November 2009

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november 09

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features

34 FAMILY EATS

14 SAFE SLEEP TIPS The back is best for baby 20 INVESTING IN YOUR CHILD Saving for college

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 7

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30 SECRETS TO SUCCESS From a 6 figure work at home mom

8 WHAT CAUSES AUTISM Has science ruled out vaccines

TBPARENTING.COM

36 DAY OF DISCOVERY A special day at Discovery Cove

every month

6 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 8 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 16 AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS 20 EDUCATION 38 NORTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS

26 EXTRAORDINARY WOMAN Tina Turbin

40 SOUTH HILLSBOROUGH NEWS 42 NORTH PINELLAS NEWS

contents

44 SOUTH PINELLAS NEWS 46 PASCO NEWS 48 AROUND TOWN 50 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 56 PARTY PAGES

On the cover: Sarah Weinstein and Sophie Keskiner in the Pumpkin Patch at St. James United Methodist Church

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Photograph by: Jeanine McLeod photosoncloud9.com



Letter from the Editor Angela L. Ardolino Editor-In-Chief David E. Estevez Executive Assistant Contributing Writers Amy Gall PJ Goetz Mark Heller Joezette Hite Lauren Hoyt-Williams Sandra Parrish Patricia Wise Guarch Chris Kuhn Calendar and Neighborhood Stories Elyse Cohen Graphic Artist Susan Margolis Marketing Director Todd A. Varde Sales Director Nicole Puglisi Sales & Special Events

First, I would like to thank everyone who entered our “Cover Kids Search” and voted! We were able to raise $9,374.00 for the New Glazer Children’s Museum! And, after 45 days of voting and receiving half a million votes, we have 25 finalists. Now, make sure that you vote your favorite from the finalists! And now to more pressing matters… As of November 1st, there are exactly 26 days until the 2009 Holiday Shopping Season begins. So now is a good time to get comfortable by the fire, pour yourself a glass of wine (or two), and think “ Where do I start?” Well a great place to start is the Junior League’s Holiday Gift Market on November 6, 7, & 8 2009 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Many of your favorite local, regional, and national vendors will be sampling and selling the most sought after holiday gifts. You can find more information in this month’s issue on page 37. This time of year, besides being stressful, is a time to get together with family and friends and look back on a busy year and give thanks. Our Holiday Party on November 24th and Enchanted Tree Lighting on the 27th, will be a great time to come out with the whole family and have a great time on a cool weeknight. There are many more events in November so make sure to check our events calendar on page 50. You can also keep informed about Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine on our Facebook fan page Facebook.com/TampaBayParentingMagazine. There you can post pictures, interact with other Tampa Bay parents, enter our monthly giveaways and much more! The next two months are going to be quite busy. DO NOT PANIC! Take one hour this week, grab a pen and paper, get organized and go for it! There is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself during this time of year. If you take your time and start early you will have plenty of time to get everything done! I promise. Have a good time this year, you deserve it!

Leslie Halstedt Account Executive Linda Whitmer Sales Assistant Maryann Montgomery Administrative Assistant Jeanine McLeod Photography

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

Me pictured with my daughter Paige at the Hyde Park Fall Festival. Thanks to Melanie Alvarez for the great photo.

Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year by Lucy Loo Inc. It is distributed free of charge at area supermarkets, community centers, libraries, doctor offices and other businesses with products and services for families. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. TBPM is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to TBPM will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. For information on where to find TBPM or how to become a distributor, call 813-949-4400 or email info@tbparenting.com. Copyright 2007-2009 by Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine. All rights reserved. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.



health & wellness

what causes autism? Has science really ruled out vaccines?

This past month, Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, published an Autism Prevalence Survey conducted in 2007 finding that autism has reached 1 in 91 children; 1 in 58 boys. When will the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics begin to treat the epidemic with the three-alarm emergency status it deserves? Recently, Health and Human Services and CDC hosted a conference call with various autism advocacy groups to announce the upcoming release of the prevalence survey. In the call HHS Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius stated, “Data confirms autism is an urgent public health challenge and will be a public health priority.” Yet CDC officials on the call claimed they do not know how much of the prevalence is a real increase or simply the result of better methodology, diagnosis, and awareness. Theresa Wrangham, President of SafeMinds says, “Our government can find the source of contaminated spinach in mere days, yet CDC seems unable to determine whether or not the rise in autism is real. CDC denies we are facing a real autism epidemic to cover up the government’s systematic refusal to adequately research the environmental causes because such inquiry would certainly have to include scrutiny of of vaccines.” The government’s continued denial of the autism epidemic rests on their claims that the sharp rise in autism is most likely due to heightened awareness and better diagnosis. However, the growing consensus in the scientific literature is that the behavioral diagnosis of autism is caused by an environmental trigger in genetically at-risk children. One study published this year by the U.C. Davis M.I.N.D. Institute found that the increase in autism rates was real and can only be explained by better diagnosis in about 20% of cases. Another, from USC and Vanderbilt stated that the increase can not be attributed strictly to genetics. Both studies state that future efforts should focus on environmental triggers. These studies, as well as a Workshop on Autism and the Environment: Challenges and Opportunities for Research sponsored by the Institute of Medicine, represent the latest in a growing body of evidence indicating the need for investigating the role of the environment in autism. Additionally, the 2004 report on vaccine safety by the Institute of Medicine often cited as exonerating the role of vaccines, specifically left open the potential for environmental triggers, including vaccines by stating “Absent biomarkers, well defined risk factors, or large effect sizes, the committee cannot rule out, based on the epidemiological evidence,

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the possibility that vaccines contribute to autism in some small subset or very unusual circumstances.” The compensation of vaccine injured individuals, with autism, to date demonstrates that there is a question with regard to vaccine safety and highlights the ethical obligation of our government to identify mechanisms of injury as they relate to autism and other conditions compensated. While the reality of 1 in 91 children with autism is shocking, even more alarming, is the subset of children between ages 6 and 14 immunized during the 1990’s for whom the prevalence is actually 1 in 71 children with an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis. This age group represents children in the U.S. with the highest exposure to thimerosal, the mercury preservative routinely used until CDC, AAP and industry recommended its removal “as soon as possible” from all childhood vaccines in 1999. Despite this recommendation, mercury, one of the most neurotoxic substances on the planet, is still used in most seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. Concern over vaccine safety and the use of thimerosal is well established. In fact the Institute of Medicine; Health & Human Service’s own scientific advisory panel, the National Vaccine Advisory Committee; the American Academy of Pediatrics former President Dr. Lou Cooper; and former Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Bernadine Healy all agree that current research is inadequate to demonstrate vaccine safety, as required by law, especially in terms of risk for neurological damage, including autism, in a genetically susceptible subset of the population. Most have made statements in support of a study evaluating health outcomes in vaccinated compared with unvaccinated subjects. Autism was first described as a condition “markedly and uniquely different from anything described so far;” in the medical literature in a 1943 report of 12 cases by Leo Kanner. It remained rare (1 in 10,000) until the rapid escalation of vaccines beginning in the late 1980’s (from 10 shots of 7 antigens in 1983 to 36 shots of 15 antigens). Vaccines are a likely candidate to explain some, if not most of the rise in autism cases and possibly other chronic childhood disorders linked to immune system malfunction. The Federal “Vaccine Court” has been quietly compensating vaccine-caused autism since 1991. SafeMinds Director and Legal Counsel, James Moody stated “It simply cannot be denied that vaccines cause autism. The remaining question is how many children have been injured in our war against infectious disease, and the precise mechanisms of injury, so that vaccine-injured children can have the justice guaranteed them by law.” The total vaccine schedule has never been evaluated for long-term safety in either animals or humans, Despite the 1986 Congressional Mandate for Safer Childhood Vaccines requiring research to reduce vaccine adverse events and the 2006 Combating Autism Act’s legislative history that specifically stated that, “...for the purposes of biomedical research, no research avenue should be eliminated, including biomedical


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health & wellness research examining potential links between vaccines, vaccine components, and autism spectrum disorder,” as found in the Colloquy of Sen. Enzi, Santorum, Sen. Kennedy, and Sen. Dodd vaccines role in autism must be investigated, the Government continues to actively block research comparing the health of unvaccinated and vaccinated children to the detriment of public confidence in the immunization schedule. “It is simply impossible to determine how much autism is caused by vaccines without carefully assessing the prevalence of autism, as well as other chronic conditions, in unvaccinated children,” Ms. Wrangham explained. Such studies were called for in the strategic plan for autism research, but Dr. Tom Insel, head of the National Institute of Mental Health, and CDC blocked the vital research last January. “This research is the only way to resolve the vaccine-autism controversy and determine necessary changes to the vaccine schedule, as well as restore rapidly declining public confidence in vaccines,” Ms. Wrangham said, “Sound science must replace the government’s policy of willful ignorance.” SafeMinds is a charitable non-profit and leader in funding and advancing the science regarding mercury exposure as it relates to autism. Our expertise extends beyond mercury-related exposures to broader vaccine safety issues.

