December 2011 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

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contents

..................................................................

DECEMBER 2011 â 5TH YEAR â 8TH ISSUE

features 10 CHECKING IT TWICE Make toy safety a priority

16 FORGET THE THOUGHT These gifts are sure to please 20 A BEAUTIFUL BREAK Keep kids’ minds, hearts engaged during holidays 26 A TIME TO CHERISH Where law fails, hearts should prevail 32 A GREEN CHRISTMAS Are you dreaming of one 34 OUT OF THE TEARS OF BABES A lesson on the power of giving 36 EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN Pam Iorio

20 10

every month 6 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 11 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 21 EDUCATION

25 AFTER SCHOOL 30 WHAT’S HAPPENING 38 NORTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS 40 SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS 42 NORTH PINELLAS NEWS 44 SOUTH PINELLAS NEWS 46 PASCO NEWS 48 AROUND TOWN 50 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

52 HOLIDAY CALENDAR

On the cover: Cover Kid Winner Camden McArthur at Tampa Bay Skating Academy Countryside. Photograph by: Amy Pezzicara, www.PezzPhoto.com

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

December 2011

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! e r e h e r a r e e d n i e The r Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reindeer have ďŹ&#x201A;own in for Wild Wonderland at Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lowry Park Zoo and everyone is getting into the spirit. You can see the reindeer along with more than a million twinkling lights, glimmering holiday displays, and of course, get photos with the big guy himself, Santa. Everyone can enjoy holiday treats, games and free Zoo rides all evening long. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a jolly good time at a jolly good price. For more information visit

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December 2011 1

TBParenting.com

letter

...............................

FROM THE EDITOR

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s December. Really. How did that happen? Angela L. Ardolino Founder and Editorial Director David E. Estevez Editor at Large Kimberley Brown Smith Associate Editor Contributing Writers Amy Gall Lindsay Perez Mark Heller Peter Gorski, MD, MPA Heather Tempesta Chris Kuhn Calendar and Neighborhood Stories Luke Beck Graphic Artist Susan Margolis Marketing Director Cathy Munch Sales Director Krayl Funch Director, Home & Garden and Events Catherine Pylant Public Relations Todd A. Varde Director of IT

2QO\ \HVWHUGD\ ZH ZHUH SXWWLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO touches on the Back to School Fair and now here we are planning for 2012. So much has happened this year and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so happy that I got to share it with you, our loyal readers. With your help, we are constantly growing and learning how to provide Tampa Bay area families with all the resources and information you need. For that, I sincerely thank you.

Me with my son, Har ris, and former studen t Gizel Jimenez who both star in the Bro adway national tou r of West Side Story.

Just because the year is winding down doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean we are. This issue is chock-full of all the information you have grown accustomed to each and d every month! h

As the holidays fast approach, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure your kids have already let you know whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on their wish lists. Before you buy, check out page 10 where Amy Gall from St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital explains how to purchase safe, age-appropriate toys. Hopefully youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve started your wish list as well. But if you need some help or inspiration, our holiday gift guide on page 16 may be just the spark you desire. The holiday season is all about spending time with the people we love. Pam Iorio shared eight years of her life with the city of Tampa as mayor and this month we are ecstatic to feature her as our Extraordinary Woman on page 36. Hopefully by now youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had time to sleep off the tryptophan from Thanksgiving. I know I had a lot to be thankful for. As you can see from the picture, I had the opportunity to go see Harris star in the Broadway national tour of West Side Story in Charlotte. I am unendingly thankful to see Harris and students like Gizel doing what they love and prospering from it. Nothing in the world makes me happier. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be down in Miami for the holidays to see family and to spend â&#x20AC;&#x153;Noche Buenaâ&#x20AC;? with the Estevez family! Enjoy the holidays (and the weather)!

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine P.O. Box 82255 Tampa, Florida 33682 Telephone: 813-949-4400 Fax: 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com calendar@tbparenting.com ads@tbparenting.com Letters to the Editor: editor@tbparenting.com

www.TBParenting.com BECOME A FAN AT FACEBOOK.COM/ TAMPABAYPARENTINGMAGAZINE

We love to hear from you. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to become a fan on Facebook and get daily updates, enter contests, share pictures and chat with other families. You can check us out at TBParenting.com, too, or follow us on Twitter.

.............................................................................................................. Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year by Lucy Loo Inc. It is distributed IUHH RI FKDUJH DW DUHD VXSHUPDUNHWV FRPPXQLW\ FHQWHUV OLEUDULHV GRFWRUÂˇV RIĂ&#x20AC;FHV DQG RWKHU businesses with products and services for families. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. TBPM is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to TBPM will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comPHQW HGLWRULDOO\ )RU LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ ZKHUH WR Ă&#x20AC;QG 7%30 RU KRZ WR EHFRPH D GLVWULEXWRU call 813-949-4400 or email info@tbparenting.com. Copyright 2007-2011 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. All rights reserved. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

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checking it The holidays are upon us, which makes it prime time for toy buying. In fact, more than half of the three billion toys and games sold in the United States each year are purchased at Christmastime.

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Fortunately, toy makers are more diligent about safety than ever before, which means there are fewer out-and-out dangerous toys on the shelves. Still, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that 217,000 children are treated in hospital emergency departments nationwide each year for toyrelated injuries; nearly half of these children are younger than 5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Choking is the most common cause of toy-related death,â&#x20AC;? said Rebecca Kynes, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advocate at St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Falls from riding toys, including unpowered scooters and tricycles, are associated with more injuries than any other toy group.â&#x20AC;? Appropriate selection and proper use of toys, combined with parental supervision, can greatly reduce the incidence and severity of toy-related injuries, Kynes says.

MAKE TOY SAFETY A PRIORITY

....................................................

When selecting toys, be sure to: Â&#x2021; &KRRVH WR\V VXLWDEOH WR WKH FKLOGÂˇV DJH LQWHUHVW and skill level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Age labels are for safety reasons and not intended as developmental ratings,â&#x20AC;? Kynes says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If a package indicates the toy isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suitable for children younger than 3, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that your 2-year-old wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to Ă&#x20AC;JXUH RXW KRZ WR SOD\ ZLWK WKH WR\ UDWKHU WKDW the toy has small parts or sharp pieces that could injure a younger child.â&#x20AC;? Â&#x2021; 'RQÂˇW EX\ WR\V ZLWK VPDOO PDJQHWLF SLHFHV IRU any child younger than 6 or 10 if they have younger siblings who could easily access the pieces. Â&#x2021; /RRN IRU ZHOO PDGH WR\V Â&#x2021; $YRLG WR\V SDLQWHG ZLWK OHDG SDLQW ([SRVXUH to lead can result in lead poisoning, causing serious damage to a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brain, kidneys and nervous system. Â&#x2021; $YRLG HOHFWULFDO WR\V ZLWK KHDWLQJ HOHPHQWV (batteries, electrical plugs) for children younger than 8. These toys are a potential burn hazard. Â&#x2021; $YRLG WR\V ZLWK VWULQJV VWUDSV RU FRUGV ORQJHU than 7 inches, which can wrap around a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neck and accidentally strangle her.

BY AMY GALL

Bicycles, skates, scooters and skateboards are popular gifts for the holidays, but if children lack the proper protective gear or skills, injury and death can occur. To keep kids safe whenever they wheel around, be sure to: Â&#x2021; %X\ D KHOPHW WRR +HOPHWV KDYH EHHQ VKRZQ to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury as much as 88 percent. Â&#x2021; %X\ VWLFNHUV RU ELNH UHĂ HFWRUV DQG XVH WKHP on the front, sides and back of the bike to increase the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visibility to drivers. Â&#x2021; %X\ D ELNH KRUQ RU D EHOO DV D VWRFNLQJ VWXIIHU This tool is essential for warning motorists and pedestrians of a bicyclistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach. Â&#x2021; 'RQÂˇW IRUJHW WR EX\ HOERZ DQG NQHH SDGV DV well as wrist guards for skates and skateboards. Kids sometimes are reluctant to wear protective gear, insisting that they are good riders or complain that none of their friends wear them. But Kynes urges parents to resist that temptation, noting that requiring children to wear a helmet every time, everywhere they go, is the best thing you can do to protect them.

Â&#x2021; $YRLG WR\ GDUWV DQG RWKHU SURMHFWLOHV 3URSHOOHG toys can cause cuts or serious eye injuries.

Kynes adds that riding toys should not be used near VWDLUV WUDIĂ&#x20AC;F RU VZLPPLQJ SRROV 3DUHQWV DOVR FDQ use the cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper to identify small toy parts that are potential choking hazards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Small children should not play with anything WKDW FDQ Ă&#x20AC;W LQWR RQH RI WKHVH F\OLQGHUV Âľ .\QHV ZDUQV For more information on toy safety, visit www.stjosephschildrens.com.

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Forget the Thought These gifts are sure to please

Have a Blast Everyone will want to get their hands on Aeromax’s Super Soaking Fire Hose with Backpack. $13 Amazon.com

Knight Flash Straight from Gotham City, the grey and black-clad Vintage %DWPDQ 0LPRERW ÁDVK GULYH LV VW\OHG DIWHU WKH LFRQ·V ÀUVW appearance in 1939. $23 Mimoco.com

Color Me Happy The Crayola MP3 Player can play up to 1,800 songs and comes with hook-on earphones. $20 CrayolaStore.com

Phoenix Rising Phoenix from Keith Urban is a modern twist on a classic, creating a leathery gourmand scent that’s rich and masculine. From $15 KeithUrbanStore.com

Fancy This American Girl offers fun, high-quality toys and books, from the beautiful 18-inch Cécile and Marie-Grace historical dolls from 1850s New Orleans to engaging activity books that make the perfect stocking stuffers. $100 AmericanGirl.com

Bend to Your Will Anamalz are wonderfully designed, wooden toy animals that can be bent into dozens of funny poses. $9 HazelnutKids.com

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Party Starter Whether guests like their drinks shaken, stirred, with a twist, on the rocks or straight up, the all-in-one Bartule ZLOO KDYH \RX SRXULQJ FRFNWDLOV ZLWK PRUH Ă&#x20AC;QHVVH WKDQ D professional bartender. $45 Bartule.com

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Elf Magic Girls/Hanukkah Helper Girls come with a royal blue party dress with drop waist, sateen bodice, UXIĂ H VOHHYHV DQG D VLOYHU ERZ sash. $14 Elf-Magic.com

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Game for Adventure Save Skylands from an evil tyrant in the Skylanders Spyro game. $70 Skylanders.com

Mickey Time 3DFLĂ&#x20AC;F &RQFHSWV 'LVQH\ ZDWFK collection K collection helps parents review time-tellingg basics with the kids. $25 Macys.com

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health & wellness .....................................................................................................................................................

A Magical Journey Join Harry, Ron and Hermione as they battle Lord Voldemort to save the magic world. $20

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December 2011

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a beautiful

break

CREATE HOLIDAY TRADITIONS THAT KEEP KIDSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MINDS, HEARTS ENGAGED

.........................

BY MARK HELLER

Read Reading has a very positive educational impact on your child no matter the time of year. But during the holiday school break it can take on even more meaning. Many holiday traditions come from reading. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quite Ă&#x20AC;WWLQJ EHFDXVH WKH YHU\ SXUSRVH RI KROLGD\V LV WR HQVXUH WKDW important events will be remembered over time. Storytelling has always been the most effective way to pass information from generation to generation. The topic may be that Jesus is Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift to the world and the route to salvation (Christmas), that faith in God will help us prevail (Hanukkah), that love often involves VDFULĂ&#x20AC;FH DERYH VHOĂ&#x20AC;VKQHVV 2 +HQU\ÂˇV 7KH *LIW RI WKH 0DJL RU simply that we belong to each other (too many stories to name). It could be the annual read-aloud of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Twas the Night Before Christmas or the verses in Luke 2 that describe the joy of Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ELUWK Â´7KHUH ZHUH VKHSKHUGV OLYLQJ RXW LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;HOGVÂŤDQG WKH DQJHO RI WKH /RUG FDPH XSRQ WKHP Âľ 7KH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;FV DUH XS WR you and your family. And if you repeat these traditions year after year, your children will come to love them, look forward to them DQG Ă&#x20AC;QG JUHDW PHDQLQJ LQ WKHP 7KH\ PD\ HYHQ REMHFW ORXGO\ if you try to mix things up a bit! The traditions themselves will become part of the family.

