May 2011 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

MONTH OF THE WOMAN

F ree

Women’s Health and Wellness Series

BayCare Health System invites you to participate in Month of the Woman, an annual series of free programs in May that focus on women’s health and wellness issues. The month-long event offers a variety of seminars, screenings and workshops* tailored specifically to women. A variety of topics include everything from breast health, incontinence, gynecologic issues, diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis to wellness, diet, sleep, BOTOX®, plastic surgery, self-awareness and more. It’s time to focus on you. Take some time for yourself to learn more about subjects that will keep you healthy and well.

CELEBRATE YOU EMBRACE YOUR HEALTH

View event topics and register at EmbraceYourHealth.com/Events. For more information: (855) 251-7778 *Seminars and screening events are free. Workshop fees are $20 to be paid at time of registration.

Facebook.com/EmbraceUrHealth EmbraceYourHealthBlog.com Twitter.com/EmbraceUrHealth

EmbraceYourHealth.com BC110732-0411

contents

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may 2011 • 5TH year • 1sT Issue

features

10 Party Like a Green Star Eco-friendly birthday bashes affordable, fun 14 FUn inCLUDeD The bay area’s best celebration venues

22 PrePPinG For the FUtUre Tips for SAT and more 26 emPire State oF minD New York perfect for family vacations 34 From the trenCheS Motherhood comes with laughs, love and laundry 40 extraorDinary Woman Aymee Brace 44 mommy me time Relax and rejuvenate because you deserve it

26 every month 6 Letter From the eDitor 10 SUmmer CamP GUiDe 22 eDUCation GUiDe

30 What’S haPPeninG 34 heaLth anD WeLLneSS 46 north hiLLSboroUGh neWS 48 SoUth hiLLSboroUGh neWS 50 north PineLLaS neWS 52 SoUth PineLLaS neWS 54 PaSCo neWS 56 aroUnD toWn 58 CaLenDar oF eventS

On the cover: Cover Kid Winners Christian and Jordan Rivadeneira outside the Tampa Bay History Center. Photograph by Steve Poisall, www.TheGalleryStudios.com

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From the producers of Menopause The Musical® comes

A baby is just the beginning. Motherhood is for life … It’s the joyous journey and loving look at the blessings and perils of being a mom. It’s climbing the emotional mountain only to find that there’s laundry at the top. It’s discovering how powerful your love can be and how quickly your children grow up. It’s helping them find their way and not losing yours. It’s about laughing and crying, craziness and calm, smiles and tears … and all before breakfast. Featuring the hilarious Top 10 Billboard Comedy Hit “ The Kids Are Finally Asleep,” the rousing “Costco Queen” and the tender “I’m Danny’s Mom,” this hysterical and poignant four-woman musical is a must-see for anyone who is, has or knows a mom. It will remind you that it’s not just about Motherhood … it’s about you.

OPENS

We’re looking Tampa for Bay’s # 1 Mom. Visit T B to lea Pa r e n t i n g rn .c you ca more and h o m o n win t ickets!w

JUNE 3 JAEB THEATER Tickets: 813.229.STAR (7827) • STRAZCENTER.ORG Media Sponsor: Outside Tampa Bay: 800.955.1045 Group Services (10+ get a discount): 813.222.1018 Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.

............................................................................................................................................................................................... Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

May 2011

TBParenting.com

letter

Angela L. Ardolino Founder and Editorial Director David E. Estevez Editor at Large Kimberley Brown Smith Associate Editor Contributing Writers Amy Gall Lindsay Perez Mark Heller Peter Gorski, MD, MPA Heather Tempesta Chris Kuhn Calendar and Neighborhood Stories Luke Beck Graphic Artist Susan Margolis Marketing Director Cathy Munch Sales Director Rachel Sarkis Account Executive Krayl Funch Director, Home & Garden and Events Todd A. Varde Director of IT

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 BECOME A FAn AT FACEBOOK.COM/ TAMPABAyPAREnTinGMAGAzinE

...............................

FrOm THe eDITOr

Hey moms, it’s your month to take care of a few things. Let’s face it, though. Every month is your month when it comes to taking care of things. you’re watching over the household, balancing the books, negotiating between siblings, delegating tasks and often working outside the home, too. Fortunately, the few things i’m talking about this month are all about you. i hope you’re taking some deserved me-time, not just on Mother’s Day but for the month of May. Whether it’s taking some extra time on your walk, a longer bath or a glass of wine, let’s celebrate you. i’m going to treat myself to a nyC trip to watch Harris, who is graduating from FSU, audition for Broadway shows and agents. i’m very excited to watch him shine.

Me and Nicole Sca nnell who recently was chosen as 201 the Year by the Leu 1 Woman of kemia and Lympho ma Society of Tam pa Bay.

if you’re a little reluctant to take some time for yourself, let me remind you that the school year is coming to an end and you’re going to need lots of energy when the kids are out for the summer. Be sure to visit us online to find summer camps and activities for your family to enjoy. Getting involved and staying busy is something many of us relate to, especially women like nicole Scannell. We want to congratulate her on winning the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the year. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting blood cancer and providing education, funding and patient services. i’ve enjoyed chatting with you all on Facebook via the Tampa Bay Parenting fan page, as well as the new Parenting With Angela fan page. if you’d like to see a special television segment or topic discussed, be sure to reach out to me at facebook.com/angelaardolino. your questions and ideas are always welcome. Let me know what your plans are for Memorial Day weekend and the summer. i would love to hear what you’re up to in this gorgeous weather. Tune in to ABC Action news on Thursdays at noon or Saturday mornings and, if you miss the segment, you can visit ParentingWithAngela.com to watch and receive tips. We’re all about making life less hectic for you so now you can get Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine delivered for free. Sign up at www.tbparenting.com to have your favorite parenting magazine delivered right to your door. Consider it our Mother’s Month gift to you. Happy mother’s “May.”

We love to hear from you. Don’t forget to become a fan on Facebook and get daily updates, enter contests, share pictures and chat with other families. You can check us out at TBParenting.com, too, or follow us on Twitter.

.............................................................................................................. Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year by Lucy Loo inc. it is distributed free of charge at area supermarkets, community centers, libraries, doctor’s offices and other businesses with products and services for families. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. TBPM is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to TBPM will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. For information on where to find TBPM or how to become a distributor, call 813-949-4400 or email info@tbparenting.com. Copyright 2007-2011 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. All rights reserved. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Voted T he B e st of Ta m pa Bay

2009&2010

My Passion

is to educate & empower

my patients by providing the tools, guidance, and support necessary to lead them on their journey toward optimum health.

1217 Ewing Ave. Clearwater, FL 33765 | 3637 4th St. N Ste 103 St. Pete, FL 33704 | 2323 Curlew Rd. (@ U.S. 19) Dunedin, FL 34698

727.446.3021

BestMedicineForWeightLoss.com

A Different Species of Summer Camp.

Camp is a time to make new friends, try new things, come face-to-face with a giraffe and challenge a dive coaster. Well, it is at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island! For more than 25 years Busch Gardens and Adventure Island have provided students with inspiring, exciting and educational camp experiences, and we look forward to having your child join us this year. We offer camps for animal lovers, coaster enthusiasts, future veterinarians and everything in between. Day camps are available for students in preschool through high school. For students in 5th grade through college, we offer unique resident camps that include overnight stays at Busch Gardens.

BuschGardens.org â&#x20AC;˘ 1-877-BGT-CAMP

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Green Star party like a

eCO-FrIenDly BIrTHDay BasHes aFFOrDaBle, Fun

.........................

By CaT PylanT

ou shouldn’t want to rip your hair out while planning your child’s birthday party.

Unfortunately, for many parents the financial cost and shear amount of work can be panic inducing. you don’t have to break the bank to have a great party, though. With a little innovation and research, you easily can arrange a day that is affordable, unique and eco-friendly.

spa party, but it may not be so relaxing to find the products for a natural-product spa party. Luckily Piggypaint.com offers kidfriendly nail polishes and a “Birthday Bash” gift set.

challenging them with a scavenger hunt or let the little partiers create their own capes and masks. Plainjaneskincare.com provides all the materials you’ll need. you can also take a group of kids to your child’s favorite local attraction. Kids can have animal encounters at the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens and Lowry Park zoo or experience hi-tech, hands on exhibits at the Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. For the older boys, you can put a twist on the traditional sleepover by setting up a tent in the backyard creating a safe and unique camping experience.

Even the small, but important details, such as invitations, can go green. invitationBox. com offers thousands of designs that are 100 percent eco-friendly and that kids are sure to love. you just need to decide on a theme and then you can send the invitations on their way. Superhero and princess party themes are common among younger kids, but there are plenty of other ideas that your child might enjoy as well. A green theme is easier than you think and it can save money and is kinder to the environment. younger kids may enjoy a garden theme. you’ll need small planting pots, soil, seeds and kid-safe paint. Let the little ones decorate the pot and plant the seeds. it’s not only a great activity for the party but a wonderful party favor for the kids to take home. Many little girls love the pampering of a

you could also plan a party at local spas like Crave and Sweet & Sassy which both carry organic and all-natural lines of products and treatments. if the little birthday boy demands adventure and excitement, go above and beyond pin the tail on the donkey and a pinata,

Parties in your home seem to require days of cleaning up. if you are looking to avoid that after-party cleanup, the Lotus Room is one of the most unique party venues in the area, allowing the kids to experience a healthy way to have fun. The Kula Kids yoga party includes yoga, play, games and arts and crafts. When it comes to giving and receiving gifts, it can get daunting. The last thing a parent

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...................................................................................................................................................... birthday party guide

A little Paint...A little Wine and a Whole Lot of Fun!

Bring your favorite bottle of wine and leave the rest to us.

BYOB! $35/$45

all supplies incl. www.PaintingWithATwist.com 2527 Central Ave., St. Pete. • 727.327.4488 2821 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa • 813.839.2409

Parties Princess Parties! Spa Parties! Fashion Show Diva Parties! Mommy & Me Parties! & many more! Custom designer parties in your home or venue of choice. 813-476-5419 www.tampagirlsnight.com

Become a fan! Learn about our parties & promotions. Princess Parties by Girl’s Night Parties & Events

May 2011

TBParenting.com

wants to do is upset their child on his birthday, but it doesn’t hurt your child or your wallet if you’re a little inventive. Homemade gifts can be meaningful and likely will last longer than the latest toy. now, there’s nothing wrong with giving toys but there are other options, such as a photo collage.

PA PARK S AM

Y O U R PA

ort to PasSspummer

ER FUN

Shapecollage.com has a great gift to help commemorate an entire year in photos. Users can upload photos to create large collages in all different shapes. Parents, grandparents and family friends can turn digital photos into keepsakes. if the child is a bookworm, give her the gift of reading with Booksfree.com, the Netflix of the publishing world. For a flat monthly fee, it provides unlimited reading options.

ORT TO SU

• Sports & Games • Computer & Technology • Field Trips • Arts & Crafts • Special Interest Camps • Swimming

Ages 5-17

Monday - Friday • June 13 – August 20 • 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. $80 per child for nine weeks of camp

Birthdays are also a great opportunity to teach your child that giving is also one of life’s most important lessons. Parents can set up a fund to donate to their child’s favorite wildlife fund, charity or any other cause they would like. Partygoers can donate to that fund instead of bringing a present. if your child decides to donate the funds they raise, a great website to visit is Childrendonate2.org. Another great idea is to open a savings account for college, camps or trips that guests also can contribute to in lieu of a gift. There are plenty of options when executing your child’s birthday celebration. The most important thing is that you enjoy it as much as the guests. Birthdays are supposed to be fun events that help to celebrate another year of wonderful memories. Happy planning and happy birthday.

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OVER 60 CAMPS - PreK3 - 12th Grade - Open to All

2011

WHERE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT TIME!

June 13 July 29

Full & Half Day One Week Sessions

through

Transportation After Camp Care Available

813-961-3087

Got Kids?

Love Yoga?

12015 Orange Grove Drive

www.idsyes.com

Buy 1, Get 1 125 $

On All Summer Break Camps

Savings*

*Limit 1 Per Child

KULA KIDS

Yoga Classes Yoga is an activity that creates positive well-being by building self-awareness, strength, and ﬂexibility in both mind and body. By beginning to practice yoga as children, we learn to embrace our own beautiful gifts, those of each other, and live our lives with abundant joy. Come, Play, Yoga!

YogaLotusRoom.com

1101 W. Kennedy • 813-254-6777

May 2011

TBParenting.com

Fun Included

Check out some of the bay area’s best celebration venues.

