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Contents
10
18
22
36
features 24|the reading game
10|triple threat Childhood obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
14|sharenting
How to improve your child’s reading
28|success tips Doctor’s orders for a good year
Social media and your kids
36|extraordinary woman
18|test for success
Stevie Morgan
How to get the help your child needs
22|slow down
on the cover
7 ways families can be mindful together
every month
For
this
month’s
cover,
Cover Kid Winner Arianna C.
06|Letter From The Editor
Pg. 32
10|health and wellness
Fresh Start. Products to
18|education
your resolutions to organize,
30|what's happening
Photograph by Nicole Geller, Nicole Geller Photography
give you a jump start on learn, and grow!
38|south Hillsborough News 40|north Hillsborough News
explored the playground at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Day School where teachers and faculty were preparing for the new school year. Arianna explored the beautiful campus and enjoyed playing on the swings.
42|south pinellas News 44|north pinellas News 46|pasco News
your
cutie
to
be
handsome guy or gorgeous
48|around town
gal
50|calendar of events
coverkidsearch and dont forget
53|directory
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Founder & Editorial Director
Angela L. Ardolino Editorial Assistant
Krista Lyons Associate Editor
Anu Panchal Contributing Writers
Gayla Grace Lisa L. Thompson Jill Hechtman, MD Lindsay Perez Danielle Caci Dr Melissa Bailey Courtney Cairns Pastor Dominique Ciccarelli Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg Cyndi Edwards and I on the set of Daytime with my childhood lunchbox
Calendar & Neighborhood Stories
Chris Kuhn Director of Sales & events
David E. Estevez
happy school year!
account executive
Ralf Gonzalez Melissa McClung It’s hard to believe that it is already time for the kids to go back to school. Where has the summer gone? If you’re like me, the school year tends to sneak up on you. Luckily, on Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the 9th Annual Back to School Fair will be taking over Westshore Plaza with everything you need to get ready for back to school. Best of all, it will be tax-free weekend, which means Back to School Fair is a one-stop shop. You can find more information at BacktoSchoolFair.com.
sales assistant
Theresa Stanton public relations
Hope Gibson Contributing photographers
Nicole Geller Jeanine McLeod Amy Pezzicara
On the first day of school, most parents take to social media to share photos of their kids in their firstday-of-school gear. Some call these types of posts “sharenting” and they are growing in popularity-- but can they have an adverse affect on your kids? Staff writer Krista Lyons spoke with local moms and psychologists to find out how modern parenting has changed with social media. Read about it on page 14. With school being back in session, many of us, kids included, are back to rushing through our days. However, learning mindfulness can have a whole array of benefits for everyone in your family. On page 22, Courtney Cairns Pastor from Corbett Preparatory School shares seven tips to help your family learn how to slow down so that you can speed up.
Social Moms
Lisa-Marie Leihy Rachel Long Peggy Stines-Munnings Ana Peralta Laurie Winkles
If you have a young child, this year could be the first year that they are learning to read. Or you may have an older child who struggles with reading. No matter which stage your child is in, there are a few ways you can help your child ace the reading game and build a strong foundation for reading. Read about it on page 24. Every month, we feature a woman who is truly extraordinary. This month, I am excited to share my good friend and local entrepreneur, Stevie Morgan. Not only is she a fantastic mom, but she also makes it possible for other moms to eat healthy and be their best selves. Read all about Stevie on page 36.
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I hope that your family has a wonderful first day of school. I hope to see you all at the 9th annual Back to School Fair on Aug. 6!
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Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.
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triple threat Childhood Obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
By Anu Varma Panchal
A
generation or so ago, there were certain things that seemed to be inevitable harbingers of old age—that twinge in the knees, fading eyesight, high blood pressure and diet restrictions for those cholesterol levels. Here’s the scary new twist to that story: In America in 2016, hypertension and high cholesterol are no longer the territory of senior citizens. Thanks to a growing public health crisis— childhood obesity—children are at astoundingly higher risks of developing these conditions today. “The three conditions are very tightly intertwined and interrelated,” explains Dr. J. Blaine John, a pediatric and fetal cardiologist at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, which has one of the largest pediatric cardiovascular programs in the Southeast and is a regional referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects. “The general public didn’t think much about blood pressure in kids at all, but as time goes on, they will be talking about it more and more. Childhood hypertension is going to be an increasingly prevalent topic, and it is directly linked with the current childhood epidemic of obesity. You can’t separate the problems of obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.” Every day in his practice, John sees a disturbing number of children who he diagnoses with hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity all together. Rarely does he see a child come in with just one of the three issues. Children can develop hypertension and high cholesterol without being obese, but Dr. John says that these cases are extremely rare and should be diagnosed during routine well care visits to the pediatrician. According to the Centers for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and has actually quadrupled among
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
adolescents over the past 30 years. John says that one in every six children in the United States is obese today, with obesity being defined by the CDC as someone with a Body Mass Index greater than the 95th percentile. Currently, one in three children is at risk of adulthood obesity. While childhood obesity can be diagnosed at any age (John has seen toddlers coming in weighing 50 pounds), it’s usually caught at age 5 or older, and more so at age 8 and above when they are immersed in their school years. Many adults may look at their chubby child and shrug away the problem, assuming it will go away when the kid hits its teens or a growth spurt. However, obesity leads to far reaching problems that can not only impact quality of life, but actually shorten it. Obese children will most likely face a host of other possible problems, from liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes and resulting kidney and eye problems. Hypertension and high cholesterol follow similar trajectories in children as they do in adults: cholesterol deposits in the coronary arteries cause blockages which can cause heart attacks. Children as young as 12 now have cholesterol in their arteries; they can go on to have coronary heart disease and heart attacks in their 20s and 30s. “At this point in time, for the first time ever, Americans have shorter life expectancies,” John says. “We have reached a point where obesity is limiting our life expectancy. Someone born now isn’t expected to live as long as someone born 20 years ago because of improper diet and lack of exercise.”
A Simple Solution Here’s the good news. For three problems with such severe implications, the fix lies simply in changing our habits. The treatment is low-tech, accessible and relatively easy to put in place: proper diet and exercise with the support of the entire family. Food is the sociocultural key to the problem. “We as a nation are obsessed with food,” says John. “Children watch 12 to 21 food commercials every single day of their life.” We live in a time when preteens devour shows such as Cupcake Wars and Cake Boss, and sit with their parents on a couch to surf the Food Network for hours. While this can lead to wonderful career choices as chefs and involvement in family cooking, obesity statistics indicate that we are not actually eating better. In fact, we eat more fast food than ever: a full 33 percent of food eaten in America is fast food, says John. We also drink terrible amounts of soda. “Kids are drinking half their calories in sodas,” he says. ”That’s just horrible.” To make it easier on teens, he suggests cutting down from regular soda to diet soda first, and then transitioning to the healthiest beverage choice: water.
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
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Parents need to model healthy eating; he explains that you can’t hand your child a salad while you sit across from him and munch on a double quarter-pounder with bacon. “‘Do as I say, not as I do’ does not work in this situation,” John explains. Parents should eat healthy with their children, and also teach children to make healthier food choices when they’re on their own, choices that the kids can then exercise at the school cafeteria, for example. While school lunches often get a bum rap, they don’t have to be unhealthy. Kids should be taught to choose wisely—opt for a turkey sandwich and fruit salad instead of pizza or cheeseburgers every day. Parents often complain to him about their obese child’s food choices, but the buck should stop at the person who went to the store and bought the chips, cupcakes or soda. “The parents control what food comes into their house,” he says. The other “cure” to childhood hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity is exercise. If parents are able to, they can enroll their child in a sport to get him or her moving. If that’s not an option, parents just need to make sure their kids get 20-30 minutes of aerobic moving activity daily, whether that’s walking, jogging, swimming, skateboarding or biking. Some families commit to a gym regimen together. For others, it can be as simple as the whole family taking the dog around the block for a brisk walk. Another key is limiting screen time to no more than two hours a day, and those two hours should include ALL screens—phones, tablets and laptops—not just television.
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Although parents may be horrified when their child is initially diagnosed, they are usually thrilled at how the conditions can be reversed by increasing physical activity and changing their diets. Help may start to come at earlier ages: The American Academy of Pediatrics just mandated that all children should be screened for high cholesterol before 10 years of age, even without risk factors within their family. Simply dealing with the problem can be tricky; no one wants to tell their child that they are fat. “You can’t tell a child you’re overweight. This is your problem. You need to fix it,” says John. “However, you can’t beat about the bush. I tell families, ‘Your child is overweight. He/she is obese to a point that it’s unhealthy. It’s going to affect how long they live and their quality of life.’ You need to be very direct and make sure everyone understands that this is going to affect their life dramatically.” John says that the issues of pediatric obesity, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia have become so prevalent across every age, sex and socioeconomic group that a special clinic was created to deal specifically with these issues. In the Preventative Cardiology Clinic at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, ARNP Amanda Pavlock conducts screenings and teaches families about diet, nutrition and exercise and keeps them engaged in the process of fixing the problem. “In the adult world, it’s common to throw pills at people [for these conditions],” says John. “In pediatrics, the last resort is to use medications. It’s truly rare to need these medications in children. We prefer lifestyle changes. And the vast majority of people will respond to just lifestyle change.”
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• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
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Sharenting Social media and your kids By Krista Lyons
w
hen her twin boys decided to play with their family chickens, Contessa Admire snapped a photo to share on Facebook. Their grinning faces looked back at her Facebook friends as they scrolled through their newsfeeds that morning, garnering likes and comments detailing how adorable the boys are. Shannon Tankersly snapped a photo of her son for a side-by-side from last year to show how quickly he had grown. Her family and friends quickly began to like and comment, remarking on his boyish grin in the second photo. When her daughter, Sammie, reaches milestones, Rebecca Gonzalez posts a photo with a caption detailing her newest feats. “Sammie loves to make noise when Papi is watching TV!”
their successes to friends and family members, which can put added pressure on the child. For many parents, this has become a reason to scale back on sharenting.
For these moms, and millions of moms just like them, social media is the village that it takes to raise their children.
“We are very particular about things that we post,” says Gonzalez. “We have a lot of “friends” on Facebook, but they aren’t really friends. So we post some milestones and on special occasions but definitely not on a daily basis. And we have to let our families know what we would like as well.”
“I love the saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’” says Admire. “Social media is my village.” Not only does social media provide the village needed to raise a child, but it can also be a tool to keep families that are not physically nearby, close. It gives extended family the opportunity to watch your child grow no matter where they are. “I think sharing things is beneficial, at least for me,” says Tankersly. “I don’t have many friends and there is distance between family members. Social media and sharing moments allows family to feel emotionally close when they can’t always be physically. A selfie can’t replace a hug or a kiss, but it helps.” Moms today are in uncharted territory when it comes to social media. This is the first generation where parents log on sometimes multiple times a day, and where family and friends log on as well. “I have a friend that is at the opposite end of the sharing spectrum,” says Tankersly. “I share everything; she shares almost nothing. But we still are able to get along and speak on parenting. There is common ground with everyone if you want to find it. Parenthood is a community.” The new wave of sharing about your children has been termed “sharenting” and only seems to be growing. In fact, 94 percent of parents on Facebook share, comment or post about their children, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center. Only 12 percent of parents on Facebook are concerned with what is posted about their children, with a very small number asking friends or family members to remove a post about their child. “I worry about kids being embarrassed now and in the future,” says Dr. Wendy Rice, PsyD, owner of Rice Psychology. “We need boundaries. What is private? I wouldn’t want my mom to share all of my secrets or all of my private victories.” A typical parent on Facebook has about 150 “friends,” but only considers about a third of them actual friends, according to the Pew Research study. This means that your child’s embarrassing photo in the bathtub, or a picture of their messy room could be exposed to dozens of people. This can also expose
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• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
For the parents who do choose to share their children’s personal successes or failures online frequently, there can be a risk of affecting the child’s on and offline identity. “I think it [sharenting] can affect kids now-- forget about later!” says Rice. “I saw today that somebody’s child got a great report card. And it used to be that you would put that on the refrigerator, but now they’ve shared it for the world to see. So now this child feels that they have to live up to those high expectations forever because they were capable of getting good grades for this one nine weeks or this one semester.” Constantly posting about your child’s grades or sports can put pressure on the child and the children who may read the post in the future, according to Rice. Instead, consider using email newsletters or text messages to share with close family members and friends, or create a private group where you can share about your kids with trusted people. When Admire’s son Logan had his first haircut, she posted his tear-streaked face. When her son Noah makes a funny face on the potty, she wasn’t worried about posting a picture because the joy it would bring her family and friends outweighed any risk of embarrassment. “Some of their embarrassing moments are treasured memories for me,” says Admire. “These memories I LOVE to share with my family and friends!” Admire is not alone, with many parents echoing the sentiment of cute or silly posts. Many just chalk it up to the price of childhood-- how many of us had parents show embarrassing bath time photos of us, after all? For the most part, an embarrassing post won’t scar your child for life, but if you post frequently with negative or embarrassing posts, there could be negative consequences.
