march 08 8
features
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 11
20
32
40 NEW MOMMY MUST HAVES Items which make bringing baby home easy
5 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
8 RACE TO SUMMER Guide to summer camps and programs 20 SPRING DRESSING Fashions and toys for the spring
45 JOY THIEVES Don’t let them steal your good time
32 SWIMMING WITH THE FISHES Scuba diving with your kids
every month
29 SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS 30 NORTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS 38 NORTH PINELLAS NEWS 41 SOUTH PINELLAS NEWS
35 WHY WEIGHT New program teaches families nutrition
43 PASCO NEWS 48 AROUND TOWN
contents
49 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 51 PARTY PAGES 54 FAMILY GUIDE On the cover: Riane Heyen, 7, of New Port Richey. Dress, umbrella and headband from Silly Dilly Tot Spot. Photography by: Bob Thompson Hair and Makeup: Horacio Espinosa, Asponise Salon & Spa Special Thanks to Marc Maseman, Marlene Sundquist and their neighbors for allowing us into their yards and home for this shoot.
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TBPARENTING.COM
Angela L. Ardolino Editor-In-Chief Lisa A. Metzker Managing Editor Diana Miklowski Copy Editor Contributing Writers Tim Fath Sandra Parrish Christie Ardolino Lindsay Perez Kat Sidler Lisa Black PJ Goetz Joezette Hite 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
Letter
from the Editor
March is one of my favorite months of the year. It has the perfect mix of sun and cool temperatures. It is when you say “this is why I live here”. While others up North are freezing their tails off, we are outdoors attending Art Festivals and our children are climbing trees. I always said that when I got married, I wanted to do it in March. Which reminds me, when am I going to get married? March? You would think by now I would get tired of hearing everyone say “Sooo, when’s the big day?” But I’m not. In a way I enjoy hearing it. I waited this long to get married, why not enjoy the engagement? I guess it will have to be March of 2009 since March 2008 has snuck up on us again. I have been engaged for two years now and my fiancé would fly to Vegas tomorrow and get married but I want everything to be just perfect. Half the fun is the preparation and anticipation. When we bought our dream home together and it looked like a foreclosure, we agreed that we would fix it up, and when we finished the major projects, we would get married in our backyard. Well that is taking longer than expected. Since the magazine came along, all of our energy and time have gone into making it the best family publication in Tampa Bay. I have no regrets, as a matter of fact, I am thankful. In the 10 months since the first issue was published, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most wonderful, smart and successful business women, whom also do a fantastic job of balancing work and being great mothers. Therefore, I am glad I waited because I look forward to getting to know these people better and having them join me in celebrating my marriage. So I am going to shoot for next March- I guess I should go tell my fiancé! Enjoy March!
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.
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Call today to schedule your free trial class!
Jump Run Roll to The Little Gym
Classes for children ages 4 months – 12 years • Parent/Child • Gymnastics • Dance • Sports Skills • Cheer • Karate • Birthday Parties • Summer Camps • Parents' Survival Night
North Tampa 813-962-6300
15453 N. Dale Mabry Hwy www.TLGNorthTampaFL.com
South Tampa 813-282-8547
4151 Henderson Blvd www.TLGSouthTampa FL.com
Palm Harbor 727-781-5800
33287 US Highway 19 N. www.TLGPalmHarborFL.com
South Tampa Grand Opening March 31!
The race to
Summer is on
It is not to early to start planning for your child’s summer. As a matter of fact, not only do some of the best programs fill up fast, many offer early registration discounts. So now is the perfect time to choose a program that enriches your child’s life and enhances their personality. Have them try something new, practice their art or craft, or learn a new skill. Tampa Bay has so much to offer and Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine’s Summer Program Guide has some of the best...
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TAMPA BAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - PATEL CONSERVATORY Spend your summer at TBPAC’s Patel Conservatory. Children and adults can explore the performing arts in more than 80 camps and classes in dance, music, theater and media arts this summer at the Patel Conservatory. Summer camps encompass all experience levels beginning with the introductory Arts Sampler, a favorite summer camp for children and youth grades PreK-9 that introduces children to theater, music and dance. Students are encouraged to progress to intermediate level camps such as On-camera Acting, Musical Theater and Vocal Arts camps for a more in-depth process and the chance to perform for an audience. Full-day camps – Summerplay, Making Your Own Musical and Youth Theater Company – offer the most comprehensive experiences, all culminating in fully staged productions in one of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center’s professionally equipped theaters. The Patel Conservatory offers weekly classes for kids and adults over the summer, too! Held on evenings and weekends, these classes include dance, theater, media arts and music. Also this summer, the Patel Conservatory Youth Theater Company will rock Ferguson Hall in everyone’s Broadway favorite, Grease.
As Rydell High’s spirited class of 1959, Conservatory students will have the times of their lives rehearsing and performing this classic rock musical. Shorter and more suitable in content for teens and preteens, this abridged version retains the fun-loving spirit and immortal songs like “We Go Together,” “Greased Lightning” and more! Whether learning to write a play for performance, play in a rock band, act in a TV commercial, tap dance or sing a Broadway song, both children and adults will be introduced to an engaging and enriching arts curriculum that can continue even after summer ends. View schedules at patelconservatory.org. Call 813.222.1002 to register.
BUSCH GARDENS ADVENTURE CAMPS
face with a giraffe, plunge down water slides, challenge a dive coaster, and create memories of a lifetime. A new adventure is just around the corner!
From exotic animal experiences to thrilling rides, Day Camp at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island mean safe, fun and memorable experiences. Accredited by the American Camp Association, we’ve provided children with inspiring, exciting and educational summer camp experiences for more than 25 years.
Busch Gardens and Adventure Island offers Day Camps for Kindergarten through eighth grade students. Camps run Monday through Friday with drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon. Day Camps will be offered weekly from June 9th through August 8th.
Busch Gardens and Adventure Island Day Camps provide unique programs that allow you to choose the adventure that suits your child. Through amazing animal encounters, world-class roller coasters, water-drenched fun in the sun and special behind-the-scenes access, your child will be introduced to a variety of careers, learn how Busch Gardens and Adventure Island operate, and learn what they can do to become part of conservation efforts world-wide.
More information is available at SWBG-AdventureCamps. com or by calling 1-877-BGT-CAMP.
For the younger camper, Busch Gardens offers the Early Explorers series allowing an adult and preschooler to attend Day Camp together to learn about animal homes, sounds and groups through animal encounters and story time. Day Camps at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are a great opportunity for your child to make new friends, come face-to-
CAMP HIAWATHA Camp Hiawatha is the premiere summer day camp for boys and girls from the age of 6 through 16 years. We are located on 17 beautiful wooded lakefront acres in Odessa, Florida, and it is our mission to provide for the youth of the HillsboroughPinellas-Pasco tri-county area a fun-filled summer experience steeped in adventure, team-building, reverent worship and appreciation of God’s creation that will forever remain in their hearts. Our camp leaders and staff are well-qualified and positive role models. Children and teens join with others their age, including early elementary, upper elementary, middle and high school groups to participate in a plethora of planned activities, including the following: Eco-skills, dramas and skits, archery, kayaking and canoeing, crafts and projects, swimming, wakeboarding and watersports, horseback riding, Bible study and topic lessons, and so much more! We also have a 1200 square foot state-of-the-art game room with Wiis, X-Box and Playstation 360 systems, carpet bowling, Guitar Hero, skeeball, and more! Mature seventeen and eighteen year-olds are who exhibit a strong Christian testimony are invited to be a part of our junior counselor program. Each day includes a time of Bible study and praise and worship for each age group with their camp counselors. For 8 weeks, each 2-week session will finish off with a bang with “The Big Camp Bash”, which includes a dynamic time of praise and
worship, hay ride, campfire with marshmallows and so much more! Camp Hiawatha is a non-denominational Christian camp that welcomes children and teens from all walks of life, and we offer multi-child and multi-session sign-up discounts. Odessa Christian School students also receive a special discount. Visit us at our website, www.camphiawatha.com, for more information and to register.
