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features
8 BIRTHDAY GUIDE Everything you need to throw a great birthday. 12 COOL GIFTS Be creative and get them something that promotes learning.
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30 MORE HARM THAN GOOD Supermarket pharmacies need to “Get Smart” about free antibiotics. 34 BOTOX 101 The facts about this magical product.
14 GOT TO GETAWAY Three fun escapes less than three hours away.
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
42 OCD in children How to diagnose and treat this anxiety disorder.
every month
6 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 30 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 36 NORTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS 38 SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS 40 NORTH PINELLAS NEWS 44 SOUTH PINELLAS NEWS 46 PASCO NEWS
contents
48 AROUND TOWN 52 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
On the cover: Lauren Bishop, age 1 1/2, and from Westchase.
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Photograph by: Niko Williams, nikowilliamsphotography.com
TBPARENTING.COM Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine
May 2009
tbparenting.com
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 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 Holy Cow! We are two years old and I haven’t lost my mind yet! Yea! These two years have been exciting, stressful, rewarding, expensive, fun, and non-stop. But completely worth it! Thank you to everyone! Funny to think that our birthday falls on our Birthday Party issue, but it does! It doesn’t take much to make your child feel special on their birthday. What I remember most about my birthday as a child is that my mother would make it my day. From the moment I woke up in the morning, she made me feel special by making my favorite breakfast (her version of an egg McMuffin with a candle in it). It was all about me, what I wanted to do, what I wanted for dinner, and what kind of cake. All very simple things but made me feel so special. As an adult she still did this along with having a party where she invited everyone, my friends and hers, to celebrate me. She would call it a “Better You Day” and celebrate that you were better than you were a year ago. It really is that simple to make a child feel special and create heart-warming memories that last a lifetime. Our story, Throw the Party, has great suggestions on how to still have a special day without spending too much money! As I reflect on our first two years, I wondered why we continue to grow and thrive when it seemed other media outlets are struggling to stay afloat and/or have already closed. I know I have our readers and advertisers to thank but I also think it has to do a lot with our intent. I started this magazine two years ago because I saw a need in the community. I felt this community needed a complete family resource that was readily available to them. Not that others don’t have good intentions, but their focus appears to be about meeting financial targets, and if they don’t, they close down. So thank you for making us your favorite magazine in Tampa Bay and please let me know your feedback and ideas on how to make it even better.
Me pictured with some beautiful moms, Lynn and Bobbi at Lowry Park Zoo’s annual fundraiser Karamu.
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 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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birthday guide
throw the party
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Throwing the perfect party without breaking the piggy bank BY C.C. CARO-RUTH
nless you’ve recently won the lottery, planning your child’s birthday party can be expensive. While most children are happy just being with friends and eating as much cake as their tummies can handle, some parents compete to throw the biggest birthday gala of the year. So how can smart moms and dads plan a party to celebrate their child’s milestones without feeling guilty for spending too much - or too little? It’s actually easier than you think to create a celebration that your child will remember, fondly, in the years to come. Here are some tips for planning a party on a budget: 1. Get back to basics. Involve the birthday child in the party planning process. What you think your child wants, and what your child actually wants, may be very different. Planning the party together ensures that your money will go towards the things that matter. 2. Kid’s parties should be no longer than two hours. Too much stimulation & sweet stuff can end in a major meltdown. 3. Set a firm budget & stick to it. Start out by figuring how much you can afford to spend. In these days of economic upheaval, you really have to count each penny. Use your available money as your guide - not the number of invites. 4. Make a list of the things that you’d like to have at the party--balloons, cake, party favors, games, etc., and then decide how important each item is to the success of the party. Are there things that you could eliminate to save money? Yes. Ideas for cutting cost: 1. Make invitations instead of buying them or use your computer and send Evites. Email invitations are becoming the in-thing and RSVP’s tend to be better when sent via email! (Big savings, since there is no postage required!) 2. Serve only cake and ice cream- not a full meal - when the party is between 9 – 11 AM or 2 – 4 PM 3. Buy plain plates instead of licensed character plates (If having a theme – you can buy plain plates and themed napkins to reinforce the theme 4. Blow up balloons instead of buying helium ones. Keep in mind that modest, well-thought-out party favors can be just as much fun as a more expensive one. Limit the guest list Some parents think they must invite every single child that their child knows (or all of his classmates) lest anyone get their feelings hurt. Instead, sit down with your child and tell them they can invite 10 guests (or whatever number you feel is acceptable). Help them decide which kids they really want at their party. Who are their close friends? As long as you’re not inviting the child’s entire class, chances are feelings will not be hurt. A smaller party can help you to stretch your budget further.
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Location, Location, Location Choose an affordable location for the party. Parties at pizza places, putt-putt
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birthday guide courses and play gym’s are nice, but they’ll add to the party tab. Your house is a perfectly acceptable place to throw your child’s birthday party. Just think of it as a big play date. If it’s summer, set up a slip and slide (or your sprinkler) and throw a backyard bash. Plan inexpensive, or better yet, free activities for kids that will keep them happy and occupied. Spend less on decorations and favors Parents worry about decorations when kids could care less. If money needs to be cut from the party, cut it from the “decorations” expense. Decorate with what you have. Look around your house to see what might work. If you’re throwing a character-themed party, all of those stuffed animals and toys in your kid’s room can be used to set the theme. Your local dollar store is an amazing resource for planning a successful party on a budget. Not all of the items in the dollar store are “cheap” and most are incredibly priced and useful, such as specialized balloons, paper plates and plastic utensils, candy and party favors like books. Let Them Eat Snacks & Cake Remember that kids aren’t adults. They are not going to appreciate a huge spread of food. Keep foods simple: nuggets, chips and dip, Goldfish, fruit and cheese and crackers will probably be ample. Instead of spending money on a bakery cake, try making individual cupcakes and have the party guests decorate their own with candies, sprinkles, etc. Ice cream socials are always a huge hit when kids can add their own toppings! Making your own cake gives you the most flexibility, and is very cost-effective, shaving as much as 50% off the price. Entertain the Masses This is the part that requires the most time and creativity. How do you entertain kids, whose attention spans are equal to their age? Games and activities usually do the trick. For older kids, consider throwing a talent or variety show. Buy some fun outfits from the thrift store, invite the kids to dress up and create characters and act them out on stage. It’s inexpensive, and encourages imagination. You can also take a few old costumes and have a race to see who can get in them the fastest. Then, go to your local dollar store or discount store and buy small prizes to give out to the winners. For the younger kids, choose old-fashioned games like musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey – adapt these games to fit your theme (Example – Star Wars Party – pin the light saber on the Jedi. For Tweens – get a poster of the Jonas Brothers and play Kiss the Hottie with various colors of lipstick in place of pin the tail on the donkey.) Another idea for an older girl’s party is to buy some oranges and Press-On Nails – have a contest to see who can peel the orange the fastest while breaking the least amount of nails.) Games can be simple and funny for very little cost. Doing a craft is also a good idea: It uses up party time and can serve as the child’s gift or party favor. Examples like sand art and spin art are favorites, these days. And if your child loves clowns, magic shows and bouncy houses – then by all means don’t deny them. Numerous companies offer these services for very reasonable prices. They are a blast for kids and can reduce the amount of work and stress on you. Just remember – if you want this type of entertainment, you may have to forgo something else to stay on budget. A face painter and balloon artist are as little as $75 per hour. Hiring a party planner doesn’t have to be expensive, or the party extravagant. Party planners should be able to work within your budget, big or small, to ensure your child’s dreams come true. Some charge by the job or offer packages, starting as low as $75. You pay for the Planner’s time but in many cases, they can save you money because of special deals they have with suppliers. A good party planner also helps you think outside-the-box on games, activities, party favors, etc. which in turn can save stress, time and money. C.C. Caro-Ruth, mother of L.J. age 5, is the owner of Parties For Pipsqueaks, www.partiesforpipsqueaks.com.
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Wags the Clown We always give smiles! Children’s Party Entertainment face painting, balloon art, magic and more!
727-687-4686 www.wagstheclown.com
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birthday guide
cool gifts music, dance, theater
a pet
Make sure your child understands the responsibility it takes to care for a pet. Start small, with a gold fish, before moving to a puppy. Teaches responsibility and caring for another living being. Many Humane Society’s have bunny’s and cats for adoption.