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health & wellness

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health & wellness

safe sleep tips Back is best for baby’s safest sleep BY TANYA ALTMANN, MD

One of the leading educators in the area of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is Halo Innovations, a company started by a SIDS dad who utilized his engineering expertise to study infant sleep and to develop products that help parents create a safe sleep environment for baby. Today, this small Minnesota company works with over 350 hospitals nationwide where the Halo SleepSack wearable blanket is utilized both in hospital as well as in take home programs to encourage parents to practice safe sleep at home. We encourage you to share these ten simple safe sleep tips for all who care for baby: Back is Best for Baby’s Safest Sleep... • Place your baby to sleep on his or her back at naptime and night time • Use a safety approved crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress • Remove all soft bedding and toys from your baby’s sleep area (this includes loose blankets, bumpers and positioners) • Use a SleepSack™ wearable blanket to replace loose blankets in your baby’s crib • DO NOT put your baby to sleep on any soft surface (sofas, chairs, water beds, quilts, sheep skins, etc.) • Room sharing is safer than bed sharing • DO NOT dress your baby too warmly for sleep; keep room temperature between 68-72 degrees fahrenheit • DO NOT let anyone smoke around your baby or be in a room where someone has recently smoked • Educate relatives, baby sitters and other caregivers about these important safety tips • Tummy time is important for babies while they are awake and being supervised. Place your baby on his or her tummy for playtime to help strengthen their upper body muscles

Organic Halo SleepSackTM wearable blanket.

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after school program guide

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education guide

investing in your child’s education Learn to save with Florida Prepaid

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BY DANIELLE STORM n light of the current economic uncertainty, it is now more important than ever for parents to talk with their children about finances. Money is tight and paying for college tuition can be a stressful situation. A recent survey on college savings has found that 90 percent of parents view a college education as part of the American dream. However, nearly half have saved less than $5,000 towards the cost of their child’s college education to fulfill this dream.

Many parents are talking to their teens about the importance of higher education while encouraging them to have outstanding performance in school. Having regular conversations about finances can help families cope with the economic crisis and better prepare the next generation to save for college and budget their money in the future. Consider saving with Florida Prepaid as an opportunity to teach your child the value of making wise investments. One out of 10 Florida children from newborns to high school students has a Florida Prepaid College Plan. Parents who purchase a Florida Prepaid College Plan, including the four flexible tuition, tuition differential fee, local fees and dormitory housing options, attain a financial guarantee by the State of Florida. With this safe and secure way to save for children’s higher education, families do not have to worry about the credit crunch and they cannot lose their money. Once a family has purchased a Prepaid College Plan, their payments are fixed and the rate will never increase. The Florida Prepaid College Board begins its 2009-2010 annual enrollment period on October 19. The new Florida Prepaid College Plan prices, posted at www.myfloridaprepaid.com, are available from October 19 until the sign-up deadline of January 31, 2010. With college tuition representing just 16 percent of the total cost for attending a public university in Florida, four flexible plans are available through Florida Prepaid College Plan comprising of tuition, tuition differential fee, local fees and dormitory housing to help cover the cost of a college education. When a child is ready for college, the Florida Prepaid College Plan covers the cost at any Florida public college or university. If the student decides to attend a private college, out-of-state college or technical school, the value of the plan may be transferred to any eligible educational institution. Parents, grandparents, friends, and even businesses can purchase a plan. For further information, tools, and advice, visit and enroll online at www.myfloridaprepaid.com or call 1-800-552-GRAD (4723) to request an Enrollment Kit and speak with a customer service representative.

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It is very important that parents start saving for their children’s education as soon as possible, even as early as the day the child is born. Time is one of the most valuable assets. The sooner Floridians start saving for college, the more time their money will have to grow. Discussing the basics of saving with your children will help them appreciate, achieve, and succeed in higher education. There is a wide gap between what children think things cost and what they actually cost. Children are eager to know about what it takes to put a child through college and what the lifestyle and financial results will be for a college graduate. The more the kids are involved, the more they understand and help out. With Florida Prepaid, parents have an opportunity to teach habits that will last a lifetime.


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education guide

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Extraordinary Woman

November’s Extraordinary Woman is Tina Turbin. She is happily married and has three very talented children. Her eldest son is a professional composer, songwriter and a music teacher in Los Angeles, her other son graduated the Musician’s Institute and went on to receive his degree this year in Business with the intention to help other musician’s careers. Her youngest is a girl and she continues to enjoy schooling. At the tender age of 16 she wrote her first “real” children’s story as well as landed her first job in the Entertainment Business in an agency in Los Angeles. She worked in the Entertainment Business for many years until she moved to Florida and wrote the book, Show Biz Kids East Coast Guidebook. Her recent children’s book out is Danny The Dragon Meets Jimmy as well as a DVD of the book with sign interpretation, which she has donated ½ the profits to literacy and education for Blossoms Montessori School for Deaf (Clearwater) She also has a CD being released this month. She is donating ALL the profits from the sales of the CD to the Columbia University Celiac Research Center, for research into Celiac disease as well as autism research. ANGELA: What do you think your secret to success is? TINA: I can safely say it is my passion about what I believe in and my strong interest and dedication to a Goal when I set myself to something. I can persevere through obstacles which come forth. ANGELA: What Goals do you have for your future- Tampa Bay’s future? TINA: I would like to see more awareness to the needs of children and families in a few areas I am sincere about and highly involved: literacy, education, education for the deaf, greater awareness to childhood allergies and celiac disease and gluten intolerance. I do research and write about all the above. ANGELA: What Advice would you give to other women? TINA: Know that it is OK and quite important to have your own Goals and interests as a woman. That life changes drastically after your kids grow up and become adults themselves. I call it “Life After Mom-hood”. I even write about it and have talked about this very point on some of my radio interviews.

ANGELA: What is your biggest achievement? TINA: Being a mom and KNOWING I did my best to help my kids be who they are as individuals and helped them with their OWN goals in Life every step of the way. I really nurtured my role as a mom when the kids were young, growing and until they moved out. I am always still available for them and we have all grown to be incredible friends as well. I am proud to be a mom and I feel it is a vital role in society; I really respect moms and what we have done, do and will do. It is not easy at times. Then, picking up where I left off, now that the kids are older I now have my books out and more coming, as well as truly helping others in the area of allergy and celiac disease through many avenues. ANGELA: What do you love and hate about being a mom? TINA: Love: watching my kids and their friends grow up through all their phases. The things they said and did always broadened my views and I feel made me a better person. Hate: Oh, I really hated the lack of sleep. It was

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BY ANGELA ARDOLINO

pretty rough at times as I nursed all three. I would have entertained the idea of a 4th child had someone guaranteed me solid uninterrupted sleep. I cherish my sleep now, making up for it I guess. ANGELA: How do you balance motherhood and work? TINA: My kids are older now, although I have my 20 year old daughter still at home. We are a very close-knit family and still sort of a team as we all help one another greatly and are interested in one another’s work, goals and endeavors. These days my husband and kids support me and I them. In fact my oldest son, Jason Turbin wrote an original classical theme song for me as a gift for my book, Danny the Dragon. The song was heard by the Pasadena (California) Conductor. As a result my book is being read aloud at an incredible indoor “family concert” of about 2,000 on October 30th, followed by a showing of the DVD of my book being read with sign interpretation by the Associate Director, Carol Downing of Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf here in Clearwater. My son’s song will then be played for the audience to hear this amazing classical piece he wrote for me. (I have gifted half of all the profits for all sales anywhere for this DVD to support literacy and education for the deaf, Blossoms Montessori School is the recipient of this gift.) We tend to all be very creative and respect one another greatly. To expand my work, research and writing has been easier now with them grown as I feel it is more OK to devote so much time to my own goals now. ANGELA: Something you would like to do before you die? TINA: Write many more books and one very passionate subject to me is making aware the subject of celiac disease and allergies and how these affect so many children and adults and the importance of getting properly diagnosed no matter what you may be afflicted with. ANGELA: Favorite restaurant to take your kids to? TINA: Now that they are older we like to go to a number of places: Mise En Place in Tampa, Caretta’s in the Sandpearl Resort and Spa on Clearwater Beach and the outdoor live Greek music and fresh food at Mamma’s in Tarpon Springs. ANGELA: What would you like to see in Tampa Bay’s future? TINA: More growth, more Art: music, painters, writers, architects, chefs, singers etc. moving here and adding their touch to the surroundings and to the lives around them. Tampa Bay has tremendous potential and it has really changed through the years I have been here. I look forward to more. I’d also love to see more Whole Foods on a personal note. ANGELA: What else would you like to share with our readers? TINA: My passion and interest to help make the area of allergy and celiac disease better known and to make sure people get their children and themselves properly diagnosed when ill or having troubles. These two topics alone have become broad topics underlying many adverse symptoms which can go on many years undetected and can get worse and harder to detect. Also, the area of literacy and education needs help at many levels. I have so much to share on this topic alone I can not write it all, I speak about it in many interviews in Media and on-line interviews.