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Recent studies have shown that as the child grows, the more a parent posts, the more a social media and personal identity is being established for that child. With all of the algorithms and niches of Facebook, the opportunity for your child to establish their own online identity can quickly be taken. This is all something to take into consideration when posting anything from a child’s hobbies to failures. “If a parent is always sharing about a child’s interest in something, like if the parent is always sharing about the child’s baseball pursuits, now the child is only known for their baseball,” says Rice. “Or maybe this child has trouble being neat and they are very messy, but the parent is always taking pictures of the child’s messes, that “oh my gosh, all my mom cares about is me being neat” or “everyone knows I am a slob” so the child thinks “well forget it, I will just be a slob.” So it is important to try to present things in moderation when you go online.” In the case of older kids, what is posted online can sometimes lead to bullying. Victoria Fernandez is a school teacher and mother of a recently graduated high school senior and a daughter in her 20s. Because she is friends with so many of her children’s friends, she always tries to think twice before posting. “I do believe that social media has an impact on a child’s self perception,” says Fernandez. “If a mother posts about her child doing something “funny,” it could cause the child to experience unexpressed embarrassment. Every picture, every anecdote, and every word should be positive about our children. Doing otherwise opens up “free ammunition” for children to bully and laugh at our children’s mistakes.” Fernandez has also found that most parents who have teens on social media don’t intentionally try to embarrass their child on social media, which is why it is so important to pay close attention before you post, especially as the child ages. “I don’t see too many parents trying to belittle their kids using social media,” says Fernandez. “It is more subtle than that. My son has rolled his eyes at times and said, “Mom, please tell me you are not going to put that online.” Fortunately, there is a way to balance the good with the bad of social media. Before you post, consider what you are posting and how it might impact your child as they age, other children and other parents. Remember: Facebook has a feature that shows old posts, so their past is easier to dredge up than ever before. “I don’t want to embarrass [my daughter],” says Gonzalez. “A post is there FOREVER.” If you are posting something that is potentially embarrassing, consider how you think it would look to future employers and classmates that your child may encounter. If you wouldn’t want it shown about you, then consider sending it via text to the people who you want to share it with instead. Sharenting can have great benefits, and as the first generation to have a constant network of other parents it can be incredibly helpful. “I think parents get support and they hear that they’re not alone, which is a benefit of sharenting,” says Rice. “I think parenting can be a pretty isolating activity. I think it [social media] gives you a bit more of a sense of community in that you’re not in it by yourself whether you are celebrating the victories or the challenges.” “Belonging to groups on Facebook has helped me a lot,” says Gonzalez. “Between advice and shopping for diaper bags, it kind of helps to know that you are not alone and it does take a village.” Some trial and error is inevitable before finding the right balance with this first generation of “sharenters.” To balance the good with the bad, Rice suggests to keep it all in perspective. She says: “Remember, when it comes to the kids’ personal challenges or stories, share in moderation.”
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• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
Pictured: Previous Page, Sammie Gonzalez, Top: Valentina Alvarez, Mandi and Caleb Sapp, and James McLeod.
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d test for success How to get the help your child needs
oes your child struggle at school? Does it seem like homework takes way too long at nighttime? Are you constantly getting notes home from teachers? Too often, children have learning problems at school that are overlooked. Many parents assume the school they are sending their child to for six hours a day is going to help identify any learning problems. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The school districts have thousands of children to educate and often not all children with needs reach the top of the “alert list.” It is up to you, as a parent, to take matters into your own hands, and there are many resources at your disposal, including psychoeducational testing. When your child is having difficulties at school, it is not fun for him or her, or you. Often the school has resources that can help, but you have to know how to access them. If you notice any of the following things with your child, then you might want to consider having him or her screened for learning problems by an outside professional psychologist:
• • • • • • •
By Dr. Melissa Bailey
Homework at night takes way too long and often causes conflicts. Your child is consistently failing certain subjects. You are frequently getting notes home from school about behavior, attention or missing homework. Your child struggles with reading. Your child just does not seem to “get” certain concepts. Your child does not want to go to school. Your child cannot seem to sit still for basic tasks.
Having your child assessed by a psychologist is a way to get an edge. Psychoeducational testing is not just done to find out problems but used as a way to identify strengths. Once you know what your child is good at, then you can help him or her use those strengths to overcome difficulties. For example, a child who has poor reading comprehension may do better when instructions are demonstrated for him instead of just being told what to do. Testing can identify the most effective way to teach your child. Psychoeducational testing can help determine: • • • • •
Learning disabilities Reading and writing disorders Problems with math Attention problems Whether your child is gifted
This type of testing includes intelligence testing, academic testing and other assessments. The psychologist has a toolbox full of tests that can look for visual-spatial problems, attention issues and even if your child has an auditory processing disorder. Once you have this information, you are equipped to ask your child’s school for additional help, which can include anything from preferential seating to additional time on tests, shortened homework, a change in classroom or a complete change in schools. Most schools today take weeks to complete the psychoeducational process in order to get things moving to acquire additional help for a child. Using an independent psychologist who specializes in this area can help get the assessment completed quickly, which means the sooner your child can get the help he or she needs. Take charge of your child’s education; if he or she is struggling, be proactive and schedule an appointment with a psychologist for further assessment.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
Dr. Melissa Bailey, PsyD is a clinical psychologist specializing in psychoeducational and autism assessments. She is the founder of Bailey Psychology Group and published author. For more information, visit drmelissabailey.com.
Your Trusted Family Resource The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County can help you explore all your child care needs and options. Choosing an early care and education provider is an important decision — picking a quality program is even more important! The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC) knows just how vital it is to select a child care provider that meets your family’s unique needs. As your trusted early childhood resource, we’re here to support you with the tools, information and resources you need to make the best choices for your child in order to maximize their learning potential. Our Family Services Team is staffed by experienced early childhood professionals that will: • Generate a list of child care providers tailored to your needs • Connect you with local resources and supports to help your family • Answer your questions about early childhood development and school readiness • Guide you in selecting a quality child care option that works for you and your family • Lead you to resources to help pay for child care We are available to all families in Hillsborough County, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at:
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• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
Call today for an assessment! Dr. Melisssa Bailey 813 720-7411 drmelissabailey.com Clearwater
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slow down 7 ways families can be mindful together By Courtney Cairns Pastor
t
he first day of school is coming at you fast, and you and your child are looking ahead (and maybe stressing a bit) about the year to come. Summer is already in the rearview mirror; all that fun over way too fast.
Sound familiar? Then it’s time to stop. Breathe deeply, focus on the present and just be. Seeking out stillness is tough, especially at busy times of the year. But those are the times when it can benefit you the most to practice mindfulness. It’s about more than taking a break. Mindfulness refers to focused attention on the present where thoughts and feelings are acknowledged and accepted, free of judgment. Mindfulness practice can help you improve attention, manage emotions and handle stress, research shows. A study in the journal “Health Psychology” demonstrated a link between increased mindfulness and decreased cortisol, a stress hormone. There’s even evidence that it can change your brain. A team from Harvard documented that the amygdala, the “fight or flight” part of your brain, shrank after research participants went through a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Meanwhile, other areas of the brain thickened, including those that govern learning, emotion regulation and empathy. Children as well as adults can benefit from mindfulness. The nonprofit organization Mindful Schools has trained educators worldwide on integrating mindfulness into the classrooms. At Corbett Prep, mindfulness makes up part of a larger initiative on social and emotional learning with the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, which includes mindfulness as one of its four pillars of wellbeing. Try it for yourself along with your kids. Here are seven ideas to help families introduce mindfulness into their lives and welcome calm amid the back-to-school hubbub.
Breathe: Of course we all know how to breathe, but children may
need help understanding how to “belly breathe,” a slower and more deliberate way of breathing to help with focus and managing emotions. You can tell kids to pretend they are inflating a balloon or blowing out a candle. Psychologist and bestselling author Daniel Goleman shared in an Edutopia video another technique he observed: lie on the floor with a stuffed animal on your stomach. Breathe slowly and deeply and watch the toy move up and down.
Take a walk: Walking becomes a form of meditation when you take
time to observe how you feel and what you see. Try a short, silent walk where all you do is listen to the sounds around you. Or go on a “noticing walk,” as blogger Sarah Rudell Beach suggests. Bring your phone and
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let your children take pictures of the beautiful and interesting sights they encounter.
Be Spidey: Superhero fans will appreciate the chance to test their
Spidey Senses. Spider-Man has the ability to tune into his senses and let go of distractions. In this activity from the website KidsRelaxation. com, parents select a bell, flower and small bit of food and give them one at a time to their kids. Children activate their super senses by listening closely to how the bell sounds, smelling, feeling and observing the flower and describing the different tastes and sensations of the food they eat.
Color: Adults are discovering what kids have known for years: Coloring is fun. Whether you choose a simple children’s coloring book or a more intricate design, coloring steers your attention to the present and can alleviate anxious thoughts. Reflect on the summer: Mindfulness and gratitude go hand in hand, and a gratitude journal can improve your physical and mental health, according to Robert Emmons, who has researched the topic for years. Start these regular reflections by thinking back on your summer, writing down the large and small moments that made your family happy. Try a twist:
Yoga is good for the body and the brain. Counter the time kids (and adults) spend hunched over computer keyboards or phones and boost energy and focus with simple yoga poses. Yoga Journal offers a 10-minute “homework break” routine that includes side bends done from your chair, seated twists and three to five rounds of cat and cow, inhaling and exhaling as you alternately raise your chest and then round your back.
Fill your bucket: Corbett Prep’s kindergarten team likes to start
the school year by introducing the concept of bucket fillers and bucket dippers. The bucket is your emotional self, and when it is full, you feel confident, patient and positive. Read the book “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” with your child and talk about actions that fill, or withdraw from, buckets. You can even get several children involved with filling a literal bucket in a fun, watery relay! Simple strategies for mindfulness keep us from getting too far ahead of ourselves, providing both children and adults with ways to lower stress and increase focus. It seems like everything starts speeding up as a new school year begins. But sometimes slowing down is just what you need. Courtney Cairns Pastor is Communications Coordinator at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS.
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the reading game How parents can improve child’s reading By Dominique Ciccarelli
i
t’s no secret that developing strong reading skills early sets an important foundation for school success. The first four years of schooling especially are a critical time for children to learn foundational skills in reading such as language skills and comprehension.
According to the 2015 Nation’s Report Card, only 36 percent of fourth-grade children are proficient readers. The other 64 percent are considered basic readers and are more likely to fall behind in other subjects such as social studies, science and mathematics. Today, even in mathematics, good reading skills are a requirement for the many word problems even little kids encounter. That’s why reading proficiency by the end of third grade is one of the most important benchmarks in a child’s academic journey. Parent involvement plays a vital role in helping children to achieve reading proficiency and fluency—the ability to read a text accurately, quickly and with expression. Instilling strong reading habits in children starting at a young age helps to keep the momentum through elementary school. What exactly can parents do to help their child learn to read and become proficient? Read to Your Child Not only does reading aloud help deepen your relationship with your child, but it also helps expose her to deeper concepts, a richer vocabulary and a broadened worldview. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a policy statement recommending that pediatric providers advise parents that reading aloud to children from infancy to kindergarten builds language and literacy skills and stimulates brain development. This exposure
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
to written text will help your child develop grammatical understanding and comprehension skills. After children learn to read, parents often expect children to read on their own; but don’t stop! According to a 2014 Scholastic study, 86 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 8 said they really enjoy when parents read to them and nearly half of the children said they wish that their parents did not stop reading to them. When read to frequently, children can grow to love reading, and will take the initiative to read more on their own. Parents can select books from their local library or enroll their kids in an academic program such as Kumon, which offers a library of books and a recommended reading list (and Kumon encourages students to read a wide variety of level-appropriate books on topics that interest them to foster a life-long love of reading. Many books on the Recommended Reading List have won literary awards such as the Newbery and Caldecott Medals, and the Pulitzer Prize. Listen to Your Child Read Children should read books daily, but listening to your child read books aloud is even better. While building independent reading habits is important, fluency and comprehension are further developed through the process of reading aloud. Reading books that match ability level and interests exposes children to new worlds, cultures and points of view, while improving language skills. In the beginning, parents can listen to their child “read” picture books to develop language skills and alphabet books to develop print awareness and letter sounds. The next step can be listening to your child read books with rhyming words and CVC (consonant vowel consonant) words. Parents read along silently and provide corrective feedback as needed for pronunciation. When the child isn’t able to handle a given word, parents should step in and help her sound it out. Another method is parents reading aloud simultaneously with their child, which can help with voice inflection, pace, and pronunciation. Developing strength as a reader takes practice, persistence and hard work. Kumon’s Recommended Reading List can help parents with the selection of fun and level-appropriate books meant to be read by the parent and also books that are meant to be read aloud by the child. Enroll in a Reading Program According to the National Institute of Literacy, parents who teach specific literacy skills to their children were found to be twice as effective as parents who listen to their child read and six times more effective than parents who read to their child. Reading to children and having children read to parents is strongly encouraged, but providing actual instruction in specific literacy-related skills is the best method for parents to help their child learn how to
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
Discover why students choose Farragut and why their parents couldn’t be happier.
