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Contents
10
14
18
34
features 24|cut it out
10|safe holidays
Removing carcinogens fron your diet
Tips to keep holiday giving safe and fun
32|spread cheer
14|happy gathering 101
Holiday gift guide
Planning and communication
34|extraordinary woman
18|baby talk
Jessica Muroff
Preparing for pregnancy
22|stop, think, act
on the cover
Social and emotional awareness
every month 06|Letter From The Editor 10|health and wellness 18|education
Photograph by Jeanine McLeod of Cloud 9 Photos This month, we took our
Pg. 32
Cover Kids Liam A. and Colten
Spread Cheer! The best gifts
S. to a winter wonderland at
in our annual holiday gift
International Plaza. With a
guide.
Peanuts-themed Ice Palace and plenty of falling snow to
30|what's happening 36|south Hillsborough News 38|north Hillsborough News
play in, the boys had a blast. Guests can come see Santa in this holiday haven and enjoy the Christmas trees decorated
40|south pinellas News
with snow.
42|north pinellas News
tickets to Busch Gardens with
44|pasco News
Get a pair of
the purchase of Santa Photo Package A, while supplies last,
46|around town
see Concierge for details
48|calendar of events 54|directory
For
more
about
the
information Ice
Palace
at
International Plaza, visit www. shopinternationalplaza.com/ holidays.
4
TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
I have to lead by example now.
Seven pounds and growing.
It hasn’t hit me yet. I’m a mom.
Health care is about the human spirit. Which is why Florida Hospital goes beyond symptoms and treatments, helping people live healthier, happier lives. Because you’re not just having a baby, you’re delivering a little miracle to the world and your family. This is more than quality, expertise and compassion.
Discover the Florida Hospital difference at InspiredTampaBay.com
Florida Hospital
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Centra Care Urgent Care
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Locations Throughout Tampa Bay Florida Hospital Physician Group
Founder & Editorial Director
Angela L. Ardolino Editorial Assistant
Krista Byrd Associate Editor
Anu Panchal Contributing Writers
Gayla Grace Lisa L. Thompson Jill Hechtman, MD Danielle Caci Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman Nekeshia Hammond, Psy.D. Nicole Stuart, M.A. Ashley Tirado, M.A. Michelle Robey Calendar & Neighborhood Stories
Last month I got a chance to see five former students who are currently on Broadway. Here are some of them after a performance of “On Your Feet!” Clara Fath, Karina Fernandez, Lindsay Perez, Dani Berkowitz, Ana Villafañe, me, Victor Legra, Sophia Curtis, Hernando Umana and Adrian Ruz.
Chris Kuhn Director of Sales & events
David E. Estevez account executive
As the year comes to a close, I love to use this time to reflect on everything that has come my family’s way. Whether it has been a wonderful year or a hard one, I have found that as long as you have each other, there is always something to be thankful for. For some of us, however, spending time together as a family is easier said than done. On page 14, Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, Nicole Stuart, M.A., and Ashley Tirado, M.A. from Hammond Psychology share ways to make your family gatherings a little bit easier.
Jill Assalti Ralf Gonzalez Melissa McClung sales assistant
‘Tis the season for giving, but for parents of small children, it is also the season for worrying about dangerous gifts. On page 10, associate editor Anu Panchal found out what toys are really safe for kids this holiday season.
Katherine Lavacca Johnny Garde
For expecting moms and dads, getting ready for the new bundle of joy can be scary. Experts from Florida Hospital shared ways to help parents get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. Tips on everything from your pre-pregnancy appointments to your birthing experience are on page 18.
public relations
Theresa Stanton Lesley Rowland Contributing photographers
Jeanine McLeod Amy Pezzicara Social Moms
It is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season when you’re buying gifts and putting up decorations. Before you head out shopping, check out our annual gift guide on page 32 so that you can find something for everyone on your list. With all the hectic holiday preparations, I always make it a priority to take time out to spend with my family and friends. I hope that you will join me in doing the same.
Tampa Bay parenting Magazine
320 W. Kennedy Blvd Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: 813-949-4400 Fax: 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com Become A Fan at:
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As you brave the grocery store or the mall in the next few weeks with your kids in tow, it is easy to think that your children are less socially or emotionally aware than they should be when they are fighting or pitching a fit in the middle of the store. On page 22, Headmaster from Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman, shares tips on how to enhance your family’s social and emotional awareness using the RULER initiative. As part of our ongoing Extraordinary Woman series, this month we got to know a woman who got her dream job. Jessica Muroff is the CEO of the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, a wonderful mother of two girls, and a loving wife. Find out how she does it all and makes it look easy on page 34.
Lisa-Marie Leihy Rachel Long Mandi Mella Peggy Stines-Munnings Ana Peralta Laurie Winkles
6
WHAT A YEAr
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who entered and voted in our 2016 Cover Kid Search. It was a close race this year and I am thrilled to announce our winners. To see the winers of the 2016 Cover Kid Search, visit TBParenting.com/CoverKidSearch. Merry Christmas!
Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.
• JUNE 2015 • TBParenting.com
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safe holidays Tips to keep holiday giving safe and fun
By Anu Varma Panchal
s
ure, the real meaning of Christmas is family, togetherness and peace on earth—if you’re an adult.
Age-appropriateness is also a concern with video games. “Follow those age guidelines,” says Maynard. “They are there for a reason. If you have a 16-year-old and an 8-year-old, be sure to set guidelines with teen on where and when the game can be played.
For the under-12 crowd, if there’s one thing we learned from “A Christmas Story’s” Ralphie and his epic yearning for a B.B. gun, it’s that one dream toy can make or break Christmas.
The holiday gifts that cause the most number of visits to the Steinbrenner Children’s Emergency Room at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital are definitely the wheeled toys, says Maynard—scooters (especially motorized scooters), RipStiks, Hoverboards and bicycles. Kids aren’t going to stop wanting these, however, so employ some basic safety guidelines and enforce a “follow the house rules or don’t ride” policy. Make sure you are with your young child when they are riding. Make sure a helmet and any other safety equipment such as knee pads are part of the gift. And make sure that in the case of a bicycle, you don’t buy a size up for kids to grow into and forget to adjust the seat. Bike fit is important; a child’s feet should be able to reach the ground when sitting on the seat. Helmets should also fit snugly and not wobble around when kids shake their heads.
Unfortunately, that happy glow is not all that can break. If toys aren’t chosen well, the potential to spend the rest of Christmas vacation in a cast is all too real. The holiday season can be a dangerous one for children, but Bevin Maynard, supervisor of the Child Advocacy Center at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, says that with reasonable precautions, everyone can have fun and stay safe. About 3 billion toys are sold yearly in the United States, and about half of this number is bought during the year-end holidays. Unfortunately, emergency rooms also see an average of 256,000 kids around this time for toy-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many of these injuries are minor, says Maynard, but unfortunately there are fatalities, especially with children under 3 who choke on small parts. “Parents of toddlers: Don’t purchase toys with small parts,” Maynard entreats. “If it can fit inside of a toilet paper roll, don’t purchase it for your small child. And be sure to keep toys purchased for older children up and away from their younger siblings.” Many parents look at the age on a toy, and assume that it refers to a learning level, and that their 2-year-old is “smart enough” to play with a toy that states “5 and older” on the box. What they don’t understand is that the age is a safety measure, not a learning measure, says Maynard. In other words, even if your child can understand and manipulate that “5-and-older” toy as a 3-yearold, he or she could still choke on a small piece from it.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
Toys that heat up too fast—Easy Bake ovens and electric crayon makers—pose another hazard. Parents should use these with kids over 8, supervise play and make sure they are unplugged and put away after use. Another common misperception is that if a toy is on the market, it must have been safetyapproved at some point by the authorities. Not so, says Maynard. It is the manufacturer’s own responsibility to self-test a toy for safety. As long as the manufacturer deems it is safe, it can be sold. As long as there are no safety complaints, it can continue to be sold. “That’s why it’s important to report unsafe toys to www.saferproducts.gov,” says Maynard. “That’s how most recalls happen.” Safekids.org suggests the following guidelines when buying toys by age group: •For those 2 years and under, look for toys that encourage physical activity, imaginative play, hand manipulation and early reading. Active manipulation is better than battery-operated push button toys. •For kids 3 to 5 years, look for things that encourage balance—tricycles, scooters or bikes (with helmets); building and creating toys; art projects that encourage fine motor skills; books, educational games, musical instruments and outdoor toys. Safekids recommends limiting electronics and DVDs for this age group. •For kids 6 to 12 years, recommended toys include arts and crafts, construction and brain-building toys and sports equipment. The organization recommends not purchasing a motorized scooter for your child, because using these without helmets and protective gear have led to fatalities.
Safety Tips
A beautifully trimmed tree is often the focal point of many family gatherings, but it can also pose threats. Allow the littlest kids to decorate with “their” ornaments first, and then put those easily-shattered glass globes or ornaments with sharp metal hooks out of reach towards the top of the tree, Maynard says.
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
Pediatric Care in Tampa Bay Has a New Name:
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Connect with a physician close to home HealthPoint Medical Group, Morton Plant Mease Primary Care and Specialists, St. Anthony’s Primary Care and Specialists and Suncoast Medical Clinic recently joined to become BayCare Medical Group. With more than 150 pediatricians, pediatric specialists and family medicine physicians in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties, care for your family is always nearby. The signs may change but your doctor and office staff will remain the same, and will continue to help your children stay healthy. Our participation with your insurance will not be affected. Thank you for allowing us to care for your family. Now accepting new patients. Most major insurance plans are accepted.
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If you buy a real tree rather than an artificial one, be sure to secure it tightly to the tree stand to prevent tip overs. It’s also important to water them regularly because dry needles can pose a fire hazard. Maynard suggests setting a reminder on your phone or computer. Other potential fire hazards this time of year are candles, lighters and matches. Always keep lighters and matches out of reach and never leave candles lit overnight. And be careful of novelty lighters that may resemble toys and prove irresistible to little explorers. Nothing says Christmas like strings of pretty twinkling lights, but Maynard advises caution here also. “Don’t use frayed wires,” she says. “Don’t tape them up. Use surge protectors. Don’t overload sockets.” Also popular during the holiday—especially if our little Floridians visit family up north—are evergreen boughs and berries. But beware the berries that may look like a tasty nibble for young children or curious pets, says Maynard. Some poisonous varieties include mistletoe berries, holly berries and Jerusalem cherries. If these are swallowed, Maynard recommends immediately calling the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Another area of potential holiday danger is travel. Millions take to the roads or air, and with the heightened sense of urgency and excitement, the situation is rife for carelessness. “Plan,” exhorts Maynard. You want to keep things accessible so that you do not have to unbuckle a seatbelt while barreling down the highway at 75 mph; at the same time, you don’t want a lot of items scattered around the inside of the car because in the unfortunate case of a collision, they could become dangerous projectiles. “Pull over if you or your child needs something,” says Maynard, and get them what they need from where it has been safely and securely stowed. Florida also does not have a booster seat law like some other states do, says Maynard. While children 5 and under must be in government-approved restraints, children 6 and up are allowed to only be in a seatbelt. However, Maynard says it is safest for those 4 feet and 9 inches tall and below to still use a booster seat. “Seat belts are made to fit adults – not kids – and can cause spinal or internal injuries during a crash if they don’t fit correctly,” notes Maynard. “A booster seat simply boosts the child up so that he fits in the adult seat belt properly.” Cooking is another focus of the holidays, and while the occasion may be a great one for little kids to learn how to bake grandma’s special cookies, adult cooks should be careful to use back burners and keep pot handles turned away from the front. Ironically, it turns out that one of the most at-risk groups during Christmas may not be kids, but their fathers. “We typically see several dads in the ER each year that have fallen from ladders or roofs while putting up holiday decorations,” says Maynard.
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For more information, visit TBParenting.com/ SafeToys TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
At Brandon Regional Hospital
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Attend one of our monthly childbirth education classes or take a tour of our Baby Suites. Call (813) 653-1065 or visit BrandonHospitalBaby.com to register.
Happy Gathering 101 Planning and communication key to smooth and enjoyable family holiday meals By Nekeshia Hammond, Psy.D., Nicole Stuart, M.A., and Ashley Tirado, M.A.
