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Back to School Fair All that you need to prepare, protect and inspire your child this coming school year!
Health & Wellness, Safety, Local Resources, After School Programs, School Choices, Tutors, Children’s Retailers, and more! Kid’s FUN Zone with inflatables, obstacle course, arts & crafts, face painting, balloon artist, entertainment, petting zoo and a whole bunch of fun!
Saturday, August 9th, 10-4pm
4801 E. Fowler Ave.,Tampa, FL 33617 For information and exhibit space call:
813-949-4400, or visit BackToSchoolFair.com
Thousands of dollars worth of giveaways & prizes given every hour!
july 08 8
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 3
18
features
32
every month
32 GEOCACHING Treasure hunting in Tampa
8 LOCAL DESTINATIONS Find paradise close to home
6 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
46 KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE Keeping your dreams alive
14 WATER SAFETY Minutes from disaster
26 SUMMER GUIDE 29 NORTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS 31 SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS
18 HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME Summer clothes and swimsuits
37 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 39 NORTH PINELLAS NEWS 41 SOUTH PINELLAS NEWS
contents
44 PASCO NEWS 48 PARTY GUIDE 51 AROUND TOWN 53 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 54 FAMILY GUIDE On the cover: Margaux Shelton, wearing Patriotic Flowers Sundress by JenJen Kids, $58 available at Silly Dilly Tot Spot. Photography by: Jeanine McLeod, Cloud 9 Studios, www.photosoncloud9.com
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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
July 2008
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Letter from the Editor Angela L. Ardolino Editor-In-Chief Lisa A. Metzker Managing Editor Diana Miklowski Copy Editor Contributing Writers Tim Fath Sandra Parrish Christie Ardolino Lisa Black PJ Goetz Joezette Hite Amy Gall Lauren Hoyt-Williams Elyse Cohen Graphic Artist Susan Margolis Advertising & Marketing Director Todd A. Varde Account Executive Candace Street Account Executive Linda Whitmer Sales Assistant Maryann Montgomery Administrative Assistant
Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine P.O. Box 82255 Tampa, Florida 33682 Telephone: 813-949-4400 Fax: 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com calendar@tbparenting.com ads@tbparenting.com Letters to the Editor: editor@tbparenting.com www.tbparenting.com
The summer seems to slow down a bit and gives us the opportunity to escape for a week or even just a weekend. Whether you have something planned or not, living in Florida makes it so easy to pile in the car and get away with the family. Born and raised in Miami, we drove to the mountains in North Carolina every year, never really stopping anywhere along the way. This is why I now discover places in Florida that are so surprisingly beautiful to me. My idea of a perfect vacation, whether it be three days or a week is to be at a place where I can see the ocean, lay on the beach, go to the spa, eat amazing food, explore the area and, oh yeah, entertain the kids! Luckily Florida offers many places like this. One which I just discovered is Amelia Island in Northeast Florida. What a beautiful and unique place. Southern hospitality, mixed with nature, five star resorts and un-crowded beaches makes this a perfect getaway for the entire family. If you don’t want to drive four hours, you can drive a few minutes and be at some of the most beautiful beaches in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. So if you don’t have anything planned this summer, at least take the time to jump in the car and discover what this great state has to offer. Take advantage of the fact that you live in a place that millions come to visit every year. Have fun!
To find out where to pick up a copy of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine visit www.tbparenting.com. Or have it delivered to you by e-mailing your name and address to info@tbparenting.com. Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year by Lucy Loo Inc. It is distributed free of charge to more than 700 supermarkets, community centers, libraries, doctor offices and business with products and services for families No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission. TBPM is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to TBPM will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. For information on where to find TBPM or how to become a distributor, call 813-949-4400 or email info@tbparenting.com. Copyright 2007 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. All rights reserved. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.
local destination
The beautiful sand dunes, home to gopher turtles and perfect nesting grounds for sea turtles, along with the white sand beaches and blue waters of Amelia Island. View from Summer Beach Resort and The Ritz-Carlton.
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bout four hours up the eastern coast is one of America’s few remaining unspoiled paradises, Amelia Island. Just 40 minutes north of Jacksonville, this narrow barrier island is a lush, natural environment draped in hundred year old, moss-laden live oaks, tranquil intracoastal marshes and white-sand beaches. This part of Florida looks and feels so different, but offers wonderful southern hospitality and a perfect local destination for the entire family.
My family and I piled in the car and set off on our adventure to North Florida. Most of the drive on I-75 was pretty and easy riding, and then quite adventurous riding on SR-301 through small towns and speed traps. The moment you cross over the bridge onto the island, you know you are in a unique place. The marsh looks like what you would picture a savannah in Africa to look like. Our first night eating out was outside at Barbara Jeans, on the deck with a perfect view of oak trees and the marsh. We were sure a couple of giraffes were going to stop by. I found it a unique experience to be sitting, drinking sweet tea and eating amazing crab cakes, while seeing this natural beauty.
Where To Stay Amelia Island offers several top notch resorts which cater to your every need and desire, my favorites included The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island Plantation and the Summer Beach Resort. Poised on a bluff of dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is The Ritz-Carlton. Famous for its Southern charm and hospitality, this casually elegant retreat offers a string of superb amenities. The full service- luxury Spa is 27,500 square feet of heaven. This state of the art sanctuary is dedicated to revitalizing and rejuvenating its guests with a range of spa services. I could have spent an entire day here. I tried an original treatment, created by the resort, called Heaven in a Hammock. It was the best 70 minutes of the trip. The benefits of zero gravity and massage come together for an out of body experience and I highly recommend it. The resort also features an indoor pool, oceanside pool, a kiddie pool and whirlpools, nine tennis courts (clay and hard), and an adjacent championship golf course. Special amenities include the Ritz Kids program which our girls enjoyed fun beach games, water sports, arts and crafts and a nature program. And for the teenager there is the Our Space Teen Program, designed specifically for teens 13-19. Noted for its environmental consciousness, the 1,350 acre Amelia Island Plantation is a paradise to anyone who visits. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, the resort offers miles of uncrowded beach, world-renowned golf and tennis, fine dining, great shopping and a luxury spa. This resort has been meticulously preserved since 1971. Years before their time, the master developers set upon a mission to find the optimum fit between man’s habitat and the existing natural environment, including animal life and plant ecology on this fragile barrier island in Northeast Florida. The result was a master plan to protect tidal marshes, conserve oceanfront dunes, grassland and savannahs. An unprecedented 40-foot wide strip of natural vegetation was added as a buffer to all waterways allowing them to remain a wildlife refuge, travel corridors and food sources. Each building, courtyard, terrace or boardwalk is placed with the natural environment in mind, making sure that each structure is set within nature’s arms instead of distracting from it. The philosophy that each entity on the resort “embraces its site and becomes one with it” is still the mission and the reason Amelia Island Plantation has remained the pristine environment that it is. Amelia encourages guests of the property to take advantage of the natural environment the resort holds so dear. A wide variety of guided environmental tours including very fun Segway tours, with staff naturalists, provides a hands-on experience to all ages.
Amelia Island Plantation Signature Golf Course, Amelia Island Plantation Segway Tour, Fort Clinch Park, Heaven in a Hammock Spa Treatment at The Ritz-Carlton.
