May 2012 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

CHILDREN’S BOARD Your Children’s Board Family Resource Centers are offering FREE First Aid and CPR certification classes that teach how to handle emergencies such as bleeding, shock, poisoning, head and spine injuries, choking rescue techniques and more. Class dates, times and Center locations are below: BRANDON 813-740-4634 May 4th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — CPR CENTRAL TAMPA 813-204-1741 May 11th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — First Aid

FIRST AID AND CPR CLASSES

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

NORTH TAMPA 813-558-1877 May 11th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — CPR June 1st from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — CPR (Spanish) SOUTH COUNTY 813-641-5600 May 14th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — First Aid TOWN N’ COUNTRY 813-356-1703 May 22nd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — First Aid and CPR

Space is limited — Call 813-443-3074 to reserve your spot 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 100,000 citizens every year. To learn more, visit www.ChildrensBoard.org or call 813.229.2884.

Get Informed on Women’s Health Month of the Woman

BayCare Health System invites you to participate in Month of the Woman, an annual series of programs in May that focus on women’s health and wellness issues. Join us for seminars, screenings and roundtable panel discussions* with our experts in women’s health, all tailored specifically to you. An array of topics will be offered that are all relevant in the daily life of a woman. It’s time to focus on you. Take some time for yourself to learn more about subjects that will keep you healthy and well.

*Fees may apply to some events. Payment due at time of registration.

Facebook.com/EmbraceUrHealth Twitter.com/EmbraceUrHealth

View event topics and register at EmbraceYourHealth.com/Events. For more information: (888) 499-8896 BC120785-0412

contents

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

may 2012 • 6TH year • 1sT Issue

features

10 Taking The Wheel Parents must drive home safety with teens 16 all Crammed OuT Tips to avoid final exam all-nighters 26 kid inspired Motherhood fuels area ladies’ success 28 running On FaiTh, hOpe, lOve Partners for Life keeps heroes’ memories alive 32 mOm-Friendly, mOm-apprOved Make her smile on her day 34 a hard lessOn College athlete urges mouthguard use

36 exTraOrdinary girl Neeley Heilman

26 28

every month 6 letter FrOm The ediTOr 11 summer Camp 22 WhaT’s happening 23 eduCaTiOn 30 healTh and Wellness 38 nOrTh hillsbOrOugh neWs

all

crammout ed

40 sOuTh hillsbOrOugh neWs 42 nOrTh pinellas neWs 44 sOuTh pinellas neWs 46 pasCO neWs 49 arOund TOWn

50 Calendar OF evenTs

On the cover: Cover Kid Winner Tiana Standifer at the USF Botanical Gardens in Tampa. Photograph by: Amy Pezzicara, www.PezzPhoto.com

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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.

Voted Tampa Bay’s Best Summer Camps!

We offer camps for animal lovers, coaster enthusiasts, future veterinarians and everything in between. Day Camp: K-12th • Resident Camp: 5th-College

............................................................................................................................................................................................... *Program components, pricing, and availability subject to change. ©2012 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

May 2012

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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 Chris Kuhn Calendar and Neighborhood Stories Luke Beck Graphic Artist Susan Margolis Marketing Director Sandy Parrish Sales Director Sarah Coss Public Relations Amy Pezzicara Contributing Photographer Todd A. Varde Director of IT Social Moms Rachel Long Lisa-Marie Leihy Ellie Hirsch

letter

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

FrOm THe eDITOr

As we approach the end of the school year, there’s still plenty to do before we can lounge poolside and drink piña coladas. your older kids will soon start prepping for finals and it’s important that they don’t lose sight of their academic goals before the year is out. On page 16, Mark Heller talks to us about prepping for the end-of-year exams and the best way to approach reviewing a semester’s worth of material.

Me with Princess The odora von Auersperg of Austria at the Chill Lounge Night Fashion Show.

Speaking of older kids, during the summer teen driving dramatically increases. Since your teen will surely want to make use of her driver’s license, make sure to discuss safety and the rules of the road. Check out page 10 as Amy Gall of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital discusses the dos and don’ts of being in the driver’s seat.

Hopefully you’ll be enjoying some well deserved rest and relaxation on Mother’s Day. Some argue that being a parent is the most difficult/rewarding job in the world, and we’ve again compiled some interesting stories of motherhood on page 26. Don’t forget to tune into ABC Action news at noon each Thursday. We’ve got some great segments planned for this month that will hit home with you and your family. if you’d like us to cover a topic, reach out to us on Facebook, www.tbparenting.com/Facebook. As you know, we’re always trying to make mom’s life easier. Starting this month, you’ll be able to see the coming issue of Tampa Bay Parenting about 10 days early. That’s right. Around the twenty-first of each month, we’ll deliver our newest issue via email for free. Visit www.tbparenting.com/earlybird to sign up and we’ll make sure that next month’s deals and events land in your inbox. Happy Mother’s May!

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

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 @tbparenting.

.............................................................................................................. 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 2007-2012 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. All rights reserved. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Each year, more than 3 million teeth are knocked out during youth sporting events. PROTECT YOUR SMILE WITH A FIERCE™ MOUTHGUARD. • • • • • •

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www.coastdental.com • 1-800-32-SMILE *Offer expires December 31, 2012. ADA D9941. PRMGL/Value $89.00 PRMGM/Value $109.00. PRMGH/Value $159.00. Coupon must be presented at time of treatment and may be combined with other offers for which the patient is eligible; one-time use only. Not to be combined with insurance, discount dental plans or Smile Plus®. Minimum fee only. Fee may vary with complexity of case. ADDITIONAL CHARGES MAY BE INCURRED FOR RELATED SERVICES WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED IN INDIVIDUAL CASES. THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT. The dentists and hygienists are employees or independent contractors of Coast Florida P.A. or Coast Dental, P.A., (Adam Diasti, DDS, DN12490). © 2012 Coast Dental. All rights reserved. CD-101194-3

t e n n i s

g o l f

s w i m m i n g

Your kids get to go to camp but you get the vacation. Win, win. camp nessie ages 3 – 11 | various times mondays – sundays

junior golf clinics ages 7 – 16 | 1pm – 2:30pm mondays – thursdays

tennis camps ages 3 – 18 | various times mondays – thursdays

jun ior golf, te n n is & s w i m ages 7 – 14 | 8:30am – 2:45pm mondays – thursdays

To register or for more information,

727.942.5241 (nessie/tennis) or 727.942.5283 (golf camps)

For details on all our activities, go to

VisitInnisibrook.com

taking the

wheel .....................

By amy gall

ParenTs musT DrIve HOme saFeTy wITH Teens

f your teen is counting down the days until he’s able to legally drive (if he’s not behind the wheel already), you’re not alone. But before you hand over the keys, it’s important to remember that driving is a high-risk activity, especially for young, inexperienced drivers. in fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. On average, eight teens die every day from motor vehicle injuries.

• Males: The occurrence of motor vehicle deaths for male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 are nearly two times higher than that of their female counterparts.

How big is the problem? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 3,000 U.S. teens between ages 15-19 are killed annually and more than 350,000 are treated in emergency rooms for injuries suffered in motor-vehicle crashes.

• Newly licensed teens: Crash risk is particularly high during the first year that teenagers are eligible to drive.

“All new drivers, even straight-A students and good kids have a higher chance of being involved in a fatal crash than experienced drivers,” says St. Joseph’s Children’s Advocate Tamyne Maxson. “Per miles driven, drivers ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely than older drivers to crash.” Maxson adds that teenagers tend to make risky decisions and often overestimate their abilities. Among teen drivers, those at especially high risk for motor vehicle crashes are:

• Teens driving with teen passengers: The presence of teen passengers increases the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. This risk increases with the number of teen passengers.

The good news is that most teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable and proven strategies can improve the safety of young drivers on the road. Research shows that parents play an important role in increasing their teen’s driving skills as they have the greatest influence over their teen’s behavior. “Talking with your teen about the importance of being responsible while driving is the first step to keeping them safe,” says Maxson. “it’s also a good idea to remind your teen that driving is a privilege, not a right.”

sT. JOsePH’s CHIlDren’s HOsPITal reCOmmenDs THe FOllOwIng TO HelP PrOTeCT yOur Teen DrIver.

• Practice driving with your teen as often as possible. “Don’t rely on driver’s education classes exclusively,” Maxson says. • Consider extending your teen’s supervised driving period. • Model good driving behavior. Always use seat belts and never use a cellphone while driving. • Establish driving limitations. Outline clear boundaries, such as a limited number of passengers and minimal driving time when it’s dark or during severe weather. • Negotiate and enforce a teen driving contract. After establishing driving limitations and agreeing on rules, write an agreement so the entire family has an understanding of the importance of safe driving. continued on page 12

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summer camp

May 2012

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summer camp

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Get in the Games DREAM BIG

SUMMER CAMPS • Sports & Games • Arts & Crafts • Swimming • Computer & Technology • Field Trips Ages 5-17 Monday - Friday June 10– August 17 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. $80 per child

City resident registration begins April 9 until full Non-resident registration begins April 16 until full

REGISTER ONLINE: www.tampagov.net/parksandrec REGISTER IN PERSON AT Your Community Center Special Interest Camps for children 8-12 years old also available

• Impose penalties for irresponsible driving behavior. Don’t take speeding tickets or moving violations lightly. “Put the financial responsibility on your teen driver to pay the consequences for their poor driving behavior,” Maxson says. • Eliminate distractions. Establish rules against eating, drinking, socializing and using equipment such as cellphones and mp3 players. • Consider installing an easy-to-use electronic monitoring unit. To help promote responsible driving, some insurance companies recommend that you install a device in your vehicle that tracks speed, time of travel and mileage. For a monthly fee, you can sign up with a bumper sticker program that allows other drivers to report your child’s driving behavior.

TIPs FOr Teens • Wear your seat belt every time you get into any vehicle. • Stay focused. Keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel at all times. • Never use your cellphone or text while driving. Always pull over to a safe place to talk or text if it can’t wait. • Avoid alcohol and drugs. • Follow posted speed limits. • Avoid distractions. The most common distractions include talking or texting on the phone, eating or drinking, talking with passengers, listening to loud music, changing radio stations or songs on an mp3 player or looking for CDs. • Avoid driving when you are tired. • Stay calm. Whether motivated by emotion, running late or just bad driving habits, reckless driving causes crashes that can result in injury or death. For more information on how to keep your kids safe and healthy on the road and at home, visit Facebook.com/ StJosephsChildrens.