Cook/Bake

olidays are all about traditions. And traditions have power. They have power in the ways they connect us. And they have power in helping our children to learn, grow and become better people.

Traditions come from repetition and routine. They bring predictability and provide comfort, especially to children. The holiday season is a great time to establish or reestablish traditions that will help your child discover meaning, both in the holidays you celebrate and in the family you have built. Traditions create shared experiences and common culture. That, in turn, builds connections to each other and the world. Here are some areas where you can continue or create traditions.

Cooking or baking together is a great way to both follow traditions and get in some valuable practice in math and science. Recipes are all about measuring and doubling, tripling or halving, so they offer plenty of opportunity to exercise mental math. If done right, your children may not even be aware of all they are learning while you are making holiday treats together. You can create memories and develop creative and presentation skills by documenting your activities. Take photos, make recipe books, and illustrate and decorate freely. The keepsakes you create will doubtless have great value to you and your family.

Play Playing games together â&#x20AC;&#x201D; board games, not computer games â&#x20AC;&#x201D; can be a very educational social experience. Games involve learning how to take turns, adding, counting and subtracting, probability and telling or keeping time. Games also involve problem-solving skills and critical thinking. They provide excellent opportunities to teach fair play and how to win and lose with grace.

continued on page 22

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education

Where

DISCOVERY is a

DAILY ACTIVITY LERS 0ROGRAMS )NFANTS 4ODD s. eeks - 24 month

es 6 w designed for ag activities safe. s Programs are rate rooms keep pa se d, ne ig ENT HELP BUILD s Custom-des YS AND EQUIPM TO TE IA PR RO PP A ENT s 6ARIETY OF AGE SKILL DEVELOPM NHANCE MOTOR E ND A ILLS SK E COGNITIV h 12 years Infants throug AMS R 3CHOOL 0ROGR FTE ORE ! $ROP )N s "EF m

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3X]]OHV KDYH WKH DGGHG EHQHÃ&#x20AC;W RI SURYLGLQJ SOHQW\ of space to just talk while you are occupied in a joint effort to put the pieces together. Often, the limited eye contact that arises in the course of solving a puzzle actually frees the child from the pressures that direct eye contact can bring. This activity can help the reticent child feel a bit more freedom to express himself. Like time in the car, puzzle time can be very illuminating.

Serve Especially for those of us who have the good fortune to be able to provide our children lives of plenty, the opportunity to give to others can create great meaning during the holiday season. Children truly gain a wider sense of the world and a measure of self-esteem when they bring their old toys to the migrant workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mission in Balm/Wimauma, volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries or go caroling at a senior citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home. Every house of worship ZLOO KHOS \RX Ã&#x20AC;QG YHQXHV DQG RSSRUWXQLWLHV WR HQULFK your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and the lives of others through service during this special time of year. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the season of giving more than the season of getting and we humans learn best by doing. Making service a priority will have a lasting impact on your child. Stories of uncommon generosity abound in the holiday season, and they have great power to inspire adults and children alike. With the right touch, you can make the uncommon commonplace in your family, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gift that could last for many lifetimes. Mark Heller is head of school at Academy at the Lakes, a PreK3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12th grade independent school in the north Tampa area. For more information, visit www.academyatthelakes.org.

1-on-1 Tutoring In Your Home From Phonics to Physics, Study Smarter, Not Harder With an Academic Coach s !LL 3UBJECTS + !DULT s )NDIVIDUALIZED )NSTRUCTION s #ONVENIENT &LEXIBLE 3CHEDULES s .O ,ONG 4ERM #ONTRACTS s 3!4 &#!4 0REP 3PECIALISTS s %3/, !$$ !$($ s #ERTIFIED 4EACHERS $EGREED 0ROFESSIONALS

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

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See first-hand why hundreds of Tampa families choose Academy at the Lakes.

Join Us For An

OPEN HOUSE EVENT The Academy Experience. Extraordinary preparation for college and for life.

January 17, 2012 at 9:00 am for students entering Grades 5 - 12 For more information, phone

813-909-7919 XXX "DBEFNZ"U5IF-BLFT PSH t $PMMJFS 1BSLXBZ t -BOE 0 -BLFT '- t 1, (SBEF

The Montessori Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House of Hyde Park For Children Ages 3-12

OPEN HOUSE BRING THE FAMILY Sunday, January 8 12-3 PM * Our campus is located at 2416 W. Cleveland St. in Tampa * Tours available upon request. 813-354-9511 or mchschool@mac.com * Visit our website at www.HydeParkMontessori.com Looking for a warm and caring environment that nurtures your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence and self-sufficiency? At The Montessori Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House we instill a lifelong love of learning in each child. Our prepared Montessori environment enables the child to grow and develop, confronting and mastering higher concepts that meet the individual needs of development. ***ACCREDITED BY THE ASSOCIATION MONTESSORI INTERNATIONALE (AMI)***

December 2011

TBParenting.com

education

.....................................................................................................................................................

Come visit Shorecrest’s new 34,000 sq. ft. Athletic Center • Double gymnasium that seats 860 people

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• Intramurals, After-care athletics

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Expect the Best…Beyond the Game!

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Leaders in Fine Arts, Sports and Technology

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Roundtrip Bus Transportation

12015 ORANGE GROVE DRIVE TA M PA / F L O R I D A / 3 3 6 1 8

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

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Celebrate The Season

after school

Traditional TaeKwon-Do Center of South Tampa 813-350-9400

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Give the Gift of Music to Your Child this Holiday Season! HENRY B. PLANT MUSEUM’S For Children Birth to Kindergarten and the Grownups Who Love Them!

Now Registering for Winter Classes in All Locations

December 1-23, 10 am-8 pm daily Admission: $13 adults, $11 seniors & $7 youths Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $5 youths $1 off admisson with this ad BELLS OF CHRISTMAS - December 11, 2:30-4:30 pm... Enjoy an afternoon of hand bell music. The concert is free and open to the public. 401 W. Kennedy Boulevard - Tampa 33606 www.plantmuseum.com

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December 2011

TBParenting.com

a time to

cherish WHERE LAW FAILS, HEARTS SHOULD PREVAIL

............................................................................ BY K. DEAN KANTARAS, ESQ., BCS

upon by these statutes. This was a blow to grandparents who, despite loving their grandchildren, could not force an unwilling parent to allow them to have contact with the child.

ith the holidays fast approaching, family is often foremost in our minds, especially our most cherished gifts, our children.

But for some, the holidays can be a painful time, especially for grandparents who want to visit with grandchildren but cannot. In a perfect world, familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s would be able to work out these situations in the best interest of the children. Unfortunately, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always possible. You may have heard that grandparents have no rights with regard to timesharing or visitation of children in a divorce or a paternity case. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partially correct.

of a child has occurred. Those cases DUH XVXDOO\ Ă&#x20AC;OHG E\ WKH VWDWH ZKHQ D case worker feels that intervention is required to protect the child.

In one such case, the state, parents and grandparents agreed to dismiss the dependency case if the grandparents ZRXOG Ă&#x20AC;OH D SURFHHGLQJ WR HVWDEOLVK timesharing. The dependency case was then dismissed; and the grandparents, DV DJUHHG LQ ZULWLQJ Ă&#x20AC;OHG IRU FXVWRG\ under the state statute. When a hearing was scheduled on the grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; petition, the mother objected even though she had entered into the agreement. She said she objected to the agreement and wanted to contest the grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; request for custody. Despite her previous consent, the To get timesharing of a child under appellate court sided with the mother. WKLV VWDWXWH LV GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW 7KH VWDWH FOHDUO\ The court held that she had a right to asserts that parental rights should not contest the grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; request. The be interfered upon short of abuse, UXOLQJ SODFHG D PRUH GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW EXUGHQ RQ neglect, or abandonment. However, the grandparents by requiring proof by there have been cases where a court â&#x20AC;&#x153;clear and convincingâ&#x20AC;? evidence, which proceeding involving the dependency is somewhere between â&#x20AC;&#x153;just tipping the However, there are instances when grandparents may have timesharing or visitation rights. Florida has adopted a statute that allows family members (with at least a third degree of blood relationship) to seek timesharing of a child under certain circumstances. The intent of the statute is to temporarily provide for a child in the event that the child isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t being properly cared for by his parents. The burden of proof is on the petitioning relative to show that the SDUHQW RU SDUHQWV DUH XQĂ&#x20AC;W

The Florida Legislature enacted grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights statutes but because of our stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong constitutional provision regarding the right to privacy all three of those statutory provisions were declared unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court. The provisions, enacted in 2005, were fairly broad. One of the sections provided that, if a child had been living with a grandparent â&#x20AC;&#x153;in a stable relationship,â&#x20AC;? the grandparent would have the same right to timesharing of the child as the parents. The determining factor was to be the best interests of the child. Another provision granted grandparents visitation rights and the right to enforce visitation through the courts. In declaring these statutes unconstitutional, the rationale of the court was that parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fundamental right to raise a child free from governmental interference and parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; right to privacy under the Florida Constitution were infringed continued on page 28

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after school

UIF (JWF (JGU GIFT CERTIFICATES Available A vaila at the Academy in any denomination.

Mary Joâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Performing Arts Academy 15906 Mapledale Blvd. Tampa, FL 33624 4 813.969.0240 mjpaa.com

December 2011

TBParenting.com

after school

.....................................................................................................................................................

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scales,â&#x20AC;? as is usually required in a civil case, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;beyond a reasonable doubt,â&#x20AC;? as is required in criminal cases. While it may seem that grandparents and other family members do not have much hope for obtaining permanent timesharing of a child, Florida has ensured that in certain situations there is potential for them to obtain temporary timesharing. During the holiday season, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to realize that family is the most important gift we have been given. We can all take solace in the fact that Florida has provided the means for making sure that parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; relationships with their children are protected and that, in unfortunate situations, the state has provided a means for allowing other family members to step in and protect and nurture our children when we cannot. . 'HDQ .DQWDUDV LV ERDUG FHUWLĂ&#x20AC;HG LQ PDULWDO DQG IDPLO\ law. Visit www.kantaraslaw.com to learn more.

Ice Skate With Us THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

SPECIAL WEEKDAY OPEN SESSIONS Monday, Dec. 19th - Saturday, Dec. 31st Afternoon & Evening Times Available

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2 FOR 1 WEEKEND ICE SKATING ADMISSION One coupon per 1 paying skater. Coupon good at either TBSA location. Skate Rental not included. Cannot be used with any other offer or during special events. Expires 1/3/12. TBP

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

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December 2011

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening Victorian Christmas Stroll

Come experience the innocence and charm of an old-fashioned holiday during the Henry B. Plant Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30th annual Victorian Christmas Stroll at 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. One of Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular holiday traditions, the event is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 1-23. Guests will be served complimentary spiced cider and savory cookies on the verandah and carolers will perform. Admission is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and $7 for ages 4-18. Discount Days are December 5, 6, 12, and 13 when admission is $9, $8 and $5, respectively. Visit www.plantmuseum.com to learn more.

Paneraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Giving Tree

3DQHUD %UHDGÂˇV DQQXDO *LYLQJ 7UHH &DPSDLJQ EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WWLQJ 7KH &KLOGUHQÂˇV &DQFHU &HQWHU LV XQGHU ZD\ LQ ORFDWLRQV DFURVV WKH 7DPSD %D\ DUHD 7KURXJK 'HFHPEHU SDUWLFLSDWLQJ FDIpV ZLOO EH GLVSOD\LQJ Â´*LYLQJ 7UHHVÂľ Ă&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK ZLVKHV from Bay area children who are battling cancer and chronic blood disorders. Customers will receive a gingerbread man cookie for every gift purchased for a child in need. The presents collected are used by the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cancer Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adopt-a-Family program, which provides gifts to families serviced by the center to decrease stress and anxiety associated with the holiday season. $GGLWLRQDO SUHVHQWV DUH DOVR XVHG \HDU URXQG DV SDUW RI WKHLU /RYH %XQGOHV SURJUDP /RYH %XQGOHV DUH Ă&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK resources, information and distraction and play items. The bundles are presented to families shortly after a child is diagnosed with cancer. For more than 35 years, the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cancer Center has been providing immediate support to families of children with cancer, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and other chronic blood disorders. Visit www.childrenscancercenter.org to learn more.

Holiday Lights in the Gardens

Share the holiday spirit and enjoy the Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, sparkling with the warmth of the season every evening starting at 5:30 p.m. through Jan. 1. See how the gardens glow with tropical plants, roses, fruits, herbs and more. A dedication to sustainability shines through with environmentally friendly lights throughout. There will be entertainment each evening with dancing, singing and a host of entertainers. Refreshments as well as a variety of gifts and goods will be available. Admission is free for children younger than 12, with a suggested minimum donation of $2 for adults. 9LVLW ZZZ Ă EJ RUJ IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG D VFKHGXOH RI VSHFLDO HYHQWV

Chanukah In The Park

Join Rabbi Mendy Dubrowski at 6 p.m. Dec. 21 in Hyde Park Village as he tells the inspiring story of the Festival of Lights. &KDQXNDK ,Q 7KH 3DUN LV D IDPLO\ IULHQGO\ &KDQXNDK FHOHEUDWLRQ KRVWHG E\ WKH 5DEEL RI &KDEDG 6RXWK 7DPSD 7DNH part in the traditional lighting of the Menorah and enjoy kosher wines, latkes, doughnuts, gelt, cotton candy, arts and crafts, face painting, live music and a drawing. The celebration is free and open to the public. Visit www.hydeparkvillage.net to learn more.

Rooftop Eve

A lavish New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve affair awaits in the heart of Hyde Park Village, 1601 W. Swann Ave. Arrive in style with your friends and be welcomed by the Rooftop valet, street performers and spirited live music. Then you and your guests will be taken up via express elevator or Rooftop chauffeured vehicles. Festivities commence at 9 p.m. 3URFHHGV EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W +HDUWEHDW ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 7LFNHWV DQG SULYDWH FDEDQDV DUH DYDLODEOH DW ZZZ WKHURRIWRSHYH FRP

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SAVE $5 on Tickets!+

Valid for select performances. Excludes Opening Night performance, Circus CelebritySM, Front Row and VIP seats. Limit of six (6) tickets per order. No double discounts. Not valid day of show.

JAN. 4 - 8 Wed. JAN. 4 ( 7:30 PM

OPENING NIGHT TICKETS $15!*

Thu. JAN. 5

Fri. JAN. 6

7:30 PM+

Sat. JAN. 7 11:30 AM+ 3:30 PM 7:30 PM+

Sun. JAN. 8 1:00 PM 5:00 PM+

*Opening Night offer excludes Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP seats. Additional fees may apply. No double discounts.

Presented locally by

1. In person at St. Pete Times Forum Box Office 2. Call at 1-800-745-3000 and mention code TBPM 3. Log on to Ticketmaster.com and enter code TBPM 2EGULARæ4ICKETæ0RICES æ æsæ æsæ æ6)0æsæ æ&RONTæ2OWæsæ æ#IRCUSæ#ELEBRITYææ Additional fees may apply.

Come 90 minutes before show time to see our Asian elephants at the Animal Open House SM . Then, come meet the stars an hour before the show at the !LLæ!CCESSæ0RE SHOWænæ&2%% to all ticket holders! 184614

Ringling.com

December 2011

TBParenting.com

green christmas ..........................

BY KRAYL FUNCH

ARE YOU DREAMING OF ONE?

he holidays are an especially high-waste time and Americans throw away more trash from Thanksgiving to New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s than at any other time of year.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the past few decades, we have come to rely more and more on disposable products without much thought to the environmental impact,â&#x20AC;? says Gayle Crowell, a co-founder of www. FRQVHUYLQJQRZ FRP Â´:H NQRZ LW LV D GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW habit to break but with the help of our car window static cling reminder, we can each do our part to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.â&#x20AC;? Eco-Traditions

You may be wondering what you can do to be more eco-friendly and there are many small ways that you can green your holidays.

BYOBag Most of us have at least one reusable shopping bag somewhere. The hard part is remembering the bag when you are heading into the store. One solution that works for me is a small bag that was given to me as a gift. It rolls up and then goes into a small zipper pouch that I keep in my purse. It also has a clip that I use to attach to my belt loop when I bike somewhere and may need a bag. I have had my standard black bag for years and now they come in great designer patterns.

Get into the holiday spirit by volunteering as a family! There are countless ways to help improve your community â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the planet. Begin by talking about what your passions are as a family and research what groups or causes are best suited for your interest, ages and availability. Reach out to \RXU VFKRRO RU FKXUFK WR Ă&#x20AC;QG RXW DERXW YROXQWHHU opportunities they are involved with or check out websites such as www.tampabayneedsme.org or www.volunteermatch.org. ,I WLPH LV DQ LVVXH FRQVLGHU D Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO GRQDWLRQ Your family can set a time to visit the organization and present the gift as a family.

An innovative static window cling, available at www.conservingnow.com, reminds you to grab reusable bags when getting out of your car.

Sometimes starting a new tradition can be as easy as asking older relatives what they remember doing around the holidays when they were growing up. Home canning, preserving, curing meats, making jams and chutneys and baking breads and cookies are longtime family traditions that deserve revisiting. If you have

a home garden, head outside or, if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, head to your local farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or fresh market and pick up items to cook as a family. The Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cookbook offers great ideas for family cooking and is available online. Recyclable Decorations As consumer awareness has grown, so has demand for seasonal items, such as Christmas trees and wreaths, that are not grown with or covered in pesticides. The good news is that there are a number of farms that sell pesticidefree versions of holiday favorites. Since living plants and vegetables have a limited life span, what to do with them after the holidays is sometimes a bigger concern. If you are able to Ă&#x20AC;QG FKHPLFDO IUHH GpFRU WKH SHUIHFW VROXWLRQ LV to compost at home or through your community. Each year, 10 million Christmas trees end up LQ ODQGĂ&#x20AC;OOV :KLOH QRW DOO FRPPXQLWLHV RIIHU curbside pickup, you can still recycle your tree. Many cities offer programs to turn your tree to mulch or wood chips. Visit www.earth911.com WR Ă&#x20AC;QG D WUHH UHF\FOLQJ SURJUDP QHDU \RX Eat Organic and Local Support local family farmers who grow sustainable meat and produce. Not only does it taste better, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be doing your part for the planet, too. Looking for an organic turkey or ham for Christmas dinner? Visit www.localharvest. org. You simply plug in your city or zip code and what you are looking for and it provides a list of locations in the area. Sure you can run to the mall and buy that sweater for your sister that she may wear a few times until it ends up at the back of her closet or you can step outside the norm and buy her family a six-month subscription to a vegetable delivery service or CSA. Community-Supported Agriculture consists of individuals who support a farming operation where the growers and consumers share the ULVNV DQG EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV RI IRRG SURGXFWLRQ /RFDO

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

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organic vegetable/fruit delivery and CSA memberships usually provide weekly delivery or pick-up of vegetables and fruit but are not FRQĂ&#x20AC;QHG WR SURGXFH 6RPH LQFOXGH WKH RSWLRQ of eggs, homemade bread, meat, cheese, fruit, Ă RZHUV DQG RWKHU LWHPV )LQG RQH LQ WKH 7DPSD Bay area at www.goinggreentampa.com. Reuse Consider packaging and materials when purchasing gifts. You will most likely have a choice between a plastic toy car in a giant box made of plastic and card board or a wooden race car with a simple paper label printed with soy ink. Your nephew will enjoy them both equally but you have a choice as to what your carbon imprint will be.

School is out! MOSI is in!

Reward your children with hands-on fun at the Museum of Science & Industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s themed

Winter Break Camps, Dec. 19-23. 8$,53*6&,9 "4 3 4&$)./,/(9 0,"9(2/5.% Idea Zone!, 345%&.43 4)2/5() &*()4) $". ,&"2. )/7 4/ %&3*(. " 6*%&/ ("-& -"+& 3,*-& #5*,% " 4/2."%/ 02//' #5*,%*.( ".% -5$) -/2& "-0 )/523 "2& '2/ " - 4/ 0 - 7*4) &84&.%&% )/523 "6"*,"#,& '2/- " - ".% 0 -

For more information, visit MOSI .ORG or call 813-987-6000. 2& &(*342"4*/. *3 2&15*2&% ! :

MOSI Members receive 25% discount on camps! There are companies, like Back to the Roots, who consider recycling, the environment and community in their product development. The founders have a passion to educate and inspire kids to lead green lives. Their Mushroom Garden, available at www.backtotheroots.com, is a growat-home kit that lets you grow up to one and a half pounds of gourmet mushrooms in 10 days. Once you have your eco-gift in hand the question may arise as to how to wrap it. Most mass-produced wrapping paper is not recyclable DQG IUHTXHQWO\ HQGV XS LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UHSODFH RU ODQGĂ&#x20AC;OOV ,QVWHDG JHW FUHDWLYH :UDS SUHVHQWV with old maps, the comics section of the newspaper, or your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artwork. Another option is to make the wrapping part of the gift by using a scarf, attractive dish towel or bandana. Repurposing gift bags and cards collected during the year is also a way to save money and keep WUDVK RXW RI ODQGĂ&#x20AC;OOV Making small changes and getting creative can help you green your holidays without adding tasks to your to-do list. Plus, you can reduce the impact your holiday season will have on the environment and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gift that the whole world can enjoy.

December 2011

TBParenting.com

out of the

tears of babes T A LESSON ON THE POWER OF GIVING

he holiday season is the perfect time to teach your children about the power of giving. If they are old enough to learn about sharing their toys, your children are old enough to learn a lesson about helping those less fortunate. Let me begin by telling you about my own experience.

It was Christmastime 2003. The house was ÀOOHG ZLWK DGXOWV DQG D GR]HQ FKLOGUHQ +ROLGD\ OLJKWV WZLQNOHG 7KH WDEOHV ZHUH ÀOOHG with delicious treats. Laughter mingled with the sound of Christmas jazz over the stereo. , FRXOGQ·W KDYH EHHQ ÀOOHG ZLWK PRUH KROLGD\ spirit, but I was wrong. I was about to learn an important lesson about the spirit of giving. It’s a lesson that still brings tears of joy to my eyes. It began when my 9-year-old daughter Lexi burst into my bedroom in tears. I was behind closed doors changing out of the raggedy Santa suit I wore to hand out gifts to children in our secret Santa giveaway. Lexi came inside and closed the door so the other children wouldn’t see her crying. I knew she had gotten the gift she wanted from Santa because she helped me pick out the gifts. Then she explained the cause of her anguish. “Christina didn’t like the Busch Gardens passes she got from Santa, so I traded my gift with her,” Lexi said. My daughter gave up her SpongeBob SquarePants pen, sticker and stapler set. She traded it for the theme park passes even though Lexi already had annual passes to Busch Gardens.