Get them an instrument, or dance and theater classes. You can get an instrument at a pawn or thrift store until they find their true calling. The arts improve thinking skills, increase self esteem and provide healthy activity.
books
Giving books as gifts is a great idea, becasue reading is a gift and anything that encourages it is a positive. If you can get it signed by the author, or one that comes with an activity. Like above, The Bug Book comes with magnifying glass, ruler and a bug bottle.
games and videos
Board games are the best because they involve interaction and communication with others. Although, you know how much they love their favorite video games and movies.
video and photo cameras You will be amazed at what they capture. Promotes creativity. Hello Kitty Digital Camera, $160. www.sanrio.com
cool shoes
These are shoes which kids can color, write on and wipe off. Comes with six colored markers. www. graffeeti.com Did you know that at Converse.com kids can go online and custom design their own shoes.
Backyard Baseball on Wii and DS. Go Diego Go, Rainforest Fiesta now on DVD. Endango Board Game, teaches kids about the environment. www.elasticearth.com
innovative, natural toys
toys made with non-toxic materials which are good for the enviroment. Pictured is Twig, which is a building set that really offers you the freedom of exploring theinside-and-the-out of fun designing. Playing with Twig is gratifying for your hands - and offers mental play that’s exuberant! www.fatbraintoys.com
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Summer Camps, Classes and
Private Parties! South Tampa
4521 Henderson Blvd.
(813) 282-8547, www.TheLittleGym.com/SouthTampaFL tbparenting.com
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Got to getaway? Three fun escapes less than three hours away BY SANDY PARRISH AND DAVID ESTEVEZ
Jump in the car and in three hours or less you can escape the stresses of life. Whether it’s an escape with your husband, the kids or your best girlfriend- a getaway feeds your soul and provides a great way to relax and reconnect. Sanibel Resort and Spa at sunset
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Couples escape to Sanibel From May through August 2009, the unspoiled island sanctuary of the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel are spotlighting its unique attractions and vacation adventures with exceptional vacation packages for consumers to enjoy. “Summer is one of the best times of year to visit our destination because travelers can live like a local, enjoy a laid-back lifestyle and embrace calm both internally and externally,” said Suya Davenport, executive director of the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau, which markets the destination for leisure and group business. “We have fewer crowds and more peace and quiet for visitors, not to mention the extraordinary weather and breathtaking sunsets. It all makes for a classic summer vacation.” Visitors during Summer Sanctuary can soak up the sun on more than 50 miles of white sand beaches; revel in some of the world’s best shelling beaches featuring more than 400 species; hop a cruise or water taxi and marvel at bottlenose dolphins and manatees in the wild; witness a sea turtle release by the local non-profit organization Turtle Time; go island hopping among the area’s more than 100 coastal islands; catch a snook, tarpon or redfish while fishing off piers, bridges or beaches; enjoy waterfront rentals like Hobie cats and wave runners; meander through quaint art galleries; shop at a wide assortment of shopping spots; and watch the sun set from picturesque, waterfront restaurants. In addition, summer visitors can discover some of the area’s unique attractions by learning to sail at Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School; exploring history at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates; viewing migratory birds and other wildlife at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems in the United States; visiting the Sanibel Lighthouse and the Boca Grande Lighthouse, true area landmarks; getting close to nature on the 190-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail; and soaking in the breathtaking beauty of Lovers Key State Park. Those interested in visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel to enjoy its Summer Sanctuary can log onto www.FortMyers-Sanibel.com for complete details on all featured attractions, adventures, and vacation packages. where to stay The 240-room Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa is an 85-acre waterfront escape, with captivating views, world-class amenities, exhilarating activities and first-class services. A AAA Four-Diamond resort since 1992, it is a proud member of the elite group, Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Boasting a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, this distinctive retreat overlooks Sanibel and Captiva Islands on Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast. From luxurious accommodations secluded on the lazy shores of San Carlos Bay and setting sail on Sanibel Harbour Resort’s own private 100-ft. yacht, to experiencing the award-winning Spa and indulging in intimate beach-side dining, guests discover the timeless natural enchantment and contemporary elegance of the lavish waterfront escape. The Spa at Sanibel Harbour pays tribute to the spirit of the Calusa Indians. Their legacy of “living off the sea” is inspiration to bring the wonders of the sea to the heart of Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa. Spa-visitors choose from a collection of more than 60 beauty and body care treatments. From soothing massage service and body wraps to scrubs and invigorating facials, manicures, pedicures and salon services. Several specialty body treatments were originated from the science of “Thalassotherapy,” or the application of sea-derived products. Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa’s signature couples treatment is the Calusa Experience, a one-of-a-kind sensation and one of my “must do’s”. This couple experience, inspired by the native and spiritual Calusa Indians, provides healing for the mind, body, spirit and relationship. Couples are ushered into a private, candlelit steam area where they are acquainted with the story of the Calusa while enjoying a luxurious foot soak of healing seawaters. Couples are then left to relax, unwind and leisurely apply soothing clay masks to one another, mirroring the markings that the Caloosa Indians had. The Calusa Experience is a truly intimate and special experience to enjoy and share. For information about their summer specials and more, visit www.sanibel-resort.com (continued)
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Amazing Butterflies in Gainesville This summer, the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville invites visitors to transform into caterpillars and journey through one of the planet’s most amazing lifecycles at “Amazing Butterflies” June 13 – Sept. 7, 2009. In “Amazing Butterflies,” visitors experience the challenges of being a caterpillar as it morphs into a beautiful butterfly through a handson human maze of larger-than-life leaves, grass, and trees. Along the way, they discover the ways caterpillars move, what they eat, and how other creatures help them achieve their transformation. “The timing of ‘Amazing Butterflies’ couldn’t be better, since summer is when our local butterflies are most active and people can watch their magical lifecycle unfold in their own backyards,” said Florida Museum exhibits director Darcie MacMahon. The adventure begins as visitors look through eggs to see caterpillar friends climbing on leaves and beginning to feed. Families can learn to crawl like a caterpillar by slipping into a set of caterpillar legs and using teamwork and locomotion to sprint for the finish line. Visitors will discover why carpenter ants in Panama defend metalmark caterpillars from parasitic wasps and other predators, and feed a caterpillar its lunch through team games and contests. Once the transformation from pupa to butterfly is complete, kids can practice flapping giant butterfly wings while avoiding spider webs that lurk around every turn. The Nectar Food Path Puzzle and Squeeze and Sniff stations explain how butterflies find food by sight and smell. Children and adults can find a butterfly mate by creating a wacky dance and then learn how butterflies select a specific plant on which to lay their eggs. Visitors can mark their progress as a butterfly by stamping a souvenir garden card at 8 Lifecycle Stations before zooming out of the maze as a butterfly on a zip line! ”This exhibit is a wonderfully fun, family-friendly show and perfectly complements the experience of seeing live butterflies in our Butterfly Rainforest,” said vivarium assistant manager Jeff Hansen. The Butterfly Rainforest is a 6,400-square-foot screened outdoor enclosure with hundreds of free-flying butterflies from around the world, subtropical and tropical plants, and soothing waterfalls. Live butterflies are released every Saturday and Sunday. Inside, the “Wall of Wings” displays more than 13,000 scanned and actual butterfly and moth species, and scientists show their work preparing and rearing new butterflies in the laboratories. “As museum visitors enter the Butterfly Rainforest the typical expression on their face is priceless. The look of wonder followed by exclamations of appreciation and comments like ‘This place is amazing’ are some of the main reasons we love the Rainforest and our job,” said Hansen. “Amazing Butterflies” was created by The Natural History Museum in London in collaboration with Minotaur Mazes. Admission to the exhibit is $7.50 for adults, ($6.50 Florida residents, $6 (continued)
Florida Museum of Natural History Amazing Butterflies exhibit
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for seniors and students, and $5.50 for children ages 3-12. Admission to the Butterfly Rainforest is $9.50 for adults, $8 for Florida residents, $7 for seniors and $5 for children ages 3-12. For more information call (352) 846-2000 or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/ amazingbutterflies.