H
oliday dinners are supposed to be a time for family, friends and laughter. The idea is to get together and just enjoy each other’s company. However, whether we like to admit it or not, spending time with family can also be a stressful experience filled with frustration and unexpected heated arguments. You know the ones I’m referring to, don’t you? The conversations you wish you could take back, or at least have thought about in advance to avoid saying something regrettable. If you would like to keep the peace this holiday season, below are some tips to help you get through those holiday dinners and perhaps even have a civilized experience with all the members of your family. Yes, even your in-laws. • Keep an open mind. Before the dinner begins, take a few minutes to think about the dinner you’re about to experience and how joyous it would be if everyone was able to get along. • Before you and your spouse meet up with the rest of the family, have a conversation with each other about what issues are on your mind, what your concerns are and where you stand on them. By discussing issues in advance you can create a united front and then be each other’s support throughout the gathering you’re about to be a part of. • Discuss with your spouse where you will be going, who you will be spending time with and for how long, and when you will be spending time with each other’s family. If possible, try to be fair in how much time each family gets with the two of you. • Remember that you and your spouse are on the same team and when you stand together you can get through anything. • Before the holidays get here, try and get to know your extended family a little more. Sometimes the reason we argue is because we don’t think of them as close members of our family. You may find that you have more in common than you realized, and if nothing else, you will have talking points to use in place of stressful topics to fill
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• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
the awkward silence moments. • Prepare responses to personal topics. By anticipating the subjects that could come up, you’ll be more emotionally prepared for how to respond. For example, when you are asked: “When are you two finally going to have a baby?” You could get emotional and react irrationally, or you could simply be firm in the response: “When Tom and I are ready, we will discuss it and I promise we’ll keep you in the loop.” • Even when it feels impossible, keep calm. You will only add to the intensity if you react instead of thinking first, then calmly responding. Breathe, and leave the room if you must; it’s better to collect yourself than cause a scene. • Create boundaries with blended families. Develop and discuss rules with each stepparent and children in a clear and understandable manner in advance of gatherings. Remember, the holiday season can and should be a great time to bond with your family, if you choose for it to be. Focus on the positive aspects of your family members and you’ll have a much happier holiday season. Hammond, Stuart and Tirado are with Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A., a private practice in Brandon, Florida dedicated to helping children, teens, families and adults. For more family tips, visit our blog at: www.HammondPsychology.com
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
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17
t
he nursery is ready. The crib is assembled. Infant-sized outfits hang in the closet; piles of onesies, bibs, socks and hats are folded neatly in drawers; and stacks of diapers, wipes and creams stand ready to go to work at the changing table. Your house has been baby proofed, car seat installed, your bag packed and you’ve even done a few dozen practice drills in preparation for the big day. But just how much preparation have you put into actually planning before pregnancy? At what age should you become pregnant? What time of the month is the best time to become pregnant? What is your health status before, during and after pregnancy? Is your family ready for a baby – first time or otherwise? According to Jenni Lash, RN, CNM, associate vice president of Women’s and Children’s Services at Florida Hospital Tampa, a number of professional health organizations recommend practice guidelines for doctors and nurses to address preconception healthcare for women of child bearing age. “Pre-planning for pregnancy months or even years before becoming pregnant optimizes the ability to maintain some control around the timing of conception; ensures the best health for both the mother and baby.” So, if you’re thinking about having a baby but don’t know where to start, consider these four “baby steps” of a pregnancy plan that walk you through vitally important stages on the path to becoming a new mom. Make a pre-pregnancy healthcare visit with your doctor This appointment is important because it allows you to express your desire for a baby, and ask questions, address concerns, and make lifestyle or health changes as directed by your healthcare provider. Know your and your family’s health history and share any important information at this time with your doctor. Your doctor will need to know about your past medical history: • Do you suffer from or have a family history of diabetes or high blood pressure • Active or past infections • Previous pregnancy information • Medications (over-the-counter) or prescription (including herbal supplements) • Drug or alcohol use; past or present Questions to ask your physician during this visit: • Should I continue or start vitamins? • What about additional folic acid? • How is my weight now? Do I need to lose or gain any weight prior to becoming pregnant? • Can I continue to take my prescription medications and over-thecounter medications or supplements? • What if premature birth runs in my family? Embrace healthy living There are four primary categories of healthy living that you should consider on your journey to becoming pregnant and during pregnancy. The first of these categories is nutrition. Eat a well-balanced diet that contains all the major food groups. Do not start a diet program or lose or gain too much weight over a short period of time as this could affect your reproductive cycle. Taking a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms of Folic Acid helps prevent brain and spinal cord defects. The second important area is exercise. Establish a daily exercise program prior to your pregnancy and
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
baby talk Preparing for pregnancy By Michelle Robey
plan to stick with it through your pregnancy (as recommended by your healthcare provider). Exercising before and during pregnancy will strengthen muscles you’ll need during pregnancy and the delivery, improve your circulation, relieve common aches and pains and help control weight gain. The third category in this phase is emotional health. Learn how to manage everyday stress, get plenty of sleep and introduce methods of stress reduction such as meditation or music. It’s critically important to your health and the health of your baby to take time for yourself. Be aware of and seek help for symptoms of depression and anxiety. The last piece to complete an inside-out approach to healthy living involves kicking old, unhealthy habits. Eliminate alcohol consumption, stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke, do not take illegal drugs, wean yourself off caffeine, and avoid being around hazardous substances and chemicals such as paint and harsh cleaning agents. Know your most fertile days Understanding when your specific window of opportunity is to getting pregnant will be key in allowing you to becoming pregnant (or avoiding pregnancy). Ovulation is the time in the menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the ovary. Dates vary from woman to woman depending on cycle length. Ovulation typically occurs 14 days before menstruation begins and your fertile days start five days before ovulation (sperm can live up to three days). Signs you’re ovulating include breast tenderness, mittelschmerz (brief period of sharp pain on one side of the lower abdomen – the side where the egg was released), and cervical mucous changes (amount increases, texture becomes elastic, stretchy, slippery, thin and clear). There are simple ways to pinpoint your fertile days. Experts counsel hopeful mothers to observe the signs, measure and chart out your basal body temperature (BBT) every morning before you get out of bed and even to use home ovulation kits as they may predict ovulation than evaluating BBT or cervical mucus. Know you are pregnant sooner rather t h a n later The sooner you know you’re pregnant, the sooner you c a n take better care of yourself and your baby.
Early signs that you might be pregnant can include the absence of menstruation, morning sickness (nausea/vomiting), frequent urination, tender swollen breasts, darkening of the areola (area around the nipple) and raised glands around the nipple, blue and pink lines under breasts and abdomen, and last but not least, food cravings. “Approximately 99 percent of over-the-counter home pregnancy tests are accurate at detecting typical pregnancy hormone levels. Hormone levels can vary, however, and there must be enough hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin also referred to as “the pregnancy hormone�) present in urine in order for a pregnancy test to be able to detect it,� says Dr. Jacquelyn Stone, one of the OB Hospitalists at Florida Hospital Tampa. “The more sensitive a pregnancy test is, the lower the level of hCG it is able to detect,� says Stone. Once you find out you are pregnant, you can maximize your changes for a healthy, full-term baby. Unfortunately in the United States, prematurity continues to be a major issue. Babies born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy are called premature or preterm. About 12 percent of babies in the United States are born preterm. Of those, the majority (84 percent) are born between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation. About 10 percent are born between 28 and 31 weeks of gestation, and about 6 percent are born at less than 28 weeks of gestation. The average term pregnancy is now at 39 weeks, not 40. For more information, visit www.tbparenting.com/babytalk
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
11. 12. 13.
Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist to confirm the pregnancy. Continue healthy living, including eating right and taking vitamins. If you smoke, stop immediately. If you drink alcohol, caffeine or use illicit drugs, stop immediately. Ask your OB/Gynecologist for help. Manage your expected and desired weight gain with your provider. Have fun and manage life stress with relaxation and exercise. Discuss your exercise plan with your OB/Gynecologist. Determine where you want to deliver your baby and schedule time to tour the hospital or facility. Meet with a birth designer who can help you create a personalized birth experience centered around your preferences and needs. Become familiar with the facility’s location and parking, so you know exactly where to go when you arrive on the day of your delivery. Become familiar with their emergency OB care (OB emergency room and availability of neonatal intensive care). Find out if the facility has an OB on staff at all times. Understand what they offer in terms breast feeding education and lactation consultants before, during and after your delivery, and parenting/sibling classes. Learn about special amenities available for you and your family (such as special meals, concierge services, massages or new baby portrait photography).
stop, Think, act Enhance your family’s social and emotional awareness By Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman
a
friend moving to a new town leaves your son blue. A child angry about cleaning her room when she wants to play says she feels red. And when you play the upbeat chorus of Pharrell Williams’ song “Happy,” your kids start dancing, exclaiming, “That’s yellow, that’s yellow!”
The “Mood Meter” is a visual representation of what you might be feeling by assigning colors to different emotions. Part of a broader initiative called RULER that schools like Corbett Preparatory School of IDS are implementing for social and emotional learning, the Mood Meter is one of four tools for managing feelings appropriately. RULER stands for Recognize, Understand, Label, Express and Regulate — a process that can help adults and students identify and manage their emotions. Developed at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, the RULER method incorporates research-based tactics of the Charter, Mood Meter, Meta Moment and Blueprint that benefit both school communities and families. The Mood Meter in particular is a great way for parents to value emotional intelligence at home. By identifying how they are feeling openly together, parents and children can learn to make more thoughtful decisions. Three simple steps will introduce you to the Mood Meter and perhaps inspire you to look more deeply into RULER’s other strategies.
1.
Name your emotion: As Dr. Marc Brackett, the director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence says, “If you can name it, you can tame it.” The Mood Meter helps pinpoint emotions with its simple square split into quadrants of red, yellow, blue, and green. Each color corresponds to different emotions, which students learn to categorize based on their level of energy and pleasantness. Feeling pleasant with high energy puts you in a happy state of yellow. High energy and unpleasantness, however, shifts to red, which reflects emotions such as anger or fright. Pleasant and low energy is peaceful green, and unpleasantness and low energy show up in the blue quadrant with feelings that may include loneliness or disappointment. Every color is valued and has its purpose. Knowing how to regulate each quadrant is the key. Corbett Prep’s Early Primary division leader, Marla Vildostegui, says the Mood Meter has helped her kindergarten class become more mindful about how their emotions change throughout the day and affect their actions. Their vocabulary improves as well, as they graduate from saying they feel “fine” to using words such as “ecstatic” or “serene.” Teaching subtle distinctions between similar feelings empowers students to recognize the full scope of their emotional lives, see how their feelings fluctuate and eventually learn to manage their emotions, Vildostegui says.
2.
Think about how you want to feel: All emotions are valid. But certain emotions are more beneficial depending on what you want to accomplish. Feeling outraged could help you make a passionate argument in a debate, but backfire if you need quiet time to write or study. Knowing where your child is on the Mood Meter helps so you can encourage him to make deliberate shifts during the day. A charter, another aspect of RULER, may remind families of agreements they created together — how they want to feel at home, what they can do to have those feelings,
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• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
and guidelines to prevent conflict.
3.
Shift your feelings. You may know you want to move from red (anger) to green (peaceful) but feel stuck. Having strategies at the ready make it easier. Does a certain kind of music invigorate you? Will a walk outside improve your concentration? Do you feel uplifted when you look at a beautiful photo or read an inspirational quote? The Mood Meter even has an app that lets you log your feelings and prompts you with suggestions if you need a change, further developing emotional intelligence in all areas of your life. Schools that use the Mood Meter and RULER report that they have a healthier school climate where students are less likely to bully others and more likely to demonstrate better leadership skills and increased attention. Students may perform better academically as their work habits improve and distractions shrink, and teachers develop more positive relationships with students and experience less burnout. The RULER approach also helps kids identify strong emotions in their Meta-Moments, in-the-moment, and step back and pause techniques, to help them identify effective responses and strategies to combat challenging situations. And Blueprint, the fourth tool, works to develop empathy in kids as they work together to reflect on problems and gain other perspectives in working through conflicts. Attaching feelings to colors with the Mood Meter is simple enough for even the youngest children to grasp, but the exercise benefits people of all ages. Whether your goals are for the living room, the classroom or the office, emotional awareness puts people in control of their feelings instead of the other way around. To learn more about Yale’s RULER approach visit www.ei.yale.edu/evidence. For more information about how RULER is working at Corbett Prep visit www.corbettprep.com. Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman is Headmaster at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, which sent a team of teachers to professional development at Yale this summer to learn about the RULER.
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cut it out Removing processed meats from your family’s diet By Krista Byrd
w
hen it comes to eating a diet of whole foods and unprocessed meats, my family tends to fall on the “everything will kill you so you may as well enjoy your jerky!” side of the scale. As for me, I’m the queen of the drive-through. My reign even extends all the way to the frozen food aisle. It would seem nearly impossible therefore, to cut processed meats out of our diet.
Perfect meals every day of the week are often just not something we can do. However, variety can be key in making delicious meals that are healthy and whole. Your family may not be ready to go full vegetarian— they may not even be ready to cut out junk food—but there are small steps you can take to “eat clean” that can make a huge difference.
However, that changed after reading the new findings from the World Health Organization. A recent WHO report released Oct. 26 revealed that processed meats can cause cancer and are as risky as cigarettes and asbestos. Examples of processed meat include hot dogs (frankfurters), ham, sausages, corned beef, and biltong or beef jerky as well as canned meat and meat-based preparations and sauces.
“Look for different meal ideas with from-the-store circulars or websites,” says Krieger. “Fit4AllKids.org has a great recipe section to inspire families to try new foods. Look for ideas on other nutritious protein foods too [besides processed meat], such as eggs, meat cooked whole and then sliced for sandwiches (whole chicken, pork loin or beef roast), tofu, lentils and other beans and all types of nuts and seeds. The meal combinations are endless when you include more foods into meals and snacks.”
Although doctors and dieticians say that processed meat is still okay when eaten in moderation and infrequently, these findings are troublesome, especially for families who frequent delis and make a quick meal of hot dogs when life moves faster that we can. Turkey sandwiches can quickly become a go-to lunch food but they may be causing more harm than good.
Eating a better diet doesn’t have to mean cutting out meat completely, but if your family should decide to become vegetarian, there are still ways that you can receive all the nutrients you would have been getting from meat. Krieger does urges families to meet with a registered dietician nutritionist before embarking on a new dietary journey that eliminates meat.
That’s why I decided to try to eat clean (or as close to clean as I could get) for an entire week. I thought that if I can do it, anyone can, and so began an exciting gastrointestinal journey for my family’s wellness.
“It is absolutely possible for children to meet their nutritional needs if the family is vegetarian—especially if dairy and eggs are included. Find one [a dietician] through www.eatright.org, who specializes in vegetarian diets and even more important for a family looking into the vegan diet, which eliminates all animal sources,” she says.