Tina Turbin cooking a Gluten-free recipe in her kitchen.


shopping

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Secrets to success from a 6 figure Work at Home Mom BY ANN K. LEVINE

My office is 10’ by 10’. My desk is covered with bills, knitting needles, photos waiting for albums, stamps, envelopes for mailing books, chocolate covered espresso beans, Crayola Color Explosion markers, thank you notes, a Hello Kitty pencil, and magazines I haven’t had a chance to read, yet. My daughters slip checkers under the door as I work. They knock –persistently- to inquire as to whether they can have string cheese. Occasionally, they do this while I’m on the phone with a client. Yet, I run a million dollar business under these conditions, and I am my sole employee. How do I do it? Delegate. Figure out what needs to be done by you and what can be done reasonably well by someone else. I want to be the person who takes my kids to school and sees my kindergartener line up when the bell rings. I don’t need to spend six hours making cookies for the PTA bake sale just to raise $25 for the school. My time is better spent working so I can earn the $25 and donate it to the school. I do not need to be the person who returns things to stores and runs to the drug store. I found a great errand running service that helps me grocery shop and take items to the tailor and dry cleaner when I do not have time. I also have a SAHM (Stay at Home Mom) friend who wants to make extra money so she will run some errands for me and mail out my books from home when someone places an order on my website. If you do not have money to spend on this kind of help, find a friend who always does Cosco or Target runs and ask her to pick up a few things for you and agree to watch her child or walk her dog in return. Use the stopper. Do you feel like time runs out of your day like water down the bath drain? Find the leak and stop it. I used to complain I had no time to get to the gym, but I knew I was spending an hour and a half each day on Facebook and Twitter and probably another thirty minutes browsing for things I couldn’t afford (or just flat out would never buy) online. I cut myself off of these activities for a week, and found I could return and just spend 20 minutes a day on my online activities. Facebook and Twitter is work related for me, so I can justify that investment. With the “extra” time, I actually make it to Pilates class twice a week.

Evaluate where you are wasting time and just delete it. I actually decided –after three seasons of dedication – to forego Grey’s Anatomy so I have time to read and participate in a book club with a group of dynamic, inspiring women. I’m even considering giving up American Idol this season!!!! Retain Focus. During my busy season with work, I stop making play dates – for myself and for my kids. No more lunches or coffee dates with friends. Unless someone wants to go along on my weekly 3-mile run, my friends know to count me out of things three months out of the year. I make up for it by taking them out for really nice dinners on their birthdays, and I try to say hello on Facebook, but I make no plans. I protect my schedule so I can focus on work when I need to be working. I do not schedule routine doctor appointments for me or the kids during my busy months. Also, I never schedule workouts or meetings for the non-profit board that I chair on Mondays because I anticipate that I’ll have more emails and phone calls waiting for me after the weekend. By scheduling myself according to what I can handle, I avoid feeling overwhelmed on a daily basis. Block Your Time. Designate time for priority activities by blocking it out on your calendar. I want one afternoon a week to spend with my girls when I do not have to work. I work only a half-day on Fridays to take my daughters out for frozen yogurt, to the library, or to the park. Friday afternoons are light work days and usually unproductive due to exhaustion. I’m in need of a break and so are my kids. I don’t schedule anything on Friday nights because that’s family time to have a quiet evening at home. Nothing goes on my calendar on Friday after lunch. I commit myself to classes at the gym by putting three on my calendar every week. I don’t schedule phone calls or meetings at those times so I have no excuses not to go. I schedule calls with people on email and Facebook instead of playing phone tag so I know when I’ll have time to concentrate on larger projects without the phone being a constant interruption. The Rule of One. I only let my daughters do one extracurricular activity. Not per day – per semester. Twice a year, each child gets to pick

whether she wants to do ballet or soccer or art or swimming. Therefore, I’m not running around town with my head cut off on a daily basis. I belong to only one book club at a time. I say “no” to things that do not really interest me; I never feel obligated to sell raffle tickets for the preschool or attend parent meetings on a regular basis. No one seems to mind, or label me a neglectful parent, and everyone seems very happy to accept my financial contributions and presence when I am able to arrange it. I keep errands located downtown on the same day (lunch meeting, nail appointment, store return, tailor) so I am only running errands one time per week rather than taking an hour out of my day every day. If I have a board meeting or lunch with a friend, I schedule no other out-of-office time that day. My workout has to be the next day, and my dentist appointment has to be the day after that. That way, I can still be productive for 5-6 hours that day, rather than have any particular day end up a complete waste. Invest in Others. Rather than just say hello to the other moms at drop-off and go about your day, make an effort to get to know one new person each week. Pick the person who always smiles at you, whom you always say hello to but aren’t quite sure what her name is or which child is hers. Really ask her about herself and take ten minutes to learn her story. She might be the person who ends up inspiring you most. You might learn that she also takes care of aging parents, or that her husband is overseas, or that she is the marketing director for some huge company. Take inspiration from the stories you hear and remember that we are all busy – it’s about how you handle the busy-ness, and business, of life that matters. Ann K. Levine, Esq., is a work at home mom, law school admission consultant and owner of Law School Expert. www.lawschoolexpert.com/blog She is the author of the new book, The Law School Admission Game: Play Like An Expert.


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family eats

Seared Scallops with Pumpkin-Sage Risotto BY HEATHER ANNE STALKER OF DATZ DELI

Halloween may be over, but it’s still pumpkin season -- the aromas of autumn (cinnamon, gingersnaps and finally, crisp, cool air) filling our senses for another month or two. So rather than throw away those gorgeous gourds decorating your table, use them as serving pieces! This fantastic dish is not only delicious, but visually appetizing as well. HOW TO MAKE: 4 miniature pumpkins (preferably Jack-Be-Little; 3 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter) FOR RISOTTO: 1 1/4 C diced, peeled, seeded, fresh sugar pumpkin* 3 C chicken stock 1 C dry white wine or vermouth 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 T olive oil 3/4 C Arborio rice 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 tsp fresh sage 1/2 C grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 1 T unsalted butter * for ease, you can substitute 8-10 oz. of organic canned pumpkin, or butternut squash FOR SCALLOPS: 20 large sea scallops, tough muscle removed if necessary 1 1/2 T olive oil 3 T unsalted butter 2 T thinly sliced fresh sage 2 tablespoons white truffle oil Roast miniature pumpkins: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roast whole miniature pumpkins in a small roasting pan with 1/2 inch water, tightly covered with foil, until very tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool slightly. Cut out tops and reserve, then scoop out seeds. Once cleaned, set aside to cool completely. These pumpkins are for serving only. Make risotto while pumpkins roast: Cook diced pumpkin in a medium saucepan twothirds full of simmering water until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain in a colander. (*If using canned pumpkin, reserve until the end and fold into finished risotto.) Bring stock to a simmer in a small saucepan and keep at a bare simmer. Cook onion in oil in a

2- to 2 1/2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add rice and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add nutmeg and sage, stirring, 1 minute. Add 1 cup simmering stock and cook at a strong simmer, stirring constantly, until stock is absorbed. Continue simmering, adding stock 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and letting each addition be absorbed before adding the next, until rice is tender and creamy-looking but still al dente, about 18 minutes total. (There may be broth left over.) Remove from heat and stir in diced pumpkin, cheese, and butter, stirring until butter is melted. Season with salt and pepper and cover to keep warm.

Prepare scallops:

Pat scallops dry and season with salt. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté scallops, turning once, until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes. If scallops are not cooked through, reduce heat to moderate and cook about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon and discard any oil remaining in skillet (do not clean skillet). Cook butter in same skillet over moderate heat until it foams and turns light brown. Add sage and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in truffle oil. Season with salt.

To serve:

Put each pumpkin shell on a plate, fill with risotto, and cover with reserved tops. Arrange scallops around pumpkin and drizzle with sage butter. FOR MORE FANTASTIC RECIPES VISIT: TBPARENTING.COM AND LOOK FOR THE DATZDELI LINK!