Girlfriends Getaway in Orlando Looking for a special treat for you & your fellow Moms who need some much deserved pampering? Head over to The Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando for a Girlfriend Getaway weekend of indulgence. Though only an hour away, the resort seems miles away from the day to day grind. From the moment you enter the dramatic cathedral atrium filled with tropical plants, waterfalls and koi ponds, you’ll feel like you’re in another world. The beauty of this Girlfriends Getaway package is that it is completely customizable for you and your favorite girls. The resort offers the use of an Experience Coordinator who takes the headache out of planning a fantastic weekend for you & your girlfriends. With an array of pampering options to choose from, you can set up spa treatments at the Canyon Ranch Spa or have services provided in the comfort your own room. From a private in-suite wine tasting, to a game night of Truth or Dare, to a ‘make your own dessert’ party, the Experience Coordinator at the Gaylord Palms can make this a weekend you won’t soon forget. The accommodations included a sumptuously decorated king suite – a beautiful spacious suite which has all of the amenities of a luxurious home, complete with a comfortable living and dining room, with two adjoining king rooms opening onto the main living space. This layout makes for a great gathering room in the center. Each room had a terrace with French doors that opened onto the gorgeous sunlit atrium. There are five restaurants and lounges within the resort and there is nightly entertainment. We dined at Villa de Flora, a Mediterranean marketplace. Chef stations were located throughout the restaurant offering different creations from France, Italy, Greece, and Spain. The culinary selections were exciting and delicious. The Sunday Brunch at Villa de Flora was voted the best brunch in Florida by Florida Monthly magazine for five years in a row. Don’t miss it! We spent a heavenly day in the world-renowned Canyon Ranch Spa, located within the resort. The facility offers comfortable lounges with a nice selection of fruit, snacks and herbal teas while you relax in the spa. The resort also offers a 4,000-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center located within the spa. I enjoyed the Red Hammam, an incredible 80 minute skin care treatment. It started with an exhilarating cleansing coffee and olive-stone scrub, followed by a purifying clay bodywrap with scented steam. It was a wonderful experience. I also had the signature Canyon Ranch Massage, an 80 minute relaxing classic Swedish massage. The therapist tailored her touch to my needs so the pressure was exactly how I wanted it. I left the spa feeling relaxed and invigorated all at the same time. We spent the rest of the afternoon at the beautiful South Beach inspired adults only pool. The last morning we were there, we had a decadent breakfast delivered to our room and had in-suite manicures in our pajamas. It was great fun. Our manicurist set up a small table on the terrace and we had our nails done while looking out on the atrium and listening to the roar of the waterfall. To book your Girls Getaway weekend at the Gaylord Palms Resort, please call for reservations: (407) 586-2000 or visit www.gaylordpalms.com/girlfriend
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summer program guide
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Let us grow and nurture your child.
Garden Montessori School Now Enrolling Ages Infant thru Kindergarten 6845 Boyette Rd Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
813-991-6335 www.gardenmontessorischool.org
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health & wellness
more harm than good?
A
Supermarket Pharmacies need to “Get Smart” About Free Antibiotics BY MARC J. NEWQUIST, MD, FACEP
s influenza season shifts into high gear, with 24 states now reporting widespread activity, the nation’s infectious diseases experts are urging supermarket pharmacies with free-antibiotics promotions to educate their customers on when antibiotics are the right prescription—and when they can do more harm than good.
unnecessarily receiving antibiotics for something other than a bacterial infection.” Said Marc J. Newquist, MD, FACEP, an emergency medicine consultant for Florida hospitals working with the Schumacher Group.
Studies show many people believe that antibiotics can cure a cold or the flu, and tend to ask or pressure their clinicians to provide them. Every year, tens of thousands of people are prescribed antibiotics for these conditions, even though they will do no good and can be harmful. A recent Several grocery store chains nationwide began offering free study in Clinical Infectious antibiotics this winter. Diseases estimates that Some are linking the antibiotics are responsible for promotion to cold and 142,000 emergency department flu season, despite the DO NOT visits each year, mostly because fact that antibiotics do ■■ Do not demand antibiotics when a healthcare provider says of allergic reactions. not work against these they are not needed. They will not help treat your infection. viral illnesses. Furthermore, antibiotics ■■ Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold, a "Supermarkets have the power can have serious side effects, and their cough, or the flu. to protect their customers' misuse is contributing to the increase ■ ■ Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The health, "said Lauri Hicks, DO, in antibiotic-resistant infections such antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness. Taking the medical director of CDC's as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria "Get Smart" program. "If they aureus (MRSA). sought to educate people about to multiply. when antibiotics work and ■■ If your healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic for you: Therefore, the Infectious Diseases when they don't, they would be Society of America (IDSA) and the ■■ Do not skip doses. doing a great public service." Centers for Disease Control and ■■ Do not save any of the antibiotics for the next time you get Prevention (CDC) have written to sick. In letters to national chains, supermarkets with free-antibiotics IDSA and CDC suggest that promotions asking them to join “Get DO supermarkets could begin with Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work,” ■ ■ Talk with your healthcare provider about the best treatment for CDC’s easy-to-understand a campaign from CDC to educate your illness. To feel better when you have an upper respiratory posters, brochures, and other consumers about the importance of infection and antibiotics are not needed: educational materials. using antibiotics appropriately.
DO’S AND DON’TS
“Taking an antibiotic when you don’t need it won’t help you, and may in fact do more harm than good,” said IDSA President Anne Gershon, MD. “At a time when antibiotic overuse is helping to create drug-resistant superbugs such as MRSA and few new antibiotics are being developed, supermarkets need to be responsible in how they promote antibiotics.”
■■ Increase fluid intake; ■■ Get plenty of rest; ■■ Use a cool-mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion; and ■■ Soothe your throat with ice chips, sore throat spray, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children). ■■ Also, make sure you properly dispose of leftover and expired antibiotics. Clean your hands often, especially before meals and after touching pets. And make sure both you and your child are up-to-date on your recommended immunizations.
"While resistance is a national health issue, Florida seems to experience significantly higher bacterial resistance than many other states. It is important that parents of young children understand the appropriate use of antibiotics, work with your pediatrician to make sure your child isn't
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For more information visit www.cdc.gov
IDSA suggests supermarkets offer free flu shots rather than free antibiotics as a way to save customers money while protecting their health. “We applaud supermarkets’ desire to look out for their customers in these difficult economic times,” Dr. Gershon said. “As flu season heats up, free influenza vaccinations would be a proven-effective way to keep customers healthy.”
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health & wellness
BOTOX 101 BY DR. LISBETH W. ROY
The Kids Corner at Palma Ceia
Personalized dental care for your child, with the utmost attention to making it an enjoyable experience g are welcome Children of all ages
As each of us ages we want to look in the mirror and be reminded of our youth and not necessarily our age. We are also less and less apt to jump into surgical procedures when we have available so many non-surgical treatments that can make significant changes and improvements to our aging faces, hands, and necks. While BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic have been used for many years in medicine, there are still those who have hesitation or confusion about what BOTOX® Cosmetic actually is and how it works. BOTOX® is a pharmaceutical grade purified protein that is injected into the muscle and rests on the muscle receptor to block muscle contraction, thus weakens the muscle. By blocking muscle contraction, the lines and wrinkles on the face that are caused by repeated expressions relax, soften and often go away completely. The artful strategic injection of BOTOX® Cosmetic can take years off your appearance, give lift to falling foreheads and eyebrows, decrease those “smokers lines” and make you look rested and refreshed. The treatment is quick, noninvasive and comfortable. Everyone will notice but no one will know. There is no recovery necessary. The effect is seen on average 3-5 days after treatment, and lasts about 3-4 months. We are also finding a large number of patients in their early 30’s using BOTOX® Cosmetic as a preventative tool. So rather than focusing on correction we focus on how to maintain their youthful, line free faces. In 2005, 3.3 million procedures were performed with Botox Cosmetic, and at this time, it is the only FDA approved treatment of its type. There are other products going through the FDA approval process, but have not yet been released for use in the US market. For a desired cosmetic outcome, it is very important for the consumer to seek out an experienced medical professional who performs this treatment often and who understand the facial anatomy well. BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the treatments I recommend to my patients, as it is safe and very effective. And, when performed by a licensed physician or medical professional, delivers beautiful results. Dr. Lisbeth W. Roy is the founder of the Anti-Aging & Aesthetic Institute in Tampa.