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local travel ACCOMMODATIONS Amelia Island Plantation 6800 First Coast Hwy. Amelia Island, FL 32034 904-261-6161 866-481-5057 www.aipfl.com The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy. Amelia Island, FL 32034 904-277-1100 800-241-3333 www.ritzcarlton.com Summer Beach Resort 5456 First Coast Hwy. Amelia Island, FL 32034 904-277-0905 800-862-9297 www.summerbeach.com ACTIVITIES Amelia Island River Cruises & Charters 1 North Front Street, Fernandina Beach904261-9972, www.ameliarivercruises.com Fort Clinch State Park 2601 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, 904-277-7221 www.floridastateparks.org/fortclinch Kayak Amelia 13030 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, FL 32226 904-251-0016 www.kayakamelia.com RESTAURANTS Barbara Jean’s 960030 Gateway Blvd. Amelia Island, FL 32034 904-277-3700 www.barbarajeans.com Salt 4750 Amelia Island Parkway 904-491-6712 www.ritzcarlton.com
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Megan and Paige enjoy a day on the uncrowded beaches searching for the popular find, sharks teeth, in the crystal clear waters of Amelia Island.
The Summer Beach Resort, located on the south end of Amelia Island, features the ultimate in luxury accommodations and resort amenities within gated communities, providing exclusive privacy. Touted by New York Magazine, Summer Beach is an unmatched place to bask in glorious sunrises and sunsets.
and properly seasoned with an array of flavored salts which compliment the dishes beautifully. Seasonal menu changes weekly and offers over 500 wines. Salt offers a rare combination of the relaxed and refined, along with an elegant oceanfront ambience. The food is prepared creatively and is pure perfection on a plate.
Surrounded by lush tropical foliage and the majestic Atlantic Ocean, the condominiums, townhouses, villas, and penthouses are designed to meet all your expectations. All units feature full kitchens, including microwave ovens, washers and dryers. Breakfast bars adjoin the dining rooms and living rooms, which also feature either a patio or balcony with resort or ocean view. Our condo became our home away from home during our stay. We ended each day with a walk on the beach and a swim in the pool.
What to do
Where to Eat Barbara Jean’s, a family run, multi-unit restaurant operation that began in 1998 on St. Simons Island, Georgia. They specialize in both seafood and made-from-scratch, home-style cooking. You’ll be calling them when you return home to have their famous crab cakes delivered to you.
Historic Centre Street, once a vibrant, Victorian seaport village and located in charming downtown Fernandina Beach, escaped the mass commercialization of the 20th century and boasts a beautiful 50-block historic district with many original structures dating back to the late 19th century, including many Victorianstyle mansions and Victorian cottages. Take a stroll through the heart of Amelia Island’s shopping district, historic Centre Street, and peruse books from The Sailor’s Wife Book Exchange, beautiful jewelry at Jeff Steel Jewelers, and gifts from The Ship’s Lantern. Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country. Visitors can also sunbathe, swim, roam self-guided nature trails to discover native plants and wildlife, or explore a six-mile trail through the park with views of the largest sand dunes in Florida. j
Salt, the longest-running AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Florida, offers simple ingredients from the earth and sea, artfully prepared tbparenting.com
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Summer Fun in our own backyard Summer at the TradeWinds Island Resort brings sunny, fun-filled days; breezy, action-packed nights and incredible vacation values. This summer, TradeWinds is offering a special Florida Resident Rate of $169 for a standard parlor room at the Island Grand or a courtyard suite at the Sandpiper Suites. These incredible rates, available SundayThursday, represent a savings of up to 40% off, a savings of $75-$125 off the regular rates. The Florida Resident Rate is inclusive of the daily Resort Amenity Fee which includes a hooded beach cabana with cushions for two, water trykes and paddleboats, tennis court play, fitness center and classes, day play on mini-golf course and ScheldePro beach volleyball courts, self-parking, wireless Internet access, portions of the children’s program, daily newspaper, pool towels and more. Guests at both resorts can enjoy a summer full of unique vacation activities and programs at the Island Grand – some new and some favorites back by popular demand: Tuesday Night – Guests may want to hit the links on the mini-golf course with a round of Glow-in-the-Dark Golf. Wednesday & Saturday Nights – The complimentary RedBeard the Pirate Show is performed on the TradeWinds very own “Pirate Island”. Lit by magnificent Gulf sunsets, the likeable RedBeard spins tall tales and conducts a sing along of memorable tunes for children and adults alike. Guest ghost busters 12 and up may wish to take the all new Ghost Walking Tour with RedBeard after the show and visit the eeriest places on property. In addition, families can literally immerse themselves in the complimentary Dive-
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Pirate RedBeard tells stories of his adventures to children staying at the resort. In Movie – a poolside showing complete with popcorn, drinks and rafts in the pool. Thursday Night – It’s time for Beach Blanket Volleyball where several kidfriendly games will be offered on the lighted neon-court. The games are followed by Glow-in-the-Dark Volleyball on the beach. Families can get decked out in neon paint to volley, set and spike the night away. Friday Night –The all-new Pirate Island Family Party includes fun for everyone with games, munchies and contests. Immediately following, the Teens Rule Getaway Party lets teens rock out with video games like Guitar Hero on a big screen. When it’s time to hit the beach, the High Tide Slide will be waiting. The slide, open throughout the summer and fall, is a three-story, inflatable slide on the beach. And, the sky’s the limit with the bungee trampoline. In addition, colorful hair braiders, a henna tattoo artist and hand-crafted jewelry will be available throughout Island Grand all summer long. Located at the resort’s South Terrace
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area, the new Pet Play Zone was designed for guests and their dogs to safely enjoy a little doggie R&R. The area features doggie drinking fountains, umbrellas for shade, benches, doggie rinse and drying station with towels, owner sitting area, fire hydrants, and more. The Pet Play Zone is the only area on property where dogs can be unleashed, and features a double gate entrance for safe and easy access into and out of the park. Pet clean-up stations include clean-up baggies and waste disposals. A special dog walk area has also been identified, set along the property’s meandering waterways and beachfront dunes, and even skirts by a hammock for some snooze time for the guest and his/her pooch. The TradeWinds Island Resorts – the family-friendly Island Grand Resort and the more intimate and relaxing Sandpiper Suites – two beachfront resorts within steps of each other on the island of St. Pete Beach, just 30 minutes from Tampa. The Florida Resident Rate is available through Sept. 30, 2008. For reservations and information, call toll-free (866) JUST LET GO (587-8538), visit www. JustLetGo.com/FLREZ or contact a travel professional j
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water safety
minutes from disaster drownings are summertimes’ biggest risk
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BY AMY GALL
unshine and water equal summertime fun in Florida. Those same ingredients, can be a recipe for disaster. A day at the beach or a pool party can turn into a day in the emergency room in a matter of seconds.
Danielle Pelham, a mother of two from Land O’ Lakes, knows firsthand the importance of water safety, and she has spent the last two years trying to educate as many people as she can about drowning prevention. In January 2006, her son, James Jr., was 11 months old, and he was just getting steady on his feet. The family was having an addition built onto their house, so part of a screened in enclosure around their pool had been taken down. Pelham was fixing lunch when she realized her son wasn’t with her young daughter in the next room. She found him facedown in the pool. She started CPR, and when the paramedics arrived, they found a faint heartbeat. He spent 11 days in the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care unit, and fortunately is doing fine today. “It still haunts me to this day,” says Pelham. “Everyone thinks it won’t happen to them. We’re so blessed our baby survived, as that’s not typically the case.” Two-thirds of childhood drownings occur between May and August, making drowning the biggest summertime risk. Drowning takes the lives of more than 1,000 children ages 14 and under each year, ranking it as the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children in this age group. For every child who drowns, four more are hospitalized for neardrowning. According to St. Joseph’s Children’s Advocate Bevin Maynard, children can drown in as little as one inch of water and in just a matter of seconds. “It typically occurs when a child is left unattended or during a brief lapse in supervision,” said Maynard. “Unlike the cries of help heard as a result of most injuries, drowning is silent.” Two minutes following submersion, a child will lose consciousness, and irreversible brain damage occurs after four to six minutes.