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11 weeks of full-day & half-day camps. All camps are open to the public, serving over 2,000 Bay area campers each summer.

for

Shorecrest PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Summer

For camps and registration visit

www.shorecrest.org

May 2012

TBParenting.com

summer camp

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

ECKERD COLLEGE

Summer Watersports Camp

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

727-864-8288

www.eckerd.edu/waterfront/

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academics, activities and adventures! ClearwaterAcademy.org Academic Booster Program Learn HOW to Study SAT Preps English as a Second Language

Tennessee Extreme Adventure Everyday Activities on Campus Weekly Field Trips Exciting Overnight Trips

May 2012

TBParenting.com

crammed out ...........................

By mark Heller

all

TIPs TO avOID FInal exam all-nIgHTers

t’s May and that means high school students across the state have their sights set firmly on the beach, prom, and all kinds of summer plans. But before students are set free for the summer, they first must make it through an academic rite of passage — final exams. In many schools, finals and midterms (also known as semester exams) are not just part of the high school experience. They often begin in middle school. Many students have no idea how to adequately prepare for these important tests. Part of the challenge is that study skills and exam prep techniques do not easily lend themselves to a one size fits all approach. Each student has a unique learning style or profile. What works for your brother or your best friend may not work best for you. Here are suggested techniques to help students review and internalize the large amounts of material that final exams cover.

1. Start Early

avOID

THOse laTe nIgHT

The foremost principle of exam study is to avoid cramming Cram sessIOns by taking some time to review your course materials well in advance of the scheduled exam. The earlier you start, the better Upon your initial review, you may find they base you build, and the more you understand provide little help. Don’t lose heart. There are what you are up against. many other ways to get the information you will need to prepare for the exam. 2. Review Your Notes Just read them straight through. This first 3. Use Outlines and Review Sheets exercise will refresh your memory. if your notes Many schools require teachers to distribute are good, you’re off to a great start. After your course syllabi, outlines, assignment sheets, and initial review, review frequently and highlight even exam review sheets. Everything given out the most important information. Color-coding by the teacher should be saved and reviewed. can really help. This will allow you to easily if the teacher thought it was important enough and quickly get the most out of reviewing your to distribute, the student ought to take that as a notes. After you have done your highlighting, sign! Review sheets are valuable to all students you should review just the highlighted parts but especially to those who have less experience over and over again.

at studying for exams. Good teachers have organized their courses and review sheets, outlines, and syllabi can help students group the content into manageable chunks. if you have no outlines from you teacher, your textbook can serve you well. Though i believe the best courses are not organized simply by covering a textbook from start to finish, textbooks all have built-in outlines — the table of contents. you can get a very good sense of organization from the chapter names, the headings and sub-headings. you can make your own outline just by using this tool. continued on page 18

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summer camp

BE A HAPPY CAMPER Why choose YMCA Summer Camps?

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. Camps are offered in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Effective Individual and Family Therapy, Fun Social-Emotional Groups, Thorough Psychoeducational Testing, Proven Treatment for ADD/ADHD and Processing Difficulties

ymcatampabay.org

Lea rn How We Ca n Help

Locations South and North Tampa Contact us at 813-969-3878

www.RicePsychology.com ............................................................................................................................................................................................... Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

May 2012

TBParenting.com

summer camp

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Where Can You Save a City, Explore the World or Discover a Planet? 4. Review Your Graded Tests and Quizzes

Let your child’s imagination soar this summer. Local contact: Danute Krebs, 630.431.7754, ricandnute@sbcglobal.net

This is an often-overlooked study hint. When i was a full-time classroom teacher, i taught my students that the tests and quizzes were a good guide to what i thought was important stuff to know. To prove this, I always told them that the final exam would include a few questions that were repeats from their earlier tests. This way, they had an incentive to review and examine their tests to improve their performance. Students who heeded this advice were rewarded because they already knew the answers or the train of thought i was trying to instill in them. (And isn’t that part of the point?)

5. Don’t Spend Too Much Time Re-Reading Your Textbook

Trying to read large sections of your textbook can be a waste of time. instead, try to identify certain concepts, topics, or pages that you should review. Don’t be shy about using the index and table of contents to help you find the things you need to brush up on.

6. Use Online Resources

You have incredible resources at your fingertips. Even if your notes are not helpful or you haven’t saved enough handouts or old tests, you can follow hyperlinks or use great resources like khanacademy. org, a site that has thousands of short, clear lessons on a range of topics.

7. Get Advice From Your Teacher

Finally, a great way to prepare for exams is to work directly with your teacher. it’s quite likely that he wants you to be successful. Keeping communication open will serve you well, not just for the exam, but also for the grander purpose of school — learning to learn. Mark Heller is head of school at Academy at the Lakes, a PK3-12th grade independent school that serves students from Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando counties. For more information, visit academyatthelakes.org.

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JOIN US FOR A SUMMER OF FUN! ACTING ◆ ARTS & CRAFTS ◆ BAKING ◆ CAMP INVENTION® ◆ CHEERLEADING DANCE ◆ FIELD TRIPS ◆ MUSIC ◆ PHOTOGRAPHY ◆ SPORTS ◆ ACADEMIC REVIEWS

AL AND MUCH MORE!

Summ er at th e Lakes ACADEMY AT THE LAKES SUMMER DAY CAMP 2331 Collier Parkway • Land O’Lakes, FL 34639

NEW THIS YEAR! Camp Invention®

Brochure: www.AcademyAtTheLakes.org/campus-life/summer-camp

May 2012

TBParenting.com

summer camp

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

RE TO GIS DA TE SUMMER Y! R

CAMPS & CLASSES

CAMP THEMES:

Princesses and Pirates Beach Bash Dancing Divas & Dudes Tampaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent Movie Moves In the Jungle

WEEKS: Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6

June 18 - June 22 June 25 - June 29 July 9 - July 13 July 16 - July 20 July 23 - July 27 July 30 - August 3

CLASSES INCLUDE:

Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics, Acting, Musical Theatre, Voice & Music

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE 15906 Mapledale Blvd. Tampa, FL 33624

813.969.0240 mjpaa.com

__Ages__5-6_ week long camps __Ages_7-10_ offered from _Ages_11-15_ June 11 to Aug 17 Learn More At:

MoreanArtsCenter.org

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May 2012

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What’s Happening Super Dad Essay Contest

To mark the 102nd anniversary of Father’s Day, Tampa Bay Parenting magazine is searching for deserving dads in the Tampa Bay area who are making a positive impact through their generosity and dedication to their families and communities. We know that being a dad is not easy, that’s why our third annual Super Dad feature will appear in the June issue. Do you know a Super Dad? Visit www.tbparenting.com/SuperDads and tell us about him. We want to hear from kids, wives, mothers, brothers, or friends. Submission deadline is noon May 12. Visit www.tbparenting.com/SuperDads for complete contest rules.

Tails of the Heart

Celebrating its centennial in 2012, join the Humane Society of Tampa Bay for one of the most heartfelt events of the year! Enjoy a star-studded fashion show, including Founder and Editorial Director Angela Ardolino, adorable adoptables from the Humane Society, silent and live auctions, live music and a cigar bar along the water in downtown Tampa. The event is 6-11 p.m. May 5 at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St. Tickets are $125 and include dinner. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.humanesocietytampa.org.

Mother’s Day Events

May is for moms! So there’s no better time to arrange a fun weekend that makes her feel like the most special woman on earth! Enjoy a day at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Mom receives free admission on May 12-13 with the purchase of a full-priced admission ticket for a child. For more information, visit www.lowryparkzoo.com. If mom prefers a nice brunch, head over to Maestro’s Restaurant at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa on May 13. With three different seatings — 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Children 3 and younger eat free. To reserve your table, call 813-229-7827. And for expectant moms, Seedlings fifth annual Baby Shower on May 12 has everything moms-to-be need to get ready for motherhood. Go to www.seedlings.com for a full event schedule. For a full list of Mother’s Day happenings, check out page 50.

Legoland Adds Water Park

Legoland Florida will open a water park on May 26, just in time for the summer season. The new park will be home to gently rolling waves, sure to please water babies young and old. Legoland Water Park will include Lego Wave Pool, Build-a-Raft River, Twin Chasers and Joker Soaker, a fun, interactive playground with various slides that offer something for everyone. Admission is included with an all-new Legoland Premium Pass, which offers 12 months admission to Legoland Florida. Visit www.legoland.com for more information or to purchase passes.

Family Movie Classics

The Capitol Classics film series has teamed with Tampa Bay Parenting magazine for a family movie series that will delight all ages. Designed to let parents share their favorite childhood movies with their kids, the 3 p.m. Saturday screenings at the Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater, will be the ultimate family movie experience, where kids can feel free to wiggle and giggle. The series kicks off June 2 with a 30th anniversary screening of E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, with The Princess Bride, a not so typical fairy tale, on June 30. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, www.atthecap.com, or by calling 727-791-7400. Enter to win a Family Fun Pack that includes four tickets to see E.T., plus soda and popcorn for the whole family. Visit www.tbparenting.com/enter-to-win.

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education

“The personal connection allows each of our children to excel individually.” - The Chiaramonte Family

This year, give your children the gift of an Academy education.

2331 Collier Parkway Land O’Lakes, FL 34639 PK3-Grade 12

Call today to schedule a personal tour.

www.AcademyAtTheLakes.org

813-909-7919

The Academy Experience. Extraordinary preparation for college and for life.

What’s New at Shorecrest? • Global Scholars Initiative — High school students major in international studies through travel, speakers, Skype and world-wide experiences • iPads used in Junior Kindergarten • 34,000 sq. ft. Athletic Center, Varsity Wrestling Team, Competitive Cheerleading • Over 60 Lower and Middle Division After-School Programs • Learning Spanish through Music • Reading Workshop in K-4th grade teaches the foundation of writing and reading through peer collaboration • Handwriting Without Tears program developed by Occupational Therapists, begins in preschool • Learning about the Environment through hands-on science experiments • Second and fourth graders create student-driven digital portfolios, earning recognition by Education Week Magazine

Shorecrest PREPARATORY SCHOOL PRE-K (AGE 3) THROUGH GRADE 12 5101 1st St. N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33703

727-456-7511 • www.shorecrest.org

Expect the Best!

