July 2009 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

july

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 3

features

8 FREE FUN Things to do with little or no money

28 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH SHOWGUIDE Map shows you were to find everything

14 KIDS GONE WILD When bored kids take over

32 PRENATAL LEARNING What is it and when does it begin?

22 WIN OR LOSE Re-defining winning in youth sports.

36 HEALTH REFORM Children need a voice

every month

6 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 20 EDUCATION 30 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 38 NORTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS 40 SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS

contents

42 NORTH PINELLAS NEWS 44 SOUTH PINELLAS NEWS 46 PASCO NEWS 48 AROUND TOWN 52 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

On the cover: Shawn Rodeffer, Age 4 Photograph by: Jeanine MCleod, PhotosonCloud9.com

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July 2009

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Ready for school?

Back to School Fair All that you need � prepare, protect � inspire your child this coming school year! Health & Wellness, Safety, Private Schools, Local Resources, Childcare, After School Programs, School Supplies, Tutors, Children’s Retailers, and more! Live Entertainment, Informative Speaker Sessions, Obstacle course, games, arts & crafts, face painting, balloon artist, kids workshops, and a whole bunch of fun!

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Letter from the Editor Angela L. Ardolino Editor-In-Chief Diana Miklowski Copy Editor Contributing Writers Lisa Black Tim Fath Amy Gall PJ Goetz Mark Heller Joezette Hite Lauren Hoyt-Williams Sandra Parrish Patricia Wise Guarch David E. Estevez Elizabeth A. Leib Neighborhood Stories Elyse Cohen Graphic Artist Susan Margolis Marketing Director Todd A. Varde Account Executive Lindsey Rimes Account Executive

I recently read somewhere that the most popular topic of discussion between mothers and daughters is money. I found this odd. I thought things like responsibility & relationships would be higher? But apparently I am wrong. I’m sure the majority of the discussions start by a child asking for money. So then it got me thinking of how important discussions about money are. No one else is going to teach them about money, savings, spending, and credit- so we need to. Maybe if it’s taught early we can avoid situations like so many people are in now. Just this past weekend when it was time to buy dad a father’s day gift, my girls decided to purchase his favorite cologne. So with their ATM cards in hand they went to the mall to go shopping. They both have a hefty savings account filled with tip money made from helping at events, money earned from the grandparents for birthdays, allowances for weekly chores, and the money made for good grades. For a couple of years now when they ask me, “Can I get this?” or “I love this!” I simply say, if you want it, you can buy it. I love watching their faces go from being ecstatic to completely perplexed. They study the price tag, debate in their heads whether it is worth it, and think of ways they can make more money. Most of the time they don’t get whatever the item is and if they do get it, they always seem to take extra good care of it. When returning home from the Father’s Day shopping trip they were astounded at how much a bottle of cologne was. And the next morning when he opened the gift, they announced, “Did you know that cost $58”. I think dad liked it more knowing they spent their money and pride gleamed across their faces knowing they had bought the gift themselves. Let me know your thoughts on the subject by sending me an e-mail to editor@tbparenting. com. Take Care of You!

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

Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year by Lucy Loo Inc. It is distributed free of charge at area supermarkets, community centers, libraries, doctor offices and other businesses with products and services for families. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. TBPM is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to TBPM will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and 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 2007-2009 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. All rights reserved. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

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FREE FUN

BY ANGELA PORCELLI

School is over and visions of a relaxing, schedule-free summer hang on the horizon. Being free from scout meetings, soccer practices, spelling tests, homework, dance classes and the myriad of other activities my daughter signs up for, has me enjoying the “lazy days of summer”. Then reality sinks in. My children are home for two and a half months and I have no scheduled activities for them and no real game plan to keep them occupied. My relaxing visions of a schedulefree summer suddenly turn into a nightmare. All I can picture now is the repeating phrases “Mom, I’m bored!” and “there’s nothing to do”. After the panic subsides I start looking for activities to keep my girls entertained while sticking to our modest one income budget. Thankfully the Tampa Bay area is filled with free and inexpensive family activities. •

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The beach is a good way to spend time outside with the kids. Pack a picnic lunch and buckets and enjoy the Florida sunshine. Check your county’s parks and recreation website to find out about events happening at your local park. Extension programs through city parks range from family cooking classes to green living. Pinellascounty.org/park/default.htm Lowe’s and Home Depot offer free kids building workshops where kids can learn to hammer, sand, and put together various kid friendly projects. Lowesbuildandgrow.com or Homedepot. com Check out your local library’s website for special summer programs. Many libraries offer a variety of summer activities including reading clubs, drama clubs, sleepovers, and movies. thpl.org Borders reward children for reading throughout the summer with the Kids Reading Challenge. When your child has read 8 books simply fill out the Kids Reading Challenge form and bring it to any Borders or Waldenbooks for 50% off select items. Borders.com/online/ store/MediaView_summerreadingkids Children with an A (E for young students) on their report card can paint for free at Pottery Bears and Beads. Everyonesanartist.com/givingback.php Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

July 2009

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Chuck E. Cheese gives children up to 15 free tokens if they have a good report card. Chuckecheese.com/promotions/tokens.php Liberty Lanes is awarding children between $100 and $350 worth of free bowling if they bring in a report card with Cs and above. Awards amounts are based on the student’s ending GPA. Libertylanesbowling.com Seminole and Sunrise Lanes are giving students a free game of bowling for every A they have on their final report card. For more details call Seminole Lanes at 727-392-2271 or Sunrise Lanes at 727-522-2174. Xtreme Fun Center awards students on the Honor Roll or Principal List with free laser tag, batting cages, or arcade games. Xtremefuncenter.com/specials.php Starting in June, the Mote Aquarium will give students in K-12 who received an A in science free admission with a paying adult. Mote.org Regal Theaters Free Family Film Festival all summer. Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am families can choose one of two free films being shown. Regmovies.com Cobb Theaters will show free family films every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10 am. Cobbtheatres.com On July 19th Lowry Park Zoo will be holding its summer $5.00 admission day. Lowryparkzoo. com The 2009 Rays Summer Saturday Night Concert Series, as part of Rays Saturday Nights, is back again with great musical acts. The concerts begin shortly after select Saturday night homes games have concluded and are FREE with the purchase of that night’s game ticket. If you have a birthday during the summer take advantage of either Disney’s or Lowry Park Zoo’s free admission on your birthday program for Florida residents.

With so many different activities available, beating summer boredom should be a piece of cake.