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Danielle pictured with her son James While cooling off and having fun in the sun this summer, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Advocates recommend the following water safety tips: • • •
• • •
Never leave children alone in or near water. Parents and caregivers should always watch while children are playing in or near water, even in shallow wading pools. Never rely on a personal flotation device or swimming lessons to protect a child. Learn CPR, and keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers poolside. Install four-sided isolation fencing. It should be at least 5 feet high and equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates. Fencing should completely surround swimming pools and prevent direct access from a house or yard. Enroll children in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors when they are ready. Do not assume your child is “drownproof ”— he or she still needs constant supervision. Make sure children always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device when on a boat, when near open bodies of water or when participating in water sports. Never allow children ages 14 and under to operate a personal watercraft.
To sign up for an upcoming infant and child CPR class at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, call (813) 870-4747 or go to www. stjosephschildrens.com. j
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water safety
LUCA LEARNS TO SWIM Barry Shrewsbury, a professional swim instructor for over 16 years, has taught over 700 children to swim and to be pool-safe. He is the author of Luca Learns to Swim: A Family’s Companion to Swim Lessons. For more information, or to contact Barry, please go to: www.lucalearnstoswim.com
SAFETY TURTLE The Safety Turtle Wireless Wristband Alarm is an ingenious combination of wireless signal-outfitted wristbands and a wireless base station receiver that sounds an alarm the instant a child falls or ventures into water. The base station can be positioned anywhere between 200 and 1500 feet away from the pool (depending on model desired). Safety Turtle retails for $235 and can be purchased online at safetyturtle.com or at retail stores throughout the U.S and Canada such as Leslie’s Pool Supply. www.safetyturtle.com
www.thelittlegym.com
Now in North Tampa! KARATE!
Now enrolling inCHEER! both locations!
Book Your Awesome BIRTHDAY BASH Today!
Building
North Tampa
(813) 962-6300 15453 N Dale Mabry Hwy TLGNorthTampaFL.com
South Tampa
(813) 282-8547 4251 Henderson Blvd. TLGSouthTampaFL.com
Confidence one Jump at a time.
Classes for Children 4 months - 12 years Gymnastics Karate Dance Cheer Sports Skills Camps Parents Survival Night Enroll Now for Summer/Fall Classes & Summer Camps!
Call Today! --to schedule your FREE introductory class!
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Let us grow and nurture your child.
Garden Montessori School Opening Fall 2008 Ages Infant thru Kindergarten 6845 Boyette Rd Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
813-900-4247 www.gardenmontessorischool.org
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Hot Fun in the Summertime PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEANINE MCLEOD
Kaitlin is wearing Young Colors white cotton smock dress with crochet flower $47.50 and matching hat with crochet trim, $19 available at Little Peeps in South Tampa.
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Myka is wearing Sequin Daisy Swimsuit $28, available at Precious Cargo. Max is wearing Ocean Fish cotton shorts, $20. Matching Ocean Fish Tee also available for $16 all available at Silly Dilly Tot Spot. Meisi is wearing Pears Tankini with criss-cross strap back from Azul Swimwear, $58, matching skirt cover-up available for $40 at Silly Dilly Tot Spot.
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Ryan is wearing a black and cream Charlie shirt with matching black jersey bermuda shorts by Jackson Clay available at Smarty Pants Kids’ Boutique.
Myka is wearing Green Bird Batik print with brown zebra trim sundress by Jen Jen Kids, $52, and brown dot hair bow available at Silly Dilly Tot Spot.
Kaitlin is wearing adorable Claire and Charlie handsmocked Cupcake Bishop dress, $70 available at Little Peeps. Silver leather thong sandals by Guess, $49.50 available at Poco Pattino.
Margaux is wearing Red and White Ruffled Tiered Blouse, $38, with Icky Baby White Flounce Skirt, $38 available at Giggle Box Couture.
Ingalls is wearing adorable Baby Lulu Lily Capri Set $83, with Jeweled Flip Flops by Flattering Flops $39, all available at Little Peeps. Myka is wearing Mimi and Maggie Summer Nights Dress-$66, available at Giggle Box. She is wearing red Waterproof Sandals by Sun-San, $29.50 at Poco Pattino. Kaitlin is wearing a hot pink cotton dress by Childish Oceana, $42 at Precious Cargo. Margaux is wearing fun green striped two piece cotton jersey set from Giggle Box Couture.
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Morgan is wearing a Roxy Bikini, $40 from Giggle Box Couture. Parker is wearing shark infested Vineyard Vines boys chappy swim trunks, $49.50 available at Little Peeps. Kaitlin is wearing Submarine Heart Tankini, $79 at Poco Pattino. Jaden is wearing super soft cotton octopus tee with matching shorts from the Tea Collection, available at Seedlings. Ryan is wearing Childish Spike Boardshort $17, from Precious Cargo. Quick Silver Salvation Tee, $14, at Giggle Box. Davis is wearing an orange and brown Charlie Rocket bathing suit with matching surfboard tee from Smarty Pants Kids’ Boutique. Parker is wearing tee and shorts from Mi Bebe with the cutest Bear Feet woven turqoise sandals, $67, from Poco Pattino. Myka is wearing a Flora ruffle sundress by JenJen Kids, $52, with an orange felt flower hair clip available at Silly Dilly Tot Spot and orange leather sandals by See Kai Run, $38.50 at Poco Pattino. Giggle Box Couture, 813-805-6382 Little Peeps, 813-250-0044 Poco Pattino, 813-258-1900 Precious Cargo, 813-254-1500 Seedlings, 813-251-5111 Silly Dilly Tot Spot, 813-282-8855 Smarty Pants Kids’ Boutique, 813-259-4900
A unique boutique for the next generation
Clothing Accessories Toys Gifts Books Strollers
Hyde Park Village 1606 West Snow Avenue Tampa, Fl 33606
813 254 1500 tbparenting.com
July 2008
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photo by jennifer griffin photography
Infant to size 7
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summer and afterschool program guide
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MUSIC BOX Song and Dance for Growing Girls
Classes begin September 2nd, 2008, Enrollment limited to 15 per class Tuesdays 3:45 - 4:45 Music Box Peep Tuesdays 4:45 - 5:45 Music Box Select
Be part of a unique performance workshop that teaches song and dance skills to girls 5 - 9. Classes are taught by the directors of Entertainment Revue the song and dance ensemble, who have produced over eight major recording contracts and four American Idol finalists. The classes introduce girls to the performance techniques used by Entertainment Revue.