AN OUTSTANDING
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S A I N T P A U L ’ S Clearwater’s Independent School 2 Months to 8th Grade
New Early Learning Center
Saint Paul’s is delighted to announce that we will begin the 2016-17 school year with a $1.1 million dollar renovation to our Early Learning Center. The 13,000-square foot building will be redesigned to look like an adorable little town with each classroom playing an essential role in the community as the post office, pet clinic, bank, sweet shoppe or fire station. Everything will be “pint-sized” to make the experience of coming to school each day magical and memorable for our youngest students.
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Waddlers (12-24 months) 3:1 Classroom Ratio
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Spaces are limited. call 727.536.2756
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read. However, the overwhelming majority of parents need guided reading materials to be able to teach their child important literacy skills. Enrolling in a reading program sets an important foundation for short- and long- term school success. Reading programs — such as Kumon —enable parents to help their children learn how to read by providing individualized instruction and reading materials to do at home. Staying enrolled in a reading program that has a wellestablished curriculum is a great way for your child to first learn how to read and then for your child to attain reading proficiency. Programs aim to cultivate a high level of reading ability in students and often times contain excerpts of material written by well-known and award-winning authors including Roald Dahl, John Steinbeck, William Shakespeare and T.S. Eliot. There are passages from all genres, exposing students to a variety of literary content and language structures in poetry, short stories, plays, science and history. When students read widely, they build a rich vocabulary, interpret meaning of language, analyze characters and gather background knowledge. As students build a strong foundation by becoming proficient in reading, they also develop critical thinking skills by analyzing passages of increasingly complex difficulty in fiction and non-fiction texts. Dominique Ciccarelli is the education spokesperson for Kumon North America. Find more reading tips and advice from Dominique Ciccarelli here (http://www.kumon.com/resources/).
2016 Feather Sound Country Club Back to School
Tennis and Golf Clinics Starting Monday August 22nd!
Early Enrollment Special
Sign up for multiple weekly sessions and save!
Registration is limited! Contact us NOW for more information! Tennis Pro Shop (727) 202-4051 EE OR FR F P U SIGN tennisdirector@feathersoundcc.com YS! UT DA TRY O ST Golf Pro Shop (727) 572-6677 AUGU !* h t 8 1 17th & golfproasst@feathersoundcc.com *Please register for try out days by August 12th!
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A National Blue Ribbon School
Excellence
CHRISTIAN
SCHOOL
Tours available at 10 a.m. on Thursdays or by appointment.
A Ministry of Palm Harbor United Methodist Church
Excellence in Academic Achievement & Spiritual Formation Teaching the Mind
Reaching the Heart
www.westlakechristianschool.org
|
727.781.3808
Accreditation - Florida Council of Independent Schools, Florida Kindergarten Council, & Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/AdvancED
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success tips Doctor’s orders for a good year
By Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg
a
fter a fun, carefree summer away from responsibilities, the transition back to school can be a tough one. Just like adults, kids need time to get acquainted and comfortable with a new routine, and school routines vary depending on a child’s age, whether they are entering school for the first time or returning to a familiar school. As a pediatrician, the main areas I recommend parents focus on are sleep, nutrition and hygiene, all of which can have an impact on your child’s performance in school and throughout the day, regardless of your child’s stage of schooling. To help every child and family ease into the school year, try incorporating these tips two to three weeks before the first day of classes.
•
help kids to drift off to sleep easier. Introduce the regular practice of eating breakfast. Providing one or two options to serve in the morning may help ensure they eat a healthy breakfast that will hold them over until lunch.
Middle School Kids become very active during this period and a routine is essential to help them manage school work with after school activities, sports, and spending time with friends. •
Preschool/Kindergarten
A week before school opens, establish a consistent bedtime and night routine, including setting time limits to turn off the TV, shutting down the computer and putting away mobile electronics. Kids are at an age where they can start making decisions, so empower them to do this. Work with them to get as much organized at night as possible, which will avoid a rushed morning. Encourage them to set out clothes the night before and even prep lunch and any snacks they need to bring for the day so they can quickly dress and go. Hygiene is important as puberty starts to take hold. As you begin to compile a back-to-school shopping list, include shower and skincare products that the whole family can use such as a mild cleanser (the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar), shampoo and conditioner. This is also good age to introduce an antiperspirant.
Sleep is extremely important to ensure kids are well-rested for those long school days. Get into a nighttime routine at least a week or so prior to school and even have your child start waking up, getting washed, and dressed and having breakfast within the timeframe when school starts so it’s not a surprise on the first day.
•
For 4-6 year olds, mornings can be a great time to practice and work on motor skills such as putting on clothing properly, doing up buttons, snaps and zippers. Leave ample time for your child to learn and feel the accomplishment of doing it himself. School is a new experience for these kids. Take the time to talk about how they feel about starting school and what they can expect. Here are a few other tips:
•
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School year musts for happy and healthy year
• •
All those stuffed animals and toys can be used for more than playtime. Role play with your kids and their stuffed animals in a make believe school or classroom setting to model what school will be like. Use the summer to help prepare young kids from being away from home and parents for the day. Playdates at a friend’s house are a great way to transition to being at school away from you for the day. Check with your school to see if you can stop by earlier to show your child the classroom and building, and possibly meet the teacher to help familiarize your child with new surroundings.
Most young kids like back-to-school events because they are fun-filled days when they get to reunite with friends they may not have seen over the summer.
•
Sleep remains important and parents should aim for kids to get 10-11 hours of sleep. It can be challenging for kids to fall asleep when it’s still warm and bright outside at bedtime, even though summer begins to wind down. Close blinds and curtains so the room is dark, and create a cool environment by moderating the A/C or turning on fans. For both parents and kids, bedtime is a great way to spend one-on-one time together and talk about what happened that day. As kids begin to master their reading, it’s also a wonderful time to practice together and
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• • •
Elementary school
•
•
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
Check with the school nurse on school policy for OTC medication, especially if your child has seasonal allergies Have a sick day plan and map out who can pick up your child if they get sick while at school, or if they need to stay home for the day Encourage homework to be done right after school when kids are the most focused and motivated with information fresh in their minds Strive for family meals as a social time together to have meaningful conversations about what is happening at school and talk through any issues or accomplishments
Pediatrician Jennifer Trachtenberg, MD – known to her patients as Dr. Jen – is a nationally renowned parenting expert and the cofounder of Baby Bundle App. She has maintained a successful private pediatric practice in New York City for the past 20 years. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the mother of three children.
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What's Happening Tampa Bay parenting 2017 Cover Kid Search Summer is in full swing, but before you know it, the kids will be getting ready to go back to school. Get all of the information you need to prepare, protect and inspire your child for the upcoming school year at the ninth annual Back to School Fair on Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Westshore Plaza. The first 500 kids will receive a bookbag filled with school supplies and goodies. There will also be giveaways and live entertainment. BacktoSchoolFair.com
school supply tax holiday With the beginning of the school year bearing down on us, parents and kids alike are rushing to the stores to make sure they have everything they need to get back to school. This year’s tax holiday will last three days, starting Aug. 5 and ending Aug. 7. No state or local taxes will be collected on clothing items costing less than $100, school supplies $15 or less, and the first $750 of the cost of personal computers and related accessories. MyFlorida.com/DOR
school's in August rings in the start of the new school year! Don’t forget to get your school supply lists and check out your school’s open house. The first day of school in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee Counties is Wednesday, Aug. 10. School’s in for Pasco, Polk and Sarasota on Aug. 15. If your child attends a partnership, parochial or non-traditional school, check with the school’s administration for your start date. Check with your local school district for open house and orientation dates for your specific school. TBParenting.com/SchoolsIn
project lemonade for kids Stop by our Lemon-Aid stand at participating Panera Bread bakery-cafés and make a donation to the Panera Bread Knead for Knowledge Scholarship Program benefitting the Children’s Cancer Center on Aug. 5 and 6 from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Locate a participating bakery cafe online or attend the Back to School Fair at Westshore Plaza for an ice-cold sample of Panera’s lemonade! Panera-Tampa.com
toddler takeover Let the little ones loose for a fun day at the Glazer Children’s Museum. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County will be taking over the museum with activities that focus on early emotional and social development as well as gross and fine motor skills. Activities will include yoga, sign language, music and dancing. Toddlers can take over the museum from Aug. 24 through Sept. 4 and Toddler Takeover activities are included in regular admission. Daily schedules of activities are available online. GlazerMuseum.org
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The Glazer Children's Museum and the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County Present:
Toddler
takeover
GlazERmuSeum.org
toDDlerS take over THe World or at leaSt the MuSeum! auguSt 24-Sept 2
As the big kids head back to school, GCM invites our toddler friends to takeover the Museum! Stop by August 24-Sept 2 as we close our Dandelion Days of summer with developmental initiatives designed for children ages five and under. Connect with top community resources such as the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County and VROOM, a new free tool for parents, to ensure that your child has the opportunity to realize his or her potential. Exercise healthy emotional & social practices while advancing gross & fine motor skills through yoga, sign language, music, and dancing programs. All activities and developmental checkups are included with Museum admission. Learn more at GlazerMuseum.org/event/ toddlertakeover2016
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Tbp product guide
our favorite
3d magic pen In the last few years, STEAM toys have taken over. If you can dream it, you can make it with the 3D Magic ImagiPen! Using UV gel-curing technology, the 3D Magic ImagiPen allows a child to design in mid-air! You can create
glow lacez
up and build out, resulting in amazing 3D
Glow “Power” shoe laces come with built-in LED lights
creations. $20 tech4kids.com
with adjustable settings (flash, slow flash, constant and off) and are available in four colors. $15 4id.com.
back to school lego lunchbox Pack your child’s favorite lunches with this nifty LEGO lunch box. It is the perfect size for sandwiches, fruits and veggies. Kids of any age will love it, and you will love
fiskars scissors
that it is BPA free. $10 firebox.com
These scissors are the No.1 teacher recommended brand. Ideal for kids ages 4 and up, they feature a safetyedge blade for high quality cutting with safety and a nonstick coating for easy cleaning of sticky materials. $4.50 fiskars.com
orbit labels Orbit Labels from InchBug are unique, reusable, easy-to-use labels for children’s bottles, sippy cups and snack containers. This innovative product is nonadhesive, reusable and personalized to meet your needs. $13 for a 4-pack. inchbug.com/custom-orbit-labels.html
dig and discover set This custom set benefits NatureBridge, an organization dedicated to fostering environmental literacy through hands-on learning, and features a Green Toys bucket, shovel, and rake, along with a copy
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of Dig & Discover! Outdoor Activities for Kids. $25 greentoys.com TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
aquasana water bottle Fill with tap water and the built-in filter will reduce lead and chlorine plus 99 percent of bacteria and cysts. Filters last for 80 gallons; that’s equivalent to 640 disposable plastic bottles! $29 aquasana.com
Something cool mydrinky MyDrinky is an innovative solution to help stop the accidental juice-box-squeeze. The two-piece adjustable locking mechanism keeps your child’s juice box secure in the holder so it can’t be squeezed. $10 mydrinky,.com
beatrix ny backpack Beautifully embroidered, these durable nylon children’s backpacks have a large interior space
school zone flashcards and workbooks
with a smaller interior pocket. Exterior has a large laminated, wipeable front pocket and two
To expose your children to less screen time, get
side pockets. $52 beatrixny.com
back to basics with School Zone’s trademark workbooks and flash card sets. These colorful and interactive books improve your child’s skills in math, logic, reading, vocabulary and phonics while allowing them to keep using their crayons. $15 or $3 each schoolzone.com
hi voltage fx pens If bright, bold, eye-catching, electrifying neon colors
health warrior bars Chia Bars pack around 1,100 mg of brain-boosting omega-3s, 4g of fiber and 3g of protein in a small bar in flavors kids love. These tasty bars use chia as the
are right up your alley, Hi-Voltage FX is the line for you. These intense neon stationery items will be sure to spice up your home, office or school desk. $2 debbielynn.net
number one ingredient and come in a variety of flavors. 15 pack $21 shop.healthwarrior.com
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Did you Know? WIC provides FREE breastfeeding peer support and guidance Breastfeeding Help Line: 813-496-BABY (2229) In the United States, it is recommended that women with HIV or AIDS not breastfeed as the virus can be passed to their baby through breastmilk. If you do not know your HIV status, please ask your health care provider for an HIV test. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
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FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KICK OFF THE SCHOOL YEAR!