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Day of Discovery When trying to think of a great gift for our 13 year old daughter for her birthday, we discovered Discovery Cove. We knew it would be a once in a lifetime experience but didn’t know if she would think it better than a slumber party with her best girlfriends. Fed by countless images from books, movies, television and pure imagination, every guest arriving at Discovery Cove has some idea of what it’s like to actually swim with a dolphin. When they find themselves face-to-face with one of the beautiful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at Discovery Cove, few events can rival the thrilling mix of emotions and excitement. The two dolphins whom we met during our interaction, Rose a fourt year old female and Dixie, a thrity year old, were nothing but magical creatures. When Dixie swam out and returned with a special bouey which said Happy Birthday Paige on it, we (the parents) had tears in our eyes when we saw her expression of pure estonishment and excitement . Time spent interacting with these amazing creatures is a singular experience that each guest treasures for a lifetime. Situated in the heart of Orlando, Discovery Cove is an exclusive, reservations-only, tropical retreat that offers extraordinary adventures through up-close encounters with exotic marine life and other animals. Guests enjoy unlimited time in the Tropical Reef, where they can explore an underwater playground full of thousands of colorful, tropical fish and various species of rays. In the massive free-flight aviary, walkways lead guests through a lush jungle where they can observe and hand-feed more than 250 exotic birds. A winding river, sandy beaches and resort pool add to the paradise, but the centerpiece of the park, and the highlight of the guest experience is the dolphin interaction. Groups of no more than eight guests go to the dolphin orientation cabana at their designated time. Here, a dolphin trainer greets each group, shares his/her background with dolphins, and talks about these playful creatures, before leading the group to meet their flippered friend. Each participant enjoys up-close interaction with the dolphin, becoming

BY ANGELA ARDOLINO

acquainted with their dolphin through hugs, kisses and feedings. At the end, each guest is treated to an exhilarating tow back to shore, while holding on to the dolphin’s dorsal fin. Discovery Cove is an extraordinary adventure. Admission is $289* (FL Resident rate of $199* on select dates through December 24), which includes: • 30-minute dolphin-swim experience • Unlimited access to swim and snorkeling areas and aviary • Meals, including a light continental breakfast and freshly-prepared lunch • All snacks and beverages, including various Anheuser-Busch products • Use of a snorkel gear, swim vest, towel, locker and beach chairs • All-day self-parking • PLUS — a pass for 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to either SeaWorld Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay * Prices listed are per person, plus tax. So, next time you are looking for the ultimate gift for someone, or just want to spend an unbelivable day with your family, take them to Discovery Cove. Admission requires advance reservations and is limited to approximately 1,000 guests each day. To make a reservation, visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 1-877-4-DISCOVERY. Above: Paige pictured with Rose. Right: Paige receiving her birthday buoey which said “Happy Birthday Paige” on it. On the car ride home, she fell asleep hugging it!


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November 2009

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north

Hillsborough

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

Sickles High School Coach Honored by Bucs Sickles High School Coach Pat O'Brien was recently named Coach of the Week by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Week 6 of the 2009 season. On Thursday, October 15, Buccaneers Head Coach Raheem Morris presented him with a certificate and personalized football following a morning walkthrough at One Buccaneer Place. Prior to practice, O'Brien and his guests toured the team's stateof-the-art training facility. Coach O’Brien also received $1,000 for the Sickles High School football November 5, 6-7:30pm program and will be featured on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ official website, www.Buccaneers.com. Wine and Food Pairing Workshop

dates:

On Friday, October 9, the Sickles High School Gryphons defeated the Boca Ciega High School Pirates 31-28 in overtime to keep their playoff hopes alive. Trailing 15 points at halftime, the Gryphons' offense rallied back thanks to junior quarterback John Melvin Hendrick who scored on a 69-yard option keeper and scurried for two double-digit yard runs on the Gryphons' winning drive. Following an interception from senior Chris Nahat on the second play of overtime, sophomore kicker Andres Vasquez converted a 37-yard game winning field goal. At time of going to press, Sickles (5-1) would next host Durant High School (5-1) in hopes of moving one step closer to a postseason berth. Throughout this year’s prep football season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization is honoring ten high school coaches from West Central and Central Florida as part rot eh National Football League’s Coach of the Week program. At the end of the season, one of the ten selected weekly coaches honored will be named Coach of the Year, and receive an additional $1,000 for his school’s football program.

Coach O’Brien congratulates Head Coach Morries

The Buccaneers and National Football League's Coach of the Week program aids in the development of youth football, which has a positive influence on young athletes and the communities in which they live. For more information on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' youth football initiatives, visit www.buccaneers. com for details.

Moffitt’s KIP Kidz Program Partners with Head Start Knowledge Is Power (KIP) and KIP Kidz are part of an innovative education and literacy program offered by the Moffitt Cancer Center since July 2008 to provide children in local, underserved communities healthy living and cancer prevention education. The main focus of the program is to promote healthy lifestyles through cancer awareness workshops, general wellness information and a program of scheduled, family-friendly, health-related events and activities Developed in partnership with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, the KIP program also provides an opportunity to encourage families to sign up for library cards for free, easy access to health education on an ongoing basis. Starting in October 2009, KIP Kidz began a new partnership with local Head Start programs to extend this healthy lifestyle message to reach pre-school age children as well as kids living with disabilities and their families. Since its inception, the KIP program has successfully enrolled over 40 community members for library cards, received nearly 100 signed Smoke-Free Pledge Cards from Bay area youth and coordinated basic health screenings for over 200 attendees through the program. For additional information about Knowledge Is Power (KIP) and KIP Kidz, go to www.moffitt.org.

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Sign up for the next class in the Teach & Taste Wine Series, which centers on “Food, Cheese and Dessert Wine Pairings and offers tips for selecting wines for dinner parties and other group entertaining opportunities.” Carrollwood Cultural Center, 813-664-1430 carrollwoodcenter.org. November 5, 6:30-8:30pm Tea Party for the Pajama Program Relax with a spot of tea (or vino) at Mrs. Tea’s Garden Tea Room in Lutz as author Suzin Carr hosts an evening to benefit The Pajama Program which collects donations of new pajamas and books for children in need. Sandwiches, soup and scones to be served at this unique networking event. To register, go to workingwomenoftampabay.com. November 7 8th Annual Northdale 5K Pumpkin Run and 1-Mile Family Run/Walk The whole family can take park at this yearly event held at the Bob Sierra YMCA Youth & Family Center. Registration, $25. 813-962-3220, tampaymca.org. November 10, 7:30pm Music Reborn II: Forbidden and Forgotten The Carrollwood Cultural Center and the Tampa Ameet Chapter of Hadassah present an emotional evening of Jewish music with this tribute to gifted composers and innocent victims whose lives were lost in The Holocaust. Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa. 813-982-1480. carrollwoodcenter.org. November 17, 5-9pm WIN Holiday Shopping Bazaar Women in Networking (WIN) members and business owners exhibit their products and services just in time for holiday browsing. Hilton Garden Inn, Oldsmar. www.wintampabay.com. November 20, 1pm West Park Village YWCA Express 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Sponsored by Reeves Import Motorcars, at Westchase Golf Club. For info, email Michael. Cosentino@tampaymca.org.


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November 2009

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

Free Rock School Blowout Prepare the family for the ultimate jam session as Patel Conservatory’s Rock School students take the stage for Rock School Blowout, a free outdoor concert scheduled for Saturday, November14 at 1 p.m. on the Riverwalk at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in downtown Tampa. Led by instructors Lee Ahlin and Paul Stoddart, Rock School students ages 10 through adult who have formed nine bands, will demonstrate what they’ve learned while belting out modern and classic rock and roll tunes by artists as diverse as Linkin Park, Journey, Green Day and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Rock School is a 12-week Patel Conservatory course during which students are placed within bands and instructors teach them how to best improve their individual musical and performance skills. Each session ends with a concert. This summer’s session began in August. The course will be offered again next January. 9 through March 27. Blankets and stadium seats are permitted for guests who plan to attend this outdoor TBPAC event though chairs with legs and coolers are not allowed. Food and beverages also will be available for purchase at the event. “Rock School Blowout is such a great time. It’s a blast to sit out by the beautiful Hillsborough River with friends, and eat, drink and be merry while listening to a free concert by some really talented local folks. It’s a nice sense of community,” said Lee Ahlin, lead instructor for Rock School. As part of the non-profit Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, at 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Pl., the Patel Conservatory offers a diverse mix of classes for children and adults of all experience levels across a wide variety of dance, music and theater. For additional information about this event, the Rock School program or any of the programs available at the performance arts school, call 813222-1002 and visit the school online at www.patelconservatory.org.