May 2012

TBParenting.com

education

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Infants through 12 years • Drop In • Before & After School Programs

Where

discovery is a

daily activity

ms PK Progu ra V d n a l o build on n o h ca c tion yo Pres ational founda

l skill level child an educ l developmenta ua • We give your vid di in ’s ild ch ge, enhance your , social, langua • Designed to ping cognitive lo ve de on s cuse • Curriculum fo skills and physical y early literac r ages 2-5 e l: availabl fo oo ch es Pr e at • Priv e for ages 4-5 Pre-K: availabl • State-funded

w w w.D is c ove

Franchise Opportunities

AVAI LA BL E

1-8 00 -62 2-7 59 9

ry Po in t. c o m

Online Application

Now Available! You must apply in person for the Florida VPK program.

“Preserving Childhood While Building Foundations for the Future.”

Now Enrolling for Fall 2012 | Infants - VPK 813.882.9921 6100 Memorial Hwy., Tampa, FL 33615

www.bridgesatwelc.com

UMAP Accreditated, Gold Seal of Quality, High Performing VPK School, Quality Counts for Kids, Low Student/Teacher Ratios, County Approved Curriculum

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........................................................................................................................................................................................... Now Enrolling Grades K-3 for the 2012-13 School Year! A tuition-free, charter elementary school opening August 2012! • A Safe and Secure Campus • A Small-School Environment • School Uniforms • Project-Based Learning that Integrates Technology • Enrichment programs for all grade levels • A school culture that celebrates hard work and creativity

Searching

for a

better education option for

your child? HENDERSON HAMMOCK CHARTER SCHOOL

Linebaugh and Henderson in North Tampa Expanding to K-5 over the next 2 years!

Henderson Hammock Charter School opens in August 2012. Our challenging academic environment will encourage your child to embrace a life-long love of learning to secure a better future. Our dedicated and caring staff makes learning fun while engaging extra-curricular activities broaden your child’s perspective. Enrollment for the 2012-2013 school year is now open!

A Fundamental School for the 21st Century www.windsorprep.org

Space is Limited - Enroll Today! Get more info at www.windsorprep.org or call 727-475-1297 For parent meeting information, please visit our website at www.windsorprep.org

Advantages: · NO TUITION · Before and after care · Meaningful parental involvement · Personal learning plans · School uniforms

Apply online at www. HendersonCharter .org or call today (866) KIDS-USA for more information. Tuition Free Public School - Serving Grades K-8

Currently Enrolling

1 year olds through Kindergarten for Fall 2012/2013

Planting the Seeds for the Future We are expanding our campus, come grow with us!

We are a Green School

6845 Boyette Road Wesley Chapel, Florida 33545 813.991.6335 www.gardenmontessorischool.org

Scan for more information

May 2012

TBParenting.com

kid mOms Dare TO Dream, aCHIeve

Motherhood. It’s not exclusive. It’s not glamorous. And it’s definitely not easy. But it’s a life-changing club that millions of women around the world clamor to join every year. Just like any other job, (and it is a job) there are good days and not so good days. There’s normalcy and surprise. And then there are the intangible benefits. That feeling that makes you want to be a better person, makes you want to make the world a better place and gives every day meaning. This year, the moms in our annual Mother’s Day spread share their stories of inspiration and how motherhood helped them reach for the stars.

a ‘mOmPreneur’ Is BOrn IMAGE GoES HERE

............................................ amy lunDy Adam, Alexandra and Amy.

we can’t. it’s important to realize that and not feel guilty about it. So to be successful and as stress-free as possible, i know when to ask for help and delegate. Fortunately, my husband is a loving, supportive and involved father. i hire help as needed for my business and have excellent babysitters. i turn to resources, like Tampa Bay Parenting, to learn about and stay current on parenting issues and advice. Still, even after the most exhausting days, i often think to myself or say aloud, “How lucky am i?” The saying goes that necessity is the mother of invention. For me, motherhood necessitated invention.

Parenting is a constant balancing act and also among the most rewarding jobs in the world, which i discovered after having my daughter Alexandra in 2010. After having her, my career in corporate marketing and events did not excite me the way it once did. I loved being with my child every day and I knew I had to find a way to stay with her. i had a growing interest in turning my passion for pregnancy, parenthood, people, places and planning into a career. Thus the Small Fry Society (www.smallfrysociety.com), a social and educational program for moms, babies and expectant moms across the Tampa Bay area, was born. The program combines meeting new friends, exploring family-friendly businesses, creating support systems, education on parenting subjects, a charitable partnership with Alpha House and fun! The Small Fry Society allows me to be home with my daughter while running a business that connects mothers to each other and mom-tested, momapproved businesses. My work day is far from 9 to 5. I am most efficient before my child rises, after she falls asleep and let’s not forget those fabulous naps! it never ceases to amaze me how much i accomplish during my child’s two hour nap — a meeting, email responses, laundry, house cleaning, dinner preparation. Like all mothers, i have learned the true meaning of multitasking. As a mom and business owner, some days are a walk in the park while others are all business. And like the majority of mothers, i do the best i can. As moms we feel that we have to do everything ourselves, but as i’m sure you know,

sPreaDIng JOy

............................................ IMAGE GoES HERE

susan sCHwarTz David, Jess, Jim, Susan, Meghan and Tony on Easter.

For as long as I can remember, health and fitness has shaped my life. In school i was a cheerleader, ran track, danced and did gymnastics. At 23, i began bodybuilding and became a personal trainer and aerobics instructor. And i met my husband Jim, who also exemplified fitness, at the health club where I was working at the time. Jim and i married in 1985, welcoming daughter Jessica in 1986 and daughter Meghan in 1988. i still taught my aerobics classes and was able to keep up my bodybuilding and personal training business. The doctors told me not to start any new fitness activities but I could keep exercising as long as it did not cause pain. A lot of women cannot exercise during pregnancy. i was very blessed to be able to keep up with my program.

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Chasing a 2-year old and caring for a newborn was a competition in itself. i’m thankful my healthy lifestyle enabled me to not just take care of my daughters but have the energy to have fun with them as well. When the girls started school, i went back to college. Those years were difficult. School, work, and the family kept me very busy. I believe my faith in God and spirituality carried me through those tough times. i worked hard to instill in the girls a faith in God, love of others and a sense of charity. Lessons i took to heart as well. While cleaning out a closet nine years ago, i noticed many gowns from my daughters’ proms, homecomings and cotillions. As one of six children, i knew what it felt like to want a beautiful dress to wear to my prom and homecoming. i realized a need for a program that distributes dresses to girls who otherwise would not be able to attend such important coming of age rituals. Thus Belle of the Ball was founded. i worked Belle of the Ball tirelessly and prayed constantly for God’s help and guidance. Through hard work and a love for the girls we help, Belle of the Ball is now a 501c3 nonprofit organization housed in a 4,000 square-foot store housing more than 3,500 dresses that are distributed for proms and homecomings. My husband and i are empty nesters now. Jessica is married and serves on the board of directors for Belle of the Ball. Meghan is a group fitness instructor for a local health club. Both following in my footprints! i couldn’t be prouder. As a mother, i’ve learned that through a love for people and community one person can do marvelous things. Through perseverance and hard work, i’ve built a nonprofit business into a catalyst for girls to not just receive a dress but to find self-esteem, confidence, self-worth and hopefully charity when they are called upon to help others.

THe mOre THe merrIer

............................................ IMAGE GoES HERE

esTHer Berry Esther with students at Esther’s School.

At a very young age, i was intent on getting married and starting my family as soon as possible. i always wanted a big family and the chance to pass on good values to my children. Once married, we were so happy to welcome two children into our lives in short order. When my first husband was not interested in having more children, we parted ways. i was heartbroken and saddened by the turn of events. But that would not be the end of my big family dream. i’ve now been married to my wonderful husband Chris for 35 years. We were blessed with three children, fulfilling my dream of a large family. My youngest Robert was born with Down Syndrome, changing our lives for the better. it was a challenge but i have grown so much and learned so much thanks to Robert. Several years ago, my husband and i started a school for special needs children. Our first day, we had two children — Robert and the child of a family friend. After that first year, the school grew steadily with the introduction of some children from the foster care system.

Chris, who was the school’s bus driver, began interacting with the children and grew fond of a little girl who needed parents. One day after school, Chris told me he wanted to adopt her. i cynically told him i would inquire but immediately thought we would be too old to be considered. Last year, we adopted her and her brother, and we truly began to understand that we were both put on this earth to parent children who need love and attention. This year we are adopting three more children. By the end of the year, we’ll have three 17 year olds, a 16 year old and a 9 year old. My goal is to help as many children as possible and to teach them to live as independently as possible. in addition to our children at home, we also have our extended children — 70 special needs students at four schools. My dream of a big family has taken me on a journey of education and compassion. The one message i want to spread to families and moms is to follow your passion. you won’t be disappointed. i promise.

InTense lIke ParenTIng

............................................ IMAGE GoES HERE

mICHele nOrTHruP Michele with her sons Christian, Sebastian and Tommy.

I started Intensity Academy Sauces five years ago while working in the garden at my children’s school. The vegetable of the week was carrots. We all took a basket of carrots home and we were supposed to come up with something that the students had not tried before. i came up with a kickin’ carrot hot sauce and made nachos and dips for the students to try. They loved it! Friends and family urged me to bottle the sauce. i took the chance. Five years later, we have won more than 50 national awards and were recently featured on yahoo! TV. My three 14-year-old boys, Christian, Sebastian and Tommy, are my world. it has been my greatest joy to see them grow over the years. i cherish our simple daily family time, making dinner or just talking. Their personalities are each unique but their ability to care for our family and business resonates with all three. It is sometimes difficult to juggle responsibilities to my children, family, work, and household, but i wouldn’t have it any other way. i am very close to my boys. i talk through my business plans with them and explain what my goals are for the company. Time for homemade cookies is great, but the business lessons they are learning are invaluable. My boys have seen that you can do anything with hard work and a passion to follow your dream. They have seen firsthand the progression from an idea to a company that has reached the pinnacle of the industry in just a few short years. i’m still working on saying no and not overbooking myself. i love opportunities to share some saucy goodness at an event or show, but i have to be mindful of my boys and home life. i have to decide the tasks only i can do and the ones i can delegate. Sharing the household work as a family also helps ease the burden on everyone. i hope to inspire other mom’s to take a chance on their dream. The secret to my success is my family and our community. Community is everything. it is true that the connections made while lending a hand or giving back truly launched my saucy business. i did not have a huge budget for marketing. All i had was my sauce and heart to give, and it has made all the difference.

