some key points include: Wait Your Turn: If there's a waitlist for a court, be considerate and limit your playtime so others can enjoy the game. Sharing is key to fostering a positive pickleball community. Respect Opponents: Good sportsmanship is crucial. Shake hands before and after a match, and avoid unsportsmanlike behavior, such as trash-talking or overly competitive play. Understand Court Etiquette: Know the rules about entering and leaving the court during a game. Wait for an appropriate break in play to step on or off the court. As we gear up at Grand Hampton to unveil two new pickleball courts, stay tuned for an exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for February. We'll keep you updated on the official opening date – get ready to serve and volley in style! GRAND HAMPTON LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE - FEBRUARY 2024 21
Aluna's Zodiac By Aluna Michaels
FEBRUARY 2024 Aquarius (Jan. 20 –
Feb. 18) – Happy birthday Aquarius! It’s a great start to your birth year with so many planets being in your sign. Powerful, life-altering Pluto will be with you for more than two decades! It gives you transformational energy to accomplish your dreams, as well as to eradicate negative “issues” that interfere with your sense of fulfillment. On much smaller, but still potent scale, Mars is in your sign until late March. Meditate on goals and take courageous steps toward their manifestation!
Pisces (Feb. 19 –
March 20) – You’ll have very active dreams and meditations this month. You can feel old resentments being stirred up. Don’t resist, since it’s a healing process deep in your subconscious. Once every two years, Mars works to release suppressed rage and frustration. As a Pisces, you can repress a lot! Breathe deeply as emotions arise. You might even try shaking as a primal way to release stuck adrenaline and reset your nervous system. After, you’ll feel empowered and energized, as well as more able to trust yourself and others!
Aries (March 21 – April 19) — Meditate on meaningful projects you’d like to be involved in. Volunteering can inspire you, bring you radiant health, a peppy mood, and perhaps even a new relationship! Surprisingly, you’ll find you have more time and energy rather than less. Also check in about the quality of your friendships. Make sure you’re receiving as much as you’re giving out. Watch for being subtly drained. Be with people who are on your level of positivity and empowerment! Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – You have tremendous career focus right now! What is it that truly calls to your heart? You can get
promoted into a dream job! Or you can begin an endeavor that’s an intense calling and fills your life with meaning. Meditate and visualize yourself in that new capacity. You can inspire others at this time, too. You see people’s strengths, so don’t be shy about giving compliments. Your opinion has more impact and power than you realize!
Gemini (May 21 –
June 20) – Many planets are working to reinvigorate your spirituality. Try a new form of meditation. Using a mantra, or a comforting phrase helps to engage your mind. As a Gemini, you’re all about talking and thinking, so striving for “mental silence” will likely make you feel like a failure. Chanting and repetitive phrases are viable, ancient and powerful methods for lulling your brain into peacefulness! You can also try walking or other movement based styles. Your body and mind will relax. You’ll feel less stressed at work. You’ll have insights that solve personal issues too! If you can, try to travel or at least make travel plans.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Your capacity to heal from deep trauma, shame and betrayal is incredible right now! You can rewire your nervous system so you can more easily trust others, yourself and life again. Part of that trust is maintaining healthy boundaries! You can also make great strides in decreasing debt and increasing channels of abundance. Meditations will be profound and will help you connect with with the magic of the Universe! Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)
– If single, you can start a profound and passionate relationship! If partnered, you can revive your love and excitement for one another. You can also tune back into your creativity as a couple and just have more fun together. In general as a Leo, be with people
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who let your inner light be bright! It’s not good for your soul to be with anyone who wants you to tone yourself down in order to make them more comfortable.
Virgo (Aug. 23 –
Sept. 22) – Although you often worry about your health, you’re also a powerful healer! Meditate on the positive aspects of your body. Then expand gratitude and love to parts you don’t like, or aren’t working optimally. You’ll notice a big shift! Do the same for aspects of your personality, since you’re so self-critical. It’s a great time to learn healing techniques for others, like reiki. Also, you can have a major work opportunity! Just be sure to stay firm in your work/life balance.
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – Renew your creativity and sense of fun! Even if you’re struggling with depression or grief, make time each day for playfulness. It’ll be an amazing healing ritual that will change your energy. You can also start a passionate new relationship, or rekindle excitement in a current bond. If you have kids, you’ll be able to connect on a new level that leads you on a path of more love and trust. Treat yourself to a gift and bless yourself with a sense of abundance! Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – You’re tough and can endure so much, but you deserve to be peaceful. It’s so important to feel you have a home, or a space in your home, where you feel grounded and safe! Create a sacred meditation area. Surround yourself with objects that are meaningful to you. Also be sure to eat well. Avoid caffeine
or sugar, or other foods that rev you up and make you unsettled. It seems wimpy, but speak to yourself with kindness and compassion so your inner mental landscape is also a safe place to be!