Airheads Trampoline Arena - Stop bouncing off the walls deciding on where to host your child’s birthday party and book your party online today with AirHeads, the trampoline arena where you can actually bounce off the walls! airheadsusa.com

Busch Gardens — you bring the friends and Busch Gardens will do the rest. For

the little ones, there’s the Sesame Street Safari of Fun party, where your guests can dine with Elmo. There are fun options for tweens and teens, too. buschgardens.com

Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise — An adventure-filled birthday to remember on a real pirate ship, the birthday cruise includes treasure hunts, face painting, musical games, pirate stories, pirate pinata and more. captainmemo.com

City Street Sweets — isn’t every child’s dream to have a birthday candy party? Enjoy

LillysFaces Professional Face Paint and Body Artist

813-415-8687

www.LILLYSFACES.com Special Party 2 hrs for the price of one

All Prices Start at $125 an hour

Approved For Fun!!!

a candy celebration, where guests make candy and memories. citystreetsweets.com

Dunedin Fine Art Center — Be creative on your birthday. instructors will guide your group through an amazing journey of art. dfac.org/tbp

Florida Aquarium — Want to have a wet and wild celebration? Make a splash at

the aquarium. Choose from an indoor classroom party or an outdoor water park celebration, weather permitting. All parties include free parking, admission to the aquarium, goodie bags and an animal encounter. flaquarium.org

Florida Academy of the Performing Arts — FAOPA offers a rock-star party package, where your mini rocker can hit the stage, grab a microphone and entertain the crowd. All the kids receive goodie bags. musicshowcaseonline.com Gators Games Mobile Arcade — Bring an arcade to your party site. Gator Games 25-foot diesel truck runs under generator power and features classic and modern arcade favorites, LCD TVs, neon carpeting and stereo sound. gatorgames.com Girls Night Parties & Events — Offering designer parties for girls of all ages, packages are all-inclusive and allow parents to truly relax and enjoy. Special requests are welcomed. tampagirlsnight.com

Birthday Parties, Summer Camps, Special Occasions, Showers, Company/Family Picnics, Graduations, Marketing Events

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...................................................................................................................................................... summer camp guide

ENROLL NOW!

SUMMER SUMMER CAMPS CAMPS & & CLASSES CLASSES Kids and Adults

ANCE THEATER Pre-K summer fun! • Performing Art Sampler camps • Tots and Tunes • Creative Storytelling • Suzuki violin • Dance

813.222.1002 • patelconservatory.org

DAY CAMP

SPORTS

THEATER

SCIENCE

COOKING

ACADEMICS

PHOTOGRAPHY

ROBOTICS

DRIVERS ED

& MORE

All Camps Open to the Public 10 weeks of full-day & half-day camps for ages 4-18 with before & after care.

Contact Monica Stypinski: 727-522-2111 x 173; www.shorecrest.org

Shorecrest Preparator y School 5101 1st St. NE • St. Petersburg, FL 33703

Expect the Best ............................................................................................................................................................................................... Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

May 2011

TBParenting.com

summer camp guide ......................................................................................................................................................

Think Eﬀectively • Focus Better • Remember More Summer Camp for Your Brain Helps with ADD/ADHD/Learning Differences SESSION ONE SESSION TWO June 20 - July 14 July 18 - August 11

★

Three time options available:

9am-12pm • 1pm-3pm • 3:30pm-5:30pm Classes are Monday through Thursday in Carrollwood and South Tampa!

Glazer Children’s Museum — Plan

a party your child will never forget! Choose from seven birthday themes, from a carnival to a “Get Moving Party.” Museum members receive discount. glazermuseum.org

Hire A Fire Truck — is your child an

aspiring rescue worker? Then this is the perfect choice. your party will include a full-size firetruck and firefighting activities. hireafiretrucktampa.com

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo — The zoo

www.RicePsychologyGroup.com

813-969-3878

Dalí Summer Camp

School offers wild birthday parties. your event includes a private, air-conditioned rental space for 1½ hours, a party host, upclose animal encounters, age-appropriate games or activities and admission to the zoo for the group. lowryparkzoo.com

Junior Docents

Miracle’s and Maggie’s Tea Room — Catering to children age 3 to sweet 16,

A summer camp offered to children 8 to 12 years of age.

party room for 1½ hours, professional education staff as party host, choice of party theme and admission to the exhibit galleries for up to 30 people. mosi.org

Junior Docents are trained in a one-week

mini docent class where they receive personal attention as they learn about the collection.

choose a session:

This program concludes with a public reception where the children conduct tours, sharing their knowledge of Dalí and his paintings with the public. Junior docents participate in fun, surreal-inspired activities, and make new friends.

June 20-25 July 11-16 Aug 1-6

9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Fee: $175 / $125 for Dalí Members. Please contact Bethany Mead at bmead@thedali.org or (727) 623-4730 visit thedali.org/summercamp to register today.

visit thedali.org/events 1 dalí boulevard st. petersburg

you can enjoy a tea party fit for a queen. experiencemiracles.com

MOSI — Birthday party’s include the

Music Together — Create memories together, learning about music from around the world and having fun, too. musictogether.com/tampabay

Painting With A Twist — The studio

offers private parties for children and adults, providing an art instructor and all the supplies for each partygoer to create a masterpiece. paintingwithatwist.com

The museum is sponsored in part by the Pinellas County Cultural Affairs Department, the City of St. Petersburg, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Dance All Through Summer! Come train with the BEST at America’s Ballet School this Summer, Voted “Outstanding School” FOUR YEARS in a row by the YAGP and recipient of the 2011 “Outstanding Coach” AND “Outstanding Choreographer” awards from the ADC.

Princess Dance Camp

International Summer Intensive DanzAmerica’s Project, Inc.

When: July 11th to 14th July 18th to 21nd July 25th to 28th Who: Ages 3-6

Summer Dance Workshop: Beyond Technique

When: August 1st to 20th Who: A program for serious dancers, ages 12 and up

When: July 11th to 15th July 18th to 22nd July 25th to 29th Who: Ages 7 and up

Ongoing Adult Ballet Classes Saturday Pre-Ballet Classes

Check our calendar online for summer schedules and fees

America’s Ballet School • (813) 558-0800 15365 Amberly Drive, Tampa, FL 33647

americasballet@gmail.com • www.americasballet.com

r e m sum arts &

2011

Traditional TaeKwon-Do Center of South Tampa

dramuasic m dance

SUMMER CAMP

Feel conﬁdent sending your child to our Award Winning, character building, fun and ﬁt Martial Arts program.

SPACE LIMITED CALL NOW Classes and camps in DANCE, DRAMA, MUSIC & SONG Convenient lunch program & tuition assistance available!

NOW ENROLLING!

Call (727) 712-2706 Or visit hoffmanperformingarts.org The Marcia P.

HOFFMAN INSTITUTE Performing Arts

• Bully Proof FREE • Kid Safety WEEK • Physical Fitness FREE UNIFORM • Lots of Fun

813-350-9400

3617 HENDERSON BLVD., SUITE C, TAMPA, FL 33609 We are located at the corner of Henderson and Swann www.SouthTampaTaekwondo.com

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4/14/2011 12:58:45 PM

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

May 2011

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summer camp guide ......................................................................................................................................................

CAMP SEAL w o N l nrol amp

e m m u S

June 6 - August 19 • Ages 4 - 12 Monday - Friday • 8:30 - 4:00

ONLY

Swimming Lessons Recreational Swim Weekly Sports Field Trips Inflatables Arts & Crafts Outdoor Games

150 EEK

PER W

19501 Holly Lane Lutz, FL 33548

(813) 229-7946

TBSA.COM

for more information and to register Mention This Ad & Receive

10% OFF on summer camp registration

Not valid with any other offer

SKATE TO BE COOL

ATTENTION CAMP DIRECTORS: Keep your campers cool this summer…. Daily open sessions with special group rates

TBSA OLDSMAR 255 Forest Lake Blvd. 813-854-4010

TBSA COUNTRYSIDE Westfield-Countryside 727-723-7785

AGES 3-18

Learn to Skate Camps Learn To Play Hockey Camps Figure Skating Camps for Advanced Skaters

2011

SWIM Extended Care is Available www.campseal.net • lutz@sealswimschool.com

Summer Camp Musical Theatre • Several different groups—Take your talent to the stage Garage Band • Learn how to play in a rock band Workshops • Worship U, Pop Idol, Acting, Cello, Saxophone, iRock & Sound Trax Jazz Band • Play blues, rock, funk & swing Group Guitar • Study a variety of music genres in a relaxed environment Percussion Ensemble • Play pieces for percussion only as a group Glee Performance Group • Combine singing with dance movement Orchestra • Learn the basics of playing in an orchestra Acting Classes • Develop your on-stage & on-camera skills Manners DO Matter • Learn how to make a great impression Group Violin • Traditional & Suzuki Method—Learn to play the violin Mini-Musicians • Features Instrument Petting Zoo—Learn the basics of music The Rockestra • Play in an orchestra with rock flare

Located inside Music Showcase 402 Oakfield Dr Brandon, FL 33511

the florida academy of performing arts

(1/2 blk west of Brandon Hospital)

813-490-ARTS (2787)

faopa

.org

Where dreams come to life

For Schedule & To Register Visit

faopa.org

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Racing & Reks — Offering parties for

little ones and the young at heart, this mobile slot car track can come to your home or any location of your choosing. racingandreks.com

Seal Swim School — Plan a pool party no matter the season and let the kids enjoy swimming in a safe, monitored environment. sealswimschool.com

Tampa Bay Skating Academy —

Spend your birthday on the ice! Create a custom birthday package for you child at the Tampa Bay Skating Academy that includes skating rentals, cake, balloons, t-shirt(s), and much more! TBSA.com

Traditional Tae Kwon-Do Center of South Tampa - in addition to regular

classes, the center offers fun-filled birthday parties that include games, mini-classes, obstacle courses and a party room. southtampataekwondo.com

Vertical Ventures — Florida’s first and

Tampa’s only indoor rock climbing gym, a party here is sure to be remembered. With more than 6,000 square feet of professionally designed climbing surfaces, there are always new challenges to conquer. verticalventures.com

“WE COME TO YOU” with OUR CUSTOMIZED ARCADE TRUCK TO YOUR EVENT

YMCAs of Tampa Bay — The yMCA

has so much to offer, including birthday parties.Check with your local yMCA for party availability. ymcatampabay.org

Young Chefs Academy — A culinary

ITH ED W

LOAD

FULL -FUN SUPER

SIZE

S!! GAME

school for ages 3-15, aspiring chefs can make a variety of tasty dishes and enjoy them all when they’re done. youngchefsacademy.com

May 2011

TBParenting.com

summer camp guide ......................................................................................................................................................

Have an AWESOME Summer at the Lakes

Su mm er at th e La kes

Full & 1/2 Day Summer

Camps for Kids 3-14

One-Week Sessions June 13 - August 5 • 8

MP KES SUMM ER DAY CA AC ADEMY AT TH E LA 9 63 34 FL s, Land O’ Lake 2331 Collier Parkway •

FUN ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOU SMILING ALL SUMMER LONG! ARTS & CRAFTS ◆ BAKING ◆ CHEERLEADING ◆ COOKING DRAMA ◆ FIELD TRIPS ◆ PHOTOGRAPHY ◆ MUSIC ◆ SPORTS ACADEMIC REVIEWS ◆ AND MUCH MORE!

ONLINE BROCHURE: www.academyatthelakes.org/campus-life/summer-program

MARY JO’S PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

ENROLLING NOWChap Kids ‘R’ Kids at Wesley Kids ‘R’ Kids at Wesley Chapel

WATCH YOUR

CHILD CAMP THEMES:

Beauty & The Beast Toy Story Nick Jr. Broadway Music Fun!