May 2012

TBParenting.com

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

By sarIna Fazan

running on ...

“ God had a plan and had to use him to do it. I can’t explain why. I know this whole scenario was put there for a reason and God was in control the whole time,” She imagined hosting a run because it was a passion she and Jeff shared. Lauber relayed her dream to me. immediately, i took action because that is what our station does. i sent the idea to General Manager Rich Pegram. The team at ABC Action news rallied around the idea, and along with the tireless effort of Lauber, a partnership was born.

ParTners FOr lIFe keePs HerOes’ memOrIes alIve

ne of the greatest blessings of my job is meeting wonderful people in the community. Sadly, sometimes that happens in the worst circumstances.

That was the case when i met Lorraine yaslowitz. She is the wife of slain St. Petersburg Officer Jeff Yaslowitz. Lorraine, who does not like to be called widow, agreed to an interview shortly after her husband’s death in 2011. Jeff was gunned down while trying to assist with a search warrant in January of 2011. He wasn’t even supposed to be there that day; he volunteered to cover a colleague’s shift. i remember Lorraine talking about his death and being so amazed at her strength and deeply touched by her faith. “God had a plan and had to use him to do it. i can’t explain why. i know this whole scenario was put there for a reason and God was in control the whole time,” Lorraine said. Deeply moved, i returned to the station and began the process of putting together my

pieces for the newscast that evening. Due to the time constraints of a half-hour newscast, i could not use all of Lorraine’s quotes. i admired the strength it took for this amazing woman who just lost her husband to share her feelings with us. i felt compelled, out of respect for her, to share her entire message. So, i decided to stay late that night and transcribe her entire interview for our website, www.abcactionnews.com. i didn’t realize it at the time, but this was the beginning of something huge. Could this woman of faith and strength turn a tragedy into a triumph in her husband’s honor? if anyone could, it was Lorraine. i had no idea at the time, but i was about to play a key role in helping her dream come true. Shortly after, Lorraine asked a friend of hers to reach out to me. That friend was a race director named Chris Lauber. Lauber was also deeply moved by her tragedy. Lorraine wanted to honor Jeff and she thought the best way to do that was to establish a foundation. She wanted to call it something special that symbolized their relationship. Lorraine decided on Partners for Life.

ABC Action news was honored to sponsor the first annual Partners for Life Police Appreciation Run on May 15, 2011. it took place in downtown St. Petersburg during national Police Memorial Week. i had every intention of being there. Then Lorraine asked me to run the 10k with her. i do have a passion for running, but quite frankly, i was out of shape. How could i say no? it was important to Lorraine. i wanted to be there to support her, honor her late husband and pay tribute to all the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty. it was time for me to get back in shape. Still, i was so nervous, but on race day, i laced up my shoes and hoped for the best. it was a very special day with Lorraine and Jeff ’s three children cheering us on, along with his K-9 dog Ace, and Jeff ’s parents and two sisters. i began side by side with Lorraine. However, i was dragging about two thirds through. i looked up at the sky and the greatest warmth along with determination filled me. I know many of you may be skeptical, but it was as if Jeff was encouraging and giving me the faith in myself to go on. i rounded the curb and there was Lorraine. i’ll never forget what she asked me, “Are you feeling what i am feeling? That Jeff is watching us?” i am also a woman of faith, but this moment cemented my belief. Lorraine and I crossed the finish line together but this partnership was far from over. continued on page 30

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health & wellness

Harvey Yaslowitz crosses the finish line as the St. Petersburg S.W.A.T. team cheers him on.

now, we are getting ready to lace up our shoes for the second annual run. it will take place in downtown St. Petersburg on May 6. This year, the family is mourning another loss, Jeff ’s father Harvey. He passed away almost seven months after Jeff ’s sudden death.

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“i just couldn’t believe this was happening to me. it was almost like you get this gut wrenching pain, then you feel wonderful knowing that they are there with God and just not with us right now. i know one day we will be there, but right now i am here,” said Lorraine. And being here means focusing on her cause and her children. Lorraine took a year off from her teaching job to focus on both. Her nonprofit foundation has taken huge strides and she is proud of that. “When Jeff died, we had so many people helping us both financially and personally. Not everyone has that support and that’s why this foundation was formed.” The foundation’s first check went to the family of a slain St. Petersburg security guard, Matthew Little. Lorraine explained, “i know exactly what the family was going through. i just want to help and hopefully make a difference.” The Partners for Life Police Appreciate Run is the major fundraiser. Last year, the first-ever run drew hundreds. The race is a healing process for many and, for others, it’s a chance to honor those who put their lives on the line everyday to protect us. “you heal when you see the community and people you don’t even know coming together to show their support,” said Lorraine. i’ve learned a lot along the way. We can celebrate someone’s life rather than mourn just as Lorraine has. She reminds all of us her husband is a hero and heroes never die. Sarina Fazan is an Emmy award-winning journalist who anchors the 6 and 11 p.m. weekend newscasts at ABC Action News.

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a college athlete learns a

hard lesson T

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

By CHrIsTIne DuFFy

about mouthguards

wenty year-old Tampa resident Lindsey Botts is sharing something she learned about athletic mouthguards with others. “if you’re going to play sports, wear a mouthguard that you got from your dentist,” warns Lindsey. it’s a lesson she learned in early March while playing basketball for Hillsborough Community College during a tournament in the Florida Panhandle.

An opposing player carrying the ball spun around and collided violently with her. Lindsey’s teeth struck the player’s head, sending both women to the floor writhing in pain. Lindsey was bleeding heavily from the mouth. A quick swipe of the tongue across her front teeth revealed a space where her top teeth once sat. All those years in braces and now her beautiful, straight smile was ruined, she feared. She was too distraught to examine the damage in the mirror. Others discovered the teeth were intact, but knocked back to the roof of her mouth. She didn’t think so at the time, but Lindsey was lucky. She got emergency dental care from a Panhandle dentist who spent an hour moving her teeth back into position. The dentist temporarily stabilized Lindsey’s teeth into proper position with a bonding strip and instructed her to visit her Tampa dentist when the swelling subsided. A week later, Lindsey’s local dentist assured her she’d received good emergency care. She needed three root canals and may need crowns as well. it could have been worse. She could have needed dental implants.

Mouthguards Save Teeth

Her dentist cleared her to be fitted for a custom mouthguard and Lindsey has become an advocate for athletes to wear them in practice and during competition. “you never think it’s going to happen to you,” she said, even though close friends lost teeth while playing basketball and soccer in high school and elementary school. So why wasn’t Lindsey wearing a mouthguard? in Florida, college basketball players are not required to wear them and many coaches don’t talk about them. Some players don’t like them because the boil and bite variety available at sporting goods stores are uncomfortable and hinder the rapidfire dialogue that takes place among athletes

during heated competition. The same is true for the unfitted, inexpensive variety handed out by high school coaches to help players meet the mouthguard requirement in competition. These guards do little to provide actual protection. Lindsey briefly wore a boil and bite mouthguard in high school. She quickly discarded it because it wasn’t comfortable. instead, she and her teammates wore the standard-issue, unfitted mouthguards that they cut down to help them communicate during games. More often than not, they tucked them into their cheeks during play, Lindsey said.

“You never think it’s going to happen to you.” “if only schools required athletes to have effective mouth protection,” said Coast Dental’s Chief Clinical Director Cindy Roark, DMD. “A dentist can prescribe a comfortable, customfitted mouthguard. Dental labs construct them with multiple layers of strong, flexible materials for maximum protection. A good custom mouthguard enables an athlete to speak while wearing it. When was the last time you saw a professional athlete competing in a contact sport without a mouthguard in place?” Many coaches don’t realize athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer an injury to the mouth when they are not wearing a mouthguard. Custom mouthguards help spread the force of the impact over a larger area, which dilutes the blow. Wellmade mouthguards may also reduce the rate and

Hillsborough Community College basketball player Lindsey Botts had three teeth knocked loose during a game. Now she’s advocating custom mouthguards for all players.

severity of concussions, the American Dental Association found. To help educate more people, Coast Dental is developing an educational campaign for coaches and parents in Florida, Georgia, California, nevada and Texas. The program will illustrate the difference between over-the-counter products and customfitted mouthguards and urge athletes to wear effective mouth protection. The campaign will include a money-saving coupon for custom mouthguards that will be good at all 182 Coast Dental, SmileCare and Nevada Dental Associates offices. To find an office near you, visit www.CoastDental.com or call (800) 32-SMiLE. While custom mouthguards are more expensive than the store-bought variety, they can easily pay for themselves if they prevent the need for emergency and restorative dental work. not convinced? Just ask Lindsey Botts. She’ll tell you.

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

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May 2012

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Extraordinary girl neeley Heilman, 8, hopes to be an oceanographer one day, but she could be one of America’s next great writers. The second grader loves school, and she especially loves to write stories. She also loves running, playing soccer, competing in triathlons and spending time with her mom, dad, sister Halle and brother Ben.

What makes you happy? Why? i am happy when i see other people happy. i like to help other people, especially when they are sad or feeling down.

Who is your biggest inspiration? i have two inspirations. My sister Halle is my first inspiration. Halle struggles with a lot of medical issues. She was born with a rare chromosome deletion and has an immune deficiency. Her hands don’t work like everyone else’s, and she has a lot of other medical issues. She is sick and in pain a lot but she always has a positive attitude and encourages others to overcome their challenges in life. i am also inspired by Winter the Dolphin. Winter also has disabilities, like Halle, and she helps others deal with their disabilities. Winter makes people feel good about themselves and like themselves just the way they are. i want to teach others to like themselves the way they are and to stay positive regardless of their challenges.