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Millie liie e Cortes, Corttes, Cor es, DM DMD D Pediatric Dentist American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Member
1008 So. Clearview Phone: 813-253-3679
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north
Hillsborough
Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Lutz, New Tampa, Odessa, Temple Terrace, Westchase
Phoenix Grants Awarded to Tampa Cultural Arts Programs The news isn’t all bad these days for some Tampa cultural arts organizations. Thanks to funds left over from the now defunct Renaissance Center for the Arts (RCFTA), those laboring to bring cultural arts to Tampa residents have additional money to further their efforts.
Phoenix grants were awarded organizations that fit with the original mission of RCFTA: to enhance cultural awareness for youth and adults in Tampa Bay. Of the twenty-three organizations that applied, fourteen received grants at a reception held April 1 at the interim site of the Tampa Museum of Art. Melinda Chavez, Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts, is very happy about receiving a Phoenix grant. Chavez says the grant will be used to fund three scholarships within an existing program that makes annual awards to outstanding high-school students in the performing, visual and literary arts categories. A Phoenix grant will help seventh and eighth grade Academy Prep Center students illustrate environmental and sustainable living lessons from the Earth Charter with the help of University of Tampa faculty on Earth Day, 2010. Jan Roberts, founder and President of Earth Charter U.S., says that students will demonstrate Earth Charter ideas through storytelling, mural painting, sculptures, photography, dance and the spoken word on both campuses. Fran Powers, founder of Powerstories Theatre and grant recipient says the money will be used to fund the newest program, Girlstories Theatre Project (GTP). GTP is a ten month program for 25 middle-school girls that kicks off with a six-week summer intensive in June. Girls meet from 9 am to 5 pm five days a week, to study theatre, music, dance, improvisation, art, technical theatre and how to tell a personal story. Young girls are selected mostly on their desire to become a leader in the community rather than performance ability. “In these challenging economic times, it is a thrill for the Board to donate funds to expand children’s arts programming, supporting our core mission.” said RCFTA director, grants committee chair and City Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena. Other grant winners include Plant City Children’s Theatre, Bits n’ Pieces Puppet Theatre, Glazer Children’s Museum, Stageworks, Tampa Museum of Art , Friends of the Carrollwood Cultural Center, Plant High School Academic Foundation, Southshore Arts Council, Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association and Walton Academy for the Performing Arts. The Renaissance Center for the Arts began in 1999 with renovation on what once was the First Congregational Church in Tampa Heights. Although many successful events and programs took place at the Center, funding challenges ultimately kept the RCFTA from fulfilling its mission. The Board of Directors of the RCFTA is pleased that it could grant the remaining assets of the organization to deserving arts related organizations throughout greater Tampa and further support cultural arts in the community. RCFTA president, Mark Segel added, “Although it’s very disappointing to the entire board that the Renaissance Center could not continue as we envisioned it, we’re very pleased that through these grants we can leave a lasting legacy throughout the arts community of greater Tampa.”
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dates: Saturdays, 10 am - 12 pm Broadway Kids The Carrollwood Cultural Center Broadway Kids program gives students professional theatre training including monologues, scenes and strong performances. By audition only with a fee of $50 per month. To schedule an audition, vicki@carrollwoodcenter.org or call 813-269-1310 ext. 208. Opens May 1, 8 pm Oklahoma! Back after their Carrollwood Cultural Center debut of Sweet Dreams, Frank, Bobby and Dean, The Salerno Theatre Co. proudly presents OKLAHOMA! Call Vicki Cuccia at (813) 269-1310 ext. 206. vicki@carrollwoodcenter.org Through May 10 Moon Over Buffalo Masque Community Theatre, 8825 N, 56th Street, Temple Terrace, Fl. 33617 www.masquetheatre.net May 16, 8 am Second annual Walk for Wishes Tampa Takes place at USF Botanical Gardens, on the southwest corner of the USF Tampa campus, on the corner of Pine and Alumni Drive. www. suncoastwalk.wishcentral.org. SpecialEvents@ suncoastwish.org or call 813-288-2600. May 16 Meet Todd Parr, Children’s Author/illustrator 10:15 am: Bloomingdale Regional Library 1:30 pm: Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library 4 pm: New Tampa Regional Library Celebrate Children’s Book Week with bestselling author Todd Parr! Todd Parr is the author of more than 25 children’s books and his characters also inspired the award-winning television show, ToddWorld. Books will be available for purchase for Todd to autograph after each program. For ages 5 and up. 813-273-3652, hcplc.org May 30, 9 am - 2 pm 2009 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo at MOSI Admission to Expo is FREE. Expo Guests can enjoy MOSI exhibit galleries and one standard IMAX file for only $8 per person. MOSI, 4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa. mosi.org
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south Hillsborough Apollo Beach, Brandon, Lithia, Riverview, Ruskin, South Tampa, Tampa, Valrico, Fishhawk
An American Dream features world premiere and New York City Ballet The premiere of An American Dream, featuring the world premiere of an original ballet with music commissioned from Grammy® Award-winning composer Augusta Read Thomas and choreographed by internationally renowned Tom Gold, will be performed Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m. in the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center’s Ferguson Hall. For the first time, students from three different genres housed at the TBPAC’s Patel Conservatory will perform together. The nationally recognized Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra (PCYO) and the Jazz Ensemble will play music danced to by students enrolled in the Orlando Ballet School (OBS) at the Patel Conservatory and by Orlando Ballet II dancers. Principal dancers from the New York City Ballet also will perform on the program. “An American Dream exemplifies the forward thinking quality we provide to students here,” said Wendy Leigh, vice president of education at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. “In this economic climate, it is increasingly rare to have live music accompany dance groups, but to have a 22-minute piece composed exclusively for a youth orchestra by a Grammy Award-winner and Pulitzer Prize nominee, to be performed by students in a ballet school, is unprecedented!” For the young people involved, this is an amazing opportunity, Thomas said. “I’d like to be able to say that when I was 8, 11 or 14, I played a world premiere, but I can’t because I never got the chance. It’s great that the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is doing this. I don’t know any other presenter that would commission both an orchestral premiere and a ballet simultaneously, and I feel extremely lucky to be the beneficiary of a lot of people’s efforts.” The reason for commissioning the music stems from TBPAC’s “dedication to the creation of quality orchestral repertoire, and we have a vision to expand the scope of classical music to include other genres,” Leigh said. For many dancers, the chance to dance to live music has become a rare opportunity. “In these difficult financial times, some professional dance companies have made the hard decision to dance to recorded music. Dance is movement to music and it is extraordinary that our students will have the chance to dance both new choreography and famous dance works to live accompaniment on a world class stage,” said Peter Stark, OBS director. “An American Dream is a cutting-edge performance, beautifully melding the visual medium of ballet with orchestral music, and modern dance with jazz. This unique collaboration of three impressive arts programs, all housed under one roof, is noteworthy and rare,” Leigh said. Tickets to An American Dream are $10-$20 in advance and $12-$25 the day of show, and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, in person at the TBPAC Box Office or online at www.tbpac.org. Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra concerts are sponsored by St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. The composition of Dream Threads by ASCAP artist Augusta Read Thomas was commissioned by the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center for the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra. For more information about the Patel Conservatory, visit www. patelconservatory.org or call 813.222.1002.
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dates: May 7, 6 pm - 8 pm Chics, Cheese and Cheers A casual and fun evening~just for the girls! Summer Fashion and Beauty with Nieman Marcus, Spa services by the Grand Beauty Spa, Cooking demos, fine wine and great food. Guest Speaker Georgia Kostast, MPH, RD Home Theater Gallery, 3300 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. 813-353-8110 or email katie@eventmakers-fl.com May 16 Meet Todd Parr, Children’s Author/illustrator 10:15 am: Bloomingdale Regional Library 1:30 pm: Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library 4 pm: New Tampa Regional Library Celebrate Children’s Book Week with bestselling author Todd Parr! Todd Parr is the author of more than 25 children’s books and his characters also inspired the award-winning television show, ToddWorld. Books will be available for purchase for Todd to autograph after each program. For ages 5 and up. 813-273-3652, hcplc.org May 23-25 Freedom Fest presented by the Friends of Riverwalk Live Music, Kids Activities, Strolling Entertainment, Food, Drinks and a whole lot of fun for the whole family. The Tampa Riverwalk: From Channelside District to Tampa Convention Center. www.friendsoftheriverwalk.com FREE May 21 & 22, 7 pm Disney’s High School Musical The musical that has inspired and uplifted youth from coast to coast, Disney’s High School Musical, will be performed by the Patel Conservatory’s Youth Theater Company Jr. (gr 2- 6) on Thurs., May 21 and Youth Theater Company (gr 6 - 12) on Fri., May 22. Under the direction of Emilia Sargent, High School Musical features favorite song and dance numbers such as “Start of Something New,” “We’re All in This Together,” “Bop to the Top” and “Breaking Free.” Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Ferguson Hall, 813-229-7827, tbpac.org
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north
Pinellas
Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs
Pinellas Living Green Expo Families are invited to come out to learn real solutions for living better, healthier lives with less impact on the environment. The Expo, at the Harborview Center in Clearwater, will feature many exhibitors offering a wide selection of products, services, and information. Visitors will enjoy sessions on a variety of topics including, business, home, transportation, and smart energy and water solutions. The Expo connects people who are interested in making a positive difference in both their lives and in their communities. Guests will learn about the environmental impacts of daily living and the concepts for cost savings through efficiency. Vendors will display “living green” products, businesses, services and resources. Information sessions at last year’s Pinellas Living Green Expo included such topics as Reading and Understanding Organic Food Labels, remodeling Your Florida Home to Save Money and Live Comfortably and Natural and Organic Skin Care. The Pinellas Living Green Expo is a collaboration of government agencies, non-profit groups and businesses seeking to promote sustainability-oriented products and behaviors in Pinellas County. Pinellas Living Green, Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation is the main coordinator of this collaborative effort.
Walker’s Rising Stars Come to Ruth Eckerd Hall on May 21 This star-studded evening of outstanding Pinellas County Public School student entertainment is the fruit of a yearlong, countywide competition. The show takes place at Ruth Eckerd Hall at 7pm. Walker’s Rising Stars was created and funded by noted Bay Area neurosurgeon Dr. Jeffrey Walker, to recognize Pinellas County Schools’ most outstanding public high school junior and senior solo performers in the fields of instrumental music, vocal music, theater, dance and visual arts. More than 200 students entered the competition. Through several rounds of preliminary and semifinal judging, 20 finalists were selected to compete at Ruth Eckerd Hall for scholarships up to $10,000. For ticket information visit pinellaseducation.org.
Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin Grant Recipients The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin, (JLCD) is proud to announce the winners of its 200809 Community Grants. Winners were selected from a field of applicants from local non-profit organizations that serve the foster care community in Pinellas & Pasco counties. The League had $5,000 in total to distribute for specific community projects. Winners received $1000 for each project and are listed below by agency name and the project the grant will apply to: YMCA of the Suncoast High Point Branch- “Foster Teens as Members”, Fostering Hope Florida, Inc.“Life Book Supplies for Foster Children”, Clothes to Kids, Inc.- “Clothing and Shoes for Foster Children & Low-Income Families”, Suncoast Voices for Children Foundation, Inc.- “Little Things Make a Big Difference” and the Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco- “Imagine Me”. “Thanks to the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin our kids will have an opportunity to create Life Books which will capture a piece of their history and preserve their childhood memories. This is a very empowering experience for our children”, said Gloria West-Lawson, Executive Director of Fostering Hope Florida. The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
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dates: May 2, 9 am - 5 pm May 3, 10 am - 4 pm Pinellas Living Green Expo Admission and parking is free. Harborview Center 300 Cleveland St, Clearwater pinellaslivinggreenexpo.org May 10, 2 pm & 7 pm Drowsy Chaperone Winner of the most 2006 Tony Awards® of any musical on Broadway! It all begins when a die-hard musical fan plays his favorite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called The Drowsy Chaperone, and the show magically bursts to life. A glamorous, hilarious tale of a celebrity bride and her uproarious wedding day, complete with thrills and surprises Ruth Eckerd Hall, 111 N. McMullen Booth Rd. rutheckerdhall.com May 16, 10 am - 1 pm Tour of Tampa Bay Automobile Museum Lynn Whitelaw will escort visitors through the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum to view cars from the 1930s. articipants are limited to 25. The cost is $8 for museum members and students and $10 for non-members. Leepa-Ratner Museum of Art, 600 E. Klosterman Rd.Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 spcollege.edu May 30, 1 pm – 2 pm Home Invaders – Creatures in Your House Spiders, roaches and mice, oh my! These are just a few of the creatures that sometimes share our homes with us. Most humans consider these uninvited housemates pests. However, each takes advantage of a special niche provided by our homes and our habits. Join us as we learn to appreciate these common home invaders and discover more environmentally-friendly ways to discourage them. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Rd. Tarpon Springs. FREE 727-453-6800 to register.
Mark your calendars! for the 2nd annual
Back to School Fair August 15th, 10am - 5pm Museum of Science and Industry Health & Wellness, Safety, Private Schools, Childcare, Children’s Products & Services, Clothing, School Supplies, Afterschool Programs, Tutors, and more!
For vendor and sponsorship information visit: www.tbparenting.com or call 813-949-4400
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ocd in children The signs and how to treat them BY DR. ERIC STORCH, PH.D. As adults, we recall our childhood days of avoiding stepping on cracks or repeatedly asking our parents “if we are there yet”. Repetitive play, superstitions, and ritualistic games are normal parts of childhood. However, for many children, parents are faced with the question of when do these ritualistic behaviors become problematic. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition characterized by intrusive, troubling thoughts (obsessions), and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors (compulsions). Children’s compulsions are aimed at reducing distress caused by unwanted, intrusive thoughts. Individuals with OCD experience time-consuming obsessions and compulsions (although some kids only experience one) that significantly disrupt day-to-day functioning and/or cause distress. OCD occurs about equally in boys and girls and develops during childhood in as many as 80% of cases. And, without appropriate intervention, it is likely to run a chronic course into adulthood.
Symptom Presentation
OCD is often difficult to detect since many youth are embarrassed by their symptoms, many mental health providers are not very familiar with OCD, and because other disorders may ‘overshadow’ the OCD. Common obsessions include fears of harm, germs, religious fears, fear of doing something on impulse like hurt someone, and need for symmetry. Common compulsions include washing/cleaning, repetition of routines, reassurance seeking, and ordering/arranging. Most people have some form of these symptoms – however, when the belief or behavior is excessive relative to other kids, it may be time to consult with a mental health professional. Fortunately, there are two treatments available with strong support: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication involving serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs).
Treatments
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT for OCD is distinguished from other “talk-therapies” and incorporates a structured approach to teaching the family skills in responding to OCD symptoms. Whereas play and supportive therapies have not been demonstrated as effective for OCD, CBT has been very well supported in numerous studies with treatment gains being durable over several years. In fact, studies have shown that when compared, CBT tends to have greater effectiveness than medication alone (de Haan et al., 1998; POTS, 2004). Because of this, practice guidelines suggest that CBT alone or together with medication is the ‘gold-standard’ of care. CBT for pediatric OCD is based on the notion that compulsions are performed to reduce/avoid anxiety associated with obsessions; the approach consists of three interrelated core components: 1) exposure (placing the child in situations that elicit anxiety related to their obsessions); 2) response prevention (deterring the ritualistic or compulsive behaviors that may serve to reduce anxiety); and 3) teaching objective thinking strategies (e.g., training the child to identify and correct anxiety-provoking cognitions). Exposure relies on the gradual reduction of anxiety after being exposed to a feared or ritual-provoking stimulus. Successive exposures with the feared stimulus result in both decreased elevations in anxiety and more rapid reduction of distress in future exposures. Response-prevention is based on the assumption that rituals/compulsions serve as short-term anxiety reducers via negative reinforcement (escape and/ or avoidance of distress). As individuals with OCD perform rituals to reduce anxiety, they do not have the experience of having anxiety reduced without
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Dr. Storch pictured with one of his patients Nathaniel, whom has had great success with the CBT therapy.
doing rituals. Accordingly, response-prevention requires the individual to avoid engaging in the ritual so that anxiety can be reduced via habituation instead of by rituals. Finally, children are taught cognitive responses to anxiety, which is based on the notion that anxious thoughts involve inaccurate conclusions or interpretations of events. Children with OCD often think bad things will happen to them and that such things are likely and their fault. Cognitive techniques provide the child with objective ways to ‘talk back’ to anxiety provoking obsessions. During the beginning of therapy, a “fear-ladder” is developed that consists of a hierarchical listing of situations provoke rituals. In subsequent sessions, the therapist and child (often with parental assistance) progress up the ladder by systematically exposing the child to things that bring on rituals while having them refrain from actually doing the ritual. Family involvement is central to the success of therapy as family members may accommodate the child’s symptoms by facilitating avoidance, assisting with ritualistic behaviors, or inadvertently participating in rituals (e.g., providing reassurance, allowing compulsive avoidance of feared stimuli, tolerating delays associated with ritual completion).