WESTSHOREPLAZA.COM
For Every Occasion
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Extraordinary
Woman
By Angela Ardolino
Mastering the art of motherhood, work and community. About three years ago, Stevie Morgan was a soon-to-be single mom trying to figure things out. She had just moved from Miami back to Tampa where she (and her father and grandmother before her) had been born and raised, and was pregnant and unemployed. “I didn’t have a job and I was like, ‘OK, what now?’ I had been playing around with delivering food to my dad—cooking food and keeping my family healthy. He didn’t even like carrying a lunch box so I started to deliver meals to him and he loved that. He was a busy executive and had gained 100 pounds—he wasn’t eating breakfast or lunch and was just eating dinner. After I started delivering his meals, he started losing weight and having increased energy.” This was in 2014. Today, Cater Me Fit, the company that was born from her daughterly service, has become a lifesaver for busy professionals looking for healthy homecooked meals delivered to their homes.
Cater Me Fit, Jourdan and mentoring are not her only passions: the indefatigable Morgan is also training to become a professional boxer in her “spare time.” what do you think is the secret to your family's success? Work ethic, passion and staying disciplined. Those three things really have made all the difference for us. what advice would you give to other women? No excuses—just do it. It really truly works for me. You just can’t make excuses for yourself. I also think it’s important for women to know that being emotional is okay. what is your proudest moment? I think my proudest moment was having my son, Jourdan. I think there are a lot of things to be proud of, but my proudest moment is definitely when I had him.
“I remember the day it became a real business,” recalls Morgan, 26. “I was sitting around the kitchen with my friends and we came up with a name, Cater Me Fit, and it’s all history from there. I never expected that it would do as well as it is and it’s exciting.”
Can you tell us about some of the awards you have won? Since starting Cater Me Fit, I won the Startup Scholar Program with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and I also won an award for Best Starup Idea as well. I have also been nominated for Small Business of the Year which was pretty exciting.
Morgan now has a team of more than 30 employees. They cook every meal and deliver three days a week, although they are in the kitchen every day. They tailor to a variety of tastes and lifestyles, including traditional, paleo and vegetarian. Cater Me Fit is also available at two locations in Tampa International Airport to bring healthy food to travelers. “I think there was just a need and we went to the top of Google really quickly. We started getting more and more calls and now we deliver thousands of meals a week.”
is there anything as a single mom that you would want to share with other single moms? Being a single mom is definitely tough— and I just have one kid. I have learned that I have to be tough. I can’t play victim and sit around feeling sorry for myself because there are people who have a lot more kids who still have their stuff together and who are juggling way more things than I am. I just have one child, and that reminds me to stop having a pity party.
Starting and maintaining a successful business is in itself a remarkable thing. What might make Morgan’s story even more inspirational is that she was pregnant when she started the business, and despite the demands of 2-year-old Jourdan, was able to grow the business rapidly
The biggest thing I have learned is that single mom or not, you just need to keep going. Just do it. There’s no excuse, you can take a baby anywhere—I used to bring Jourdan into the kitchen with me in the beginning so that I could start my company and keep it growing. So just keep going and don’t give up.
Not only does she run her own business and take care of Jourdan, but she is also passionate about mentoring young girls and giving back to the community.
what is your biggest achievement? I don’t even know if I have achieved it yet! I think am still working on that.
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what makes you happy? That is tough to explain. But really, life makes me happy. The quality of life makes me happy. Life with my son makes me so happy. Helping others makes me happy as well. what are some of the things cater me fit does in the community? We do a lot of work with the homeless ministries and we cook for them every Sunday. We do two big events every year: The Great Egg Race and Operation Christmas Gifts. We also do a toy drive and a food drive as well with feeding Tampa Bay so there is always something we are working on. how do you relax and take time for yourself? I go to the gym every day. I have to—that’s my “me” time. I am working to become a professional boxer as well. I also like fishing. I like to read, and I stay active in the church, which keeps me on track. how did you get into professional boxing? I started boxing seven or eight years ago. It just takes time, training and discipline and I love it. It is addicting, and I feel like boxing helps so much with life. You may not be great at it, but it exposes things about yourself and you have to work through things by yourself because it is only you. You don’t have a team to help you, so it is all you. what kind of message would you like to give women in the area or the community? I don’t want people to see me and think ‘oh wow, she did it, she made it,’ but if I can do it, anyone can do it. I don’t believe in excuses. There’s no excuses allowed. If you want to do something then just do it. There is not an excuse that you can come up with that can possibly mean anything. is there anything you want the young women you mentor to take away from their time with you? I feel very strongly that because I am a young successful business owner, I can help girls. There are a lot of young women and girls that need that example to be strong and to make it happen, whatever it is. So I try to help them realize that they truly can do anything.
stevie morgan Stevie at the Cater Me Fit kitchen in Oldsmar. Photo by Amy Pezzicara, Pezz Photo
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South hillsborough apollo beach | lithia | riverview ruskin | south tampa | valrico | fishhawk
Tampa Theatre Toasts WineFest Fans: Here's Lookin' at You Tampa Theatre is preparing for the annual Wine Fest Now in its 15th year, WineFest is Tampa Theatre’s biggest annual fundraising event, benefitting the historic movie palace’s artistic, educational and community programs as well as the 90-year-old theater’s ongoing preservation and restoration. This year’s theme has an extra ‘classic’ feel as the 1943 film Casablanca inspires Caskablanca, presented by DEX Imaging. On Friday, Sept. 16, the theatre hosts a two-tiered Wine Tasting featuring dozens of boutique wines, local culinary fare and an opportunity to bid on silent auction items representing Bay area retailers, restaurants, services and attractions. The Premium Tasting is from 7-8 p.m. Tickets are $90 and include admission to the Grand Tasting to follow from 8-10 p.m. Grand Tasting tickets are $55. On Saturday, Sept. 17, the stage will be expanded to seat more than 250 and transformed into Rick’s Café for the elegant Wine Pairing at 6:30 p.m. The multicourse menu, created and catered by Mise En Place chef Marty Blitz, will include delectable small plates expertly paired with wines specific to each dish. Seating is limited, and tickets are $275 per person or $500 per couple. WineFest wraps up Sunday, Sept. 18 with the finale of the Tampa Theatre’s 25th annual Summer Classics movie series, a screening of the Humphrey Bogart classic Casablanca at 3 p.m. Following the film, Tampa Bay Times film critic Steve Persall and former Tampa Tribune film critic Bob Ross take to the stage to discuss the film’s lasting cultural legacy in a 45-minute Film Talk and Q&A. Tickets are $10 for the film and discussion. Member discounts are available for the Friday and Sunday events. For tickets or additional information, stop by the Tampa Theatre box office at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa or go to tampatheatre.org/WineFest.
Local Athlete Earns Wade Boggs Achievement Award In June, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners recognized three outstanding student athletes with the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award and two Honorable Mentions during one of its Board meetings. The Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award honors a high school baseball player or team in Hillsborough County who displays outstanding athletic, scholastic, and community achievements. Alonso High School senior Peyton Woble is the 2016 award recipient. With a .351 batting average this spring, Woble ranked in the district’s Top 10 in batting average, on-base percentage, fielding, slugging, runs scored and RBIs. Academically, he earned a 3.9 unweighted GPA and will attend the University of Tampa or University of South Florida. Matthew Steckel of Robinson High School and Mason Strickland of Freedom High School received Honorable Mentions for the prestigious award. Steckel is a four-year varsity letterman, three-year starter, and Hillsborough County’s 6A Player of the Year. He earned a 3.78 unweighted GPA and expects to attend the University of Central Florida. Strickland led Freedom with a .978 fielding percentage this year, committed only nine errors in three years, and served as team captain for two years. He achieved a 3.93 unweighted GPA and will attend the University of Florida this fall. The Board of County Commissioners established the award in 2005, named in honor of first-ballot National Baseball Hall of Fame member Wade Boggs, a resident of the Tampa Bay area since he was a boy and a 12-time All Star who ended his 18-year major league career as a member of the Tampa Bay MLB franchise, then the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
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dates: Aug. 5, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Summer Evening of Dance Take in a performance by students from the Open Dance program at Patel Conservatory when they perform onstage in TECO Theater at Tampa’s Straz Center. Enjoy a variety of dance styles from ballet and tap to jazz and Flamenco. Tickets are $15. strazcenter.org
Aug. 8 and 22, 6 p.m. Divorce Support Group Support and learn from other women who have transitioned through divorce or are currently going through it as part of this special support group that meets at The Centre in Hyde Park as part of its Wellness for Women program. The group is free and meets the 2nd and 4th Monday night monthly. For more information, call 813-251-8437.
Aug. 13, 3-4 p.m. Back to School Bingorama Celebrate the return to school and win prizes with a fun game of bingo at the Thonotosassa Public Library. Kids in grades K-5 get to play traditional bingo and variations of the classic game. hcplc.org
Aug. 15, 5:30-8 p.m. Baby Matters Take part in an interactive class led by Certified Parent Educators on such topics as baby’s development and the basics of newborn care at Brandon Regional Hospital. Learn about the importance of the parent-child relationship and how it relates to brain development. Free. brandonhospitalkids.org.
Aug. 20-21, various times Swamp Stomp 8K Mud Run Join the Hillsborough River State Park Preservation Society for a special event at the Thonotosassa park with a 5-mile adventure across several Florida habitats. Reservations must be made online at least one day before camping. Mud Run ticket is $35 per person; $10 vehicle parking fee. eventbrite.com/e/swamp-stomp-8kmud-run-tickets-24435144174.
Aug. 27, 9-10:30 a.m. Booster Seat Class Sign up for this useful class at the Children’s Board Hillsborough County Plant City office. A St. Joseph’s Children’s Advocacy Center child passenger safety technician will educate participants about proper installation on their vehicle and provide them with a new high-back booster seat at no charge. 813-752-8700. il. hcplc.org
Your Family’s Destination for Comprehensive Skin Care Abigail Ray ARNP-BC
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Dr. Linda Flynn, M.D. Board Certified Dermatologist
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Laura Michelle Kelly of the original Broadway cast of FINDING NEVERLAND. ©Carol Rosegg
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2016-2017 SEASON ON SALE NOW*! LIZZIE – A Killer Rock Musical • National Theatre Live • “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band • Twinkle Time Ina Garten: Barefoot Contessa • BiRDMAN LiVE • Simply Three • Straz LIVE! in the Park • THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME • Neil deGrasse Tyson The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe • iLuminate The Havana Cuba All-Stars • INTO THE WOODS • Shanghai Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China • Kim Russo Nutcracker • AN AMERICAN IN PARIS • FORBIDDEN BROADWAY • As You Like It • Capitol Steps • National Geographic LIVE! • Romeo and Juliet • Pink Martini Laura Benanti • CABARET • Hypnotic Brass Ensemble WICKED • Cinderella (La Cenerentola) • BODYTRAFFIC Pablo Sáinz Villegas • Leslie Odom Jr. • Taj Express: The Bollywood Musical Revue • Celtic Woman • Carl Hiaasen SOMETHING ROTTEN! • Tiempo Libre • A Skull in Connemara MOMIX Opus Cactus • it gets better • Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus LIVE! • Cheyenne Jackson DRUMLine Live • The House at Pooh Corner • Tosca ALTON BROWN LIVE: Eat Your Science • Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man • Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I • FINDING NEVERLAND • Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID • MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and MORE! 813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG • Group Sales: 813.222.1016 or 1047
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north hillsborough carrollwood | citrus park | lutz | new tampa odessa | temple terrace | westchase
Area Student Wins Environmental Scholarship Award SeaWorld Orlando awarded four exemplary Florida students with a passion for protecting and preserving the environment $5,000 in educational scholarships toward any college or university they plan to attend as part of the company’s 2016 Environmental Scholarship Program. The students were awarded scholarships at SeaWorld Orlando at a ceremony held June 17 before they and their families headed into the park to celebrate. This year’s winners include Margaret K. Parrish of Chamberlain High School in Tampa, who designed and constructed a low-cost, portable water test kit that looks for certain bacteria in potential drinking water. Other winners included Christen Aniel of Mandarin High School (Jacksonville), Gabriela Gonzalez of Charles W. Flanagan High School (Pembroke Pines) and Connor Wong of Edgewood Jr. Sr. High School (Merritt Island). The scholarship opportunity was made available to Florida high school seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Winning students demonstrated a passion for animals and the environment through a written application and a short video highlighting their environmental achievements and goals. Applications were evaluated by representatives of SeaWorld’s Education & Conservation Department. Judges considered originality, creativity, content, organization, neatness and the general presentation of the application.