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

By angela arDOlInO

Sharing tales of leadership, community and hope.

around as a family. My mom and i train together for my triathlons. We go for runs together, and all of us take bike rides together. We love to spend time together. Summer is coming, and we will spend lots of time in the pool!

What advice do you have for girls your age? Don’t ever make fun of people! Always try to be nice to others and look to be a friend to those who need you the most. Also, it’s important to feel good about yourself! you are special.

What are your aspirations for the future? i want to stay active in triathlons and soccer. i will always want to take care of the body God gave me. When i grow up i want to be an oceanographer and work with animals like Winter, teaching people it’s okay to be different and being different can be cool.

What is your favorite way to relax? i relax by reading a book or going for a run.

If you could change the world in one way, what would it be? i would make sure everybody is treated equally no matter what abilities they have!

What is your favorite experience? My favorite experience was meeting my friend Kendra in preschool. We are still friends today even though we go to different schools!

What is your favorite thing to do with your family?

What message do you want to share with other girls and families?

i love family game night. We all love to sit around and play Uno! We also like to play wiffle ball out front with dad and kick the soccer ball

it’s OK to have a person with disabilities in your family. All families are different and special in their own way. i hope people learn to treat others

as they would want to be treated. i hope each girl and family that reads this realizes what is special about them and their family and celebrate that. Don’t compare yourself to others.

Tell us about your community project. My mom helped me start a running club at my elementary school. We are the Galloping Gators! My mom and i had talked a lot about how hard it was for me to see my parents spend so much time with my brother and sister when they were in the hospital or doing school at home. i had a hard time seeing what they go through. it is really tough and no fun but i just saw they were with mom and not me. i started wishing i was sick like them. Then last year, my mom started me in running races and triathlons so we could spend time training together and going to events. i began to realize how much i loved competing and how much i really appreciated having a healthy body. My brother and sister can’t do these things because their bodies aren’t able to right now. i realize it’s a blessing to be healthy and i wanted to share that with other kids! i want them to feel good about themselves too! The Galloping Gators meet every Wednesday. We started with only four members and now we have over 20! We do lots of running games. We learn about proper nutrition and how to take good care of our bodies. We also do a trail run at the end of each club meeting. On the other days we keep journals on all the exercise we get like running, swimming, biking or even rollerblading. it’s a lot of fun. Our running club also encourages each other to do local races with our families. Several of my teammates ran in Gasparilla and other races this year, and i just completed my first duathlon! We even bring in our medals to show our friends. it is a lot of fun!

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Neeley Heilman

Neeley at the USF Track & Field Stadium in Tampa. Photo by Amy Pezzicara, Pezz Photo

May 2012

TBParenting.com

north hillsborough

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

Summer Camps Designed to Stimulate Minds The Florida Advanced Technological Education (FLATE) Center, the national Science Foundation Center for high-tech manufacturing at Hillsborough Community College in Brandon, is partnering with the Hillsborough County School District to offer robotics camps this summer for middle and high school students. Camps will be held in the student services building at HCC Brandon and are designed to spark middle and high school students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, also known as STEM, introduce them to the world of robotics and automation and explore their applications in both industrial and everyday settings. This summer’s scheduled camps include introductory Camp for Middle School (June 18- 22, girls only); introductory Camp (June 25-29, middle schoolers); Engineering Camp (July 9-13, high school students); and Advanced Camp (July 16-20, middle schoolers). Tampa’s Museum of Science and industry will be offering hands-on summer camps for aspiring young entrepreneurs in grades 6-12. The camps run June 11-15 and June 18-22, with both morning and afternoon sessions. During morning Biz innovation Station camps, teens will create products and learn how to build a company around it. in the afternoons, Biz Kids camps give participants a chance to start a company and develop a business plan. The camps will be led by Forward Thinking initiatives and offered through MOSi’s idea zone, a recently added Diy laboratory for students of all ages. “The ultimate goal is for the idea zone to be a center for invention and innovation,” says Anthony Pelaez, MOSi’s director of education. “We want the idea zone to be seen as a hub where young minds come together and a place that’s generating entrepreneurs for the future.” For more information about the FLATE camps, visit www.fl-ate.org/projects/camps.html and www. madeinflorida.org or call 813-444-2267.

Carrollwood Day School Seniors Score Acting Accolades Adam Hall and Michael Valdez, students at Carrollwood Day School, recently earned one of the highest awards at the Florida State international Thespian Festival. The two seniors were named “Best Duet Actors” for the state of Florida when more than 8,000 thespians gathered in downtown Tampa to compete and perform across a variety of acts and plays over four days. Hall and Valdez were the only members to win an award for their district, which includes Hillsborough, Brandon and Plant City. Jaime Giangrande-Holcom, CDS high school drama teacher, says she was so excited it brought her to tears when she saw the results posted. “i am so proud of both of them. This award justifies the past four years of both physical and emotional work on their craft,” she says. “We are no longer the little troupe that could. We are the little troupe that did!” Carrollwood Day School serves students age 2 through high school from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and has been recognized nationally for its academic excellence. Visit www. carrollwooddayschool.org for more information about the school’s programs.

dates: May 3, 3:30 p.m. Carrollwood Day School Open House Take a tour of Carrollwood Day School, 12606 Casey Road, Tampa, and meet with faculty and staff of the preschool and kindergarten programs. Reserve your spot by calling Kathy Perez at 813-920-2288 or emailing kperez@carrollwooddayschool.org. www.carrollwooddayschool.org May 5, 9-11:30 a.m. • Arthritis Walk Hit the pavement to celebrate a movement to prevent and treat arthritis at this 5k and 1-mile walk launching from Pavilion 315 at Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa. No fee to participate; walkers raising $100 or more are eligible for event T-shirt. www.awtampa.kintera.org May 5, 7 p.m. • A Red Carpet Event Enjoy award-winning music as presented by the Carrollwood Cultural Center Community Chorus and Broadway-Bound Kids at 4537 Lowell Road. Walk the red carpet and mingle with the stars. Advance tickets: $9 for members and $12 for nonmembers. Day of show: $11 members and $14 nonmembers. www.carrollwoodcenter.org May 11, noon – 4 p.m. Free Garden Day at USF Celebrate all things floral in honor of National Public Gardens Day at the USF Botanical Gardens, 12210 USF Pine Drive, Tampa campus. Check out the new family center. Free admission. www.cas.usf.edu/garden May 11, 7-9 p.m. Westchase Movie Night Pack a blanket or chairs for a free movie and popcorn at Baybridge Park, 10020 Bridgeton Drive, courtesy of the Westchase Community Association. May’s movie is Dolphin Tale. www.westchasewca.com May 19, 2-3:30 p.m. Gearing up for Lego Robotics This interactive play experience offered to children in grades 3-5 is held at the Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz Lake Fern Road. Kids will be introduced to what makes a Lego robot work. Registration required. www.hcplc.org

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health & wellness

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south hillsborough

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County Library Provides Books to Local Children Recently, the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library gave new books to some Hillsborough County schoolchildren through the Reading is Fundamental program, including children at Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School, where each child received two books, and kindergarteners and first-graders at Booker T. Washington Elementary who each received one new book. The library system purchased the new books through a Pine-Sol literacy grant of $1,411 as part of $50,000 that Pine-Sol donated to RiF in 2011 to help children gain access to books. “We’re thrilled to take this opportunity to extend the joy of reading and love of books beyond our libraries’ walls in partnership with local schools,” says Joe Stines, Hillsborough County’s Library Director. “Our goal here is to promote literacy, encourage reading and reach out to children who don’t have as much opportunity to select and own high-quality books.” The RIF is the largest children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States, inspiring children to be lifelong readers through the power of choice. RIF seeks to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life and to prepare and motivate children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to children and families who need them most, with the group’s highest priority being reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. For more information about the county’s distribution of RiF books, contact the TampaHillsborough County Public Library Administration at 813-273-3663.

Video Features Patel Conservatory, Blake High Partnership The Patel Conservatory’s partnership with Blake High is the subject of a video created for Arts Schools network by Blake High School students. Blake is one of only eight schools nationwide selected to produce a video for the Arts Schools network website. When representatives from Arts Schools network were touring the Tampa area, Blake’s Assistant Principal Greg Basham met them when they made stops at both the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and Blake High. They discussed the video, which will be posted on the “Life in the Arts” section of the website. Basham applied, presented ideas, met the extensive criteria and found out a few weeks later that Blake had been selected. Blake students Jimmy Wills, a junior, and Deven Jarvis, a senior, are creating the video, with minimal input from administration. When complete, folks at Arizona State University will reformat the video and upload it to the website. The Blake High/Patel Conservatory partnership has encompassed many mutual projects, including visits with Step Afrika, improvised Shakespeare, an Opera Tampa new artist and yasmin Levy. Blake students also participated in a dance master class with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, attended dress rehearsals at the Straz Center and took part in the in The Heights Broadway Education Project. On an ongoing basis, Patel Conservatory instructors Mark Lubas and Dee Lynch teach vocal lessons weekly to students at the high school, and selected Blake students leave campus during the school day to attend dance classes at the conservatory. Founded in 1981, Arts Schools network is dedicated to excellence and leadership in arts education. As part of the nonprofit Straz Center, the Patel Conservatory offers classes for children and adults of all experience levels in dance, music and theater. Call 813-222-1002 or visit www. patelconservatory.org to learn more.

dates: May 2-4, various times The Ugly Duckling Catch a performance of the Hans Christian Andersen favorite as Stages Production brings the tale to the Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association, 619 Vonderburg Drive, Brandon. Tickets: $6 members and $7 nonmembers. www.centerplacebrandon.org May 6, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Farmers’ Market Support local businesses as you shop for fresh produce, seafood and homemade goods at this event at Fishhawk Ranch’s Park Square, 16144 Churchview Drive, Lithia. Free admission. www.fishhawkconnect.com May 8, 22, 9:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. MOPS Meetings Join Mothers of Preschoolers, an international, faith-based group, for fellowship and support at Hyde Park United Church, 500 W. Platt St., Tampa. Child care is available by reservation. www.hydeparkumc.org/mops May 17, 3:30-8 p.m. Brandon Business Expo & Taste of Brandon Sample food from local restaurants and browse the booths of area businesses at this annual community event in the Special Events Center, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301, Brandon. Free admission. www.brandonchamber.com May 23, 5 p.m. Spotlight Awards Celebrate the accomplishments of Patel Conservatory students and raise funds for the center’s arts education programs. Tickets for the event in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, downtown Tampa start at $20. www.patelconservatory.org May 30, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Hyde Park Live Music Series Stop by the Hyde Park Village fountain for this popular monthly concert series. In May, James Lange Theory performs, with beverage proceeds to benefit the Quantum Leap Farm. Free admission and parking. www.hydeparkvillage.net

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north pinellas

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Teen Talent Contest Hits the Web This summer, the “That Thing i Can Do” talent contest for teens will be completely online. From April 29 through midnight June 10, Clearwater libraries will accept video entries (up to five minutes in length) from students in grades 6-12. Students can post videos on youTube and register for the contest. Then library staff will review each registered video for length and appropriateness. Upon acceptance, the contestant will receive a confirmation and a link to his video will be posted on the library’s website. Contestants are encouraged to campaign for friends and family to view their videos on the Clearwater website and “Like” it. The public also is invited to review video entries and vote. All “Like” votes will be tallied and contestants with the most “Like” votes by July 1 will win. Winners will receive gift cards.

dates:

Talent can include singing, dancing, playing instruments, magic tricks or unusual stunts or abilities.