Registration Begins Immediately 813-832-9217 www.EntertainmentRevue.com
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north
Hillsborough
Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Lutz, New Tampa, Odessa, Temple Terrace, Westchase
Teen, College Student and Adult Volunteers- Help at the Zoo! On Friday, July 18, the zoo is seeking volunteers to assist with Nite Zoo, a fun event during which Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is open late with free live entertainment, free rides and a Pepsi giveaway! Volunteers will assist by helping to pass out the Pepsi giveaway, helping with our rides, helping to pass out maps and more! Great fun! Volunteer shift is from 4:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. and volunteers are required to work the entire 4 hour shift. In order to participate, volunteers must: • • • • • •
Contact Amanda Gernazian at 813-935-8552 x392 or Email: Ops.Volunteer@ lowryparkzoo.com to sign up in advance. Be age 13 and over Turn in signed liability waiver and info sheet Be able to work outdoors Be able to volunteer from 4:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Arrival time starts at 4:30 p.m. for check in. Be prepared to have FUN while helping the “#1 Family Friendly Zoo in the Country!”
Hurry and sign up for this opportunity- space is limited! Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo 1101 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604 Friday July 18, 4:30 PM - 8:45 PM 813-935-8552 x392 www.lowryparkzoo.com
Animal Companion Volunteers Come play with our animals and help reduce their stress. This helps our animals be more adoptable. You will be able to take the dogs out to runs and let them off the leash and play. You can take the cats out into a room and cuddle with them or let them stretch out their legs. Must attend our orientation and animal handling class. They are offered the second Saturday of the month. Humane Society of Tampa Bay 3607 N Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607 813-876-7138 www.humanesocietytampa.org/volunteer
dates: July 1, 6pm - 9pm Nursing Mothers - Breastfeeding 101 This class covers the basics of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the best infant feeding option for most babies but it is a learned skill. You will receive helpful information to get you and your baby off to a good start. The fee is per couple. St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital 3030 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. Tampa, FL 33607 813-879-4730, sjbhealth.org July 5 & 19, 9am - 12pm Open Play Saturdays at Kidz Club $10/Family (special pricing) Kidz Club, 15315 Amberly Drive 813-615- CLUB, Kidz-ClubOnline.com July 8, 10am – 3pm Chance to Win Tickets to The New Film: Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Picturehouse & Let’s Eat! New Tampa has cooked-up a chance for you to win an American Girl® Kit® character doll and movie passes to see the new film: Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. Bring the kids and make some of Kit’s favorite recipes and register for your chance to win. Movie posters & word search games will be available as well. Let’s Eat! – New Tampa, 17024 Palm Pointe Dr., Tampa. 813-615-9303, LetsEatDinner.com July 11 - July 27 Same Time Next Year by Bernard Slade One of the most popular romantic comedies of the century. It remains one of the world’s most widely produced plays. The plot follows a love affair between two people, married to others who rendezvous once a year. Twenty-five years of manners, morals and attitudes are hilariously enacted by lovers, Doris and George. Presented by the New Tampa Players @ The Carrollwood Cultural Center 813-269-1310, carrollwoodcenter.org July 18, 6pm - 9:30pm Parents’ Survival Night @ The Little Gym Join us for our Ultimate Space Adventure PSN! Children must be 3 - 10 yrs and bathroom independent. Join us for lots of fun, games, a craft and snacks. Reserve your spot today for July’s one and only Parents’ Survival Night as space is filling up fast! 813-962-6300, tlgnorthtampafl.com
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Petite Elite Baby
TM
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south
Hillsborough
Apollo Beach, Brandon, Lithia, Riverview, Ruskin, South Tampa, Tampa, Valrico, Fishhawk
Local Artist Creates Beautiful Art To Inspire Children Raised in Yonkers, New York, Natalie Jimenez attended an elementary school that was affiliated with the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, New York. Her imagination and creativity were nurtured at a very young age and she was exposed to so many incredible works of art and talented artists. It was an education and experience that she will never forget and hopes to pass on to others in her lifetime. Natalie moved to Tampa with her mother in 2000. Knowing she wanted to work with children, she began teaching at Small Blessings in South Tampa. There is where she really discovered her aptitude and love with working with children. In 2005 she moved on as a lead teacher at the Amy Gail Buchman Shaarai Zedek Preschool. It is there were she had the opportunity to further challenge herself not only as a teacher but as an artist. She tapped into her artistic side and presented her idea for starting an art program in the afternoons. It was an experience she will never forget. In the beginning she had about 25 students and by the end of the summer she had 48. With the success of the program she realized she had something special, and there, the idea of opening an art studio for children was born. “Art for a child is amazing! When you give a child paper, you open their minds to all the possibilities where their imagination can take them. When you give child paint you add color to their teeny tiny world. When you give a child a paintbrush, you encourage them to explore all the infinite ways to experiment and express themselves” says Natalie. Although Natalie has sold many oil and acrylic paintings, it wasn’t until recently where she indulged in her playful side. She was inspired by her little cousins to create something special, yet different, for their bedrooms. The vibrant colors, the imaginative whimsical images, came naturally to Natalie. “I found it so much fun to paint for children” says Natalie. She then decided to take some of her work to her friend Jennifer Tishler who owns Giggle Box Couture. She knew Jennifer from when her daughter attended Shaarai Zedek and was part of her art program.
dates: July 1 - ongoing EXHIBITION - It’s Not Easy Being Green Tampa Museum of Art Artists interested in making a positive difference in both their lives and in their communities will be invited to design products that will provide real solutions for people to live better, healthier lives with less impact on the environment. The exhibition will provide information, ideas, actual solutions/products and motivation for community members to live more sustainably. July 2, 10am - 11am Sitter Soirées Event at Kit’s Well-Dressed, Hyde Park Take the hassle out of finding a good, reliable sitter. More info at SitterSoirees.com July 9 & 23, 6pm - 7pm Take...The First Step Club Summer Race Series 5K Race with a 1/4 mile kid’s run. Take...The First Step Club wants you to get fit and faster. They will give trophies to the top 3 individuals in each standard age group who showed the most time improvement over the races they participated in. The trophies will be given to the top 3 folks in each standard age group: 9 and under and up to age 82. Al Lopez Park, Tampa Additional dates: 8/13, 8/27 TheFirstStepPrograms.com July 16, 23, & 30, 10am - Noon New Moms Support Group This group provides new mom’s the opportunity to discuss issues that come with being a new mom, share advice and offer support. The group meets every Wednesday at Tampa General Hospital’s Community Health Education Center in Old Hyde Park Village, upper level, 740 S. Village Circle, Tampa. Call Lisa Gray at (813) 844-8945.
Not only did Jennifer purchase her work but she presented Natalie with the opportunity to be apart of her team and sell her artwork at Goodnight Giggle, a children’s bedding and furnishings boutique which just opened in South Tampa. Not only can her art work be purchased at Goodnight Giggle but Natalie can also custom make paintings to match bedding, room themes, and accessories. As well as custom made paintings, she also does murals for nurseries and children’s rooms. Natalie’s artwork is unique, using vibrant colors, and whimsical imagery that children and adults alike will love. To see Natalie’s work visit her at Goodnight Giggle at 3211 W. Bay to Bay Boulevard or visit www. myteenytinymastepiece.com tbparenting.com
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let’s go geocaching great treasure hunting here in Tampa BY PJ GOETZ
I
f you liked Easter egg hunting as a kid then your are going to love this game. There are tiny treasure boxes, hundreds of them, hidden all over Tampa Bay. You find them by using the GPS information you find on the Internet. Once you find them you take a trinket, sign the log book and leave a trinket for the next person.
There are 586,173 active caches worldwide. Sounds crazy I know! But once you get started you will be hooked in no time. I can easily ensure my kids will behave at school now. All I have to say is “be good at school and when I pick you up we will go caching” and I am almost assured a perfect day from them. Sound fun?