MoSI Announces New 'pay for a Day' Deal for rest of Year Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) recently launched a new promotion offering Bay Area families a fun option to stay cool all summer long. Starting July 2, guests who purchase regularly priced MOSI general admission will get a new Discovery Passport, giving them free unlimited admission to MOSI through the end of the year. “If you’ve been thinking about coming to MOSI, now’s the time,” says MOSI President & CEO Molly Demeulenaere. “We have a huge worldwide experience planned for this summer that we’ll be announcing soon, an incredible new multi-million-dollar exhibit opening this fall, and an amazing new IMAX® movie coming later this year.” With MOSI’s IMAX® Summer Special, starting July 2, guests get up to $31 off the price of a full one-year Explorer membership, which includes unlimited MOSI admission and unlimited standard films in the Florida Hospital IMAX® DOME Theatre for twelve months. A full MOSI membership also features other benefits not available with the new Discovery Passport, including free parking, discounts, special member-only events, and free or discounted admission to more than 20 local attractions and hundreds of children’s museums and science centers worldwide. The new “pay for a day, rest of year free” discount deal is available for the normal full ticket price of $26.95 for adults, $25.95 for seniors (60+), and $20.95 for children (3-12). No other discounts will apply. The Discovery Passport is not valid for free admission on Sept. 3-5, Nov. 24-27, and Dec. 26-31, and does not offer any of MOSI’s member benefits. For a limited time, the Explorer full MOSI membership is $99 for a Dual membership (regularly $125), $149 for a Party of 5 membership (regularly $180), and $199 for a Party of 8 (regularly $210). Current MOSI members can renew their memberships during the IMAX® Summer Special to have twelve months of Explorer membership (formerly called “PLUS IMAX®” membership) added onto the end of their current membership period at the discounted rate. For more information on the Discovery Passport, go to mosi.org.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
dates: Aug. 3 and 24, 2-4 p.m. Mom and Baby Support Group Interact with other new moms and their babies at the Women’s Health Pavilion at Florida Hospital Tampa. Different topics will be presented at each meeting. Babies must be between four weeks and 14 months in age. Registration is not required. floridahospital.com/tampa/ events
Aug. 4, 6-9 p.m. Infant and Child CPR Learn how to perform lifesaving CPR and choking rescue methods on infants and children at this class hosted by St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. All instruction is based on American Heart Association guidelines. Cost is $40. Register at baycare.org/events.
Aug. 9, 3-4 p.m. Yoga for Preschoolers Introduce children to the fun of yoga through basic movements led by Happy Hearts Yoga at New Tampa Regional Library. Kids ages 3-6 and their caregivers should bring a towel or yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. hcplc.org
Aug. 9, 7 p.m. An Evening with Dr. Michele Borba Spend time with the internationally-recognized educator, educational psychologist and bullying expert when she speaks at Carrollwood Day School Theatre, Bearss Avenue Campus. Hear the author share strategies from her new book as part of her 9-step program to help parents cultivate empathy. carrollwooddayschool.org
Aug. 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. North Tampa Market Browse handcrafted goods, fresh foods and organic products from over 70 local vendors at this monthly event on the grounds at Carrollwood Cultural Center. Shop the Kids Market while enjoying live music. Free admission. tampabaymarkets.com
Aug. 31 - Sept. 1, 10:30 a.m. Florida Treasures: A Viva Florida History Exploration Meet up with a pair of tourists who discover a treasure chest full of historical artifacts on the beach and are magically transported back in time in this latest production from A.C.T. for Youth at Carrollwood Center. Tickets are $7 members and $8 general admission with a Family 4-Pack available for $28. Kids ages 4 and younger are free. carrollwoodcenter.org
аловат Bienvenue 歡迎光臨 Welko m-vindo Croeso Bem-vinda ようこそ lkommen ًالهس و ًال Sugeng rawuh Welco λώς Ορίσατε Salve Тавтай морилогт ديدمآ شFáilte 환영합니다 Karibu 歡迎 ş geldin సుస్వాగతం Velkommen Hoa hênh Mir se vjên אבה־ךורבAloha We m Üdvözlet Добродошли Velkomme ang Fáilte Benvenuto Be kher ha бродошли Bon vinutu Selamat Välkomme Добро пожаловать ཕེབས་པར་དགའ་བསུ་ཞ lkommen स्वागत Welcome Fái nvenido 歡迎光臨 Sugeng rawuh se vjên Добро пожаловать Croeso Bem-vind Come play today and get hands-on морилогту 歡迎 Bienvenue Тавтай with the science of sports at the うこそ Willkommen ًالهس و ًالSalve SUMMER ş geldin ديدمآ شوخBem-vindo 환영합니 Vitaj సుస్వాగతం Hoan nghênh Velkomme se vjên אבה־ךורבFáilte Welkom Καλώς Ορίσατε Üdvözlet स्वागत Velkommen mosi.org 41 datang ديدمآ شوخFáilte Welcome 歡迎 Plus we’re letting you
pay for a day and come back all year.*
For a limited time only. It’s cool summer fun you can’t afford to miss.
*Pay for a day, come back through 12/31/2016. Valid with full price general admission ticket. Non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates apply.
South pinellas pinellas park | seminole | st. pete beach largo | st. petersburg | treasure island
Local Family Marks Heart Gallery Adoption Milestone After an official adoption ceremony June 22 at the Pinellas County Justice Center, Rebecca and Rafael Burgess enjoyed a unique bonding experience with their two boys at the Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop in downtown St. Petersburg. The event was part of a celebration of The Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco reaching a milestone: its 300th and 301st adoption of children available for adoption from foster care. After coming to a decision to build their own family through adoption, new parents Rebecca and Rafael were drawn to a photo featuring their future sons’ smiles on the Heart Gallery website. After meeting during an adoption recruitment event in 2015, the family grew together while learning about each other over shared interests, from sports to superheroes. “We love their love of life and how they blend right in with us,” says Rebecca Burgess of her sons. Adoptive parents Rebecca and Rafael saw their family grow from seven to nine children before family and friends at the Pinellas County Justice Center. After the formal ceremony, the family celebrated at the Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop where they enjoyed a “Personal Experience” from professional glass artist David Spurgeon, who taught the boys the finer points of glassblowing while helping the family create unique and colorful art to commemorate the special day. “We are pleased to be celebrating ten years and our 300th adoption of children in foster care,” says Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco’s Executive Director Jennifer Nance. “Every child deserves a home. We thank this family and so many more for opening their hearts and homes to children in foster care.” At any given point, there are approximately 35 children waiting for a forever family through the Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco and more than 3,000 children in the foster care system in Tampa Bay. For more information about the Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, go to heartgallerykids.org.
Area Teachers Hit the Streets for unique Learning program BETA (Business, Economics, Technology Academy) and First Responder Academy Teachers from Gibbs High School stepped out of the classroom recently to participate in Ford Next Generation Learning Externships sponsored by Bank of America through the Pinellas Education Foundation. They received hands-on experiences and shadowed the professional teams in businesses that connect to their Academy instruction. Through the Foundation’s partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, First Responder Academy teachers trained and participated in live emergency response calls spending two days each with the St. Petersburg Fire and St. Petersburg Police teams. BETA Academy teachers explored the intersection of arts and business with Canvas Zoo, the Bill Edwards Group, Big3 Productions, the Mahaffey Theater, the Rowdies, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater and Duncan McClellan Glass. The Externship week concluded with a workshop on integrating the externship experiences into relevant and engaging curriculum for Academy classrooms. “After this experience, we can take the breadth of knowledge that we received and really connect it to the curriculum we teach,” says Jeff Bonnell, freshman English teacher, speaking about his experience.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
dates: Aug. 4, 6-8 p.m. Gulfport’s Night Out Learn about crime prevention and meet area law enforcement and other first responders as part of this annual community event being held in the lot surrounding Catherine Hickman Theater in Gulfport. Event includes fun children’s activities, bike registrations, informative presentations and more. Free. For more information, call 727-893-1111.
Aug. 5, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Itty Bitty Pool Parties Catch up with other parents and caregivers while the little ones play together in a safe, fun environment at Highland Family Aquatic Center in Largo. Morning includes pool games and other activities. Children not potty trained must wear a vinyl swim diaper under bathing suit (available for purchase). Admission cost is $2.50. largopools.com
Aug. 9, 6:30 p.m. Healthy Cooking Class at the Studio @620 Explore fresh ideas and healthy cooking with this monthly class series at the Studio@620. Classes focus on preparing an easy and delicious recipe with an approach geared to healthy eating. Fee is $25. thestudioat620.org
Aug. 17, 6-8 p.m.. St. Pete Girls Night Out Invite girlfriends, sisters and co-workers to join in a night of pampering hosted by Working Women of Tampa Bay at The Spa at Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club. Guests will enjoy mini spa treatments, appetizers, wine and swag bags. Cost is $15 members and $25 non-members. workingwomenoftampabay.com
Aug. 20, 8 a.m. - noon Community Wide Garage Sale Browse over 65 tables at this annual indoor sale at Southwest Recreation Complex in Largo. Find deals on home items, toys and gently used clothing. Cost is $10 per table to sell (limit two tables per person). Free admission. For information, call 727-518-3125.
Aug. 20, noon - 3 p.m. 6th Annual Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest Check out the competition or take part by submitting a minimum of four cupcakes per entry at this event hosted by the Morean Arts Center at this year’s new larger venue to host at the Morean Center for Clay in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District. Cupcake entry fee is $15 for one submission. Deadline to enter is Aug. 15. moreanartscenter.org
Giving back to our communities is
As a training specialist for our Florida phosphate operations, I help ensure the safety of our employees and the environment while producing top-quality crop nutrients for our farmers in America and all over the world. At Mosaic, we’re proud to share our passion for agriculture and environmental stewardship with the next generation. In fact, I’m one of hundreds of Mosaic employees who volunteer annually — whether it’s at youth fairs, Junior Achievement or backpack food-packing events. For me, giving back is more than a job. It’s about nourishing the communities where we all live, work and play. We help the world grow the food it needs.
®
mosaicco.com/florida Tiffany Wengyn, Environmental Health & Safety Training Specialist Florida phosphate operations
© 2016 The Mosaic Company
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north pinellas oldsmar | clearwater | dunedin palm harbor | safety harbor East Lake | tarpon springs
Scholarship program Supports First responders' Children The Electronic Security Association (ESA) of Florida recently announced the three winners of its 2016 Youth Scholarship Program. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the scholarship program, which is funded by ESA Florida members and supports children of first responders. Recipients include Mackenzie Nalven of Palm Harbor, Nicole Fertig of Lake Worth and Brooke Soloway of Weston who were awarded scholarships toward their college education. Nalven will receive $2,500 to attend Stetson University, Fertig will receive $1,000 to continue her education at Florida Atlantic University and Soloway receives $500 to attend Florida State University. As the first place winner, Nalven will also be entered into the national ESA award program for an opportunity to win up to $8,500 in scholarships. As children of law enforcement officers, this year’s three recipients know what it is like to live each day with a mix of pride for their parents’ profession and fear for their lives. They understand the role first responders play in protecting communities. “We are proud to support the education of these young women,” says Roy Pollack, president of ESA Florida. “It’s the least we can do to give back to the families of the officers that have done so much to protect our communities.” With a 3.98 unweighted GPA, Nalven is second in her graduating class and credits her father’s career in the police department as helping to shape her character. “My father has taught me to follow the rules,” she says. “And I am extremely grateful for that. I live a disciplined life, and I am who I am today because my father is a law enforcement officer.” Nalven also believes her father’s career has helped her family grow closer. “The highlight of my day has always been sharing dinner with my parents.” As a competitive program, ESA awards are based on academic achievement, test scores, extracurricular activities and an essay explaining what it means to have a parent involved in securing the community. To date, the national Youth Scholarship Program has awarded more than $541,500 by ESA and participating states. The program promotes goodwill among between the electronic life safety and security industry and first responders by providing college scholarship awards to the children of police and fire officers.