BY DON GERMAISE

When she was 3, we started teaching Lexi about the importance of giving. I would take her with me when we would drop off food to the local food bank. Along the way we would talk about why it’s important to share our food and old clothes with people who need them. By the time she was 4, we were pulling her wagon around the neighborhood, collecting cans of food for the needy. It’s easy to teach preschoolers how to help others. I’d tell Lexi, “When you’re hungry, you want something yummy to eat. Imagine how icky you would feel if you couldn’t get something to eat when you’re hungry. We share our food so other little boys and girls won’t feel icky and hungry.” We never spent a lot of time telling Lexi how important it was to share. However, every time we wrote a check for a charity or bought Girl Scout cookies we explained why it’s important to help people in our community. By age 7, Lexi was old enough to pick up trash during the Great American Clean-up. Here’s where the rubber meets the road moms and dads. You are your children’s ultimate role model. At this age, and even younger, your children want to do what you do. If they see you getting down and dirty picking up trash, volunteering at school, or collecting food for the hungry, they will want to join in. At 8, Lexi was collecting for UNICEF and selling candy for PTA fundraisers. By 9, Lexi rocked my world and gave me that Christmas memory I will never forget. She was giving on her own. As a tween, Lexi sorted food at the food bank. As an adolescent, she learned how to shop for underprivileged people. For Black Friday, my 13-

I walked outside and saw an older girl happily playing with the gift I had singled out for my own daughter and that’s when I got it. My daughter gets it. Lexi understood the incredible spirit of giving. She had the power to make someone else happy even if it hurt her to do it. Lexi has been teaching me how to do a better job of helping others ever since.

year old insisted on heading out to toy shop for needy children. It was a chore I used to do myself. Now I had a shopping partner. There comes a time in most teenagers’ lives when their parents become the dumbest, meanest, most insensitive people in the world. That happened in my family. Lexi wanted nothing to do with me. She would not hug or kiss me. She would answer questions with monosyllabic grunts. But we always managed to spend time together at Metropolitan Ministries around Thanksgiving and Christmas, helping other people feel a bit better over the holidays. It made us feel good too. 7KH \HDUV UHDOO\ GR JR E\ LQ D ÁDVK /H[L LV QRZ a senior in high school and a frequent volunteer at the leading local agency for helping homeless families. She has gone on multiple mission trips to help rebuild and renovate homes across America. She decided to do this on her own, joining the youth group at the church. She joined numerous service clubs in school, many times roping me in (and I was glad to be roped in) to volunteering on weekends. Lexi has now surpassed me in the sophistication of her charitable causes. At 17, she collected “Loose Change to Loosen Chains.” It’s DQ LQWHUQDWLRQDO HIIRUW WR ÀJKW FKLOG VODYHU\ DQG VH[ WUDIÀFNLQJ , KDG QHYHU KHDUG RI WKH FKDULW\ until she hit me up for a donation. You may not like the charities or causes we chose to be involved in. But as parents it’s important WKDW \RX ÀQG VRPHWKLQJ WKDW LQWHUHVWV \RX VR \RXU children can become interested with you. If times are tough because of the economy, pick a cause that does not cost anything. Your time is the best gift you can give. Help the battered, visit the elderly, support the animal shelter or sort food at the food bank. Remember, if your children are old enough to understand the concept of sharing, they are old enough to learn how to give their time, effort and love to others. *HUPDLVH ZDV WKH ÀUVW QHZV UHSRUWHU KLUHG ZKHQ :)76 EHFDPH DQ $%& DIÀOLDWH LQ +H KDV ZRQ QXPHURXV awards for his news reporting and was in or near the eye of every major hurricane that hit Florida in the mid-2000s.

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December 2011

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December 2011

TBParenting.com

Extraordinary woman

.......................................

BY ANGELA ARDOLINO

Mastering the art of motherhood, work and community.

From a young age, former Tampa mayor Pam Iorio, who grew up in Temple Terrace, knew she wanted to be a public servant. The woman who would one day lead the city realized her dream at a young age, serving as a county commissioner at age 26. She was the youngest person ever elected to the Hillsborough County Commission and was on the board from 1985 ,RULR ZDV HOHFWHG WKUHH WLPHV WR WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH of Supervisor of Elections for Hillsborough County, serving from 1993-2003.

What advice would you give to other women?

In April 2003, she became the 57th mayor of 7DPSD VHUYLQJ XQWLO 6KH HVWDEOLVKHG Ă&#x20AC;YH strategic goals to guide Tampa focusing on investing in neighborhoods; bringing economic development to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most challenged areas; creating a residential community downtown; FUHDWLQJ DQ HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW FLW\ JRYHUQPHQW IRFXVHG on customer service; and establishing Tampa as a city of the arts. She accomplished much GXULQJ KHU WLPH LQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DQG LV DPRQJ WKH FLW\ and stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected leaders.

What is your proudest moment?

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been married for 24 years to Mark Woodard and they have two children, Caitlin and Graham. Caitlin is a graduate student at USF and Graham is a senior at FSU.

What makes you happy?

What do you think is the secret to your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success? Despite busy careers, Mark and I have always devoted a lot of time to our children. We both like being at home and rarely went out unless it was necessary when the children were young. We developed a lot of traditions early on that we follow as a family and that helps to make us close. The role of grandparents has been an important factor in our childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives.

What is your biggest fear? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m too fearful to state my biggest fear!

Quit trying to do it all. Figure out what you can do to live a balanced, happy life and be good with that. So many women overload their plates and then wonder why things fall off the edges. Stop saying yes to everything! While you are raising your children, cut back in other areas and focus on the important and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel badly about yourself for not completing an endless lists of to dos. Most mothers I know are stretched too thin and need to learn to say no.

My children have grown to be positive, productive young adults and we are very proud of them.

What is your biggest achievement? Personally, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being a mom. No doubt, the most challenging and rewarding position. Professionally, being mayor and helping to make our city better. It is my home and I take a lot of pride in its improvements.

I am happiest being at home with my entire family, and being with close friends. I like being with friends at their home or my home where we can truly relax and share good times. I have wonderful friends.

How do you relax and take time for yourself? I like to read mystery books and biographies.

What message would you like to give women in the area or in this community? Women know how to do many things well and juggle a lot of responsibility. They often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see themselves in a leadership position when, in fact, they exhibit leadership all the time. I address this in my book, Straightforward, Ways to Live and Lead. I would like to see more

women stop and look at all they accomplish and give themselves a little credit. Then, when the time is right for them, take that leadership out to the community to make the world a better place.

What else would you like to share with our readers? About being a mom, about your work? The busier I am the more I get done. I like to continually be challenged and learn new things. Going back to school to get my masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree helped me in so many ways and I recommend it to anyone who still wants to learn more. My children have inspired me to stay modern, learn new technology and see the world differently. I like their fresh approach to things and it motivates me to see todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems as solvable.

How do you enjoy or draw information from the magazine? I read a lot of magazines. I like Tampa Bay Parenting because I always get a tip of some sort on how to better manage a household and work. I enjoy reading about others and how they make their family life the best it can be.

What is your favorite thing to do with your kids in the Tampa Bay area? As a family we like going to Ybor City for deviled crabs, taking walks along Bayshore, going to the movies together and eating outside at the Columbia CafĂŠ at the Tampa Bay History Center and sitting out by the Riverwalk.

Who is your biggest inspiration or role model? I am inspired by people who overcome great odds and keep a positive attitude. I have seen SHRSOH XS FORVH ZKR KDYH PHW WKH PRVW GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW situations head on and come out still thinking the world is a good place. That inspires me.

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

December 2011

TBParenting.com

Pam Iorio

Iorio with the University of Tampa UHĂ HFWHG EHKLQG KHU 3KRWR E\ $P\ 3H]]LFDUD

December 2011

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north hillsborough

................................................................................................................... CARROLLWOOD, CITRUS PARK, LUTZ, NEW TAMPA, ODESSA, TEMPLE TERRACE, WESTCHASE

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Group Takes on Role of Santa The GFWC New Tampa Junior Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club is coordinating the Special Santa Project, offering families living in the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service area a helping hand with providing their children gifts and food during the holidays. Â´2XU JRDO LV WR SURYLGH HDFK FKLOG ZLWK RQH FRPSOHWH VFKRRO RXWĂ&#x20AC;W XQGHUSDQWV VRFNV VKRHV WKUHH toys and Christmas dinner for the entire family,â&#x20AC;? says Patricia Murphy, head elf for the project. Murphy says that in the past the organization was able to adopt 40-50 children from nearby Mort Elementary School. However, due to a decline in membership, this year the group will only be able to adopt 22 children despite receiving more than 600 applications from students at Mort, Muller Elementary and the University Area Community Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help all of them but I may be able to make this Christmas a little better for a few of them, and I have a lot of wonderful friends here that have agreed to participate in the toy collection so Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really excited,â&#x20AC;? Murphy says. To address other requests, the New Tampa group will be hosting collection boxes throughout Tampa Palms, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel to gather new toys for children ages 1-18. They especially need gifts for older children who are not eligible for the Toys for Tots program, such as basketballs, scooters, MP3 players and gift cards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a perfect world, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to be able to offer parents one toy for each child in their qualifying household. But I know money is tight for all of us this year. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hoping the community will come together and help support my little project.â&#x20AC;? Local business owners interested in hosting a toy collection box can contact Murphy at 813-991-6152 or at specialsanta@gfwcnewtampajuniors.org. For more information about the program, visit the GFWC New Tampa Junior Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club website at www.GFWCNewTampaJuniors.org.

Carrollwood Center Offers Diverse Sounds of the Season

dates: 'HF YDULRXV WLPHV Â&#x2021; )RRWORRVH See the stage adaptation of the popular movie at Lightfoot Recreation Center, 10901 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace. Sing along to â&#x20AC;&#x2122;80s classics from Kenny Loggins, Sammy Hagar and others. Shows: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $14 adults, $12 students/seniors/military and $10 children. www.masquetheatre.net Dec. 3, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m. $QQXDO &KULVWPDV )HVWLYDO Bring the whole family for this annual event at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School, 304 Druid Hills Road, Temple Terrace. Day includes face painting, carnival games, a bounce house, crafts and photos with Santa. www.corlutheran.org Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m. The Magical Showcase of the Arts Catch this holiday show from Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre with excerpts from The Nutcracker Ballet at Sickles High School, 7950 Gunn Highway, Tampa. Tickets are $15. www.mjpaa.com Dec. 5, 9 a.m. 'H[ ,PDJLQJ *ROI 7RXUQDPHQW )RUH WKH $UWV Tee up for a good cause at this inaugural fundraiser for the Carrollwood Cultural Center at Emerald Greens Golf Resort & Country Club, 13903 Clubhouse Drive in Tampa. Registration is at 7:30 a.m., with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. Cost: $100 individual and $360 foursome. www.carrollwoodcenter.org

December offers an eclectic mix of entertainment at the Carrollwood Cultural Center with something for everybody. In a month that launches with more traditional holiday fare, including the Heralds of Harmony and The New Christy Minstrels, December wraps up with some local favorites visiting the North Tampa venue to entertain some of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger music fans. Teen country music sensation Suite Caroline will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22. At just 14, the performer has already released three CDs of original music and is the youngest person signed with Sony/ ATV records in Nashville. She has opened for Martina McBride, Lifehouse and Blake Shelton and performed alongside Sheryl Crow, Pat Benatar, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. Advanced tickets are $11 for members, $13 for nonmembers and $8 for students. Day of show tickets are $13, $15, and $10, respectively. Shana Banana covers the

On Dec. 23, popular childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainer Shana Banana holidays in her new show. offers her take on December holidays in Shana Banana: Merry Chriskwanzanukah. This special holiday show, which starts at 7 p.m., highlights a variety of cultures in America and the ways each celebrates the holidays. Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for nonmembers, with a special family four-pack available for $24. For tickets and other show information, visit www.carrollwoodcenter.org or stop by the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s box RIĂ&#x20AC;FH /RZHOO 5RDG

'HF D P Â&#x2021; 3DWULRW 5XQ :DON Lace up your sneakers for this fundraiser for Carrollwood Day School, 1515 Bearss Ave., Tampa. Day features a 5k run/walk and a one mile fun run. Families can enjoy crafts, an LQĂ DWDEOH REVWDFOH FRXUVH DQG FRQFHVVLRQV Tickets: $25 adults; $20 students (for all events). www.carrollwooddayschool.org 'HF D P Â˛ S P Â&#x2021; :LQWHU $UWV )HVWLYDO Browse handmade arts, crafts, gifts, jewelry and food and more at this annual festival at Congregation Beth Am, 2030 W. Fletcher Ave. Free admission and parking. www.bethamtampa.com

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December 2011

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Enlightenment all year long!