The Goetz team finding treasure
To get started visit www.geocaching.com. Here you will learn all about geocaching and where caches can be found. (You don’t need a GPS to get started).
natural beauty of our outdoor resources!
From the “Hide & Seek A Cache Tab” enter your address. Look through caches near your home in a place that is familiar to you. Pick a few that look interesting to you. Print out the street map and the satellite map. Use these for reference if you don’t have a GPS.
BOP: Bring your own pen CITO: Cache In Trash Out Cache: Pronounced “cash” - In geocaching it is a hidden container filled with a log book and pencil/pen, and possibly prizes. Caches were often used by explorers, miners, etc. to hide foodstuffs and other items for emergency purposes. People still hide caches of supplies today for similar reasons. FTF: First To Find. Usually found in the forums or written in the online or physical log books. Geomuggle or Muggle: A non-geocacher. Based on “Muggle” from the Harry Potter series, which is a nonmagical person. Usually this term is used after a non geocacher looks puzzled at a geocacher making circles with their GPS receiver, or when a non-geocacher accidentally finds a cache. Geomuggles are mostly harmless. Hitchhiker: A hitchhiker is an item that is placed in a cache, and has instructions to travel to other caches. Sometimes they have logbooks attached so you can log their travels. Spoiler: A spoiler is information that can give details away and ruin the experience of something. For example, telling someone the end of a movie before they see it. In geocaching, a spoiler gives away details of a cache location and can ruin the experience of the hunt. TFTC: Thanks for the cache! TFTH: Thanks for the hunt! TNLN: Took Nothing. Left Nothing. Usually found in cache logbooks for folks that enjoy the thrill of the hunt more than the material contents of the cache. TNLNSL / TNSL: Took Nothing. Left Nothing. Signed Logbook / Took Nothing. Signed Logbook Travel Bug: A Travel Bug is a hitchiker. j
Get in the Car and Go! You don’t know what exactly you are looking for but once you find it you’ll know what it is! Get named “Mom of the Day” by your kids. My 10 year old said to me on our first day of caches “I’ve got to remember this so I can do this with my kids one day”. Tips for the Newbie: • Wear long pants and bring some Insect Repellant. I can show you the scratches on my legs and the incest bites on my arms from failing to follow my own advice. • Hunt small caches or larger ones. The micro caches usually only have log books and the kids love to find trinkets. Remember to leave something if you take something. Stock up at the dollar store or use those silly little toys your kids get that you don’t know what to do with. • Bring along a pen so you can sign the log book. Cache In Trash Out: Bring along a trash bag and pick up any litter you see along the way. Cache In Trash Out is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geocaching community. Since 2002, geocachers have been dedicated to cleaning up parks and other cache-friendly places around the world. Through these volunteer efforts, we help preserve the
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Terms and Lingo that’s good to know:
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health & wellness
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Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Carrollwood 15148 North Dale Mabry 813-960-0106
10845 Bloomingdale Ave. 1748 Bruce B. Downs #172 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free or reduced f s a right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for any service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result Blvd. of and within
Dr. Cruz Ceino-Sena Fishhawk 5658 Fishhawk Crossing Blvd. 813-490-1982 Big Bend 13146 US Hwy 301 813-672-9575
Northside 1060 W. Busch Blvd. #105 813-931-4000 Westchase 13022 Racetrack Rd. #101 813-814-1868
Pediatric Dentistry
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Specialty Care tbparenting.com
Call for an Appointment
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health & wellness
Home Spa Birthday Party Fun-filled evening of pampering with your friends! Many fun themes to choose from. Invite your friends and I will do the rest! Vanessa Lewis, Independent Consultant
813-843-8577
GirlsNiteOutSpa.com
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Figure 8™ Weight Loss Chews — they won’t go to waist AS THE SUMMER TEMPERATURES CONTINUE TO RISE, WHY NOT DROP A FEW POUNDS?
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north
Pinellas
Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CLEARWATER-DUNEDIN TO HOLD MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION SESSIONS The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin will hold membership information sessions at three different locations on the following dates: July 9 (North Pinellas), July 24 (Clearwater) and August 5 (Belleair). All sessions will start at 6:30pm. Women who are at least 22 years of age and who are interested in serving the communities of northern Pinellas and Pasco Counties through volunteering are encouraged to attend. Topics covered will include the mission of the JLCD as well as benefits and requirements of membership. Please call (727) 738-5523 if you’re interested in attending. The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving its community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. In Pinellas County, the JLCD was instrumental in establishing projects such as the Community Pride Daycare facility, UPARC, the FUN bus and Heritage Village, just to name a few.
MASSIVE “ARREST” of PALM HARBOR BUSINESS LEADERS BENEFIT LOCAL FAMILIES Prominent Palm Harbor locals were accused of “having a big heart for Jerry’s Kids.” They volunteered to be “arrested and serve time” in a mock jail at the Outback Steakhouse of Palm Harbor on June 25th in an effort to raise money for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association. The MDA Lock Up was held between 9:00AM and 2:00PM, where many local businesses supported the community event. Jailbird transportation was provided by Allstar Limousine & Transportation Services and “jailhouse grub” was provided by Outback Steakhouse and Einstein Brothers Bagels both of Palm Harbor. More than 200 Palm Harbor area executives and business leaders were expected to serve their sentences “behind bars” for MDA. The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary health agency working to defeat neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. For more information, contact the local MDA office at 727-577-1700.
dates: July 13 & 27, 11am – 3pm Open Classroom – Discovering Nature with Your Child Who lives in that skin? What is the difference between a carnivore and an herbivore? Whose tracks are those? Stop by the classroom anytime between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm to participate in a variety of self-guided nature games and activities that answer these questions and many more. Admission: Free. Recommended for families with children of all ages. Brooker Creek Preserve, 727-453-6800 Environmental Education Center 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs, 34688 July 16, 7pm – 8:30pm Movie Night at Brooker Creek – Water’s Journey: The Hidden Rivers of Florida Where does our water come from? This amazing, entertaining documentary follows a team of daring divers as they explore the connecting paths of the Floridan aquifer. BYOP (bring your own popcorn) for this fascinating 1hour journey to discover Florida‘s hidden rivers. Participants can pick up a handy tip sheet of practical ways that individuals can help protect and preserve Florida‘s precious water supply. Pre-registration is appreciated. Admission: Free. Recommended for adults – suitable for children 12 and up. July 30, 7pm – 8pm Movie Night at Brooker Creek – Tampa Bay : Living Legacy Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest open water estuary. BYOP (bring your own popcorn) to discover Tampa Bay’s evolution from a relatively unspoiled paradise, to a waterway battered by pollution, to the rejuvenated centerpiece of the region. Funded by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the Pinellas County Environmental Fund, this 1-hour documentary features interviews with scientists, elected officials and citizens. Participants can pick up a handy tip sheet of practical ways that individuals can help. Brooker Creek Preserve, 727-453-6800 Environmental Education Center 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs, 34688
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south
Pinellas
Largo, Pinellas Park, Seminole, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Treasure Island
Free Dental Exams and X-Rays for Children! The Pinellas County Health Department, Dental Division is having its annual Backto-School Special. Children ages 4 - 17, who live in Pinellas and Pasco counties, will be able to receive FREE dental exams and x-rays. This event is reserved for children without private dental insurance. Children without insurance or with Medicaid are welcome to attend. Medicaid will be billed for services provided. Children that are current patients of the Pinellas County Dental Clinics are not eligible for this special. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to attend. Many children will be able to schedule follow-up appointments prior to the start of the school year. No appointment needed for this event! FREE dental exams and x-rays will be offered between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.(closed noon - 1:00 p.m.) on the following Wednesdays: • • • •
July 2, Largo Center, 12420 130th Avenue, 727-588-4040 x129 July 9, Clearwater Center, 310 North Myrtle Ave, 727-469-5800 x121 July 16, Pinellas Park, 6350 76th Avenue North, 727-547-7780 x103 July 23, St. Petersburg Center, 205 Dr. M. L. King St N., 727-824-6900 x11034
Don’t let a toothache ruin a child’s day! Make this event part of your child’s back-toschool routine.