FLORIDA AQUARIUM AQUACAMPS
and kayaking to snorkeling, beach combing and learning how aquariums and zoos care for and protect animals. Teens, ages 12 to 15 years can take a SCUBA course for certification that culminates with a dive in our Shark Bay exhibit.
The Florida Aquarium AquaCamps is a unique experience for kids ages 3 to 15. We offer programs for tots to teens that will excite, delight and encourage kids to learn more about our local environment.
To join the fun, call the Reservations office at (813) 273-4015 or check our website www.flaquarium.org.
AquaTots, a mommy and me program for three and four year olds, is offered twice a week for 90 minutes, and AquaKids, for five and six year olds, is offered three days a week for two and half hours. Both camps include arts and crafts, science explorations, playtime, tours through the Aquarium and splash time at Explore A Shore. Kids in grades K-3 can join the fun at full-day on location camps at the Aquarium. Taught by certified teachers or Aquarium staff, camps include arts and crafts, science explorations, tours of the Aquarium, animal encounters, splash time at Explore A Shore and a field trip. Older kids in grades 4-8 can participate in full-day travel camps that focus on marine science and feature a new adventure each day. Campers travel offsite with experienced instructors to fantastic locations around the Tampa Bay Region. Travel camp experiences range from fishing, sailing
Entertainment Revue All Star Cast
AUDITIONS April 19 & 20 Tampa Bay's only professional children's song and dance ensemble Eight major recording contracts signed, three American Idol Finalists Audition Reception and Information Meeting Sunday March 13th 2:00 PM
813-832-9217
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ENTERTAINMENT REVUE BROADWAY BOUND CAMP This program, designed specifically for youth, 10-18. Participants receive extensive instruction in theater, dance, and music, taught by industry professional directors, choreographers and voice coaches. The Broadway Bound Program will present professional Broadway productions Gypsy and Annie, which will be performed on a professional stage and open to the public. The program is presented by Entertainment Revue (ER), a unique arts group based in Tampa, which performs over fifty shows each year. The group consists of three separate casts of performers, ranging in age from 6 – 18. The group is not associated with any dance or voice studio and is a 501 C nonprofit organization. ER has become widely recognized for its talented group of performers who entertain at corporate events, community events, and in professional theaters across the Southeast. The group has appeared on “CBS This Morning,” the “Today show,” “Star Search,” and at special events including the 1997 Democratic Convention with Vice President Gore, the 1999 Democratic Convention with President Clinton, an election rally with President Bush, and a Republican fundraiser with
Governors Jeb Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The group has also appeared at the Florida Citrus Bowl, the Super Bowl Host Village, and the World Team Tennis benefit with Elton John. They have been featured as halftime performers for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic, performed at the NCAA Final Four, and in the Broadway tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” ER has also become recognized nationally as an outstanding training group for young recording artists. In the last six years, eight cast members signed major recording contracts with Epic, RCA, Arista, Atlantic, and Curb. The group has also produced the winner of American Idol Juniors on Fox and three finalists on American Idol, including 2005 top ten finalist, Jessica Sierra. For more info visit www.broadwayboundtampa.com
Broadway Bound ACT SING DANCE
Session One June 16-July 11 Ages 11-18
Session Two July 14-Aug 8 Ages 8-18
813-832-9217 www.broadwayboundtampa.com
This Summer Train and Perform with the Best!
LA PETITE ACADEMY SUMMER TREASURES A Season of Experiences, A Lifetime of Memories Summer Treasures is La Petite Academy’s program for school-age kids to explore everything from cooking to conservation, cultures to charitable works. The 2008 summer sessions include: SummerFest, Eco Explorers, Cookonomies, Center Stage, Global Expedition, and Champions of change. Call 1.800.LaPetite or log on to www. lapetite.com
MARY JO’S PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES What greater way to nurture your child’s talents than by enrolling them in camp at Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy (MJPAA). Your child will explore the wonderful world of the performing arts while experiencing an educational, fun-filled summer. They will be given opportunities to act, sing, dance and be creative. Camps are theatrically themed offering songs and dances from successful shows such as: High School Musical, Annie and more. Gotta Act and Camp Cabaret will provide a stage for your aspiring star! Half day, full day and after care is available for all ages and levels. The possibilities are endless! For more information please call 813-9690240 or visit www.mjpaa.com.
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Over 60 Full & Half Day Programs
CAMP IDS 2008
June 16th thru August 1st One Week Sessions
8:30am - 3:00pm Extended Care Available
Sports Academics Recreation Field Trips
961-3087
www.idsyes.com Independent Day School Corbett Campus 12015 Orange Grove Dr Tampa, 33618
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Spring dressing
Lily is wearing an elegant gold raw silk short sleeved dress, buttons down the back; perfect for a flower girl at a wedding, Easter dress or any special occasion. $95. Available at Born to Shop in Dunedin. Contessa is wearing a gorgeous mint green and ivory dress with hand embroidered pink and yellow flowers and mint green sash in the front; perfect Easter dress. $95. Available at Born to Shop in Dunedin.Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
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Olivia is wearing a cotton Heart Dress, $50 with red watering can purse, $14, from Silly Dilly Tot Spot and Moki Vitello sandals, $99 from Poco Pattino
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Adam is wearing Seersucker Shorts $26, with a white cotton Polo Shirt $22, and Crab Knit Vest $38 from Silly Dilly Tot Spot. His shoes are Mod 8, $85 from Poco Pattino.
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HANGING OUT WITH THE BOYS Andy is dressed up without sacrificing comfort with a Belted plaid short, $34, and screen tee by Le Fromage et L’Orange, $34, available at Smarty Pants Kids’ Boutique. Carver Suede flipflop by Quicksilver, $22 from Poco Pattino. Adam is wearing Spring Owl Bowler Shirt, $45, with green and white striped Seersucker Shorts $26, both available at Silly Dilly Tot Spot. Arden is wearing soft cotton outfit by the Tea Collection, available at Seedlings. His shoes are Geox-Hawk, $65 from Poco Pattino. Austin is wearing Dip-dye polo, $34 and white cropped pant, $30, perfect for Easter! By Le Fromage et L’Orange. Available at Smarty Pants Kids’ Boutique. His shoes are Naturino-Polo, $89, from Poco Pattino.
GIRL’S BEST FRIEND Mei Lin, pictured with Odie, is wearing cotton snap dress from the Tea Collection, available at Seedlings in South Tampa. Odie has his favorite toy, the Life is Good daisy canvas frisbee, $12. Available at Happy Paws and Tails in Riverview.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Bob Thompson, Thompson Studios, 813-994-2000. thomspsonstudiostampa. com FASHION DIRECTOR: Francisco H and Joezette Hite HAIR & MAKEUP: ASONIPSE SALON & SPA, 6136 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Riverview 33569, 813662-3848
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SPECIAL THANKS: Marc Maseman, Marlene Sundquist, Jennifer Parrish, JRP of Tampa, Katie Kyres, Adam, Andy, Austin, Arden, Olivia, Lily, Hayley, Mei Lin, Riane, Contessa, Nicole, Sophia, Odie and all the parents for their help and support.
TEA PARTY! Olivia is wearing Pink Children’s Silhouettes Dress $50, and Flower Headband $18, available at Silly Dilly Tot Spot. Riane is wearing Pink Bird Tie Sun top $28 and Pink Zebra Print Capri Pants $34 with Flower Headband $18, available at Silly Dilly Tot Spot. Mushroom Table with 2 Toadstools $325, available at Silly Dilly Tot Spot. EASTER GIVING! Arden is wearing cotton Gold Rush Ship Crew T, $32, with Wes and Willy khaki cargo shorts, $39, available at Giggle Box Couture. He gives Nicole a personalized Bunny Buffet Bucket, $25 from Learning Express Toys. She is wearing a Mimi and Maggie Flower Circle Tunic, $45, and Serenity capris embellish pants, $55 available at Giggle Box Couture.