Parent Tips
One goal of this article is to spread the word about effective treatment of pediatric OCD. Unfortunately, it is not often easy to connect people to appropriate therapeutic and informational resources. Given this, the following are several tips that may be useful. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health professionals adhere to a variety of theoretical orientations. Some, for example, closely follow a cognitive-behavioral approach such as the one described here. Others, in contrast, may conduct treatment from a different perspective that has not been shown to work in youth with OCD. Given this, it will be important to find a psychologist trained in CBT for OCD. In the instance that a practitioner cannot be located within your vicinity, a number of university based programs offer intensive outpatient or residential treatment programs (see http://health.usf.edu/medicine/pediatrics/rothman/ index.htm for an example). These programs allow families to temporarily relocate for several weeks to receive cognitive-behavioral and pharmacological treatment. The internet can be an excellent source of information for families. Two particularly useful resources for general information and locating treatment providers include the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation (www.ocfoundation. org) and Anxiety Disorders Association of American (www.adaa.org).
south
Pinellas
Largo, Pinellas Park, Seminole, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Treasure Island
Webb’s City – The Concert Version Returns to The Palladium Nine years after a sold-out run, the hit musical about St. Petersburg’s Doc Webb and his retail creation – Webb’s City – is back. The show, which covers five decades in the life of “the P.T. Barnum of Retail” and the City of St. Petersburg, will be on stage at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College, Thursday, May 14, Friday May 15 and Saturday, May 16, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17, matinee 1 p.m. The original musical comedy by Bill Leavengood and Lee Ahlin centers on “Doc” Webb, one of the most colorful entrepreneurs in the history of Florida. The Palladium will present a “concert version” of the show, a form made famous by the “Encore!” series at the City Center in New York. The Concert Version will offer all the essential scenes and songs with minimal scenery and costumes. Fresh from the hills of Tennessee, Doc Webb opened a tiny discount drug store in St. Petersburg in 1925. Through hard work, innovation and a healthy dose of old-fashioned hucksterism, Webb built a 77-store empire that covered 10 city blocks. Dubbed “The World’s Most Unusual Drugstore,” Webb’s City was Disney World and Wal-Mart long before either existed. At its height, 60,000 people-a-day came to gawk at Webb City’s talking mermaids, dancing chickens and kissing rabbits, as well as to take advantage of the lowest prices in town. Not just the story of a savvy entrepreneur, Webb’s City follows the great booms and busts of the American 20th century that paralleled the booms and busts of Doc Webb’s life – the dissolution of his first marriage, the 30-year-romance of his second marriage, his support of the African-American community, and the ongoing battle with his maverick son, Jimmy. The Palladium production will be directed by Bill Leavengood, with musical direction by Lee Ahlin. St. Petersburg College’s Madrigalians, under the direction of Vernon Taranto, will sing the choral roles along with a cast of professional actors and singers. Tickets are $16.50, $21.50 and $26.50. For tickets and information visit: www. mypalladium.org. Or call the Palladium box office at 727 822-3590
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dates:
May 5 at 9:30 am Shorecrest Preparatory School OPEN HOUSE Preschool (ages 3 & 4) and Kindergarten In addition to touring the school and meeting faculty, guest speaker Dr. Pam Hamilton will discuss how the experiences in early childhood affect a child’s brain plasticity and development. 5101 First Street Northeast St. Petersburg, FL 33703 727.522.2111, www.shorecrest.org Through May 10, 8 pm American Stage presents Altar Boyz. Demens Landings. Wed. through Sun. 8 p.m. The hilarious off-Broadway phenomenon about a Christian boy band in crisis. Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham (the unsure, Jewish member) hit the road from their home in Ohio to New York (with a stop in St. Petersburg) as part of their climactic concert tour. Demen’s Landing, Downtown St. Petersburg www.americanstage.org or 727-823-7529 Each Saturday, 9 am – 11 am Guided Hikes at Weedon Island Preserve Guided hikes through coastal mangrove and upland ecosystems of the Preserve. Join us to learn about the coastal environment and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve. Reserve your space by 2 pm on the Friday prior to the hike of choice. This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Recommended ages: 6 and up. 727-453-6500, www.weedonislandcenter.org Each Saturday in May, 9am - 2pm Saturday Morning Markets European-style open air market, fresh organic produce, gourmet foods & baked goods, exotic coffee, handmade soaps, plants & herbs, fresh flowers, specialty food items, and live entertainment with local musicians. Progress Energey Stadium Parking lot (corner of First Avenue South and First Street), every Saturday, 9AM - 2PM, October to May. 727-4554921, www.saturdaymorningmarket.com
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Pasco
Dade City, Land O’ Lakes, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Trinity, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills
7th Annual Bachelor, Baskets and Services Auction The Community Service Council of West Pasco hosts the 7th Annual Bachelor, Baskets and Services Auction on May 1. Presented by Trinity Regional Rehab at Seven Springs Country Club, guests are invited to bid on a date with Tampa Bay’s most eligible bachelors! There will be 10-12 bachelor packages including a double date sunset cruise on a 38 ft. yacht to Island Way Grille for dinner with dancing the night away. Other dates include comedy clubs, dinner at Charley’s Steakhouse and much more. Married women can bid on service packages such as Spring Cleaning and Handyman services, beauty services with Zoom Whitening by Dr. Lyndsay McCaslin. Married couples can bit to win a special Enchanting Evening for Two where the lucky winner will be escorted to a couples massage at Massage of Trinity followed by a romantic dinner at Zen Forrest Restaurant. All service packages are valued at a minimum of $500. A Chinese Auction of 20 baskets will go on throughout the night. Doors open at 5pm with a cash bar, premium butler passed hors d’oeuvres, and mingling with the bachelors. Auction begins promptly at 6:30pm with a break to enjoy desert from a delectable chocolate fountain and mouth watering passed chocolate truffles. This event would not be possible without our many generous sponsors including: Trinity Regional Rehab, Suncoast Clinical Research, Apollo Window Tinting & Graphics, Deanna’s Bridal & Tux, Fusion Healthcare, Minuteman Press, Mobility Solutions, Gulfside Regional Hospice, Sunshine Christian Homes, Fulton Insurance Group, Republic Bank, “Buzz the Barleys,” Tina Shelton, the Law Firm of Scott McPhereson, PA, Jennifer Gardens ALF, TLC Wheelchair Transport, Glen Oaks, ASAP Pest Control. Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit local West Pasco charities and scholarships.
Night in Naples Fundraiser Benefits Katelyn Foundation The Sunshine State has some of the highest rates in the nation for incidents of swimming pool accidents and deaths. Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death to children under the age of five! The Katelyn Foundation donates to The Open Doors program within the local YMCA’s. Open Doors is a program that provides swim lessons to underprivileged families. The Katelyn Foundation recently partnered up with the New Port Richey and Aquatic Center to provide swimming lessons to local underprivileged youth during the summer months. This Program is established thanks to generous donations from the Rotary Club of Trinity and Dr. Angela Bernardo of Trinity Eye Care. The goal this summer is to help more than 250 families achieve the peace of mind of knowing that their child can swim. The cost to help save a child’s life is only $35 per child. For the price of dinner out, fundraiser attendees make it possible for a child to learn to swim. Join the Katelyn Foundation at the First Annual pasta dinner “A Night In Naples” fundraiser for a fun filled evening with an amazing home cooked Italian meal, cash bar, DJ, Chinese auction and a lot of surprises. The Katelyn Foundation a 501 (c) (3) non profit was formed by her family in memory of Katelyn T. Michaud who was only two years old when her life was tragically cut short in a swimming pool accident five years ago.
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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 Every Thursday, 6 pm - 9 pm Gatherings (FREE) Three stages of live music, kids zone, and a whole lot of fun. The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 theshopsatwiregrass.com May 1, 5 pm 7th Annual Bachelor, Baskets Services Auction The Community Service Council of West Pasco hosts the event presented by Trinity Regional Rehab at Seven Springs Country Club. Event takes at Seven Springs Country Club, located at 3535 Trophy Blvd in New Port Richey. To purchase a sponsorship, tickets contact Becky Bennett at 727-452-4693 or visit communityservicecouncil.org May 8, 5:30 pm A Night in Naples Fundraiser Benefit for the Katelyn Foundation in memory of Katelyn T. Michaud. at the PDK Banquet Hall, 11301 Phi Delta Way, Odessa, Fl 335662 miles west of Gunn Hwy. Contact Sandra Testo-Michaud, Director/President of The Katelyn Foundation, Inc at 727-434-2417 or email flamom05@hotmail.com or visit www. katelynfoundation.org May 8-10, Opens Daily Cotee River Seafood Festival Come out to enjoy this award-winning event featuring some of the areas finest seafood, Downtown & Sims Park, New Port Richey, FL 727-842-8066 Opens May 14 Hello Dolly! Richey Suncoast Theatre 6237 Grand Boulevard New Port Richey, FL 34652 727-842-6777, www.richeysuncoasttheatre.com
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around town Glazer Children’s Museum Imagination Gala
Aydin and Barbara Keskiner, Angela Ardolino, Earl and Nancy Horton and Nancy Mellon
PHOTOS BY JEANINE MCLEOD
Heidi Shimberg, Paula Cardosa, and Board President Sandy Murman
Jennifer Ramirez, new owner of Smarty Pants Kids’ Boutique, with Auction Chair Jackie Toledo.
The girls from Entertainment Revue provided a fabulous show during the Gala.
Don and Martiza Forino, Larry and Joyce Cotton, Victor and Jackie Mattiaccio, Lourdes and Jose Valiente, and Rosy and Dante Conto
Max & Ruby at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Winners of the Max & Ruby tickets at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center are pictured with the cast.
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Drew and Tahlia all dressed up and ready to see the show.
Wiregrass Wednesdays & The Gatherings at The Shops at Wiregrass
Proud Dad Brett Uravich with daughter Emily, 1, from Wesley Chapel
Cousins Taylor, 7, and Alexis, 9, from Spring Hill, with their new dogs Missy and Matt
Madelyn, Avery and Madison
Bella and Alexa learn to be ballerinas from America’s Ballet School
Sharlene, Syndi, Jackson, Olivia and Joshua enjoy the day!
Kit’s Well Dressed Fashion Show
Karamu benefitting Lowry Park Zoo
Benefitting Dresses for Humanity in Hyde Park Village. Pictured upper Left: Kit Stewart, Cherise Candlish, Robin Roberts, Lindsay Stewart and Marilyn Silverman Right: Trisha Berk, Alicia Wyatt, Cherise Candlish, Angela Studer, Angela Ardolino, Robin Roberts and Francine Levin. Below: Trisha Berk, Cherise Candlish, Kit Stewart, Melanie Bavol, Bobbie Shay, Robin Roberts, Angela A.rdolino and Angela Studer.
Karamu XXI, chaired by Kelly Feldman. Upper Left: Angela Ardolino and Tammy Honnegar from Tampa Prep. Upper Right: Angela Maskin, Angela Ardolino and Trish Rothman . Below is Peter and Heather Lambie from Your Home Editor , Keith Gramatico and Robin Roberts from the Anti-Aging and Asethetics Institute.
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Asian Cuisine Offers A Welcome Change For Family Dining It’s not always easy to get your kids to eat healthy foods, especially when dining out. When given the choice, many children will opt for chicken fingers and French fries. But at Channelside in Tampa there are two restaurants where kids may actually enjoy a change from the old standard, and eat healthy as well. Thai Thani and Oishi Japanese Restaurants focus on providing high quality traditional cuisine, as well as, a unique dining experience at reasonable prices. The welcoming and exotic atmosphere of these beautiful environments will attract all guests, but especially provides an enjoyable experience for families with children. Kids will even want to eat their vegetables! Thai Thani features some of the best authentic Thai cuisine Tampa Bay has to offer, and attaches great importance on the authentic taste of Thai food, traditional Thai decor, and above all, the warm and hospitable Thai culture that surrounds you the moment you enter. The décor, replicating a grand Thailand dining room, makes an engaging and culturally enlightening experience for families with young diners. Many pieces of the artwork and furniture were imported from Thailand providing the ambience of a grand dining room in a majestic palace. Thai food is served with many different sauces and flavors that appeal to the tastes and preferences of diners of all ages. Various colorful and flavorful dishes, make trying new foods enticing. The menu provides a large variety of items that are both nutritious and delicious. Children who are unfamiliar to Asian cuisine may find a fun alternative to their usual favorites of chicken and noodles by trying the Chicken Satay, Pad Se-Ew, or Pad Thai.
Equally engaging, is Oishi Japanese Restaurant. Owned by the proprietors of Thai Thani, its attached next-door neighbor, the restaurant displays unique and family friendly decor – including funky hammock seats at the entrance, red, blue and green bamboo poles on the walls resembling giant pick-up sticks, booths of polished driftwood tabletops, as well as, views of Harbour Island. Families can choose to eat at the marble sushi bar, booths or at the state-of-the-art Hibachi Grill, where children will watch their food skillfully crafted by their signature chefs. For a fun, healthy appetizer, kids love the steamed salted soybean pods, Edamame. The Vegetable and California rolls also make a nice introduction to sushi rolls. Dinners at the Hibachi grill are plentiful and nutritious with Miso Soup, Oriental Salad, Hibachi Vegetables, Fried Rice and Oishi Stir Fried Noodles. Both Thai Thani and Oishi Japanese Restaurants provide a welcome change to the usual family dining experience. Be sure to visit in May when mother’s receive a complimentary entrée with the purchase of another equally priced entrée when you mention Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine (no coupon necessary). Thai Thani and Oishi Japanese Restaurants are owned by Charlie Sukitjavanich, retired Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Commerce, an experienced entrepreneur with more than 25 years of restaurant expertise and culinary management. Both restaurants are located at 615 Channelside Dr. Tampa, FL 33602 in the Channelside Entertainment Complex. For information or reservations: Thai Thani Restaurant - (813) 228-9200, thaithani.net, Oishi Japanese Restaurant - (813) 228-9202, restaurantoishitampa.com
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may calendar of events EVENTS/FESTIVALS
over 450 hands-on exhibits and one standard IMAX Dome Theatre film, including a unique opportunity to sip tea surrounded by freeflying butterflies in the BioWorks Butterfly Garden. Price is $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for children 12 and under. Seating is limited, reserve early by calling 813-987-6000. Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa. mosi.org
Asia Fest 2009: The 26th Anniversary May 2, 10:30 am An annual celebration of “National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month,” which has been held in downtown Tampa since 1982. The event is FREE to the public and supported by sponsors. Asia Fest presents a colorful, festive celebration that features cultural entertainment and Asian ethnic food representing China, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Several key local Asian Pacific restaurants are on board as food vendors. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive Tampa 33602
Cotee River Seafood Festival May 8 - 10 This award-winning event features some of the area’s finest seafood, Blues artists, boats, arts and crafts and activities for the whole family. Admission to the festival is free but consider making a $2 donation to help Main Street New Port Richey continue bringing these great events. Downtown & Sims Park, New Port Richey, FL 727-842-8066
Ruskin Tomato Festival May 3 - 4, 10 am - 5 pm Everyone in Tampa Bay is seeing red during the annual Tomato Festival held at E.G. Simmons Park in nearby Ruskin Florida, an historic coastal community just a short distance south of Tampa. The world-famous Ruskin Tomato is definitely the center of attention at this festival, with highlights including; the Great Tomato Cook-off, crowning the Ruskin Tomato Festival Queen, plus all-you-can-eat fresh Ruskin Tomatoes. There will also be live Entertainment, a Farmers Market and neat Street Rod Show. Admission is $4, while event parking is Free. E.G. Simmons Park, Ruskin Florida. ruskintomatofestival.org.