May 11, 7-9 p.m. Dunedin Teen Idol 2012 Check out talented singers ages 13-18 as this competition presents its finalists at Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road. Cheer on your favorites. Tickets: $5. Call 727-812-4530.

Entry forms and officials rules are available at any Clearwater Public Library branch and can be requested by emailing mlib.youthref@myclearwater.com. Call 727-562-4970 or visit www. myclearwater.com/cpl to learn more.

Pinellas Artists Celebrate Centennial in Words, Pictures Creative Pinellas, a nonprofit organization started in 2011 to connect and promote the creativity of the Pinellas art community, has launched a special art project to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Pinellas as an incorporated county. Pinellas Arts 100, a vibrant visual cross-section of the county’s arts community, is live at www. pinellasarts100.org and features more than 100 images submitted by over 100 artists, musicians and performers across Pinellas County. Participants share their thoughts on why they love making art in Pinellas and their vision of the area’s future. Artist Chad Mize of Blue Lucy, a gallery and design firm on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, says he is inspired by the beach life and tropical vibe in Pinellas County. “i love having my studio downtown,” Mize writes. “it’s a great place to live and work. nothing is better than creating art outside on one of the many sunshiny days.” Artist and educator Craig Petersburg of St. Pete Beach shared his image of Pinellas County 100 years from now. “This county has always been famous with visitors for its climate, but in the future it will also be a destination for the arts, sports and the welcoming feeling demonstrated by the people who live and work here.” Visit www.creativepinellas.org for more information about the Pinellas Arts 100 project or Creative Pinellas.

May 3, 10, 17, 21, 24, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Book Time at Brooker Creek Ages 3-5 can hear a story and try hands-on activities, including crafts and games, at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Free; preregistration required. www.brookercreekpreserve.org May 4, 1:30 p.m. City of Oldsmar Golf Tournament Hit the links at Eagles Golf Course, 16101 Nine Eagles Drive, odessa. Registration includes greens fee, cart, 18 holes of golf, a drawing ticket and dinner. Cost: $75. Proceeds benefit oldsmar’s summer youth programs Register at noon. www.myoldsmar.org

May 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Annual Women’s Health and Beauty Expo Treat yourself to a day of pampering and shopping at the Greater Palm Harbor Branch YMCA, 1600 16th St., Palm Harbor. Day will include product samples and Mother’s Day gift ideas. www.ymcasuncoast.org May 18, 6-10 p.m. Third Friday Music Series Enjoy live music along downtown Safety Harbor’s Main Street. Browse work by local artists and visit food vendors to dine al fresco. Free entry. Proceeds benefit the Safety Harbor Public Library Foundation. Call 727-724-1572. May 19, 8 a.m. Suncoast Hospice Beach Stroll Take a leisurely stroll along the sand at this annual Suncoast Hospice fundraiser held in Clearwater Beach (Palm Pavilion, 10 Bay Esplanade) and St. Pete Beach (Sirata Beach Resort, 5300 Gulf Blvd.) There is no fee to walk but prizes are available for those raising $25 or more. www.thehospicefoundation. org/beachstroll

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Get Ready for Diggin’ the Arts This month, the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation is collaborating with some of the area’s top art institutions, including St. Petersburg’s Museum of Fine Arts, Morean Arts Center and Florida Craftsmen Gallery; the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Tarpon Springs; and the Dunedin Fine Art Center, for Diggin’ the Arts. The Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, in Largo will host the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 6. Each participating museum will have a booth and offer unique art learning activities for visitors. Among these activities are watercolor artists and potters doing demonstrations for the Dunedin Fine Art Center, a Crochet Coral Reef exhibit for Florida Craftsmen and an Andy Warhol exhibit at the Leepa-Rattner Museum booth that will “Warholize” visitors. The day also will include Plein air painting and rain barrel decorating competitions as well as demonstrations of Sumie, Bonsai and orchid culture. Guests will enjoy live music, refreshments and hourly garden tours. For more information, visit www.flbgfoundation.org or call 727-582-2100.

Pinellas Students Recognized as Doorways Scholars The Pinellas Education Foundation recently welcomed 65 students from 14 area schools into its Doorways/Take Stock in Children program. Recently, Pinellas Schools Superintendent John A. Stewart along with foundation board member John Dosher addressed the new Doorways scholars, congratulating them.

Dr. John A. Stewart congratulates Doorways scholarship winner and Gibbs High freshman Artrail Johnson.

Michael Peabody, a Doorways scholar and Gibbs High senior class president, shared his story with the students and encouraged them to work hard and strive for greatness. The foundation also presented Artrail Johnson, a freshman at Gibbs High, with a Doorways scholarship in memory of school board member Lew Williams.

“it was with great pleasure that i witnessed the award of a Doorways scholarship in Lew’s memory,” said Stewart. “i believe Lew would have been most pleased to know that the Pinellas Education Foundation chose to honor his legacy in this way.” The amount of scholarships awarded totaled $910,000 with students signed from Azalea Middle, Bay Point Middle, Boca Ciega High, Gibbs High, John Hopkins Middle, Lakewood High, Lealman intermediate, Madeira Beach Fund Middle, Meadowlawn Middle, northeast High, St. Petersburg Collegiate High, St. Petersburg High, Thurgood Marshall Fund Middle and Tyrone Middle. According to the 2011 annual report of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, which matches the Doorways scholarships dollar for dollar with its STARS program, Pinellas County students make up 20 percent of the state’s scholars. Broward County is second with 9.4 percent. Visit the Pinellas Education Foundation at www.pinellaseducation.org for more information on the program.

dates: May 3, noon – 2 p.m. • Picnic in the Park Pack up the kids and head to the Largo Community Center, 400 Alternate Keene Road. Enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, cold salads, chips and more. Tickets are $7. Advance purchase required. www.playlargo.com May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 7-9:30 p.m. May Music and Movies in the Park Enjoy live music and classic movies at North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive, St. Petersburg. This month includes Dirty Dancing (May 10) and Ferris Bueller’s Day off (May 31). Free, but donations welcomed. www.stpetepreservation.org May 5, 11 a.m. Kid Power Operation Lunch Line See a live performance of this interactive musical show at Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive. The show features 3D visual effects to take the audience on an amazing journey inside the body of a boy named Max and share the value of good nutrition and exercise. Tickets: $7.50 adults, $6.50 children and 22 for family four-pack. Call box office at 727-587-6793. www.largoarts.com May 8, 9 a.m. – noon • Free Clothing Swap Exchange up to five pieces of clothing at this monthly swap at Beach Boulevard and 30th Avenue in downtown Gulfport. other clothing donations welcomed, with proceeds and remaining clothes to be donated to Community Action Stops Abuse. Call 727-366-4086. May 19, 9 a.m. – noon International Gator Day Join members of the Pinellas County Gator Club for a clean-up event at Fort DeSoto Park’s North Beach. All participants will receive lunch and a T-shirt. Go to www.pinellascountygatorclub.com to register. May 25, 7-9 p.m. CCSA Graduation and Silent Auction Enjoy live entertainment by orchestra members, dancers, and teachers from Classical Christian School for the Arts at the Performing Arts Center, 4951 78th Ave. N., Pinellas Park. Proceeds to benefit CCSA students needing tuition assistance. Tickets: $10 adults and $5 children and seniors. www.ccsa.us

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Broadway Gala Coming to New Tampa

The new Tampa Players are hosting a fundraising gala that brings a little piece of Broadway to the bay area. The group will be holding its Broadway Comes to Tampa event from 6-10:30 p.m. May 12 at Saddlebrook Resort and Spa, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel. The event benefits the New Tampa Players Endowment fund and will feature Broadway actors, including Sandra Joseph of Phantom of the Opera, Luba Mason of Jekyll and Hyde and Chicago, natalie Toro of Les Miserables and Cats, Lawrence Clayton of it Ain’t nothin’ but the Blues and Dreamgirls and Chuck Wagner of into the Woods and Les Miserables. The black-tie optional event includes hors d’oeuvres, cash bar and silent auction. Tickets are available for $175 per person and can be purchased online at www.newtampaplayers.org. New Tampa Players Inc., a Florida not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was founded by Artistic Director Doug Wall to establish a community theater group offering members the opportunity to bring the best in dramatic and musical productions to the local stage. For more information about the fundraiser or upcoming new Tampa Players productions, call the group’s hotline at 813-386-6687.