GROOVY BABY! Hayley is ready for Easter in her Pucci Dress by Lipstik. Paired with embellished leggings for a very trendy look available at Smarty Pants Kids’ Boutique. Gold Pom D’ Api, Ibiza Flor sandals, $77, at Poco Pattino Nicole is wearing Flowers by Zoe pink polka dot dress, $87, with matching headband, $12, available at Giggle Box Couture. Pink Sun San Saltwater sandals, $26, are waterproof and available at Poco Pattino. Sophia is taking a wild ride this spring in Lipstik’s Zebra print baby doll top and ruffle bottom pants available at Smarty Pants Kids’ Boutique. Zebra shoes by Franco Sarto, $95, available at Poco Pattino
727-733-8833
www.borntoshopboutique.com
636 Skinner Blvd. Dunedin, FL 34698
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YOU HAVEN’T SEEN SPRING CLOTHING THIS COOL!
GIGGLE BOX THE ONLY PLACE TO SHOP
We have all the newest hip children’s clothing lines for spring like Wes And Willy, Flowers By Zoe, Quicksilver & much more!
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$250 OFF purchase of $1,000 or more!
south
Hillsborough
Apollo Beach, Brandon, Lithia, Riverview, Ruskin, South Tampa, Tampa, Valrico
Silly Dilly Tot Spot Opens New Store The super fun and ultra chic Silly Dilly Tot Spot, which was only available online and for private parties, is now opening a retail store at 4035 West Kennedy . The store offers heirloom quality, toys, clothing, accessories, bedding, art and more from around the world. Anything which creates wonderful memories of being a child and raising a child can be found at this store. Katie Kyres the owner says, “Our product selection is based on the product’s achievement of a color, expression and texture “personality wow factor” that is fun-stakingly rated by a theatrical kiddie-mommy focus group”. Come celebrate the Grand Opening on March 2, 10-4pm, with discounts, free activities, entertainment and a meet and greet the Country Bunny with the Little Gold Shoes. For more information call 813-872-7370 or visit www.sillydillytotspot.com.
Baby’s Best Friend Toys is Born Brucie Boonstoppel, who operates a popular local dance studio, had an idea when she gave birth to twins in 2003, Harrison and Ava. Harrison had difficulty getting his pacifier so a nurse suggested sewing it to something to make it easier for him to grasp. Both twins had their pacifiers attached to many different soft animals. After 3 years of people asking her where she got the pacifier attached to the toy, she decided to market it herself. It started as a small investment, but later evolved into a bit more complex work to make the invention hers. The plastic ring was designed with a prototype company to allow the pacifier to be attached. There were a few versions before she arrived at the final design. Next, she used an injection molding company and decided on the type of plastic. My design was based on the oval shaped back of the pacifier to insert and twist to lock. The pliable plastic allows the round back to just pop in and out. She worked with a stuffed toy company in California to design the monkey she wanted and Baby’s Best Friend was born.
dates: Mar 1-Mar 9 Florida Strawberry Festival A celebration of strawberries that dates back to 1930. The 11-day festival, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. The Winter Strawberry Capital of the World --Plant City-- is located about 24 miles east of Tampa. Festival Grounds, Plant City, Florida 813-752-9194, www.flstrawberryfestival.com Mar 1, 9a-6p Webkinz Blitz Party Webkinz will be on sale for as little as $8.99. Come to the party and enjoy food, fun and great giveaways. 1530 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., South Tampa 813-251-5111, www.seedlings.com Mar 2, 10a-4p Silly Dilly Tot Spot New Store Opening 4035 W. KENNEDY BLVD. Meet and Greet the Country Bunny with the Little Gold Shoes! For more details, call the zoo phone, 813-8727370, or visit www.sillydillytotspot.com Mar 15 St. Patrick Day Party 1530 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., South Tampa 813-251-5111, www.seedlings.com
To see these adorable stuffed monkey’s, and get one for your little one, visit www.bbftoys.com. They are only $24 and come in girly pink and classic monkey brown.
Dental Health Group Help’s Disadvantaged Children Dental Health Group at Big Bend conducted their Give Kids a Smile event on February 1, 2008. Give Kids a Smile is an annual Centerpiece to National Children’s Dental Health Month. It is a one -day event where dentist and staff volunteer their time to provide dental care to previously screened disadvantaged children. Dr. Natalie Carr, Dr. Cruz Ceino, and their staff performed 136 dental procedures valued at almost $20,000 to disadvantage children in Hillsborough County. The purpose of the event is to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantage children. tbparenting.com
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north
Hillsborough
Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Lutz, New Tampa, Odessa, Temple Terrace, Westchase
TASTE OF NEW TAMPA The New Tampa Community Council is proud to bring the festivities to the New Tampa community. Last year’s event attracted more than 8,000 people. The 15th annual event will be from 1 to 4 p.m. March 30 at the 40-acre New Tampa Community Park, next to the Freedom High/Liberty Middle schools campus on Commerce Park Drive. As in past years, this year’s proceeds will benefit the community’s public school Parent Teacher Associations, Parent Teacher and Student Associations, the NTCC Scholarship Fund as well as community projects. These additional funds allow our schools to provide more educational programs and supplies to our children -- the future of tomorrow! This event, the longest running and largest event in New Tampa, wouldn’t be possible without the support of local community. Advance tickets for the event, representing a 33 percent savings for those 13 and older, will be available at four area locations starting Feb. 23, said community council Treasurer Matt Palmer. The advance $10 tickets will be sold through March 29, Palmer said. Ticket locations are: Wingate by Wyndham hotel, 17301 Dona Michelle Drive, (813) 971-7676; Hampton Inn & Suites, Tampa/Wesley Chapel, 2740 Cypress Ridge Blvd.; You Do the Dishes, 15357 Amberly Drive, (813) 975-1700; and Frame by Frame Gallery, 16035 Tampa Palms Blvd. W., (813) 977-4841. Tickets are $15 for ages 13 and older ($10 in advance), $10 for ages 7 through12 and free for ages 6 and younger. For more information visit www.newtampa.org.
CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER Fundraiser for the Friends of Carrollwood Cultural Center and the Florida Orchestra Guild and Gala Concert
dates: Mar 3 - Mar 7, 1p-8p Inaugural Open House for the Carrollwood Cultural Center An exciting opportunity for the general public to enjoy guided tours of the 31,000 square-foot, $6.5 million Center by volunteers from the Friends. There will be opportunities to talk with the staff and faculty members regarding some of the art, dance, drama, music, pottery, and computer classes. Light refreshments will be available. Mar 14 - Apr 6 Urinetown, The Musical
The Irreverently Humorous & Satirical Musical Carrollwood Players, 4331 Gunn Hwy (in Plantation Plaza), Tampa 33618 813-265-4000, carrollwoodplayers.org
Mar 16, 4p & 6p Mother Good Was Eaten By The Werewolves!, Children’s Theatre
A zany show especially for the young at heart! Adults: $5, Children: $3 (under 4 are free) Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy, The Academy Theatre, 15906 Mapledale Blvd., Tampa 813-969-0240 Ext. 222 Mar 30, 1-4pm
15th Annual Taste of New Tampa
Come out and enjoy delicious menu samples from area restaurants while supporting the local community as well. Fun for the entire family! All net proceeds will go to area schools and other charities within the New Tampa community. Location: New Tampa Community Park on Commerce Parkway in Tampa Palms. 813-293-2464, www.newtampa.org
The event takes place on Sunday, March 2nd with the program beginning at 2p and the concert at 3p, including performances by a quarter from the Florida Orchestra, arias by the acclaimed New York soprano Deborah Home, and Jim Burge former H.C.C. Music Dept. Chair and founder of Tampa’s exciting New Directions Jazz Quartet, with Steinway Artist Mary Ann Scialdo, artistic director for the Center. Invitees to this ticketed event include the 270 Charter Members of the Friends organization, the 150 members of the Florida Orchestra Tampa Guild, major donors, advisors services providers and special friends, including the Carrollwood Village Homeowner Board of Directors, who have given so much support to the Friends. The Florida Orchestra and the Friends will share proceeds from the event.
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Baby’s
Best
Friend
One mother’s inspiration keeps babies from losing their pacifier
813•837•8866
www.BBFtoys.com
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G
ive the kids a taste of the Caribbean right here in Tampa. The Florida Aquarium “Swim with Fishes” program allows kids 6 and older a chance to share the water with 2,300 fish in 500,000 gallons of water. Swim with the fishes in an in-water reef adventure that will allow you and your kids an opportunity to encounter one of the Florida Keys’ most beautiful coral reef dive sites without leaving Tampa. The tank itself is modeled after an actual dive site in the Dry Tortugas near Key West. No experience needed and two certified dive instructors will be within arms reach at all times. 8:45am: Kids are excited and ready to go. I am a little nervous. I’ve never scuba dived before. I am thinking there will be some pretty intense instruction to get us in the water and breathing through a tank. We head to the locker rooms to change into our bathing suits and the wet suits they have waiting for us. 9 am: We are at the water’s edge; Barbara and Brad, the certified divers, are in the water waiting for us. I clear my head and say silently to myself OK I am ready to learn this. I sit down ready for a lengthy instruction sessions. Brad asks me if I can breath. I looked at him confused. He tells me if I can breath I can scuba. He says it is easier to scuba than to snorkel. That easy huh. Barbara and Brad fit our masks to us and we bend at the waist and stick our heads in the water to make sure we got a tight fit with our masks. Next time we bend we have the aerator (the mouth piece of the scuba equipment) in our mouths and we are breathing air- underwater! It is really easy. Every fear I have ever had about scuba diving disappears and I am ready to go. I look
around and notice that the kids, who were absent of my fears, are already out there swimming around. I put on my flotation device and my tank and swim out to join the kids. The green eel we always see through the other side of the glass swims up to Brad and playfully wraps around his arm. We see hundreds of fish. No need for much swimming the fish come to us. We float effortlessly while groupers, lookdowns, Atlantic spadefish, tarpon, puffer fish and queen triggerfish come up to take a look at us. I’ve snorkeled in the Caribbean and Hawaii and have never seen fish so friendly and interested in people. They come close but not too close and readily swim away if I flap my arms. Barbara identifies a Batfish and points him out to me. She explains to me that he was captured in the Keys and brought back the Florida Aquarium. She says he does not belong in The Florida Keys and someone most likely let him go from a home aquarium. It is a problem they are facing now in the waters that surround The Keys she tells me. I look over at the kids. They are really into this. There heads turn from side to side as the scan the water looking at the fish. I am so glad they got to do this. I swim over to them and grab their hands and we spend the rest of our time in the water, swimming hand in hand, watching the fishes. 9:30 am: Time is called and we head back to the swim platform to get out of the water. “Mom can we do this again?” My ten year old asks. “Oh yea Mom, please!” my seven year old chimes in. “Definitely” I say “Definitely” For prices and dive times go to www.flaquarium.org or call (813) 367-4005.
swimming with the fishes dive the Caribbean without leaving Tampa BY PJ GOETZ
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2120 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, Fl 33629 813-254-6832 enchanteriadayspa.com 34
Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
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eleste Fretto, mother to 15-year-old Peyton and 12-year-old Chase, knows firsthand the daily struggles overweight children can experience. As her children’s weight progressively increased, so did Fretto’s concern for the health effects the extra pounds would likely bring to them in the future.
Fretto’s children are far from alone. Obesity in kids is a rising epidemic in the United States. In fact, during the past two decades, the proportion of overweight children doubled among 6- to 11-year-olds and tripled among adolescents 12 to 19; currently one child in five is overweight.
The class meets for two hours per week for six weeks. Each class focuses on nutrition, self-esteem coaching and physical activity. Why Weight? makes it easy for parents to create an environment that helps their children - and the whole family - stay healthy. To help you give your child the support needed to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy self-image, you’ll get information on: • • •
Making healthy food choices Exercises that can be done at home Improving your child’s self esteem
A child’s waistline isn’t the only thing at stake as a result of being overweight. Type 2 diabetes, once considered an overweight “adult” disease, is showing up in rapid numbers among overweight children. And being overweight isn’t a phase most kids outgrow. Research shows that 70 percent of overweight kids become overweight adults, continuing to put them at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. But perhaps more devastating to an overweight child than the health problems is the social discrimination. Children who are teased a lot can develop low self-esteem and depression.
“Although my children lost weight during the six-week program, I was most impressed with the knowledge they gained on how to read food labels and the importance of exercise and nutrition in general,” said Fretto. “As a result of this program, my kids not only know that they shouldn’t eat fast food every day, but why they shouldn’t eat fast food every day.”
Realizing that as a parent she played a big role in keeping her kid’s healthy, Fretto turned to experts at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for help.
The cost of the program is $200, and the results can be priceless. For more information on how Why Weight? can improve your child’s health for life, call (813) 870-4747 to register for a free onehour program orientation. The orientation will include information about:
Weight loss isn’t just about dieting. It also involves regular exercise, portion control, making healthy food substitutions, eating in moderation and enhancing self-esteem. Why Weight?, St. Joseph’s Children Hospital’s unique weight management program for kids ages 8-11 and 12-15, addresses all these aspects of healthy eating while making it fun and interesting. Along with a parent or guardian, participants learn how to make choices that lead to a healthy lifestyle for the whole family.
Why Weight? is staffed by registered dietitians, certified health educators and exercise specialists.
• • •
Program format and structure. Program expectations. Program fees, including availability of scholarships for those who apply.
“I believe Why Weight? participants reach and keep their weight loss Children enrolled in Why Weight? are a part of a small, supportive goals because it promotes family understanding of good nutrition,” group of kids with similar experiences. The program offers a healthy said Fretto. “The program has made a big impact on our entire family, dose of fun, upbeat exercise in a friendly, interactive and noncompetitive and we are now committed to being fit and staying healthy.” environment. The kids enjoy: • • •
Fun, interactive food and nutrition education Supervised physical activity Family coaching
why weight? nutrition classes for parents and kids
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A Bright Future deserves a Bright Smile Dental Health Group at:
Dr. Natalie Carr
Dr. Bahareh Jafarnia
Riverview 10845 Bloomingdale Ave. 813-662-6100
New Tampa 1748 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. #1 813-907-1151
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Brandon 2468 W. Brandon Blvd. 813-654-6700
Dr. Cruz Ceino-Sena Fishhawk 5658 Fishhawk Crossing Blvd. 813-490-1982 Big Bend 13146 US Hwy 301 813-672-9575
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Carrollwood 15148 North Dale Mabry 813-960-0106
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
March 2008
tbparenting.com
Call for an Appointment
Pediatrics Evenings & Weekends
Open Every Day Monday-Friday, 5pm-11pm Weekends & Holidays, Noon-11pm You can count on us to provide quality medical care after your child’s doctor’s office has closed. Ear aches, sore throats, asthma Stitches, Dermabond, sports injuries z On-site x-rays and lab tests z Foreign body removal, animal bites z Dehydration - IV fluid replacement z Fever that won’t break z z
No Appointment Needed!
Central Tampa 2550 W Dr ML King, Jr Blvd #B (813) 876-4902 Carrollwood / Lutz 4211 Van Dyke Road, #101C (813) 960-1813
HealthPointMedicalGroup.com
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north
Pinellas
Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs
Tampa Museum of Art salvage becomes art in the hands of Rocky Bridges of Tarpon Springs Florida artist Rocky Bridges salvaged materials from the demolition site of the Tampa Museum of Art to use in creating a work of art for the new museum. Demolition of the former museum began Feb. 1 and will take 90 days to complete. Groundbreaking of the new Tampa Museum of Art is expected in April. Skanska USA in Tampa is construction manager for the project, while Kimmins Contracting Corp., sub contractor for the demolition, and Horus Construction Services Inc., is a joint-venture partner with Skanska on the project. The demolition partners assisted Bridges with navigating the interior and exterior of the site, searching for materials. The site is now partially demolished, a release said.
dates: Mar 2, 7:45a-9a Early Morning Nature Walk All ages welcome – children under 6 may find this hike challenging. Brooker Creek Preserve 727-453-6800 Mar 5 & Mar 26, 7p-8:30p
Bridges is a well known Florida artist who works with recycled materials to create Family Night Walks mixed-media assemblages, often incorporating historic architectural elements in his Glowing eyes, strange sounds and unusual smells are all experienced as you prime your work, a release said. He is nationally recognized for his work and recently received a Fulbright Scholarship.
senses during this night hike. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. FREE. Recommended for families with children age 10 and up. Brooker Creek Preserve 727-453-6800
Other honors include the Florida Individual Artist Fellowship in the Visual Arts and The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts for a Residency Fellowship Mar 13, 10:30a-11:15a, Are you a snail? in Miami Beach. He teaches at the University of South Florida and St. Petersburg Mar 27, 10:30a-11:15a, All Around Me I See Book Time at Brooker College. Bridges resides in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Program designed to introduce pre-school children to the wonders of the natural world. Recommended ages: 3-5. Brooker Creek Preserve 727-453-6800 Mar 15, 8a Dunedin Causeway Coastal Cleanup 727-812-4545
Mar 28-30 Oldsmar Days and Nights Fiery foods, collector cars, classic rock music and warm spring sunshine will join forces the weekend of March 28-30, as the 47th Annual Oldsmar Days celebration returns to the shores of Old Tampa Bay at RE Olds Park for three full days of family-oriented music, food and fun.
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babes n’ Bellies a maternity and children’s boutique
Dinner’s in the bag! Take 2 Sample Sessions Just stop by and see how it works by selecting up to two family entrees from monthly menu and save $3 on each meal. Visit www.LetsEatDinner.com for sampling times in your area! Sample Entrees
mon thru fri 11 to 5:30 p.m. sat 11 to 4 p.m.
A delicious meal like Coconut Crusted Shrimp is easy with Let’s Eat! You prepare family-size meals from a variety of monthly recipes in our professional kitchens. We shop, chop and clean up. Reserve your kitchen time at www.LetsEatDinner.com, assemble your meals in less than two hours, take home in easy-to-store family-sized containers, then cook and enjoy. It’s the smarter way to do dinner. Fabulous meals are fun and easy. Bon Appétit, Let’s Eat!
Coconut Crusted Shrimp, Blue Cheese Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Southwestern Beef Enchiladas, Grilled Sesame Steak & Chicken Piccata.
2425 S. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 813 258 8333
Call or go online today. Only the freshest ingredients!
Palm Harbor, 3301 Tampa Road, (727) 786-6600 New Tampa, 17024 Palm Pointe Dr., (813) 615-9303 Citrus Park, 11965 Sheldon Road, (813) 792-2035
$3 Off $12 Off $15 Off
Each meal at a Take 2 Sample Session. Mention at the time of purchase
An order of eight to eleven meals. Use coupon code “TBPM1020”
An order of 12 or more meals. Use coupon code “TBPM1025”
Limit One Coupon Per Household. Expires 3/31/08
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new mommy must-haves items that make being a new mom easier
A
BY JOEZETTE HITE
s a soon to be mother I have perused and shopped at many boutiques and stores, and usually walk out with bags of clothes rather than diapers and bibs - of course my baby has to look adorable in his trendy tees, right? Honestly I have realized the cute and posh outfits are not a necessity. However in my quest to find the perfect must-haves for a newborn baby, I have also come to realize that expecting parents are daunted by an abundance of so called “must-have items” to purchase. Shopping and preparing can be overwhelming – I believe that is why I have turned to retail therapy in the clothing department instead. So to help others like myself prepare in advance I have found some essentials - and truly can’t do without items - to get you ready for welcoming your baby home. Nursing/Bottle Feeding • Nursing mothers are sometimes reluctant to cave in to using bottles. With the Adiri Natural Nurser Breast Bottle, many mothers are giving it a go since it not only imitates the feel and flow of a natural breast, but it’s polycarbonate-free that is made out of high quality silicon. A perfect bottle for those wishing to breast-feed and bottle feed with little to no confusion for your fussy little one. (www.adiri.com) • When it comes to nursing, we would all like to look like we are nursing in style. Japanese Weekend has created a functional, yet stylish line that is perfect for mothers that are breast feeding. Many of their stylish tops and gowns are reversible, providing endless fashion choices for an-all purpose nursing wear. (www.japaneseweekend.com, or at Babes N’Bellies (813) 258-8333) • Another must when breast feeding is to hide our bosom busts, no need to give everyone a peep show! Bebe Au Lait has created the award winning nursing covers that provide enough coverage with a neckline opening that allows you to see your baby. (www.bebeaulait.com or at Babes N’Bellies (813) 258-8333) • Burping no longer has to be a messy task with the awardwinning BurpCatcher. Unlike those other cloths that only shielded your shoulder from partial spit-up these burp cloths are designed with an innovative pocket that can catch your baby’s spit-up! Out with the old in with the new BurpCatcher! (www.burpcatcher.com) Diapering/Changing Time • The UBI changing table is a unique and modern take on changing your baby. Designed to appeal to parents who want an accessible and easy way to change their baby, this is a must! It’s not only easy to clean with its wipe down fabric, but it also fasteners hold diaper in place Tampafeatures Bay Parenting Magazinethat March 2008the tbparenting.com
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•
while you’re trying to change your wiggle worm. (Seedlings 813-251-5111) A vinyl-changing pad is so taboo; instead opt for the Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad. A perfect addition to add to your diaper bag or a perfect go-to when at home - this plush changing pad is ideal to place baby on - with built in memory foam that rolls out to a 2’ x 2’ square, the Ah Goo Baby Pad will add the much needed softness for your baby’s bum. (www. ahgoobaby.com)
Bed Time • Halo SleepSack products were created after a father lost his daughter to SIDS, and he chose to dedicate his life to creating safe sleep solutions for babies. Designed to restrict a baby’s movement and eliminate the extra sheets in a crib - a new mother can rest assured that her baby will not roll over in the middle of the night while wearing its sleep sack. (www. halosleep.com) Out and About • Never one to falter from the trendiest contraptions and fashion, I had to see what all the buzz was about with the Stokke Xplory Stroller. To my amazement it is more than just a stroller, it is an ideal mobile transportation for my little one that can elevate him closer to me, providing him with the comfort and security of knowing I am there. It is the first of its kind to position a baby at waist level rather than subjecting him to tunnel vision at ground level. With effortless handling this stroller provides all the comforts plus more, making it truly a luxury stroller. (www.stokkeusa.com, available at Precious Cargo 813-254-1500) • In my quest to find a stroller that is ideal for my 4 mile jogs and walks around my neighborhood, I discovered the BOB Revolution. After hearing that the BOB is the choice for the Ironman Triathlon and Stroller Strides, I knew this stroller had to be it! Known for its durability and effortless strides on pavement or even off-road, the BOB also conveniently folds and is manageable for any mom to lift. What more could a mom ask for: a perfect stroller for any adventure, whether jogging or running errands! (www.bobgear.com) Very useful items • Having heard a quite a bit about how convenient and useful a baby sling is - I had to give it a whirl. To my surprise I can see why baby experts agree that babies that are worn fuss less and feel secure because they are so close to their parent. The Rockin Baby Sling has become my sling of choice. Not only do they come in array of colors that can be reversed for another trendy option, but they also use breathable, high-quality fabric that is a must for us Floridians. In addition, with much consideration they chose 40 lb thread for strength and ultimately for safety – so you will have no concerns when using these for your bundle of joy! (www. rockinbabysling.com)
south
Pinellas
Largo, Pinellas Park, Seminole, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Treasure Island
Tampa Bay Rays Expand Charity The Tampa Bay Rays recently announced that they are increasing how they help area programs by expanding the charitable contributions of the Rays Baseball Foundation, the official charity of the Tampa Bay Rays.
dates:
The team has formed the Community Fund Grant Program, which makes awards averaging $5,000 to community-based non-profit organizations. The team also formed the All-Star Grant Program, which will award $50,000-$100,000 and form a Mar 15, 9a-12p Jelly Bean Fling partnership with a regionwide non-profit group. Enjoy family, food, fun, crafts, an Easter Egg The Rays will continue the Field Renovation Program of youth-league facilities. The Foundation focuses on youth and education programs but will consider others, team president Matt Silverman said.
Hunt and a visit with the Easter Bunny! Adults: $10, Children: $7 (2 yrs and under free). For questions or reservations email Shelby Burns gatorshelbs@yahoo.com Sunken Gardens & Great Explorations 1825 4th Street North, St. Petersburg
The foundation also recently created a 15-member community advisory board to Mar 15, 10a direct the Rays Baseball Foundation. This distinguished group includes community leaders in technology, finance, communications, building design and construction, public safety and administration, philanthropy and business development, plus a five-time major league all-star. The board will guide the foundation on critical issues in areas such as strategic direction and priorities.
StrollerFit Community Picnic & Nutrition Event A StrollerFit family class will include cardio & strength training segments as well as songs and developmental activities for the kids. A FREE picnic lunch will also be provided. Demens Landing Park - 1st Ave SE & Bayshore Dr, St Pete Mar 22, 8a-Noon
For more information about the programs including application details, go to ray- St. Pete Beach “Easter Egg Hunt” Hunt for the Easter Bunny’s hidden surprises sbaseball.com
Sites Needed to Offer Summer Food Services Program for Children Does your agency or organization want to take part in the upcoming Summer Food Service Program to provide free meals for children when school is not in session? If so, be sure to check out the criteria and apply by Friday, March 14. Pinellas County Health and Human Services will facilitate the program from June 10 through Aug. 5.
in the Community Park and in the first-ever underwater hunt at the pool! Free. 7701 Boca Ciega Dr., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727-363-9245 Mar 22, 11am-3pm Spring Eco-fest Celebrate the first weekend of spring. This year’s theme is sustainability. This free event will have something for everyone; games and activities for kids, live music, environmental exhibitors, a sustainability hike, food, guest speakers, demonstrations, a free tree give-a-way! McGough Nature Park, 11901 146th St. N., Largo 727-587-6740.
Recreation and community centers, school sites and day camps throughout the county can apply for the upcoming 2008 Summer Food Service Program to provide nutritionally balanced meals for children. Meals are provided free to all children 18 Mar 29, 9a-4p years of age and younger, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or disability Child & Babysitter Safety Program Designed for young teens ages 11-14. This at approved sites in low-income areas. Pinellas County Health and Human Services is seeking locations within the county to serve as meal service sites. Each site must be approved by the state and meet certain criteria. An agency serving as a site must have not-for-profit status, adequate storage and refrigeration for meals, and meet state and local public health standards. tbparenting.com
all-day course will help babysitters build their self-confidence as caretakers, as well as teach them many necessary skills to properly care for children. Cost: $30 All Children’s Hospital, Education & Conference Center 727-767-4188, www.allkids.org
March 2008
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Pasco Dade City, Land O’ Lakes, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Trinity, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills
NEW CHARTER SCHOOL OPENS IN LAND O’ LAKES Parents and students will have a new choice in elementary education in Pasco County with the opening of the county’s first Project CHILD charter school this August. Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes is a tuition-free charter school open to any student in Pasco, Hillsborough or Hernando counties in kindergarten through sixth grade, as well as voluntary pre-kindergarten. While the first year will only include prekindergarten through sixth grade, the school will add a seventh grade in 2009 and an eighth grade in 2010. Project CHILD (Changing How Instruction for Learning is Delivered) uses a unique education model created by the Institute for School Innovation in Tallahassee, Fla., that allows students to work with the same teachers over a three-year period. Each Project CHILD teacher specializes in reading, writing or mathematics and works with the same students throughout the three years. “The Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes offers students a private school education in a public school setting,” said Principal John Selover. “Although charter schools must meet the same academic requirements as traditional public schools, charter schools are also directly accountable to parents, with more opportunity for parent and community involvement.” Oversight for the school will be provided by a local community board. Parents are also encouraged to participate and volunteer at least 20 hours each year. “Like private schools, student will be required to wear uniforms,” Selover said, “However, unlike private school, there is no cost to attend because funds come from state taxes.”
dates: Mar 9 Mercedes-Benz Little Everglades Steeplechase The 8th annual Mercedes-Benz Little Everglades Steeplechase is held at the Little Everglades Ranch. Come and experience an elegant yet laid back outing in the country. Enjoy the thundering beauty of some of the world’s finest steeplechase race horses. Additional event activities include the Jack Russell Terrier races, Carriage Parade, the Hat Contest, and the Children’s Area and Party Pavilion. Proceeds will benefit Diabetic Charitable Services, Pioneer Florida Museum and Village and Quantum Leap Farm, Inc. 866-770-5954 www.littleevergladessteeplechase.org Mar 30, 1-4pm 15th Annual Taste of New Tampa Come out and enjoy delicious menu samples from area restaurants while supporting the local community as well. Fun for the entire family! All net proceeds will go to area schools and other charities within the New Tampa community. Location: New Tampa Community Park on Commerce Parkway in Tampa Palms. 813-293-2464, www.newtampa.org
Imagine School of Land O’ Lakes will be built this summer at Morgan Road and Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The school will provide transportation to students from a surrounding area of about two to four miles from the school, will serve breakfast and lunch, and will provide before- and after-school programs to students during the school week. Information sessions for interested parents and guardians will be held at the Land O’ Lakes public library at 2818 Collier Parkway on Feb. 28 at 5 p.m., March 3 at 7 p.m. and March 20 at 4:30 p.m. For more information on these information sessions or about Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes, call (813) 909-4501, visit www.imagineschoolspasco.com or email Selover at john.selover@imagineschools. com. Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes is part of Imagine Schools, Inc. a non-profit organization based in Arlington, Va., which currently operates more than 55 schools nationwide in conjunction with local boards. In addition to the Land O’Lakes school, Imagine Schools will also be opening a Project CHILD Imagine school in Pinellas County. More information on Imagine Schools can be found at www.imagineschools.com. More information about Project CHILD can be found at www.ifsi.org.
Artist Rendering: Imagine School of Land O’ Lakes tbparenting.com
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Kaleidoscope Festival
Tampa Bay’s Community Rythmn Festival
March 8, 10-4pm Ballast Point Elementary 2802 W. Ballast Point Blvd.
(813) 361-4667 The only arts, music and cultural hands on festival!
www.kaleidoscopefestival.com
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joy thieves
don’t let them turn your good time to bad
I
BY LISA BLACK
true.
had just become engaged to my dream man. Two weeks later, I gave up the title, big salary, management, road miles and a pretty nice paycheck for a much quieter, less demanding role in a marketing department of a regional bank. My priorities had shifted and I was delighted. After all these years, my real dreams were finally coming
Riding the high, I threw myself into wedding planning and my new job. I was so excited and so exhausted. The excitement remained but so did this overwhelming exhaustion. When my now husband found me sound asleep sitting upright, he made me promise to see my physician right away. So I did. She took notes as I offered my self diagnosis of stress or perhaps Diabetes since it runs in my family. She ran a couple of tests and appeared minutes later. With a smile and waving the results in her hand, she said, “Congratulations, you are pregnant. That’s your diagnosis.” I turned white, almost fell out of my chair and a nurse had to lead me to the office exit because I was so dazed. So, here I was. I was unmarried, although engaged, working in a new job at a conservative bank, planning a huge wedding to occur in March with a fiancé trying to decide if he was going to leave the Air National Guard for civilian life…and a very conservative immediate family. And this is where the story really begins… It’s funny how things change in a moment. My sheer joy turned into sheer anxiety. I was afraid, unsure and baffled as to how to handle this all. I couldn’t even take the first step-but my fiancé (and now husband) did. We embraced and accepted these sudden changes together. We took it in and then we built enough courage to call both sets of parents. Those were two of the most difficult calls we have ever made. A call that should be so exciting and joyful was, due to timing, a very painful one.
And the wedding? Well, I was ready to concede to the suggestions of some friends and family to do something small, quiet and to lay low. This was the easy decision. My now husband disagreed. He said, “We will have a wedding. You deserve that. It should still be your day. No matter what...” This was the harder decision. We opted for the latter. We moved the wedding to December and decided to have it in Charlotte instead of my hometown. And so, the date was set for December 7th. He and I began the planning for a 150 guest wedding that was now 6 weeks away! Now, not only is our anniversary associated with D-Day –it is now associated with one of the largest and most destructive ice storms to ever hit the Charlotte area! The wedding is a story in itself. Several bridesmaids, due to the weather, were unable to make it for the Luncheon. (Miraculously, all made if for the wedding!) Our own church had no power and a tree across the front complete with downed power lines. We had our rehearsal in the hotel lobby (since our church had no power). During such, an unfortunate homeless man had a seizure. We watched as an ambulance arrived and took him away. Thankfully, our dinner went off without a hitch since the restaurant was close and had electricity! There were family disagreements. There were some not so nice comments offered by others. The majority offered hugs of understanding and support---and pitched in wherever and whenever they could. Even strangers amazed us with their sincere kindness. And the day of my wedding? Well, my stylist went for a much too “mod” look for me and after two attempts, I arrived to the church an hour late. Two friends met me in the road, bridesmaids helped me to quickly dress, and I laughingly handed off an extra tiara to a little girl that wanted to see “the bride”.
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One bridesmaid asked, “How have you handled this so well? Anyone could’ve and should’ve fallen apart through all of this…” I remarked, “I won’t let anyone or anything steal our joy. I just can’t…I just won’t…I refuse.” The rest was beautiful. We danced, laughed, cried and celebrated. Most importantly, they said, we had steadfastly refused to enable the many, many challenges to stand in the way of our love and joy. It was and still is the best day of my life. The ride sure was bumpy, but all my real dreams came true that very joyful day. I had an amazing husband and a healthy baby on the way. I finally had a family of my very own. Joy doesn’t always arrive in a neatly bundled package on your doorstep on a clear, sunny day at noon. Sometimes, you have to forgive yourself or others, clear the clutter, leap over the obstacles and search far and near-or even wait- before you find it or it finds you. As Mothers, we are faced with so many “joy” thieves. Maybe it’s the frantic taxi schedule getting your kids from one thing to the next. It could be the demanding and negative friend that depletes your energy and time. Maybe your husband refuses to “co-parent”. Maybe you spend too much, eat too much or just do too much. As Mothers, we are wired to take care of others. No where does it say we must take care of everyone and everything, but we try. Decide what’s most important in your personal and family life. You can continue to be overwhelmed, frustrated, tired and maybe even angry—or you can fall in love with the journey and find real joy!
Serving all of Tampa Bay!
813-315-2528
kensingtonnanny.com
So often, it is easier to fore go our own joy in lieu of making decisions that may affect others in our lives. I challenge you to make the hard decisions and find the joy in your own journey. So, clear the clutter, bound over the obstacles, look and wait. Stand firm and refuse to let anyone or anything ever, ever steal your joy.
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lies Fami for ter Regis n-line O FREE
St. Petersburg
Hope Help Healing
Mended Little Hearts holds support meetings every 1st Wed. of each month. For more information please visit:
www.mlhofstpete.org or call 813.671.7162
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around town
Gasparilla March Triumphant Florida Aquarium
Summer Splash Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Patel Conservatory Students acting up! Roberto Cezair, 14, Anthony Kuhnlein, 12, Keenan Memahon, 11, davis Brown, 13, Rachel Cox, 14, Maddie Davey, 11, Karina Nunez, 15, Kat Altman, 15 and Azck Mullen, 15
Aliya Burshan, 9 of Westchase, shows off a drawing of herself and her favorite Webkinz Penguin by Caricature Artist Lars Erik-Robinson.
A Patel Conservatory Dance Instructor teaches group some cool Hip Hop dance moves. The group learned and performed an entire dance for the crowd.
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Becka Mason of Valrico with son Garrison (the scary skeleton pirate), 9, Chloe, 7, and Jackson, 2. Dress up and enjoy the Gasparilla festivities at the Aquarium.
This little girl watches the pirates in awe as they hand her pink heart beads on their way through the Aquarium.
The Gasparilla Pirates march through the Florida Aquarium handing out beads and a whole lot of fun, on their way to Channelside where they refused to return the key to the City to Mayor Pam Irio...arrgh!
march calendar of events EVENTS/FESTIVALS Bay Area Renaissance Festival Now through Apr 6, 10a-6:30p For 30 years the Bay Area Renaissance Festival has delighted visitors with an authentic taste of life in England almost 500 years ago. The Festival has a cast of over 300 professional actors and musicians. Admission: $8.95 for kids and $12.95 for Adults Location: 46th and Fowler, Tampa 800-779-4910, www.renaissancefest.com AquaTots by The Florida Aquarium Each Wednesday, 10am & 12:30pm The program is for children ages 3-4 and IT’S DIFFERENT DOWN HERE. their parent. Each class is designed to encourage interaction between the child and their parent. March’s theme is “March Madness”. Become a mad scientist performing different experiments. Mar. 5: Fresh or Salt, Mar. 12: St. Patrick’s Day Party!, Mar. 19: Hot or Cold, Mar. 26: Sink or Float. 813.273.4015, www.flaquarium.org Smucker’s Stars on Ice! Mar 1, 7:30p St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa 813-301-2500, stpetetimesforum.com Free First Fridays Mar 7, 5pm – 8pm (Grow a Garden) Kid City, The Children’s Museum of Tampa. FREE admission. 813-935-8441, tampachildrensmuseum.org The 6th Annual Kaleidoscope Festival and The Tampa Bay Rhythm Festival Mar 8, 10a-4p A world-class art, science and cultural experience for children and their families for the Tampa Bay area. FREE. Ballast Point Elementary, 2802 W. Ballast Point Blvd, Tampa 813-361-4667, www.kaleidoscopefestival.com
DNA LifePrint Child Safety Event Mar 8, 9:30a-2p Program provides parents with the vital tools recommended by the FBI and DOJ. If a child becomes missing, parents greatly increase their chance of quickly recovering their child if they immediately provide, a FBI Certified Biometric 10 Digit Fingerprint Profile, a DNA Sample, a High Resolution Full Color Photograph, and Current Statistical Information. Endorsed by John Walsh. FREE. Land Rover Tampa, 11301 N. Florida Ave, Tampa, 813-930-2505 Wee-Time at Weedon Mar 13, 10:30a-11:30a, Are You a Butterfly? Mar 27, 10:30a-11:30a, Are You a Dragonfly? Program designed to introduce pre-school children to the wonders of the natural world. Recommended ages: 3-5. Weedon Island Preserve, 727-453-6500 Easter Promotion at The Florida Aquarium Mar 15, 16, 22, 23 On March 15, 16, & 22 see the Easter Bunny dive in IT’S DIFFERENT DOWN HERE. our coral reef at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. and get your picture taken with him from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plus enjoy Explore A Shore and child-friendly activities brought to you by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. The Florida Aquarium 813-273-4000, flaquarium.org EGGStravaganza! Mar 15, 10am-2pm A day of fun and prizes! Egg hunt for big & little bunnies, magic show, petting farm, face painting, animal balloons, races, crafts, concessions. Goodie bags provided to all children. Kid City, The Children’s Museum of Tampa. FREE to Kid City Members; $5 advanced tickets, $7 at the door. 813-935-8441, tampachildrensmuseum.org Orangutan Egg Hunt Mar 21, 11a Watch the zoo’s orangutans have some Easter fun with their own egg hunt, an annual treat for the primates and zoogoers. The orangutan egg hunt is included in regular zoo admission and is free for Zoo Pass holders. 813-935-8552, lowryparkzoo.com tbparenting.com
March 2008
MAGIC: The Science of Illusion Mar 22 - May 26 Magic: The Science of Illusion is MOSI’s newest exhibit about the science of magical illusions. The exhibit is designed around four main magical illusions: mentalism, levitation, transformation, and the disembodied head. Through engaging interactive exhibits, film, and immersion experiences, guests explore the principles of simple mechanics, optics, electromagnetism, math, and psychology that make these magical illusions possible. MOSI, Museum of Science & Industry 813-987-6000, www.mosi.org
ART Gasparilla Festival of the Arts Mar 1st & 2nd The Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts celebrates its 38th year! Located at Franklin Street and Lykes Gaslight Square Park in downtown Tampa. FREE admission. 813-876-1747, www.gasparilla-arts.com Community Open House at TMA Interim Location Mar 15, 10a-3p Music - Entertainment - Gallery Tours – Refreshments TMA invites Tampa Bay area residents and guests to a Community Open House in celebration of the museum’s new interim location. This free event will include music, live entertainment, tours of the new facility, hands-on activities for adults and children, refreshments and so much more. This is a free event with activities for the entire family. 813-274-8130, www.TampaMuseum. com
THEATER Jersey Boys, BEST OF BROADWAY TAMPA BAY SERIES Through Mar 15 Not recommended for children under the age of 16 due to strong language. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center 813-229-STAR, tbpac.org Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
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Spamalot Mar 18 – Mar 23
Winner of the 2005 Tony Award® for Best Musical, Monty Python’s Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and The Holy Grail.
Ruth Eckerd Hall 727-791-7400, rutheckerdhall.com
Defending the Caveman Mar 21, 7:30p Now the longest running solo play in Broadway history, Rob Becker’s rock-solid tour-deforce keeps winning the hearts of millions. This hilariously insightful play explores the fundamental differences between – and that constant battle between – men and women. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center 813-229-STAR, tbpac.org
DANCE
dance their hearts out for the title of Tampa Bay’s Favorite Dancer, to benefit The Spring of Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center 813-229-STAR, tbpac.org
MUSIC Young Students Play on Five Pianos! Mar 2, 4p Up to five Grand Pianos will be played simultaneously in Concert at the Palladium Theater. Performers will be students and teachers of the world renowned Suzuki Method. They range in age from five to adult, and come from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N, in downtown St. Petersburg 727-822-3590, www.mypalladium.org
Celebrity Dancing in Tampa Bay Mar 20, 7:30p A take off of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, this may be the most entertaining event of the season! An evening of dance, music, delight and cheers, as 10 Tampa Bay personalities
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Blue Man Group, How To Be A Megastar Tour 2.1 Mar 9, 7:30p With their HOW TO BE A MEGASTAR TOUR 2.1, BLUE MAN GROUP embraces the rules, rituals and raw excitement of that most primal of group experiences: the arena rock concert! St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa 813-301-2500, stpetetimesforum.com Ani DiFranco in concert Mar 11, 8p
A folkie in punk’s clothing, Ani DiFranco battled successfully against the Goliath of Paul Potts in concert corporate rock to Mar 2, 8p emerge as one of The rich, powerful and mesmerizing voice the most influential and inspirational cult of rising star Paul Potts has touched the heroines of the 1990s. hearts of millions since his win on TV’s hot Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin Street, new talent show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ earlier Tampa 33602 this year. 813-274-8981, www.tampatheater.org, www. Tampa Theatre, 711 N Franklin Street, righteousbabe.com Tampa 33602 813-274-8981, www.tampatheater.org Jonas Brothers Mar 8, 7p Pop music sensations Jonas Brothers bring their first headlining, highly successful Look Me In The Eyes Tour to Florida. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa 813-301-2500, stpetetimesforum.com
The Best of MOMIX Mar 1, 7:30p Is it illusion or reality? Blurring that fine line with exceptional inventiveness, MOMIX makes you gaze in awe and wonder as its dancer-illusionists fool the naked eye using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center 813-229-STAR, tbpac.org
African melodies and dance. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center 813-229-STAR, tbpac.org
For more event listings visit tbparenting.com
ABOUT THE CALENDAR Tampa Bay Parenting strives to bring readers the most complete listing of activities for families. However, last minute changes and errors do occur. Some programs are subject to change without notice. We strongly suggest you double-check the details before setting out on your outing. And please be sure to pre-register when required. TO SUBMIT ITEMS E-MAIL: calendar@tbparenting.com FAX: 813-315-6688 MAIL: Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine P.O. Box 82255 Tampa, FL 33682 Include the name of the event, location, address, date, time, brief description, price and a telephone contact for the public.
African Children’s Choir Mar 9, 7p Features children ages 7 through 11, each of whom has lost one or both parents to poverty and disease. Despite the tragedies that have marred their young lives, their voices are radiant with hope, entertaining audiences worldwide with their joyful tbparenting.com
Preference is given to nonprofit or community based events and events of broad appeal to families Please check all events listed, as some may have changed due to weather.
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Face Painting, Mimes, Magic, Moon walks, Game booths, Balloon twisters, Characters, Photography D.J Music,
Lars-Erik Robinson
727-422-0668
www.aaart-tainment.com Blog: larserarts@blogspot.com
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 Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop Birthday Parties, Fund-raisers, Schools, Scouts, and More! “We come to you!” 813-727-8403 www.noahsteddybear.com
RENTALS Amazinflates
Moonwalks and more! 813-900-2439 www.amazinflates.com
PLACES Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive 813-273-4015, www.flaquarium.org
The Little Gym
North Tampa, 813-962-6300, Palm Harbor 727-781-5800 South Tampa 813-282-8547 www.thelittlegym.com
Lightning City Gymnastics 14214 N Nebraska Ave. 813-558-0035
La Casa Dolce
406 S. Howard Ave. (South Tampa) 813-259-0002, lacasadolcecafe.com
Museum of Science and Industry MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Avenue 800-995-MOSI www.mosi.org
The Childrens Museum of Tampa 7550 N. Boulevard. in Tampa 813-935-8441, www.flachildrensmuseum.org
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Springtime Eggstravaganza Saturday, March 15 2008 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Egg Hunt for Big and Little Bunnies at 11 and 1 Magic Show and Stage Entertainment Noah’s Ark on Wheels Petting Farm Face Painting and Balloon Animals Sack Races and Egg Relay Races Concessions Arts & Crafts and more… Goodie Bags Provided to All Children Free to Kid City Members $5 advanced tickets $7 at the door
KID CITY
7550 N. Boulevard in Tampa
813-935-8441
www.flachildrensmuseum.com
Interactive Comedy Shows “Bug Adventure”, “The Legend of the Red Dragon”, “Be a Clown” “Pirate Adventures” Face painting, Balloons, Puppets, & Storytelling
Info at 727-572-7215 or 941-962-1711 tbparenting.com
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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: Hillsborough County Libraries Many classes available. 813-273-3652, ext. 2 www.hcplc.org
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 Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy Dance, Acting, Voice, Music 15906 Mapledale Blvd., Tampa 33624 813-969-0240 www.mjpaa.com
dance:
Brucie Klay’s Dance Center 3601 S. Manhattan Ave. www.brucieklays.com The Ballet School 4217 W Bay To Bay Blvd 813-831-1977 Ms. Lisa’s Dance & Co. 3805 W. San Miguel Street, Tampa 813-259-1040 www.mslisadance.com
music: Excel Music 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite 1, Cory Lake 813-991-1177 www.excelmusic.us
martial arts: Premier Martial Arts 23016 State Road 54, Lutz 813-948-4844 www.pmatampa.com Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts Carrollwood, Clearwater, Hyde Park www.tsk.com
gymnastics: Lightning City 14214 N Nebraska Avenue 813-558-0035 www.lightningcity.com The Little Gym Gymnastics, dance, karate, sports and more 4 months to 12 yrs. Palm Harbor, North Tampa and South Tampa www.thelittlegym.com
swim schools: Tampa Area YMCAs Swim Lessons for all ages at most locations www.tampaymca.org Seal Swim School Lutz: 229-7946 S. Tampa: 879-7946 www.sealswimschool.com
private schools 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 Sacred Heart Academy 3515 N.Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33603 813-229-0618 www.sacredheartfla.org/academy St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School 2101 S. Hubert Avenue, Tampa 33629 813-258-5508 www.smeds.org St. Johns Episcopal Parish Day School 906 South Orleans Avenue, Tampa 33606 www.stjohnseagles.org 813-849-4200 The Cambridge Christian School 6101 N. Habana Avenue, Tampa 33614 813-872-6744 www.tcslancers.com
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