Free PACT Class! (Parent/Adolescent Conditioning Training) PACT is a Parent/Child fitness program designed to educate parents and kids of the importance of proper nutrition and exercise in today’s world. PACT is an 8 week weight management program where you learn from an experienced personal trainer and nutritionist about the body and how it is affected by exercise and good nutrition. This program is designed for parents and their children (3rd, 4th and 5th grade). Through partnership with Steps to a Healthier FL-Pinellas, Pinellas County Schools, the Pinellas County Extension and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg are offering this class at no cost to participants. Who: Parent/Child Fitness Team When: Thursdays 6-8 pm through July 31st Where: Jim & Heather Gills YMCA 3200 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg To sign up or get info contact: Joe Fabrizio, Fitness Director or Jacqui Frehling, Asst. Fitness Director (727) 328-YMCA (9622)
dates: July, M-F, 8:30am – 5pm Pediatric Asthma Care Coordination All Children’s Hospital 801 6th Street S., St. Pete Contact: Omar Zidi 727-767-4795 July 2 - 5 Miss Florida Outstanding Teen and Miss Florida Pageant Progress Center for the Arts’ Mahaffey Theater, 400 1st St. S. Wed. at 7:30 p.m. preliminary competition, Thurs. at 7:30 p.m. preliminary competition, Friday at 2:00 p.m. preliminary competition and Sat. at 7 p.m. Miss Florida Outstanding Teen finals and at 8 p.m. Miss Florida finals. 727-892-5767 www.missflorida.org, www.mahaffeytheater.com July 4th, 2pm Fireworks highlight the July 4th festivities on St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront. A 24-minute display is scheduled to start at 9 p.m., weather permitting. In addition, 103.5 FM presents live entertainment in North Straub Park starting at 4 p.m. including Paratroopers landing at 7 p.m. Entertainment and concerts at the Pier start at 2 p.m. Other vantage points to see fireworks are Vinoy Park, North Shore Park and Albert Whitted Park. Thursdays, July 17 – Aug 14 Step into the Kitchen: Families Cooking Together (5 part series) At least one adult and one child (at least 8 yrs. old). For more information on program please call 727-582-2463. To register, call 727-582-2122 July 17, 6:43am 35th Anniversary Sunrise Sale Throughout downtown St. Petersburg. 6:43 a.m. Look for the yellow banners on stores offering deep discounted specials during this once a year pj party. Music, food samplings, great sales and shuttle bus service will be available. Downtown Business Association. www.stpetedowntownbiz.com
YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, www.stpeteymca.org tbparenting.com
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Where fond memories of being a kid in a candy store come back to life!
Every Friday in July 10am-1pm
No reservation required. Minimum two meal purchase (while supplies last).
Sample Entrees Honey Sesame Chicken Ginger Marinated Steak Chipotle Beef Burritos Almond Chicken in a Gorgonzola Sauce
Kids in the Kitchen! Kids out of school for Summer? Bring them to Let’s Eat! and let them help fix dinner! They’ll get a special treat and they can learn how to follow a recipe in our kitchen... while we clean up the mess! Visit www.LetsEatDinner.com for session times and to reserve your kitchen time!
Only the freshest ingredients!
South Tampa, 3415 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. (813) 805-0555
Call or go online today. As little as $3.50 per serving Ask about private parties, corporate team building, birthday parties, baby showers and fund-raising opportunities!
New Tampa, 17024 Palm Pointe Dr., (813) 615-9303
Carmel Apples, Chocolates, Classic Candies, Salt Water Taffy, Jelly Beans, Rock Candy, Fudge and more!
813-251-6764 CityStreetSweets.com Hyde Park Village,1601 W. Snow Circle
TWO MEN AND A CHAINSAW TREE SERVICE Get your trees and yard ready for hurricane season! FREE ESTIMATES
813-676-5121 42
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Pasco Dade City, Land O’ Lakes, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Trinity, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills
dates:
County Completes Tommytown Project The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BCC), Community
Development Division and Project Management celebrated the completion of the Tommytown South Project in June. The ribbon cutting ceremony signaled the completion of the road paving and Stormwater Management project located at the northeast corner of 21st St. and Bowman St. On August 11, 1998, the BCC approved the Tommytown project as a target area to provide infrastructure and housing improvements using Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership, and State Housing Initiatives Partnership funds. On March 19, 2002, the BCC expanded the original target area boundaries to include the unincorporated area located south of Lock Street. Suncoast Development of Pinellas County provided the construction at a cost of $3,170,634. The cost of the engineering inspections provided by Kisinger Campo Associates, Inc., was $145,823. For more information on Tommytown please call the Community Development Division at (727) 834-3445.
County Commission Chairman Ted Schrader speaks to children from Tommytown at the beginning of the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 10 for the neighborhood’s recently completed improvement project
George Romagnoli, Community Development Manager for Pasco County, recognizes Charlene Daprile, Assistant Community Development Manager, for her dedication and commitment to the Tommytown project. Dade City Mayor Scott Black and Commissioner Jack Mariano are also pictured.
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Saturdays, 8am - 12pm Downtown Farmers Market Organics, Seafood, Crafts, Produce, Plants etc. Cavalaire Square in New Port Richey For more information call 727-842-8066 July 3 & 4 Sparklebration A July Fourth Festival & Fireworks Celebration, with continuous live entertainment, American Flag Drop-in with Sky Divers and Animal/Birds of Prey Show from Lowry Park Zoo. Advance Tickets $12 adults (children 10 and under free), at the Door $15 Pasco County Fairgrounds 36722 State Road 52 Dade City, FL 33525 352-567-6678 www.pascocountyfair.com/sparklebration.htm July 19 Christmas in July Sales Visit Downtown Dade City on July 19th and take advantage of the stores Christmas in July Sales and in-store promotions. Shops will be open regular hours. Mainstreet, Dade City July 26 (4th Sat. of Each Month), 10:30am - 1:30pm The Florida Writers Association The Pasco branch of this association meets on the fourth Saturday (July 26 and August 23). They are “writers helping other writers,” and they often host published authors that provide helpful tips. You do not need to be a member to give them a try. New Port Richey Library 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey, 34562 Contact: Dahris Chris, 727-847-2023
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S
imply put, our five year old daughter just loves a party. So, I should have known that the small thought and discussion of having several friends over for a play date would morph into something much larger. After all, her Mother once invited the whole college football team to her apartment for a spaghetti dinner when she couldn’t even cook! The room mates were thrilled… So it must be genetic! About six weeks ago, she came bounding out of her room with a stack of papers and a huge smile. She informed me that these were the invitations to the “party” and that we had to deliver them to the neighbors that very day. I called several friends in our culde-sac and prepared them for her arrival! While I waited at the end of the drive way, she would eagerly hurry to the next house and the next. Each neighbor would take the pretend invitation, exchange a few words with her and look up at me and wave. When she arrived home, she enthusiastically explained that one neighbor agreed to bring the table cloths, another some steaks and that I was to locate some beautiful pink plates and napkins for the party. I just knew this party phase would pass, but it hasn’t. She watches the cooking show for ideas, selects specific flowers out of the garden for making table arrangements and peruses the isles of the $1.00 Target isles for gift bag ideas. She makes party and food lists in her little book while grocery shopping—with me spelling the items out loud for her! While at the bakery section, she asks lots of questions about the cakes, desserts and cookies in the case. She is quite the party planner! On her own, she enlisted the help of two of my friends to actually play the harp and flute at this party…and has been practicing on
her own harp for the proposed trio. One neighbor has agreed to do hair. She has selected a jewelry kit and face painting for additional entertainment for this girl only event. Oh, and I was strictly informed that both kids and adults would be invited. I have held her off for weeks with a varied list of excuses-the weather, vacation plans, other’s vacation plans, the two birthday parties we just held and paid for, the time needed for planning and more! She overlooks these excuses and simply continues on with her enthusiasm and her plans. And it has worked. Her enthusiasm won out over my excuses and I am delighted to say we will be having a tea party in July—after the harpist returns from vacation! Enthusiasm over excuses… It is her secret weapon-and it used to be mine. Before Motherhood, I would simply set my mind to something and forge ahead—while others said I shouldn’t or couldn’t. Such obstacles and objections just heightened my enthusiasm and determination for the goal-big or small. Whether it was buying that first house in my early 20’s, choosing Outward Bound as my summer vacation, running my first marathon in Dublin at 30 or walking away from a great job to start a consulting business-I shoved aside the “should nots” and just did it. My enthusiasm for living life to the fullest was far more important than adhering to my fear. And then I became a Mom. Two daughters later, I am in the midst of the “Mother Duck” syndrome- keeping my girls close, safe and away from harm. “Stay away from that curb.” “Don’t swim too far…” “Stay close. I have to be able to see you.” “Take a jacket just in case…” “Hold my hand…there are cars out there.” “Look both ways-twice.” “Don’t talk to strangers.” “Stay in the shallow end.” “Don’t pedal too far ahead.” “Walk slowly-don’t run.” “Think about it.” “Test the water before you get in.”
keep your eye on the prize keeping your dreams intact
BY LISA BLACK
And somewhere along the way in teaching them to avoid danger and harm…safety Mom is playing it safe too. All of a sudden, it is me hugging the curb of life, being a little fearful of wading out past my knees in that great ocean and testing the waters oh so carefully before I make the plunge. Lately, I have a business interest that just keeps tugging at my heart. I shared this dream with my husband and he thought it was a great idea. Then, I launched right into all the reasons I shouldn’t do it. He looked at me and asked, “Why are you so afraid of this? Why all these excuses? When I met you, you weren’t afraid of anything.” My answer stunned even myself. “It might succeed and I am afraid. “ Afraid of success-that’s a new one! “What I really meant to say was “I have this nice, safe, neat, routine and little undisturbed world –and change would be difficult.” It is easier to play it safe-or is it? As a Mom, I relish the big and small joys of seeing our daughters grow and learn. And – while, I need the comfort and routine of our daily lives, I find myself needing more. I need just a bit of the old daring and enthusiastic me to return once in awhile. And I need to pursue my dreams both big and small. After all, as the saying goes, “Everyone needs something to do, someone to love and something to hope for.” So, I pushed safety Mom aside for a rest and have decided to shake things up a bit in my own life. Enthusiasm over excuses…I have decided to embrace change rather then fearing it. I joined a training group at the Y after a year of thinking about it. And the business idea-it’s in the works and I am excited! My daughters are watching me. Besides being safety Mom, I am their life guide. It is my role to teach them the difference in clinging to the curb to avoid an accident and stepping away from the curb to pursue a dream. As a Mom and their greatest teacher, I have to live the difference. They will become what they see and will dare to dream-if I do. j
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party pages
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Wags the Clown We always give smiles! Children’s Party Entertainment face painting, balloon art, magic and more!
727-687-4686 www.wagstheclown.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
www.flaquarium.org
The Balloon Guy
The Little Gym
Balloon Artist, Magician, Entertainers 727-532-4115 www.balloonguy.net
North Tampa, 813-962-6300, Palm Harbor 727-781-5800 www.thelittlegym.com
Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop
Lightning City Gymnastics
Birthday Parties, Fund-raisers, Schools, Scouts, and More! “We come to you!” 813-727-8403 www.noahsteddybear.com
406 S. Howard Ave. (South Tampa) 813-259-0002, lacasadolcecafe.com
Amazinflates
Museum of Science and Industry MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Avenue 800-995-MOSI www.mosi.org
PLACES
The Children’s Museum of Tampa
Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive 813-273-4015,
Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
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La Casa Dolce
RENTALS Moonwalks and more! 813-900-2439 www.amazinflates.com
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14214 N Nebraska Ave. 813-558-0035
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7550 N. Boulevard. in Tampa 813-935-8441, www.flachildrensmuseum.org
around town Opening of Dinosaur! The Exhibit at MOSI
Winners of the Dinosaur quiz: Chelsea, 12, Austin, 9, Evan, 8, Casey, 7, Brandon, 6, and Madison, 5.
Robin Dunfee (Mom) with neighbor Kitty Shelter, 10, daughters Elisha and Amy, 12, and son Daniel, 14, from Lakeland. They were the first in line for the activities and exhibit the morning of Saturday, June 14th.
Kenton, 4, with mom from Zephyrhills
Tawny Sage, 2, Wesley Chapel holding her green dinosaur courtesy of Kathryn the balloon artist!
Sofia, 7, from New Tampa Anthony, 5 yrs (Tampa) showing off his red Dino balloon.
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4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Channelside Bay Plaza
615 Channelside Drive
Located between the StPete Times Forum and the Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa.
2pm: Family Fun begins with face painters, balloon artists, & more! 3pm-6:30pm: Live music by The Sensations 6pm-9p: Live radio broadcast from 93.3FLZ 7pm-8pm: Live Music by Radio Reset 8pm-9pm: Live Music by Starfish & Coffee featuring Ross Childress, former lead guitarist of Collective Soul. 9pm: Fireworks begin
IT’S DIFFERENT DOWN HERE.