A Better Bedtime “Danger Season” for the children is here. “Danger Season” starts October 1st and continues through March 31st. This is the coldest time of year for the children served by Pajama Program whose purpose is giving new pajamas and new books to children in need all year long. “We want to ensure as many children as possible will be warm at bedtime as the temperatures drop,” said Faith Smith, Chapter President in Tampa, Florida. For more information on having a pajama/book drive and to donate locally, please contact Faith@ pajamaprogram.org Website: www.pajamaprogram.org . Pajama Program’s A BETTER BEDTIME Facebook campaign aims to focus the nation on a crisis facing far too many of America’s children during “Danger Season” — the block of six cold months between October 1 and March 31 in which it is especially dangerous for a child to be without warm clothing at bedtime. At the A Better Bedtime Facebook Page — http://www. facebook.com/ABetterBedtime — visitors are encouraged to share their favorite bedtime stories (from published or original works) on the group’s Wall and Discussion Boards in the Fan Box, to offer memories of their own childhood bedtime routines, to upload photos of their favorite pair of pajamas, and to share ideas, stories and photos from their own local events that support Pajama Program. .

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dates: November 2, 10am-8pm Henry B. Plant Museum’s Day Presents a Day of Holiday Shopping Browse through the museum’s newly stocked Victorian, holiday and vintage merchandise and get a head start on your gift list as the museum offers a 10% discount on all purchases. Sample tasty treats all day and wine and cheese at dusk, and guests also can enjoy lunch (quiche, fruit salad, dessert and beverage) on the veranda from 11:30am-1:30pm for $12 but reservations are required at 813-258-7302. www. plantmuseum.org. November 2, 11am-6pm Plant High School Blood Drive Support Plant High School’s Fall Blood Drive at Sweet Tomatoes, 1902 N. Dale Mabry, South Tampa. This year, all blood donated with be credited to PHS teacher Tamara Phillips who has received several blood and platelet transfusions from Florida Blood Services throughout her treatment for leukemia. 813-272-3033. http:// plant.mysdhc.org November 5-7, 730pm Steel Magnolias Catch this funny and touching comedy as the East Bay High School’s Theatre Department presents “Steel Magnolias” for three nights only in Kathryn Hill Auditorium, East Bay High School, 7710 Big Bend Rd., Gibsonton. Tickets, $6 adults, $4 students, and includes dessert at intermission. For reservations, 813-671-5134, ext. 271. November 15, 11am-1pm FishHawk Ranch Cultural Festival Sample flavors from around the globe and experience the music, dance, art, clothing and food of the countries showcased in this annual cultural celebration. Held at the FishHawk Ranch Osprey Club, 5721 Osprey Ridge Dr., Lithia. Open to the public. $5 per person, ages 3 and up. 813654-6360. November 26, Downtown YMCA’s 6th Annual Turkey Gobble 5K and 10K Family Run/Walk To be held at Al Lopez Park. Registration, $15 in advance, $20 day of race. Children under 12 are FREE. 813-229-1305. www.tampaymca.org.


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north

Pinellas

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

Dunedin Celtic Festival Benefits Local Middle School The Dunedin Highland Games and Festival Committee and the City of Dunedin are hosting the 11th Annual Dunedin Celtic Festival on November 21, 2009 from Noon until 9:30pm at Highlander Park on the corner of Michigan and Pinehurst, just north of Dunedin High School.

dates:

This year, festival organizers have teamed up with the Canadian Folk Arts Cultural Commission to bring critically acclaimed Canadian band “Poor Angus” to the Celtic Festival. The critically-acclaimed Canadian Celtic music ensemble will be performing both Scottish and Irish favorites, as well as Canadian folk music. +Also headlining this year’s musical lineup is American band Seven Nations, a group that has been playing music together for fifteen years and performed in nearly every state in the United States. Clearwater-based band Lucid Druid will be joining the two bands.

November 5, 6-7pm Children’s Art & Story Hour Recommended for children ages 4-8 (pajamas welcomed!) and held First Thursday of the month at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, St. Petersburg College/Tarpon Spring Campus, 600 Klosterman Rd., Tarpon Springs. The Palm Harbor Library hosts this special book reading followed by a related hands-on art activity. Free for children and free with museum admission for adults. 727-712-5226.

This year’s Celtic Festival also will featuring performances by the world-famous City of Dunedin Pipe Band, the Dunedin High School Scottish Highlanders, the Dunedin Highland Middle School Band and Scottish and Irish Dancers. Celtic craft vendors and food and drink booths will be available. Admission is free; parking, $10. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Dunedin Middle School, the Dunedin High School, and City of Dunedin Bands. For more information, call 727-733-3197 or visit www. dunedinhighlandgames.com.

For 23 Years DFAC has been Lighting up the Holidays. Lights… lights and….. well…. more lights has been the ongoing theme for the 23 years the Dunedin Fine Art Center has been mounting its festive holiday show and sale. DFAC reconfigures itself November 4th, 2009 in its holiday finest… albeit with a decidedly artistic flair. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the invitational exhibition, this year entitled, Bedazzled. On a yearly basis, DFAC curators look to put together the best art, with a gift-giving perspective in mind. The result is a collection of works from around the country that any of your friends or relatives would be DELIGHTED to find under their tree. Over 100 artists include: Nigel and Cheyenne Rudolph, Carolina Cleere, Barbara Grazul Hubbard, Steve Pawloski, Brandon McLean, Meagan Chaney, Holly Bird, Gail Gamble, Cathy Morgan, Daniel Mrgan, Dawn Estrin and George Wilson. Add to that a dozen exceptionally decorated themed trees and a selection of hard-to-find gifts with something for just about everyone, and you begin to get the idea of what this much-anticipated holiday tradition is all about. Tradition has it, for this exhibit only, that purchases can go home with you. See a painting you want… take it off the wall. Like those ornaments on that tree, grab them and take them to a cashier! This exhibit traditionally opens the same week as Art Harvest, the long-standing art fair hosted adjacent to the Dunedin Fine Art Center by the Junior League of Dunedin/Clearwater. The sheer numbers involved make for a joyous yearly kick-off of the holiday season. Recently, DFAC has been offering extended holiday hours. This year is no different, with the center being open Tuesday nights until 8:00 pm. Those evenings will feature special events and other offerings, so check DFAC website at www.dfac.org for complete details. Bedazzled 23rd Annual Holiday show + Sale continues through December 23rd. Admission as always, is FREE.

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November 7-8, 10:20am-5pm Art Harvest See work by hundreds of artists from across the country during this two-day art festival at Highlander Park, 1920 Pinehurst Rd., Dunedin and benefiting the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin. Kids can visit the Children’s Tent to create free crafts to take home. Free admission, $5 parking. 727-7385523. November 17, 8:30am Saint Cecelia Open House Hear about the school’s educational programs for Pre-K through 8th Grade students with tours available until 2pm. 1350 Court Street, Clearwater. 727-461-1200. www.st-cecelia.org. November 19-21, 7pm West Side Story Countryside High School presents the legendary musical in the Countryside High School Auditorium, 3000 S.R. 580, Clearwater. Additional Friday matinee at 3pm. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students and senior citizens. 727725-7956. November 20, 10:30-11:30am Mommy & Me Time Pre-School Party The City of Safety Harbor hosts this free preschool party the third Friday of the month with live entertainment, arts and crafts and useful information for parents. John Wilson Park Gazebo, 401 Main St., Safety Harbor. 727-724-1572.



south

Pinellas

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

New All Children’s Hospital to Welcome Patients December 12th After 42 years at the same St. Petersburg address, All Children’s Hospital is about to shut its doors – for a very good reason. A brand new All Children’s Hospital opens the very same day just two blocks away for thousands of west Florida youngsters who count on the hospital for its specialized care. The same skilled and dedicated staff who established All Children’s reputation for high-tech/high-touch care will begin working in its new, innovative, more spacious and efficient environment, designed primarily based on the input of parents, doctors, nurses, staff, and children. The ten-story, state-of-the-art pediatric specialty hospital is the central focus of All Children’s $403-million construction project. Other elements include a seven-story Outpatient Care Center, a 700-space Visitor Parking Garage and a Central Energy Plant designed to keep the hospital 100% functional (with air conditioning) for up to three weeks in the event of a disaster or power interruption. Altogether, they comprise 2009’s largest commercial construction project in Florida. When ground was broken on the replacement hospital in May 2005, All Children’s Health System President & CEO Gary Carnes remarked, “I would hope that through the advances that physicians and others are making in medicine, that this would be the last hospital as we know it that is ever built for children.” The community will have a chance to tour the new facility before patients move in. A Community Open House Preview celebration is planned for Saturday, November 21. ‘Moving Day’ is planned three weeks later on Saturday, December 12. All Children’s care teams will transport all hospitalized youngsters and their parents to the new facility at 501 Sixth Avenue South, St. Petersburg. The plan calls for patients to be wheeled through an underground tunnel that connects All Children’s to neighboring Bayfront Medical Center and across elevated walkways that lead to the new All Children’s Hospital. The new hospital and its neighboring Outpatient Care Center will provide nearly a million square feet of space devoted to pediatric health care. Virtually all of the hospital’s 259 licensed beds will be in individual rooms. It’s a change designed to meet family needs while enabling more efficient delivery of care to hospitalized kids who are often too sick to share space with another patient. One full floor of the hospital (the ninth floor) is shelled space that stands ready for future growth. The hospital’s third floor has been leased to Bayfront Medical Center, which will open and operate a first-ever ‘hospital-withina-children’s-hospital’ for labor and delivery suites and a well-baby nursery under the name Bayfront Baby Place. To learn more about the new hospital and its features or to RSVP for November’s Community Open House Preview, go to AllKids.org. Street view of the main entrance to the new All Children’s Hospital facility, scheduled to open on December 12, 2009.