SOAR THIS SUMMER! Ballet Jazz Acting Tap

Acrobatics Voice & Music Hip-Hop Musical Theatre

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5

June 13 - June 17 June 20 - June 24 July 11 - July 15 July 18 - July 22 July 25 - July 29

Full and Half Day Performing Arts Camps Ages 3 and up . Boys and Girls Dance . Acting . Voice . Music Mary Jo’s Performing Arts Academy 15906 Mapledale Blvd. Tampa, FL 33624 813.969.0240 ~ mjpaa.com

$10 OFF WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD

(cannot be combined with other offers)

Studio

Mapledale Blvd

Ehrlich Road

N Dale Mabry

FREE AFTERCARE

• Infants – 12 years • Highly Rated Free VPK • Mon – Friday FT, PT programs • Music, Physical Education, Computers • Summer Camp, School Age Care, Transportation • 17,000 Sq.Ft state-of-the-art Facility • Video Monitoring- Watch your child while at work • Low Student Teacher Ratio • Structured and Curriculum Based Preschool

“Kids are Laughing, Kids are Learning” Accredited By APPLE/ Gold Seal Program 1540 Mansfield Blvd Wesley Chapel, FL-33543 (813) 994-4525 www.kidsrkidsmeadowpointe.com Lic# C06PA0129

Check our website for Open House Information

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ECKERD COLLEGE

Summer Watersports Camp

MAKE A SPLASH AT YMCA CAMP

Summer camps at the Y focus on nurturing the potential of children and helping them grow in spirit, mind and body. We encourage fun and friendship and provide the opportunity for young people to build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills and make lasting memories. Kids will enjoy a variety of camp activities like swimming, arts and crafts, sports, character-building activities and more.

Sailing, Windsurfing, Kayaking Fishing, EXPLORING Marine LifE, WAKEBOARDING and More!

727-864-8288 www.eckerd.edu/waterfront/

Camps... Build Character

Respect, Compassion, Self-Control, Citizenship, Honesty, Courage, Diligence, Responsibility, Cooperation and Leadership

Visit www.ymcatampabay.org to find a camp near you. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Bob Gilbertson Central City Family YMCA (Tampa Heights) 813.229.9622 Bob Sierra Family YMCA (Carrollwood) 813.962.3220 Brandon Family YMCA (Seffner) 813.685.5402 Campo Family YMCA (Valrico) 813.684.1371 Interbay-Glover Family YMCA (S. Tampa) 813.839.0210 New Tampa Family YMCA 813.866.9622 Northwest Hillsborough YMCA (Town ‘N’ Country) 813.249.8510 Plant City Family YMCA 813.757.6677 WestPark Village YMCA (Westchase) 813.792.7838 PASCO COUNTY James P. Gills Family Branch YMCA (Trinity) 727.375.9622 East Pasco Family YMCA (Zephryhills) 813.780.9622

• Games • Crafts & More!

Each week children learn about positive character traits through group discussions, games, activities and positive role models. Camp prices start as low as $75 per week and supervision is provided from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fees include field trips.

More information is available at

www.myclearwater.com/camps Countryside Recreation Center The Long Center North Greenwood Recreation & Aquatic Complex Ross Norton Recreation & Aquatic Complex Moccasin Lake Nature Park

CITRUS COUNTY Citrus County Branch YMCA (Inverness) 352.637.0132 HERNANDO COUNTY Hernando County Branch YMCA (Spring Hill) 352.688.9622

www.ymcatampabay.org

Camp starts June 13 and continues through August 19 for children entering grades 1-8. Campers enjoy days full of activities such as:

• Sports • Field Trips

PINELLAS COUNTY Clearwater Branch YMCA 727-461-9622 High Point Branch YMCA (Clearwater) 727.507.9622 Greater Ridgecrest Branch YMCA (Largo) 727.559.0500 Bardmoor Branch YMCA (Largo) 727.394.9622 Greater Palm Harbor Branch YMCA 727.787.9622 North Pinellas Branch YMCA (Palm Harbor) 727.772.9622 Jim & Heather Gills YMCA (St. Pete) 727.328.9622 Harbordale YMCA (St. Pete) 727.821.9348 School Sites (St. Pete) 727.895.9622

At North Pinellas Children’s Center, we pride ourselves on personalized and compassionate care for your child at your convenience. Building on our tradition of more than 3 decades of providing the finest children’s healthcare to the families of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties, we are here for you! We are open 7 days a week and have early morning and evening appointments Monday-Thursday Palm Harbor Office 31860 U.S. Hwy. 19N Palm Harbor, FL 34684 727-787-6335

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Westchase Office 12780 Race Track Rd. Suite 305 Tampa, FL 33626 813-891-6501 Joanna Allison, Christine Armstrong, Dean Fauber

www.npcmc.com

May 2011

TBParenting.com

prepping

...........................

By mark Heller

for the

future TIPs FOr saT anD mOre

pring is in full swing and in high schools across the Tampa Bay area and the nation that means preparation for prom, graduation and other school-based rites of passage are in full swing, too. it also means that it’s time for those highstakes tests that can have a significant impact on the choices available to students for their steps after high school. Of course, i’m referring to the SAT and the Advanced Placement or AP exams. Strong SAT and AP scores alone generally will not get you in to the college of your choice. Weak ones, however, very well could keep you out. While there continues to be much debate surrounding the true educational value of these tests — and for very good reason, in my judgment — they are not going away soon, so it’s best to help our students prepare to do their very best.

AP Exams: AP courses are basically intro-level

college courses taught at high schools. They are graded on a scale of one to five, with threes, fours, and fives considered to be passing grades. Each college has the discretion to grant either full college credit or course placement credit for passing grades or just for fours and fives or fives. As such, many students can earn college credit with strong AP scores. The best recipe for AP success includes having a great AP teacher. in fact, i recommend that students and their families seek out those great AP teachers, even in subjects that may not be of the greatest interest for the student. That’s because a great teacher’s passion, energy and technique will generate deeper interest from the students and, ultimately, a great educational experience. The enthusiasm of great teachers is absolutely infectious. it can spark interest in adolescents with remarkable power. it also can bring about one of the most important experiences

a high school student can have before college – a level of rigor and expectation way beyond what even good students have come to expect.

Form a Study Group: Sharing the experience with your peers will not only help you do well, but it also is great preparation for college.

A teacher at my school is well-known for creating an AP program that goes well beyond the normal expectations for high school class work. At first, many students do not believe that they will be able to handle the workload. But the teacher inspires them to keep at it and to work harder than they ever have before. They give up their lunch periods with the rest of the student body to eat with the teacher and the class to extend their lessons every day. The teacher guides them on the climb to the top of the mountain and, when they get there in May, they can hardly believe how much they know and how strong they have become. They have enormous pride in the view they have from the top of the mountain. They grow as students, workers and human beings in ways that make me so proud, regardless of their scores, which usually wind up being overwhelmingly fours and fives.

Work to Understand the Material, Not to Achieve a Grade: Don’t be shy about

i polled some of my school’s AP teachers and students for advice. notice that there is a great deal of self-direction and initiative involved. if your student is not prepared to be self-directed, perhaps she is not ready for AP.

Do Your Homework: By this, i don’t just mean study every night, but go to the College Board website and learn all you can about your AP courses, even as early as the summer before you begin the class. it is wise to write yourself a summary sheet about the test date and time, the number and types of questions. Keeping this in mind will help you avoid surprises. Use Flash Cards: There are some great Webbased flash card sites that will store your flash cards, let you flip through them and even generate tests.

supplementing your study by using published review books. Each review book has a slightly different bent. Use multiple ones to help you understand.

Practice With Released Exams:

Using actual test questions from past years will help you a great deal. Many can be found on the College Board website. Throughout the year, find questions that contain the material you’ve just learned, write the answers, then open the grading rubric on the site and grade your answer.

Review Frequently:

Take opportunities to review after each unit or topic, but then begin your year-end review at least a month prior to the AP exam. Here again, the teacher is key. Teacherled review sessions outside of class time are very productive. Whether on weekends, evenings or after school, teachers who take the time and show the requisite dedication by example go a long way toward generating great enthusiasm, effort and learning from the students. They also help with the scores.

Essays: AP exams are not the only end-of-year exams that require essays. Both the ACT and the SAT now also have writing sections. you should organize your response by following the rule of three. Each essay ought to have a thesis, a main idea or topic sentence that tells the reader what you intend to prove; the body or proof of your thesis; and a conclusion that briefly ties your ideas together. continued on page 24

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May 2011

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education guide

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Meet Dr. Robert Melillo Researcher, author of Disconnected Kids and Reconnected Kids, and founder of the groundbreaking Brain Balance Program® for children with ADD, Learning Disability, Autism, Dyslexia, Asperger’s and other neurological disorders. Special book signing and parent/teacher lecture, Monday evening, 5/23.

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your thesis section should be short and to the point. Don’t waste your time on a flowery introduction. The body is your longest section and should include the content that supports your thesis. Try to use three examples to prove your thesis, with a paragraph on each point. you can then move on to your conclusion.

Reading Comprehension: Both the SAT and the ACT have reading comprehension sections. Most of these tips apply for each, but there are slight differences. General: Annotate: As you read each passage, make some notes or underlines. note advanced words, especially those you don’t know, metaphors and similes, lists and shifts in setting. These notes will help you answer the questions that follow the passage. Eliminate Answers: As you eliminate answers, cross them off. Once you make your decision, point to the place in the passage that undeniably proves it is the correct answer.

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Everybody likes choices.

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WOODMONT CHARTER SCHOOL

Woodmont Charter School, the newest member of the Charter Schools USA family of schools, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and will open August 2011 at 10402 N 56 Street in Temple Terrace.

A few seats are still available for the 2011-12 school year. Apply online now for Grades K-6 WoodmontCharter.org or call (866) KIDS-USA for more information. 5437-872

ACT: The ACT questions follow no specific order. Therefore, read the entire passage, annotating as you go, before you tackle the questions. Remember that the ACT does not penalize you for incorrect answers; it only counts the number you get correct. The SAT does deduct partial points for incorrect answers. Thus, it pays to guess on the ACT, but guessing is only a wise strategy on the SAT if you can narrow down the choices to two or three. SAT: The SAT reading comprehension questions generally follow the order of the passage. Thus, we suggest reading the first and last paragraphs, then the questions. Determine if the questions are about vocabulary, main idea, detail or inference. Then go back and read the entire passage. Answer the vocabulary questions first, then the main idea questions, saving the inference questions for last. Even a bad test-taking experience can be a positive learning experience for a student, especially if it teaches that more effort and intensity will be needed for academic success in college. Though these tests are important, make sure your students know that their performance on these instruments is not a measure of their worth. There are plenty of bright, capable adults in great careers who did not test well. Ultimately, the attribute these tests do the best job of measuring is how well a student can do on these types of tests. in no way do these tests measure the attribute that is most important for leading a successful life — the content of each student’s character. Academy at the Lakes AP teachers Paul Hagenau, Lynne Grigelevich and Dr. Amy Jordan contributed to this report. Mark Heller is head of school at Academy at the Lakes, a PreK3 - 12th grade independent school that serves families in the North Tampa Bay Area. Visit Academy at the Lakes at www. academyatthelakes.org.

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May 2011

TBParenting.com

.............................. By DavID esTevez

new yOrk PerFeCT FOr FamIly vaCaTIOns

et’s hear it for new york. From the bright lights of Times Square to the sweet and savory smells of little italy to the concrete jungle of the financial district, New York City somehow manages to be all things to everyone. It can be an overwhelming and chaotic city one minute and a romantic, quaint American town the next.

That’s what makes the city a great place for families to visit, especially during the summer when there are a myriad of outdoor events, festivals and flea markets. There are plenty of ways to get around, including taxis, which can get pricey, and buses. If you want to see the city as you travel, the bus is a great option. The subway also is much easier to understand than you may think. You can find a map at www.mta.info and even purchase your subway cards. A seven-day, unlimited subway card costs about $29 per person. if you choose your hotel strategically, you also can walk to many locations. Besides being free, it’s a great way to experience the excitement of the city. The five boroughs that make up New York are rich in history and have much to offer visitors of all ages. So pack up the family for a long weekend. No matter your interests, you’re sure to have a great time. Plus, your kids never sleep so the city that never city sleeps is the perfect place to explore.

TPB TIP: Try booking tickets for a late afternoon performance.Crowdstendtobelightatthe4:30p.m.show.

Central Park is home to a national landmark, a world famous zoo, a carousel, a theater, which makes it a must-see for any visiting family. it’s open daily and is the best place in the city for a picnic. Plus, picnics are great on the wallet. TBP TIP: Make sure to pack sunscreen.

What began as a childhood dream of bringing her love of candy is now Dylan’s Candy Bar. Renowned for its private label of unique confections, the store, the brainchild of Dylan Lauren, daughter of fashion icon Ralph Lauren, has a vast assortment of American favorites, rare novelty items and imported specialty sweets from around the world. So be sure to stop by. They don’t call her the “Candy Queen” for nothing. www.dylanscandybar.com TPB TIP: Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for the sugar rush your kids are bound to enjoy.