FAMILY FUN CONTINUES AT THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM Enjoy Festive Kids Activities and Watch the Fireworks with the Fishes! 3-6PM - $10 For parking information, visit www.ChannelsideBayPlaza.com
july calendar of events EVENTS/FESTIVALS Dinosaurs! The Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) Through September 7 New exhibit features 10 robotic dinosaurs constructed based on fossil records and scientific literature. Includes a Pteranodon, flying reptile with a 23-foot wingspread, Ankylosaurus with two young, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Parasaurolophus, Stegasaurus and Triceratops with two young. 4801 E Fowler Ave. Tampa 33617 www.mosi.org, 813-987-6100 Summer Nights at Busch Gardens Through August 17 Play late this summer at Busch Gardens. Explore Jungala by twilight while the rest of the park takes on a street-party atmosphere with special entertainment, festive food and drink, and the thrill of riding coasters in the dark. www.buschgardens.com 3rd Annual FreedomFest 2008 July 3, Gates Open at 3 pm An evening of fireworks and music featuring platinum-selling recording artist Matthew West with special guests Urban D and My Brother’s Scars. There will be inflatables and entertainment for the children and concessions for food and drinks. The park will open at 3pm with the first band taking the stage at 4pm. Florida Classic Park 5360 Lockhart Road Brooksville. www.freedomfestonline.com Clearwater Celebrates America July 3 & 4 The 18th Annual Clearwater Celebrates America features music, food and fireworks. This year’s event will feature two nights of concerts as well as a fantastic fireworks show on July 4. Gates open Thursday, July 3 at 4 pm and Friday, July 4 at 2 pm. Coachman Park 301 Drew Park, Clearwater 4th of July Fireworks Celebration at Channelside Bay Plaza and The Florida Aquarium July 4, 2pm (fireworks begin at 9pm) Head over to Channelside in downtown Tampa to enjoy family friendly activities starting at 2pm. Live music starts at 3p. Stay and watch the show at Channelside or head over to The Florida Aquarium with the
family to the best spot for watching Tampa’s fireworks over the Channel! The Florida Aquarium is extending hours until 9:30 p.m. AND lowering the admission price to $10 after 3 p.m. (members are still free). Explore A Shore will remain open, as will the Cantina, for guests to enjoy until shortly before the fireworks start at 9 p.m. There is no better seat and no better place to spend time with friends and family this 4th of July. www.ChannelsideBayPlaza.com www.FLAquarium.org Summer Safari Nights at Lowry Park Zoo July 11 & July 25, 5pm - 8:30pm The Zoo stays open late and offers free rides after 5 p.m. After 5, the animals come alive. Part of the Safari night fun includes special animal encounters and live entertainment. The Summer Safari Nights series is included in regular Zoo admission prices and is free for Zoo Pass holders. 1101 West Sligh Avenue Tampa www.lowryparkzoo.com Backyardigans Backyard Adventure Picnic July 12, 11am - 1pm Enjoy fun, free, summer activities and a chance to win tickets to the show! Hyde Park Village, Tampa 813-251-3500, HydeParkVillage.net
THEATER Summerplay July 18 - 19 Discover an original play written by Summerplay teenagers for teenagers that explores the rich oral traditional of storytelling throughout history and the important role of the storyteller/performer in entertainment, education and the cultural life of a community. TECO Theater www.tbpac.org, 813-229-7827 The Backyardigans Live! The Tale of the Mighty Knights July 26 - 27, 11am, 2pm & 5pm Join Tyrone and Uniqua on an imaginary journey that begins by playing knights under a tree in the backyard. Children 6 and under will love this tale as the backyard becomes another landscape with castles and dragons.
The Backyardigans will need the audience’s help to face a mighty dragon and return the egg to the king. The Backyardigans Live! will have the entire family singing, dancing, and laughing along to songs of courage, friendship, and the power of imagination! Come early to enjoy the activities and giveaways provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center www.tbpac.org, 813-229-7827
MUSIC Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Very Special Guest Steve Winwood July 16, 7:30pm The 2008 summer tour follows on the heels of a remarkable few years in which Tom and the Heartbreakers have gone from strength to strength. The band’s sold-out thirtieth anniversary tour was the biggest of their career. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa. 813-301-2500, stpetetimesforum. com Music on the Beach July 17, 7pm - 9pm Let the children play in the sand while the sunset and music fills the air. This month features JoDell (Country Music). Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Sunset Beach Park Tarpon Springs West End of Gulf Blvd., Tarpon Springs Idina Menzel July 27, 7pm Tony Award-winning actress, singer and songwriter Idina Menzel comes to the Bay area for one performance only! Menzel originated the role of the green-skinned Elphaba in the blockbuster Wicked, which won her a 2004 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She’s also very well known from her portrayal of Maureen in the Broadway and film versions of RENT. Visit IdinaMenzel.com. Ferguson Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center www.tbpac.org, 813-229-7827
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family guide after school guide programs: City of Tampa Parks & Recreation 813-274-8615 tampagov.net/parks Kids Scope After-School Program Recreation and Fitness 813-818-9997 www.kscopekidz.com MOSI Science and Art After-School Program 4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa 800-995-MOSI www.mosi.org Tampa JCC Second Home After-School program 13009 Community Campus Drive, Tampa 813-264-9000 www.jewishtampa.org YMCA Swimming, sports, dance, karate and more. Many locations throughout Tampa Bay www.tampaymca.org
specialty programs:
performing arts: John Robert Powers Modeling, and Acting 813-281-8880 www.jrptampa.net The Acting Studio Music and Acting 122 Flagship Dr., Lutz 813-679-4810 or 813-962-2229 theactingstudio.net Patel Conservatory Music, Dance and Acting Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center 813.222.1002 www.patelconservatory.org
Karl & DiMarco School of Theater & Dance 19022 Geraci Road in Lutz 4053 Henderson Blvd. in South Tampa 813-909-7346 www.karlanddimarco.com
music: Excel Music 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite 1, Cory Lake 813-991-1177 www.excelmusic.us
martial arts: Ingrams Karate 4116 Little Road, New Port Richey 727-372-7673 www.ingramskarate.com Premier Martial Arts 24038 State Road 54, Lutz 813-948-4844 www.pmatampa.com
July 2008
Academy at the Lakes 2331 Collier Pkwy, Land O’Lakes 34559 813-909-7919 www.academyatthelakes.org Academy of the Holy Names 3319 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa 33629 813-839-5371 www.holynamestpa.org Berean Academy 17951 North U.S. Hwy. 41, Lutz 33549 813-932-0552 www.bereanacademy.org Carlton Academy Day School 205 N. Brush Street, Tampa 33602 813-944-2856 www.carltonacademy.com Carrollwood Day School 1515 Bearss Avenue, Tampa 33613 www.carrollwooddayschool.org 813-920-2288 Independent Day School 12015 Orange Grove Dr, Tampa 33618 813-961-3087 www.idsyes.com Odessa Christian School 19521 Michigan Avenue, Odessa, 33556 727-424-6001 www.odessachristianschool.org
gymnastics:
Sacred Heart Academy 3515 N.Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33603 813-229-0618 www.sacredheartfla.org/academy
Lightning City 14214 N Nebraska Avenue 813-558-0035 www.lightningcity.com
St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School 2101 S. Hubert Avenue, Tampa 33629 813-258-5508 www.smeds.org
The Little Gym Gymnastics, dance, karate, sports and more 4 months to 12 yrs. Palm Harbor, North Tampa and South Tampa www.thelittlegym.com
St. Johns Episcopal Parish Day School 906 South Orleans Avenue, Tampa 33606 www.stjohnseagles.org 813-849-4200
swim schools:
The Cambridge Christian School 6101 N. Habana Avenue, Tampa 33614 813-872-6744 www.tcslancers.com
Tampa Area YMCAs Swim Lessons for all ages at most locations www.tampaymca.org
Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy Dance, Acting, Voice, Music 15906 Mapledale Blvd., Tampa 33624 813-969-0240 www.mjpaa.com
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Brucie Klay’s Dance Center 3601 S. Manhattan Ave. www.brucieklays.com
Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts Carrollwood, Clearwater, Hyde Park www.tsk.com
Hillsborough County Libraries Many classes available. 813-273-3652, ext. 2 www.hcplc.org
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dance:
private schools
Infant Swimming Resource www.infantswim.com Seal Swim School Lutz: 229-7946 S. Tampa: 879-7946 www.sealswimschool.com
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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
July 2008
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