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dates:

November 7-8, Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 10am-4p 5th Annual Roser Park Festival Check out this fine arts and crafts festival, tour the gardens and enjoy live jazz. Roser Park Drive, St. Petersburg. $1 admission. Under 18 free with parent. Portion of proceeds go to Brookwood Home for Girls. 352-344-0657, tnteventsinc.com. November 7-8, 10am-4pm Largo Central Railroad at Largo Central Park Ride the miniature trains at 101 Central Park Dr., Largo. Pack a snack, bring the dogs (leashed) and check out Largo Rotary Rainbow Playground, a peaceful, winding sidewalk path. Free, donations welcomed. lcrailroad.com. November 7, 7pm Indian Shores 60th Anniversary Ball Commemorates Diamond anniversary of the 1949 town charter. Dinner catered by the Salt Rock Grill and entertainment provided by five piece dance band, The Memories. $25, includes dinner, two drinks, a memento and several door prize drawings. myindianshores.com. November 14, 10-11:30am Free Fall Synchronized Swimming Clinic Introduce your child to a new unique sport with coaches who are either current or past national level athletes and lifeguard certified. Bring your swimsuit, towel, goggles (optional) to the Southwest Pool, 13120 Vonn Rd., Largo. Email Susan at synchro4fun@yahoo.com to sign up your child or get more details. November 19-22 Sanding Ovations© Sand Sculpting Competition & Music Festival View the work of eight Master Sand Sculptors on Treasure Island beach. Families can enjoy live local music, food, beverages & crafts concessions & children’s activities. Free. www.mytreasureisland.org. November 21, 6-11pm 2nd Annual Chillounge Night Spend an enchanting night out under the stars as Straub Park transforms itself into a luxurious outdoor lounge with six trucks of plush lounge furniture lining the streets of downtown St. Pete. Smooth jazz, alfresco dining, fashion show and fireworks display. Proceeds benefit Creative Clay & The Woodson Museum. $15 in advance, $20 at door. Must be 21 or older. chillloungenight.com.


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Pasco

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

New Girl Scout Patch Honors Organization Business owner Heather Lambie of Your Home Editor makes it her mission to help others organize their homes and workspace. The professional organizer says she’s instinctively known how to best arrange her surroundings for an organized lifestyle and effective time management since she was a child. Now, as a mom of two small children, she’s giving back. A former Girl Scout, Lambie has developed a new patch and education program launching this fall throughout all of the chapters of the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida to teach the useful life skills of organization and time management and introducing a new Organized for Life patch for Scouts to earn at all age levels. The curriculum Lambie created was based on her own experience as a former teacher as well as built upon the Girl Scouts’ Three Keys to Leadership. The first phase of Lambie’s Organized for Life program is ‘Discover,’ during which Scouts learn various ways to categorize, sort, edit and prioritize. Scouts then advance to the second stage, ‘Connect,’ where they learn about different ways people in the United States and around the world deal with organization. In the third and final phase, Scouts ‘Take Action’ to purge their own environments of clutter and disorganization to gain greater control their schedules and busy lives. “Kids adapt certain skills best through group encouragement and accountability,” Lambie explains. “If we encourage these qualities now, they will last their entire lives.” The Organized for Life patch will be available this fall through the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida program, debuting on a local level before moving on to national availability. There are currently more than 2.7 million Scout members and almost a million adult members who work as volunteers. For additional information about this and other programs available through the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, go to www.gswcf.org.

Bridgewater Fall Festival to Debut The Bridgewater Community Association launches its first ever Bridgewater Fall Festival on Saturday, November 14 from 10am to 4pm at Bridgewater Community Park, on Wells Road just east of Wesley Chapel Schools complex. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Helping Hands Food Bank and families attending are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food items. This new Wesley Chapel community event offers live music, great food, plenty of kids’ activities and over 60 local vendors and exhibits. There will also be pet vendors and low-cost inoculations, so families can bring the pooches too provided they keep them on a leash at all times and clean up after them. Walgreen’s will be providing low-cost flu shots for families; the Florida Blood Mobile will be welcoming blood donations and local fitness/Zumba professionals from Shapes, Dance Arts Studio and area Karate programs will offer workout demonstrations. And there’s been talk about a visit from Santa Claus himself. “We’ve had so much enthusiasm from local vendors. The Theatre Doctor has donated a guitar and accessories to raffle and a travel agent has donated a weekend getaway. We are overwhelmed by the response from everyone,” says Barbara Martin of the Bridgewater Fall Festival Committee.

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dates: November 6-8 Cinderella Enchanted Arts in Motion, Community Youth Theater and Arts Education, Inc. present a production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical at the Center for the Arts, 30651 Wells Rd., Wesley Chapel. www.artsinmotionpasco.org. November 7, 8am Wesley Chapel’s Annual 5K Run/Walk Participants will get to run on four different surfaces through a scenic course at Saddlebrook Resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel. The event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. www.wesleychapelchamber.com. November 7, 10am-4pm Family Health & Wellness Fair Immediately follows annual 5K Run/Walk at Saddlebrook. Health Fair held at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Rd, Wesley Chapel. For more information, 813-871-0278. www. wesleychapelchamber.com. November 14, 9:30am 1st Annual Family Fun Bike Ride This first ever family recreational event which takes place at Connerton Club House, 21100 Fountain Garden Way, Land O’ Lakes. Explore the Connerton Trail and enjoy live music, great food from local restaurants, exhibitors and fun kids’ activities, including slides, moonwalks and a magic show. www.centrapascochamber.com. November 14, 10am-2pm Premier Community Healthcare Health Fair Come out for a fun street celebration, kids’ activities and over 20 free health screenings. Check out 40+ vendors at this free event recognizing Premiere Healthcare’s 30-Year Anniversary in the local community. To be held at 37944 Pasco Avenue to Church Avenue, Dade City. 352-518-2000, ext. 9012. November 14, 11am-2pm Academy at the Lakes Wildcat Jamboree Held on the McCormick Campus at 2331 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes. Kids can take part in a variety of activities, such as rock climbing and a giant bounce playland. Event tickets, $0.50 or all-day wristband, $10. 813-948-7600. www. academyatthelakes.org.


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around town Dancing With the Stars Benefitting Heartbeat International

Lino Hernandez and Brandi Kamenar of Icon B. Marketing, danced to raise money for Heartbeat International.

Susan Guidi (left) one of the dancers and winners, Angela Ardolino (middle) and Enrique Crespo (right), whom also danced to raise money.

Voices For Children Champion for Children Event

Jean Tate, a Champion For Children and Robin Adkins-Vossler pictured with a photo of kids who need adoptive parents.

Heidi Shimberg, Glazer ChildrensAnother Museum, Betsyparticipant! Smith, Voices For Children and happy Maryann Ferenc, Mise En Place

Westchase Fall Festival

Over 3500 families enjoyed the Fall Festival in Westchase presented by the new BayCare Outpatient Facility located in Westchase


Hyde Park Fall Festival

PHOTOS BY MELANIE ALVAREZ OF PAPERGIRL PRESS

Left: Susan, owner of Color Me Mine, pictured with her grandaughter and friend provide a fun art activity. Middle: Heather and Peter Lambie pictured with their children. Right: A family enjoying the cool weather and festivities.

Isabelle Conwell the beautiful butterfly, CJ Cunningham as brave firefighter and Tyla Kasoff as a fairy princess all enjoy the pumpkin patch at Hyde Park Fall Festival.

Michael Clayton Fundraiser for Generation Rescue

Michael Clayton, Angela Ardolino and Todd Marks

Christina Bertsos, Mohanna Cheaib, Angela Ardolino,

Dr. Cesar Lara, and Penelope Lara TBParenting.com Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

November 2009

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november calendar

WHILE GREAT CARE WAS TAKEN IN COMPILING THE CALENDAR, IT’S ALWAYS BEST TO PHONE AHEAD TO CONFIRM INFORMATION.

FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT TBPARENTING.COM

EVENTS/FESTIVALS Astronaut Training Adventure at MOSI All Month Kids can blast into the new Inflata Space Academy as part of this recently added attraction at MOSI located in Kids In Charge! The Children’s Science Center. They’ll experience life as a future space explorer, the thrill of bouncing in a moon walk and challenging others to an alien world obstacle course. www.mosi.org. Great for Ages 4-12. Free Wiregrass Wednesdays November 4, 11, 18, 25 at 10am Live children’s entertainment, from live music and storytelling to face painting, balloons and arts and crafts. The Shops at Wiregrass at Bruce B. Downs and S.R. 56, Wesley Chapel. 813994-4010. theshopsatwiregrass.com. Great for Everyone. Palm Harbor Grape Escape for Suncoast YMCA November 5, 6-9pm The 7th Annual Secret Garden Party and Wine Tasting event promises a magical evening of live music, fine food, international wines and a silent auction with proceeds to benefit the Suncoast YMCA. Tickets, $40 members, $50 nonmembers, $80 VIP (to include a personalized tasting and wine personality reading by a food critic). Being held at Earthscapes, 814 Alt. 19, Palm Harbor. 727-787-9622. www.suncoastymca. org. Great for Moms and Date Night. Snow Globes Featuring The Polar Express November 6-December 24 A must-see family tradition at International Plaza and Bay Street that lets visitors experience the wonders of the North Pole firsthand with the sights and sounds of The Polar Express. Operate the whistle in the engine room and feel the rumble of the train as it transports the family to the North Pole in this fun, interactive experience complete with falling snowflakes. www.shopinternationalplaza.com. Great for Everyone. Girls Scouts Dessert First Adventure Bash November 6, 7pm Join Girl Scouts of West Central Florida for a unique fundraising event and opportunity for adults to experience hands-on learning, and like the Scouts, earn badges as they test

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Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

November 2009

their skills in such activities as golf putting, fly fishing and more. All evening, guests will get to sample creations made with Girl Scout Cookie classics by the area’s leading chefs. Come and enjoy tapas and cocktails and take part in a live auction. Attire is dressy casual. InterContinental Hotel, 4860 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. $65 per person; $100 per couple. Buy tickets online at www.gswcf.org. Great for Moms and Date Night. November 6-8 Junior League of Tampa’s 6th Annual Holiday Gift Market Check out merchandise from over 140 specialty merchants including jewelry, clothing, handbags, home goods, children’s items and gourmet foods at the Junior League of Tampa’s (JLT) biggest annual fundraiser. The award-winning JLT Culinary Collection Cookbooks will be available for purchase with 100% of net proceeds benefiting the JLT and its various community efforts. Get professional pictures with Santa for only $25. Enjoy live holiday entertainment and kids enjoy The Kids Area with lots of free fun activities and crafts. Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday, 9am-7pm; and Sunday, 10am5pm. Tickets, $5 at the door. www. jltampa.org. Great for Everyone. 5th Annual Cup of Hope Tea Party November 7, 1-4pm Come join Bay Area Legal Services for a special fundraiser supporting the non-profit’s efforts to provide free legal counsel to victims of domestic abuse. Guests can enjoy live music by the Flexible Four Barbershop Quartet, wine tasting, fashions, prize drawings and of course, tea. And for the first time ever, the event also hosts a children’s tea party for ages 5 to 10 where little boys and girls can enjoy their own ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party.’ Being held this year at the home of John & Tracy Bales, 5002 South Shore Crest Circle, South Tampa. Adults, $35, Children, $15. Buy tickets online at www.bals. org. Great for Everyone. Light the Night Walk November 7, 4pm Raise cancer awareness and funds for research as a participant in this annual 1.5 mile walk TBParenting.com

benefiting the Lymphoma & Leukemia Society Suncoast Chapter. Held at George Steinbrenner Field at 3802 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Tampa. Check-in at 4pm, opening ceremony at 5pm, walk starts at 5:45pm. Register at www.lightthenight.org. Great for Everyone. A Night at Rick’s Casino Fundraiser for AllChildren’s November 7, 6:30pm The Krewe of the Conquistadors of Tampa Bay and Rita’s are hosting “A Night at Rick’s Casablanca Casino Party,” a fundraiser to benefit All-Children’s Hospital. Come dressed in your best black-tie or Casablanca-themed attire for a fun evening of food, drinks, swing music and gaming. Being held at the Classic Car Museum, 3301 Gateway Centre, St. Petersburg. 727-631-7396. Great for a Date Night. Zoofari at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo November 7, 7-11pm One of the largest and “wildest” all-inclusive food festivals in the Tampa Bay area, the 23rd Annual Zoofari offers opportunities for food lovers to sample food from dozens of the area’s best restaurants, listen to live music and bid in a wildlife art auction. Local favorite Sister Hazel performs on main stage and are joined by Jason Young, Nate Najar, Alan Darcy and the Vodkanauts on other stage locations throughout the zoo. www.lowryparkzoo.com. Great for a Date Night. Best Bean of the Bay November 7, 7-11pm Sample creative recipes from Bay area restaurants, caterers and chefs as they take part in a first ever “Iron Chef ” style cooking competition to create delicious appetizers, entrees, desserts and specialty drinks, all using as their key ingredient Javamo Coffee’s gourmet coffee and cocoa. Evening will include live jazz music and an art exhibit by children on the Autism Spectrum. All proceeds from the event support the non-profit organization Art for Autism, a group dedicated to helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder live happier and more expressive lives. Galleria at USF Connect in Tampa. www.javamo.com Great for a Date Night. Cruising to a Cure Event for Pediatric Cancer Research November 8, 10am-2pm Hop aboard the Holland America cruise ship M.S. Ryndamat Cruise Terminal 3, Port of Tampa, to watch top culinary talents from Malio’s, Restaurant BT and Bin 27 Bistro battle for the title of “Tampa Bay’s Top Chef.” Proceeds from the event will


benefit the Children’s Cancer Research Group which helps fund childhood cancer research at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Tickets, $75. To register, call 813872-0979 or go to www.sjhfoundation.org. Great for a Date Night. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers November 8, 1pm Raymond James Stadium Handbags and Happy Hour November 12, 6:30-9pm For the accessory lovers among us. Guests can partake in wine and martinis, light hors d’oeuvres and silent and live auctions for shoes, handbags and cosmetic accessories. This year’s fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation® of Central and Northern Florida is being held at Neiman Marcus in International Plaza, Tampa. Tickets, $50 in advance and $60 at the door. www. wishcentralfl.wish.org. Great for Moms. Serengeti Night Safari Featuring Jack Hanna & Family Sleepover at Busch Gardens November 13-15 Join Jack Hanna for the adventure of a lifetime when the animal expert visits Busch Gardens in November. Hanna will join families for an unforgettable Serengeti Night Safari on Nov. 13 and 14, and make a special appearance at the park’s Family Sleepovers on Nov. 13 and 14. These adventures with Hanna are in addition to a lineup of animal shows that he will host at the park’s Moroccan Palace on Nov. 14 and 15 to share stories of his world travels and the importance of wildlife conservation. Tickets for the Serengeti Safari, being held Nov. 13 from 6:30-9pm and Nov. 14 from 7:30-10pm, are $60 per person with a discount available for Passport members (tour for ages 5 or older). Call 1-888-800-5447 to book. Busch Gardens admission is not required or included. Tickets for the Family Sleepover, to be held Nov. 13 and 14 from 6pm to 9am, are $78 per person or $68 for Passport members. To register, call 1-877-BGT-CAMP. BuschGardens.com. Great for kids 8 and older. 2009 Tampa Bay Start! Heart Walk November 14, 8am Pack up the whole family to take part in the signature fundraising event for the American Heart Association being in the Bay area at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. www.tampabayheartwalk.org. Great for Everyone. Parents’ Night Out at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo November 14, 5:30-11pm TBParenting.com

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Mom and dad can enjoy an evening out yet still know the kids are a-okay as they drop them off with the professional Education Department staff at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Zoo provides entertainment, pizza and drinks. $30 for one child; $25 per child for two or more children. Children ages 3-5 (must be pottytrained) and 6-8 years old are eligible. 813-935-8552. www.lowryparyzoo.com 23rd Annual Children’s Home Golf Tournament November 16, 11am Held at Feather Sound Country Club, 2201 Feather Sound Dr., Clearwater. 11am registration, 11:30am lunch, 12:30pm shotgun start. Contact Hope Dogali at 727-641-7346. www.childrenshome.org. Great for Everyone. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints November 22, 1pm Raymond James Stadium November 27, 6-8pm Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony Santa stops by Hyde Park Village to light the 30-foot tree and kick off four weeks of non-stop holiday celebrations. Start the season off with live music, carriage rides and holly jolly kids’ activities. www. hydeparkvillage.net. Great for Everyone. 19th Annual Tarpon Springs Thanksgiving Weekend Craft Fest November 28-29, 10am-5pm Check out handcrafted works of some of the country’s finest craftsmen. On Court Street in downtown Tarpon Springs. Free admission. Great for Everyone. 7th Annual VillageFest November 21, 10am-4pm Come out ready to shop for unique gifts and arts and crafts at this community event that’s free and open to the public. Held at the Carrollwood Village soccer fields, Features live music, food and drinks from local restaurants and kids’ activities. Parking donation, $2 per car with portion of proceeds to benefit the Carrollwood Cultural Center. carrollwoodvillage. com. Great for Everyone.