A Bit of Bippity Boppity Boo Arrives in Tarpon Springs Families are invited to experience a classic fairy tale that transports the audience on a magical adventure when “Cinderella” takes to the stage this month at Tarpon Springs Cultural Center. A Gilbert & Sullivan Players production directed by Jamie Bierchen, the show is scheduled for 3 p.m. performances Saturday and Sunday July 30-31 and August 6-7 at the venue located at 101 S. Pinellas Ave. in Tarpon Springs. In this latest production performed by an adult cast and designed for children and the young at heart, the audience meets an orphaned young girl forced to live as a servant in her own home by her evil stepmother and sisters. Her dreams of attending the royal ball come true thanks to a fairy godmother and a bit of magic. When she leaves behind a glass slipper as the clock strikes midnight, a smitten prince embarks on a quest to find his true love. Tickets for the show are $12 general admission and $6 for Tarpon Arts members and students. To purchase tickets or get additional information, call 727-942-5605 or visit the venue’s website at tarponarts.org.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
dates: July 29, 5-10 p.m. Oldsmar Fifth Fridays Pack up the whole family and head to R.E. Olds Park as part of the City of Oldsmar’s year-long centennial party with a Caribbean carnival. Night features food vendors, family-friendly games and live music by Jahfari and Saka Boyz as well as a celebration of Ice Cream Month. myoldsmar.com
Aug. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, 29-31, 4 & 5:30 p.m.. Sing, Spell, Read & Write Sign up your little one for a special class at Dunedin Public Library designed to support struggling kindergarteners, first- and second-graders with their reading and writing skills. Class is free but registration required. Parent or caregiver must attend each class with their child. For more information, call 727-298-3080.
Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Book Time at Brooker Bring your preschooler to a unique program that integrates crafts, games and other hands-on activities with read-aloud stories about nature at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs. Activities are geared toward ages 3-5. Register at brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com.
Aug. 26, 7 p.m. Midnite Madness Bring the tweens and teens to Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center in Dunedin for a full night of play. Kids ages 9-16 can skate and test skills all evening until midnight on two extreme inflatables, a rock climbing wall, Velcro wall and glow golf. Night includes music, giveaways, mini skate jams and a snack food buffet. Cost is $15 advance and $20 day of event. For more information, call 727-738-2920.
Aug. 30, 7-8 p.m. Family Fun Night: Creating Healthy Snacks Join your area YMCA of the Suncoast location for a fun family activity every month. For August, learn how to make nutritious and tasty treats together. Cost is $5 per family. ymcasuncoast.org
Sept. 2, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Craft Club for Kids Encourage your little Picassos to create their own masterpieces as part of this event at Tarpon Springs Library. Kids ages 6-12 can take part in monthly craft activities. Registration is required. tarponspringslibrary. org
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pasco dade city | land o' lakes | new port richey trinity | wesley chapel | zephyrhills
Photo by Nicole Geller Photography
Don't Forget Back to School Immunizations
Aug. 6, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County will be open for immunizations only during select Saturdays in various Pasco sites prior to the start of the school year as part of the department’s “It’s the Rule, Shots Before School” campaign. The scheduled weekend hours are designed to provide families ample opportunity to get students ready for school with their required shots. Appointments are not needed for these weekend visits.
3rd Annual Back to School Health and Safety Fest Attend this useful community event at Lacoochee Community Center in Dade City. Bring the kids for fun activities, school supplies and medical screenings and enjoy food, refreshments and entertainment. Free admission. premierhc.org
Parents should bring school-age children to one of the following locations between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for immunizations: Saturday, July 30 at 13941 15th St., Dade City; Saturday, Aug. 6 at 10841 Little Road, New Port Richey; and Saturday, Aug. 6 at 4717 Airport Rd., Zephyrhills. For more information, call 813-364-5812. Last fall, the Florida Department of Health offered guidelines before the new school year to encourage parents of kindergartners through seventh-graders to review their children’s immunization record to ensure they are ready for the upcoming school year. Those who do not have a copy of their child’s immunization records should ask their provider about Florida Shots, a database available that records immunization data for the state. The following vaccines are required for children entering preschool and grades K-12: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella (chickenpox) and hepatitis B. Students entering college should check with health services at their respective college regarding immunization requirements. For more information on upcoming back-to-school immunization events, visit http://pasco.floridahealth.gov/.
Apt partners with Area Nonprofits for Annual Event An event this month is encouraging attendees to ‘accentuate the positive’ for a good cause. The 3rd Annual APTacious Experience is being held Friday, Aug. 5 and Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Residence Inn by Marriott off S.R. 54 in Lutz. This two-day event focuses on empowerment and knocking out the negative and replacing it with the positive in order to experience positive results. The APTacious Experience is the brainchild of Time to APT founder Dr. June Hall known to others as “Dr. June.” For this year’s empowerment weekend, the theme is “Find Your Happiness, Find Your Success,” and attendees can take part in breakout sessions about wellness, empowerment, leadership, business and family, as well as networking and group activities. As with previous years, APT uses the event also as an opportunity to support local nonprofits. This year, APT is partnering with two organizations, Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay and Bricks 4 Kidz Wesley Chapel, to raise funds for the groups’ efforts to accentuate the positive for the growth of children in the Bay area. Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay connects adults with children in need and Bricks 4 Kidz Wesley Chapel offers programs to help children learn through play. This year’s event will also feature a fashion show, live entertainment and door prizes. Hours for the Annual APTacious Experience are 6-8 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For a schedule of events and registration information, visit aptacious.com.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
dates:
Aug. 6, 2-3:30 p.m. ShowTime for Kids Performance Take in a fun-filled, high-energy show offering magic, audience participation and laughs at Hudson Regional Library. Show is ideal for all ages. Light refreshments will be served after the show. For more information, call 727-861-3040.
Aug. 6 and 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fresh Market at Wiregrass Browse more than 80 vendors of locally grown produce, plants, herbs, flowers and eco-friendly products at this free, open-air event hosted by Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel. View work by local artists and listen to live music as you shop. shopsatwiregrass.com
Aug. 11, 3-5 p.m. Free Healthy Pregnancy Class Sign up for this class at Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville designed to help expectant parents learn how to keep themselves and their babies healthy throughout pregnancy. Get tips on healthy habits, partner involvement and good prenatal health. Topics include fetal development, nutrition/exercise; discomforts/ remedies; and emotions. Class is free. For more information, call 352-585-2543.
Aug. 17, 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Free Car Seat Inspection in Trinity Get valuable tips on proper installation of a car seat and a thorough check of your own seat placement courtesy of Pediatric Associates Tampa and Safe Kids of Tampa at their Trinity office. Call 813-443-3074 to schedule a free appointment. patampabay.com
Aug. 17, 7-9 p.m. Movie Night at Land O’ Lakes Winery Enjoy sips with a flick as part of this fun event held the third Wednesday monthly at Land O’ Lakes Winery. There is no cover charge but guests are asked to arrive early to be seated and select their beverage of choice. The winery provides the popcorn. Event is for adults only, age 21 and older. For more information, call 813-995-9463. landolakeswinery.com
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polk auburndale | bartow | haines city lakeland | lake wales | winter haven
Florida Sports Teams Show Support for Special olympics Leaders of Florida’s professional sports teams are creating a game plan to change perceptions about people with intellectual disabilities. Hosted by Special Olympics Florida and meeting twice since the year began, leadership from many of the state’s MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA and MLS franchises are shaping the direction of the recently established Sports Advisory Council for Special Olympics Florida. The Sports Advisory Council for Special Olympics Florida is comprised of leaders from the state’s professional sports organizations who provide guidance on elevating the role of sports for those with intellectual disabilities. It includes Brian Auld, President, Tampa Bay Rays; Brian Ford, COO, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Tom Garfunkel, President & CEO, Miami Dolphins; Steve Griggs, CEO, Tampa Bay Lightning; Peter Luukko, Executive Chairman, Florida Panthers; Mark Lamping, President, Jacksonville Jaguars; Alex Martins, CEO, Orlando Magic; Phil Rawlins, Founder and President, Orlando City Soccer; David Samson, President, Miami Marlins; and Eric Woolworth, President, Miami Heat. “By coming together, we gain exposure to the business of sports that will help shape Special Olympics Florida so that we can serve even more athletes who have an intellectual disability,” says Sherry Wheelock, President and CEO of Special Olympics Florida. Members of the Sports Advisory Council can share insights into the business of sports so that Special Olympics can ensure people with intellectual disabilities who compete in sports receive quality training and competitive opportunities. Also, because Special Olympics Florida does not charge a fee, members can provide guidance on growing Special Olympics Florida’s foundation so revenue becomes more diverse and sustainable. Founded in 1972 and based in Clermont, Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, leadership and health programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities at no cost. For more information, visit specialolympicsflorida.org.
outstanding school volunteers Named for 2016 Polk County Public Schools honored its Outstanding School Volunteers of the Year during a ceremony in Bartow in June. During the annual event, held at Bartow Civic Center, speakers highlighted the crucial role volunteers play in students’ lives, and how they enrich a community’s schools with their dedication. Winners were selected from more than 100 people named Volunteers of the Year at their respective schools. This year’s winners for the elementary level category are James Watkins, Horizons Elementary (Davenport) for Outstanding Youth Volunteer; Laron Adams, Garner Elementary (Winter Haven) for Outstanding Adult Volunteer; and Cynthia Zimmerman, Philip O’Brien Elementary (Lakeland) for Outstanding Senior Volunteer. Winners for the secondary level category are Stephanie Smith, George Jenkins High School (Lakeland) for Outstanding Adult Volunteer and Kevin Dunn, Auburndale High School (Auburndale) for Outstanding Senior Volunteer.
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The Polk County School District is the eighth largest in Florida with more than 150 school sites and over 100,000 students. The district is always seeking volunteers to dedicate their time to support students in reaching their educational and career goals. For more information about volunteering, visit polk-fl.net, click on the “Community” tab at the top of the screen and select “Volunteers” or call 863-534-0636 to learn more.
dates: Through Aug. 19 Stuff the Bus Collection Donate school supplies for Polk students in need for this community project coordinated through the Bartow ENGAGE Chamber Young Professionals. Supplies and monetary donations may be dropped off at the Bartow Chamber of Commerce office. Donors should make checks payable to Polk County Education Foundation with “Hearth” in the memo. Monetary donations will help buy caps and gowns for seniors and fund school physicals and birth certificate requests. For more information, call 863-533-7125.
Aug. 5, 6-9 p.m. First Friday: Back To School Bring the kids for a popular monthly community event in downtown Lakeland. Night includes free family-friendly entertainment, live music, art receptions, a car show and a new theme every month. For August, families can celebrate the kids heading back to school with fun activities. downtownlakelandfl.com
Aug. 6, 5:30-11 p.m. Celebrate Webber, an Athletic Gala Come out to celebrate excellence in athletics at this special event at Ritz Theatre in Winter Haven. Evening includes a catered dinner, live entertainment and the inauguration of the Webber International University Athletics Hall of Fame. Tickets are $75 per person. webberathletics.com/gala
Aug. 13 and 27, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Lake Wales Farmer’s Market Browse fresh, homegrown produce, plants, herbs and other local goods, including handmade items, at this monthly Farmer’s Market held in the Marketplace Downtown off Market Street in Lake Wales. Free entry. lakewalesmainstreet.com
Aug. 18, time TBA 2016 Polk Politics Candidate Rally Gain valuable insight about who is running for local, state and national office at Bartow Civic Center. Ask questions and meet candidates face to face in a fun, festive and patriotic atmosphere. Event is free and open to the public. bartowchamber.com
Aug. 19, 6:30-9 p.m. Free Family Movie Night Spend a night enjoying a family-friendly flick the third Friday each month at James P. Austin III Community Center in Lake Wales. Concessions will be available for purchase. Film starts at 6:30 p.m. Free. For movie titles, call 863-678-4182, x270.
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Around Town
To see more photos, visit: TBParenting.com/Facebook
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Emily and Abigail W. raised money for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital with their lemonade stand and presented the hospital with a check.
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Senator Bill Nelson with Lakota and Krystal Lockhart of Plant City and their family, speaking on Capitol Hill on behalf of kids with complex medical conditions.
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Angela Ardolino and Cyndi Edwards on the set of Daytime where Angela shared tips on backpack safety and the Back to School Fair.
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Volunteers at the Tampa Bay History Center’s July 4th celebration.
Executive Director of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Kelley Parris, visited the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital ER and Behavioral Health Center and met with Hossain Marandi and doctors from the hospital.
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The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County team at their mobile swim lessons teaching kids to be water smart from the start.
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Patel Conservatory students prepared for their production of Les Miserables with the summer theatre program.
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Tampa Bay Rays right fielder Steven Souza Jr. and Rays mascot Raymond visit the patients and staff at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital this month.
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Members of the media and swim programs at the press conference and launch of the Children’s Mobile Swim and Water Safety Program.
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aug. Events Through Sept. 5, various times Active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families can enjoy a free admission promotion through Labor Day at more than 2,000 U.S. museums, including MOSI in Tampa. The program is in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense. For a complete list of participating sites, go to arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
Active Military
Children's Board of Hillsborough County Free Admission Tuesday with Super Why
e v e n t s & f e s t i va l s Island Nights at Adventure Island Through Aug. 6, 5 p.m. Go tropical all summer long at Adventure Island in Tampa. Enjoy island-inspired performers, a live DJ and games on the beach. Plus, hurtle high and experience weightlessness on Colossal Curl. Park offers extended hours until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; open until 9 p.m. Thursdays. adventureisland.com Everyone
Sea World Summer of Mako
Through Aug. 7, various times Play under the stars at SeaWorld Orlando with nightly festivities that feature a high-energy Shamu show and late-night thrills on the park’s popular coasters. seaworldorlando.com Everyone
Busch Gardens Summer Nights
Through Aug. 7, various times Experience Busch Gardens Tampa Bay after dark with thrill rides and live entertainment. Event includes live music from singers, dancers and artists from around the world. Cool off on the park’s roller coasters or test your bravery on Falcon’s Fury, North America’s tallest freestanding drop tower. buschgardenstampa.com
Everyone
Golden Legacy: original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books Through Aug. 14, various times See this exhibition before it leaves Tampa Bay History Center. Learn about the 1942 launch of Little Golden Books, the first high-quality illustrated books available to millions of families at affordable prices. See original art and classic picture-books like “The Poky Little Puppy” and “Home for a Bunny.” tampabayhistorycenter.org Everyone
SummerFest at Gaylord palms
Through Aug. 21 Celebrate summer with a Buccaneer Bash of entertainment, tales, treasures and more at Gaylord Palms in Orlando. Climb upon the story time ship and listen to tall tales of the seven seas, attend Princess Priscilla’s Coronation Character Breakfast and embark on Blackheart’s Treasure Hunt. Reserve your stay at 407-586-0000. Everyone
Blue Star Museums Collaboration
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Aug. 2, 2-7 p.m. Enjoy free admission courtesy of The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. Pack up the kids for a trip to the museum to check out its latest exhibits and meet special guests. Adults must be accompanied by a child and vice versa. glazermuseum.org Everyone
Summer Sunset Celebrations at Tampa's Lowry park Zoo
Aug. 5-6, 4-10 p.m. Visit the zoo on select evenings all summer long at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa. Stroll the park as the sun sets, observe wildlife, dance to live music and enjoy roving entertainment. Night wraps with a mesmerizing light show. Summer Sunset Celebrations are included with annual zoo membership and the ZooperPass. lowryparkzoo.com Everyone
Glazer Children's Museum Summer olympic Days
Aug. 5-20, various times Go for the gold as Glazer Children’s Museum celebrates the 2016 Summer Olympics. Bring the family and show off the little ones’ talents with Olympic-inspired daily programs. The museum hosts a kickoff event Aug. 6 with special performances at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. by Capoeria, a blend of martial art, game, music and dance. glazermuseum.org Everyone
Back 2 School Fair
Aug. 6, 9 a.m. Take advantage of free physicals and immunizations offered through the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County at designated Tampa locations this month. Parents can bring their children to Blake High School, 1701 N. Blvd., and Leto High School, 4409 W. Sligh Ave. childrensboard.org Everyone
ride Through History 2016
Aug. 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Travel back in time at this popular family event at the Armed Forces History Museum in Largo. Watch WWII re-enactments, go on a scavenger hunt, experience military vehicle rides and more. Tickets start at $10 adults and $5 youth. armedforcesmuseum.com
Everyone
9th Annual Back to School Fair Aug. 6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Attend Tampa Bay Parenting’s fun and informative annual event at WestShore Plaza designed to get families ready for the new school year. First 500 kids to visit the Suncoast Credit Union booth will receive
• AUG. 2016 • TBParenting.com
a bookbag filled with school supplies and goodies. Day includes giveaways every half hour and live entertainment. backtoschoolfair.com Everyone
Build-A-Model Camp
Aug. 6, 12:30-2 p.m. Construct your own model at this event hosted by the Armed Forces History Museum in Largo featuring professionals from the Pelikan Model Club. Cost is $14.95 youths and $9.95 adults. Cost includes take-home model, dog tags, museum access and simulator ride. armedforcesmuseum.com 6 & Older
parent's Night out at Lowry park Zoo Aug. 6, 5:30-11 p.m. Trust the children in the trustworthy care of the professional Education Department staff at the zoo for babysitting and enjoy an evening out for errands or go on a date night. Cost is $45 for one child and $15 per additional child and includes entertainment, a pizza snack and drinks. All guests must be fully potty trained. lowryparkzoo.org 3-10
Developmental Checkups
Aug. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bring the kids up to 36 months to Glazer Children’s Museum and let a child development expert review and discuss their development with you as part of a museum partnership with Champions for Children and Baby Bungalow. Pre-registration is required and checkups included with general admission or membership. A caregiver must accompany the child. Checkups take about 15-30 minutes and will be held between 10 am. and 1 p.m. Families can register at glazermuseum.org/ developmentalcheckups. Everyone
Stay and play Afterschool program at Great Explorations
Starts Aug. 10, weekdays after school until 5:30 p.m. Sign up your elementary-aged children for a program offering fun after-school activities at the museum with supported homework time, play time, an afternoon snack, visits to Sunken Gardens, the Touch Tunnel and more. Cost is $90 weekly for members and $100 weekly for non-members. greatex.org 6-10
Totally Tots at Glazer Children's Museum
Aug. 10-26 Pack up the little ones for a week of fun and educational activities designed just for them at Glazer Museum. The week’s highlights include music, movement, science and activities revolving around literacy, art, science and math. All activities are included with admission. glazermuseum.org 2-4
Brews and Brains Trivia Fundraiser
Aug. 12, 6-9 p.m. Show your support for The Spring of Tampa Bay and Pepin Academies by participating in a fun trivia event at Pepin Hospitality Centre in Tampa. Tickets are $35 to participate, which includes six rounds of trivia, one drink ticket and unlimited food; and $25 to be a spectator, including 1 drink ticket, unlimited food and an audience seat. thespring.org Moms, Dads
While great care was taken in compiling the calendar, it’s always best to phone ahead to confirm information.
parents Night out at Great Explorations
Aug. 12, 6-10 p.m. Leave the kids in the hands of Great Explorations staff at the St. Pete museum for a night of fun activities while taking time for yourself. Children can play, explore the Touch Tunnel, watch science shows and enjoy a G-rated movie. Pizza, snacks and juice are included. Pre-registration is required. greatex.org/programs/ parents-night-out 4-10
craters, then get the opportunity to touch meteorites from Mars and the Moon. Talk is included with MOSI admission but tickets required. mosi.org Everyone
Summer Golf Classic
Aug. 13, noon Hit the links for a good cause at this benefit golf tournament at Seminole Lake Country Club in Seminole. Two-player scramble may include an adult-youth pairing. Players will enjoy lunch, an awards dinner and gift bag. Cost is $100 per player. Proceeds benefit The First Tee of St. Petersburg. thefirstteestpetersburg.org
Moms, Dads
Sky Safari
Aug. 13, 6 p.m. through Aug. 14, 10 a.m. Travel to Farrout Observatory in a rural section of Tampa Bay and combine a night of stargazing with MOSI’s expert astronomers for an overnight camping trip. The adventure includes a class on telescopes and observations of the celestial night. Campers are responsible for their camping equipment, food, and transportation. mosi.org Everyone
Test Drive a Seat
Aug. 20, 9:30-11 a.m. Visit Carol Morsani Hall inside Tampa’s Straz Center to experience your theater view and perspective before choosing seats for upcoming performances during the 2016-2017 Broadway season. All seats available for subscription purchase will be marked with a checkered flag so visitors can take them for a spin. Free. strazcenter.org Moms, Dads
Toddler Takeover with Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
Aug. 24 - Sept. 4, various times Let the little ones loose for a fun time at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa. Activities will focus on early emotional and social development as well as gross and fine motor skills with activities such as yoga, sign language, music and dancing. Toddler Takeover is included with cost of admission. glazermuseum.org 2-4
Developmental Screenings
Aug. 26 Bring your children for free children’s health screenings courtesy of a program sponsored by Early Childhood Council and Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. Screenings assess vision, hearing, speech, language, behavior and overall development and are available at a different site each month. For August, the host is South Tampa Fellowship, 5101 Bayshore Blvd. in Tampa. Schedule an appointment at 813-837-7723. Newborn - 5
MoSI Space Talk: Meteorites
Aug. 27, 5 p.m. Get hands-on with pieces of other worlds in this presentation with space program staff at Tampa’s MOSI. Learn about meteorites and the formation of impact
spECIAL NEEDS Family Support Group
Aug. 2, 6:30-7:30 a.m. Interact with other parents of special needs kids at this monthly support group hosted by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Child Development and Rehabilitation Center in St. Pete. RSVP at 727-767-2885. johnshopkinsallchildrens.org Moms, Dads
Awakening the Autism Entrepreneur Workshop
Aug. 6, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Attend this unique workshop if you have ever wanted to start your own business. Offered through the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF in Tampa, workshop teaches how to avoid common mistakes and test your marketing ideas to build a sustainable business focused on employing those with autism. To register or learn more, go to http:// awakeningworkshoptampa.pagedemo.co/ Moms, Dads
Autism Support Group
Aug. 10, 7-8 p.m. Meet other parents and caregivers of loved ones with autism and participate in a support group that meets the second Wednesday monthly at Medical Center of Trinity. Register at medicalcentertrinity.com or call 727-8245630. Walk-ins also are welcome. Moms, Dads
Great Connections
Aug. 14, 10 a.m. - noon Explore the Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg with other special needs families while the venue is closed to the public. Take part in activities within a sensory-friendly environment with a “cool down” room available for families. This month’s featured community partner is Touch of Sunshine Infant Massage. Cost is $5 per person. greatex.org 6 & Older
Sensory Activity and Social Time
Aug. 27, 2-3 p.m. Take part in this program designed for children and teens on the autism spectrum or those who are sensitive to sensory overload hosted by the Clearwater Main Library. Each program will follow a storytime schedule. Parental or caregiver attendance is required. For more information, call 727-562-4970. 5 & Older
Art A Sum of Its parts Exhibit
Through Sept. 17 View work from the latest art exhibition on display at Polk Museum of Art. This latest collection offers a comprehensive 50-year chronology of the museum’s permanent collection and its evolution. polkmuseumofart.org Everyone
High-Tech Art
All Month Combine the creative arts with technology to mix music, make moving sand art and design masterpieces with machines at MOSI. Art activities are included with museum admission. mosi.org Everyone
Gecko Art reception
Aug. 5, 6-8 p.m. Kick off Gulfport’s popular annual Gecko Fest event with a sneak peek at the art work chosen for this year’s festivities on display at Catherine Hickman Theater. Event includes music, cash bar and tapas. geckofest. com Everyone
16th Annual FMopA Members Show
Aug. 5 - Sept. 30, various times Check out this yearly celebration of members’ photography at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in downtown Tampa. Opening reception and award ceremony is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5. fmopa.org Everyone
Morning at the Museum
Aug. 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Embark on a private tour designed for families with young children at The Dali for this monthly event held before regular museum hours. Join an expert docent and junior docents for a trek through the museum’s permanent collection and hear stories about the eccentric artist and his works oriented toward children. After the tour, kids engage in hands-on activities and guests can enjoy coffee and breakfast in the cafe. Pre-registration is required. For ticket info, go to thedali. org. 6-12
Wearable ArT Twelve
Aug. 27, 7-11:30 p.m. Attend a unique show that combines art and fashion at Dunedin Fine Art Center. This year’s theme is ‘Magical.’ For tickets and event information as it becomes available, go to dfac.org. Date Night, Girls Night Out
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aug. Events
Cobb Theatres Free Summer Kids Shows
Aug. 2-4, 10 a.m. Pack up the kids for a movie at one of the four Cobb Theatre Tampa Bay locations in Wesley Chapel, St. Petersburg, North Clearwater and Lakeland offering two free movies weekly all summer long. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with free film screenings every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. This month, families can check out “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2007) and “Happy Feet.” cobbtheatres.com 4-12
Summer Classics Movie Series at Tampa Theatre
Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 3 p.m. Stop by Tampa Theatre Sundays this summer for its popular classic film series. This month, see “All the President’s Men” (Aug. 7), “M” (Aug. 14), “A Raisin in the Sun” (Aug. 21) and “The Maltese Falcon” (Aug. 28). Tickets are $10. tampatheatre.org Everyone
Capitol Theatre Summer Double Feature Movie Series
film A Beautiful planet
All Month Experience Earth from space in this IMAX film coproduced with Disney in cooperation with NASA playing at MOSI all month. The film follows the journey of astronauts aboard the International Space Station. One documentary IMAX® film is included with MOSI general admission. mosi.org Everyone
Great White Shark
All Month Meet up with the iconic predator humans love to fear as this latest IMAX film currently playing at MOSI. The film explores the great white shark’s place in our imaginations, in our fears and in the reality of our world in its role at the top of the oceanic food chain. Hear from shark researchers and people whose lives have been changed by contact with the great white. mosi.org 8 &
Older
National parks Adventure
All Month Fly over red rock canyons, hurtle down steep mountain peaks, and explore other-worldly realms among America’s most legendary outdoor places on the five-story screen in MOSI’s latest IMAX film. Filmed in more than 30 national parks, the movie celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the National Park Service. mosi. org Everyone
Aug. 6, 13 and 27, 7 p.m. Catch a double feature this summer as part of a fun movie series offered through Capitol Theatre in Clearwater. This month, see “Spaceballs” and “Blazing Saddles” (Aug. 6), “Top Gun” and “Die Hard” (Aug. 13) and “Rocky” and “Rocky II” (Aug. 27). Cost is $7 for both films. For more information, go to rutheckerdhall.com.
Date Night, Girls Night Out
pete's Dragon
Opens Aug. 12 Follow the adventures of a young orphan and his new best friend, who also happens to be a dragon in this latest retelling of a sweet tale about trust and friendship. Film features the voice talents of Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford. Rated PG. Check local theaters for showtimes. 8 & Older
Kubo and the Two Strings
Opens Aug. 19 Meet Kubo, a quiet villager whose peaceful existence is disturbed when a spirit from the past re-enters his world to raise havoc in this new animated adventure. Film features the voices of Matthew McConaughey, Charlize Theron and Rooney Mara. Rated PG. See area theaters for ticket information and movie times. 8 & Older
Summer Movie Express at regal Cinemas
Aug. 2-3 and 9-10, 10 a.m. Take advantage of special discounted summer movie admission at participating Bay area Regal Cinema locations. Two movies (rated G and PG) play each week both days. For August, families can enjoy “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2,” “Shaun the Sheep,” “The Croods” and “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.” Admission is $1 with portion of proceeds to benefit Will Rogers Institute. regmovies.com 4-12
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t h e at e r & d a n c e
The pitmen painters
Through Aug. 14, various times Catch a performance of this triumphant true story about a group of British miners who find a new way to express themselves before it leaves American Stage in St. Petersburg. Please note: production contains brief partial nudity. For tickets and showtimes, visit americanstage.org. Date Night, Girls Night Out
Disney's peter pan Jr.
Aug. 5-6, various times Watch a modern version of the timeless tale unfold about Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up, in this enchanting play at Largo Cultural Center. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday. Be whisked away to Neverland for adventures with the Lost Boys, Mermaids and Captain Hook. Tickets are $8.50 adults and $7.50 children with a $26 family 4-pack available. largoarts. com 6 & Older
Showstoppers: A Jukebox Musical Revue
Aug. 12-14, various times See an all new musical performed by students in grades 9-college from the Patel Conservatory onstage in TECO Theater at the Straz Center in Tampa. Students will present an original story following the ups and downs of love set to a soundtrack featuring beloved songs from such artists as Carole King, Elvis Presley, Billy Joe, Queen and more. Tickets start at $20. strazcenter.org
Everyone
Latin Nights
Aug. 18, 9 p.m. Experience Latin-inspired cuisine and hit the dance floor at Maestro’s Restaurant in downtown Tampa. Savor tapas and drink specials as you enjoy the rhythms of a live salsa band and DJ. Dance instructors will be on hand to offer salsa dance lessons. Tickets are $15. strazcenter.org Girls Night Out, Date Night
Staged Reading of Medusa undone by Bella poynton
Aug. 28, 7 p.m. Hear an original story about an intriguing figure from Greek mythology in this unique theatrical event at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa. Learn her back story from New York playwright in this creative look at the captivating snake-headed mythical creature. Tickets are $5. stageworkstheatre.org Moms, Dads
recycled percussion
Love With You” and more. Tickets are $49.50-$69.50. themahaffey.com 12 & Older
Aug. 5, 8 p.m. Experience a wild mix of unorthodox talent, extreme athleticism, musical precision and insane antics performed on recycled instruments onstage at The Mahaffey in St. Pete. See musical magic made using everything from hubcaps and garbage cans to buckets and power tools. Tickets are $29-$49. themahaffey.com
Tampa Taiko
Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m. Catch a performance by the professional drumming ensemble when they visit Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center. Experience the group’s dynamic fusion of old and new styles using a collection of taiko drums handmade from discarded wine barrels. Tickets are $12 members/students and $14 general admission. tarponarts.org Everyone
8 & Older
Brad paisley: Life Amplified World Tour
music & comedy The Go-Gos
Aug. 2, 8 p.m. Catch the multi-platinum rock group as it embarks on its farewell tour and makes a stop at Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre. Sing along to classic 80s pop tunes like “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed.” Tickets start at $71.25 and can be purchased at rutheckedhall.com.
Girls Night Out, Date Night
End-of-Summer Music Blowout
Aug. 6, 2 p.m. Listen to students involved in the Patel Conservatory’s summer music program showcase their talents at this special concert event in Jaeb Theater at Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Tickets are $15. strazcenter.com
Everyone
Aug. 12, 7:30 p.m. Sing along with the country crooner as he brings his latest international tour to the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Paisley will be joined by special guests Tyler Farr and Maddie & Tae. Tickets are $15-$54.75. livenation.com 12
Ward Smith and Friends
Aug. 19, 8 p.m. Enjoy a good chuckle at this comedy event hosted by The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College. Comedian Ward Smith provides the laughter along with Tiffany Barbee, Chris Gorges and Tarik Lewis. Tickets are $15 general admission (advance) and $18 day of show. Reserved seating is $30. mypalladium.org Moms,
& Older
ray Lamontagne
Dads
Aug. 12, 8 p.m. Take in a live performance from the poignant singersongwriter when he celebrates his latest studio album by performing live at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Tickets start at $43. rutheckerdhall.com 12 & Older
Drake Featuring Future and Special Guests
Aug. 27, 7 p.m. See Drake perform live as he brings his Summer Sixteen Tour with Future and other special guests to AMALIE Arena in downtown Tampa. The multi-platinum selling artist will perform cuts from his new album “Views” including the hit single “Hotline Bling” and other songs such as “Pop Style,” “One Dance” and “Summer Sixteen.” Tickets start at $49.50. amaliearena.com Teen
uB40
Aug. 14, 7 p.m. Experience the signature high-energy and funk of the legendary reggae/pop ensemble onstage at The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg. Hear their enduring hit covers of “Red Red Wine,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling in
& Older
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108 infants died died from from sleep-related sleep-related causes causes 108 infants Adults sleeping Adults sleeping Adults sleeping with babies raise the with babies raise with babies raise the the RISK OF DEATH RISK RISK OF OF DEATH DEATH
More More infants infants die die in in adult adult beds beds than than anywhere anywhere else. else. Kids belong in kid beds. Infants sleeping in adult beds account for nearly
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Kids belong in kid beds. Infants adult account nearly Kids of belong in in kidbabies beds. under Infants4sleeping sleeping in adult beds beds account for for nearly 74% deaths months.in Causes are pillow-top mattresses, 74% of deaths in babies under 4 months. Causes are pillow-top mattresses, 74% of deaths in babies under 4 months. Causes are pillow-top mattresses, comforters, fluffy pillows and stuffed animals. comforters, comforters, fluffy fluffy pillows pillows and and stuffed stuffed animals. animals. Prevent needless deaths by: Prevent needless deaths by: by: Prevent deaths • Sharingneedless the room, not the bed—put the baby’s crib next to the parents’ bed •• Sharing the room, not the bed—put the baby’s crib next to the parents’ bed Sharing the room, not the for first 6 months of life. bed—put the baby’s crib next to the parents’ bed for first months of first 6 6the months of life. life. • for Keeping crib safe with tight-fitting sheets and firm mattress. •• Keeping the crib safe with tight-fitting sheets and mattress. Keeping the crib safe with tight-fitting sheets and firm firm • Keeping the crib free of blankets, pillows, bumper pads,mattress. etc. •• Keeping the crib of blankets, pillows, bumper pads, etc. theinfant crib free free of back blankets, pillows, pads, etc. • Keeping Placing the on its when puttingbumper down to sleep. •• Placing the infant on its back when putting down to sleep. Placing the infant on its back when putting down to sleep.
# #1 1
cause of injury-related deaths for cause of injury-related deaths for cause deaths infantsofisinjury-related SUFFOCATION or for infants is SUFFOCATION or infants is SUFFOCATION orbed STRANGULATION in adult STRANGULATION STRANGULATION in in adult adult bed bed
32 kids 5 5 and and under under drowned drowned 32 kids The rate of The The rate rate of of small kids small small kids kids drowning HAS drowning drowning INCREASED HAS HAS
Small kids can Small Small kids kids can can DROWN DROWN DROWN in in in
INCREASED INCREASED
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% % %
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SINCE SINCE 2012 SINCE 2012
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Kids can drown in BUCKETS, Kids Kids can can drown drown in in BUCKETS, BUCKETS, TOILETS, POOLS of any size, TOILETS, POOLS TOILETS, POOLS of of any any size, size, even a PET’S WATER DISH even even aa PET’S PET’S WATER WATER DISH DISH
Drowning Drowning kills kills more more kids kids ages ages 1-4 1-4 than any any other other cause. cause. than
Any child can drown, any time. And infants drown silently, in as little as 20 Any Any child child can can drown, drown, any any time. time. And And infants infants drown drown silently, silently, in in as as little little as as 20 20 seconds. Kids under age 1 most often drown in bathtubs, buckets and toilets. seconds. Kids under age 1 most often drown in bathtubs, buckets and toilets. seconds. Kids under age 1 most often drown in bathtubs, buckets and toilets. They They also also drown drown in in pools pools of of every every size, size, canals, canals, spas…even spas…even aaa pet’s pet’s water water dish. dish. They also drown in pools of every size, canals, spas…even pet’s water dish. What What you you know know DOES DOES make make aaa difference: difference: What you know DOES make difference: •• Formal swimming lessons for kids under age 4 cut drowning risk by 88%! Formal swimming lessons for kids • Formal swimming lessons for kids under under age age 4 4 cut cut drowning drowning risk risk by by 88%! 88%! •• 2/3 of small kids who drowned in a pool were last seen in the house! • 2/3 2/3 of of small small kids kids who who drowned drowned in in aa pool pool were were last last seen seen in in the the house! house! ••• Eliminate Eliminate distractions for those watching kids near water: NO texting, Eliminate distractions distractions for for those those watching watching kids kids near near water: water: NO NO texting, texting, phone calls, gaming or reading. phone phone calls, calls, gaming gaming or or reading. reading. •• LEARN LEARN CPR—it CPR—it saves saves lives! lives!
13 kids 5 and under died from inflicted head trauma CRYING CRYING is is most most often often linked linked with babies babies being with being SHAKEN SHAKEN HALF HALF of of kids kids who suffer who suffer SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA TRAUMA before age age 5 5 die die before before their their birthday birthday
Just Just
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st
SHAKE of of aa baby baby can KILL KILL can or or injure injure them them
Shaking infants—even once— can kill or injure them for life. Crying Crying is is most most often often the the reason reason people people shake, shake, squeeze squeeze or or throw throw small small babies. babies. The potty-training years, up to age 4, are also a critical flashpoint. Parents themselves most often cause the injury or death, but other people not prepared or equipped to handle crying are also the cause. Tell everyone: •• That That crying crying is is normal—it’s normal—it’s how how babies babies communicate. communicate. •• To check the crying baby for hunger, dirty To check the crying baby for hunger, dirty diaper, diaper, temperature temperature and and other other causes. causes. •• To To offer offer people people watching watching infants infants aa support support system system that that can relieve a can relieve a stressed-out out caregiver. caregiver. stressed 55
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