We began by cutting meat out of the equation and focusing on exciting textures, colors, and most importantly, flavors of food. “Sometimes a child may not like a new food at first (or second or third!) Look at the textures of foods your children enjoy and continue to offer them similar tastes and textures. For example, a child who likes crunchy and salty foods may like crunchy carrot sticks or raw broccoli with soy sauce as a dip,” says Sarah Krieger, M.P.H., R.D.N., L.D.N., Registered and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist at All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Kids will try new foods eventually. It also helps to have them participate in the grocery shopping and meal preparation.” However, processed meats are all around us when we walk through the grocery store. Standing near any given meat refrigerator, you may be flanked by hot dogs and sausages, and as your children hang off of the end of your shopping cart and whine for candy, it’s tempting to throw that pack of hotdogs into the buggy for a hasslefree dinner afterwards. “Children usually eat what their parents or caregivers provide starting at a young age,” Krieger says. “If we only offer hot dogs as a protein source, that is all they will know. As a mom of three, I know it’s a big responsibility to offer a variety of foods to our growing children. Every meal doesn’t have to be perfect in our eyes, but our children require a variety of foods to consume the nutrients they require for
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growth.”
As for me, what I found was that not only could my family do it, but we actually enjoyed it. Within the first two days, I felt more alert and less sluggish than I had in weeks. Sure, I missed my sausage breakfasts, salted meats and my sugary sodas, but I quickly realized how much better I felt without them. Cutting out (or cutting down on) processed meats can be done. Not only is it worth trying with your family, but it can open you up to a food adventure. We wouldn’t want our children to smoke cigarettes and we wouldn’t live in a home with asbestos, so why would we continue to feed them processed meats? The findings of the World Health Organization may seem grim, but your family can experience a whole new way of life through food. If everything on your plate is some variation of brown or tan (as my food often was) perhaps it is time for a healthy change. “Too much of any food is not helpful to the body. Ever see a person turn orange from drinking too much carrot juice? That’s a sign of too many carrots!” says Krieger. “Instead of certain foods off limits 100 percent, aim for less. For example, if bacon or sausage is consumed every day, aim for weekends only instead and try other protein foods during the week.” For more healthy recipes, visit www.fit4allkids.org. For tips & tricks from my time as a guinea pig visit, www.tbparenting.com/cutitout
BRING IN 2016 WITH A SPLASH. .
Don’t miss the most exciting New Year’s Eve party in town with the best view of the fireworks. There will be food, beer, wine, live entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. All Aquarium exhibits will be open. So join the festivities on Dec. 31 from 9 pm – 1 am. Tickets on sale now. Must be 21 and up to attend. Visit flaquarium.org or call 813.273.4030
flaquarium.org | 813.273.4000
YOUR KIDS CAN ALSO ENJOY A FLURRY OF REALLY FUN HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES. From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, we’ll have a cool Snow Play Area, awesome dive shows and much more for the whole family.
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Give theGift
Gift Certificates available at the Academy and online at MJPAA.com
sic u . M g . Act . Sin NOW! e c Dan TER
REGIS
15906 Mapledale Blvd., Tampa, FL 33624 813.969.0240 | mjpaa.com
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
27
DECEMBER 31, NOON-5PM
Not everyone can stay up until midnight, so ring in 2016 at the top of every hour with the Glazer Children’s Museum. Join us for a New Year’s bash that the entire family can enjoy with special programs, dance parties, and more! Visit G L A Z E R M U S E U M . O R G for more information.
WINTER BREAK CAMPS The DROID Games Dec. 21 - 24 K - 4th Grade
R2D2 Coding Laboratory
1
2
Dec. 21 - 24 4th - 8th Grade
SEE IT in the Florida Hospital IMAX® DOME Theatre for the most immersive movie experience in the state.
EXPERIENCE IT in MOSI’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math winter break camps and in our Galactic Family Camp-Ins on Dec. 19 and 30!
Galactic Construction Force Dec. 28 - 31 K - 4th Grade
Jedi Strategy Fun & Games Dec. 28 - 31 4th - 8th Grade
To purchase movie tickets or to register for camp*, call 813-987-6000 or visit MOSI.ORG. *Star Wars movie not included in all camps.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY
|
4 8 0 1 E . F O W L E R AV E . , TA M PA , F L 3 3 6 1 7
MOSI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based institution and a leader in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives by making science real.
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MOSI.ORG
tech picks
presented by
lg gizmo gadget Interactive and secure, GizmoGadget by LG keeps you connected with a bright 1.3–inch touchscreen. This wearable allows you to call up to 10 contacts and receive calls from them. Send short messages to GizmoGadget and locate it on a map from your phone. It’s even waterproof! The Gizmo Gadget is available in Red or Navy. tbparenting.com/gizmogadget
lg gizmopal 2
kidzsafe diy headphones
The GizmoPal 2 by LG is the checking–in wearable you
These customizable headphones give kids the
and your kid can be happy about. Quickly make calls to
chance to stand out with deisgner stickers, colorful ear pads and cables. Switch up your style and
and from the GizmoPal 2. Locate it from your phone, so
keep your accessories together with the included
you know where your child is, or get notifications if your child crosses set GPS boundaries. All in a fashionable,
bag. Parents will love the volume limitations that
waterproof device. tbparenting.com/gizmopal2
are created to protect little ears. These headphones are safe and comfortable for kids ages 3 and up. tbparenting.com/kidzsafe
For more Holiday Tech Picks, visit
vzw.com
ellipses kids tablet
minidrones jumping race drone max
Kids can have fun with the Zoodle digital playground, which is filled with games,
Roll up to 8 mph, spin 360 degrees, jump up to 2.5 feet high all
videos, learning apps and more. Outside of Zoodle, you can surf the web, watch
with this high tech drone. Control the MiniDrone with your iOS
movies, and play additional games. You can also add a colorful case available to
or Android and capture photos with the built-in camera. This mini
suit your style. Best of all, parents can set limits to manage screen time and limit
drone is one of the hottest items of the season!
access to Zoodle mode only. tbparenting.com/ellipseskids
tbparenting.com/minidronesracedrone
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What's Happening
santa fest
Enjoy beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park during Tampa’s annual Santa Fest from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5. Festivities will include live music, giveaways, a Christmas market and more! The annual Rough Rider Parade will also take place with floats from around the Bay Area. Admission is free, but families are encouraged to bring a teddy bear for the Rough Riders Teddy Bear Drive. Concessions will be available for purchase. www.tampagov.net
The Nutcracker Join the Straz Center on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 for an exciting holiday tradition as the Nutcracker returns. Internationally renowned guest artists will perform along with the award-winning dancers of Next Generation Ballet and a cast of nearly 175 dancers and gymnasts. Tickets range from $30 to $125 and show times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 19 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 20. www.strazcenter.org
international plaza welcomes the peanuts gang This holiday season, International Plaza and Bay Street will celebrate the Peanuts Movie with a Peanuts-themed Ice Palace. Now through Dec. 24, shoppers will experience an interactive Peanuts display that will feature falling snow within a 30-foot dome, a light show and other family friendly activities. Meet Santa Claus and experience the Ice Palace for free! www.shopinternationalplaza.com
christmas town at busch gardens Get into the Christmas spirit at Busch Gardens with more than a million twinkling lights, entertainment and attractions. All month long, Christmas Town will be open until 10 p.m. on select dates, allowing families more time to marvel at this beautiful yuletide experience and enjoy both the special Christmas Time Tree Show and the We Three Kings Show. Tickets to the event are available online or at the gate. www.christmastown.com
new year's eve events New Year’s Eve is coming up, which means fun New Year’s Eve parties are happening around the Bay for the whole family. Since not everyone can stay up until midnight, the Glazer Children’s Museum is hosting Noon Year’s Eve with a balloon drop, party hats and noisemakers. For the grown-ups, the Florida Aquarium will be hosting New Year’s Aqua Eve with live music and a fireworks display at midnight. For more New Year’s Eve events, visit www.tbparenting.com/newyears2016
holiday classics at the tampa theatre When you visit Tampa Theatre, you’re not just coming for a movie – you’re coming for an experience. Through the month of December, guests can experience the tradition of sharing beloved holiday favorites on the big screen with family and friends, and singing along to Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ before the show. Films include Its a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas and more. Tickets are available online or at the box office and dates vary. www.tampatheatre.org
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• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
Now - January 3, 2016 • 2 million lights along with acres of stunning décor
• NEW - Cirque Dreams Unwrapped stage show
• NEW ICE! theme - 2 million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures and slides featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
• Gingerbread Decorating Corner sponsored by PEEPS®
• Alpine Rush Snow Tubing
• Breakfast with Mrs. Claus and much more...
• NEW - The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt KISSIMMEE, FL
Tickets and Packages on Sale Now!
ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com
| (407) 586-4423
PEPSI and Pepsi Globe are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. The Elf on the Shelf ® and © 2015 CCA and B, LLC. All rights reserved. PEEPS® trademark Just Born, Inc. © 2015. All rights reserved.
PRESENTED BY
ICE! PRESENTED BY
Tbp product guide
MaryEllen Larkin American Girl Doll Imaginative Maryellen Larkin™ has hazel eyes that open and close, and her long strawberry-blond hair is worn in a high ponytail with sideswept
our favorite
bangs. She comes in an authentic 1950s outfit and the Maryellen Classic Book One. Part of the Be Forever collection, this doll will hold a special place in your child’s heart. $115 www.americangirl.com
mini mcro scooter These easy-to-use scooters are the highest rated scooters for 3-5 year olds who love the fun, safe-to-steer design. The nonmarking wheels offer a smooth ride that parents love. M-Cro scooters are available for all age groups. $80 www.microkickboard.com
spread cheer pie face The exciting Pie Face game is filled with fun and suspense, perfect for the whole family, and somebody’s bound to get splatted! Just put some delicious whipped cream from home or the wet sponge on the “hand” of this hilarious game unit and start turning the handles. $20 www.pieface.hasbro.com
elephantito shoes Get the best quality footwear for every child with these fine leather shoes. They will quickly become a wardrobe staple and range in sizes 2-13 for boys and girls. $40 www.elephantito.com
painting with a twist Meccano MeccaNoid
Give Mom a Night Out! Painting with a Twist is the answer with a
This state of the art robot is buildable and easy to use.
little bit of paint, wine, and a whole lot of fun. Invite your friends,
Standing almost 4 feet tall the Meccanoid G15 KS uses
sip your favorite beverage and enjoy step-by-step instruction with
advanced technology and 10 motors to deliver even more
local artists. Classes are $35 or $45 for 2 or 3-hour classes. Gift
realistic movement to its arms head and feet.
Certificates are available in any denomination. Available at www.
$300 www.meccano.com
paintingwithatwist.com/stpetersburg; www.paintingwithatwist.com/ tampa; www.paintingwithatwist.com/clearwater
gosun grill Easy, fast and delicious, this fuel-free cooker can bake, boil or fry a meal for up to eight, using only the sun day or night, thanks to the optional Thermal Battery accessory which now enables you to solar cook at night. This is the perfect gift for
travel lens mug
moms and dads.
This bottle is perfect for the photographer in
$550 www.gosunstove.com
your life and boasts a stainless steel lining and a screw top lid - making it ideal for use as a travel mug. It’s perfect to show off with when you ask the local barista to add an extra shot to your
Something cool
morning Americano. $24 www.modcloth.com
holiday specs A surprise for your eyes, HOLIDAY SPECS are a oneof-a-kind holiday favorite - perfect for everyone. These special holographic lenses miraculously transform Christmas lights into magical figures of candy-canes, angels, stars, ornaments, snowflakes, gingerbreadmen, elves, reindeer, snowmen and even Santa! $1 per pair www.holidayspecs.com
makey makey invention kit Turn everyday objects into touchpads, connect the world around you to your computer, and invent incredible things. This kid is perfect for all ages. $50 www.makeymakey.com
furreal friends magical unicorn These cuddly pals are here to give you uncon-
the iliad for kids
ditional love, laughter, and even a little touch of
Bring literary classics to your kids with this beautiful
magic whenever you need it. Come on a journey
book that tells the story of the “Iliad.” Perfect for kids
that fulfills your ultimate pet-lovin’ dreams, where
ages 8-12, this mythological tale will help get your
your imagination can soar and you can enjoy en-
kids excited about literature and learning.
chanted adventures with a very special pet friend!
$20 www.candlewick.com
$96 www.hasbro.com
Bolts fan ultimate exclusive Tampa bay lightning goodies giveaway Tampa Bay Lightning fans rejoice! We have partnered with the Bolts for this exclusive giveaway. Winners will receive tickets to see the Bolts, a signed puck, lanyard, shirt, glasses, bag and more. To enter, visit TBParenting.com/GoBolts.