ART The Art Spot at Tampa Museum of Art November 7, 14, 21 – 10am-2pm This free Saturday program offers children an opportunity to explore their own artistic expression and create art projects in the museum’s classroom at the Tampa Museum of Art’s interim facility located at

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2306 N. Howard Ave. No registration required. 813-274-8130. www.tampamuseum.org. Great for Kids 4-12. Square One Rocks! and the Ybor City Art Walk November 7, Noon-5pm This free monthly art event held in The Royal Room of The RITZ Ybor every first Saturday showcases the work of 20 participating venues and galleries, as well as resident Square One Creative artists. www.squareoneflorida.com. Great for Everyone. Morean Art Adventure Thursdays November 12, 10-11am and 3-4pm Free morning Art Adventure with a parent/ child program that includes a hands-on art activity connected to current gallery exhibits. In the afternoon, the Center offers Art Adventures for kids ages 5 through 9 from 3-4pm as well as its Afterschool Chihuligan Art Club which runs from 4:30-6pm, designed for children grades K-3 to learn about glass artist Dale Chihuly and other glass artists. 727-822-7872. www. moreanartscenter.org. Great for Kids 4-12 Yoga + Dali November 15, Noon-1:30pm Enjoy a 90-minute transcendental experience at the Dali museum as instructor Laura Tillinghast brings her style of vinyasa yoga to this unique classroom. Connect with yourself, increase your strength and flexibility and surround yourself with the live music of Jim Beckwith and the art of the Dali. Bring your own mat, towel and water. $20, includes the yoga session and museum admission after the class. TheDali.org. Great for Moms Craft Art 2009 November 21-22, 10am-5pm Craft Art 2009, Florida Craftsmen Gallery’s annual celebration of American crafts, spills out of the Gallery doors this year into the streets of downtown St. Petersburg at Central Avenue and Fifth Street N. www.floridacraftsmen.net. Great for Everyone.

Walt Disney’s A Christmas Carol: An IMAX 3D Experience Opens November 6 This latest take on Ebeneezer Scrooge from Robert Zemeckis (The Polar Express, Forrest Gump) storms into local movie theaters and IMAX theaters early this month. Rated PG. Check local movie listings for locations and showtimes. Great for Everyone. Where the Wild Things Are at MOSI Opens November 7 Acclaimed director Spike Jonze brings one of the most celebrated books of all time, Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, to the big screen, a classic tale of childhood and making sense of the world around us. www.mosi.org. Great for Everyone. Michael Jackson’s This Is It Through Nov 10 Get an up-close view of Michael Jackson in his final days as he prepared for his upcoming soldout series of London concerts. See behind-thescenes footage, dance rehearsals and interviews with some of Jackson’s closest friends and colleagues. Rated PG. Great for Kids 8 and older. Free Movie Series: South Pacific November 13, 8pm. This free family event showcases a classic film on the Riverwalk behind the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center on the second Friday each month. For November, it’s the romantic 1958 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, South Pacific, starring Mitzi Gaynor and Rossano Brazzi. No tickets required or limits on number of free seats for this event. www.tbpac.org. Great for Everyone. The Twilight Saga: New Moon Opens November 19 Theaters across the Bay area will be holding midnight showings of the sequel to the hugely popular Twilight. Rated PG-13. Running time, 2 hours and 10 minutes. Check local theaters for showtimes. Great for Everyone (Kids 13 and older).

THEATER FILM Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg Through November 5 Called “engrossing” by the New York Times, this new documentary by director Aviva Kempner, looks at the life of radio and television trailblazer Gertrude Berg, creator and principal star of “The Goldbergs,” a popular radio show about a Jewish Family in New York City to become TV’s first character-driven sitcom. www.tampatheatre. org. Great for Everyone.

ART by Venue Ensemble Theater November 6-22 (Friday-Sunday) The Venue Ensemble Theater (VET) presents ART by Yasmina Reza at the Venue Theater, 9125 US 19N, Pinellas Park. The production explores the complicated world of art and friendship. ART contains adult language. The show runs from November 6-22 with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. A portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold benefits Creative Clay www.creativeclay.com. Tickets, $15. 727822-6194. Great for a Date Night.

Girls Night – The Musical November 13-14, 7:30pm Grab your sisters, friends and co-workers and head to Clearwater’s Ruth Eckard Hall of an evening of laughing, singing and dancing. This fun feel-good comedy centers on five girlfriends who experience a rollercoaster of emotions during one wild night of karaoke. www. rutheckerdhall.com. Great for Girlfriends Night Out.

Wonderland: Alice’s New Musical Adventure November 24-January 3, 2010 Set in present-day Manhattan and a timeless Wonderland, the musical tells the story of author Alice Cornwinkle, a wife and mother struggling with her career and family. Audiences join Alice as she visits strange but familiar places where she must reclaim her daughter, defeat the Queen and learn to follow her heart. Tickets start at $38.50. www.tbpac.org. Great for Everyone (Kids 10 and older). The Color Purple November 24-29 Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple is based on the Pulitzer-Prize winning novel by Alice Walker and Oscar® nominated film by Steven Spielberg. Nominated for eleven Tony® Awards, the musical heads out on its first national tour, making its local debut at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Tickets, $40$60. www.rutheckerdhall.com. Great for Everyone (Kids 10 and older). Bad Dates November 19-December 6 This one-woman show by Teresa Rebeck spotlights Haley Walker, a Texan transplant to the Big Apple. Has been called Sex in the City meets Tracey Ullman! Through this funny and touching comedy, the audience follows Haley as she goes through the joys and pains of marriage, motherhood and divorce. Show runs in the Shimberg Playhouse at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Tickets, $24.50. www. stageworkstheatre.org. Great for Date Night.


MUSIC Live Music on the Riverwalk November 7, 14, 20, 21, 28 Celebrate Saturday nights with live music and toast the weekend at the Columbia Cafe patio along the Riverwalk at the Tampa Bay History. For more information, call 813-229-5511 or go to www.tampabayhistory.org. Great for Everyone. Smokey Robinson Tribune on Ice November 11, 730pm. Legendary Motown singer/songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Smokey Robinson performs his classics in a special music and skating production live at the St. Pete Times Forum. Smokey Robinson Tribute on Ice features some of the most acclaimed figure skaters including Olympic Gold Medalist Brian Boitano and sixtime U.S. National champion Todd Eldredge. Tickets, $30-$50. VIP packages, $150 include rinkside seat, parking pass, food and drink, and a tour gift. www.stpetetimesforum.com. Great for Everyone. Toast of Tampa Chorus Annual Show November 22, 3-530pm Enjoy the harmonious sounds and dynamic choreography of this 115-member, all-female a cappella chorus at its 23rd Annual Show being held at Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. Tickets, $25-$50. For more info, call 813-2943226 or online at www.toastoftampa.org. Great for Everyone. American Idol Winner David Cook in Concert November 27, 8pm American Idol fans of all ages can come together to celebrate season 7 winner David Cook as he takes to the stage for a Thanksgiving weekend concert at Progress Energy Center for the Arts, Mahaffey Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. He’ll be joined onstage by Irish trio The Script and pop rockers Green River Ordinance. Tickets, $30-$35. For the theater box office, 727-8925767 or go online to www.mahaffeytheater.com. Great for Everyone (Kids 10 and older). 3rd Friday Music Series November 20, 6-10pm Bayshore and 6th Avenue. Live entertainment, browse arts and crafts vendors and stop inside local shops and restaurants as they stay open later. Free. 727-724-1572. Great for Everyone.

For more event listings visit TBParenting.com


party pages

Wags the Clown We always give smiles! Children’s Party Entertainment face painting, balloon art, magic and more!

727-687-4686 www.wagstheclown.com

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November 2009

Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

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The Holidays Shine Bright On Very Special Nights!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Bring your family and join some of your Disney Character friends on select nights through December 18 at the Magic Kingdom. It’s the celebration of the season, featuring a special parade, festive fireworks, a castle covered in thousands of lights—and even snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A. !

®

©Disney HOL-09-12266

Purchase your tickets in advance and celebrate with special savings!

Visit disneyworld.com/christmasparty or call 407-W-DISNEY for tickets and information. Entertainment offerings subject to change without notice. Admission to this event requires a separately priced ticket. Tickets valid during specific event hours only. Tickets are subject to availability.



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