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December 2011

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south hillsborough

................................................................................................................... APOLLO BEACH, BRANDON, LITHIA, RIVERVIEW, RUSKIN, SOUTH TAMPA, TAMPA, VALRICO, FISHHAWK

Volunteer, Fundraising Work Earns Kudos for 3 Recently, three Tampa residents were recognized by the Mid-Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for their work to improve the lives of those living with the disease. Ande Felder of Tampa was named Top Individual Fundraiser after collecting $16,500 through her annual family event MasSquerade. Felder began this community event after her 19-year-old daughter was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This year marked the fundraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10th year. Jackie Durning of the Citrus Park area was named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Volunteer of the Year.â&#x20AC;? Durning led a scrapbooking activity at the MS Kids Camp securing monetary and supply donations for the activity. Durning is a member of the Tampa Walk committee and also responsible for the task of recruiting and managing more than 150 volunteers for the annual event. Darla Freeman LeVay earned this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Milestone Award. Also from the Citrus Park area, LeVay is a speech language pathologist who launched a cognition group at the USF MS Clinic as part of her efforts to support those with MS. She has been a frequent presenter at local self-help groups and hosted the chapterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monthly teleconference, reaching hundreds with the disease. The next Walk MS Tampa event is March 12 at Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lowry Park Zoo. For information about this event or the Mid-Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, visit www. nationalmssociety.org/chapters/FLC/index.aspx.

Tampa Girl Scout Soars in National Rocket Contest Tampa Girl Scout Cadette Marielyssa Hernandez was one of six national winners of the year-long Reach for the Stars Rocket Contest presented by the Helping Kids Reach for the Stars program. Hernandez and her family visited Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral, where she had an opportunity to launch her rocket. The sixth-grader from Orange Grove Intermediate Magnet School admitted she was surprised by the award. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty amazing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect to win. A girl who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know anything about science just won a rocket contest,â&#x20AC;? she says. Hernandez built her winning rocket this summer during the Minds for Design day camp, which was attended by more than 30 girls. She and Charnae Horton, another camp participant, launched their rockets, landing closest to the designated target to gain entry into the national competition. Sixth-grader and Girl Scout Mari Hernandez is the second West Central Florida cadette to win the national science contest.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of Girl Scoutsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; initiatives is STEM [science, technology, engineering and math], and we wanted to offer a STEM day camp that would give girls the opportunity to try new things,â&#x20AC;? says Patricia Hemenway, pathway collaborations manager for Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. Â´0DUL LV D WHUULĂ&#x20AC;F UROH PRGHO IRU JLUOV RI DOO DJHV ZKHWKHU RU QRW WKH\ÂˇUH LQ *LUO 6FRXWLQJ WR UHDFK for the stars. Anything is possible!â&#x20AC;? Hernandez is the third Girl Scout to win this prestigious award. The Girl Scouts organization also has a rich history with NASA with 22 career astronauts having been former Girl Scout Cadettes.

dates: 'HF YDULRXV WLPHV Â&#x2021; %ODNH 6FKRRO RI WKH Arts Theatre Presents Parade Head over to the school, 1701 N. Blvd., and see the true, tragic tale behind the trial and lynching of a wrongly accused man. Tickets are $5-$17. Shows: 7 p.m. Dec. 1-2; and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 3. www.blaketheatre.com Dec. 3, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m. $QQXDO :LQWHU %DE\ 6KRZHU Enjoy the Celebration of Life at Seedlings, 1530 S. Dale Mabry Highway. For every $25 spent through Dec. 3, receive one drawing ticket and be entered to win prizes. While supplies last, customers who spend $75 or more will receive a mommy must-have bag with more than $200 worth of goodies. www.seedlings.com Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m. Lakeshore Learning Activities Enjoy free activities for kids 3 and older all this month at the store, 4501 W. Kennedy Blvd. Dates and themes: Magnetic Mitten Notepad (Dec. 3); Jolly Snowman (Dec. 10); Playful Penguin Puppet (Dec. 17); Holiday Ornament (Dec. 24); and New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Noisemaker (Dec. 31). www.lakeshorelearning.com/FreeCrafts4Kids 'HF S P Â&#x2021; 2OG +\GH 3DUN +RPH 7RXU Tour some of the historic areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful homes at this seasonal fundraiser for Hyde Park 3UHVHUYDWLRQ ,QF 7RXU VWDUWV RXWVLGH 6W -RKQÂˇV Episcopal Church, 902 S. Orleans. Tickets: $15 until Dec. 3 and $20 after. 813-258-6600. 'HF S P Â&#x2021; .XOD .LGV 3- 3DUW\ Drop off the kids for an evening of yoga fun in their PJs at The Lotus Room, 1101 W. Kennedy Blvd. Night includes dinner, a craft activity and yoga games. Space is limited. Cost is $30; $15 per additional child. 813-254-6777. www.yogalotusroom.com Dec. 10, 9:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 p.m. 0XVLF 6KRZFDVH &KULVWPDV )HVWLYDO Check out this annual holiday festival at Music 6KRZFDVH 2DNĂ&#x20AC;HOG 'ULYH LQ %UDQGRQ (QMR\ OLYH entertainment and browse more than 80 vendors. Families can enjoy a bounce house, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and a visit from Santa. Free admission and parking. www.musicshowcaseonline.com

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December 2011

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December 2011

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north pinellas

..................................................................................................................... CLEARWATER, DUNEDIN, EAST LAKE, OLDSMAR, PALM HARBOR, SAFETY HARBOR, TARPON SPRINGS

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Kindie Rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Party Coming to Town Nick Jr. TV stars and â&#x20AC;&#x153;kindie rockâ&#x20AC;? childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music favorites The Laurie Berkner Band will bring its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Animal Partyâ&#x20AC;? tour to Clearwaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, on Dec. 18. The show, which starts at 1 p.m., will feature old favorites and new songs, including tracks from Party Day! the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest DVD.

The Laurie Berkner Band is one of the forerunners of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;kindie rockâ&#x20AC;? movement in childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music.

People has dubbed the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead vocalist and guitarist as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;queen of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music,â&#x20AC;? and Time has hailed Berkner as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a kind of sippy-cup Sheryl Crow.â&#x20AC;? A former preschool music teacher by day and indie rocker by night, Berkner began selling her original music out of her living room on her own label, Two Tomatoes Records. Her music videos soon began appearing on Nick Jr. with the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music now featured in nearly all of the channelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s episodes of the popular â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Music Show.â&#x20AC;? The Laurie Berkner Band is comprised of Laurie Berkner (lead vocals, guitar), Susie Lampert (keyboards), Adam Bernstein (bass) and Bobby Golden (drums/percussion).

Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal to join in on the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular rendition of Pig on Her Head during which the audience places their own stuffed animal guests on their heads. The band also asks their young DXGLHQFH PHPEHUV WR ZHDU WKHLU EHVW SDUW\ RXWĂ&#x20AC;W DQLPDO WKHPHV HQFRXUDJHG DQG D JRRG SDLU RI dancing shoes to join the band in moving to the music. 7LFNHWV IRU WKH VKRZ DUH DQG FDQ EH SXUFKDVHG DW 5XWK (FNHUG +DOOÂˇV ER[ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH RU E\ phone at 727-791-7400. Visit www.rutheckerdhall.com to learn more.

Tour De Clay Supports Local Artists, Charities The Florida Westcoast Ceramic Society is presenting its fourth annual Tour De Clay, which showcases six local potters who open their studios to the public to show the range of functional and decorative pottery they can create. The event is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11, and includes two stops in 3DOP +DUERU RQH VWRS LQ 7DPSD RQH VWRS LQ /XW] RQH VWRS LQ 2GHVVD DQG D Ă&#x20AC;QDO VWRS LQ 6DQ Antonio. As guests travel from studio to studio, attendees will have the opportunity to make a donation to a local charity and be entered to win one of eight pieces of pottery. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charities are the Dunedin Fine Art Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scholarship Program, Suncoast Hospice, Safety Harbor Art & Music Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building fund, Animal Coalition of Tampa, The Spring of Tampa Bay, Citrus Park Big Cat Rescue and WMNF 88.5 FM community radio. Guests on the tour also will be entertained by live musicians and enjoy refreshments and snacks along the way. Participating pottery studios include Pottery Boys Studio (Palm Harbor), Paper and Clay (Palm Harbor), Rising Sun Pottery (Tampa), Welsch Pottery (Lutz), Hidden Lake Pottery (Odessa), and San Antonio Pottery. Visit www.tampatourdeclay.com or call 352-588-4228 for additional information.

dates: Dec. 3, 1 p.m. &KLOGUHQÂˇV 'UHDP )XQG $QQXDO *ROI &ODVVLF Hit the links at this golf fundraiser at Wentworth Golf Club, 2990 Wentworth Way, Tarpon 6SULQJV EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WLQJ WKH &KLOGUHQÂˇV 'UHDP )XQG Register for four-person scramble at 11:30 a.m. and start at 1 p.m. The $95 entry fee includes golf, cart, tee gifts, range balls and dinner. www.childrensdreamfund.org 'HF S P Â&#x2021; 6QRZIHVW Ride a 20-foot snow slide as part of this wintry celebration at Safety Harbor City Park, 940 Seventh St. S. Check out live entertainment and food vendors. Kids also can get ready for a visit from Old St. Nick. The $5 admission includes unlimited snow rides. www.cityofsafetyharbor.com 'HF S P Â&#x2021; +ROLGD\ %RDW 3DUDGH Bring the lawn chairs and check out decked-out boats as they leave Edgewater Park/Marina for a voyage through downtown Dunedin. Welcome 6DQWD DV KH DUULYHV )ORULGD VW\OH :DWFK WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO tree lighting ceremony. Free entry. 727-812-4531. 'HF D P Â&#x2021; %UHDNIDVW ZLWK 6DQWD Get your picture taken with Santa at the Clearwater Branch YMCA, 1005 S. Highland Ave. Each participating child receives a breakfast with a SDQFDNH DQG VDXVDJH FRXUWHV\ RI ,+23 (YHQW LV IUHH and open to the public. www.ymcasuncoast.org Dec. 8-11, various times Every Christmas Story Ever Told See three actors perform popular Christmas stories and sing carols at The Cultural Center, 101 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. Tickets: $16 members and $14 students. Shows: 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. www.tarponarts.org Dec. 19-23, 26-30, 9 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 p.m. $OO 6SRUWV :LQWHU &DPSV Sign up the kids for these camps led by Palm Harbor Parks and Recreation Department for ages 7-12 at Sunderman Recreation Complex, 1631 1LQWK 6W 3DOP +DUERU 6HVVLRQ ,, UXQV 'HF 6HVVLRQ ,,, LV 'HF &RVW PHPEHUV and $120 nonmembers or $30 per day. Campers should bring a bag lunch. 727-771-6000.

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

December 2011

TBParenting.com

December 2011

TBParenting.com

south pinellas

....................................................................................................................... LARGO, PINELLAS PARK, SEMINOLE, ST. PETE BEACH, ST. PETERSBURG, TREASURE ISLAND

Shorecrest Prepâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Athletic Center Inspires Pep Shorecrest Preparatory School recently commemorated the opening of its 34,000 square foot athletic center with two celebrations at the school, 5101 First St. N.E. in St. Petersburg. The new center has a double gymnasium with seating for 900 people, a recreational gym, stateRI WKH DUW Ă&#x20AC;WQHVV DQG WUDLQLQJ center, locker rooms, three Students and faculty at Shorecrest Preparatory School participated in DQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO ULEERQ FXWWLQJ IRU LWV VTXDUH IRRW DWKOHWLF FHQWHU basketball courts, four volleyball courts, concessions and a ticket ERRWK DV ZHOO DV RIĂ&#x20AC;FH VSDFH IRU DWKOHWLF IDFXOW\ PDNLQJ LW RQH RI WKH ODUJHVW VFKRODVWLF DWKOHWLF buildings in the area. In appreciation of the donors who contributed to the $7 million facility, kindergarten students read their poem Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Thankful for 100 Things and handed a carnation with a hand-written thank you note to each donor in the audience. )ROORZLQJ WKH RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO ULEERQ FXWWLQJ FHUHPRQ\ PRUH WKDQ JXHVWV ZHUH LQYLWHG WR WRXU WKH FHQWHU DQG WDNH SDUW LQ WKH VFKRROÂˇV Ă&#x20AC;UVW SHS UDOO\ LQ LW &RQVWUXFWLRQ RQ WKH FHQWHUÂˇV VHFRQG Ă RRU LV SURMHFWHG WR EHJLQ LQ 0D\ DQG ZLOO SURYLGH DGGLWLRQDO VSDFH IRU ZUHVWOLQJ FKHHUOHDGLQJ GDQFH DQG FDUGLRYDVFXODU Ă&#x20AC;WQHVV DQG ZHOOQHVV FODVVHV For more information, visit www.shorecrest.org or call 727-522-2111.

3LQHOODV 1DPHV (GXFDWRU RI WKH <HDU 6HPLĂ&#x20AC;QDOLVWV Pinellas County Schools and the Pinellas Education Foundation have announced their VHPLĂ&#x20AC;QDOLVWV IRU WKH 2XWVWDQGLQJ (GXFDWRU RI WKH <HDU $ZDUG (DFK \HDU WKLV SUHVWLJLRXV program recognizes deserving Pinellas County teachers who foster excellence in education, demonstrate continuous growth and leadership and involve families and the community in WKH OHDUQLQJ SURFHVV &RQJUDWXODWLRQV WR WKLV \HDUÂˇV VHPLĂ&#x20AC;QDOLVWV :LQQHUV ZLOO EH QDPHG DW WKH Evening of Excellence recognition event set for Feb. 27 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Region 1:

Region 4:

Denise White, Woodlawn Elementary Karen Vann, St. Petersburg High Cari Barnes, Sanderlin IB World School Stephanie Whitaker, Dunedin Elementary

Kathryn Rennie, Tomlinson Adult Learning Center Erin Macking, Fuguitt Elementary Christina Vaughan, Nina Harris ESE Center Amanda Weinberg, T. Marshall Middle

Region 2:

Region 5:

Randy McGonegal, Palm Harbor University High Sarah Painter, Eisenhower Elementary Victoria Tarantino, Eisenhower Elementary Michele Maiorana, Ozona Elementary

Holly Del Duca, Sandy Lane Elementary Michelle Saari, Plumb Elementary Joyce LaPlante, High Point Elementary Erin Fitzgerald, Clearwater High

Region 3:

Nominate a teacher

Rosemary Fair, Brooker Creek Elementary Chad Guess, Seminole Middle Kimberly Hardgrove, Cypress Woods Elementary Kimberly Lopez, Orange Grove Elementary

To nominate a Pinellas County teacher for the 2013 Outstanding Educator of the Year, visit www.pcsb.org for submission packet and dates.

dates: 'HF YDULRXV WLPHV Â&#x2021; /LJKWV RI /DNH 3DUN Cruise through the light displays of Lake Park Estates with entrance at Bryan Dairy Road and 108th Terrace N. in Largo. Any donations will EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W 6XQFRDVW +RVSLFH /LJKWV DUH RQ IURP 6:30-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6:30 p.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday. www.thehospicefoundation.org Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m. )LUVW $QQXDO 3RVWFDUG ,QQ +ROLGD\ Bring new toys, games or clothes and support Kids Charity of Tampa Bay at the best holiday EDVK RQ WKH EHDFK 3RVWFDUG ,QQ *XOI %OYG in St. Pete, will host this family event with themed fun, food, drinks and a performance from Entertainment Revue. www.postcardinn.com Dec. 3, dusk &DPSĂ&#x20AC;UH LQ WKH 3DUN +ROLGD\ 6WUROO *UDE D EODQNHW DQG FKDLUV IRU D Ă&#x20AC;UH FLUFOH DW /DUJR Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive. Make sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mores and other treats while watching this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Stroll. Free admission and shuttle from offsite parking. Onsite parking is $5. www.playlargo.com 'HF D P Â&#x2021; 6DQWDÂˇV +ROLGD\ 5HYXH Sing along and clap your hands during this fast-paced holiday production that provides a world tour of dances, songs and stories from Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa at the Largo Cultural Arts Center, 105 Central Park Dr. Tickets: $7.50 adults and $6.50 children. Family fourpack available for $22. www.largoarts.com 'HF D P Â&#x2021; 0UV &ODXV /XQFKHRQ Join the All Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital Guild-Beach Branch for this annual fundraiser at the St. Pete Yacht Club, 11 Central Ave. Event features a fashion show and boutique shop E\ 'LOODUGÂˇV ZLWK SURFHHGV WR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W $OO Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. Tickets are $50 per person. Email mmmassimore@tampabay.rr.com for information or to buy tickets. www.allkids.org 'HF S P Â&#x2021; :LQWHU :RQGHUODQG ,QGXOJH LQ GHFDGHQW GHVVHUWV DQG 1DSD 9DOOH\ wines at this holiday celebration hosted by Working Women of Tampa Bay at St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive. Cost: $15 members and $20 nonmembers. Purchase a wine from sponsor Napa Flair Wine & Boutique and bring to the party to share for $5 admission. www.workingwomenoftampabay.com

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

December 2011

TBParenting.com

Your STAYCATION starts now!

Kids take your Parents on Vacation!

Bring your Report Card & get special Discounted Rates & FREE Ice Cream for good grades! - mention â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tampa Bay Parentingâ&#x20AC;? magazine.

SUNDAY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; THURSDAY RATES AS LOW AS $90 /NIGHT Ä&#x2018;ĆŤ ĆŤ.!/+.0ĆŤ"!!ĆŤÄ&#x2018;ĆŤ ĆŤ, .'%*#ĆŤÄ&#x2018;ĆŤ ĆŤ % %ĆŤ Ä&#x2018;ĆŤ %2!ĆŤ 1/% ĆŤ %#$0(5ĆŤÄ&#x2018;ĆŤ ,,5ĆŤ +1.ĆŤ %(5ĆŤÄ&#x2018;ĆŤ !0ĆŤ .%!* (5 Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x192;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x20AC;ĆŤ ĆŤ Ä&#x2039;ĆŤĆŤ Ä&#x2039;ĆŤ ĆŤ Ä&#x152;ĆŤ ĆŤÄ&#x192;Ä&#x192;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x2021; Ä?ĆŤÄ&#x2C6;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x192;Ä&#x2021;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x2C6;Ä Ä ĆŤ ĆŤÄ&#x2030;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x20AC;Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x201A;Ä&#x192;Ä&#x2C6;Ä&#x2039;Ä&#x2030;Ä&#x160;Ä Ä&#x2030;ĆŤĆŤ POSTCARDI NN.COM

FEATURING THE NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PREMIER

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TALENT

Thursday, Jan. 5 7:30 PM TROPICANA FIELD ............................................................................................................................................................................................... Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

December 2011

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pasco

.......................................................................................................................

DADE CITY, LAND Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LAKES, NEW PORT RICHEY, PORT RICHEY, TRINITY, WESLEY CHAPEL, ZEPHYRHILLS

Home Tour for the Holidays Growing Great Moms is hosting a holiday home tour from 4-9 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Longleaf community in Trinity. *XHVWV ZLOO EH JUHHWHG ZLWK UHIUHVKPHQWV DQG OLYH &KULVWPDV PXVLF 7KLV LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;IWK \HDU WKDW WKH JURXS KDV KHOG WKH HYHQW 3URFHHGV EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W WKH JURXS DQG WKH FKDULWLHV LW VHUYHV GGM offers Christian support and opportunities to stay connected for Pasco and Pinellas stay-athome moms. Members meet several times a week for workshops, coffee and playtime for the kids. The group, whose annual membership fee is $25 per family, recently announced its merge with the group Growing Great Minds. Advanced tickets cost $14 per person and can be purchased online via Paypal at www. growinggreatmoms.com or for $12 each at New to You consignment shop, 6707 Massachusetts Ave. in New Port Richey. Same-day tickets may be purchased for $15 at the Longleaf Learning &HQWHU $ODFKXD 3ODFH 1HZ 3RUW 5LFKH\ )RU HYHU\ Ă&#x20AC;YH WLFNHWV SXUFKDVHG JXHVWV ZLOO JHW RQH free ticket. For more information, contact Julie Cramton at 727-514-5220 or send email Carmen Burnett at Carmen@growinggreatmoms.com.

Early Learning Coalition Recognized for Work The Early Learning Coalition of 3DVFR DQG +HUQDQGR &RXQWLHV ,QF KDV EHHQ QDPHG D Ă&#x20AC;QDOLVW E\ the Tampa Bay Business Journal for its â&#x20AC;&#x153;2011 Ultimate Management Team Awards.â&#x20AC;? In 2008, James J. Farrelly joined the coalition team as executive director to lead a management team that includes Betsy Kier, assistant executive director; Kim Borrego, program manager; Pattie (DFREDFFL RIĂ&#x20AC;FH PDQDJHU DQG Jak Jakubauskas, administrative assistant. The team continues to focus on its mission to improve the quality of early learning in Pasco and Hernando counties. 7KH RUJDQL]DWLRQ KDV H[SDQGHG IURP RQH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH RI VHYHQ HPSOR\HHV LQ 6SULQJ +LOO WR VWDII PHPEHUV LQ IRXU RIĂ&#x20AC;FHV DFURVV 3DVFR DQG +HUQDQGR FRXQWLHV The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties team includes (from left) Kim Borrego, Betsy Kier, Jim Farrelly, Jak Jakubauskas and Pattie Eacobacci.