Extraordinary
Woman
By Angela Ardolino
Mastering the art of motherhood, work and community. It was a perfect choice for the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida to make when time came to pick a new leader: one of their own. Jessica Muroff is a former GSWCF member herself and now the mother of two little girls. In both her roles as mother and Chief Executive Officer of GSWCF, Muroff is poised to fulfil what she considers the most important task facing society today: investing in young girls. “Today’s generation of girls faces unparalleled opportunities, but also historic challenges,” says Muroff. “It falls to us, as women (and men!), to serve as mentors, role models, and guides, and to support them in their journey—for if there is one thing we can be sure of, it’s that in our modern global economy we are going to need to harness the full potential of both men and women in order for us to succeed.” A University of South Florida grad with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication (with a minor in international studies) and a master’s degree in English education, Muroff worked in marketing and sales for companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Raymond James before starting her nonprofit career as CEO of Frameworks of Tampa Bay, an organization dedicated to developing the social and emotional skills of youth. Today, Muroff serves on the board of directors of the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay, Executive Committee of USF Women in Leadership and Philanthropy, and the CEO Council of Tampa Bay. She is a founding member and co-chair of Emerge Tampa, and writes a blog called www.bepresentproject. com. She has been awarded Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Young Business Woman of the Year of 2005, Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Up & Comers Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leader Award in 2014. Muroff is married to architect Michael Muroff and is the mom of two daughters, Danica and Alexandra, ages 10 and 7. what do you think is the secret to your family's success? As a family, we are committed to enjoying each other and spending time together. Like many families, we have a full plate, but at the end of the day, we know our family time is important. We try to eat dinner together every night (it is never perfect). The one ritual we have at dinner each night is that
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
we always start by asking the question, “What are you grateful for?” It is my favorite tradition that instills happiness, hopefulness, and perspective in my family. Another one of my favorite traditions is Sunday Night Dinner. I’ve been enjoying Sunday dinners with my sister and her family for more than six years now. This time spent with family is the best part of my week. what is your biggest fear? I’m a bit of a fearless person, so this is a tough question for me! I have to say that I didn’t really know worry until I had my children. I’ve been told that worry never goes away, even when they grow old. My biggest fear is that time moves way too fast and one day, very soon, I will wish that I could experience these magical years all over again. This is why I choose to be present. I know the best gift I can give my girls is my love and presence. what advice would you give to other women? Be present – This is my commitment in life. I am abundantly blessed and I want to enjoy each and every moment, even the challenging moments. I try my best to be present so that I can make each day a story worth telling and learn from my actions and habits each day. This means putting away my phone when I’m with loved ones or in important meetings. It is so important to disconnect for longer periods of time just to give my brain a break from social media and email. what is your proudest moment? My proudest moment is when my girls saved their money and decided to donate their savings (mostly coins) to Metropolitan Ministries. They donated $25 and we matched their gift so that a total of $50 was donated. The Metropolitan Ministries team treated their gift like a big donation. They gave the girls a tour and helped them see exactly what their gift would do. I was so proud of their generous hearts and how much they want to help and give to others. what is your biggest achievement? My best decision I made: choosing to leave my for-profit job to begin my nonprofit career. I knew that in order to be fulfilled in my career that my job had to have a community impact. Being selected to lead the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida has been my biggest achievement to date. I have an incredibly exciting job—every day, I get to
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
work with girls to help them tap into their leadership abilities and gain the courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place. what makes you happy? There are so many things that make me happy; it is hard to keep this answer short! My girls are a great source of happiness and laughter for me. My entire family is incredible. So many of my family lives close and that makes me happy; our family gatherings are quite large and fun! What makes me the happiest is knowing that my work each and every day is helping to develop and grow the leadership potential of girls. This starts in my house with my own daughters, but I feel so fortunate to lead an organization dedicated to this movement, the Girl Scouts. My daughters now make three generations of Girl Scouts in my family! how do you relax and take time for yourself? I love pushing myself with my fitness. Boxing, Pilates, and my aerial silks classes are some of my favorite ways to take time for myself. I also love to cook and bake. I cook dinner for my family nearly every night and it is my favorite way to unwind at the end of the day. I also love to bake cakes, all kinds. The more elaborate and challenging, the more excited I get. what kind of message would you like to give women in the area? My message: the importance of investing the future of girls. I believe there isn’t much that is more important for the future of our community, of our society, than investing in our girls. At Girl Scouts we’re driving to transform the future leadership landscape, and produce the greatest return on economic development and social progress, by investing in girls. what is your favorite thing to do with your kids in tampa bay? My favorite thing to do with my kids is one of two things: visiting my mom’s farm in Plant City where my girls can ride horses and interact with all of her animals, or taking them to the beach for a day. what is your biggest inspiration? The future of girls is my inspiration. I learn daily about what girls in our council are doing for their communities and [how they are] growing their leadership skills.
jessica muroff Jessica at the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida office in Tampa. Photo by Jeanine McLeod, Cloud 9 Photo
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South hillsborough apollo beach | lithia | riverview ruskin | south tampa | valrico | fishhawk
Downtown Garage offers a "Curious" New view Recently, local muralists Tes One and Bask began transforming the William F. Poe Parking Garage in downtown Tampa. The design is a nod to the cultural assets immediately adjacent to the garage including Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa Riverwalk, John F. Germany Library, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Museum for Photographic Arts, Glazer Children’s Museum and Tampa Museum of Art. “When we talk about creating a quality of life in Tampa, we simultaneously focus on creating quality public spaces that will attract activity and reflect the city around them. This mural will transform the Poe Parking Garage into a true work of art,” says Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “It becomes an iconic welcome sign for the variety of amenities that intersect in one place.” Poe Parking Garage is immediately surrounded by several of Tampa’s cultural assets, and the vibrant design of the murals will interpret the call to “Stay Curious,” a phrase prominently painted under Gasparilla Plaza as well as in other areas of the garage, reminding guests of all ages to continuing learning and experiencing the arts. The large-scale murals will be visible and will welcome visitors into downtown Tampa on approaches from I-275 and for those coming from the West Tampa area via Cass Street. Total cost for the murals is $100,000, and will be paid for with City of Tampa Public Art funds. Onsite painting began at the beginning of October and should be completed before the end of the year, when Mayor Buckhorn will formally host an unveiling.
North Brandon Y Adds Family programming and Staff The North Brandon Family YMCA, part of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, is pleased to welcome Emery Johannes and Catherine Nackashi to its team as it expands its focus on family-friendly programming to provide families across the Greater Brandon area a place they can count on for support, all while improving their health and well-being, connecting with new friends and their local community. Johannes serves as the new program director for the Y located at 3097 S. Kingsway Road in Seffner. Johannes will oversee gymnastics, dance and family programs and brings over 15 years gymnastics experience to the Y’s recreational and competitive programs. She competed in USAG from age nine to 15. From there, she became an all-state high school gymnast, competed for her high school and coached gymnastics as a college student. “I want to use gymnastics as a tool to teach valuable life lessons to the gymnasts,” says Johannes. “I want to teach them to believe in themselves and to overcome fears. I want them to learn to be proud of their accomplishments but to continue to strive to better themselves.” As family services coordinator, Nackashi also brings valuable skills to the North Brandon Y, having become DCF-certified while working as a preschool teacher’s aide for three years. “For the Y’s future family programs, I see growth,” she says. “I see children and parents using family programming as a way to not only strengthen their own family, but also as a tool to form relationships within the community.” For more information about the North Brandon YMCA location, call 813-685-5402 or visit tampaymca.org.
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• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
dates: Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Asthma Workshop and Support Group Attend this event for parents at the Tampa General Hospital Community Health Education Center located at TGMG Family Care Center in Tampa. Workshop discusses symptoms, triggers and medications and provides tips on increasing communication and making an emergency action plan. To register, call 1-800-8223627.
Dec. 6, 12 and 13 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fresh Market and Kids Market at Hyde Park Browse an array of handcrafted items, gourmet foods and other goods at this monthly event at Hyde Park Village. Listen to live music and stop by the Hyde Park Kids Market open until 2 p.m., an open-air market where kids ages 5-17 can sell their own crafts and natural food items. tampabaymarkets.com
Dec. 11-12, various times Where Is Santa at PuppetWorld Bring the kids ages 3-6 to Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theater and experience an American fairy tale based on the Santa stories of Frank Baum told with hand puppets at PuppetWorld in Dover. Show are 10:30 a.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday. puppetworld.com
Dec. 12, 9:30-11 a.m. Music Makers Sign up your budding musicians for this free workshop designed to give young kids ages 3 and older a chance to learn the sounds of a variety of instruments offered for private lessons at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts inside Music Showcase in Brandon. faopa.org
Dec. 12, 2-3:30 p.m. Star Wars Movie Release Party Join other fans of the sci-fi classic in celebration of the latest Star Wars film from director J.J. Abrams at this interactive event at John F. Germany Public Library in downtown Tampa. Guests will enjoy games, crafts, a costume contest and more. For more information, call 813-273-3652.
Dec. 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. St. Jude’s Roller Skate-a-Thon and Music Video Release Party Join American National Petite Florida Queen Madelline Patrick and her mom, Ellen, for a special fundraiser at Skate World in Tampa. Enjoy roller skating and face painting, and see Madelline’s latest music video. Cost is $3 with proceeds to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research Hospital. For more info, call 813-884-7688.
For years you have been trusting us with your clients, families and colleagues. This year, we welcome Rick Alvarez to our team. We are always here when you need us.
813-254-8998 • WWW.OLALAW.COM
3014 West Palmira Ave, Suite 202, Tampa, Florida 33629
FAMILY LAW / PERSONAL INJURY
Your Family’s Destination for Comprehensive Skin Care Your family members may have different priorities when it comes to skin care.
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Dr. Linda Flynn, M.D. Board Certified Dermatologist
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Whether you are trying to control acne before it becomes scarring; are concerned about a suspicious mole; or just want to minimize wrinkles and look more youthful and refreshed, you want to see dermatology experts who have the knowledge, experience and resources to address your concerns. You want Comprehensive Skin Care.
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north hillsborough carrollwood | citrus park | lutz | new tampa odessa | temple terrace | westchase
Tampa Man Inspires Community to Give Back to Homeless Hundreds of local residents and business owners joined Tampa resident Chad Haynie recently in support of his “Give B.A.C.K. (Blessing and Care Kit) packs to the Homeless Day.” The initiative provided nearly 200 homeless people with backpacks filled with supplies such as flashlights, bottled water, plastic bags and more, far exceeding his initial goal of 25 backpacks. On Saturday, Oct. 10, a community came together at Pour House in Channelside and by the end of the day, Haynie had 191 backpacks available to distribute. From a young age Haynie had a passion for helping those in need. He volunteered at soup kitchens and shelters in Kansas, and upon moving to Tampa, his passion for helping the less fortunate was re-ignited. He started saying hello to people as he ran down Bayshore Blvd with his dog Moose, and would sometimes sit down to talk with them. He started asking them if a backpack would be beneficial. The answer was a resounding yes. “They need to know that they are cared for, they are not invisible, are still connected to the community and that people out there care about them and believe in them,” Haynie says. He asked friends to support his goal of providing BACKpacks to the homeless. Once word got out about what he was trying to accomplish, area companies began partnering with him to promote the project to their employees and the community. Residents, business owners and a few dogs gathered at Pourhouse for the GiveBACK Party and BACKpacks were hand-delivered directly to the homeless in a coordinated effort with distribution partners, The Salvation Army and Trinity Café. Haynie is planning his next event for February 2016 with a goal of adding a few backpacks geared toward homeless children. To learn more about Give B.A.C.K.packs to the Homeless, go to facebook.com/givebacktampa.
Area Theatre to Deliver a Lively 'Alice' to the Stage Lewis Carroll’s famous inquisitive heroine comes to life in Disney’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND, JR as Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre (TTT) presents the production Saturday, Dec. 19 in the Mainstage Theatre at Hillsborough Community College’s Ybor City Campus. Performance times will be at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Families are invited to join Alice for madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubbleblowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game in this zany performance. The show features bold, brassy, swift-moving action, along with plenty of catchy tunes and outrageous characters. Disney’s ALICE IN WONDERLAND, JR. is presented through arrangement with Music Theatre International. Music and Lyrics are by Sammy Fain and Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace and Cy Coban, Allie Wrubel and Ray Gilbert, Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston, with music adapted and additional lyrics by David Simpatico. TTT is a not for profit organization (501c3) in residence at Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy (mjpaa.com), located at 15906 Mapledale Blvd. in Tampa. The Academy is a creative partner with TTT and has served as a leader in the Tampa Bay community for over 35 years specializing in Performing Arts education. For tickets or additional information, visit tbttt.org.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
dates: Dec. 2, various times CDS First Grade and ECC Open House Meet members of the staff and get questions answers at one of this month’s open house events at Carrollwood Day School. At 9:30 a.m., preschool and kindergarten parents can get an introduction. At 3:30 p.m., parents and children can stop by to learn more about the Toddler, Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten programs at the CDS Early Childhood Campus on Casey Rd. Free but RSVP at carrollwooddayschool.org.
Dec. 3, 6-9:30 p.m. Newborn Care Get valuable information about the various aspects of safe infant care at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital Medical Office Building in Tampa. Topics covered include feeding, diapering, bathing and signs of illness as well as cues and communication. Cost is $35. Register at baycare.org/ events.
Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m. Holiday Open House Stop by Omar K. Lightfoot Recreation Center for this annual event hosted by The Temple Terrace Junior Woman’s Club. Sneak in a little holiday shopping for everything from honey to jewelry to hand-crafted items. Proceeds will benefit the King High School marching band to help fund its 2016 Carnegie Hall trip. Free admission. ttjuniors.org
Dec. 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. North Tampa Market at the Carrollwood Cultural Center Browse handcrafted goods, fresh foods and organic products at this monthly event. Shop the Kids Market while enjoying live music. Free admission. www. tampabaymarkets.com
Dec. 12, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Cards, Cookies and Cocoa Kids can make a card for someone special using a variety of art mediums at this special event at Temple Terrace Public Library. Guests can enjoy cookies and hot cocoa as they create. For more information, call 813-712-4406.