This new, family musical, based on the new york Times best-selling book series by actress Julianne Moore, teaches Freckleface Strawberry, who will do anything to get rid of her freckles, and friends how to love the skin they’re in. With soaring live music, awesome dancing and loads of laughs, your whole family will be entertained, freckles or not. www. frecklefacethemusical.com

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This national treasure was a gift from France and dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886. The Liberty Sate Park offers the family friendly program, where you can learn about one of the world’s most famous symbols of freedom. The activities are fun and teach children about the national Park Service, the Statue of Liberty site and why this national monument is important. www.nps.gov/stli TBP TIP: Bring only what you need on this outing. For security reasons, there are two security checkpoints before the tour begins.

the museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through scientific research, education and exhibition. www.amnh.org

exploits and those of his wacky world traveling friends. Much of the memorabilia has a life of its own, so guests are warned, anything can happen. The restaurant features a great menu for the whole family.

TBP TIP: When you purchase a ticket to the American Museum of Natural History, you can enter certain parts of the Hayden Planetarium next door for free.

TBP Tip: It may be a little too spooky for

Alice’s yearning for happier times leads her on a quest far below the streets of new york City to the other side of the looking glass. There, she meets a marvelous cast of familiar but phenomenally re-imagined characters who help her navigate this impossibly peculiar universe and change her life forever. This new stage adaptation of Alice in Wonderland was originally produced at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts by President and CEO Judy Lisi. www.wonderlandonbroadway.com TBP Tip: Visit the theater two hours before the show and enter the daily lottery for a chance to see it for $30.

younger children.

For nearly 150 years, FAO Schwarz has enchanted children and adults alike with its unequaled collection of toys. The store, which you may remember from the Tom Hanks film BIG, still has the giant dance-on piano keyboard. www.fao.com TBP TIP: Be prepared to become a kid again.

Mom and dad can certainly enjoy their getaway, too! Located on the 12th floor, the 8,000-squarefoot bar and lounge boasts one of the best views of Lincoln Center and the city. Unwind at tables or private cabanas under the glow of the hotel’s iconic neon sign. www.chinagrillmgt.com

Visitors to the famous wax museum are sent on

TBP TIP: Most hotels offer a babysitting service so that you can enjoy a quiet evening in the city.

no visit to new york would be complete without visiting a great bagel shop. zucker’s in Tribeca is famous for its hand-rolled bagels and variety of smoked fish and cream cheeses. www. zuckersbagels.com TBP TIP: The shop tends to be busy between 8 a.m. and noon. Plan for an early afternoon lunch to avoid the crowd.

The American Museum of natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869,

The walls of Jekyll and Hyde are filled with the souvenirs and trophies of Dr. Jekyll’s bizarre

a unique journey through the realms of the powerful and famous. Get a chance to photograph, stand with and hug and kiss, if you like, your favorite celebrities. From Justin Bieber to Lady Gaga all your favorite celebrities are there. www. madametussauds.com TBP TIP: Booking your tickets online ahead of time can save you up to 20 percent, depending on the time of year you visit. Of course, we can’t list all the great places for you to visit in New York. However, we do know one thing. Your kids will love the trip almost as much as you.

May 2011

TBParenting.com

education guide

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Hundreds of north Tampa families choose Academy. Come for a tour and see why we’re a great choice.

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ES gh H E LAKhildhood throu thelakes.org H T T yC yat | Earl MY A cadem

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May 2011

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What’s Happening Free Subscription to TBP

Starting May 1, get Tampa Bay Parenting right at your door for free. Your day is busy enough and we want to help in all ways possible. Be among the first in the bay area to know about great family events and special galas just for mom and dad. Plus, enjoy helpful tips and stories that cover what’s important to parents. Visit TBParenting.com and sign up for your free subscription. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

Sea Grapes Fine Wine & Food Festival

Get into the swim of things at the 10th annual Sea Grapes Fine Wine & Food Festival from 8-11 p.m. May 7 at The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, in Tampa. Enjoy a special evening to benefit the aquarium’s youth education and conservation programs, while sampling fine wine, savoring food from premier restaurants and becoming immersed in a uniquely aquatic environment. General admission is $95. Visit www.seagrapes.org or call 813-273-4030 to learn more.

Calling All Super Dads

To mark the 101st anniversary of Father’s Day, Tampa Bay Parenting is searching for dads who are making a positive impact in the Tampa Bay area. Being a dad is not easy, so will we highlight some of the bay area’s best in our second annual Super Dads feature in the June issue. Do you know a Super Dad? Send an email to SuperDads@tbparenting.com along with an essay telling us why he’s the best. We want to hear from kids, wives, mothers, brothers and friends. The submission deadline is noon May 15.

SUPER DAD

Visit www.tbparenting.com/SuperDads for more information.

SilverSpoons & Sandcastles XX

Get over to Cruise Terminal No. 3 at the Tampa Port Authority from 7 to 10 p.m. May 6 to celebrate SilverSpoons & Sandcastles XX. From its humble beginnings in 1991, SilverSpoons & Sandcastles has become one of the Tampa Bay area’s largest and highest-profile fundraisers. Enjoy a fun, tropical-themed gala, featuring a silent auction, premium open bar, premier food and the Johnny G. Lyons Band. The gala benefits Tampa Bay Beautification, an environmental nonprofit organization. Tickets are $100 in advance and $125 at the door. Call 813-221-8733 or email Raina.Oneil@tampabaybeautification. org for tickets and details.

It’s PURSEonal Carnival

The Wesley Chapel Chapter of Mothers and More, a nonprofit organization, and Seal Swim School will be hosting their first It’s PURSEonal carnival from 4-7 p.m. May 6 at the Lutz location of Seal Swim School, 19509 N. Dale Mabry Highway. Come enjoy a fun-filled event to benefit the women of The Spring of Tampa and Sunrise of Pasco. Complete with all the carnival concessions, there will be BBQ provided by Hungry Harry’s BBQ, a bounce house, dunk tank, face painting,balloon artist and magician, mermaids for photo-ops, prizes and music. Donate new and gently-used purses to be entered into the drawing. Purses will be donated to these organizations to symbolize the power that every woman has in her purse. A portion of additional donations and monies from food purchases also will be distributed to The Spring and Sunrise.

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May 2011

TBParenting.com

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mOTHerHOOD COmes wITH lOaDs OF laugHs, lOve anD launDry

Just like every one of your children is unique, motherhood has a unique meaning to all the women lucky enough and brave enough to give it try. Whether you’re a mom through childbirth, adoption or marriage, it’s all motherhood. As you prepare to enjoy Mother’s Day, and hopefully take a well-deserved break, we hope these stories from bay area moms inspire you and make you smile.

FIrsT-TIme mOm ....................................................... By wenDy ryan

Wendy Ryan with her husband Jerome and daughter Raquel. The challenges i faced becoming a mom has helped me learn what’s important in life. I struggled with infertility for more than five years. When I finally got pregnant, i found out i was having twins but miscarried one of the fetuses seven weeks later. The doctor was sure the other twin would not make it through the night. But somehow the baby survived. Then, almost three months before my due date, my water broke and i was put on bed rest in the hospital. At 32 weeks i had an emergency cesarean and my daughter was born a preemie at just more than 3½ pounds. Raquel then spent almost two months in iCU hooked up to a feeding tube, heart monitor and other machines. it was the longest 42 days of my life. When Raquel finally came home, it truly was a dream come true. So when I look into her eyes, i’m reminded of what a miracle she is. Returning to work with a newborn at home has made life much more challenging! i try to stay on top of things. i grocery shop and run errands on Saturday and cook and clean on Sunday. But there still never seems to be enough time in the day. Anyone else feel that way? A few short cuts i try include putting together all of my meals for the week on the weekend. i wash all my fruit and vegetables and cut them up. i also grill a few days worth of chicken or fish and prepare salads for the week. That way I don’t have to do it daily. Bringing food to work has made it easier to eat healthy. Exercise always makes me feel better. i teach spin classes which helps get my lazy butt out of bed, even when i don’t feel like going. But it’s all about creating the habit because it helps keep my stress in check. My Blackberry is my life saver. it holds my calendar of day-to-day activities and it’s

a great news source. i get breaking news emails and tweets from many news outlets, stay connected to Facebook, text and email. What did we do before these? For me, sleeping is essential as i cannot function if i don’t get enough. So i try not to have any caffeine in the afternoon as i have a hard time sleeping if it’s in my system too late. I find the healthier I eat, the better I sleep. The saying you are what you eat is so true and it transfers into all parts of my life – my attitude, energy, sleep level and stress. i try to stay grateful. it’s so easy for me to focus on what i don’t have rather than what i do. What helps? i have inspirational quotes sent to my work email, personal email and Blackberry. Just when i feel down, one of those uplifting quotes comes in and it can really make me re-evaluate whatever i was fretting about. So in honor of my first official Mother’s Day - thanks to all you moms who do it all and make it look so easy. you are an inspiration to me. Ryan is the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. anchor for ABC Action News. She also is a member of the I-Team and goes inside bay area restaurant kitchens, revealing violations and potentially unsafe situations in her Dirty Dining reports.

PeaCe amID CHaOs ....................................................... By lInDa HurTaDO

Barbaro, Jenna, Linda, Jackie, Josefina, Juan, Jillian, Jessica and Jorge at Indian Shores. I always knew I wanted to be a mother but never imagined I’d have five kids. i’m the workaholic career woman on the fast track. i fell into motherhood quite naturally, though, and in a variety of ways. i married a man who had two children. So i became a stepmom to two wonderful girls. i gave birth to two more girls and recently became a second mom for a relative of my husband’s from Cuba. We have

continued on page 36

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May 2011

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had five kids in the house at one time, toddlers and teenagers. There have been $200 weekly trips to the grocery store, endless papers to sign for school, more nights at the softball park than i can count, broken arms and fractured friendships. Through it all, i’ve had to be the calm eye in a rapidly turning storm. it’s exhausting and satisfying and i wouldn’t have my life any other way. But what i have found in the years i’ve spent mothering is that organization is key for me. Peace in the chaos of the morning starts by preparing the night before. i lay out all of my kid’s clothes, sign their planners and make their lunches before i go to bed. i’d be late every day if i didn’t. i work out in the morning. Sometimes i have to get up at 4:45 a.m. just so i can jump on a treadmill in my garage and get in a 30-minute workout. Exercise will start your day off the right way. you get your blood moving, your muscles stretching and those happy chemicals in your brain dancing. Teach your kids to be helpers. My kids make their beds in the morning and keep their rooms clean, most of the time, so those are rooms i don’t have to clean. They also are expected to help with dishes and laundry. Ask for help if you need it because it takes a village to raise a child. i have my mother-in-law on speed dial, recently hired a tutor for one of my kids and my husband contributes a lot. Find a hobby and lose yourself in it. I joined a fiction writer’s group and love the time i spend with a group of women who share my love for the written word. it’s something i do only for me. Don’t feel guilty about doing something you love outside the family. As my husband always says: Happy wife means happy life. Hurtado is the 5 p.m. anchor and medical reporter for ABC Action News. An 11-time Emmy award winning reporter, she met her husband while on assignment in Cuba. When not interviewing local newsmakers, you’ll find her at one of her kid’s sporting events.

a mOTHer’s HearT ....................................................... By Peggy sTInes-munnIngs From left, Damien, Maelle, Noemie and Peggy.

A mother’s heart is a child’s classroom.

—

Henry Ward Beecher

i am the lucky mother of two girls — Maelle, who recently turned 6, and noemie who recently turned 4 — who i affectionately refer to as my little mamas. Being a mother has been quite an adventure filled with alternating periods of pure joy and frustration, but one that i must admit i have embraced enthusiastically. Parenting to me is like writing a script to a movie without having a clear idea of the ending but working toward a beautiful one and also preparing for an alternate ending. My story started a couple of years before i was blessed with my children. i read parenting book after parenting book and thought i knew exactly what to expect. Little did i know that it does not matter how much you prepare. When it happens, it hits you like a ton of bricks. Again, so does the love that overtakes you. in their short lives, my children have taught me more about myself than i have learned in my lifetime: patience that i never imagined i would need and never knew i had; an unconditional love that i never thought was possible to feel for one person, let alone two small children; and the ability to adapt to the constant flux of life. Being a mother is my most important and fulfilling role. The feeling that I get from raising my girls cannot be compared to anything i have ever experienced in my life; i am constantly reminded that i am responsible for the adults they become and their contribution to society. if i do nothing more than give my girls the tools to become happy, confident, compassionate, well-rounded women, I will have succeeded. i take the demanding task at hand very seriously while enjoying the innocence, magic and silliness they bring to my life every day. i look forward to seeing my girls grow up and become citizens of the world. Until then, i will continue to write my story

and will treasure every second of this wonderful, yet challenging journey, that i am so fortunate to be on. Stines-Munnings is originally from Haiti, moving to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida, where she met her husband Damien. She is a resource specialist, working with the underinsured.

lOve remaIns THe same ....................................................... By lIsa De laurenTIs-rOgers

Lisa De Laurentis-Rogers, left, enjoys spending time with Madeline, front, Sofia and Nyle. Motherhood began for me in an unconventional way. i was 20 and had recently returned to Florida from Chicago, living with my mother and two sisters. Soon after, I was introduced to a 12 year-old girl named Sofia who had traveled from Greece with her mother and sister. i convinced my mother to let them stay with us. As time passed, Sofia and I grew close. A short time later, Sofia’s mother was struck by a car and fatally injured. in the months that followed the tragedy, many decisions about the fate of Sofia and her sister were made. It was at that time that I decided to adopt Sofia. We had a lot of fun with our unusual situation. Many people thought we were sisters because of our eight-year age difference and many still do. But our relationship runs deeper than that. Six wonderful and meaningful years later the adoption was finally complete. However, the formal document was merely procedural because Sofia and i already shared a special love and respect for one another. We have experienced the same challenges and joys shared between any mother and daughter, and others unique to our situation, but my relationship with her is one i’ll always cherish and is among the most important in my life. Fast forward 20 years and again i’m a mother, only this time on the verge of turning 40. My husband nyle and i had been married just shy of a year, but had been trying to have a baby before we were even married. Quickly we recognized that it might be more difficult than we expected, and we visited a fertility specialist. After many tests, we learned we had a less than 5 percent chance of having a baby of our own. My heart had always longed to share the world with a child of my own. needless to say, we were devastated. A few days later, nyle and i went on a cruise for our november wedding anniversary and on Christmas Eve we learned I was five weeks and two days pregnant, truly a gift from God. Madeline came into the world in 2004 a whopping 9 pounds, 7 ounces and 22 inches long. Every decision i make is with her in mind and i strive to provide her with the love and guidance she needs to make her way in the world. She is the love of my life. Sharing the world with her is amazing and seeing it through her eyes is even more beautiful. i never knew i could love someone as much as i love her nor have i ever felt the happiness she brings me as i watch her sing, dance, discover and accomplish or hear her belly laugh, recognize her confidence or wipe away her tears. And oh, those hugs and kisses. in this hurried life of balancing career and family, i cherish her every moment. She has such a zest for life and i am so proud of her kind spirit and gentle heart. Madeline has changed my life in ways i never knew possible. in the same breath i’d give up my life for her, while hoping for more years to watch her make all of her dreams a reality. i have been blessed with two beautiful daughters in my life. Although both very different experiences, one thing remains constant and that is love. De Laurentis-Rogers, originally from Chicago, graduated from Eckerd College. She is a hospital sales specialist and enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the theater and boating.

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...................................................................................................................................................... health & wellness

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May 2011

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May 2011

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Extraordinary woman

.........................................

By AngelA Ardolino

Mastering the art of motherhood, work and community.

Born in Scotland, Aymee Brace is practically a native Floridian, moving to the state when she was 3. The mother of three boys, she’s busy not only as a special events planner helping Orlando’s Puff ‘n Stuff Catering expand into the Tampa market, but also with her work with the national Association of Catering Executives. She says the event industry is in her blood. “My entire family is in the event industry so i basically grew up in the business.” in keeping with that tradition, her husband Paul also is in the industry. They own Brace Entertainment, where he DJs for weddings and other events. A go-getter, the 29-year-old says she enjoys a challenge and makes it her mission to prove naysayers wrong.

What is the secret to your family’s success?

We are constantly learning what is best for our family as it changes. Support is huge for us. My husband runs all over town after the kids when i have late appointments, tastings and so on. it’s really hard and we continuously work on keeping our schedule straight. We also have great neighbors, family and friends who step in when needed. Keeping the kids involved in sports, activities, playing outside and spending time together also helps. Then there’s hard work and the willingness to change and learn. i also try to have date night with each of the boys one on one. They dress up and take me out. it’s really cute and at the end of the day i remind my kids that i love them, they love their brothers and their family.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is the time i have with my children flying by too fast or losing one of them. If anything happened to one of them, i would be devastated. i just want to appreciate every moment. i couldn’t imagine not having one of my boys.

What advice would you give to other women?

if there is something you want to try or do in life, do it. i used to let other people control my destiny and my decisions and i started to have regrets. One day i just realized that life is so short and if there is something i want to do then i just do it. There are people involved in our lives but this also is your life. you only get one, so live it up.

What is your proudest moment?

My 9-year-old son got a solo in his school Christmas program this year. He was the finale

singer and his part was pretty big. He stood up at the microphone in front of hundreds of people and he nailed the song. He was perfection. i couldn’t help but cry because i remember seeing myself do the same thing when i was younger. it’s really cool to see your kids excelling or loving the same things you did.

it makes me happy to see a client you’ve worked with from conception of their event. you stand there on their wedding day or at their event and watch everything you talked about come to life. There’s nothing better than getting a nice email, phone call or card about how perfect things were. i get emotional at almost every wedding we do.

What is your biggest achievement?

How do you relax and take time for yourself?

in February 2010, i went into the hospital at 26 weeks pregnant with my third child to take a hospital tour with my husband. After feeling faint, i passed out during the tour and was rushed to an observation room. Long story short, we never left the hospital that day. i had preeclampsia and it was bad enough to keep me on hospital bed rest for the next six weeks. My husband slept in the bed next to me every night without fail. He rolled me downstairs on my 15-minute wheelchair outing each day. i barely saw my other two children, though they would visit me in the hospital. On April 23, i started getting unbearable migraines and the doctor decided it was time to induce me. Who would know i would be allergic to Magnesium Sulfate. i became unconscious and was rushed into the operating room for an emergency cesarean. My husband wasn’t able to see our son being born and they thought i might have had a stroke. Kellan Ernest Brace was born at 31 weeks, weighing in at 5 pounds, 3 ounces. i’d say that’s my biggest achievement. After that experience, our nACE Chapter got involved with the Child Abuse Council volunteering at Dimples Playland. The kids just want attention there and being away from my kids for so long i decided that attention is something i could easily give. The first time I went and volunteered, the kids swarmed us and it just made me melt. We now help with fall festivals, Easter egg hunts, whatever we can. Time is precious and if there is something i can do to help them and make a difference, that’s what i wanted to do.

What makes you happy?

So many things make me happy. On a me level, singing, stand-up comedy and laughing. i joke a lot. Life is a lot better when you are laughing. On a family level, it makes me happy to see my children succeeding at the things they do. On a work level,

it’s hard to relax with three kids, a husband and all my work obligations. When i’m alone in the car, i turn on the radio on and sing and my mood changes. That’s the time i take for me.

What else would you like to share with our readers? About being a mom, about work?

Balancing life is difficult with young kids and a more than full-time job, but being a mom is amazing. When my day is full of challenges and frustrations, i come home and my boys think i’m perfect. They don’t care if i did something wrong or right they just love me unconditionally.

How do you enjoy or draw information from the magazine? With the little time i have to search for things to do with my boys, I read the magazine to find new, fun things to do on our days off. i also love the parenting tips such as teaching them about money and when to talk about certain situations. it’s very helpful.

What is your favorite thing to do with your kids in Tampa Bay?

We love going to the Tampa Bay Lightning games. We always have a goal of getting on the Jumbotron every time. They love going and they love hockey period.

Who is your biggest inspiration or role model?

My dad is probably my biggest inspiration. He’s a very hard worker. i think that’s where i got my drive. Moving to a new country with young kids and a wife to have a new life was a challenge. Add in starting a wildly successful business and he’s amazing. He’s fun, he’s there for us, he’s got a magnetic personality and he will do anything for anyone. i respect him in every way and he really is one of a kind.

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Aymee Brace

Photo by John Kantor Aymee Brace with her sons Bryson, Landen and Kellan in Brandon.

May 2011

TBParenting.com

health & wellness

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May 2011

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Mommy Me Time Relax and rejuvenate because you deserve it

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This fabulous remover is 100 percent biodegradable, nontoxic and noncarcinogenic. it’s apothecary-style bottle also is completely recyclable. $11.25 pritinyc.com

Lilla Hair Clips inspired by the clean lines and vibrant color combinations of Scandinavian design, the hair accessories are perfect for keeping little and big locks in their place. $7 lillahairclips.com

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Fashionation Eco-Speakers Enjoy your tunes on the go with these 3.25 inch cubes made from recycled materials, no batteries required. They come in several patterns and colors. $14.99 merkuryinnovations.com

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Happy Baby Prenatal Yoga Designed to build strength and flexibility, promote relaxation, and help partners grow together as they prepare for parenthood, this DVD is a perfect gift for a mom-to-be. $30 happybabyfood.com

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May 2011

TBParenting.com

north hillsborough

................................................................................................................... CarrOllwOOD, CITrus Park, luTz, new TamPa, ODessa, TemPle TerraCe, wesTCHase

Carrollwood Day School Leader Joins IB Council Mary Kanter, head of Carrollwood Day School, has been appointed to a three-year term on the international Baccalaureate Americas Regional Council.

The grandchildren of Mary Kanter, head of Carrollwood Day School, attend the school.

The council is comprised of 13 members that represent countries such as Argentina, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and the United States. Kanter was chosen among a pool of more than 50 applicants. As one of only three council members from a school that offers the full iB continuum she should bring a valuable perspective to the work of the council.

“i am very excited about being chosen to serve on the iB of the Americas Council,” she says. “i look forward to making connections to the many multicultural iB schools and to sharing our thoughts on education.” Established in 2009 by professionals from iB World Schools, the iB Americas Regional Council meets twice a year and plays a prominent role in advising the regional office on setting strategic priorities and standards in iB services and activities and supporting iB programs around the world. Carrollwood Day School has been an IB World school since March 2005, when it became the first IB World School in Florida that is fully authorized to offer the complete program and the sixth school in the U.S. with this distinction. Visit www.carrollwooddayschool.org to learn more.

Driving the Battle for Cancer Research Earlier this spring, the Driving Miss Darby Foundation held a golf tournament to raise money for the foundation inspired by former Tampa resident Darby Steadman, her 2007 journey with Stage iV metastatic breast cancer and a community’s collective effort to support her mission to raise awareness and financial support for breast cancer clinical research trials. Shortly after beginning chemotherapy, Steadman enrolled in a breast cancer vaccine clinical trial at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and, through her experience, came to two conclusions about the battle that she and others faced. Founder Darby Steadman kicks off last Without more patients participating in clinical trial year’s Driving Miss Darby Foundation benefit golf tournament also held at studies, breast cancer research could not advance and Emerald Greens Golf Club in 2010. that many patients often found themselves unable to take part in studies due to the cost of travel and extended lodging necessary to participate. Through her nonprofit Driving Miss Darby Foundation, Steadman has been able to spread her message and help others in need. Since its launch in fall 2009, the foundation has raised more than $100,000 that has been used to support the vaccine production needs of the trial Darby once participated in and to offset travel expenses of five vaccine trial patients. Visit www.drivingmissdarby.org to learn how you can help.

dates: May 1, 6-8, various times Judy Garland: Beyond the Rainbow Celebrate the music of a Hollywood legend as The Salerno Theatre Company pays tribute to one of the greatest American entertainers at Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa. Shows are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $18 for members, $25 for nonmembers and $22 for adults 65 and older. www.carrollwoodcenter.org May 1, 5 p.m. • Boobie Palooza Show your support for My Hope Chest at this benefit concert at Skipper’s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, in Tampa. Jam with Cope, The Honeys and Phoenix. Proceeds fund breast reconstruction for uninsured or underinsured breast cancer patients. All shows are 21 and older with valid ID. $10 suggested donation. www.myhopechest.org May 6, 6-10 p.m. • Night in Naples Attend this fundraiser at Phi Delta Kappa Banquet Hall, 11308 Phi Delta Way in Odessa. Event features a home-cooked Italian meal, entertainment and silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit Katelyn Foundation, which provides swim lessons for underprivileged kids ages six months to 12. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for kids. Email katelynfoundation@gmail.com for tickets. May 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Kid’s Day at the Village Get ready for a fun-filled day of free children’s activities at Millennium Garden in Carrollwood Village. Day includes entertainment, food and drink and games for the whole family. www.carrollwoodvillage.com May 7, 2-4 p.m. • Mother/Daughter Tea Party Take tea with the important ladies in your life during this Temple Terrace tradition for mothers, daughters and grandmothers at Omar K. Lightfoot Recreation Center, 10901 N. 56th St. Afternoon features tea, cookies and arts and crafts. Register in advance or at the door. $3 per guest. 813-506-6600. May 20, 8 p.m. • Westchase Movies in the Park Pack chairs or a blanket and catch a free movie in the park with the kids as the Westchase Community Association presents Toy Story 3 at Baybridge Park, 10020 Bridgeton Drive. Rated PG. Running time, 97 minutes. www.westchasewca.com

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CONSULT AN EXPERT

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May 2011

TBParenting.com

south hillsborough

................................................................................................................... aPOllO BeaCH, BranDOn, lITHIa, rIvervIew, ruskIn, sOuTH TamPa, TamPa, valrICO, FIsHHawk

TGH Foundation Prepares for Annual Gala The Tampa General Hospital Foundation will host its annual Moments in Time Gala on May 7 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Tampa. The theme for this year’s event is “Some Enchanted Evening,” celebrating the timeless romance of the South Pacific. The gala will benefit Tampa General Hospital’s Fund for the Future to support the hospital’s efforts and vision to become West Central Florida’s leading medical center. The event starts at 7:30 p.m., when guests will be whisked away to a distant land amidst the backdrop of World War ii and will indulge in the local cuisine and participate in a silent auction. This year, the chance drawing returns with just 500 chance drawing tickets available at $100 each, offering guests an opportunity to win $10,000. Two tickets for the gala are $500, with additional sponsorship levels available. All sponsors at the $1,500 level or higher are invited to the exclusive Patrons’ Party preceding the Gala at 6:30 p.m. The 2011 entertainment sponsor is Opera Tampa. Guests are encouraged to dress in attire inspired by the South Pacific. For more information, call Lynn Fluharty at 813-844-7273.

Calling All Rockers, Young and Young at Heart The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts is holding auditions for its Rock School at 1 p.m. May 21 and 6 p.m. May 24. The auditions will be for both Rock School and Rock School Jr. classes held at the conservatory, 1010 north W.C. Macinnes Place in downtown Tampa. Students will be asked to play a oneminute piece in a rock style Patel Conservatory Rock School students jam together outside the on their preferred musical downtown Tampa venue for an outdoor concert. instrument. Based on auditions, students will be placed in bands with others of similar ages and abilities, though some exceptions will be made by request for parent/child bands or already formed bands. Rock School classes for those in grades five through adult will be held from June 6 through Aug. 13 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Rock School Jr. classes for kids in grades two through four will be held separately on those dates. Students will be expected to attend class once weekly. During Rock School and Rock School Jr. classes, students will get an opportunity to refine their music skills and participate in an end-of-session Rock School Blowout concert. Email Danielle.dealminana@strazcenter.org or call 813-222-1002 to audition. Visit www. patelconservatory.org to learn more about its summer offerings.

dates: May 1, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Hyde Park Fresh Market Stop by the Hyde Park Village fountain on the first Sunday of each month to browse more than 70 vendors offering fresh, organic, hydroponic and conventional produce; plants, herbs and flowers; gourmet and homemade foods; and handcrafted art. Free admission and parking. www.hydeparkvillage.net May 7, 9 a.m. • Arthritis Walk Walk a three-mile or one-mile course in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis for the Arthritis Foundation’s signature fundraiser at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa. Leashed dogs can join walkers. Registration starts at 8 a.m., with the walk at 9 a.m. There’s no registration fee but you must raise $100 to receive an event T-shirt. www.arthritis.org May 7, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Community Resource Fair Learn about health care, food and educational resources available to Hillsborough County residents at this free fair hosted by Operation Productive Endeavor at New Life Tabernacle UPC, 69212 Williams Road in Seffner. www.opeinc.org May 7, 14, 21, 28, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Ybor City Saturday Market Get ready to browse at this weekly outdoor shopping event open year-round in Centennial Park in Ybor City. Check out locally-produced gourmet foods and sauces, fresh-baked breads, herbs, plants, pet treats, fine cigars, art, jewelry and unique gifts. Free admission and parking. www.ybormarket.com May 7, 14, 21, 2-3:15 p.m. • Family Yoga Connect with kids through yoga on Saturday at the Lotus Room, 1101 W. Kennedy Blvd., in Tampa. Parents and caregivers, with children 5 and older, can interact and learn about relaxation through breathing exercises. $10 per family. Advance registration required. www.yogalotusroom.com May 14, noon, 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. Patel Conservatory Student Showcase Watch talented students from the Patel Conservatory perform at Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Young musical theater students take the stage at noon, while at 3:30 p.m. members of Patel’s Youth Chorus, Do Re Mi and voice classes for grades 6-12 are featured. Adult students perform at 7:30 p.m. $8. www.strazcenter.org

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north pinellas

..................................................................................................................... ClearwaTer, DuneDIn, easT lake, OlDsmar, Palm HarBOr, saFeTy HarBOr, TarPOn srIngs

Summer Is in the Air at DFAC The Dunedin Fine Art Center’s Gladys Douglas School of the Arts will start registering students for its summer workshops this month. This year’s workshops are slated to begin May 30 and run through June 5, with Summer i from June 6-July 17 and Summer ii from July 18-Aug. 28. Class instruction is available for both children and adults. youth classes will be offered in areas such as cartooning and drawing, figure drawing for teens and a teen portfolio class, designed to help students create a display of their work that demonstrates the range of their skills and experience. Workshops also are available for adults, covering studio lighting and realistic oil painting, basketry, shibori and silk painting and more. Rates vary by class and materials required. Students are encouraged to explore their creativity across a variety of media, including drawing, painting, photography, jewelry and sculpture. Discounted tuition is available to DFAC members. A limited amount of adult scholarships also are available. For registration and scholarship information, go to www.dfac.org or call 727-298-3322.

Pinellas Education Foundation Honors Seniors The Pinellas Education Foundation, Derby Lane and the St. Petersburg Kennel Club recently honored 51 high school seniors during an awards luncheon last month at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater. Recipients of the Derby Lane Scholarships, sponsored by the St. Petersburg Kennel Club, were awarded a $1,000 scholarship for use at a community college or university in the state. Winners were chosen based on their personal and academic achievements, leadership and service to their school and community. Recipients were selected from each of the public high schools in Pinellas County. During the luncheon, Gabrielle Buehler of Gibbs High School and Valiece Long of Clearwater High School also were awarded four-year renewable scholarships worth $4,000. The following regional high school students also were recognized: Martin Alla, Lakewood High; Madina Behori, Osceola High; Danielle Behr, St. Petersburg High; Amber Betterman, St. Petersburg Collegiate; Jorge Boffil, Tarpon Springs High; Megan Botos, Dixie Hollins High; Austin Bowman, Osceola High; Serjan Bratic, St. Petersburg Collegiate; Kelsey Carter, Osceola High; April Charles, northeast High; Kyleigh Cobett, northeast High; Laurie Colin, Dunedin High; Jovanna Davis and Michael Davis, Gibbs High; Lana DeBastos, Pinellas Park High; nhi Do, St. Petersburg Collegiate; Hannah Everett, Dunedin High; Ryan Faries, Tarpon Springs High; Khadijah Gland, Lakewood High; Alysse Griffin, St. Petersburg High; Jocelyn Hall, Boca Ciega High; LaToya Halsey, Largo High; Eboni Hardy, Seminole High; Alison Hassell, East Lake High; Mark Hettig, Countryside High; Gresjana Jashari, northeast High; zoe Jenkins, Palm Harbor University High; Tyriona Johnson, Countryside High; Angelique Jones, East Lake High; Desire’ Meirdy, Dixie Hollins High; Bailey Monarch, East Lake High; Andrea Monasterios, Pinellas Park High; Hannah Morris, Dixie Hollins High; Van nguyen, Lakewood High; Duy-Quang nguyen, Pinellas Park High; Elizabeth O’Brien, Clearwater High; Alana O’Gradney, Clearwater High; Taylor Satterwhite, Boca Ciega High; Mariana Seabra, Largo High; Malcolm Seay, St. Petersburg High; Stephanie Shuerger, Largo High; Michael Tipton, Dunedin High; Christopher VanDemark, Countryside High; Joseph Velez, Tarpon Springs High; John Whigham, Seminole High; Tynequia Williams, Boca Ciega High; Kaley Witeck, Palm Harbor University High; Elizabeth Woods, Seminole High; and yan zhang, Palm Harbor University High. The Pinellas Education Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization established in 1986. Visit www.pinellaseducation.org to learn more.

dates: May 1, 3 p.m. • “Raise the Roof” Fashion Show Attend a fashion show presented by It’s All About Me Salon and The Ladies of St. Nicholas Philoptochos at the Spanos-Pappas Community Center, 348 N. Pinellas Ave. in Tarpon Springs. Proceeds benefit the St. Nicholas Restoration Fund. Tickets: $10 advance; $12 at the door. Purchase at salon or after church. 727-944-4199. May 2 & 28, various times Hire Me! Teen Secrets for Getting a Job This summer job skills program will be held at 10 Pinellas libraries, offering tips on interviewing, resumes and more. Classes are 5:30-8 p.m. May 2 at Safety Harbor Public Library, 101 Second St. N., and from 2-4:30 p.m. May 28 in Palm Harbor, 2330 Nebraska Ave. www.pplc.us May 6, noon Oldsmar Benefit Golf Tournament Benefiting Oldsmar’s summer youth programs, the tourney is at The Eagles Golf & Country Club, 16101 Nine Eagles Drive in Odessa. Registration includes greens and cart fees, 18 holes of golf, dinner and a drawing ticket. $75. Visit www. myoldsmar.com to register. May 14, 8 a.m. • Dunedin Hog Hustle 5k Take the scenic route through historic Downtown Dunedin, starting from Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, 373 Douglas Ave. Event includes pancake breakfast and awards to the top men and women by age group. T-shirts to first 400 registered runners. Register for $20 by May 11. 727-812-4530. May 14, noon - 3 p.m. Discovering Nature with Your Child Explore the wonders of nature with your child with self-guided games and activities at Brooker Creek Preserve, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Free. www.brookercreekpreserve.org May 20, 7:30 pm • Light Up Clearwater Benefit Catch a special performance by local teen sensation Suite Caroline with students from Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, 301 S. Gulfview Blvd. Proceeds benefit the Restore Historic Capitol Theater campaign. Cost is $25; free for children 8 and younger. Dinner and room packages available. Email scallahan@ clearwaterflorida.org for details.

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A Challenge He Never Imagined.

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May 2011

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south pinellas

....................................................................................................................... largO, PInellas Park, semInOle, sT. PeTe BeaCH, sT. PeTersBurg, Treasure IslanD

Family’s Dance Moves Benefit All Children’s Hospitals A Sarasota family recently was named third-prize winners of a Family Dance-off coordinated by Primrose Schools. The Phayres took part in the organization’s national video contest designed to encourage families to opt for healthier, active lifestyles in the fight against childhood obesity. As third-place winners, the Phayres received a $1,500 prize from Primrose Schools, which also made a $15,000 donation to the family’s local Children’s Miracle network Hospital, All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. About 185 families across the country submitted 30-second home videos of their best dance moves to FamilyDanceoff.com with more than 294,000 votes cast to determine the finalists. An independent panel of judges reviewed and rated the top 14 based on creativity, humor and originality. The Phayres learned of the contest when son Cameron brought home details from Primrose School at Lakewood Ranch Town Center in Bradenton. in their video, the family of three morphs into Super Mario Bros. characters, transporting themselves into the video game, collects coins for All Children’s Hospital and celebrates the $30,000 mark with a victory dance. “Since he was two, our son Cameron has been going to speech therapy at All Children’s Specialty Care in Sarasota, a reason in itself for us to give back to the hospital,” says Shelley Phayre. The Children’s Miracle network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals across north America to support research and training, purchase equipment and pay for uncompensated care in support of its mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. out the theater or make a reservation, go to www.venueactorstudio.org or call 727-822-6194.

Shorecrest Prep Hosts Arts Festival, Teach-In Students from Shorecrest Prep in St. Petersburg participated in a Celebrate the Arts festival April 11-16.

Shorecrest Prep sixth graders Jared, Brendan, Josh, Shelby, Matt, Jack, Mac, Camille, Cameron, Kendall, Holly, Olivia, Jordan and Holly with Editor at Large David Estevez and Founder and Editorial Director Angela Ardolino.

During the week, students in both the lower and middle divisions had an opportunity to meet with more than 40 artists, including Tampa Bay Parenting Founder and Editorial Director Angela Ardolino and Editor at Large David Estevez, as part of the school’s teach-ins to introduce a variety of arts to students.

“The goal of this festival is to entice our students to bring the arts closer to their lives and bring Shorecrest closer to the arts community,” says Esther Happle, event chairwoman. “it’s a win-win.” This year’s festival also featured jazz group performances and the opportunity for each grade to attend a museum. The week closed with student musical performances, art displays and the artist-inresidence teach-in. During the teach-in, participating artists taught two 40-minute classes comprised of 15-20 students each. Visiting artists shared their background and led an interactive lesson. Visit www.shorecrest.org to learn more about the school.

dates: May 6-22, various times • The Drowsy Chaperone Check out this spoof of 1920s musicals when it takes the stage at Tonne Playhouse, Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Dr. Tickets: $25 general; $12 for ages 19 and younger. ID required. Shows are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. www.eightoclocktheatre.com May 7, 14, 21, 28, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Highland’s Hot Yoga Class Tone muscles, increase flexibility and build strength in a room heated to 85 degrees at Highland Recreation Complex, 4001 Highland Ave. Ages 12 and older can participate. For monthly and drop-in rate information, call 727-518-3016. May 7, 14, 21, 28, 11 a.m. Storytime at Saturday Morning Market Bring the kids for a reading adventure as Cheeky Monkeys Books & Toys hosts storytime at St. Pete’s Saturday Morning Market on the grass to the left of the Al Lang Field/Progress Energy Park entrance. Free event includes musical entertainment and appearances by local children’s authors. www. facebook.com/cheekymonkeybooks Starting May 10, 7:30-9 p.m. Oasis in Time Course Enroll in a six-week Jewish Learning Institute course that delves into secrets to serenity and explores the various dimensions of Shabbat. Learn how to achieve inner peace while still being productive at the Chabad Jewish Center of Greater St. Petersburg, 4010 Park St. N. Cost is $70, which includes textbook. www.myjli.com May 14, 9 a.m. • Pinellas Walk Like MADD 5k Sign up to participate in this inaugural walk at Fifth Avenue and Gulf Boulevard in Indian Rocks Beach that aims to raise awareness and funds in support of MADD’s mission to prevent drunk driving. Event includes health and safety fair and food vendors. Cost: $15 for ages 5-21 and $20 for adults 21 and older. Check-in at 7:30 a.m., with walk starting at 9 a.m. www.walklikemadd.org May 14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Child & Babysitter Safety Program Children ages 11-14 can participate in this one-day program at the All Children’s Hospital Education and Conference Center, 701 Fourth St. S. in St. Petersburg. They’ll learn the basics of child care, including changing diapers and feeding babies as well as identifying and handling emergencies. $30. Registration required. www.allkids.org

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May 2011

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pasco

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DaDe CITy, lanD O’ lakes, new POrT rICHey, POrT rICHey, TrInITy, wesley CHaPel, zePHyrHIlls

Student’s Science Project Berries the Competition Watergrass Elementary fifth-grader Sinclair Feldman of Wesley Chapel recently took home a first place ribbon at her school’s annual science fair for extracting DnA from a collection of handpicked Plant Citygrown strawberries. Feldman approached Wish Farms, a leading sponsor of the annual Strawberry Festival, about hand-picking berries from their fields with her mother to conduct the experiment. “We were happy to help her with the berries she needed,” says J.C. Clinard, senior vice president of grower relations and farm operations for Wish Farms. “We were pleased to hear our berries helped her win.” Pasco County fifth-grader Sinclair Feldman analyzed the DNA of locally-grown strawberries, uncovering a fundamental principle on human aging in the process.

Feldman, a MEnSA member, chose the Treasures strawberry variety for her experiment, selecting ripe, under-ripe and over-ripe berries to study the effects of DnA on aging. “i learned from my research that aging affects DnA. As living things get older, we have less DnA,” she says. “i wanted to see if i could actually prove this in an experiment, and my hypothesis was right. But now i’m wondering about what this means as i get older, too.” Seven other students from Watergrass Elementary also will be competing with Feldman at the countywide district level, including fourth graders Fabio Herrara, Connor Wolfe, Laura Cuartas and Bryce Lehrer and fifth graders Taylor Lambert, Bernard Orozco and Caitlin Farquhar. Pasco’s countywide competition is expected to take place later this spring.

Premier to Update Dade City Health Center Premier Community HealthCare Group has received grant funding to upgrade its Dade City family practice, pediatrics and dental care facility. Original plans to renovate the existing building were revised following an engineering and architectural inspection, which indicated the structure needed to be completely rebuilt. Since the inspection, the property’s original two buildings, including the original Behavioral Health Building along Fifth Avenue have been razed. Work has begun on the new Pediatrics and Family Health Center. Once completed, a standalone, expanded dental facility will be built near the front of the property. Construction is being done in phases to ensure no disruption to patient services, with completion of both new facilities expected to be complete by the end of this year. Behavioral Health Services is at the facility at 37912 Pasco Ave. and Premier continues to provide family, pediatric and dental services to the Dade City community at 37944 Church Ave.

dates: May 13-15, various times The Sound of Music Watch talented young actors from Artists in Motion Community Youth Theater as they hit the stage at Eleanor Dempsey Performing Arts Center at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, 13651 Hays Road in Hudson. Shows are 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $12 for adults and $7 for students. www. artsinmotionpasco.org May 13-15, various times Cotee River Seafood Festival & Boat Show Enjoy two days of arts and crafts, boats, seafood and blues music at this annual family friendly event at Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey. Musical guests include Willy Lomax with Sean Brown, Debbie Davis and Josh Lamkin & Automatic Heat. www.nprmainstreet.com May 15, 12:30 p.m. Connerton Elementary Golf Tournament Hit the greens for a good cause during the school’s inaugural golf tournament at Groves Golf & Country Club in Land O’ Lakes. Proceeds will go toward the school’s playground fund. Cost is $45 and includes lunch, golf, range balls, goodie bag, prizes and more. Sign up at http://coes.pasco.k12. fl.us/Connerton/Welcome.html by May 7. May 20, 6:30 p.m. Adopt a Moose and Bunco Join the All Children’s Hospital Guild Pasco Branch for a fun night featuring a decorated stuffed moose available for adoption, prizes, Bunco and Carrabba’s food at 4443 Rowan Road in New Port Richey. $20. www.allkids.org May 22, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. 5k Run and Health & Wellness Festival Hit the pavement then stick around for an informative health and wellness expo at The Grove shopping center off Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Interstate 75. The 5k and one-mile events start at 7 a.m., with a fun run at 7:30 a.m. The festival, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature free health screenings, live music, cooking demos and a kids’ zone. www. wesleychapelchamber.com May 31, 6-8 p.m. • Tween Movie Night Drop off your tween at the meeting room in the Land O’ Lakes Public Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, to catch a recent DVD release on the library’s big screen. Free snacks and drinks included. www. pascolibraries.org

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A steak worthy of our baguette.

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May 2011

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around town

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TO see mOre PHOTOs vIsIT FaCeBOOk.COm/TamPaBayParenTIngmagazIne

Gasparilla International Film Festival Opening Night Reception at Tampa Theatre: Left, Actor Tom Berenger and Angela Ardolino of Parenting with Angela. Right, Sheli Sanders, Angela Ardolino and Dusty Showers of The 2nd Basemen.

Karamu at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo: Alysia Ekizian, Marlene Rasmussen, Angela Ardolino of TB Parenting Magazine, and Tammy Honnegar of Tampa Preparatory School.

1 Voice Foundation Open House at Home Theater Gallery: Guest Speaker Cameron Tebbi, M.D., and Yolanda Mendez.

Glazer Children’s Museum Imagination Gala: Executive Director and CEO of the Florida Aquarium Thom Stork and President and CEO of the Glazer Children’s Museum Al Najjar.

Karamu at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo: Jim and Marylou Bailey, Lowry Park Zoo CEO Craig Pugh, Carlton and Suzie Ward and Travis Ward.

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Women of Distinction Luncheon. 2011 Girl Scout Gold Award recipients Sarah Schmidt, Somer Harvey, Jennifer West and Anjali Modi with keynote speaker Jenna Hager, daughter of President George W. Bush.

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Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of the Year Awards: March Extraordinary Woman Patty O’Leary of Children’s Cancer Center, Dr. Bruce and Cheryl Landon of Landon Plastic Surgery, Julian Exclusa of Florida Builder Appliances and Amy Richard of Red Bamboo Medi Spa.

Totally 80s Gorrie Elementary Fundraising Gala: Gorrie Principal Marjorie Sandler, Pat and Bruce Ashby and Colleen and Nathan Gellar.

Photo by: J. Monroe Studios

Photos by: Blakely Photography

Festa Italiana in Ybor City: Left, Giacomo Di Berardino, Nicole Nassif, Gilda Capitano, Joe Capitano Sr. and Angela Ardolino of Parenting with Angela. Right, Linsey, Steven, Kelyn and Connor Odell.

Margaritaville, a benefit for All Children’s Hospital: Mayor of Oldsmar Jim Ronecker, Mayor of Dunedin Dave Eggers, Charlie Belcher, Tarpon Springs Mayor David O. Archie and Honorary Mayor of Palm Harbor Steve Fiske.

14th Annual Bern’s Winefest: Right, Chrisi Laxer, Shaun and Marjorie Cheatham and Bern’s owner David Laxer. Left, Sonya Beyer, Stacey Bessone, Whitney Woods, Melissa Moran, Denielle Iuzzolino and Tricia Willet.

Cruise into Spring Fashion & Travel Show benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters: Brian Weiss, Joann Torreta, Angela Ardolino and Ryan Nece.

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may calendar

FOr mOre evenTs, vIsIT TBParenTIng.COm

events/festivals Tampa Bay International Dragon Boat Races • April 30, 8:30 a.m.

Mother Love Family Fitness Festival May 1, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Check out this free health and fitness-focused event at Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. n., St. Petersburg. Families can enjoy hoop dancing, yoga, massage, wellness checks and healthy snacks. 727-637-7913. Everyone $2 Tuesdays at Glazer Children’s Museum May 3, 2-7 p.m. Stop by after lunch or on the way home from work the first Tuesday of the month for a special admission discount courtesy of Target. All guests receive entry to the museum at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza for $2, with children younger than 1 free. www.glazermuseum.org Everyone

Watch teams paddle their way across Garrison Channel to become Tampa’s dragon boat team champions at the eighth annual races at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park by the Marriott Waterside downtown. Event also includes Asia Fest and international Food and Beer Festival. Free admission. www.tampabaydragonboats. com 4 & Older DinoQuest Through May 1, various times Head back to the prehistoric age for a special lifesize dinosaur exhibit at Tampa’s Lowry Park zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave. See the exhibit by dark as part of Dinonites from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. www.lowryparkzoo.com 4 & Older $5 Day at MOSI May 1, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Visit the museum as it kicks off Maynia month. Experience more than 450 hands-on activities, including The Amazing you exhibition, Kids in Charge, a standard iMAX theater ticket and a 3-D film in the Coleman Science Works Theater. www.mosi.org Everyone Dia Del Nino (Day of the Child) May 1, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Bring the kids for this sixth annual cultural festival at Tampa’s Lowry Park zoo. Day includes family activities, live music, dance lessons, Hispanic food and more. included with zoo admission. 813-935-8552. Everyone

STEP Parenting Classes May 3-June 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Enroll in classes designed to help parents improve their family management skills using Systematic Training for Effective Parenting. Classes held at Chamberlain High, 9411 north Blvd., in Tampa. Parents must attend six consecutive classes to complete course. Cost is $11 per class or $66 for course. 813-272-5900. Moms, Dads Working Women of Tampa Bay’s Annual Mother’s Day Expo • May 3, 6-9 p.m. Get some mama me time at Bayfront Hilton, 333 First Street S., in St. Petersburg. Event includes glamour sessions, photos, wine / chocolate tastings and a supervised kids zone. Enter to win a Hilton Girls night Out Sleepover Package. Free for members; $5 for guests. www. workingwomenoftampabay.com Moms Clean Air Fair 2011 May 5, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. View environmental exhibits in honor of Clean Air Month during this downtown Tampa celebration at Poe Plaza. Enjoy free refreshments and snacks, get health and safety info, listen to live music and enter to win drawings. Free. www. epchc.org Everyone SilverSpoons & Sandcastles XX May 6, 7-10 p.m. Come join the celebration at Cruise Terminal No. 3 at the Tampa Port Authority to benefit the Mayor’s Beautification Program. Event includes open bar, food, live music and a

While great care was taken in compiling the calendar, it’s always best to phone ahead to confirm information.

silent auction. $100. 813-221-8733. tampabaybeautification.org Date Night

www.