Â´7KH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH H[SDQVLRQ LV RQH RI RXU SURXGHVW DFFRPSOLVKPHQWV Âľ .LHU VD\V Â´:HÂˇUH DEOH WR VHUYH over 9,000 children and their families in locations that are convenient to them, with well-trained and compassionate staff.â&#x20AC;? The addition of two Mobile Outreach Vans, also known as mobile lending libraries, has increased community awareness and involvement with outreach specialists traveling to more than 300 child care centers and family day care homes to lend educational early learning toys. An awards luncheon is set for Dec. 1 at T. Pepinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospitality Centre in Tampa during which all DZDUG Ă&#x20AC;QDOLVWV ZLOO EH UHFRJQL]HG DQG ZLQQHUV ZLOO EH DQQRXQFHG Visit www.phelc.org to learn more about the coalition.

dates: Through Dec. 25, various times A Show Palace Christmas Get a high-energy dose of holiday cheer and sing along at this annual musical production at Show Palace Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. www.showpalace.net Dec. 1, 7-8:30 a.m. $QQXDO 3HDFH %UHDNIDVW Go to this yearly breakfast at Tampa Bay Golf &RXQWU\ &OXE LQ 6DQ $QWRQLR WKDW EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV 6XQULVH RI 3DVFR &RXQW\ ,QF 'RPHVWLF Violence and Sexual Assault Center. Free to attend but donations or pledges welcomed. www.sunrisepasco.org Dec. 3, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 p.m. 3DFH &HQWHU )DVKLRQ 6KRZ Support Pace Center for Girls of Pasco at this sixth annual fashion show presented by Dillardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. Event includes gourmet brunch, holiday shopping, live and silent auctions and swag bags. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at Landon Plastic Surgery, PACE or by phone at 727-849-1901, Ext. 21. Dec. 10, 10 a.m. 6HZ1HZ 2SHQ +RXVH Meet current members, see recent projects, collect free patterns and enjoy light refreshments at this event at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36702 S.R. 52, Dade City. RSVP at 352-523-2411, Ext. 2456. Dec. 10, 2 & 7 p.m. The Nutcracker Venture to the Land of Sugar Plum Fairies to see this Christmas classic at the Center for the Arts, 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel. For tickets, call 813-794-8772. www.cfawesleychapel.com Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m. &RQFHUW WR %HQHĂ&#x20AC;W +RPHOHVV 9HWHUDQV Enjoy a concert by local musicians at Trinity United Methodist Church, 33425 S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel. Tickets for the event coordinated by the Pasco Veterans Council are $15 and include coffee and refreshments. 352-588-4058.

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

December 2011

TBParenting.com

&2168/7 $1 (;3(57

K. DEAN KANTARAS ATTORNEY AT LAW

%RDUG &HUWLÀ HG LQ 0DULWDO DQG )DPLO\ /DZ 2XU À UP JXLGHV SHRSOH WKURXJK GLYRUFH ZKHUH WKHUH DUH FRPSOLFDWHG OHJDO FXVWRG\ FKLOG LVVXHV DQG À QDQFLDO LVVXHV :H SURYLGH D SURIHVVLRQDO VWDII LQFOXGLQJ ODZ\HUV SDUDOHJDOV DQG VXSSRUW VWDII ZLWK WKH JRDO RI SURYLGLQJ XQSDUDOOHOHG VHUYLFH WR RXU FOLHQWV $WWRUQH\ . 'HDQ .DQWDUDV LV %RDUG &HUWLÀ HG LQ 0DULWDO DQG )DPLO\ /DZ E\ WKH )ORULGD %DU D GLVWLQFWLRQ KHOG E\ OHVV WKDQ RI DOO DWWRUQH\V OLFHQVHG WR SUDFWLFH LQ )ORULGD 'LVVROXWLRQ RI 0DUULDJH 3URSHUW\ 'LYLVLRQ (TXLWDEOH 'LVWULEXWLRQ $OLPRQ\ 7LPH 6KDULQJ 6HWWOHPHQW $JUHHPHQWV

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MARITAL & FAMILY LAW 5HDG DUWLFOHV E\ . 'HDQ .DQWDUDV (VT %&6 LQ Tampa Bay Magazine ´$9 3UHHPLQHQW DUH UHJLVWHUHG FHUWLÀ FDWLRQ PDUNV RI 5HHG (OVHYLHU 3URSHUWLHV ,QF XVHG LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK WKH 0DUWLQGDOH +XEEHOO FHUWLÀ FDWLRQ SURFHGXUHV VWDQGDUGV DQG SROLFLHV µ 0DUWLQGDOH +XEEHOO LV WKH IDFLOLWDWRU RI D SHHU UHYLHZ UDWLQJ SURFHVV 5DWLQJV UHÁ HFW WKH DQRQ\PRXV RSLQLRQV RI PHPEHUV RI WKH %DU DQG WKH -XGLFLDU\ 0DUWLQGDOH +XEEHOO 3HHU 5HYLHZ 5DWLQJV IDOO LQWR WZR FDWHJRULHV OHJDO DELOLW\ DQG JHQHUDO HWKLFDO VWDQGDUGV

December 2011

TBParenting.com

around town

......................................................................................................

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS, VISIT TBPARENTING.COM

Junior League of Tampa Patronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party (Photos by Joe Photo Tampa) : Left, Kathleen Thaxton, Marcie Manuel, Loralee Koontz of South Tampa Dermatology, Founder and Editorial Director Angela Ardolino, Brooke Palmer of RSBP Events and Craig Kuhl. Center, June Annis, Margo Harrod, Helen Kerr and Erin Annis. Right, Marlene Maseman, Tricia Willett and Founder and Editorial Director Angela Ardolino

Junior League of Tampa Patronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party (Photos by Joe Photo Tampa): Bridgette Howell, Barbara Keskiner, Marlo Cerbi, Founder and Editorial Director Angela Ardolino, Ann Sells, David Miller and Gretchen Dominguez

Wine, Women and Shoes at the Straz Center: Carmen Gomez, Brittany Hitpas, Kristen Brett, Krayl Funch, Amanda Fuller, Heather Parasco and Carrie Jones

Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market (Photos by Joe Photo Tampa): Left, Gift Market guests show off their purchases at the end of a long day of shopping. Right, Jen Carlstedt, Danielle Post, Allison Burden, Stephanie Weindl, Aadonia dela Torre, Stacy Carlson and Jessica Kendall

Broadway Family Night â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Peter Pan at the Straz Center : Cameron and Christopher 5KRGHV DQG $LQVOH\ (PLO\ DQG ,]]\ .XKQ

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

December 2011

TBParenting.com

TBPARENTING.COM

cover kid SEARCH WINNERS BROGAN

DALLAS

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December 2011

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december calendar events/festivals Out of This World Through Jan. 7, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. Stroll through this exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., Tampa, that showcases VRPH RI VFLHQFH Ă&#x20AC;FWLRQ Ă&#x20AC;OP DQG 79ÂˇV PRVW memorable costumes and set pieces. Admission: $12 adults; $10 students; $10 youth (13-17); and $7 kids 4-12. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org Everyone Tampa Bay Red Ribbon Run Dec. 1, 7 p.m. Hit the pavement or take a virtual run as part of World AIDS Day and support HIV/AIDS education, advocacy, prevention and treatment during a 3k fun run and one-mile walk at Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lowry Park Zoo. Cost: $30 per individual or $125 per four-person team. Check-in is at 5:30 p.m., with the walk at 7 p.m. www.tampabayredribbonrun.org Everyone St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show Dec. 1-4, various times Set sail for the Gulf Coastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest boat show at Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg. Check out hundreds of boats and lots RI DFWLYLWLHV LQFOXGLQJ \RXWK Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ FOLQLFV &RVW $8 online or $10 onsite. Free for children 15 and younger. www.showmanagement.com Everyone

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&OD\V IRU .LGV Â&#x2021; 'HF D P Experience the great outdoors at this fundraiser at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff Road, Land Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lakes. Cost is $125 for individuals and $500 for four-member teams, with ammo, FDUW DQG OXQFK SURYLGHG 3URFHHGV EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W 3DVFR Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs. ZZZ EEEVĂ RUJ Moms, Dads

&UDIW %UHZ 3DORR]D Â&#x2021; 'HF S P Hop to this fundraiser in Hyde Park Village that EULQJV WRJHWKHU FUDIW EUHZHUV DQG DĂ&#x20AC;FLRQDGRV to raise money for Pints for Prostates to raise prostate cancer awareness. Event features sampling stations, craft beer education and live music. Advance tickets are $30; day of tickets are $40. www.craftbrewpalooza.com Moms, Dads

$2 Target Tuesdays Dec. 6, 2-6 p.m. Bring the kids to Glazer Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, downtown Tampa, for an afternoon of discounted admission courtesy of Target. Kids younger than 1 are free. www. glazermuseum.org Everyone

7KH )XQ )XU $OO %DOO Â&#x2021; 'HF S P Support the largest accredited big cat sanctuary LQ WKH ZRUOG DW WKLV EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W FRQFHUW IRU %LJ &DW Rescue at Skipperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, Tampa. Listen to local bands while checking RXW UDIĂ H DQG DXFWLRQ LWHPV DQG D OLYH SDLQWLQJ and older only. Suggested donation is $4. www. skipperssmokehouse.com Moms, Dads

Georgetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Fashion Show Dec. 7, 10 a.m. In its 23rd year, this show presented by Georgette and Tashia Diaz features festive music, live and silent auctions, a 50/50 drawing and high fashion. Proceeds of the event at the Hyatt 5HJHQF\ 7DPSD 1 7DPSD 6W EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W 6W Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. Cost is $75. www. sjhfoundation.org Moms

art 8SF\FOHG Â&#x2021; 'HF -DQ YDULRXV WLPHV See trash turned into treasure with this free exhibit celebrating art made of recycled materials and everyday objects at Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. www. moreanartscenter.org Everyone

Jobsite Rocks VIII: Babes in Toyland 'HF S P Close out a great year of local theater with this HLJKWK DQQXDO ZUDS SDUW\ WR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W -REVLWH 7KHDWHU at New World Brewery, 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City. Enjoy live bands and take part in drawings for prizes. Minimum $8 donation required. Doors open at 8 p.m. www.jobsitetheater.org Moms, Date Night

St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Festival Dec. 3-4, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 p.m. Browse arts, crafts and other custom goods by local and national artists and vendors at this 17th annual art fest along St. Pete Beachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corey Avenue. Check out an array of affordable art as well as handmade clothing, pottery, custom jewelry and scented soaps. Free admission. www.artfestival.com Everyone

Moving Toward a Cure 5k Cycle/Run/Walk 'HF D P :DON RQ EHKDOI RI 0LOHV )RU +RSH ,QF D QRQSURĂ&#x20AC;W dedicated to funding brain tumor research. The second annual event is at Al Lopez Park and features a one-mile walk and 5k run. Register at 8 a.m.; cost is $20. www.milesforhope.org Everyone

Ancient Egypt â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Art and Magic 'HF $SULO YDULRXV WLPHV %H DPRQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW WR VHH WKLV QHZ H[KLELW DW WKH Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. See mummy sarcophaguses, tombs, temple reliefs and other rare objects. Included ZLWK DGPLVVLRQ ZZZ Ă&#x20AC;QH DUWV RUJ 8 & Older

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

December 2011

TBParenting.com

While great care was taken in compiling the calendar, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DOZD\V EHVW WR SKRQH DKHDG WR FRQĂ&#x20AC;UP LQIRUPDWLRQ

film

music

7KH +HOS Â&#x2021; $YDLODEOH 'HF 6HH WKH VXPPHU KLW Ă&#x20AC;OP ZKHQ LWÂˇV UHOHDVHG LQ a Blu-ray combo pack. Rated PG-13. www. thehelpmovie.com Teens, Moms

3&<2 )DOO &RQFHUW Â&#x2021; 'HF S P Enjoy the Patel Conservatoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young musicians when they perform at the Straz Center in Ferguson Hall. Hear a diverse selection of music, from the classics to modern numbers. Tickets start at $15. www.patelconservatory.org Everyone