Pasco Kids Can Bowl Free This Summer More than 950 bowling centers across the country including select centers in Pasco and Pinellas counties will be participating in the Kids Bowl Free program starting May 28. Now in its fifth year, KidsBowlFree.com serves more than a million children and 700,000 families across north America every summer, allowing them to bowl for free all summer long. Participating centers enable kids to bowl two free games of bowling every day all summer. Kids Bowl Free launched in 2008 in just 75 bowling centers, but as of this summer, the program expects to serve more than 2 million children in 48 states and every province in Canada at more than 1,200 centers. Most local programs kick off by Memorial Day weekend and end on or near Labor Day weekend. Families can register online at www.kidsbowlfree.com and will begin receiving emailed vouchers valid for two free bowling games each day for a week every Sunday morning from the starting date at their center through the conclusion of their community’s program. Pasco County kids can take part in the program at two area centers: Lane-Glo Bowl (8631 State Road 54) in new Port Richey and Lane-Glo Lanes north (6935 Ridge Road) in Port Richey. in addition, four centers in nearby Pinellas are taking part. Complete information about the Kids Bowl Free program’s guidelines and a list of participating locations are available at www. kidsbowlfree.com. This year, Kids Bowl Free is teaming up for a new program to help educators offset their growing out-of-pocket expenses. Educators in the U.S. can apply to receive one of 400 $250 classroom supply grants being offered by the Bowling to Teachers Classroom Supply Grant program. All certified K-8 teachers in the U.S. who are teaching in public, private, charter or parochial schools may apply. Bowling To Teachers does not offer grants to preschool or homeschool instructors. Teachers interested in applying for the program can visit www.bowlingtoteachers. com to complete a short grant application.

dates: May 4, 8 a.m. Catch and Release Fishing Tournament Take part in this annual benefit for the PascoHernando Community College Foundation, which departs from Catches Waterfront Grille, 7811 Bayview St., Port Richey. Event includes welcome breakfast, equipment and captain’s party and awards presentation. www.phcc.edu/ foundation/fishing.php May 4-5, 6 p.m. ACS Relay for Life of Trinity Pack up the sleeping bag and tennis shoes for this overnight fundraiser for the American Cancer Society at Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, New Port Richey. Register online at www.active. com (search Trinity Relay for Life). May 12, 2-3:30 p.m. Mother’s Day Tea Party It’s a special party in the children’s area at the Land o’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. Guests can partake in tea, snacks, crafts and games. Call 813-929-1214. www.pascolibraries.org May 19, 9 a.m. Wiregrass Ranch Classic Clay Shoot Get behind Wiregrass Ranch Foundation’s support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Wiregrass High Scholarship Fund at this event at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land o’ Lakes. Includes 50 targets, breakfast, awards luncheon and drawings. Cost: $125. www.wrclays.com May 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hummingbird Festival Stop by Dade City’s Pioneer Florida Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, for a special treat to celebrate spring. See recently planted gardens designed to attract the season’s butterflies and hummingbirds. www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org May 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Stars of HOPE Horse Jamboree Come out for a free event to benefit HOPE Ranch Learning Academy, 17922 East Road, Hudson. Academy students will demonstrate their class and horsemanship achievements. Free admission. www.hopeyouthranch.org

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around town

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The 2012 Women of Distinction awards ceremony at the St. Petersburg Country Club (Photos by Boyzell Hosey): Left, Regina Shears-McCloud, Rene Robinson-Flowers, Teresa Anderson, Ayakao Watkins, Captain Kelly Palenius, Elena Stowers, Shenice Gammage, Founder and Editorial Director Angela Ardolino, Carmen Ruiz, Susan Schwartz, Sandra Gadsen, Lolita Brown, Necole Tunsil, Carolyn Swanson, Paulette Johnson and Cheryl Thomas. Right, Gathering of Women Inc. President Samantha Robinson, Founder and Editorial Director Angela Ardolino and Susan Schwartz.

Third annual ChillLounge Night Fashion Show: Wendi Geisinger, Lorenzo Hubbard, Princess Theodora von Auersperg of Austria, Founder and Editorial Director Angela Ardolino, Fashion Show producer Brandi Kamenar and President and Publisher of Tampa Bay Business Journal Bridgette Mill.

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Tropical Nights VIP Party: Sponsors of Tropical Nights 2012 party at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Ben James, Stu and Diane Williams and event chairwoman Lauren Bryant with her husband Jason.

Heroes ’N Heels : This annual event raised more than $49,700 for Florida Hospital Tampa. Brian Schenker, Dick Tibbits, John Negley, Gary Williams, Dr. Brad Bjornstad, Perry Kakalis, Patrick Moraites and DJ Scotty Davis, lying on ground.

Karamu XXIV Flights of Fancy at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo (photo by Michael Blitch Photography): Proceeds from the 24th annual event benefit animal care and education programs at the zoo. Sharon and Christopher Chapman chaired the Karamu event.

Lights Up Broadway: The auction and fundraiser for Saint Paul’s School raised $130,000 and more than $20,000 in financial aid. Left, Director of Advancement Andrea Reeder, Tara Zaring and Tara Campuzano. Right, Chris Kytle and Head of School Angél Kytle.

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may calendar mother’s day weekend Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo May 12-13, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mom receives free admission with the purchase of a full-priced admission ticket (paid ticket can be child or adult admission) when purchased May 12 or 13 at the zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave. www.lowryparkzoo.com Everyone The Florida Aquarium May 12-13, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. introduce mom to more than 20,000 sea creatures at the aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, downtown Tampa, for free admission with the purchase of a full paid admission on May 12 or 13. www.flaquarium.org Everyone

FOr mOre evenTs, vIsIT TBParenTIng.COm

Mother’s Day Brunch at Maestro’s May 13, 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m. Enjoy a special Mother’s Day brunch at Maestro’s Restaurant at the Straz Center, 1010 W.C. Macinnes Place, downtown Tampa. Cost: $34.95 adults, $16.95 children 12 and younger and free for children 3 and younger. Call 813-229-7827 for reservations. www.strazcenter.org Everyone Mother’s Day Lunch Celebration May 13, 12:30 p.m. Dine with Elmo and friends in Sesame Street Safari of Fun at Busch Gardens Tampa. Event includes buffet, character meet and greets and a special treat for mom. Park admission not included. Cost: $22 adults and $15 children (infants free). www.buschgardens.com Everyone Mummy’s Day • May 13, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Bring your “mummy” to MOSi on her special day and she gets in free to see the museum’s latest exhibit “Mummies of the World.” Limit one offer per household. Mother and child must be present at time of ticket purchase. www.mosi.org Everyone

Glazer Children’s Museum May 12-13, various times Visit downtown Tampa’s children’s museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, and stop by the Greenberg Traurig Art Lab which will be transformed into a Mother’s Day art studio to create and wrap a special gift for mom. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. www. glazermuseum.org Everyone

events/festivals

Seedlings Baby Shower May 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Join Seedlings for “A Metamorphosis of Life” celebration at the store, 1530 S. Dale Mabry Highway. The fifth annual event features drawings, dessert and all things baby. Free admission. www.seedlings.com Moms

Out of This World April 30 – May 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pack up the kids for space-themed activities to celebrate the unofficial Star Wars Day on May 4 at Glazer Children’s Museum, 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, downtown Tampa. www.glazermuseum. org 4 & Older

Timpano’s Mother’s Day Brunch • May 13 Treat mom to a delicious brunch in Hyde Park Village at Timpano Chophouse, 1610 W. Swann Ave. www.timpanochophouse.net Everyone

First Aid and CPR Classes • All Month Learn how to handle emergencies such as poisoning, choking and head injuries at these certification classes offered for free by the

Children’s Board of Hillsborough County at locations across the county. Reservation required. Call 813-443-3074. www.childrensboard.org Moms, Dads Spies, Traitors, Saboteurs Through June 24 Explore this exhibit at the Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water Road, that reveals the stories of foreign agents, saboteurs and domestic terrorists through more than 145 historic artifacts, photos and a timeline. included with paid museum admission. www. tampabayhistorycenter.org 8 & Older Mummies of the World Through Sept. 3 See an extensive collection of animal and human mummies and artifacts at MOSi, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. included with paid museum admission. www.mosi.org Everyone Target Tuesdays May 1, 2-7 p.m. Explore the Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa for $2, courtesy of Target. Children must be accompanied by an adult; adults must be accompanied by a child. www. glazermuseum.org Everyone Kids Playground Playin’ in the Park May 1, 2-7 p.m. Gather friends and family for this monthly fitness event in downtown Tampa hosted by Fit Kids Playground the first Tuesday each month at Curtis Hixon Park. Afternoons include fitness activities and healthy snacks followed by new Downtown Kids Music Series from 5-7 p.m. Free admission. www.fitkidsplayground.com 2-13 Working Moms Celebration May 2, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy savory desserts and a glass of wine at Saks Fifth Avenue in Westshore Plaza courtesy of Working Women of Tampa Bay. Each guest receives a complimentary swag bag and a chance to win a basket of beauty products. Cost: $15 members and $20 nonmembers www.workingwomenoftampabay.com Moms Mayor’s Food Truck Fiesta May 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Join Mayor Buckhorn the first Wednesday each month at Lykes Gaslight Square Park downtown to sample local cuisine. www.tampagov.net Everyone

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

Free Autism Screenings May 3, various times Take advantage of free screenings offered by Dr. Kinsler & Associates the first Thursday each month at 3262 Cove Bend Drive. Sign up for this summer’s SS-GRin program, a social skills group intervention for elementary and middle school students on the ASD spectrum. Call 813443-5311 for details. www.kinslerpsychology. com Moms, Dads Dough for the Kids Golf Tournament May 3, 1 p.m. Tee off for a great cause at Seminole Lake Country Club, 6100 Augusta Blvd. Registration includes golf with cart, box lunch and buffet dinner at Joto’s Pizza. Registration starts at noon. Cost: $110 per person. Proceeds benefit All Children’s Hospital. Call 727-804-8253 or 727430-0405. www.allkids.org Moms, Dads Rays Luncheon May 4, 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Head over to the Hyatt Regency Tampa, 211 n. Tampa St., to meet Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon, president Matt Silverman and Rays players at this lunch hosted by the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $50 members and $60 nonmembers. www.southtampachamber. org Moms, Dads Tropical Nights May 4, 7-11 p.m. Get ready to party at this annual event (formerly Silverspoons and Sand Castles) to benefit Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful. The event at Cruise Terminal no. 3 at the Tampa Port Authority includes food, open bar and a silent auction. Tickets: $100. www.keeptampabaybeautiful.org Moms, Date Night

will be at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach for the event. Swimmers of all ages and skills can take part in the 1-mile or half-mile course. www. swimacrossamerica.org/TampaBay Everyone Spy School May 5 & 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Go undercover and explore the covert world of intelligence gathering, surveillance and disguise during this course at the Tampa Bay History Center. Cost: $60 per student. (Members receive $5 discount,) Preregistration required; lunch not provided. www.tampabayshistorycenter.org 12-18 Tails of the Heart May 5, 6-11 p.m. Watch a star-studded fashion show and take part in silent and live auctions during this annual gala to benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. The night at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., downtown Tampa, will include wine, dinner, live music and a cigar bar. Tickets: $125. www.humanesocietytampa.org Date Night Police Appreciation Run/Walk May 6, 8:30 a.m. Lace up for one of three races – a 10k, 5k or 1-mile walk – to pay tribute to K-9 Officer Jeff yaslowitz, Sergeant Tom Baitinger and Officer Dave Crawford. Races start from Straub Park. Proceeds benefit the Partners for Life Foundation. www.floridaroadraces.com Everyone Under the Big Top May 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Be a kid again at this circus-themed celebration and recognition luncheon at T. Pepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 n. 50th St., Tampa. This year’s event, which will to benefit The Children’s Home, honors Richard Gonzmart with the 2012 Helen Alaya Davis Award. Tickets: $45. www.childrenshome.org Moms, Dads