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Kids gone Wild BY CHRISTOPHER BARRETT

fter working for a few weeks in the same house where his three daughters are spending summer break, the individual hired to write this month’s humor column is in no mental state to think coherently (plus, he’s tied to a chair). Having seized control of the household, his daughters Maya, 9, Emma, 6, and Grace, 3, gladly wrote it for him. Bad news, kids! OMG! You only have a few weeks left to drive your parents to, like, the abyss of insanity. But just follow our expert advice below and – we guarantee – your jabbering moms and dads will walk straight into the nearest lake without their floaties! Just imagine, with a little effort, hours of quality television viewing, video game playing and Webkinz World beauty pageants will be yours! (We know! We know! You ARE most welcome!) Here’s the key: start your offensive early. If your parents called the babysitter and abandoned you on a Friday night with a gum-popping, text-messaging addict, roll out the big guns bright and early. While they’re sleeping off that extra margarita, simply wait until just a hint of light appears behind the curtains before throwing open their bedroom door and bellowing, “Billy’s diaper leaked all over the living room rug and the dog’s eating it!” Let them shoot up into a sitting position, their eyes as big as dinner plates, before adding, “And I’m hungry too! I want pancakes but will settle for waffles with fresh fruit.” Then laugh hysterically and say, “Just kidding about the fruit!” Close your morning wake-up call by handing your dad the syrup bottle and offering some words of encouragement: “Let’s get crackin’, Pops!”

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Immediately after mopping the last bit of syrup directly off the plate with your tongue, remember to close breakfast by asking, “Okay, so what’s for dinner?” Don’t compromise here, guys. “I don’t know yet” is not an acceptable answer. Keep repeating the question until one of them breaks down and shouts an answer. Then groan loudly and say, “I’m soooo not eating!” While we’re on the subject of food, at least every 90 minutes or so, you gotta walk up to an adult and gasp, “I’m starving!” But – and, we must emphasize this – you should never actually agree to eat what they offer. When they do respond, simply put your hands on your hips and say, “You’ve got to do waaaay better than that, amigo!” Along these same lines, every 45 minutes moan, “There’s nothing to do!” This, every kid knows, is a lie, but it’s a fun lie. There’s still plenty of good stuff to do if you’re creative like us. For one, you can always complain on the couch until one of your siblings foolishly walks by. Then quickly lean forward and give them a good pinch. It’ll liven things up and help those slow, summertime hours just fly by! Now, even though you’re off from school, you still have some important summer jobs to do while you’re doing nothing. Your most important responsibility is keeping track of whose turn it is. The second most important one is arguing about it. This is especially important when it comes to significant things like pushing elevator buttons. If you have a brother or sister and don’t regularly quarrel about this, you’re soooo dropping the ball. A lot of adults think the winner in life is the person who dies with the most friends or money.

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summer program guide But the real winner in life is the one who pushes the most elevator buttons. So when you spot an elevator, immediately run toward it, shoving that old guy and his walker out of the way, and yelling, “No! It’s my turn!” While we’re at it, there are plenty of other important things we kids really should be arguing over. Just yesterday we made our dad actually bounce his head against the minivan’s steering wheel by arguing over who gets to activate the turn signals when he’s driving. But, really, why stop there? There are dozens of other great opportunities: doorbells, public toilet flushers, those street crossing buttons that supposedly make Walk signs appear faster. Even the off button on your dad’s work computer when he’s working. You’re only limited by your imagination! So, what’s the most important tip of the month? Never be satisfied with mere parental frustration. That’s for amateurs. Push ’em completely over the edge. Pay attention to signs that mom and pop are really angry. Keep an ear out for key phrases like, “I’ve had it!” or “That’s the last straw, Lady Jane!” or “You’re on thin ice, Buster!” Or your whole ridiculous name followed with three explanation points: “Savannah Miriam Apollonia Smith!!!” Then simply respond with a wave of your hand. “I hate to burst your bubble,” calmly say, “But in a recent poll of your offspring, your approval ratings have fallen to a historic low.” See? It’s easy taking full control. If we can do it, so can you! And, yes, we are available for consultation at a very reasonable hourly rate. Just call our dad’s office phone. We’ll be the ones answering in that fake deep voice. Christopher Barrett, the real writer of this column, is a freelance writer whose work can be found at www.thedumbdaddydiairies.com.

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summer program guide

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Summer Camps and Classes Now Enrolling for Fall Classes!

Half-day camps with fun themes! Classes for children (10 mos - 12 years)

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win or lose

education guide

Re-defining winning in youth sports BY MARK HELLER

Playing sports is absolutely one of the best activities children can participate in. Aside from the obvious benefits that come from regular exercise, participation on a team can bring great lifetime benefits. Through team sports, children learn cooperation, how their responsibilities mesh with those of others to produce results, and how to strive for improvement together. The individual and collaborative skills learned in strong team sports experiences are very much aligned with what the 21st century workplace will require of our children. (See last month's article on the value of arts experiences.) Though sports have the potential to be overwhelmingly positive, one cannot participate in youth sports today without encountering a darker, and very counter-productive spirit that has grown more and more intense in recent years. Perhaps it is born of the vast amounts of money professional athletes command in many sports today. Perhaps it is a result of the college scholarships exceptional athletes can earn. But to most observers, the culture of youth sports is in danger of becoming over-competitive, and thus risks losing its prime benefits. Rather than recount the horror stories of over-competitive, over-involved, and even violent coaches and parents that exist in the youth sports scene, I instead offer a series of points to keep in mind that will help your child have the best sports experiences possible. Rule #1: It's About Having Fun After all, it is a game. Have fun! It ceases to be fun for kids when parents lecture, coach from the stands, or when parents or coaches take it too seriously. This leads directly to: Rule #2: It’s Not the Pro’s Professional sports are big business today. Professional sports are entertainment. In professional sports, the goals are winning and making money (and I’m not at all sure which comes first). In youth sports, winning is surely a goal. But more important than that, the true goal is education, helping to show students in some very direct ways lessons and principles that will help them learn to lead happy, productive, ethical lives. I very much believe in the principles espoused by the Positive Coaching Alliance, an excellent organization that has worked to improve our nation’s culture of youth sports. The PCA aims to “transform youth sports so that sports can transform youth.” Their first major principle is that coaches need to be “Double-Goal” coaches, coaches who want to win, but have a second, more important goal to use the sports experience to help young people learn life lessons and positive character traits, in essence, to be winners in life. The PCA defines a winner as one who: 1. Makes maximum effort 2. Continues to learn and improve; and 3. Refuses to let mistakes (or the fear of mistakes) stop them. The PCA believes that athletes who are coached under this value system tend to have lower anxiety, increased self-confidence, better performance, and, ultimately, more fun. It is of the highest importance to note that the values that redefine a winner are the same values that will lead to success in countless other (non-athletic) endeavors. PCA Founder and Executive Director Jim Thompson puts it this way: Children flourish with positive encouragement. Mistakes are okay. Doing one's best is more important than winning or losing. Most athletes perform better when they focus on their effort, when their coaches and parents praise them and when they all stop looking at the scoreboard. "Kids' anxiety goes up when they focus on things they can't control, and self-confidence goes down. . . Focus on what you can improve. Ignore what you can't. You can't control calls. You can't control the scoreboard. But you can control effort." Here are a couple of ways you can use these ideas to help your child have a better sports experience: • Let your child know that you recognize and appreciate their good efforts even if they are unsuccessful. • Try not to give your child a lot of advice (advice can very easily be interpreted as criticism). If you must give advice, do so only after a few points of praise. (“You really went all-out on that play in the second half.” “It was great how you supported Cindy after they scored the goal on her.” “That pass showed how well you are seeing the field now.” Then, “I think keeping at it even when things don’t go your way will definitely help the team.”) Try to make sure that the number of positive comments greatly outnumbers the points of advice. • Recognize that mastery is hard work. Let the coaches be the constructive critics. Show your pride and appreciation regardless of the outcome.