Mother’s Day Weekend Specials May 7-8, various times

Bring mom to one of Tampa Bay’s local museums to receive the ViP treatment. Moms get free admission on Mother’s Day weekend with a full paid general admission at the Florida Aquarium, Tampa’s Lowry Park zoo and the Tampa Bay History Center. At MOSi, moms can visit the museum Saturday or Sunday for $5. Moms Great Explorations Superhero Saturday May 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dress up as your favorite superhero and stop by Great Explorations, 1925 Fourth St. n., St. Petersburg. Guests wearing superhero costumes get $1 off admission. Participate in superherothemed games for prizes. www.greatexplorations. org Everyone Hillsborough Reads Kickoff May 7, 11 a.m. Stop by the Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St., as it kicks off Hillsborough Reads festivities with guest speakers on Florida history, pioneer activities and crafts for the kids. Free and open to the public. www.tampabayhistorycenter. org Everyone Sea Grapes Fine Wine & Food Festival May 7, 8-11 p.m. Sample fine wine and food from premier restaurants at this fundraiser for The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, in Tampa. Proceeds benefit the aquarium’s youth education, sea turtle rehabilitation and other conservation programs. $95. www.seagrapes.org Date Night A Little History with Kids May 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring your preschoolers prepared to play at The Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St. Children should wear beach gear for retro summer games, crafts and a romp through the museum’s waterfront park fountains. Cost: $10 for children; $6 for adults. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org 3-5 Mind & Body Clinic May 14, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enroll athletes ages 13-18 in this sports clinic

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hosted by the Ryan nece Foundation at Plant High, 2415 S. Himes Ave., Tampa. Clinic focuses on core strength, agility, nutrition, mental conditioning, focus and commitment. Teens receive a goodie bag, T-shirt and lunch. Free. Visit www.ryannece.com to register. 13-18 New Beginnings Fertility Conference May 14, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn about options at this educational seminar hosted by The Reproductive Medicine Group at Mainsail Suites Hotel & Conference Center, 5108 Eisenhower Blvd., in Tampa. Event includes health and wellness fair, drawings and lunch. Free, but you must pre-register by May 9. www. tampafertilityconference.com Moms, Dads Lupus Foundation of Florida Annual Walk May 14, 9 a.m. - noon Take part in this annual fundraiser to benefit the Lupus Foundation of Florida that starts at USF St. Petersburg’s student activities center, 131 Sixth Ave. S. no fees required but those with donations of $100 or more receive event T-shirt. www.lupusflorida.org Everyone Pepin Academies Community Gala May 19, 6:30 p.m. Celebrate changing the lives of children with learning / learning-related disabilities at this annual benefit for Pepin Academies at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 n. 50th St., Tampa. Hear former UF football coach Urban Meyer and bid in a silent auction. Various sponsorship levels available. 813-236-1755, Ext. 360. Moms, Dads A Taste of Pinellas May 20-22, various times Sample dishes from top local restaurants at this yearly food and music festival at St. Pete’s Vinoy Park. Proceeds benefit the All Children’s Hospital Telethon. Tickets: $10 in advance; $15 at door; $12 law enforcement, military and ages 65 and older; free for kids 12 and younger. www. tasteofpinellas.com Everyone Harvey’s 5k and 1-Mile Run/Walk May 21, 8 a.m. Participate in a St. Pete tradition with races to begin at Bayshore Drive and Fifth Avenue downtown. One-mile run/walk starts at 8 a.m., with the 5k at 8:30 a.m. Entry fees for 5k are $20 in advance and $25 race day; for one-mile: $10;

students younger than 18 pay $7 for either race. Register at www.active.com or at Feet First in St. Pete. Race day registration is at 7 a.m. in north Straub Park. Everyone Hurricane Expo at MOSI May 21, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Xander, born 6 weeks premature

1 in 8 babies is born too soon. Xander almost didn’t survive.

Learn how to prepare for hurricane season at this informative but fun, family-oriented event at the museum. Free expo admission, with discounted museum admission available. www.mosi.org Everyone

His lungs weren’t ready. His brain wasn’t ready. His parents weren’t ready. Help fight premature birth at: marchofdimes.com/fight. ..........................

Annual Beach Walk for Wishes May 21, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sign up for this Make a Wish fundraiser at the Postcard inn, 6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. Day includes live entertainment, a Kids Rock the Beach concert and water slides. $10 includes registration, breakfast, barbecue lunch and activities. Registration is 9:30 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. http://beachwalkforwishes. wishcentral.org Everyone Storybook Ball • May 21, 6 p.m. - midnight Support Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay at this annual gala at the A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, in Tampa. Based on Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory, the evening includes food, dancing, silent and live auctions and plenty of chocolate. $700 for two tickets. www.rmhctampabay.com Date Night Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony May 26, 11:30 a.m. Attend the luncheon and induction ceremony for the charter of the Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame at the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa. Event celebrates Mary Cash, Betty Castor, Helen Gordon Davis, Cecile Waterman Essrig, Pat Frank, Clara Frye, Adela Gonzmart, Sylvia Kimball and Sadye Martin. $50. www.thespring.org Moms, Dads

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Home of the World Famous

Mermaids

Buccaneer Bay Florida’s Only

Spring Fed Water Park

www.weekiwachee.com (352) 592-5656

May 2011

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may calendar

COnTInueD

Memorial Day Weekend at Florida Aquarium May 28-30, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Any active duty, retired or drilling reservists or national Guardsmen can present military iD to receive two free admission tickets. Additional family, up to four people, can receive 50 percent off admission. www.flaquarium.org Moms, Dads

Tickets are $6. www.rutheckerdhall.com Moms, Date Night

theater & dance

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Opens May 20

Shrek The Musical • May 3-8, various times

art Degas: Form, Movement and the Antique Through June 19 Study the bronze sculptures, paintings and drawings of French artist Edgar Degas on display at the Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, downtown Tampa. www.tampamuseum.org Everyone Painting in the Park • May 1, 1-4 p.m. Bring the family for a party on the north lawn of the Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive n.E., St. Petersburg. Guests can bid farewell to the British watercolors exhibit by taking part in watercolor and sketching activities. Step inside the museum for an admission special: one free child with each paid adult. Outdoor activities, free. www.fine-arts.org Everyone Breakfast with Dali for Families May 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Plan a special family outing at the Salvador Dali Museum, One Dali Blvd., in St. Petersburg. Morning includes hands-on activities, breakfast buffet and docent-led tour geared toward kids ages 5-12. Pre-purchase required. Adults: $10 member / $21 nonmember; children, ages 6-12: $5 member / $10 nonmember. www.thedali.org 5-12 Ladies Night at the Morean Hot Shop May 20, 6-9 p.m. Grab your friends for a girls night out at the glass blowing studio at 719 Central Ave. in downtown St. Pete. $50. www.moreanartscenter.org Moms

film Capitol Classic Film Series May 3, 10, 24, 7:30 p.m. View cinematic classics as part of this series showing select Tuesdays in May at The Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., in Clearwater. This month’s featured movies: A Place in the Sun on May 3, The Manchurian Candidate on May 10 and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner on May 24.

See Captain Jack Sparrow and crew cross paths with some old friends and the legendary Blackbeard as Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures releases the latest Pirates of the Caribbean installment. Stars Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz and ian McShane. Rated PG13. Running time, 141 minutes. 12 & Older Sunset Cinema: Karate Kid • May 21, 8:30 p.m. Bring the kids for an outdoors movie screening as this classic celebrating the underdog comes to Al Lopez Park in Tampa as part of Tampa Theatre’s Traveling Outdoor Picture Show. Stars Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. Rated PG. Running time, 126 minutes. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.; movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Free. 7 & Older Gnomeo & Juliet • Available May 24 Relive the magic of this charming secret world of garden gnomes mixed with a twist of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet as Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment releases the animated comedy on Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray 3D and DVD. Rated G. Running time, 84 minutes. www. disney.com Everyone Kung Fu Panda 2 • Opens May 27 Catch up with Po and the Furious Five as they travel to China to battle an evil villain and Po searches for the truth behind his own family origin. Features the voices of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan. Rated PG. 6 & Older

Follow a likable ogre, his donkey and princess as they bring big laughs and musical numbers to Carol Morsani Hall at Tampa’s Straz Center. May 4 is Broadway Family night, where you can buy one full-price adult ticket and get one free child ticket for ages 12 and younger. www.strazcenter. org Everyone Young Players’ Festival • May 6, 6 p.m. Watch experienced youth actors in grades four through 12 from the Patel Conservatory theater program present scenes and excerpts from classic plays at this showcase in the TECO Theater at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Tickets start at $8. 813-222-1002. Everyone Twelfth Night • May 12-15, various times

Travel back to a land of shipwrecks, pirates, duels and love as The Eckerd Theater Company presents one of Shakespeare’s most notable comedies in Murray Studio Theater at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, in Clearwater. $10-$18. www.rutheckerdhall.com 8 & Older A Midsummer Night’s Dream May 14, 7:30 p.m. Get lost in this fantasy ballet presented by

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next Generation Ballet and Patel Conservatory students in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center. The full-length ballet, based on the Shakespeare play of the same name, celebrates the joy of love through dance. Tickets start at $15. www. strazcenter.org 6 & Older

rock artists perform at Tampa’s Busch Gardens. See Mary Mary and Lecrae on May 7 and Michael W. Smith and Sidewalk Prophets on May 14. included with admission. ViP tickets can be purchased for priority seating. www. buschgardens.com 6 & Older

Darwin the Dinosaur • May 21, noon Cheer on Darwin the Dinosaur as he takes a magical journey from his first steps to coming into his own as a wild and primitive creature at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall. Electroluminescent crayonlike creatures against a blackout setting create a unique glow-in-the-dark theater experience. $10. www. rutheckerdhall.com 6 & Older

Annual Tropical Heatwave • May 14, 4:30 p.m. Join WMnF as they host several entertainment stages near ybor City’s Cuban Club and welcome a diverse selection of musical artists, including Carolina Chocolate Drops, Damon Fowler Band, the Whigs and more. $30 advance; $40 at the door. www.wmnf.org Moms, Dads

music Friday Extra Concert Series May 6, 13, 20, 27, 7-9 p.m. Check out local music at Tampa’s Lowry Park bandshell, 7525 north Blvd. May’s main acts include The Ditchflowers on May 6; Have Gun, Will Travel on May 13; Rubix Cubed on May 20; and Amanda Drake & The Barnburners on May 27. Bring nonperishable items for Feeding America Tampa Bay. http://www.tampagov.net/ dept_parks_and_recreation Everyone Gulf Coast Youth Choirs Spring Sing May 7, 7 p.m. Hear the harmonious sounds of choir members from across the bay area as they present an evening of choral music at the Straz Center. Tickets start at $15. www.gulfcoastchoir.com Everyone Glory at the Gardens Music Festival May 7 & 14, 5 p.m. Experience live music and fellowship as contemporary Christian, gospel and Christian

Hyde Park Live Music Series May 25, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Visit Hyde Park Village for this monthly concert series held the fourth Wednesday from May through October. Ben Brian Band performs this month, with event beverage proceeds benefiting the Epilepsy Services Foundation. Free admission. www.hydeparkvillage.net Moms, Date Night Scratch My Back Benefit Concert May 29, 5 p.m. Get ready to rock and roll for Rover at this annual fundraiser for The Humane Society at Skipper’s Smokehouse, 910 Skipper Road, in Tampa. Concert features The Quivering Rhythm Hounds, The Lint Rollers and Johnny G. Lyon Band. $10 suggested donation. www.skipperssmokehouse. com 21 & Older

HAvE AN EvENT?

E-mail submissions, preferably at least a month in advance, to calendar@tbparenting.com for consideration.

May 2011

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BOOKS OPEN MINDS Great Minds Open Books Children with strong reading skills perform better in school, have a healthy self-image, and become lifelong learners! This summer, help your kids avoid the dreaded “summer slide” – a time when children often lose months of reading achievement in just a few critical weeks.

Get a FREE child’s admission to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo with the purchase of an adult ticket. To learn more, visit

www.ChildrensBoard.org

While video games and pool parties are a summer staple, it’s important to balance it all with a good book! To learn more about summer reading and access valuable resources, visit your Children’s Board online today. Your Children’s Board serves as the leading voice and advocate for children and families in Hillsborough County, investing in more than 80 programs that touch over 200,000 citizens every year. To learn more, visit www.ChildrensBoard.org or call 813.229.2884.

weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help.