Mother’s Day Weekend at Lowry Park Zoo May 9 - 10, 9:30 am - 5 pm In honor of Mother’s Day, moms receive FREE admission with the purchase of a full-priced child’s admission ticket. (Child’s ticket must be purchased on May 9 or 10 only. Offer not combinable with other discounts.) 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 813-935-8552, Lowryparkzoo.com
Starlight Safari May 8, 6:30 pm - 11 pm This exciting evening expedition taking place at Bush Gardens will include cocktails, dinner, and entertainment in the wilds of Africa. Adventurers will have the opportunity to embark on a safari adventure under the stars (equipped with night vision goggles) to observe the native animals in their evening habitat, and delight in the revelry of an African village. Proceeds from the Apple Appeal – Starlight Safari benefit the Hillsborough Education Foundation. For ticket information visit educationfoundation.com The Mothers’ Day Tea at MOSI May 9 - 10, 11 am & 1 pm Includes high tea service, a special gift from MOSI’s gift shops, admission to
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14th Annual Mother’s Day Benefit at Skipper’s Smokehouse May 10, 5 pm Bring mom to hear Sugar and Spice with Southside Horns, Women’s Blues Revue, George Pappas, Linda Faust and Tammy Hatch (RHYTHM ‘N’ BLUES). This event raises money for area domestic violence agencies - CASA (St. Pete), The Haven (Clearwater), The Spring (Tampa), Sunrise of East Pasco, Salvation Army DV Program (West Pasco) - as well as awareness for the issue of domestic violence, with an emphasis on enlightenment and empowerment. 910 Skipper Rd, Tampa, FL 33613 813-971-0666, skipperssmokehouse.com Disney On Ice: Worlds of Fantasy May 14 - 17 Four fun-filled classic and current Disney stories. Beloved characters from Disney/
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May 10 Mother’s Day May 25 Memorial Day
Pixar’s Cars, Disney’s The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, as well as the magical cast of Fairies from Disney’s Tinker Bell will be showcased. A bonus experience beginning 60 minutes prior to show time and complimentary with ticket purchase, is the Disney Princess Pre-Show. Prior to each performance, families will be treated to an exclusive collection of enchanting ball gowns and mementos from the Disney Princess stories. A real live Disney Princess will be there as well to meet guests. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Dr., Tampa. 813-301-2500, stpeetetimesforum.com www.disneyonice.com Tampa Bay Boat Sale May 15, 10 am - 6 pm Enjoy the boating event of the season featuring millions of dollars of inventory in new boats and watercraft on display in the Expo Hall, Florida Fairgrounds. Visitors can shop for the boat of their dreams, check out special exhibits with the latest in supplies and accessories, or see one of a series of Florida fishing school seminars. Join St. Petersburg Times Outdoors Editor Terry Tomalin and friends for a series of presentations by the area’s top fishing guides and local experts who will provide great tips and secrets to learn how to catch the big one. FREE for all ages. Parking is $5 per car. Info at tampabayboatsale.com or call Dave LaBell at 727-893-8523. Tampa Bay Food & Wine Festival May 16, 1 pm - 4 pm Go green with the 3rd Annual Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival to benefit the Abilities Foundation and the Moffitt Cancer Center. Enjoy food samples, wine tastings, and seminars with local and nationally recognized chefs. UnleashYourPalate.com, Don Cesar Resort, 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Freedom Fest presented by the Friends of Riverwalk May 23 - 25 FREE. Live Music, Kids Activities, Strolling Entertainment, Food, Drinks and a whole lot of fun for the whole family. The Tampa
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Performing Arts Center 813-229-7827, tbpac.org
Riverwalk (Southern Section): From Channelside District to Tampa Convention Center. www.friendsoftheriverwalk.com Summer Safari Night May 29, 5 pm - 8:30 pm The Zoo stays open late with FREE unlimited rides after 5 p.m. Guests can also enjoy special animal encounters, live entertainment and great food and drink. Summer Safari Night activities are included with Zoo admission. 813-935-8552, LowryParkZoo.com A Taste of Pinellas May 29 - 31 It’s about the food, it’s about the tunes, it’s about the kids. It’s A Taste of Pinellas where 50 participating restaurants serve up their specialties. Diners purchase sheets of tickets for tastes of their favorites. Enjoy national acts on the main concert stage. Vinoy Park 500 Bayshore Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Open Friday from 5-10 pm, Saturday noon to 10 pm and Sunday noon to 7 pm. 727-767-2308, www.tasteofpinellas.com Equestrian Sports Championships May 29, 6 pm More than 100 Special Olympics athletes will participate in equestrian competitions held in the Covered Ring at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Events include Dressage, English Equitation, Stock Seat Equitation, Working Trails, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, Showmanship at Halter or Bridle, and Unified Sports Drill Team. Free Admission & parking. 352-243-9536, specialolympicsflorida.org
THEATER Time Tapestries May 8, 7 pm FREE! This is an original theater work created jointly by members of Times Tapestries at the University Village and Hillsborough County school students. The Time Tapestries intergenerational project is offered through the Education Department of the Patel Conservatory at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. The program is in partnership with the Masterpiece Living program at the University Village. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, tbpac.org, 813-229-7827 Mother Load May 12 - 17 Don’t miss the off-Broadway hit - a hysterical expose of cutthroat, mom-eat-mom world of competitive parenting. In a world where a toddler’s birthday party must be catered and there are new dangers in a child’s toy box every
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week, how can a mother keep from losing her mind? More info at motherloadshow.com. Jaeb Theater, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, tbpac.org, 813-229-7827 Party Animals part of the Wee Folk Series May 30, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, & 5 pm Regularly priced tickets are $7.50. Come share a fun-filled hour of singing and dancing with the hilarious M’Cheany family as they celebrate a birthday and a new baby! TECO Theater, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 813-229-7827, tbpac.org
MUSIC/DANCE Glory at the Gardens May 9 & 16, 1 pm - 4 pm Busch Gardens Concert Series This Busch Gardens event puts the spotlight on the best contemporary Christian music, including Dove Award winners and nominees. Glory at the Gardens presents two uplifting shows featuring Relient K, NEEDTOBREATHE, This Beautiful Republic, Worth Dying For and Sanctus Real. On May 16, featured artists include Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, Brandon Heath, Sara Groves and Joel Augé take the stage. It’s just another way Busch Gardens lets your spirit soar! gloryatthegardens.com Amy Grant Benefit Concert May 11, 7:30 pm A treat for Amy Grant fans as she will not be touring the U.S. until fall ‘09. Proceeds benefit Metropolitan Ministries. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. 813-229-7827, tbpac.org The Florida Orchestra: Resurrection May 15, 8 pm Inviting the audience on a journey from a despairing preoccupation with death to a soaring and releasing deliverance, Stefan Sanderling closes the Masterworks season with Mahler’s “Symphony No. 2, Resurrection” in what promises to be an exhilarating performance. Carol Morsani Hall, Tampa Bay
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An American Dream May 17, 2 pm World premiere of a unique collaboration of two nationally known arts programs housed at TBPAC-the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra and the Orlando Ballet School. Ferguson Hall, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, tbpac.org, 813-229-7827. Oz with Orchestra: The Wizard of Oz May 23, 8pm & May 24, 2 pm Positioned directly under a movie theatersize screen, The Florida Orchestra will perform the Oscar award- winning score to the 1939 film classic The Wizard of Oz. In this special edition re-mastered version of the MGM film, the musical soundtrack was digitally removed to allow the orchestra to accompany the original dialog and songs of Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion on their fairytale journey to the fabled Emerald City. Mahaffey Theatre, 400 First St. South, St. Pete, mahaffeytheater.com, 727-892-5798 www.floridaorchestra.org
ART STEPS TO HOPE: a visual art project May 5, 6 pm, Opening Reception A collaboration between artists Isabel Czerwenka-Wenkstetten and Leslie Fry. Enjoy an evening of Art, Hope, and Cultural Exchange! There will be art on the walls, art on the floor, guest speakers, Austrian and American food and drink, videos, dance -- even a raffle and social networking. The evening at Studio 620 will not only be an art-exhibition but also an occasion to connect and meet people from different backgrounds. 620 First Avenue South, St. Petersburg, 33701, 727-895-6620, Studio620.org Craft Art Exhibit - Dunedin Fine Art Center Through May 24; daily Exhibit features works by emerging artists of the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts’ Artistsin-Residence program as selected by guest curator and collector Mindy Solomon. Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, 34698, 727- 298-3322, www.dfac.org
For more event listings visit tbparenting.com