Sagittarius
(Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – There’s so much power in your words and thoughts! Of course that’s always true, but right now you have extra “manifestation mojo”! Meditate and find phrases that resonate in your heart and use them to rewire negativity and to set down roots of positive new beliefs. You can connect with people who are passionate about their lives and start great friendships. However, if you’re angry with anyone, breathe before you speak, since what you say can be more wounding than you intend.
Capricorn (Dec.
22 – Jan. 19) – Many planets are financially empowering you this month! Meditate on the abundance to the Universe. Tune into the fact that money is a form of divine energy, always surrounding you. Allow that belief to root into you bones and in every cell! Now create goals with specific small steps to achieve you dreams. Use this same process for building deep self-worth and an unshakable sense of personal value! Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than three decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version and as an E-book on her website. Aluna is available for appointments in her home, by phone or Zoom. Call (727) 239-7179 (landline, so no texting!) or call/text (248) 583-1663 or visit www. alunamichaels.com
Lifting weights... Resistance training... Pumping iron... By Deb Goldman No matter what you call it, strength training is important for boosting the overall health and well-being of people of all ages and fitness levels. While strength training can seem a bit intimidating at first, the health benefits far outweigh any qualms you might have about picking up those weights for the first time.
including strength training, have been shown to release endorphins, which make you feel good. In addition, strength training has been shown to decrease tension and anxiety, also making it a great de-stressor. Research shows that fit people have lower levels of stress hormones than sedentary individuals.
Not convinced that you should give resistance training a go? Here are 10 reasons to get lifting for your next workout!
good for the heart that the American Heart Association recommends it as a top way to keep your heart healthy. Studies show that strength training can help prevent heart disease and can even help reduce risks and problems in individuals who already have heart disease. Lifting weights at a moderate intensity can lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels, boosting heart health.
1. You’ll be better at, well, everything. The physical act of lifting weights (or other forms of resistance) helps your body to increase its muscle mass, which makes lifting anything—not just dumbbells— easier. So carrying those groceries in? Picking your kids up? Cleaning the house? Walking up stairs? All easier when you lift weights! In addition, regularly lifting weights helps to improve your flexibility, balance and coordination. In fact, strength training has been shown to reduce the risk of falling by 40%, so this type of exercise is good for people of all ages.
2. You’ll burn more calories. You probably already know that the physical act of lifting weights burns calories but did you know that strength training can help you to burn more calories even when you’re not working out? It all goes back to building muscle. It takes more energy (calories) for your body to use and maintain muscle cells than it does fat cells. When you lift weights to add more muscle mass, you’re boosting your metabolism and turning your body into a more efficient calorie-burning machine.
3. You’ll improve your mood and handle stress better. Ever heard of “runner’s high?” Well, it doesn’t just apply to running. All forms of exercise,
4. You’ll help your heart. Strength training is so
5. You’ll build stronger bones. We may not think of them as such, but bones actually comprise living tissue that get stronger with exercise. With regular strength training and other forms of weight-bearing exercise like walking and running, you actually improve the health and strength of your bones by improving or maintaining your bone density. Lifting weights has even been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures.
6. You’ll reduce your risk of diabetes. Regular strength training at a moderate intensity helps prevent diabetes. Lifting weights helps improve the way the body processes sugar. Researchers have also found that weight lifting helps to improve insulin sensitivity and blood glucose control. 7. You’ll lose more weight and look slimmer. Besides burning more calories and boosting your metabolism, lifting weights will also help you to lose more body fat. A study from Penn State University found that, on average, people who lift weights lose six more pounds
of fat than those who don’t pump iron. When you cut calories and start exercising, your body has to pull energy to fuel your body from somewhere. When you’re just focusing on dieting, the body uses fat for energy, but it also breaks down muscles for fuel (which is not a good thing). When you combine weight training with a reduced-calorie diet, you are actually helping to build and maintain muscle mass while you’re losing weight. Your body pulls more energy from your fat stores to keep you going, so you lose more fat while preserving muscle--a win-win!
8. You’ll stand taller. If you are following a fullbody strength training plan, don’t be surprised if you start noticing yourself standing with better posture. Lifting weights can help to improve your range of motion, coordination, and the strength of the muscles that help keep your body upright. 9. You’ll have better focus. Strength training has also been shown to boost brain health. According to an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine, older women who did an hour or two of weight lifting each week improved their cognitive function, and better planned and executed a variety tasks.
10. You’ll sleep better. Sometimes, exercising too close to bedtime can make it hard for you to fall asleep. But performing strength training (at least two hours before bedtime) has been shown to help prevent sleep apnea and help with insomnia. Not to mention that after a good weight-lifting session, it just feels good to hit the hay!
Deb Goldman is the owner and a personal trainer at Lutz Jazzercise. For more info, 813406-4707. See our ad in this issue to get started.
GRAND HAMPTON LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE - FEBRUARY 2024 23
The Dalí Museum Fuses Art and Technology for a Global Audience Art lovers from around the world visit The DalÍ and in turn experience the numerous and diverse array of the Tampa Bay area's local art scene. It is the backbone of a body of work turning the world’s eyes towards the area.
Photos: © 2023 Rich Montalbano / RiMO Photo, LLC
By Lisa Lippincott
W
hether you’re a Dalí enthusiast, Dalí-curious, or you’re merely in the mood to dilly-Dalí, The Dalí Museum is worth a visit (or many). A world-class destination that has been awarded three stars in Michelin’s Green Guide; the museum pulls a truly global audience. Home to the largest collection of Dalí’s work to be found anywhere outside his native country, it was founded in 1982 with a huge bequest of art and reference materials from longtime Dalí friends and avid collectors A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. The couple, whose Ohio-based collection had grown to immense proportions, had been
shopping it around to donate for some time when the push began to bring it to St Petersburg. The stipulation that the collection be maintained in its entirety dissuaded many institutions, but the local boosters were both enthusiastic and unfazed by this requirement, with one reportedly saying (according to a 1982 article in the New York Times) ''It's the greatest gift to the City of St. Petersburg since sunshine.'' To house the windfall collection, at the time comprising over 1300 works and reportedly valued at an estimated thirty-five million dollars, the Florida state legislature contributed an appropriation in the
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princely sum of two-million-dollars, which was, up to that point, the largest sum the state had ever committed to an arts-related purpose. The new museum took shape in a completely re-imagined marine warehouse a pebble’s toss from Tampa Bay, and for a time it served its purpose. But the museum’s mission and need for space was expanding, and the low-lying waterfront location proved worrisome in the long term. The collection came under threat each time a significant storm approached, and the process of de-installing and moving the work into a protective vault each time posed significant risks in
Meliton Casals Portrait of Dalí, 1951 Collection of The Dalí Museum, St Petersburg, FL (USA); Dalí Museum purchase 1986.12 © Meli Casals; Image Rights of Salvador Dalí reserved. Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Figueres, 2023.
Archeological Reminiscence of Millet's Angelus, c.1934, oil on panel, Worldwide rights ©Salvador Dalí. Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí (Artists Rights Society), 2023.
itself. Opened in 2011, the current building, a stalwart 60,000-square-foot art fortress whose 18-inch-thick concrete walls were engineered to resist a category 5 storm, it is a work of art in itself. Designed by Yann Weymouth, the blocky structure is broken up by a vitreous geodesic bubble called “The Enigma” (a nod to the dome atop the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres) that appears to squeeze out through the building like caged glass. Experiencing the actual scale of famous artworks can be both fascinating and surprising, and the Dalí holds many such surprises. Some of the artist’s most recognizable works, including The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory (a later and similarly-sized companion piece to The Persistence of Memory) are not much larger than a piece of writing paper, while others are immense. The Hallucinogenic Toreador, for example, measures almost twice the height of an average NBA player.
In addition to the lure of the celebrated and voluminous permanent collection (which currently stands at more than 2,400 works) the museum continues to expand its offerings with high profile special exhibitions and cutting-edge, award-winning technological innovations. Currently on view is Dalí & the Impressionists: Monet, Renoir, Degas & More which highlights the strong influence these artists had on Dalí’s early works, and the recent technology-driven rollout, Dalí Alive 360, an immersive Dalí experience that takes place inside a sixty-foot-tall planetarium-like projection dome. This optional add-on requires timed entry and an additional Fifteen-dollar fee. Once inside, guests can either sit, stand, lie on the floor or walk around. The forty-ish minute extravaganza envelops the visitor in a psychedelic, dream-like sequence of animated paintings interspersed with quotes and biographical nuggets that help to put both art and artist into better context for
visitors. If you opt out of the 360 experience, regular museum admission still gets you plenty of tech-forward bang for your buck. You can’t scroll through a news feed these days without encountering something about AI possibly bringing about the end of the world, but the Dalí hired a tech team to use a benign form of AI to bring an interactive facsimile of Dalí to life years ago. Dalí Lives, which opened in mid-2019, was built by feeding frames from archival footage of Dalí as well as the artist’s own words into a machine learning program in order to resurrect the artist into an eccentric, lifesized Catalonian chatbot. Dalí’s avatar can be summoned via a doorbell on each of several digital kiosks. The one stationed at the museum’s exit offers to take a selfie with guests that they can presumably later use to confuse people on Instagram.
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MARCH 2-3 JULIAN B. LANE RIVERFRONT PARK
“ART ENABLES US TO FIND OURSELVES AND LOSE OURSELVES AT THE SAME TIME.” -Thomas Merton Find yourself immersed in two days of fine art, food, music, and merrymaking. 250+ fine artists, 14 emerging artists, Remote Artists Studios, more than a dozen musical performances, and much more at one of America’s most prestigious juried
“RI
DE Y
OU R W AY ” BY KARINA
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art festivals.
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