:LQQLH WKH 3RRK Â&#x2021; $YDLODEOH 'HF Catch up with some of Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved FKDUDFWHUV DV WKH DOO QHZ DQLPDWHG IHDWXUH Ă&#x20AC;OP $QGUHD %RFHOOL Â&#x2021; 'HF S P becomes available in a Blu-ray combo pack. Rated Lose yourself in the singerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tender voice as he takes part in a show presented by Opera Tampa G. www.disney.com 2OGHU at the St. Pete Times Forum during one of only six scheduled shows in the U.S. The concert will Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-wrecked feature music from both his traditional operatic Opens December 16 work as well as his romantic crossover selections. Those mischievous Chipmunks and their darling Tickets start at $75. www.stpetetimesforum.com Chipettes board a cruise ship and fall overboard Moms, Date Night only to end up marooned together on what appears to be a deserted island. Rated PG. Check -DQHW -DFNVRQ Â&#x2021; 'HF S P local theaters for showtimes. 6 & Older Rejoin the Rhythm Nation as Jackson performs hits from her Number Ones album for this 7KH $GYHQWXUHV RI 7LQWLQ Â&#x2021; 2SHQV 'HF intimate performance in Carol Morsani Hall at Join Tintin and Captain Haddock on an exciting the Straz Center. Tickets start at $59.50. www. KXQW IRU D VXQNHQ VKLS LQ WKLV QHZ Ă&#x20AC;OP IURP strazcenter.org Moms, Date Night director Steven Spielberg. Rated PG. Check local theaters for showtimes. 8 & Older <R *DEED *DEED /LYH 'HF S P Pack up the kids for a musical event that will get them up on of their feet and dancing in the aisles at Mahaffey Theatre in St. Petersburg. Kids can jam to the beat as these popular Nickelodeon TV characters teach life lessons through songs with an infectious .LQJV RI 6DOVD Â&#x2021; 'HF S P beat and encourage kids to sing along. Tickets are See some of Cubaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top dancers perform the Mambo, $25-$45. www.themahaffey.com 2OGHU Rumba, Cha Cha, and more in Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Tickets start Trans-Siberian Orchestra at $16.50. www.strazcenter.org Moms, Date Night 'HF S P The holidays come alive with the exhilarating sounds The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the of this high-energy musical act as it brings its winter 8QLYHUVH Â&#x2021; 'HF YDULRXV WLPHV tour to Tampa for two performances at the St. Pete Prepare to laugh as this Tony-winning one-woman Times Forum in downtown Tampa. Tickets are $29show hits Gorilla Theatre, 4419 N. Hubert Ave., $57. www.stpetetimesforum.com Everyone Tampa. Actress Jonelle Meyer is Trudy, a homeless hoarder with psychic abilities. Tickets are $20-$25. An Intimate Evening with John Legend 'HF S P www.gorillatheatre.com Moms, Dads See a more personal side of the Grammy Award$ 7KRXVDQG &UDQHV Â&#x2021; 'HF YDULRXV WLPHV winning artist as he takes the stage as part of the Learn the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who 8QLWHG :D\ RI 7DPSD %D\ÂˇV EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W SURJUDP DQG was just 2 when an atomic bomb is dropped on her speaks about the importance of education and his town Hiroshima, leaving her with radiation sickness philanthropic work as well as performs a short set of by age 12. Coming to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, songs at St. Petersburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mahaffey Theatre. Tickets are $55, $70 and $85. 727-892-5767. Moms, Dads tickets are $8. www.rutheckerdhall.com 10 & Older

Velveteen Rabbit Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. TECO Theater Entertaining and genuinely moving, this timeless tale tells the story of a toy rabbit made real through a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love.

theater & dance

6KUHN WKH 0XVLFDO Â&#x2021; 'HF S P Follow the life and love story of your favorite ogre at Mahaffey Theatre, 400 First St. S., downtown St. Petersburg. Tickets are $42.50-$62.50.The result is part romance, part musical, part irreverent fairy tale. www.themahaffey.com 10 & Older

Are You My Mother? Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 Ferguson Hall ' 2 and 4 p.m. Based on P. D. Eastmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic picture book for beginning readers, this enchanting story about Baby Birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey is one that overflows with love, dedication and friendship. PRESENTED BY

Build the foundation for a vivid imagination! MEDIA SPONSORS:

HAVE AN EVENT?

E-mail submissions, preferably at least a month in advance, to calendar@tbparenting.com for consideration.

TICKETS AND INFORMATION:

813.229.STAR (7827) STRAZCENTER.ORG OUTSIDE TAMPA BAY: 800.955.1045 Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

December 2011

TBParenting.com

H liday Calendar Mickeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Very Merry Christmas Party 7KURXJK 'HF S P Â˛ PLGQLJKW Celebrate this special time of year with Mickey and his friends at Walt Disney Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Magic Kingdom. Party requires a separate event ticket and includes live entertainment, Mickeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Once 8SRQ D &KULVWPDVWLPH 3DUDGH KROLGD\ Ă&#x20AC;UHZRUNV and more. www.disneyworld.com 2OGHU Teddy Bear Round-Up Through Dec. 20, various times Donate a new teddy bear and get a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general admission ticket for free at MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. www.mosi.org Everyone Holiday Gift Wrap & Trees of Love Through Dec. 24, 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 p.m. 9LVLW :HVWĂ&#x20AC;HOG &RXQWU\VLGH 0DOO LQ &OHDUZDWHU and Tyrone Square Mall in St. Petersburg to get holiday packages wrapped by volunteers and make a donation to Suncoast Hospice. www. thehospice.org Moms, Dads Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Downtown on Ice Through Jan. 1, various times Glide around Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only outdoor ice skating rink at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley. Skate for 90 minutes for $10; skates included. Hours: 4-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Holiday hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24 and 4-10 p.m. Dec. 25. www.tampasdowntownonice.com Everyone Christmas On Ice Through Jan. 1, various times Head over to Busch Gardens Tampa as this popular winter wonderland production returns to the Moroccan Palace. Included with park admission. www.buschgardens.com Everyone Holiday Lights in the Gardens Through Jan. 1, various times Stroll through thousands of lights from 5:309:30 p.m. at Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Check out the gift and plant sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 11 and a dog parade at 2 p.m. Dec. 31. Suggested

donation: $2 adults (free for kids younger than ZZZ Ă EJ RUJ 6 & Older

Holiday Inn (Dec. 11); and Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Wonderful Life (Dec. 16-18). www.tampatheatre.org Everyone

Nights of Shimmering Lights Through Jan. 7, various times Enjoy a dazzling light and sound show at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, S.R. 60 and Sydney Washer Road, Brandon. View over a mile of LED lights and illuminated tunnels in this family-friendly drive-through holiday display. $20 per car. www.nightsofshimmeringlights.com Everyone

A Christmas Story, The Musical! Dec. 6-11, various times Travel back to simpler days with Ralphie and that unbelievable leg lamp in the musical production of the holiday classic in Carol Morsani Hall at Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Straz Center. Tickets start at $38.50. Dec. 7 is Broadway Family Night (purchase one full-price adult ticket and get one free childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ticket (12 and younger). www.strazcenter.org 6 & Older

Victorian Christmas Stroll 'HF D P Â˛ S P Travel back in time as the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa showcases a Victorian Christmas across 14 exhibit rooms. Sip spiced cider, nibble cookies and enjoy the sound of carolers. Tickets: $13 adults, $7 children ages 4-18. Santa visits from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 23. Proceeds fund museum preservation. www. plantmuseum.com 2OGHU Tampa Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 2, 7 p.m. Be a part of the seasonal excitement as Mayor Buckhorn and the rest of the city gathers for the RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO WUHH OLJKWLQJ DW &XUWLV +L[RQ :DWHUIURQW Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive. Event includes live music, family activities and refreshments. Stay after to watch the holiday movie Elf in the park. Free admission. 6 & Older Wild Wonderland 'HF S P Celebrate with your favorite animal friends, including reindeer at Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave. Enjoy free rides, sample tasty holiday favorites at the zooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweet Shoppe and check out animated holiday light displays. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for ages 3-11. www. lowryparkzoo.com 2OGHU Holiday Movie Classics at Tampa Theatre 'HF YDULRXV WLPHV Check out Christmas classics at Tampa Theatre downtown. See Miracle on 34th Street (Dec. 4);

A Very Latin Holiday 'HF D P Enjoy this holiday season with traditions brought to Tampa from Spain, Cuba and Italy when the Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water Street, continues its childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program, A Little History. Each program is $10 per child and $6 per adult. Pre-registration is required. www. tampabayhistorycenter.org 3-5 Holiday Festival & Illuminated Boat Parade Dec. 10, 3-10 p.m. Bring the family for a festive celebration at Spa Beach Park, 615 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. Hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg, day features live entertainment, a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activity area and chili cook-off. www.stpeteboatparade. com Everyone The Life and Adventures of Santa Dec. 11, 2 & 4 p.m. Sing along and follow Santa in this production based on the book by L. Frank Baum when it hits the Straz Center. Tickets start at $9.50. 813-229-7827. 5-8 )/=ÂˇV -LQJOH %DOO Â&#x2021; 'HF S P The all-star lineup of entertainment at the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa includes Pitbull, The Script, Demi Lovato, David Guetta, Jason Derulo, Cobra Starship and Karmin. Tickets start at $29.33. www.stpetetimesforum. com Teens, Moms, Dads

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

December 2011

TBParenting.com

BALLET

0LUDFOH RQ WK 6WUHHW Â&#x2021; 'HF S P Watch the musical theatrical production based on the 1947 movie of the same name at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets are $31-$48. www.rutheckerdhall.com 6 & Older SeaWorld Orlandoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Celebration Dec. 16-30, various times Explore the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wintry, watery wonderland, including the Sea of Trees lights show, Winter Wonderland on Ice, live entertainment, O Wondrous Night, a life-size puppet show, and The Polar Express Experience. www. seaworldorlando.com Everyone $ &KULVWPDV &DURO Â&#x2021; 'HF S P Transport yourself to the snowy streets of 19th century Victorian England and join Ebenezeer Scrooge on his ghostly adventures in this production at Clearwaterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets start at $28. 727-791-7400. 8 & Older 7KH 1XWUDFNHU Â&#x2021; 'HF YDULRXV WLPHV Follow Clara on her journey to save her beloved nutcracker through battles with mice and the palace of the Sugarplum Fairy. Tickets: $25 VIP, $22 advance adult and $20 students (12 and younger). www.largoarts.com Everyone $ 5RFNDSHOOD +ROLGD\ Â&#x2021; 'HF S P Get swept up in the captivating harmony of this Ă&#x20AC;YH PDQ JURXS DV WKH\ EULQJ WKHLU VPRRWK sounds and fresh take on the holidays to Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St. Tickets are $35. www. tampatheatre.com Moms, Date Night The Nutcracker 'HF YDULRXV WLPHV Experience a holiday treasure featuring the sounds of sweeping Tchaikovsky accompanying one of the most beloved ballets of all time when it is performed at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Local children and the Florida Orchestra are featured in the production. Tickets are 39.50-$59. www. rutheckerdhall.com 6 & Older Noon Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve 'HF D P Â˛ S P Ring in 2012 during this daytime celebration at Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lowry Park Zoo. Festivities include games, live entertainment, arts and crafts and Radio Disney AM 1380. At noon, families can welcome the New Year with noisemakers, hats and a juice toast. Included with zoo admission. www.lowryparkzoo.com Everyone

The holiday tradition continues! Featuring international ballet superstar Jose Manuel CarreĂąo as the Cavalier, Miami City Ballet principal dancer Katia Carranza as the Sugarplum Fairy, Boston Ballet first soloist Jeffrey Cirio as the Snow King, the award-winning dancers of Next Generation Ballet and a cast of 150 dancers and specialty performers.

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$TXD (YH Â&#x2021; 'HF S P Â˛ D P Usher in the New Year at the Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Dance the night away and indulge in food, beer and wine while viewing exhibits. Make a champagne toast with PLGQLJKW Ă&#x20AC;UHZRUNV 7LFNHWV IRU PHPEHUV through Dec. 18; $80 through Dec. 4; $90 from Dec. 5-18; and $100 after Dec. 18. www. Ă DTXDULXP RUJ Date Night

December 2011

TBParenting.com

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Play your part!

LEGOLAND Florida is now open with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. Florida’s newest theme park is built for family fun and it’s just 45 minutes from Tampa. For tickets and all the fun details, visit www.LEGOLAND.com.

LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob conﬁgurations and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2011 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND FLORIDA IS A PART OF THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP. Visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call 877-350-5346 for days and hours of operation.