education guide

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education guide Rule #3: Respect Sports have the ability to teach in both positive and negative ways. Many of today’s professional (and sometimes even college) athletes have acted in ways we certainly do not want our children to imitate. To help ensure positive outcomes, we must stress the importance of sportsmanship, which really means respect. • Respect the Rules - Avoid sending messages about bending the rules to win. Know that rules exist both to constrain and protect us. Respect both the letter and the spirit of the rules. • Respect the Officials -Officiating at any level is very difficult. Yet games need officials in order to go forward. Officials at every level miss calls – it’s part of the game and should be part of the educational experience. Honor the game by honoring the people who make it possible to play. They are really doing the best they can. Even when we or our children disagree with a call, we must show respect to the official who made the call. Few situations present greater opportunities for young people to show dignity and maturity – or the opposite. • Respect the Coaches- Coaches give their time and effort for little or no compensation. They do it because they are committed to helping students grow through the experience of sports. Do not question or contradict your child’s coach from the sidelines or stands, or even at home in front of your child. The mixed messages that such criticism sends does much more harm than good. If you have a problem with a coach, speak to that coach privately, and never during or right after a game. Those high-emotion times can cause people to say and do things that will be counter-productive. • Respect Your Team and Teammates - All members of the team, even those who are not the big scorers, are important to the learning experience (and to the re-defined sense of winning). All members are trying their best to contribute. Each deserves the support of all, and none deserves to be embarrassed by comments or criticism born of frustration. • Respect the Opposition - A worthy opponent is a gift that forces us to play to our highest potential. We ought to try our hardest to win, but not at the expense of our integrity. Never promote your team by demeaning an opponent. Jeers and taunts have no place in youth sports. • Respect the Game - Sports can provide outstanding learning experiences for children of all ages. The spirit of winning defined above, fueled by honest competition, courteous relations, and graceful acceptance of the results can be a powerful teacher in ways that touch all aspects of healthy development and preparation for active citizenship and participation in the economic life of our community. Mark Heller is Head of School at Academy at the Lakes, he has coached boys and girls from ages 10 -18 in both school and community sports for almost two decades.

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health & wellness

The Kids Corner at Palma Ceia

Personalized dental care for your child, with the utmost attention to making it an enjoyable experience Children of all ages are welcome

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1008 So. Clearview Phone: 813-253-3679

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Happy Corner for Healthy Smilesâ&#x20AC;?

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prenatal learning What is it and when does it begin? BY LISA JARRET

PHOTO BY NIKO WIILIAMS

Educators and health professionals alike have long stressed the importance of cognitive development for children ages zero to three. While this period of development is undeniably crucial, it is important to note that a baby’s brain actually begins to form cells during the third week of pregnancy – a time when the brain is also open to stimulation and learning and a time when such an enriched environment is absolutely necessary in every regard.

researchers studied the brain activity of neonates - newborns two to three days old. Through electrodes, the researchers measured electrical brain signals. Several variants of a basic rock rhythm were delivered through adhesive earcouplers worn by the newborns. When the rhythm was changed to miss the “down beat”, the babies’ brains produced an electrical response indicating that they had expected to hear that missing downbeat, but had not.

During weeks 13-16, a child’s first brain waves become detectable, a connectionbuilding process that persists at breakneck speed through the first few years of life. Most moms-to-be who read about baby’s development will know that the baby can also begin to hear sounds in the second trimester – predominantly the constant beat of the mother’s heart, but also muffled noises that are heard outside the womb.

The study explains: “So it appears that the capability of detecting beat in rhythmic sound sequences is already functional at birth.”

Learning, or cognitive development, is simply the construction of thought processes, including perception, remembering, language abilities, problem solving and decision-making. Traditionally, society has accepted the theory of cognitive development advanced by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget in the 20th century. Piaget held that cognitive development consists of four stages throughout a person’s lifetime. The first, the sensorimotor stage, begins at birth and lasts until age two. Now there is yet another recent study that confirms cognitive stimulation actually begins in the womb. Researchers at the Institute for Psychology of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation of the University of Amsterdam found that the auditory system is at least partly functional approximately three months before birth, and that produced beats can be distinguished and perceived in the womb by the developing baby. Because we cannot feasibly observe behavioral reactions in the womb, the

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“Our results show that although learning by movement is probably important, the newborn auditory system is apparently sensitive to periodicities and develops expectations about when a new cycle should start (i.e., when the downbeat should occur). Therefore, although auditory perceptual learning starts already in the womb, our results are fully compatible with the notion that the perception of beat is innate.” According to this study, simple rhythmic sounds - like those similar to the maternal heartbeat - are easiest for the unborn child to understand, if not already innate. What we can infer through this study is that a developing baby’s brain is responsive to beats – a simple rhythm that is, developmentally, something a baby can comprehend. The maternal heartbeat, constantly heard pulsing through the placenta at 95 decibels, is a true language that a prenatal baby can understand and benefit from. Music would not strengthen a baby’s cognitive development because the combined sounds, rhythms and beats are too complex, and, while the spoken word can create a bond between the parents and child before birth, speaking to an unborn child would not promote such

health & wellness cognitive development because the voice is soft and muffled by the amniotic fluid. After birth, babies stimulated prenatally through simple rhythmic sounds can exhibit “a range of key differences from typical infant traits,” said Dr. Brent Logan, author of Learning Before Birth and developer of the BabyPlus curriculum– which utilizes such simple beats. Much like moms-to-be take prenatal vitamins to aid in physical development, parents report consistent benefits from using age-appropriate auditory stimulation to aid in baby’s cognitive development. So, next time you are deciding between Mozart or a bedtime story for daddy to read to your developing baby in the womb, keep in mind that simple, repetitive rhythms are best for development. There are prenatal learning systems available, and it can be anticipated that the demand for these systems will increase as more research becomes available. Lisa Jarrett, BabyPlus Company President, is a mother of four BabyPlus children. BabyPlus is a universal prenatal education system that introduces patterns of sound to prenatal children in their natural language—the maternal heartbeat. As a baby distinguishes the simple rhythmic sounds from those of the mother, learning begins. BabyPlus is available at www.babyplus.com, at national retailers, and in over 30 countries around the world.

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health & wellness

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health reform Children need your voice BY AMY GALL In the national health care debate, one thing is exceedingly clear: if you don't speak up you won't be heard. And there are no better voices for what children need in health care reform than those of the parents, family members, physicians, educators, advocates and others who care for them and about them.

and state. In many cases, they are the last line of defense for families seeking life-saving treatment for their children. Unfortunately, our current health care system puts too many barriers in front of families seeking even the most basic health care services for their kids.

“Coverage alone is not enough. Families must be able Right now, Congressional leaders are working at a fast to access the right care at the right time and in the right pace to draft legislation that will reform America’s place for their children,” said St. Joseph’s Children’s health care system. Because children represent only Hospital Administrator Michael Aubin. “We care about one-quarter of the population, their needs are often how kids will be treated in health reform, which is why overlooked when they are lumped in with adults. St. we are raising our voices — adult voices — Joseph’s Children’s Hospital has joined to make sure that lawmakers do not leave the National Association of Children’s America’s children are counting children behind.” on the adults who care for them to Hospitals’ Speak Now for Kids campaign, be their voice in this debate and along with the American Academy of You too can raise your voice and tell make sure their special health Pediatrics, Children’s Defense Fund, Congress that children’s health care care needs are considered. Children’s Health Fund and more than is important to you by visiting www. 100 other children’s hospitals and allied speaknowforkids.org. America’s children organizations around the country to are counting on the adults who care for them to be their ensure that the special health care needs of children are voice in this debate and make sure their special health adequately represented. care needs are considered. Whether it is access to care, coverage for all children, cost of insurance and co-pays or St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital serves as a center of the quality of pediatric care – tell lawmakers that health excellence for clinical care for children in our community reform must work for children.

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north

Hillsborough

Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Lutz, New Tampa, Odessa, Temple Terrace, Westchase

The Carrollwood Cultural Center proudly presents Oliver! The CCC Community Theatre will present the Broadway musical Oliver! (Words and music by Lionel Bart) on Friday, July 17th at 7:30 pm, Saturday, July 18th at 3 pm, Friday, July 24th at 7:30 pm and Saturday, July 25th at 3 pm.

Based on the thematic plot and characters of the Dickens novel Oliver Twist, published between 1837 and 1839, the socio-political themes of poverty and child abuse are unfortunately still relevant in 2009. The opening line of the main character, Oliver, “Please sir, I want some more”, inspired the Broadway Kids theatre class to dedicate each performance to a local food pantry. The Center will be conducting a food drive before each performance. Donations will be given to a local food pantry that the cast and crew will decide upon. The CCC Community Theatre is comprised of members from the Cultural Center community courses: Band, Chorus and Broadway Kids. The three community groups were formed in the fall of 2008 and they are free or for a minimal tuition. More 100 members of the combined groups will participate: produce publicity, sets, costumes, fund raising and performances. Ages range from 8 to 80. The groups are under the directions of Mary Ann Scialdo and Vicki Cuccia – Broadway Kids & Chorus; Helen Michaelson – Band; and Betty Lee Rey and Teil Rey – Choreography. Oliver! is the first production of the CCC Community Theatre. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members and are available by calling

813-269-1310.

The Carrollwood Cultural Center is located 4537 Lowell Road Tampa FL 33613.

dates: Wednesdays, Women and Wine Thursday, Live Music, 7-11pm Blu Figs Gourmet Lounge, in Northdale on Dale Mabry Hwy, 813-963-3447 Fridays, 11am Toddler Storytime Bring your little one in to hear an exciting new story. Learning Express Toys, Westchase. WestchaseToys.com Super Sundays, 7-10pm You do the Dishes $8 flat rate studio fee. A unique date or relaxed night with kids, family or friends. This artsy and fun atmosphere with cool music, friendly staff members will make you feel right at home and will even help you with your designs. Choose from a huge selection of plain white pottery pieces like plates, bowls, frames, vases, jewelry boxes, figurines and more. YouDoTheDishes.com, 813-975-1700 July 4, 7pm Temple Terrace Fireworks Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club - 200 Inverness Ave - Temple Terrace If you live in Temple Terrace, this is your spot for a fireworks show July 10: ANIMATION Exhibit Opens at MOSI July 11: Celebrate Kid’s In Charge 4th Birthday & Animation Exhibit, 10 am - 2 pm (free with MOSI admission). Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) visitors will step into the exciting and visually rich world of animation when the 6,000-square-foot, highly interactive exhibit ANIMATION featuring Cartoon Network opens. 4801 Fowler Ave., Tampa, 33617. 813-987-6000, mosi.org

From left to right: Samantha Martinez, Chelsea Smith, Chloe Chapin, Caesar Calo, Rachel Saady-Saxe, Kate Shane, Ryan Lambert, Sebastian Hagelstein, Alex Gonzales, Martha Reed, Maria Flores, Sara Gofter.

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July 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2pm Imagination Station Imagine, create, participate! Let your imagination loose this summer with these interactive programs that feature stories, songs, poetry, games and creative dramatics presented by a librarian. Topics including drama, art, comedy, music and more! New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross creek Blvd. Hcplc.org

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

south Hillsborough Apollo Beach, Brandon, Lithia, Riverview, Ruskin, South Tampa, Tampa, Valrico, Fishhawk

Daughter of U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran Designs Patriotic Clothing with a Cause Tampa Bay-based fashion designer, Bebe Ziegler, has launched her Patriotic line in time for the holidays that pay homage to those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ziegler is the lead designer for Ice It by Bebe Z, a lifestyle apparel company and brand that specializes in creating intricate, crystal-embellished designs on high-quality fabrics. Symbolic images of the U.S. flag, the bald eagle and the peace emblem, in the loyal colors of red, white and blue, will highlight the Patriotic collection. As the daughter of a U.S. Air Force Vietnam Veteran, Ziegler is especially proud that all of her garments are designed and embellished in the U.S. and help to support and stimulate our economy. “I am honored to be called a military brat! My father is a Disabled American Vet and I am so proud of being an American and his daughter. I love my dad and our wonderful country,” said Ziegler. A portion of sales from Ziegler’s Patriotic line will benefit the non-profit organization, Wounded Warriors Project, whose mission is to honor U.S. service members who have been wounded or injured. “One thing I would like to remind people is that our freedom is not free. My father and many others have disabilities from fighting in wars for our country and I thank God every day that he is still here and healthy. Some service men and women live with serious injuries due to fighting for our country. That is why Wounded Warriors is so special to me, these men and women have so much to deal with as soon as they get home and this foundation is there to help. It has been an inspiration to me in these designs and I hope you wear them as proudly as I do,” said Ziegler. Ziegler’s father, Robert Lester Foster, served in the U.S Armed Forces for 26 years and understands the deep meaning of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday and paying respect to men and women who have lost their lives while in military service to their country. “Serving my country is the best job I’ve ever had and I’m so proud that my daughter recognizes and understands what the service men and women have done for our country. The freedoms we have allow her to be able to do what she’s doing now. She’s following her dreams,” said Foster. Ziegler’s Patriotic line will be available through Veteran’s Day in November 2009 and you can bet that Mr. Foster and many others will proudly don this line through the patriotic holidays and for years to come. For more information about Ice It by Bebe Z’s Patriotic line or to purchase from select stores in the Tampa Bay area and across the country, please visit www.IceItbyBebeZ.com. About Ice It by Bebe Z Tampa-based designer, Bebe Ziegler is the lead fashion designer for lifestyle apparel company, Ice It by Bebe Z. Utilizing high-end fabrics and combining them with the radiance of Swarovski crystals, rhinestones and nail-head studs, Ice It by Bebe Z designs both women’s and men’s garments that are versatile enough for dressing up or down. Creations from Ice It by Bebe Z have included corporate, non-profit, professional sports and private label design collections, as well as licensee partnerships with the National Hockey League, PepsiCo, Sobe Life Water, Collegiate Licensing Company, Discovery Channel’s popular show, LA Ink, and MGM Consumer Products new Fame line. Learn more about Ice It by Bebe Z at: www.IceItbyBebeZ.com.

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

July 2009

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dates: July 4, 11am-9pm Brandon Blast Westfield Brandon - 459 Brandon Town Center Brandon’s Independence Day bash is always one of the area’s best celebrations and includes fireworks, live music, a rib competition and more. July 9, 6:30pm Pregnant in America The documentary explores the current crisis our maternity care system is in. The screening is free and anyone is welcome to attend. After the film there will be an open floor discussion with many other birth professionals in the Tampa/Brandon/ Plant City/Lakeland area. Bloomingdale Regional Library. July 18, 9pm Cyber Bowling at Pin Chasers Spectacular lights and high energy music for glow in the dark bowling every Friday and Saturday night at all Pin Chasers locations. Bowl, dance, eat, or drink with your friends, family or meet someone new. Enjoy the excitement of music and bowling. Great food and drinks with billiards and video games, too. Special Family matinee at select locations. Pinchasers.net July 23 Walk for Wishes Join us for the “2009 Tampa RiverWalk for Wishes!” to support the Suncoast Region of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central & Northern Florida. Come out to the Tampa Convention Center Tiki Bar and enjoy an evening walk to Channelside Entertainment Complex for a Happy Hour Celebration to raise funds to grant wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions (in Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco counties). Wishcentral.org July 25, 11am Fall Registry Event at Pottery Barn Kids Nursery product previews, Green nursery design, Staying Active and Healthy, 10% discounts, great prizes and more. Pottery Barn Kids in Hyde Park Village. 813-253-0964

north

Pinellas

Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs

Healthy Habits and Stronger Lungs The Morton Plant Mease Lung Center, City of Clearwater and the Pinellas County Health Department, are partnering together in an initiative designed to educate the community on exercises to build healthy habits and stronger lungs. Instructional signs have been placed along the walking path at Glen Oaks Park on Court Street near downtown Clearwater. Eight signs along a 1/3-mile trail contain instructions and illustrations for walkers to work the upper body, and increase breathing ability. “Good lung function can greatly contribute to overall health and wellness. We want to help walkers strengthen the diaphragm and muscles surrounding the lungs,” says Dilshad Merchant, manager of the Morton Plant Mease Lung Center. The idea for the trail came from Morton Plant Mease Lung Center Respiratory Therapist Carol Proctor. She was researching ideas to help patients in the health system’s Lung Center and discovered a similar program in Germany. Morton Plant Mease designed the signs and the City of Clearwater installed them through funding from the Pinellas County Health Department. The signs were installed at a level that gives citizens in wheelchairs the ability to view the information. “We are proud and honored to work with our local health care provider to make this information available,” said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard. “Whether jogging or walking, our extensive trail system provides a free and easily accessible way to get healthy. These signs will add another way for residents to be informed.” “This Path to Better Breathing demonstrates the effective partnership of the healthcare system and local government to address health concerns in our community. The Path to Better Breathing trail will provide those suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, an opportunity to improve shortness of breath and increase exercise capacity,” says Richard Curtin, Officer, Office of Health Promotion & School Health, Pinellas County Health Department. The Morton Plant Mease Lung Center is located on the Morton Plant Hospital campus and in the Palm Harbor Wellness Center. It provides support to patients with lung disease through rehabilitation programs, diagnostic services, exercise programs and smoking cessation classes. The respiratory care departments at Morton Plant Hospital and Mease Countryside Hospital were recently awarded the 2009 Quality Respiratory Care Recognition from the American Association for Respiratory Care. The annual designation is given to hospitals that meet national guidelines and standards of respiratory care. Only 15 percent of hospitals in the United States hold this recognition. Nationally recognized for health care excellence, Morton Plant Mease Health Care is dedicated to providing community owned health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. Morton Plant Mease Health Care is comprised of the following hospitals – Morton Plant, Clearwater; Mease Dunedin, Dunedin; Mease Countryside, Safety Harbor and Morton Plant North Bay, New Port Richey.

2009 Business to Business Expo Be a part of the 2009 Summer Business to Business Expo, the premier networking event for Seven Chambers of Commerce (Clearwater Regional; Clearwater Beach; Upper Tampa Bay; Tarpon Springs; Dunedin; Safety Harbor and Palm Harbor Chambers!) Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of one of the largest business-to-business expos in Pinellas County. “By partnering together we are providing our member businesses an opportunity to display their services to over 5,000 other chamber area members”, our philosophy is “ABC” (Always Buy Chamber). Last year, this event was a huge success so join us again this year for another great networking event July 9, 5 - 7:30 pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. For more information, please call 727-784-4287, or email phcc@palmharborcc.org!

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

July 2009

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dates: Monday - Friday (tmes below) Open Skating - Beat the Heat & Skate 2B Cool Special weekday open sessions at Tampa Bay Skating Academy locations. Countryside Mall, Clearwater: 12:15pm - 4:45pm (July 13-17 will be from 1pm 4:45pm). Oldsmar: 11:30am - 3pm funleaguegroup.com July 4, 4pm-10pm Clearwater Celebrates America Coachman Park - 301 Drew St. - Clearwater Celebrate with family-friendly activities, listen to the Mostly Pops Orchestra then top off the evening with one of Tampa Bay’s biggest fireworks displays. July 4, 5-9:30pm Safety Harbor’s July 4 Celebration Safety Harbor Marina Park - 110 Veteans memorial Ln - Safety Harbor. Cover songs and rock music will get you going before the fireworks display at Safety Harbor July 6, 2pm Reptile Discovery An educational and interactive reptile program that includes live animals. Clearwater Main Library, 100 N Osceola Ave. July 11, 2pm Twilight Teens Celebrate the Twilight series with a costume contest, games and related activities. Grades 6-12. Please register online. Must have read at least one book to participate. East Library, 2251 Drew St. July 18th at 12:00 PM Sleeping Beauty Storytime There will be fun activities along with the reading of the book. This is a free event, no purchase necessary. The Disney Store, Countryside Mall, Upstairs next to Dillards 727-791-8876

south

Pinellas

Largo, Pinellas Park, Seminole, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Treasure Island

The Rogers Family from St. Petersburg Met with Members of Congress on Health Reform Legislation The Rogers family, whose children suffer from asthma, joined more than 40 patient families treated at children’s hospitals in Washington, D.C. As Congress decides what provisions will be included in legislation that could impact the health care of all Americans, the Rogers family from St. Petersburg, FL traveled to the nation’s capital, along with dozens of other child patients, and met with lawmakers to ensure health reform legislation works for children too. The Rogers family visited Washington as part of the 2009 National Association of Children’s Hospitals (N.A.C.H.) Family Advocacy Day on June 17 and 18, an effort to ensure national health reform legislation includes affordable health insurance coverage for all children and access to high-quality, specialized care. Nearly nine million children in the U.S. still lack health coverage. And while millions of children are covered by Medicaid, gaps in access to care exist due to low provider reimbursement for services. “We went to Washington to make sure our lawmakers keep children’s health care needs top of mind when making changes to the way health care is organized, delivered and paid for,” said Kristen Rogers. Nine-year old Alexandra and five-year old Zoe have suffered from asthma since they were toddlers. Eight-month old Cole spent a week in All Children’s ICU as an infant due to RSV infection. However, the Rogers credit their children’s ability to live life to their full potential to the continuing care they receive at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. They want to be sure all children have access to the same excellent care their children received if they should need it. “Health reform represents an immediate opportunity to improve the health status of all Americans, particularly children—the most vulnerable among us,” said Lawrence McAndrews, president and CEO of N.A.C.H. “Covering all children, and making sure that they have access to the care they need regardless of their family’s financial situation or where they live, is an achievable first step towards covering all Americans,” he added. For more information on Family Advocacy Day and to follow two patient blogs – one written by 15-year-old Melissa Elmer and the other written by 10-year-old Nicklas Nelson, visit www. childrenshospitals.net.

Horseback Riding for a Cause

Napier’s Log Cabin Horse & Animal Sanctuary, inc. offers horseback rides, (no prior riding experience necessary or age limits for $25 donation per person per hour), benefiting all the animals at the Sanctuary. Riding takes place at the Bowman Ranch, 6289 Verna Rd., in the Myakka/Sarasota area (a 20-acre ranch). Fun and educational for all ages. All rides are by appointment. Call (941) 750-8185 to set up a day and time. Napier’s Log Cabin Horse & Animal Sanctuary, inc. is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) no-kill Florida corporation that provides loving adoptive homes or permanent homes to needy animals. Visit www.NapierFamilyFarm.com or call (941) 750-8185. Located in East Bradenton. 100% of donations go to caring for the animals and are tax deductible as allowed by law. Cash donations or WalMart and Tractor Supply gift cards may be mailed to: Horse & Animal Sanctuary, 20010 East SR 64, Bradenton, Fla. 34212, credit card donations may be made on the link on the website or cash donations may be made at any Bank of America in care of the Horse & Animal Sanctuary fundraiser account.

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

July 2009

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dates: Now thru July 23, 2pm Creative Theater and Stories Programs may include storyboarding, puppetry, theater and storytelling. There will be a craft or game at each program. Collect tokens by attending the book sharing programs and by reading books. Spend your tokens for prizes at the Summer Bazaar on July 30th. Pinellas Park Public Library, Pinellas-Park.com July 4 & 5, 6:30pm First Unity St. Petersburg HERE II HERE concert For more information carly@spizmanagency. com or 770-953-2040. First Unity Church of St. Petersburg, 460 46th Ave North, St Petersburg, FL 33703-4791. July 4, 1pm-11pm St. Petersburg - Fireworks at the Pier Get up close to the light show! The Pier throws one of the most extravagant fireworks shows in the area. St. Petersburg Pier, 800 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg July 4, all day City of Gulfport Celebrates Downtown waterfront district - 2401 53rd St. S - Gulfport The city has a day full of activities leading up to a fireworks display, including a fishing derby, sandcastle contest, and car show. July 10-19, 8 pm Thurs-Sat; Sun, 2 pm The Melody Lingers On ~ The Music of Irving Berlin, Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, 727-587-6793, Eightoclocktheatre.com July 25, 6-9pm Largo has a FLAIR for the Arts Featuring Local Artistic and Innovative Renderings. New paintings, photography and sculptures will be unveiled. New poetry, music and short movies may also make their premiere. Join Largo Special Events in charming Ulmer Park, 301 West Bay Drive for this intimate celebration of art in Largo. LargoEvents.com or call 587-6740 ext. 5017.

Pasco

Dade City, Land O’ Lakes, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Trinity, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills

Now Open! The Adventure Has Begun! Xtreme Adventures offers a state of the art 6000 sq. ft.multi level Lazer tag arena that will redefine your concept of the game. The first of its kind in the tampa bay area. They feature Lazer tag, Arcade, HWY 66 Bowling, and The “ROCK”. As well as a full menu from the Adventure Cafe. In Lazer tag adventure you journey through ancient chambers, passageways, and fight your way through the deep jungle. The object is to score as many points as possible while defending yourself and your teammates from the enemies. Lazer Frenzy is a new arcade-style attraction that is both exhilarating and exciting as the player literally gets inside the game. Making their way through a maze of multi-colored lasers, players try to get through the maze as fast as possible while they avoid breaking the laser beams. With adrenaline pumping music and haze will swirling around, there is no other experience like it! Highway 66 bowling is fun for the whole family because it is suited for all ages making it a perfect entertainment for both kids and adults. Fit FOR FUN, NO special Shoes needed, NO hassle - Small ball size fits bowlers of all ages and skill levels. The Arcade Adventure provides entertainment for the entire family! With all the newest games such as pump it up, Deal or No Deal, Nascar Racing, and more. They also have the classics such as Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede. The prize counter offers a wide variety of popular, challenging and exciting items you can win with tickets from the redemption games. Stay up to date with the coolest, wildest toys and gadgets. Xtreme Adventures Family Fun Center is avialable for birthday parties and group events, call to check availability. Hours of operation are Monday thru Thursday 11:30 am - 10 pm, Friday 11:30 am - 11 pm, Saturday 10 am -11 pm, and Sunday 12 noon - 8 pm. Xtreme Adventures Family Fun Center 24810 State Road 54 Lutz, FL 33559 813-949-3866 XtremeAdventues4Fun.com

dates: Every Wednesday at 10 am Wiregrass Wednesdays (FREE) Kids!! Weekly children’s entertainment program. The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 theshopsatwiregrass.com July 3, 7pm The Star-Spangled Spectacular Concert Pasco County Fairgrounds - 36722 SR 52 - Dade City. The Mostly Pops OrcestraRobert Romanski, ConductorA Night of Patriotic Music and Song,featuring John Mary K. Winsonwith special guest Paul Wison. July 4, 4 pm - 9:15pm Sparklebration Pasco County Fairgrounds - 36722 State Road 52 - Dade City. Fireworks and entertainment in Dade City July 7, 9, 14 and 16 at 6:30pm Lutz-Land O’Lakes Pregnancy Center will offer training classes for those interested in working with women coming into the center for help with their pregnancies. All sessions will take place at the center, 1528 Land O’Lakes Boulevard, Suite 102, in the Tropical Village Center. lutzpregnancy.org July 8 and 15, 7-9pm Prepared Childbirth Course The prepared childbirth class meets one night a week for 6 weeks. Fee: $70 For more information or to register for classes call 727-834-5630. Wednesday, July 8, 2009, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Community Hospital - The Birthplace 5637 Marine Parkway New Port Richey, Florida 34652. July 25, 11am - 2pm Christmas in July Open House Event at Cloud9 Studios. Come preview our 4 different Holiday Portrait Sets and recieve special sign up bonuses. Free Gift Bags full of goodies for everyone! photosoncloud9.com July 25, 4-8pm Saturday Night Cruise Food, great music, car show. FREE Mainstreet Zephyrhills, WestPasco.com

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July 2009

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around town Opening of Valentino Film at Tampa Theater

Ted (producer of film) and Matt (director of film) with the models wearing a dress by Essence Flowers.

Kate Campbell and George Wenzel, both from the Art Institute of Tampa

Broadway Family Nights at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center

Hannah, 7, Luke, 9 and Little tiger, Noah, age 5 from New Port Richey.

Stephen, Tyanna, Cameron, Jonathan, Raequon, Rebekah, Skyler and Alec make music with the Patel Conservatory teachers.

Improvising their own mini â&#x20AC;&#x153;STOMPâ&#x20AC;? routine.

Students of the Patel Conservatory, in parntership with area NFL-YET Center, provide some pre-show entertainment.

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

July 2009

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July 2009

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

July 2009

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July 2009

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

july calendar of events The market features live music, a wide variety of fresh food, plants and crafts. Mahaffey Theater parking garage, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg, 33701 saturdaymorningmarket.com

EVENTS/FESTIVALS Wiregrass Wednesdays, Every Wed., 10am, FREE and great for ages 0-12 July 1, MOSI Day July 8, Live Storytime! July 15, Dance Show! July 22, Performance by Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center July 29, Fritzy Brothers Circus Live entertainment, fun kid activities, face painting, balloon artists, great giveaways, special shopping deals and more at the The Shops at Wiregrass, off Hwy 56 in Wesley Chapel. theshopsatwiregrass.com. Busch Gardens Summer Nights Now - Aug. 16 Play late this summer and celebrate Busch Gardens 50th birthday when the park takes on a street-party atmosphere with special entertainment, including DJs and festive stiltwalkers, refreshing food and drink and the thrill of riding coasters in the dark. BuschGardens.com SeaWorld After Dark Now - Sept. 7

Stay for the encore and experience the park in a whole new way. The event offers a family friendly rock n’ roll atmosphere, including DJs mixing music in several park locations, fireworks and spectacular nighttime shows. SeaWorld.com Island Nights at Adventure Island Now - August. 22 Escape to the Caribbean Friday and Saturday nights during Island Nights at Adventure Island, when Tampa’s water park takes on an festive party atmosphere. Island hop across the Caribbean by enjoying the food and entertainment of a different island each weekend. AdventureIsland.com Saturday Summer Market Every Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

July 2009

Independence Day at Florida Aquarium July 4, 2pm This 4th of July, check out the best spot for watching Tampa’s fireworks over the Channel! The Aquarium is extending hours until 9:30 p.m. AND lowering our 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. 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa. FLAquarium.org Rock ‘n Wings Concert July 4, 4-10pm Amanda Overmyer 2008 American Idol finalist will headline this evening of fun, food and fireworks along with the Greg Billings Band and Drew Street Mary. Plus arts, crafts and exhibits. Convenient on site parking and excellent view of St. Petersburg’s Fireworks display. Held at the Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Petersburg. 107 8th Avenue S.E, St Petersburg, FL 33701, 727-893-7654 Largo 4th of July Celebration July 4, 7-10pm Largo Central Park - 101 Central Park Drive J Fireworks display at 9 p.m.

the ever popular Beer Seminars, “Brew Master” discussions, as well as seminars on Beer and Cheese pairings, Beer and Food Pairings, a Beer Judging Class and Home Brewing Demonstrations. Participants must be 21 years of age and older. Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg, mahaffeytheater.com, 727-892-5798 craftbeerexpo.org $5 Day at Lowry Park Zoo July 19, 9:30 am-5 pm Visit all your favorite animals at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and learn about endangered wildlife for just $5 per person. LowryParkZoo.com

WaZoo August 1 from 7:30-10:30 pm Featured as one of the “10 Great Beer Festivals in the Country” by USA Today, this 14th annual tropical taste explosion features beers and beverages from around the world, food sampling from local restaurants, a wine garden and live music. General admission tickets are all-inclusive and the event is rain or shine. Tickets are available online at LowryParkZoo. com, by phone 813-935-8552 ext. 276, or at the door the night of the event. Wine garden tickets and designated driver tickets are also available.

Clearwater Celebrates America July 4, 7pm Coachman Park - 301 Drew St. St Pete Beach fireworks July 4 Starting at dusk St. Pete Beach Access Park - 4700 Gulf Blvd. Bring your blanket and a picnic basket and settle in for the evening to enjoy fireworks at the beach. Launched along the Gulf of Mexico. Craft Beer Expo July 18, 2 pm

Mahaffey Theater will once again treat Floridians to a hot night of cold beer and good food as they toast to the 2nd annual CRAFT BEER EXPO. With over 20 new breweries, an expansion of tbparenting.com

Animation Exhibit- with Cartoon Network, Grand Opening Event & Kid’s In Charge 4th B’day Celebration July 11, 10am - 2pm The ANIMATION exhibit will be on display at MOSI from July 10 through September 7, 2009. In ANIMATION’s stimulating and fun environment, visitors explore animation from concept to finished product — from storyboarding, character design, and drawing techniques to movement, timing, filming, and sound. The exhibit also explores the history of animation and features a screening room and a cartoon museum. Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 Fowler Ave., Tampa, 33617. 813-987-6000, mosi.org

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July 2009

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Stageworks presents: The Little Dog Laughed July 9 - 26 A fast paced, hilarious, yet biting look at the world of celebrity. An absolute send up of Hollywood that looks at fame, deception, lies and intolerance in between the zingers. Visit: Stageworkstheatre.org. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Shimberg Playhouse, tbpac.org, 813-229-7827

THEATER/FILM Dear Aunt Gertrude, Improv Show Fridays, 8pm This team of players brings a short form show that is sure to have you laughing. $5 Appropriate for age 13 and up. The Box, 1300 E. 7th Avenue, Ybor 33605 information@tampaunderground.com Respect: A Musical Journey of Women Now - August 2 From “Someone to Watch Over Me” to “I Will Survive,” Respect is the journey of women told through the music of the Top-40. It’s a show that is a journey from the codependence of “I Will Follow Him” to the anger of “These Boots are Made for Walking,” to the cynicism of “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” and finally to the strength of “Hero.” Combining excerpts of 60 songs with women’s own stories about finding dreams, lost love, relationship issues, entering the workforce, gaining independence and more. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 813-229-7827, tbpac.org Summer Classic Movies Series July 5, 3p Saving Private Ryan, July 12, 3p The Band Wagon, July 19, 3p Blazing Saddles, July 26, 3p Citizen Kane. TampaTheatre.org

Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage in A Circus Comes To Town July 25, Sat. 11a, 2p, & 5p; July 26, Sun. 1p & 4:30p An all new, live musical adventure. When Thomas makes a big mistake, all the engines on the Island of Sodor must work together to prepare for the exciting event under the Big Top, and, Thomas must prove he’s a really useful engine once again. With thrilling adventures along the way, Percy, James, Gordon, and of course, Thomas, join with Sir Topham Hatt and the townspeople from the Island of Sodor, to welcome a colorful cast of circus performers in an engaging story that demonstrates the importance of friendship and cooperation. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Carol Morsani Hall, tbpac.org, 813-229-7827 Regal Cinemas Free Family Film Festival Now - August Visit momslkeme.com for movie titles and a chance to win summer movie tickets. momslikeme.com

MUSIC/DANCE

RENT July 7 – 12, show times vary RENT is the classic musical about love, friendship and community, and the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history. Now, RENT is coming to Tampa in a new touring production starring original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp! Over the course of its groundbreaking 12-year New York run, RENT transformed the definition of musical theater – and changed Broadway forever. Set in NYC’s East Village, RENT is a modern take on the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme. It tells the unforgettable story of a group of young artists learning to survive, falling in love, finding their voices and living for today. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, tbpac.org, 813-229-7827

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

July 2009

Michael McDonald & Boz Scaggs Live in Concert July 2, 7:30 pm Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater rutheckerdhall.com, 727-791-7400 Paul Potts July 12, 7 pm Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater rutheckerdhall.com, 727-791-7400 American Idols Live Tour 2009 July 28 Fans of America’s #1 show will once again have the chance to catch their favorite “Idols” performing live in concert, as the top 10 contestants from American Idol season 8 hit the road in the highly anticipated summer tour. St. Pete Times Forum, Downtown Tampa, sptimesforum.com

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Demi Lovato July 31, 7 pm The 16-year-old singer/actress, opened for Jonas Brothers on their 2008 summer tour, impressing critics and fans along the way with her powerhouse voice and musical abilities on both piano and guitar. But with her Hollywood Records debut album “Don’t Forget,” Demi throws away the textbook. Instead, she rewrites the rules, making music her way. Come see Demi and special guest, American Idol season seven finalist David Archuleta. St. Pete Times Forum, Downtown Tampa, sptimesforum.com

ART Breakfast with Dalí Saturday, July 11, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join us in that magic hour before the museum is open to the public and the ghost of Salvador Dalí still lingers! Explore the Dalí Museum in a tour expressly designed for children age 5 12. This interactive tour is led by a Dalí docent who has chosen Dalí paintings and other works which specially appeal to children. The tour is followed by a scrumptious breakfast buffet. Following the tour, each child receives a souvenir of the day’s experience. Dalí hands-on activities follow at 11:30. SalvadorDaliMuseum.org The Art Spot July 11, 18, 25 – 10am-2pm This Saturday drop-in program at the interim Tampa Museum site on Howard Avenue in West Tampa is offered freeof-charge. No registration required. Children are encouraged to explore their own creativity by visiting the gallery and creating art projects in the museum’s classroom. Projects are self-guided and offer a different art activity each week. During the 4 sessions in June children will use technology to make realistic drawings, learn how to make pictures come alive in an animation flip book, use old computer parts to make new art pieces and create pixilated inspired images. Visit TampaMuseum.org for more information. 2306 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa 33607, 813-274-813

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