Dec. 20, 2-3 p.m. The Brave Tin Soldier with A.C.T. for Youth Watch a toy room come to life in this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” onstage at Carrollwood Cultural Center in Tampa. Tickets are $7 members and $8 non-members with family 4-packs available for $28. carrollwoodcenter.org
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South pinellas pinellas park | seminole | st. pete beach largo | st. petersburg | treasure island
All Children's Delivers with First robotic Surgery for Epilepsy Recently, All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine became the first hospital in Florida to use the latest generation of robotic neurosurgery technology. Doctors at the newly established Johns Hopkins All Children’s Institute for Brain Protection Sciences have already performed a handful of surgeries utilizing Medtech’s ROSA robotic surgical assistant to help children with epilepsy. What was a 12-hour procedure can now be done in less than two hours, enabling a less invasive option that reduces a patient’s discomfort and the amount of time a child is under anesthesia. “This new technology not only assists our team in identifying where in the brain seizures may be occurring, but also helps us target these areas with greater precision during surgery to provide families with answers on how to stop the seizures,” says Parrish Winesett, M.D., director of epileptology with the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Institute for Brain Protection Sciences. Referred to as a stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG), the robot helps the neurosurgical team accurately place electrodes in areas of the brain where abnormal electric activity may be occurring, helping to pinpoint the source of seizures. “Only about 20 hospitals in North America are utilizing the ROSA robot so we are fortunate here at All Children’s Hospital to have this technology to treat some of the most complex brain disorders,” says pediatric neurosurgeon George Jallo, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Institute for Brain Protection Sciences.
Area YMCA Launches Diabetes prevention program The YMCA of the Suncoast is encouraging residents to learn their risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, and to take preventive steps to potentially reduce their chances of developing the disease. Last month, in honor of November being National Diabetes Awareness Month, the organization launched its YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, a lifestyle modification program to help people reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes. The program teaches participants diabetes prevention tips, how to learn the signs for diabetes and increase physical activities, strategies for healthier eating, and other behavioral changes that can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. An estimated 86 million adults in the United States (up from 79 million in 2010) have prediabetes, yet just 7 percent of these individuals are aware of it. The program is a part of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, based on the National Institutes of Health-led, CDCsupported, Diabetes Prevention Program study that showed that losing a moderate amount of weight and increasing physical activity reduces the number of cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. In November, BayCare Health System teamed up with several YMCA locations around the Tampa Bay area to offer diabetes screenings. Individuals who participate in the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program take part in a year-long program beginning with 16 1-hour classroom sessions with a trained lifestyle coach who helps them learn about healthy eating, physical activity and other lifestyle changes. Following these sessions, participants meet monthly for added support. For more information and class schedules, contact Summer Cruff at 727-379-2473 or by email at scruff@suncoastymca.org.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
dates: Dec. 3, 6:30-10 p.m. Holiday Hayride Take a special ride with the kids as part of this Pinellas Park tradition at Forbes Recreation Center. Evening includes holiday movies for those awaiting their ride and refreshments to follow. Advance registration and tickets are required. Children ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Free. For info, call 727-369-5684.
Dec. 4, 7 p.m. Death by Chocolate Indulge in a chocolate heaven to tempt the tastebuds at this Rotary Club of Largo fundraiser at Largo Cultural Center. Enjoy an array of mouth-watering delicacies and desserts and support the Club’s various youth programs. Tickets are $20 advance; $25 at event. largorotary.com/ death-by-chocolate/
Dec. 4-5, various times Ties and Tennis Shoes Gala and 5K Show your support in a few fun ways for the Pinellas Education Foundation at Tropicana Field in St. Pete. From 6- 10 p.m. Friday, eat, drink, dance and shop a silent auction as you play a variety of games. Dress in cocktail attire with tennis shoes. At 8 a.m. Saturday, take part in a 5K at the Trop. tiesandtennisshoes.com
Dec. 4 and 19, 6-10 p.m. Gulfport Art Walk See the work of local artists along Beach and Shore Boulevards in Gulfport as you listen to live music and browse art and craft booths. View the stars through the St. Pete Astronomy Club’s state-of-the-art telescopes. mygulfport. us
Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m. Children’s Horticultural Programs and Workshops: Budding Botanists Sign up kids ages 4-11 for fun, educational workshops offered on designated Saturdays through Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg. This month’s program is “All About Butterflies!” focusing on the life cycle of butterflies and attracting butterflies to a garden. Pre-registration is requested. To register and inquire about fee, call 727-5513102.
Dec. 26, 11 a.m. 2015 St. Petersburg Bowl Gather friends and family to watch some of the best in college football live inside Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Teams from the American Athletic Conference and Conference USA will face off. stpetersburgbowl.com
Free $5 Gift Card* with purchase of $25 or more of Panera Bread® gift cards
*Get a $5 gift card card for every $25 in Panera Bread® plastic gift cards purchased between 11/27/15 and 12/31/15 in-cafe. Gift cards must be purchased in a single transaction and cannot be a combination of separate in-cafe purchases. Online gift card and eGift card purchases excluded. Customers making qualifying purchases will receive the bonus $5 gift card at the time of purchase. While supplies last. Offer valid only in participating bakery-cafe locations owned by Covelli Family Limited Partnership in Tampa, FL. Visit www.paneratampa.com for more details.
SC315B-GSI-CT
DATE: 11/3/15 PART NUMBER: SC315B-GSI-CT ITEM NAME: GREETING STAND INSERT TRIM SIZE: 22 x 28"
INKS: CMYK PROJECT MGMT: LP DESIGN: WILLOUGHBY PREPRESS: MA
MARGINS: TOP 0.5" BOTTOM & SIDES 0.375" BLEED: .25" FONTS: STAG SEMIBOLD/BOOK
PRINT MGMT: JB VENDOR: GFX
A BETTER YOU MAKES A BETTER US Learn how your membership can make us — as individuals and a community — better. Join us today.
YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST ymcasuncoast.org
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north pinellas oldsmar | clearwater | dunedin palm harbor | safety harbor East Lake | tarpon springs
Downtown Clearwater Expands Farmers Markets Fresh foods and cool crafts appeared in this fall in downtown Clearwater as three farmers markets opened to the public, each showcasing unique items designed to engage, excite and inspire people of all ages who visit downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District. The Pierce Street Market held its inaugural event Saturday, Oct. 10 by the Clearwater Harbor Marina and Memorial Causeway Bridge in downtown Clearwater. With more than 40 vendors, the Pierce Street Market featured local artists and independent businesses selling jewelry, clothes, vintage items, crafts and food. The Pierce Street Market is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every second Saturday of the month through May 2016. The market has also partnered with LocalShops1, an organization that promotes area businesses and the “Buy Local” movement throughout Tampa Bay. For more information about this market, visit piercestreetmarket.com. The Downtown Clearwater Farmers Market is open every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the 500 block of Cleveland Street and features live music and vendors selling everything from farm-fresh produce and gourmet cheeses to live vegetable plants, orchids and ready-to-eat food. For more information on the Downtown Clearwater Farmers Market, call 727-461-7674. The Cleveland Street Saturday Market, located on the 600 block of Cleveland Street and in Station Square Park, 612 Cleveland St., opens regularly from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through June 2016 and features local organic and natural food products, body care products, pet items, household goods and arts and crafts. Parking is available for free in all city parking lots and at downtown parking meters. For more information, go to clevelandstreetmarket. com.
Santa To Make a Stop at Sensory-Sensitive Celebration The community is invited to a unique holiday celebration Saturday, Dec. 12 at the offices of Florin Roebig Trial Attorneys in Palm Harbor. The event, which takes place 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. outdoors at 777 Alderman Road, is open to the public, with accommodations made for those with special needs. The afternoon will include live music, kids’ crafts, cookie decorating, face painting, a video game truck, singalong, raffle and more. The event also features quiet zones and special activities indoors for children with sensory sensitivities, and the scheduled appearance of ‘Sensitive Santa’ who will be available by appointment for families. Though admission is free, there will be a special opportunity for families to take photos with Santa for $10 per family. Families will receive a gift for each child and keepsake photograph with all proceeds benefiting children with special needs through The Inspire Foundation. For more details about Sensitive Santa or the foundation, go to theinspirationfoundationfl.org.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
dates: Dec. 1, 4-5 p.m. Managing Motherhood Take part in this monthly event designed for new mothers at Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor. Interact with other moms as you discuss the challenges of motherhood and changing roles. Free. Register at baycare.org/events.
Dec. 1, 3, 8, 10, 15 and 17, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Fishing After School Grab a rod and reel at Mobbly Bayou Environmental Education Center in Oldsmar and ply the waters of Upper Tampa Bay after school. Bait and basic tackle with be provided along with ethical angling instruction. No fishing experience is necessary. Cost is $20/month with a Rec Card or $30/month without card. For information, call 813-749-1273.
Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 46th Annual Tour of Homes - Homespun Holidays Take part in this longtime Dunedin tradition with its boutique and tea events hosted by Our Lady of Lourdes School cafeteria in Dunedin. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 day of tour. Proceeds benefit the Dunedin Youth Guild. Boutique runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tea from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. dunedinyouthguild.org
Dec. 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Kiwanis Arts and Crafts Browse a variety of arts and crafts exhibitors along Main Street in Safety Harbor. Guests of all ages are encouraged to shop an array of handmade items and finish up their holiday shopping while the street is closed from Bayshore to 6th Avenue. For more information, call 727-637-3933.
Dec. 13, 3:30-5 p.m. Brooker Creek Musical Jamboree Dance and sing along at a special musical event for all ages at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center in Tarpon Springs. Jam session will be led by a local musician. Free. Advance registration required. Register at brookercreekpreserve.eventbrite.com.
Dec. 18, 5 p.m. Drive-In Movie Night: The Polar Express Pack up the family for an evening of music, trivia and a movie under the night sky at Highlander Park in Dunedin. Guests can tune in to the movie on their car radio. Park opens at 5 p.m. for music and trivia with movie starting at dark. Cost is $10 per car. For more information, call 727-812-4530.
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pasco dade city | land o' lakes | new port richey trinity | wesley chapel | zephyrhills
Photo by Nicole Geller Photography
Medical Center of Trinity Youth Art Contest Winners
Dec. 2, 9 and 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Medical Center of Trinity recently hosted a public reception to celebrate the winners of its Fourth Annual “Expressions of Thanks” Youth Art Contest held Sunday, Nov. 8 in the main lobby of the Medical Center located at 9330 State Road 54 in Trinity. During the reception, the winning art was unveiled in a showcase honoring U.S. veterans and those serving in the military. The art work was submitted by K-12 students in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties and remained on display at the hospital through Nov. 22.
BullyProof – Free Program for Elementary Children Teach your child how to handle bullies by giving them both mental and physical skills to defend themselves at this free program open to the public and offered through New Beginnings Family Church in Spring Hill. Class is led by Pastor Daniel Edgeman, also a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. For more information, call 813-922-5210.
Medical Center of Trinity had originally invited all youth groups from grades K through 12 to celebrate the service of our military veterans by submitting entries into an artwork, poetry and essay contest. Every child who entered was eligible to receive a participant certificate at the art reception. First place winners in each grade level were awarded a $25 gift card and grand prize winners received their choice of either a bicycle or an iPod Nano. Recipients of the $25 gift card include: Kindergarten – Aurelia, Trinity Elementary; 1st Grade – Justin A., Grace Christian School; 2nd Grade – Gavin, Trinity Elementary; 3rd Grade – Katarina B., Genesis School; 4th Grade – Veralyn M., Trinity Oaks Elementary; 5th Grade – Elizabeth F., Hudson Elementary; 6th Grade – Aaliyah H., Hudson Middle School; 7th Grade – Roberto T., Crews Lake Middle School; 8th Grade – Karen P., Broach School Tampa; 9th Grade – Brennan B., Genesis Preparatory School; 10th Grade – Nikita C., Ridgewood High School; 11th Grade – Lauren L., Ridgewood High School; and 12th Grade – Erika B., J.W. Mitchell High School. Winners of the Grand Prize are Olivia W., 1st Grade, Genesis School; Caden W., 4th Grade, Pine View Elementary; Maya P., 8th Grade, Seven Springs Middle School; and Jessica S., 12th Grade, Ridgewood High School.
Christmas Has Gone Country at pioneer Florida Museum Families are invited to Pioneer Florida Museum and Village for a unique holiday event. The museum hosts its Country Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The day will include a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus so guests are encouraged to be there between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for a peek at the jolly fellow and his bride. Pioneer Florida Museum and Village is located one mile north of downtown Dade City off U.S. Highway 301 at 15602 Pioneer Museum Rd. Guests can enjoy barrel rides, holiday music and cookies and punch as they check out the authentic country Christmas decorations and meet up with traditional crafters and area vendors to sneak in some bonus holiday shopping. Admission is free with the donation of one new unwrapped toy per visitor. All donations will be provided to a Dade City area charity. Otherwise, admission is $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 kids ages 6-18 and free for children under 5. No pets, food, beverages or coolers are allowed. For more information about this year’s festivities, call the Museum at 352-567-0262 or visit them online at pioneerfloridamuseum.org.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
dates:
Dec. 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fresh Market at Wiregrass Browse over 50 vendors of locally grown produce, plants, herbs, flowers and more on the first Saturday of every month at Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel. Check out work from local artists and shop for ecofriendly products. shopsatwiregrass.com
Dec. 5, 2-9 p.m. Festival of Lights Enjoy the afternoon and evening along Main Street in downtown Zephyrhills taking part in fun holiday activities and watching this year’s Christmas Parade or sign up to take part with your own entry. Parade starts at 6 p.m. Free to attend. mszi.org
Dec. 9 and 16, 10-11 a.m. Kids Club at Shops at Wiregrass Take the kids to Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel Wednesdays at center court for some interactive fun. This month, kids can enjoy activities from Energia Wellness Studio (Dec. 9) and Mr. Tommy (Dec. 16). Free. theshopsatwiregrass.com
Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Used Book Bazaar Keep the family reading together but save on the books and other reading material by browsing Hugh Embry Library in Dade City. Bazaar includes a variety of slightly used books, audio and video media, magazines and more. Most items are less than $3. pascolibraries.org
Dec. 13, 8-11 a.m. 22nd Annual Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run Lace up the sneakers and get the whole family involved in this Land O Lakes tradition being held this year in memory of Coach Kris Keppel at the Land O Lakes Recreation Complex. Registration starts at 7 a.m.; 5k at 8 a.m.; and 1-Mile Fun Run at 8:45 a.m. Sign up on active. com to be a participant or come out to root for friends and family (and indulge in yummy flapjacks!) For more information, go to centralpascochamber.com.
PRESENTS
SYMPHONY IN LIGHTS AT
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polk auburndale | bartow | haines city lakeland | lake wales | winter haven
project Soaring Sounds Takes off in polk County Budding musicians at McLaughlin Middle School and Fine Arts Academy in Lake Wales will be getting extra lessons from new mentors: Polk State College students. Small group lessons are considered vital for success in middle school instrumental studies, but the costs and transportation involved can be difficult for families. With that in mind, the music departments from McLaughlin Middle and Polk State created a partnership to benefit all involved. Polk State music students will provide lessons to band students at McLaughlin, giving them helpful bonus instruction and showing the young musicians that the instruments they’re studying can lead to scholarships for college. The arrangement will also provide field experience for Polk State students who are considering careers in music education. The initiative, called Project Soaring Sounds, is being funded by a grant from the House of Blues Music Forward Foundation. It will take place from November to March. A kickoff celebration was held in October in the McLaughlin Middle School band room during which time students met their new mentors from Polk State and got a chance to engage in team-building exercises.
Bok Tower Gardens Sets a Festive Scene Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens has become a popular Central Florida destination during the holidays. With glittering decorations at the 21st annual Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate and bright, colorful poinsettia displays lining the River of Stone, the Lake Wales attraction offers families a varied lineup of seasonal activities this year. Christmas Combo tickets are available for $20 adults, $9 kids ages 5-12 and $7 members, with the special admission ticket including access to Bok Tower Gardens, the Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate, Poinsettia displays, carillon concerts, winter walking tours and more. Tickets are valid for one-time admission and can be used anytime Nov. 27, 2015 through Jan. 3, 2016 (except Dec. 25). The Holiday Home Tour at Pinewood Estate features the 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion decorated for the holidays to fit this year’s design theme “To Grandfather’s House We Go!” The tour is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 27 through Jan. 3. Throughout the month, the venue will host a series of holiday concerts, including a visit from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra which joins the Singing Tower carillon at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Families can bring along a picnic dinner to enjoy a concert overlooking a sunset atop Iron Mountain. Also, Bok Tower Gardens’ carillonneur Geert D’hollander delivers sounds of the season from around the world performed on the 60-bell Singing Tower carillon during 30-minute live concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday from Nov. 27 to Jan. 3.
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Guests can see the Gardens at their most opulent during the holidays. Time-honored poinsettia, amaryllis and bromeliad will be on display. Holiday blooms abound in the River of Stone with hand-made poinsettia bouquets, and ornaments and peaceful arrangements adorn oak trees outside Pinewood Estate. Those who wish to explore the grounds of Bok Tower Gardens may take part in volunteer-led Winter Walking Tours from the Visitor Center to the Singing Tower starting at noon and 2 pm. Mondays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays. For more information about this year’s Christmas Combo admission offer as well as holiday festivities on Christmas Day, go to boktowergardens.org.
dates: Dec. 1, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Happiest Baby Find out how to help your baby sleep longer and soothe fussiness quickly at this informative class at Winter Haven Women’s Hospital. Learn about the Calming Reflex, Missing Fourth Trimester, the Five S’s, Cuddle Cure and more. Cost is $20. To register, go to baycare.org/events.
Dec. 3, 6-7 p.m. Heartland for Children Information Night Find out what is involved to become a foster parent in the Polk County area at this informative event hosted by Heartland for Children in Bartow. Ask questions and learn about the steps of the fostering process. Free to attend. For information, call 863-519-8900, ext. 285. heartlandforchildren.org
Dec. 5, 6:30-9 p.m. 2015 Chain of Lakes Boat Parade Set up the lawn chairs outside to watch or apply to join in the fun for this Winter Haven holiday tradition with tentative boat route to begin at Lake May (at Marine Supply) and travel through Lake Shipp, Lake Howard and Lake Cannon. Pre-registration is not required. For more details, go to winterhavenchamber.com/boatparade.html.
Dec. 11, 5-8 p.m. Free Fridays at Children’s Museum of Highlands Take the family to the Children’s Museum in Sebring the second Friday each month as part of this free admission promotion courtesy of Wells Fargo. All ages are welcome to check out the latest exhibit with no reservation required. www. childrensmuseumhighlands.com
Dec. 12, 4-8 p.m. City of Davenport’s Winterfest Meet up with Santa and Mrs. Claus, take part in cookie decorating and stick around for an electric night time Christmas parade along Bay Street in downtown Davenport. Annual event includes the popular Festival of Trees, plenty of games and vendors, and more. mydavenport.org
Dec. 20 – Jan. 3, 2016 Public Ice Skating at Lakeland Center Lace up the skates for this special winter time treat as Lakeland Center transforms into a public ice skating arena for area families. Cost is $10 for adults. For advance tickets, go to thelakelandcenter.com.
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
Around Town
To see more photos, visit: TBParenting.com/Facebook
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Amanda Batista, Robinson High School AP for Student Affairs, Brian Hoover, RHS AP for Curriculum, Magnet IBO, Kim Sukach, HCPS Marketing & Communications Specialist, Sally Harris, RHS Alumna and School Board Member, Johnny Bush, RHS Principal, Carol Kurdell, RHS Alumna and School Board Member, Terrie Dodson-Caldevilla, District Choice Communications Manager, and Wade Martin, RHS AP for Student Affairs, at the annual RHS Foundation benefit.
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Oak Grove Elementary students with their supplies from the Hillsborough Education Foundation.
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Sally Glisson, RHS Foundation Volunteer of the Year,Tiffany Mormando, greeter, Tim Glisson and Sally Harris, RHS Alumna and School Board Member at the RHS Foundation Benefit.
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Elisha Snyder, Laurel Moynihan, Katie Cappy, Jenny Spencer, and Courtney Haygood at the Junior League of Tampa’s annual Holiday Gift Market.
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Students at West Tampa Elementary with representatives from Target and the Hillsborough Education Foundation.
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Mary Perron and Hillary Moren from Mead Johnson and Enfamil at the Mother of All Baby Showers at the Glazer Children’s Museum.
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Courtney Kelly, International Plaza & Bay Street, Mackenzie Hill, White Book Agency and Nancy Vaughn, White Book Agency at RH Tampa’s grand opening.
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Donna Cunningham and Irene Guy at the opening of RH Tampa the Gallery at International Plaza and Bay Street.
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Christmas carolers at the Symphony in Lights at the Shops at Wiregrass.
1Voice Foundation volunteers Tracy Mills and Tien Ryan, pictured with Jordan and Camryn Ryan, were all smiles at the It’s Just Yoga Health & Fitness Festival.
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Laura Donaldson, Stacy Carlston, Nicole Hubbard, Tanya Egger, Marlo Cervi, Jennifer Lastra, Selena Ward, Kelly Lastra, Heather Pavliga and Chelsea Johnson at the annual Junior League Holiday Gift Market.
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december Events
My Doll and Me: Grace
Dec. 5, 10 a.m. – noon Children can travel through time with their favorite dolls as part of this special monthly event based on the American Girl© book series at Tampa Bay History Center. Guests can explore the past with crafts, games, snacks and gallery experiences based on the doll series’ historic characters and themes. This month’s focus is the doll Grace and her love of baking. Pre-registration is required. Fee is $18 museum members and $20 nonmembers and includes child’s admission to the galleries. tampabayhistorycenter.org 6-12
e v e n t s & f e s t i va l s Children's Board Free Tuesday
Dec. 1, 2-7 p.m. Head to the Glazer Museum with the family and take advantage of this free admission promotion courtesy of The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. View the museum’s latest exhibits with your child during designated hours and meet up with special guests. Adults must be accompanied by a child and vice versa. glazermuseum.org Everyone
upcycle Art
Dec. 1, various times Sign up the kids for a fun art class at MOSI. Participants will learn how to create works of art by producing new things from old items that would normally end up in the landfill. Cost is $16 MOSI members and $21 nonmembers. mosi.org 5 & Older
Military Moms resource Group
Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 11 a.m. - noon Military moms are invited to Hammond Psychology to meet up with other military moms as part of this group of active duty moms, retired military moms, military reserve moms and spouse/partner of military member (active or retired). Participants can connect with and support each other in this free weekly group. Sign up at 813-654-0503. hammondpsychology.com Moms
i am prodigy music festival
Dec. 3, 4-6 p.m. In celebration of the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program’s 15th anniversary, the University Area CDC (Community and Development Corporation) presents the FREE I Am Prodigy Music Festival featuring Fred Johnson and his special guests Tom “Z” and James Crumbly. The festival will take place at the beautiful new University Area Pavilion at 14013 N. 22nd St. in Tampa. uacdc.org Everyone
uS 103.5 FM Cares for Kids radiothon
Dec. 3-4, 6-7 p.m. Show your support for area country radio station US 103.5 FM as it takes to the airwaves to raise funds for All Children’s Hospital as part of its annual radiothon campaign. Contribute to the cause and hear from patients and families from around the community and beyond as they share their stories about the role the hospital has played in their lives. allkids.org/radiothon
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
peking Dreams: National Circus and Acrobat from the people's republic of China
Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. Witness mesmerizing acrobatics, martial arts, aerial silks, the Chinese circus, Peking Opera and more as part of this lush show at Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Experience daring stunts and death-defying acts with fun for the whole family. Tickets are $35-$45. strazcenter.org Everyone
newborn care
Dec. 3, 6-9 p.m. This interactive class at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital covers all aspects of infant care, including nutrition, diapering, bathing safety, signs of illness and newborn characteristics. The fee covers the expectant mother and a support person. Cost: $35. Call (813) 443-2046 to register. baycareevents.org Moms, Dads
Member Mornings
Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Enjoy special members-only access to the Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. Invite other family to join in the fun (up to five guests admitted at no charge; must include an adult). Guests can purchase a membership for 20 percent off regular cost. glazermuseum.org Everyone
Biology STEAM Lab Series
Dec. 7 and 14 Bring the kids to MOSI in Tampa for an opportunity to explore the fundamental characteristics of living matter. Participants will get to take a tour of a cell and examine the structure of life learning about plants, cellular structure and function. Program fee is $160 museum members and $214 non-members. mosi.org 10-13.
'BrainDeer' 5K for the Fight Against Brain Tumors
Dec. 12, 8-11:30 a.m. Experience a day of family fun in a holiday-themed Winter Wonderland at Gadsden Park in Tampa. Join Brain Tumor Alliance to run/walk in memory of those who have lost their lives or are surviving the battle against brain tumors. Registration fee is $35. braintumoralliance.org Everyone
Ice Ice Baby
Dec. 15 and 17, 2-4 p.m. Kids explore the science of ice at this fun learning program at MOSI. Participants can investigate the three states of matter, create a house of ice and discuss what it would be like to live in it. Fee is $16 MOSI members and $21 non-members. mosi.org 5-10
Frozen Frolics
Dec. 15 and 17, 2-3:30 p.m. Little ones can join in the learning fun at MOSI with their own discovery of the slippery science of ice in this class. Young guests will get to conduct experiments with ice, learn how igloos are built, paint with ice cubes and treat themselves to a homemade slushy. Program cost is $12 museum members and $16 non-members. mosi.org 3-5
parents' Night out
Dec. 18, 6-10 p.m. Drop off the kids for a night of fun at Great Explorations Museum while enjoying a date or time to yourself. Children can play in the museum, see science shows, explore the museum’s popular Touch Tunnel and watch a G-rated movie. Pizza, snacks and juice are included. Cost is $25 members and $35 non-members. Sibling discounts are available. Pre-register at greatex.org/programs/ parents-night-out. 4-10
Winter Camp Connect
Dec. 21-23 and 28-30, various times Keep the kids interested in science over Winter Break by signing up for camp offerings at Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. Children can remain engaged with hands-on education opportunities. glazermuseum.org
5-12
The periodic Table of Fun
Dec. 7 and 14 Explore the world of chemistry and all that it has given us through a variety of products as part of this science program series at MOSI. Kids will learn about everything from makeup to ice cream as they learn about the many roles chemistry plays in our lives including what the difference is between exothermic and endothermic reactions and how fireworks work. Cost is $80 members and $107 non-members. mosi.org 13 and older
AIDS Walk Tampa Bay and Fun run Dec. 12, 8 a.m. Lace up the sneakers for this yearly event at Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg to raise support and much-needed resources for the AIDS Service Association of Pinellas. Register to walk, run, donate or volunteer. Fun run begins at 9:50 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m. asapservices.org Everyone
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
spECIAL NEEDS Family Support Group
Dec. 1, 6:30-7:30 a.m. Spend time with other parents of special needs kids as part of this monthly parent-to-parent support event hosted by All Children’s Hospital Child Development and Rehabilitation Center in St. Petersburg. RSVP at 727-7672885. allkids.org Moms, Dads
online Training: Enhancing Communication
While great care was taken in compiling the calendar, it’s always best to phone ahead to confirm information.
Dec. 1, 6-7 p.m. Parents of children with autism can get valuable information about communication and gain useful strategies for enhancing their own communication with their child in this online seminar offered through the USF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities in Tampa. Join online beginning at 5:45 a.m. at this link: usf.adobeconnect.com/_a825389370/card_ect. Moms,
Dads
Toodles Early Steps playtime
Dec. 2, 11, and 15, various times Bring the kids to an open gym play setting designed especially for infants and toddlers with special needs as part of the Early Step program at locations throughout the Bay area. This month, playtimes are scheduled in Odessa, Land O’Lakes and Clearwater. Fees vary by location. Call 727-767-6705 for schedule and location information. allkids.org 1-4
Free Homeschool Social Skills Group
Dec. 3 and 17, 11 a.m. - noon Sign up the kids grades 2-5 for a free, interactive weekly social skills group with Hammond Psychology. Register online or call 813-567-3253. hammondpsychology.com
7-10
Special Needs Screenings: Good Dinosaur Dec. 5, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. See a sensory-friendly screening of the new highlyanticipated Pixar tale when it visits multiple Tampa Bay locations this month. Select AMC theaters will be showing the film at 10 a.m. in a sensory-friendly
environment for $6. Check amctheatres.com/programs/ sensory-friendly-films for locations. Studio Movie Grill inside Tampa’s University Mall hosts families at 11 a.m. for $6 adults with kids and siblings, free. Film is rated PG. Adults are $6, and kids and siblings are free. studiomoviegrill.com 6 & Older
Great Connections
Dec. 13, 10 a.m. - noon Discover the exhibits at Great Explorations Children’s Museum with other special needs families with exclusive access to the museum while closed to the general public. Museum modifies lights and sound to create a sensory-sensitive experience and provides a cool down room when guests need a break. Cost is $5 each (free for members). greatex.org 6 & Older
Sensational Sundays @ Family Fun Center
Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. - noon Bring the little ones for fun activities in a sensoryfriendly atmosphere designed for children with special needs and their families at Family Fun Center in Lakeland. Kids can explore a 4-story maze of tunnels, tubes, slides and obstacles. thefamilyfuncenter.com
3-12
Special Needs presents polar Express
Dec.13, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Join Van Dyke Church as it hosts an afternoon movie for those in the community with special needs. All ages and disabilities are welcome to this family event. Seating begins at 2:15 p.m. Free admission. vandyke. org Everyone
Art The Gallery: Star Spangled Art
Through Dec. 23, various times View the work of active duty or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces as part of this special art exhibit at Carrollwood Cultural Center in Tampa. Exhibit is sponsored by Operation Helping Hand and the Tampa chapter of Military Officers Association of America. carrollwoodcenter.org Everyone
Marvels on the reef at FMopa
Through Dec. 28, various times Plunge deep into the waters before this underwater photography collaboration with the Florida Aquarium leaves the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa. Experience aquatic life and sea curiosities captured through diving experiences and candid photography. fmopa.org Everyone
parents Shop/Kids Create
Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Drop off the kids to create in a safe place at Morean Arts Center in St. Pete. Children can take part in fun art activities while you step out to continue your holiday shopping. Cost is $25 for first child and $15 each additional child. Register by phone at 727-822-7872. moreanartscenter.org 5-12
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december Events
Dilly Dally with Dali
Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26 11:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Bring the kids to The Dali to discover the artist’s creative world through games, puzzles, and arts and crafts activities to educate and encourage family interaction. thedali.org 5-12
Annual St. pete Beach Corey Area Art and Craft Festival
Dec. 5-6, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Check out eclectic displays of original handmade crafts and browse affordable items for gift ideas at this 21st annual event held along Corey Avenue and Gulf Boulevard in downtown St. Pete Beach. Over 100 crafters offer an array of artistic media including folk art, poetry, handmade clothing, woven baskets, stained glass, mosaic painted wood and more. Event is free and open to the public. artfestival.com Everyone
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The road Chip
Opens Dec. 18 Travel with the charming trio as they embark on an adventure to locate Dave before he proposes to his girlfriend and ditches his trusty friends. Film features the voice talents of Kaley Cuoco, Bella Thorne and Anna Faris. Running time, 86 minutes. Rated PG. Check area theaters for tickets and shows. 8 & Older
Daddy's Home
Opens Dec. 25 Meet a pleasant radio exec who sets out to become the best stepdad he can be to his wife’s kids but runs into challenges he never saw coming when their actual dad arrives on the scene. Film stars Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. Running time, 96 minutes. Rated PG. See local listings for showtimes. 8 & Older
Academy of Dance, onstage in Hough Concert Hall at The Palladium in St. Pete. Dancers will dazzle across a variety of styles from classical ballet to the latest hip hop moves. Tickets are $22-$26. mypalladium.org Everyone
The Sound of Music
Dec. 22-27, various times Bring the whole family to a new production of the beloved musical love story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family when it arrives in Carol Morsani Hall at Tampa’s Straz Center. Sing along to classic tunes like “Do-Re-Me,” “My Favorite Things” and the soaring title song. Tickets are $40-$110. strazcenter.org 8 & Older
The producers
Dec. 29, 8 p.m. Meet up with Bialystock and Bloom, two producers whose names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with the Mel Brooks’ classic cult comedy film, when the Broadway musical adaptation stops at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater for one night only. Tickets start at $35. rutheckerdhall.com 10 & Older
State Ballet Theatre of russia: romeo & Juliet
t h e at e r & d a n c e The 39 Steps
film Star Wars Episode vII: The Force Awakens opening Day
Dec. 17, 7-11 P.M. Immerse yourself in the latest episode of the saga inside the Florida Hospital IMAX DOME Theatre at MOSI in Tampa on a special evening celebrating its official release. The film reunites Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, and Carrie Fisher as the story resumes 30 years following the events of Return of the Jedi. Running time, 135 minutes. For ticket information and showtimes following opening day, visit mosi.org. 12 & Older
Fantastic Four
Available Dec. 15 Celebrate the triumphant return with Marvel’s next generation of heroes as the recent film release becomes available on Blu-ray and DVD by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Film features rising young stars Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Bell. Running time, 100 minutes. Rated PG-13. foxhome. com 12 & Older
Flicks and Food Trucks
Dec. 17, 6-10 p.m. Stop by this popular downtown Tampa street festival for gourmet food truck fun paired with indie short flicks and live music. Event takes place at Grand Central at Kennedy. and offers a variety of cuisine, from burgers to vegetarian bites, micro brews and tasty cocktails. tampabaymarkets. com/flicks-and-food-trucks Girls Night Out, Date Night
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TAMPA BAY PARENTING
Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m. Experience the full-scale production of this Bolshoi Theatre Ballet-choreographed retelling of the most passionate romantic tragedy ever told through the beauty of some of Russia’s brightest ballet stars onstage at The Mahaffey in downtown St. Petersburg. Tickets are $32.50$62.50. themahaffey.com 8 & Older
Through Dec. 13, various times Combine the suspense of a Hitchcock classic and intrigue of a juicy spy novel, and sprinkle in a dash of Monty Python for the latest production at American Stage in St. Pete. Patrick Marlow adapted the play from the book by John Buchan and film by Alfred Hitchcock. For tickets and showtimes, go to americanstage.org. 12 & Older
Kinky Boots
Dec. 1-6, various times See Broadway’s huge-hearted Tony winning hit featuring songs by Cyndi Lauper when the musical celebration arrives in Carol Morsani Hall at Straz Center in Tampa. Tickets are $50-$110. strazcenter.org Teen & Older
This Wonderful Life
Dec. 3-20, various times Catch this hilariously touching stage adaptation of the iconic Capra film gem just in time for the holidays onstage at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa. One actor inhabits every role from George Bailey and Clarence to Mr. Potter and the rest of the gang in Bedford Falls. Tickets are $30. stageworkstheatre.org 8 & Older
peter and the Starcatcher
Dec. 5 - Jan. 3, 2016, various times Get transported to Neverland in this prequel to the J.M. Barrie classic Peter Pan when it takes flight at FreeFall Theatre in St. Petersburg. Cross paths with pirates, mermaids, pixies, crocodiles and lost boys in a story that celebrates the child in all of us. Tickets are $43 adults and $21 youth. freefalltheatre.com 8 & Older
Expressions of Dance
Dec. 12, 5 p.m. Celebrate Pinellas County’s most talented dancers in this showcase led by Lara Narzinsky, Director of Expressions
• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
music & comedy MIra Showcase Concert
Nov. 30, 7 p.m. Hear from students of the Music Industry/Recording Arts program at St. Petersburg College when they take the stage at The Palladium. Enjoy an eclectic showcase of genres from jazz to and pop to R&B. Tickets are $5 general admission. Free for SPC students, faculty and staff. mypalladium.org Everyone
Clint Black
Dec. 2, 8 p.m. Sing along with the country crooner when he brings his latest tour to Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater. Tickets are $55, $65 and $85 and can be purchased at rutheckerdhall.com. 10 & Older
pokemon: Symphonic Evolutions Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. Experience a unique musical event that transports audiences into a magical gaming world musically when the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra performs at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Enjoy all-new musical arrangements paired with carefully timed visuals from recent and classic Pokemon video games. Tickets are $25-$135. rutheckerdhall.com 8 & Older
Bright Nights
Symphony in Lights
Through Dec. 31, various times Catch this mesmerizing light show at The Shops at Wiregrass choreographed to the holiday music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. See the 55-foot tree draped with more than 25,000 twinkling lights and witness a magical snowfall on the hour at Center Court. Free. shopsatwiregrass.com Everyone
Christmas Town
Through Dec. 31, various times Spend time with the fam in Busch Gardens’ charming holiday village to get into the Christmas spirit. Immerse yourself in live music and entertainment, twinkling lights, festive treats, and holiday shopping. Guests also can stop by Santa’s House presented by CocaCola® and meet Santa for photos. Christmas Town is included with park admission. buschgardenstampa. com Everyone
Tampa's Downtown on Ice
Through Jan. 3, various times Go ice skating in 80-degree weather at downtown Tampa’s seasonal rink near Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. It’s open daily, with skating available for $10. Fee includes rental of skates with concessions available for purchase. tampagov.net Everyone
Christmas at Gaylord palms
Through Jan. 3, various times Take part in the brand new The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt and take in a spectacular show with Cirque Dreams Unwrapped at Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando. Guests can experience 2 million lights along with acres of stunning décor as well as the new ICE! Theme featuring 2 million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures and slides! christmasatgaylordpalms.com Everyone
Holidays at the village
Through Jan. 3, various times Usher in the holiday season at Heritage Village, Pinellas County’s 21-acre living history museum in Largo. Stroll through historical houses decorated for the season true to their time period and location including an elaborately decorated Victorian home and modestly adorned 1852 log cabin. pinellascounty.org/heritage
Everyone
oakdale Christmas Light Display
Through Jan. 3, 6-10 p.m. Witness an array of dazzling color lights spanning half a million flashing twinkles for a holiday display that garnered a top 3 showing as a finalist on NBC’s Today. Check out an 18-train HO scale railroad, moving planes and carnival rides at the St. Petersburg home located at 2719 Oakdale St. S. Free. christmasdisplay. org
Everyone
Santa's Workshop
Through Jan. 4, various times Join Santa as he teams up with Tampa’s MOSI to spread holiday cheer. With the help of his elves, Santa offers kids a chance to dream up and design the perfect present for any member of the family. Photo opportunities will be available with Santa and Mrs. Claus as they work hard in their satellite toy shop onsite at MOSI’s Idea Zone. mosi.org 4-12
Santa and His Elves visit Florida Aquarium
Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, various times Bring family and friends to celebrate the holidays at Florida Aquarium in Tampa with Santa and his elves friends stopping by on select Saturdays for a visit. Watch them take the plunge in the Coral Reef Gallery during daily dive shows. Guests can also take photos with Santa for an additional charge. flaquarium.org Everyone
Mickey's very Merry Christmas party Dec. 1-18, various times Experience the beauty of the season with live entertainment, incredible fireworks and a festive parade at Mickey and friends’ holiday celebration at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando. disneyworld.disney.go.com Everyone
rough riders Teddy Bear roundup
Dec. 1-22 Stop by MOSI to donate a new teddy bear and receive a child’s general admission ticket for free as part of this popular holiday community fundraiser. mosi.org Everyone
victorian Christmas Stroll
Dec. 1-23, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Go back in time and delight in the grandeur of the Victorian holiday decor on display at the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa. Visit decorated exhibit rooms while sipping cider and munching on tasty cookies. New this year are A Red Cross Christmas complete with a tree decorated with miniature posters, a tree made out of typewriters and another tree created by whimsical parasols and adorned by origami ornaments. Proceeds fund the hotel’s restoration efforts. plantmuseum.com Everyone
Think pink Holiday Shopping Boutique
Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m. Register for this unique shopping experience coordinated by Working Women of Tampa Bay and hosted by Ruth Eckerd Hall. Enjoy Black Friday deals without battling crowds and support local womenowned businesses. Guests will be treated to food samples, mini spa treatments, swag bags and more. Admission is $5 members and $10 non-members. workingwomenoftampabay.com Girls Night Out
St. Anthony's Hospital Light up the Night rooftop Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 3, 6:30-8 p.m. Come out for the hospital’s annual festivities at this party for donors and friends of the St. Anthony’s Foundation at the hospital. Evening includes desserts, libations, caroling and the ceremonial first lighting of the tree on the hospital roof. stanthonysfoundation.org/lutn Everyone
Dec. 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18, 5:30-8 p.m. Discover an enchanted land of lights, seasonal music, and holiday cheer Thursday and Friday evenings at Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. Kids can play among their favorite Museum exhibits lit by a dazzling light show. Tickets are $10 members and $15 non-members. glazermuseum.org/ brightnights Everyone
r.E. olds park Christmas Wonderland
Dec. 4, 6-9 p.m. Explore a giant snow slope and inflatables and “say cheese” with Santa at this annual holiday celebration at R.E. Olds Park in Oldsmar. Evening includes concessions available for purchase and lots of family-friendly festivities. For more information, call 813-749-1260. Everyone
Tampa's Tree Lighting
Dec. 4, 6-10 p.m. Attend the city’s official yearly tree lighting ceremony in beautiful Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Festivities include live music, a Christmas Market, lighting of the tree by Mayor Bob Buckhorn and a free showing of the holiday classic “A Christmas Story” in the park. Plus, Tampa’s Downtown on Ice skating rink will be open throughout the event. Admission is free. friendsoftamparec.org Everyone
Handel's Messiah
Dec. 4-6, various times Experience the joyous sounds of this holiday classic when the Florida Orchestra and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay bring it to a variety of Bay area venues this month. Hear the composer’s masterpiece performed at the Straz Center in Tampa at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; at The Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5; and at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. floridaorchestra.org Everyone
SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration
Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 18-31, various times Enjoy the power and beauty of the Shamu family in a nighttime holiday show “Shamu Christmas Miracles” at Sea World Orlando. Families can hop aboard The Polar Express in a unique sensory-filled interactive exhibit; hear the greatest story ever told with life-size puppets and live animals at O Wondrous Night; admire the sparkling Sea of Trees; check out Elmo’s Christmas Wish; and watch a talented troupe of ice skaters at Winter Wonderland on Ice. seaworld.com/ orlando Everyone
Santa parade at Great Explorations
Dec. 5, 10 a.m. Get ready for a parade and join the St. Pete children’s museum for the fun. Santa’s parade route runs from Central Avenue and 5th Street East toward Bayshore Drive, then heads north until 5th Avenue North. Look for the Great Explorations/Early Explorations Preschool float. greatex.org Everyone
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entertainment, carnival games, food, arts and crafts, and snow activities for all ages. Admission is $2 with $7 wristband available for unlimited rides. Proceeds benefit The Elena Tresh Foundation. For more information, call 727-210-1019. Everyone
Snowflake Swirl Suncoast Waldorf School Annual Holiday Faire
Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Stop by Suncoast Waldorf School in Palm Harbor for this annual holiday tradition. Families can take part in fun activities like candle-dipping, cookie decorating, puppet plays and storytelling and crafts. Shop for oneof-a-kind handmade crafts and gifts and baked goods while enjoying live music and tasty nibbles. Admission is free with crafts and activities priced separately. suncoastwaldorf.org Everyone
Christmas in the Country
Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Bring the family for a great day experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of an old fashion country Christmas at Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Learn how the holiday traditions of the 19th century differ from those of the 21st through hands-on historical interpretations, carols, traditional decorations and more. For ticket information, go to crackercountry.org. Everyone
Snowfest at N. Straub park
Dec. 5, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Spend the day at St. Pete as sixty-five tons of snow falls on North Straub Park. Families can enjoy a big and kiddie toboggan slide, art tent, karaoke, moonwalks, a giant slide, “glice” ice skating and a Kiddyland area designed especially for pre-schools with an inflatable train, cookie decorating and more. stpeteparksrec.org/holiday-events Everyone
Santa Fest and rough riders Annual Holiday parade
Dec. 5, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Line up along Madison Street in downtown Tampa for an 11 a.m. parade followed by the city’s annual holiday celebration at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. After, families can play hands-on games and activities, take part in make-n-take holiday crafts, visit the Christmas Market, take photos with Santa and more. Admission free and ice skating is $5. friendsoftamparec.org
Everyone
The Nutcracker Ballet presented by Tampa Bay's Triple Threat Theatre Dec. 5, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Experience the magic and wonder of being a kid in this holiday classic presented by Tampa Bay’s Triple Threat Theatre at USF Theatre One in Tampa. Show features professional principal soloists and performers from The Classical Ballet of Tampa. Tampa Bay Triple Threat Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational theatre in residence at Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy in Tampa. mjpaa.com Everyone
Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m. Museum members can attend the Glazer Children’s Museum’s annual winter party and enjoy holiday desserts, photos with Santa, crafts and music. Tickets are $10. www.glazermuseum.org Everyone
Gingerbread Land Family Fun Fest
Dec. 5, 7-8:45 p.m. Enjoy an evening of fun for the whole family at Van Dyke Church in Lutz. Children’s activities include Christmas-themed carnival games, bounce houses, cookie decorating, free food, and a surprise visit from Santa. Free admission. vandyke.org Everyone
Christmas Bricktacular Event
Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-30, various times Bring in the holiday season with a 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas tree made of 270,000 LEGO bricks and lifesize LEGO Santa, reindeer and sleigh at LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven. Visit the park and see its festive decorations, take part in a build activity and Scavenger Hunt and enjoy holiday entertainment. LEGO Santa and Toy Soldier make daily appearances for family photo opportunities. legolandflorida.com
Everyone
promise Love Foundation's pictures with Santa
Dec. 6, 2-5 p.m. Pose up to five family members with jolly Old. St. Nick for a good cause as High Hopes in High Heels hosts this photo fundraiser at the Creative Loafing office in Ybor City. Afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas cookies and raffles. Event fee includes 2 highresolution digital downloads with proceeds to benefit Promise Love Foundation. Cost is $25. Register at promiselovefoundation.org/shop/santa. Everyone
AFWA Holiday party
Dec. 9, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Network at this annual holiday party at The Pub at International Plaza and support a good cause. Night includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and chance to bid during 7 p.m. auction to knock off items on the holiday shopping list. Tickets are $20 pre-event and $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Dream Fund. childrensdreamfund.org Moms, Dads
Jingle Jangle Jam
Dec. 9, 6-9 p.m. Join community leaders for a gourmet holiday feast to benefit children and families held at the Tampa Airport Marriott. Evening includes seasonal martinis, beer and wine, decadent desserts, silent auction and special guest Chef Jeff Henderson of Food Network. Admission is $150 each with proceeds to benefit Eckerd. eckerd.org Moms, Dads
Snow Fest
Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m. Bring your mittens and slide down the giant 20 foot snow hill or make a snow angel while helping a good cause in Safety Harbor City Park. Event offers live
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• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
Holiday Music Festival
Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m. Take in a festive concert by students from the vocal, chamber, jazz and children’s music programs of Patel Conservatory in Ferguson Hall at Straz Center. Holiday desserts also will be served. Tickets are $25. patelconservatory.org
Everyone
A very Merry Market
Dec. 10, 4-8 p.m. Take part in a night of shopping hosted by Great Explorations and Sunken Gardens at the St. Pete children’s museum. Evening includes special discounts, champagne, holiday treats and free gift wrapping. greatex.org Everyone
rudolph the red-Nosed reindeer: The Musical
Dec. 12, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Watch the beloved television classic soar off the screen and onto the stage as favorite characters come to life in Straz Center’s Carol Morsani Hall. Tickets are $20-$45.50. strazcenter.org Everyone
Holiday open House at The Children's Home
Dec. 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Visit The Children’s Home in Tampa during its annual open house event when the children pay tribute to family, volunteers, donors and special guests. Enjoy delicious food and the holidays decorations and take part in festive activities like face painting, games and hula hoop contests. Stay for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. RSVP to bburke@childrenshome.org or 813-864-1532. childrenshome.org Everyone
Drop and Shop
Dec. 12-13 and 18-19, various times Drop off the kids at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and use that free time to finish up holiday shopping or gift wrapping. Cost is $30 for first child and $10 for each additional child in the same family. lowryparkzoo.com 3-11
Holiday Gift and plant Sale
Dec. 13, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Browse an assortment of tropical plants, orchids, herbs, bromeliads, citrus, bamboo, begonias and fruit trees at Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo. Specialty vendors will be on hand to sell unique clothing, jewelry, clothing, garden art, ceramics and more. Admission is free but suggested donation of $4 is appreciated. flbg.org Everyone
Nutcracker Tea
Dec. 13, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Experience the timeless world and characters of the Nutcracker ballet as they come to life at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa as part of this partnership between the Straz Center and Next Generation Ballet. Meet Clara, the Nutcracker Prince and others in a private setting while enjoying tea and finger foods. Cost is $20 members and $25 non-members. glazermuseum.org Everyone
pinellas Youth Symphony: Holiday Concert
Dec. 13, 3 p.m. Listen to the sounds of the holidays courtesy of the Symphonic Strings, Pinellas Youth Philharmonic, Serenade Strings and Pinellas Youth Symphony at this special musical celebration at The Palladium in St. Petersburg. Tickets are $10 adults and $2 children and students with ID. mypalladium.org Everyone
Trans Siberian orchestra's The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Dec. 13, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Experience the haunting sounds of this exciting group of performers as they bring their signature sound to the live stage to tell one of the group’s most beloved stories at Amalie Arena for two shows. Tickets start at $33. amaliearena.com Everyone
DFAC Sterling Society Holiday Cocktail party
Dec. 16, 6-9 p.m. Indulge in a bodacious buffet as you listen to live music at Dunedin Fine Art Center. Savor food, drink and beautiful holiday decorations and try for raffle prizes. Tickets are $40 each and $75 per couple. dfac.org
Everyone
Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas - The Symphony Tour
Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. Lose yourself in the celestial voices of the multiplatinum Irish singing sensation as they bring their holiday tour to The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg. Tickets are $57.50-$99.50. themahaffey.com Everyone
Holiday Happenin' for Kids
Dec. 18, 6-10 p.m. Take a night off when you leave the kids at the Patel Conservatory, where staff will lead them in a variety of fun holiday-related activities at TECO Theater inside Tampa’s Straz Center. Tickets are $20. patelconservatory.org 4-12
Santa's Holiday revue
Dec. 19, 11 a.m. Sing, clap and tap along to this fast-paced, rollicking musical that tours the world of festive dance, song and stories onstage at Largo Cultural Center. Tickets are $8.50 adults and $7.50 children with family 4-pack for $26 available. largoarts.com Everyone
Kidz Bop Holiday
Dec. 19, 2:30 p.m. Pack up the kids for this popular artist’s return to Capitol Theatre in Clearwater for a holiday-themed show. Dance and sing in your seats. Tickets are $25, $35 and $50, and can be purchased at rutheckerdhall.com. 4-12
Moscow Ballet's Great russian Nutcracker Jingle Ball
Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Surprise the kids with tickets to see some of the hottest young performers when they visit Tampa’s Amalie Arena to bring rocking season’s tidings courtesy of 93.3 FLZ. This year’s lineup includes 5 Seconds of Summer, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Zedd, Shawn Mendes, Tove Lo, Charlie Puth, R. City, and more. Tickets start at $40. For each ticket sold, $1 is donated to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. amaliearena.com Everyone
Next Generation Ballet's "The Nutcracker"
Dec. 19-20, various times Watch internationally renowned guest artists perform this holiday classic along with the awardwinning dancers of Next Generation Ballet and a cast of nearly 175 dancers and gymnasts at Tampa’s Straz Center. Tickets are $30-$125. strazcenter.org
Everyone
The Family Blessing 2015
Dec. 19-20, various times Artz 4 Life Academy returns to bring a unique holiday musical celebration from the producers of “The Chocolate Nutcracker” onstage at Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Tickets: $17-$37. themahaffey.com
Everyone
It's a Wonderful Life: A Live radio play
Dec. 19-27, various times Celebrate the holiday season with this heartwarming classic presented as a 1940s radio show with sound effects performed live at American Stage in St. Petersburg. For tickets and showtimes, go to americanstage.org. 8 & Older
A Christmas Carol
Dec. 20, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Experience a cherished holiday tradition in this longest-running touring U.S. production of the Dickens classic when it takes the stage for two shows at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future guide Scrooge on a journey of redemption as he discovers the spirit of Christmas. Tickets start at $38.75. rutheckerdhall. com Everyone
Seasonal Sparkle
Dec. 20-21, various times Spice up the holidays with holiday hits and beloved opera arias as well as new arrangements when the St. Petersburg Opera is joined by international soloists and the acclaimed St. Petersburg Opera Chorus onstage at The Palladium in St. Pete. Tickets are $22-$67 and available at 727-823-2040. Everyone
Tasty Traditions
Dec. 20-26, various times Connect children to different cultures through the authentic ingredients of holiday dishes from across the globe in this week-long culinary celebration at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa. Kids can explore international holiday traditions through recipes their families can later try at home. glazermuseum.org Everyone
Dec. 26, various times Savor the sweetest Christmas celebration of the season with the exquisite artistry of worldclass Russian dancers, playful puppets and the splendor of hand crafted sets and costumes when this holiday tradition returns to Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Tickets are $32-$190. themahaffey.com Everyone
Snow Days at The Florida Aquarium
Dec. 26-30, various times Continue your holiday celebration at The Florida Aquarium and enjoy some snow days including a real snow play area for the kids. For more information and schedule, go to flaquarium.org.
Everyone
Noon Year's Eve
Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ring in the new year family style at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for a midday celebration. Party starts with games, arts and crafts and live entertainment. Guests will pull out the noisemakers and hats at noon for a 2016 juice toast. lowryparkzoo.com Everyone
New Year's Eve at Noon
Dec. 31, noon - 5 p.m. Usher in the new year with friends every hour at the top of the hour at Glazer Children’s Museum. glazermuseum.org Everyone
Kids' New Year's Eve
Dec. 31 Come out to LEGOLAND Florida for a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at the Winter Haven park. The giant LEGO brick drops at 7 p.m. Catch a dance party and stay for the fireworks. legolandflorida.com Everyone
New Year's Eve at Busch Gardens
Dec. 31 Join in for the ultimate year-end party at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Enjoy thrill rides, live music throughout the park and fireworks at Gwazi Field. Dive in the dark on Falcon’s Fury and join in on a park-wide countdown to the New Year. Festivities are included with park admission. buschgardenstampa.com Everyone
Aqua-Eve New Year's Celebration
Dec. 31, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Dive into 2016 with a splash at this celebration hosted by the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Listen to live music as you indulge in delicious food, beer and wine with a champagne toast at midnight and catch an amazing fireworks display over the Bay. Party guests must be 21 and older. flaquarium.org Date Night
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• DEC. 2015 • TBParenting.com
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