Cave Exploring May 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Explore underground caverns in Withlacoochee State Forest. Preregistration required. Cost: $50 per parent-child-team for members and $25 per other family member; $67 per team for nonmembers and $33 per other family member. www.mosi.org Everyone The Storybook Ball: The Cat in the Hat May 19, 6 p.m. – midnight Show your support for Ronald McDonald House of Tampa at this annual fundraiser at the A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa. This year’s gala includes dinner, dancing, Busch Gardens entertainers and live and silent auctions. Cost: $700 per couple. www. rmhctampabay.com Date Night $5 Day at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo May 20, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visit your favorite zoo residents and learn about endangered wildlife for just $5 courtesy of Walmart. (Rides not included.) www. tampaslowryparkzoo.com Everyone Strike Slavery, Spare Freedom May 20, 3-5 p.m. Hit the lanes and enjoy a fun night of bowling during this fundraiser for the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking at Terrace Sports, 5311 E. Busch Blvd., Temple Terrace. Form a team or join one. Tickets: $10 at the door (cash only). www.stophumantrafficking.org Moms, Dads Legoland Florida Water Park Opens May 26, various times Check out the attraction’s new water park. Purchase annual passes online and at bay area AAA Auto Club South locations. www.legoland. com Everyone

A Taste of Pinellas May 4-6, various times Listen to a jam-packed lineup of musical artists while sampling food from top local restaurants at this annual fundraiser at St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park, which benefits All Children’s Hospital. Lineup features Big & Rich, ziggy Marley, Dashboard Confessional and the All-American Rejects. Visit www.tasteofpinellas.com for ticket information. Everyone Tampa Bay Open Swim May 5, 8:30 a.m. Attend this fundraiser by Swim Across America to benefit Tampa’s Moffitt Cancer Center. Olympians Brooke Bennett and Janel Jorgensen

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may calendar Summer Safari Nights • May 26, 5-8 p.m. Experience Tampa’s Lowry Park zoo after hours on select Saturdays this summer with special animal encounters, free unlimited rides and delicious food and drink. Extended hours included with zoo admission (free for annual pass holders). www. tampaslowryparkzoo.com Everyone Abilities Wine Tasting & Silent Auction May 26, 7-9 p.m. Held at the Armed Forces History Museum, 2050 34th Way n., Largo, this annual wine fundraiser features premium wines and spirits, gourmet food, live music and museum tour. Proceeds benefit returning disabled veterans. Tickets start at $52. www.abilitiesfoundation.com Date Night Memorial Day at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo May 28, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Military members receive free admission (must show a Department of Defense photo iD at the ticket counter). Up to three direct dependents are entitled to free admission as well. www. lowryparkzoo.com Everyone

art Friday Friends and Fun May 4, 11, 18, 25, 6-8 p.m. Play in the clay at this event at the Morean Center for Clay at the Historic Train Station, 420 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Bring a towel and a beverage; all clay materials provided. Cost: $30 for one and $50 for two. www.moreanartscenter. org Moms, Date Night Breakfast with Dali • May 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Bring the whole family to the Salvador Dali

COnTInueD

Museum, One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg. Event includes museum tour, breakfast buffet and hands-on learning activities. Preregistration required. www.thedali.org 5-12 The Art Spot May 5, 12, 19, 26, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Let the kids explore their creativity Saturdays at the Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza. This month’s self-guided art projects: family collages (May 5), tiny terracotta planters (May 12), chair design (May 19) and recycled sculptures (May 26). no registration reguired. www.tampamuseum. org 6 & Older

film To the Arctic • All Month Journey out to the tundra of the far north as you follow a mama polar bear and her cubs in this breathtaking look at Arctic life narrated by Meryl Streep, which premiered April 20 at Tampa’s MOSi, one of only a few select theaters in Florida showing the documentary. Rated G. For schedule and ticket info, www.mosi.org. 6 & Up The Avengers • Opens May 4 Catch up with iron Man, Captain America, Thor and more as they hit the big screen in their first group effort. Running time: 155 minutes. Check local listings for showtimes. 12 & Older Men in Black III • Opens May 25 Travel back in time with Agent J as he tries to change history and save the life of his good friend Agent K in the third installment of this popular series. Rated PG-13. Check local listings for showtimes. 12 & Older

theater & dance Kid Power Operation Lunch Line May 5, 11 a.m. Check out a new interactive 3D musical at the Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive. it’s designed to teach kids the value of healthy eating and fitness. Tickets: $7.50 adults, $6.50 children and $22 for family four-pack. www. largoarts.com 6 & Older 2.5 Minute Ride • Through May 6, various times Watch as a daughter tries to understand the pain behind her father’s heart in this one-woman production at American Stage, 163 Third St. n., downtown St. Petersburg. Visit www.americanstage. org for ticket info and showtimes. Moms, Dads Race • May 10-27, various times See David Mamet’s provocative tale of sex, guilt and bold accusations as Jobsite Theater brings the hard-hitting play to Shimberg Playhouse at Tampa’s Straz Center. Tickets: $24.50. Shows: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. www.jobsitetheater.org Moms, Dads Swan Lake • May 12, 2:30 & 7 p.m. View the classic ballet as performed by the awardwinning next Generation Ballet troupe in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Tickets start at $17.50. www.strazcenter.org Everyone Disney on Ice Presents Dare to Dream May 17-20, various times Experience the best of Disney’s newest princess stories and beloved fairy tales on the ice at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, downtown Tampa. Tickets: $16-$75. www.tampabaytimesforum.com 4 & Older Dances of the Philippines ª May 26, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a night of Philippine folk music, colorful costumes and inspiring dance as presented by the Philippine Performing Arts Company of Tampa Bay in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center. Tickets start at $15. www.strazcenter.org 8 & Older

music & comedy Pops in the Park • May 3, 7:30 p.m. Pack a picnic and enjoy The Florida Orchestra led by guest conductor Steven Byess at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 n. Ashley Drive, Tampa. Free admission. www.floridaorchestra. org Everyone

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Friday Extra Concert Series May 4, 11, 18, 25, 7 p.m. Follow this popular free music series as it moves to the Lowry Park bandshell, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. Bring chairs, blankets and coolers. no alcohol permitted. www.tampagov.net/dept_ parks_and_recreation/news_and_events/Friday_ Extra_Concert_Series.asp Everyone Lady Antebellum • May 11, 7:30 p.m. Enjoy the sweet harmonies of the country trio when it brings its Own the night 2012 World Tour to the 1-800-ASK-GARy Amphitheatre. www.livenation.com Moms, Date Night Annual WMNF Tropical Heatwave May 12, 6 p.m. Join WMnF for this popular event across ybor City, including the Cuban Club, new World Brewery and The Ritz ybor. This year’s event features more than 70 eclectic artists, including Chuck Prophet and Have Gun Will Travel. Tickets: $30 advance and $40 at the door ($12 for kids 12-20). www.wmnf.org Moms, Dads

Saturday, May 19th 8:30am to 3:00pm Wyndham Tampa Westshore Hotel, 700 N. Westshore Blvd, Tampa Fl Opportunity for new patients to win $5,000 towards fertility treatments at RMG

To register visit:

Vince Gill • May 13, 7 p.m. Sing along with the award-winning country crooner when he visits the Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., downtown St. Petersburg. Tickets: $35$65. www.themahaffey.com Moms, Date Night Wilco • May 14, 7:30 p.m. Catch a one-night-only performance by the Grammy Award-winning rock band as it performs songs from its latest release The Whole Love in Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center, 1010 n. W.C. Macinnes Place, Tampa. Tickets: $45.50. www.strazcenter.org Moms, Dads Lisa Lampinelli May 19, 8 p.m. See comedy’s Queen of Mean at Carol Morsani Hall in the Straz Center. Tickets start at $39.75. www.strazcenter.org Moms

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

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Get face-to-face with all your favorite sea creatures. From ferocious Sand Tiger Sharks to cute sea turtles, adorable penguins and playful otters. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even a Wild Dolphin Cruise* where you can view bottlenose dolphins up close.

flaquarium.org | 813.273.4000

*The Wild Dolphin Cruise is an additional fee. Cruises leave the Aquarium daily - weather permitting. Please purchase your cruise tickets at The Florida Aquarium ticket booth.

DISCOVER A SEA OF EXCITING CAMPS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES. Your children will love our wide variety of summer camps. They offer fun learning experiences and cool activities for kids from 3 to 15 years old. For complete details, visit our website at flaquarium.org or call 813-273-4015.

Play your part!

Limited Time Offer! 12 months of unlimited admission to both LEGOLAND® Florida and LEGOLAND® Water Park for one low price! Visit LEGOLAND.com for details. Water Park open seasonally. Please check LEGOLAND.com for days of operation. Due to the family nature of the LEGOLAND Water Park, all guests are required to wear proper swim wear. Swim wear that is revealing or otherwise inappropriate for this environment is prohibited and may result in removal from the LEGOLAND Water Park. Swim wear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal ornamentation are not permitted. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2012 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND FLORIDA IS A PART OF THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP.