October 2015

昀漀漀搀 愀氀 氀 攀爀最椀 攀猀 昀愀挀椀 渀最 琀 栀攀洀 栀攀愀搀 漀渀

栀椀 最栀 栀漀瀀攀 栀椀 最栀 爀椀 猀欀 戀椀 爀琀 栀猀

搀椀 礀

挀漀猀琀 甀洀攀猀

栀漀瀀攀昀甀氀 瀀爀漀最渀漀猀椀 猀 瀀攀搀椀 愀 琀 爀椀 挀 漀渀挀漀氀 漀最礀 愀搀瘀 愀渀挀攀猀

OCTOBER 31, 4:30-8PM

$8 FOR MEMBERS, $10 GENERAL ADMISSION | AGES 0-10 Join us for the best Halloween party in town for kids.

Bring your little goblins to the Glazer Children’s Museum for safe, indoor trick-or-treating this Halloween.

• Wiggle and wobble to some spooky tunes • Trick-or-treat at our candy and prize stations • Create ghoulish crafts • Enter the costume parade to win prizes FOR TICKETS, VISIT GLAZERMUSEUM.ORG/EVENTS/HALLOWEENSPREE

BeingMommy Having a baby can be exciting. It can also be intimidating. If you are thinking about having kids soon, you probably have a lot of questions. That’s why we’ve got the experts on pregnancy, childbirth and children’s health to tell you what you need to know. Baby Talk is your chance to get the real deal on being a mommy.

Baby Talk:

Preparing for Motherhood Wednesday, October 21 BayCare Medical Arts Building 8839 Bryan Dairy Road | Largo, FL 33777 5pm: Motherhood information fair 6pm: Physician panel event

BC1506491-0915

Space is limited.

To register: 1-800-BayCare or BayCareEvents.org

Contents

10

18

22

38

features 26|hostile negotiations

10|Facing allergies

How high-conflict divorce affects kids

3 steps to safety at school

28|cool costumes

14|cracking the genetic code Screening options for genetic diseases

Safe and easy DIY costumes for Halloween

30|how do kids learn?

18|hopeful prognosis

Your child understanding the world

Strides in pediatric oncology

38|Legalizing medicine

22|high risk hope Families share their stories of high risk pregnancies

The fight for medical marijuana in Florida

38|extraordinary woman Stacy Carlson, PhD

every month

on the cover

Photograph by Jeanine McLeod of Cloud 9 Studios For

this

month’s

cover

photo, we visited the newly completed

06|Letter From The Editor

Riverwalk

downtown

10|health and wellness

Tampa.

in

Cover

Kid Search winner Jameson

20|education

Pg. 44

Schmidt explored Curtis Hixon

42|what's happening

Scary Good! The best

Waterfront Park, just outside

products to stay healthy and

of

have a spooky Halloween.

enjoying a nice stroll next to

48|south Hillsborough News 50|north Hillsborough News

the

Riverwalk,

before

the water.

52|south pinellas News 54|north pinellas News 56|pasco News

more

information

how to get your handsome

58|Around Town

cover,

60|Calendar of Events

com/coverkidsearch

66|directory

TAMPA BAY PARENTING

on

guy or gorgeous gal on our

64|halloween and fall calendar

4

For

visit

TBParenting. and

don’t forget to vote for your favorites!

Finalists

will

announced on October 15.

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

be

When you believe in a greater purpose to health care, you see things differently. Because health care isn’t only about illness and injury, or even medicine.

It’s about the human spirit.

Which is why for over a century, Florida Hospital has gone beyond symptoms and treatments, helping people live healthier, happier lives.

This is more than quality, expertise and compassion.

Discover the Florida Hospital difference at InspiredTampaBay.com

Florida Hospital

|

Centra Care Urgent Care

|

Locations Throughout Tampa Bay Florida Hospital Physician Group

Founder & Editorial Director

Angela L. Ardolino Editorial Assistant

Krista Byrd Associate Editor

Anu Panchal Contributing Writers

Gayla Grace Lisa L. Thompson Jill Hechtman, MD Lindsay Perez Danielle Caci Cindy Strickland Samantha Rodman Jan Hanson Calendar & Neighborhood Stories Me during a recent visit to Louisville, Kentucky, where I stayed at the beautiful historic Dupont Mansion.

Chris Kuhn Director of Sales & events

David E. Estevez account executive

happy fall!

We have finally made it to one of my favorite times of year. As the air gets cooler and the nights get a little longer, this is a great time to spend quality time with your family. We have combed through the best events in the Bay Area and have compiled a list of everything from pumpkin patches to spooky haunted houses on page 64.

Ralf Gonzalez Melissa McClung sales assistant

Katherine Lavacca

October marks our annual Health and Wellness issue, and this year our team has put together a wonderful comprehensive guide to help your family tackle a range of health concerns so that you can stay well. On page 10, allergy expert Jan Hanson shares some tips to keep your kids safe at school when they suffer from allergies.

public relations

Theresa Stanton Melissa Pegley Contributing photographers

Nicole Geller Jeanine McLeod Amy Pezzicara

For families that have children with cancer, like 17-year-old Lizandra Ramirez or 2-year-old Liam Reddy, finding a great doctor can be one of the most important steps in their child’s recovery. On page 18, associate editor Anu Panchal spoke with Dr. Mogul, a pediatric oncologist from St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, who shared some of the advancements the hospital is making.

With the recent attention brought to medical marijuana, it is no wonder that parents are concerned and more than a little confused. On page 34, staff writer Krista Byrd spoke with Moriah Barnhart and her daughter Dalia, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, as well as with local organizations to find out what is legal and what marijuana can do to help sick kids.

Social Moms

Lisa-Marie Leihy Rachel Long Peggy Stines-Munnings Ana Peralta Laurie Winkles

With school now in full swing, children are spending their days gaining a better understanding of the world around them. On page 30, Cindy Strickland from Corbett Preparatory School of IDS shares with us how children learn and how you can help the process.

Every month, we feature extraordinary women who do amazing things. This month, I’m thrilled to feature my friend, Stacy Carlson, who not only is the vice president and program director of college and career readiness at the Helios Education Foundation, but is also the president of the Junior League of Tampa and a loving mother of three. Find out how she does it all on page 46.

Tampa Bay parenting Magazine

320 W. Kennedy Blvd Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: 813-949-4400 Fax: 813-315-6688

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays to have fun and be creative. But before you rush out to spend a fortune on a costume, check out our safety tips and DIY costumes that won’t break your budget on page 28.

info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com Become A Fan at:

Facebook.com/ tampabayparentingmagazine

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Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community.

Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.

TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• JUNE 2015 • TBParenting.com

It’s an extraordinary journey back to ordinary.

Every minute of every day, we give our all so kids like Jude can go from a fragile 1-pound, 8-ounce baby, born four months early, to a typical 2-year-old full of giggles and boundless energy. It’s a promise that has made us Tampa Bay’s only hospital ranked by U.S. News & World Report in pediatric specialties.

See stories like Jude’s at allkids.org/journeys

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. This October, be proactive about your health! Learn more about breast cancer and how you can prevent it.

H E A LT H Y L I F E S T Y L E = R E D U C E D R I S K O F B R E A S T CA N C E R

BALANCED DIET

STAY ACTIVE

DON’T SMOKE

K N OW MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.

LIMIT ALCOHOL

HEALTHY WEIGHT

your B O DY

BE AWARE OF ANYTHING UNUSUAL.

HAVE A BETTER DIALOGUE WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

S C H E D U L E YO U R E A R LY D E T ECT I O N P L A N When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is 98%.

MONTHLY SELF BREAST SELF- EXAMS SCHEDULED CLINICAL BREAST EXAMS

YOUR PROVIDER’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAMMOGRAMS *CVD- Cardiovascular Disease

For more information on our Breast Centers or to find a physician visit our hospital websites or HCAWestFlorida.com.

Brandon Regional Hospital

Memorial Hospital of Tampa

South Bay Hospital

Largo Medical Center

Oak Hill Hospital

St. Petersburg General Hospital

Medical Center of Trinity

Palms of Pasadena Hospital

Tampa Community Hospital

Climb every mountain and sync every step.

Your bit is only as fit as what syncs it. Get the latest smart accessories and the network that lets you track every rep, step and calorie without missing a beat.

Visit vzw.com or your local Verizon store to learn more.

Coverage varying by svc, not available everywhere; see vzw.com. Š 2015 Verizon Wireless.

47844

facing allergies A 3-Step Plan for Safety at School

By Jan Hanson

t

he hazy days of summer have come to an end, and the start of the new school year is here. For parents of the 6 million schoolaged children with food allergies in the United States, this is the perfect time to take the steps necessary to make certain the school environment will be safe for their child.

Before the school year begins, share medical documentation, physician orders and medicines (epinephrine auto-injectors, such as the EpiPen, and inhalers, for example) with the school nurse (or the Principal or head of school if there isn’t a nurse). Complete any paperwork required by the school. Good communication is vital. Talk with the nurse about your child’s food allergies and any other health concerns. If your child also has asthma, share this, too. Children with both asthma and food allergies are at a higher risk of having anaphylaxis if exposed to their allergens.

Annually, 16-18 percent of children in the United States with food allergies will have an allergic reaction while at school. When an allergic reaction becomes life-threatening, it is called “anaphylaxis.”

This happens at school more often than one might think. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 198 students experienced anaphylaxis during the school day in one school year. Food was responsible for almost 50 percent of these cases. Tragically, fatalities also occur: A New England Journal of Medicine study found that four out of six deaths from food-induced anaphylaxis occurred at school. The harsh reality of the potential for fatalities was seen last January, 2012, when a first grader with a peanut allergy died after being exposed to her food allergen while at school in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Staff failed to recognize her symptoms as anaphylaxis.

The school nurse is the key player in coordinating and overseeing children’s health issues.

Develop a partnership with her and work collaboratively to develop a risk reduction strategy for your child. This may take the form of either an Individual Healthcare Plan (IHP) or a 504 Plan.

It is clear that school is a high-risk environment for children with food allergies, and planning in advance is critical for safety. Parents of these children have every reason to expect that school personnel will be knowledgeable and prepared to keep these students safe during the school day.

Once developed, the healthcare plan should be signed by both the parents and the school nurse. The nurse can then schedule a meeting to review the agreed-upon plan with you and all staff who will have direct contact with your child at school.

Based on my 20 years of personal and professional work in the field, I recommend a practical, 3-step plan to manage food allergies at school: AVOIDANCE The primary focus of any food allergy management program should be allergen avoidance.

10

TAMPA BAY PARENTING

Both an IHP and a 504 Plan outline specific procedures school staff will follow to prevent a student’s exposure to food allergens. A 504 Plan is also considered a legal document because it is authorized by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Children with lifethreatening food allergies meet the definition of ‘disability’ under Section 504, which is a federal law, and are eligible for protection in all schools, public or private, that receive federal funding. A 504 Plan typically has a more prescribed process, will involve the school’s 504 Coordinator, and has a formal grievance procedure to resolve disputes.

Either plan used should keep your child safely included in all his academic and schoolsponsored extra-curricular activities. It should address 1.) All aspects of the school environment where your child will travel, 2.) All aspects of the school day, including before, during and after school hours at school-sponsored events, and 3.) The physical safety and emotional wellbeing of your child.

Procedures in your child’s healthcare plan should include: • A plan for your child to eat safe foods for snacks and holiday and birthday celebrations.

Provide food for your child, whenever possible. A staff member should be responsible to read ingredient labels of other foods coming into the class. Have a “no food sharing” rule in class. The plan should enable your child to enjoy social interactions while eating alongside his peers.

• A plan that ensures none of your child’s food allergens will be used in his curriculum, regardless of his age or grade level – think art, science, math and cooking projects, for example.

• A plan for an allergen safe table or safe “zone” of a table in the cafeteria.

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

Pediatric Care in Tampa Bay Has a New Name:

BayCare Medical Group

Connect with a physician close to home HealthPoint Medical Group, Morton Plant Mease Primary Care and Specialists, St. Anthony’s Primary Care and Specialists and Suncoast Medical Clinic recently joined to become BayCare Medical Group.

With more than 150 pediatricians, pediatric specialists and family medicine physicians in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties, care for your family is always nearby.

The signs may change but your doctor and office staff will remain the same, and will continue to help your children stay healthy.

Our participation with your insurance will not be affected.

Thank you for allowing us to care for your family.

Now accepting new patients.

Most major insurance plans are accepted.

To schedule an appointment:

(855) 466-6686 BC1502701_0415

BayCareMedicalGroup.org

• A plan for hand washing for your child and his classmates.

Allergic reactions from skin contact are usually mild, but when an allergen is transferred from hand-to-mouth, a much more serious reaction could result. Waterless hand sanitizers are ineffective at removing food proteins. Good old-fashioned soap and water, or wipes, work best.

• A plan for your child to safely participate in field trips, bus transportation and for when there is a substitute teacher.

• A plan for where your child’s epinephrine auto-injectors will be kept, in addition to the health room. These devices should never be locked in a cabinet during the school day.

EDUCATION The key to understanding food allergies and anaphylaxis is EDUCATION, and this should be planned for the entire school community: teachers, auxiliary staff, classmates and other parents. This is a wonderful way to foster an understanding for and acceptance of classroom procedures meant to keep your child safe. Efforts to educate others can include: • A letter sent home at the start of the school year to parents of your child’s classmates, which explains food allergies and why their cooperation is needed.

• A staff in-service meeting about food allergies and the need for allergen avoidance conducted by the nurse or school physician.

• A PTO meeting that includes information on this subject.

• A classroom health lesson about food allergies.

RESPONSE School staff must be able to quickly recognize and treat an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. Parents will need to: • Supply the school with at least two epinephrine auto-injectors and any related medicines, such as an inhaler, prescribed by your child’s doctor. These medicines should be kept wherever your child is at most risk for exposure to his allergens.

• Provide the nurse with a physician-signed Emergency Treatment Plan (also called an Allergy Action Plan) that outlines clear steps to follow to treat an allergic reaction. Keep this plan wherever your child’s epinephrine device will be kept. Make sure your emergency contact information, such as your cell phone number, is included.

• Confirm that epinephrine auto-injector training will be conducted for all staff given the responsibility to treat your child in the event a nurse is not available. This type of training can’t be required, but for staff who resist, it might help to remind them that epinephrine is the only treatment that can reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis, and administering it could save a life!

Keep in mind planning for your child’s safety is a process. Plan ahead and be knowledgeable about food allergies, related laws, and food allergy management practices. You are your child’s best advocate and can play a vital role in creating a safe environment for your child at school.

Ben Franklin said, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.”

Using this approach, you will find success when planning for your child’s safety in all aspects of his or her education.

Jan Hanson, M.A., is the founder of Educating For Food Allergies, LLC, and author of “Food Allergies: A Recipe For Success At School”. She has over 20 years experience in the area of food allergy management and has advised hundreds of families and educators. Hanson is a consultant, speaker, author and mother of two sons with food allergies. You can visit her website at www.foodallergyed.com.

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

We’ve thought of everything, so you can focus on one thing.

Take a virtual tour of the TGH Women’s Center at www.tgh.org/womenscenter Affiliated with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

13

cracking the genetic code Screening options for inherited genetic diseases

By Dr. Jill Hechtman

T

he decision to start a family can create a mixture of excitement and concern for parents-to-be. While you may be eager for the joys of parenthood, it’s normal to be concerned about potential health risks to your baby, whether you’re already pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

don’t realize this until their child starts exhibiting symptoms. Since the symptoms don’t typically begin until the child is several years old, some parents are already pregnant with their next child when they realize they are carriers of this disease. Those with DMD rarely live into their 30s, with heart and breathing problems commonly causing death.

Approximately 3 to 4 percent of all babies born each year have a genetic disease or major birth defect, and 1 percent will be born with a chromosomal abnormality, according to www.NetWellness.org, a consumer health website. Genetics is thought to be a primary factor in a majority of birth defects, and genetic diseases can range in severity: Some can be debilitating and even fatal, while others are minor and may not affect a child’s quality of life.

Fragile X syndrome

You may be aware of some well-known genetic conditions, like Down Syndrome or Spina Bifida, but there are hundreds of others that could affect your child if both you and your partner carry the genetic marker for the disease. For some conditions, only the mother needs to be a carrier to be at risk of passing along the genetic condition to her child.

It is important to note that carriers are typically healthy and usually do not have symptoms.

“Newer genetic screening panels, including Horizon Carrier Screen, now allow screenings for genetic conditions that have not been available before, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,” says Dr. Jill Hechtman, Fellow of The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and medical director of Tampa Obstetrics. “These new large panels can be tailored to the specific needs of patients, allowing for more comprehensive screenings and arming patients with more knowledge about their genetic carrier status.”

Genetic carrier screens are usually simple blood or saliva tests that can be done before or during pregnancy to help parents learn if they are carriers for hundreds of different genetic disorders. The knowledge learned from this screening test can help them make important health decisions. Here are four relatively common, but often lesser known genetic disorders among the 274 genetic diseases that Horizon screens for:

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)

DMD most commonly affects boys, with about one in every 3,500 male infants being born with this fatal genetic disease, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. DMD is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood. Children with DMD experience progressive muscle weakness and atrophy that usually begins around 3 to 5 years old, so many parents who are carriers of this disease

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

The most common form of inherited developmental disability among boys, Fragile X, is carried on the X chromosome. While the disorder can affect boys and girls, symptoms are usually more severe in boys, causing learning, intelligence, social, emotional, and speech and language problems. The CDC estimates that one in every 5,000 boys is born with the disorder. Only the mother needs to be a carrier to be at risk to pass along Fragile X to her child.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

SMA affects nerve cells in the spinal cord, and can weaken muscles, causing difficulty with walking, crawling, breathing, swallowing and controlling head and neck motion, according to the Library of Medicine.

The disorder takes many forms, including some that are fatal. According to Cure SMA, the disorder affects about one in every 10,000 babies but one in every 50 Americans is a genetic carrier. Depending on the type of SMA, babies with SMA typically live less than two years.

Cystic Fibrosis

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe lung disease and digestive system problems. It affects the cells that produce secretions like mucus, sweat and digestive juices causing them to be thick and sticky, not thin and slippery. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the thickened secretions clog airways and various glands in the body, especially in the pancreas and lungs. Symptoms of CF range from mild to severe and may include progressive lung disease, nutritional deficiencies related to chronic digestive problems and decreased pancreatic function, and infertility in men. CF does not affect intelligence. The average life expectancy is about 37 years for individuals with classic CF. The incidence of CF is approximately 1 in 3,700 among a pan-ethnic population. Specific carrier frequency estimates differ by ethnic group.

Many people do not know they are a carrier for a genetic disorder until they have an affected child. Genetic screenings can give a patient the information they need to make the reproductive choices that are right for them.

To learn more about the Horizon Carrier Screen, please go to www.horizonscreen.com.

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• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

Our practice is proud to be certified by:

hopeful prognosis Strides in pediatric oncology

By Anu Varma Panchal

X

asha Ruiz and Kristina Reddy don’t really know each other. Ruiz lives in Land O Lakes, has two teenage kids and a 9-year-old stepdaughter, and runs her own cleaning business while she studies to be a Realtor. Reddy studied retail merchandizing and lives in Key West with her firefighter husband and two little boys. But both have something in common.

They had to hear the words no mother wants to hear: that their child has cancer.

Thanks to a team of dedicated physicians and nurses, both mothers also are in the fortunate and growing group of those whose children are beating back cancer for longer—hopefully forever.

Ruiz’s daughter, Lizandra Ramirez, was a 17-year-old, straight-A high school junior when the discovery of a lump on her neck led to a diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma. In four months, Lizandra underwent two surgeries, 17 days of radiation and four months of chemotherapy to remove the four tumors in her neck and chest.

Ruiz juggled her daughter’s chemo with her own full-time work and school. Today, Lizandra is a senior in high school considering a future in marine biology, as cheerful and bubbly as she used to be—and remained—before and throughout her treatment, reports her mother.

Reddy’s son, Liam, was an active 2-year-old toddler when he was diagnosed, almost out of the blue. Liam’s parents, Kristina and Stephen Reddy were at St. Joseph’s Women’s Center.

They had come up from Miami to deliver their second baby, for whom the prognosis had been poor from the start. As they were undergoing the heartrending process of delivering a baby who was not expected to survive long and saying their goodbyes, Liam was playing in Kristina’s aunt’s garden when her neighbor, who happened to be an oncologist, spotted him. She noticed his distended abdomen, which is a classic sign of Wilms’ Tumor, a type of kidney cancer that affects children, and suggested the toddler be taken to a hospital immediately.

Without telling Reddy because she was in labor at the time, her mother and aunt admitted Liam to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

Once Reddy had delivered her baby, she checked out and rushed to her son.

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Liam Reddy at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital where he was treated for cancer.

That dizzying, bewildering day was the start of two intense years of treatments. Now, he’s technically in remission, says Reddy. His next procedure will be in Gainesville, where he will undergo high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue, which means stem cells harvested from his own body earlier will be reintroduced into his white blood cells.

It’s a harrowing scenario for any parent to imagine, but both Ruiz and Reddy say that what helped them through it was the feeling that they were in good hands. Both children were treated at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, where a new pediatric oncology facility offers state-of-the-art care in a cheerful, kid-friendly facility.

“That hospital is amazing,” says Ruiz, who slept in her daughter’s hospital room. “Everybody—staff, cleaning department, surgeons—everyone down to the receptionists—is super, super nice. It’s like my second home.”

The hospital is affiliated with the Children’s Oncology Group, a consortium of 300 hospitals worldwide. Dr. Mark Mogul, medical director of pediatric hematology/oncology at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, explains that this means that St. Joseph’s has access to the most state of art, novel best treatments available and care protocols, just as if the patients were being treated at Sloane Kettering or St Jude’s.

Mogul says St. Joseph’s Children’s Cancer Center is the fourth largest project in the state. The brand new inpatient facility features an open infusion area, 22 beds, six exam rooms and private rooms with private baths and sleeping areas for parents who want to stay 24/7 with their children. Four physicians, two nurse practitioners, three RNs, two medical assistants, a lab assistant, office manager and three office staff make up the facility. An outpatient clinic, adjacent infusion center as well as a separate blood coagulation, bleeding and clotting team complete the center.

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“It’s 100 percent clinical, dedicated to nothing but patient care,� says Mogul, who has been in the field for more than 20 years and who prides himself not only on his facility’s state of the art technology and science, but on the high level of personal touch. “Every need is immediately attended to. Everyone is expert. There is no middle person. No interns, residents, fellows.�

Mogul says that in the decades since he’s been in practice much has changed for children diagnosed with cancer—mostly for the better.

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Thanks to the Children’s Oncology Group affiliation, St. Joseph patients have access to new and multidisciplinary treatments, such as antibodies delivered to target nerve centers. “It’s a much more targeted type of therapy,� Mogul says. “There’s less toxicity.

Chemo affects lots of cells—GI, hair loss, kidney, liver, lungs.

The antibody specially targets cancer and not normal cells. We’re aggressive about quality of life being maintained.�

Treating children has other benefits. Children have a 95 percent chance of getting on a national trial program for a new treatment.

For adults, that likelihood stands at 4 percent. “In pediatrics, our patients are healthier,� Mogul says. “We’re going for a cure.�

Mogul and his colleagues see patients from newborns to age 21.

Leukemia patients are seen up to age 30; some till age 50. He’s also very interested in working with the AYA group—Adolescent Youth Adult—who he says have historically done relatively poorly because they are treated with a more adult patient view to control rather than cure the disease. Mogul sees some patients well into their 40s and 50s. “It’s both wonderful and awful; way more wonderful than awful,� he says. “We take losses hard. Irrespective of outcome, we make such a difference. I tell parents, the only thank you is when they’re old enough to get married, I expect an invitation.�

It could be more than what meets the eye 'IFTED n -EMtY v !$$ !$($ n !NXIETY $YSL”IA n ,EfNING $ISABILITY

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20

TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

At 4, little Liam is a few years away from issuing wedding invitations and his mom is still the main lady in his life. In fact, when Mogul recently came into the room to tell the Reddys the bad news that Liam had relapsed, Kristina Reddy burst into tears. Furious that the doctor had made his mother cry, Liam ordered Mogul from the room.

That’s why she has to control her emotions better in front of her son, Reddy admits. But it’s hard; hard to tell her son he can’t start VPK like he was so excited to, or watching him cry as she gives him his nightly shot. It’s also hard not to get emotional, albeit in a good way, when Liam plays with his baby brother, Houston, and goofs around like a typical 4-year-old boy, or when Stephen’s firehouse officers and family members rally around to surround the Reddys with love and support. “It isn’t fair, but we’re going to get through it,� Reddy says. “It could always be worse.�

For Mogul, seeing families through those hard times is not just a professional obligation. “I tell every family—this is your child but now that they’re here, they’re my child too,� he says. “We live that.

It’s what we’re here for.�

Candy, Bats & Scaredy Cats!

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high risk hope Families share their stories of high risk pregnancies

By Krista Byrd

B

ianca Troche and her husband Jonathan were excited when they found out that they were pregnant, but finding out they were going to have twins meant that they were going to have a high risk pregnancy entailing weeks of bedrest. This is their story:

Annelise and Julianna with their older brother Eli.

When did you know you were going to have a high risk pregnancy and what did you have to do as a result of it?

We were expecting one baby, and God surprised us and blessed us with two.

I didn’t find out I was having twins until I was 18 weeks pregnant. We went to the hospital to find out the sex of our baby and found out were having twin girls. My emotions went from nervous to excited to terrified. We decided we could handle this, then a split second later I was declared high risk. We were having mono-mono twins, which are extremely rare, happening in less than 1% of all twin pregnancies.

The twins share absolutely everything causing their cords to become entangled. This causes the blood and oxygen circulation to potentially be cut off as long as the pregnancy continues. The possibilities were losing one or both my babies, early delivery or having to choose one if it came down to it--anything horrible a mother never wants to think of.

I was admitted to Tampa General Hospital when I was 28 weeks pregnant.

While hospitalized I found out I had gestational diabetes. Not only was I stuck in the hospital, but my diet was highly regulated. I was there for two weeks and saw my son and husband just a few times. It hurt me to my core to leave my son. A High Risk Hope volunteer delivered a bed rest basket to my room and we began talking. She also had identical twins in the NICU who grew to be absolutely beautiful. From that point on I had hope!

At 29 weeks I was rushed to labor and delivery because one twin’s, (Julianna’s), heart rate kept dipping along with mild contractions. After 2 1/2 days with discomfort and no food, I had to undergo an emergency cesarean section.

Julianna had the cord wrapped around her neck. I was 29 weeks and 6 days,

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

and expected to have them at 33 weeks. Annelise weighed 2.9 pounds and Julianna weighed 2.11 pounds. They came out screaming. It was beautiful.

My worries didn’t end there. Annelise had a grade three brain bleed, four being the worst. My heart shattered into a million pieces. She got sick and needed antibiotics twice. It was stressful enough to have babies in the NICU. I cried my eyes out when I had to go home. With my husband working, I was only able to see them evenings. It really took a toll on my 2-yearold, as all he saw were the four walls of the hospital. A HRH NICU Napsack was delivered to each of my babies’ rooms and I was beaming. I think it is amazing that anyone can be so selfless and support mothers and families with NICU babies.

Very convenient supplies also; I stayed in the NICU overnight and I had everything I needed right there in the bag.

A couple of weeks before my girls were discharged, Annelise had one more head sonogram. At that moment when I got the results, I knew God was listening to me. Her sonogram read grade one. I couldn’t believe it; it was an absolute miracle!

Two months later, we brought home two chunky, beautiful and perfect miracle babies.

During your high risk pregnancy, what were some of the most important things other people could do or did that helped you the most? For example, did your family help out and pitch in extra?

Living here in Florida is a big step for me because it was just me and my husband and a few friends that we made while we were out here. My entire family lives in New York. So, coming here was a real leap but my two friends, Raquel and Christina, were a really big support system through my high risk pregnancy.

They offered to take me to my appointments if my husband was working and they wanted to watch my son so I could sleep during the day, so that meant a lot to me since it was really overwhelming.

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for parents going through high risk pregnancies?

It is easier said than done, but just relax. From experience, stressing only makes it worse. Crying all the time only makes it worse. But, if you do have to cry, don’t hold it back and make sure that you talk to somebody because holding it in is worse than keeping it inside. And as far as your baby coming early: I always say they may be a little bit early but that just means you get to love them a little bit longer.

If you have older children, how did they handle the change in family dynamic during your high risk pregnancy?

It was really overwhelming for him because he tagged along

through all of my doctor’s appointments and hospital visits and when I was on my bed rest it was really difficult for him. I am a stay-at-home mom, so it was really difficult for me to separate from him and it was difficult for him because he is used to me putting him in bed every night. It was stressful on both of us and there were times that he couldn’t even go to sleep because he was looking for me around the house. It breaks my heart. He would come to the hospital to visit me with my husband and I would be in tears when they left because he didn’t want to say goodbye to me.

The Olsen Family

Triplets Beckett, Drew, and Kipton who are now happy and healthy babies

Shea and Chris Olsen have six children together, five sons and one daughter. It was two years ago this October when they became pregnant with their triplets. That pregnancy was challenging and brought their family into a time of stress. But the high-stress was worth it for their three tiny beautiful rewards. Here is their story: Tell us about your story. When did you know you were going to have a high risk pregnancy?

Two years ago this October, my husband and I found out that we were expecting. It came as a big surprise because we weren’t planning on having more children. We also had private insurance with no maternity coverage and were in search of a forever home for our family. That added to the initial shock, but we weren’t upset about expanding our family by one more (and I was not-so-secretly hoping for another girl!).

I started feeling sick right away, which was new to me as I didn’t have a lot of morning sickness with the others. I also started growing very quickly in the mid-section. By 8 weeks, I looked like I was about halfway through with my pregnancy. I was terrified of having twins and my anxiety heightened as I was getting twin jokes from everyone who saw my belly. The day of my ultrasound, my husband went off to work (because we’ve done this three times) and I headed for the doctor’s office. I joked with the ultrasound tech about twins and she calmed me down. Right away, we saw two amniotic sacs and I gasped. I think my words were, “Oh no! Twins!” and she laid her hand on my shoulders and said, “No honey, triplets.” There they were -- all three amniotic sacs and three little heartbeats. At that point, I just started crying. Triplets?!? I never entertained the idea of more than two and doubling my children in one shot! We took a breather and I cried on her shoulder, covering her scrubs with mascara. We decided to bring in some of the nurses and doctors in the office that day to share the news. Although everyone was excited for me, there were also nerves because this was now a high-risk pregnancy. After lots

of laughs and tears, I finished my appointment and sent my husband a picture of our ultrasound. He immediately called me and we were in complete and utter shock. He initially thought I was joking and quickly went silent. Then a few words came out. Words that I can’t repeat, but are understandable after getting this type of news.

I was very fortunate to have a fairly uneventful triplet pregnancy. I had a LOT of morning sickness, an allergy issue and one trip to the ER with dehydration, but no big complaints. I had no blood pressure issues and did not have gestational diabetes. I gained 28 pounds, which is generally not enough for a triplet pregnancy, but I lost so much at the beginning with morning sickness. I didn’t follow a strict diet, but I tried to eat as healthy as possible and allow myself to indulge when a craving hit. I’m pretty sure I kept my local Smoothie King and Five Guys in business during that time. At 15 weeks, we found out that we were expecting three BOYS. It was another sob fest for me, but my husband was on top of the world. I was OK really. I just wanted desperately to give my daughter a sister.

I grew very tired around 25 weeks and at 28 weeks, I knew taking care of my big kids was just too much. Although I was never on official bed rest, my Mother was gracious enough to take my big kids all day while my husband was working. This allowed me to rest and nest. I believe with everything in me that her help (and my husband’s help at home) allowed me to carry those babies as long as I did. The doctor set a tentative date for a C-section, knowing I may not carry that long.

I was scheduled to deliver on May 27 which would put me around 36 weeks. I had discussed the idea of delivering vaginally, but it’s not typical for this type of pregnancy because of the risks involved. I was 32 weeks when I went to the OB for a regular check-up. I had been having inconsistent contractions all week and the night before was a difficult one. I mentioned this and my doctor decided to check me. I was 3 cm along and they advised me to go to the hospital. I arrived that evening and the labor began! It was then, we found out that babies A and B were vertex (head down) and C was transverse. I was persistent about delivering vaginally, but assured the doctors that I was comfortable with their decision either way. I would have to deliver in the OR in the event I needed an emergency C-section. I was fully dilated around 9 a.m. when they wheeled me into the OR. I can’t say why the doctors agreed to let me try, but I believe the stars aligned that day and of course I had the best doctors in the world.

With two OB’s, my husband, and over 20 other medical professionals in the OR, I delivered Baby A (Drew) at 9:38 am, Baby B (Kipton) at 10:04am and Baby C (Beckett) at 10:11am. Drew was 3 pounds 13 ounces, Kip weighed in at 3 pounds 7 ounces and Beckett at 3 pounds 2 ounces. They were rockstars and only needed CPAP for about 24 hours and were on room air by the end of the second day. The moment I will never forget (and still makes me tear up) was being wheeled out of the OR and down the hall to my room. The entire hallway was lined with nurses, doctors and staff cheering me on and giving high-fives. It was amazing! My mom and big sister were waiting for me at the end of the hallway with huge smiles. All I could say was, “We did it!” And by we, I mean all involved. The saying, ‘It takes a village’, could not be more true.

Our boys spent four weeks in the NICU as feeders and growers. We had a few minor setbacks, but we are so fortunate that all three were such strong little fighters. It was extremely difficult emotionally with three kids at home and three in the NICU, finding a balance to being with both. Armed with a village, we made it through and the boys came home on the same day, exactly a month after they were born.

During your high risk pregnancy, what were some of the most important things other people could do or did that helped you the most?

In a high risk pregnancy, you need a lot of rest which means sacrificing a tidy home and letting go of little things. For me, a messy home means lots of anxiety. Having dinner with my whole family was also important every night. My mom and other family members would take the kids out of the house for me which was important for them to get some activity and allowed me to rest. My friends and family also sent over meals and came over on occasion to help out with laundry or tidying up the house. We also had family and friends watch the big kids so that we could visit the babies together while they were in the NICU. High Risk Hope was also a huge help during our NICU stay and continues to be a great support for us today. High Risk Hope is a for purpose organization that provided our family with encouragement and resources during my hospital stay as well as our 4 week NICU stay. We received a bag of goodies that made our stay comfortable, including hand knit beanies for each baby, personal products and motivational items that helped us push through each day. They stopped in to check on us frequently and were there to answer any questions we had. Although I did not have any time on hospital bed rest, High Risk Hope does provide support to women who are on bed rest, which helps prolong high risk pregnancies and improves the outcome for preemies. They also provide bereavement support to families suffering a loss. They are my absolute favorite organization!

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for parents going through high risk pregnancies?

Breathe. It’s extremely overwhelming, physically and emotionally. It is so much to take in. When you are given a lot of information during your doctor’s visit and you feel like you can’t process it all, take it in and give it some time. Talk to others that are or have gone through it. I tried to stay off the internet search sites because that can just be scary. I joined a fabulous support group through Facebook actually with other mothers experiencing the same thing I was. My group is specific to triplets born in 2014, but there are several out there. I met some amazing woman who kept me calm (or laughing) and have become some of my closest friends today. Remember, this time is temporary and you can sacrifice just about anything if you need to, knowing your baby(babies) will be safe in your arms at the end. It will be worth it, I promise.

If you have older children, how did they handle the change in family dynamic during your high risk pregnancy?

My oldest two (boys) handled the change like champs. They kept saying they wanted me to have a hundred babies. My daughter, who was only two at the time, had no idea what was about to hit her. She was the baby and only girl. We had her potty trained before their arrival and she completely regressed so we had to start over. We tried to pump her up about being the only girl and never having to share a room, but she is still pouting to this day about always having to be alone. I say she is 3 going on 13. She definitely gets jealous, but she is very loving with the babies. Going from three to six kids have absolutely changed our family dynamic. It’s constant chaos and take a lot of daily work and sacrifice, but we are SO grateful to have six healthy children. It is worth it, every single day.

The Herring Family

Stacy Herring and her husband Rashaad Herring had a high risk pregnancy with their son Jayden. Jayden is now 4 years old and loves Thomas the Tank Engine, but the road to get their family to where it is today was not always easy. Here is their story.

Tell us your story. When did you know you were going to have a high risk pregnancy and what did you have to do as a result of it?

January 2011, we found out I was pregnant with our first child. This

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

Stacy and Rashaad with their son Jayden Herring.

was an exciting time for my husband and me as we married on July 11, 2008 and were expecting our first child. Of course I wanted a little girl, since I grew up with all girls in my household and my husband wanted a boy since he grew up with all boys. Around the time we found out the sex of the baby (around 14-16 weeks), I was in the doctor’s office for a checkup and my doctor advised me I needed to rushed to the hospital to have a Cerclage placed on my cervix. (Cervical cerclage, or a cervical stitch, is used to prevent the cervix from opening too early, causing miscarriage or premature birth. After leaving the hospital the first time, I was sent home. Two weeks later, I was placed on complete bedrest at St. Joseph Women’s Hospital. This meant I could not get out of bed to take a shower, go to the restroom or walk to get food. I was on complete bedrest for 3 ½ months at St. Joseph Women’s Hospital, in Tampa. Jayden was born at 34 ½ weeks on August 25, 2011 at 5lbs, 17 inches long at 10:17pm. He was born premature and stayed in the NICU for a week due to him having jaundice. It was even more stressful to be on complete bedrest and then to have the baby and not be able to bring him home. I kept thinking this is never going to end. We are very blessed; he was born breathing on his own and did not need a feeding tube. I visited and stayed in the NICU for 8-12 hours a day till he was able to come home.

During your high risk pregnancy, what were some of the most important things other people could do or did that helped you the most?

It was an emotional rollercoaster for me. There were good days and bad days being in the hospital. I got gestational diabetes and was receiving insulin shots three times a day. My family played an HUGE role in ensuring my success during this difficult time. My husband and I lived over 40 minutes away from the hospital and he would make that drive daily to ensure I saw a familiar face. My family was my backbone during this most difficult time.

My mom dressed up my room with rugs, calendars to mark off the days and a DVD player. High Risk Hope came and provided me with a bedrest basket and it was truly uplifting to myself as well as many of the women on that floor. The bedrest basket was filled with items such as puzzles, books, magazines, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, socks, blankets, facial tissue, lotion, and gum. It felt good to know there was an organization out there that understood the needs of women on bedrest while pregnant.

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for parents going through high risk pregnancies?

Yes: In the end, it is worth it 110 percent! My advice for any mother on bedrest is you are stronger than you realize and that with family, hope, love and faith you can make it through. Remember these words when you need thoughts of encouragement to keep going. Children bring so much love and joy to our lives. This is a short period of time compared to a lifetime of love and happiness with your new baby.

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Hostile Negotiations High conflict divorce and how it affects children Dr. Samantha Rodman

D

ifferent types of divorces have different effects on kids. The worst situation for children is a high-conflict divorce, where co-parents cannot agree upon anything in terms of parenting, finances and living arrangements. In these cases, there is often a history of dishonesty and infidelity, and at least one spouse feels like the victim in the marriage.

The marriage is dissolving at the end of a long road of contentious, violent and devastating conflict, throughout which both partners have experienced intense feelings of betrayal, hatred and rage. The exes continue to argue in front of the kids as much as, if not more than, they did when they were married.

Children find it very difficult to thrive in this type of divorce. They feel forced to take sides, and to blame one parent for the fighting and hostility. Kids will often develop psychological, emotional and even physical problems from the stress of living in this type of environment. A phone call from one parent can send the other into a rage. Pickups and drop-offs are fraught with tension, snide remarks and accusations. This is the worst of both worlds—the parents are no longer together, but the children still cannot escape the conflict.

Many parents think that conflict with their coparent will abate in a few months. However, in “The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25 Year Landmark Study,” by Judith S. Wallerstein, Julia M. Lewis, and Sandra Blakeslee, the authors maintain that a third of divorced couples are still fighting with the same intensity a decade after their divorce. Adult clients often recall horribly stressful interactions between their divorced parents, from verbal sniping at school functions to open scenes at birthday parties, weddings and even much later events, such as celebrations for grandchildren born decades after a divorce. Nor does the addition of a new partner for one or both of the divorced parents lead to a cease-fire. Many times, the introduction of new partners brings up or exacerbates feelings of jealousy and anger, especially when the new arrangement affects finances and the treatment of children.

If you’re in a high-conflict divorce like this, I highly

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

recommend that you look for a counselor who can help you learn coping strategies to manage your emotions, particularly in front of your children. Anger, resentment and anxiety can come to the surface in frequent, open conflict. This conflict is toxic for children to witness and will have permanent negative effects on their psychological health, including their later capacity to form trusting intimate relationships as adults. Furthermore, stress may be a trigger for the development of underlying mental and emotional issues in children with predispositions toward these issues.

Signs that you should consider seeking help include: Losing your temper frequently with your co-parent in front of your children Being unable to get through the day without crying Calling in sick to work for multiple days Isolating yourself from friends and family Badmouthing your ex to your kids, even though you know you shouldn’t Even if you’re in bad financial circumstances, there are many therapists with slidingscale fees, and even therapists who take pro bono cases. You can find psychologists and counselors who provide therapy for free by researching “pro bono therapy” in your area.

A therapist is not only someone who can teach you concrete skills for dealing with your anger and guilt. He or she can also be an emotional support, a safe place to vent your thoughts and feelings, and someone who treats you with respect and care. Therapy can be an oasis during a very stressful time in your life. Support groups for separated and divorced individuals can also provide a safe space to talk about your divorce and your struggles with your co-parent.

Medication management can also be a useful adjunct to therapy. If you feel irritable, angry, anxious, or tearful; if you are unable to accept joy into your life; if you can’t focus at work or home; if you are unable to engage in self-care (eating well, sleeping, exercising), you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. At the very least, you are likely experiencing an adjustment disorder due to the upheaval and chaos of your divorce. Many divorcing individuals find it useful to speak to a psychiatrist who can evaluate their need for antidepressant or antianxiety medications.

Other routes to regaining equilibrium include exercise, reading self-help books, mindfulness meditation or working with an alternative healing provider.

It is important to realize that if your emotions are frequently out of hand in front of your children, or are stopping you from being the best parent possible, then seeking help no longer becomes a matter of preference. You must move past feelings of shame, guilt and denial to acknowledge and address your behavior. Whether or not you personally have felt comfortable with the idea of therapy or medication in the past is much less important than whether these strategies enable you to be a more functional parent to your child. The priority is making sure that your child feels safe and supported during your divorce, which is particularly challenging since you yourself likely feel devastated as well. It is essential to do everything that you can to strengthen yourself emotionally to be the parent that your child needs during this tough time..

Samantha Rodman is the author of “How to Talk to Your Kids about Your Divorce: Healthy, Effective Communication Techniques for Your Changing Family” Drsamantharodman.com.

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

2015

OCTOBER 24 & 25, 1PM-5PM Be whoever you want and trick or treat throughout the Aquarium at Guppyween. We’ll have family-friendly entertainment, over 20,000 amazing sea creatures and lots of candy in a safe setting.

•Kids in costume get in for just $10. Limit 4 children per adult at this price.

•Adults age 12+ are regular priced admission.

•Aquarium Members and children under two get in free.

flaquarium.org | 813.273.4000

cool costumes Safe easy costumes you can make this Halloween

By Krista Byrd

H

alloween costume prices are climbing every year, and at the same time hemlines are shrinking.

Instead of blowing your entire budget on a costume that might not be appropriate—or worse than that, might not be made from safe materials— parents have turned to DIY costumes, just like in the “old days.”

Before you start ripping up old sheets and heating up the hot glue gun, make sure to consider your child’s safety.

Corn on the Cob This costume is almost as much fun to make as it is adorable. Perfect for boys or girls, you only need a few things: A green sweater or green shirt Green felt Yellow paint Old egg cartons Yellow tights or rain boots

Safety Tips for Costumes Taking your kids trick or treating can be exciting for children, but nerve wracking for parents. Twice as many child pedestrians are killed while walking on Halloween compared to other days of the year, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. When making their costume, some of the safety precautions you can take are:

All you need to do to make this fun costume is to paint the egg cartons yellow. This will be the actual “corn” part of the costume. Take the green felt and cut it into strips and hot glue it to the green shirt or sweater. This creates the “husk” part. Then, glue the yellow egg crates to the green shirt between the felt pieces. The yellow tights or boots will create the perfect finish to this easy fun costume.

Coolest-homemade-costumes.com

• Use reflective tape on the child’s costume. Only 18 percent of parents currently do this; however it can save your child from being struck by a vehicle.

• Make costumes using bright fabric. Try to stay away from all-black costumes, as they are harder to see in the dark.

• Use fabric that is not highly flammable. For example, polyester, wool, feather and smooth fabrics with a slightly raised surface (like crushed velvet) are more likely to melt than flare up when exposed to fire, making them safer than cotton and shimmery fabrics.

• Beware of long dangling sleeves and hanging fabric. If a child is near a jack-o-lantern with hanging sleeves, it can be a recipe for disaster.

• Consider hem length. If a child is wearing a long skirt or pants that are a little too long, they are more likely to trip and get hurt. Use safety pins if needed to raise hem lines.

• Consider accessories. Try to stay away from masks that might obscure the child’s vision (which can cause them to walk out in front of a car), and remember that neck ties or scarves can easily become a choking risk or can dangle into a flame.

• Use glow-sticks. Having your child carry glow-sticks as well as hanging them from the costume can help increase their visibility to motorists. You can even use glow-sticks in jack-o-lanterns instead of candles to reduce the risk of catching fire.

Scuba Diver

DIY Costumes that are easy and fun Once you have taken all of the safety factors into consideration, it is time to start making a fun costume!

These costumes won’t break the bank, but will turn heads!

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This costume is perfect for any age and is sure to delight. All you need is: 2 empty soda bottles (2 liter for bigger kids, 1 liter for toddlers and babies) Spray paint or food coloring Black electrical tape String Goggles Snorkel Sponge curlers or empty cans A black shirt and black pants The beauty of this costume is that there is no sewing needed, and the black shirt and pants are totally reusable! To start, spray paint the two liter bottles. You can use standard colors like blue or green, or even bright neon colors. If spray painting isn’t your favorite way to paint, you can also use food coloring in water to fill the bottles for color (but beware, this could get heavy for your little one’s back) or regular finger paint to cover the bottles.

Once you have painted the bottles, use www.delineateyourdwelling.com the electrical tape to bind them together.

This will create the look of an oxygen tank. Then, using yarn or even rolled tape, tie the tape around the top of the bottle and the bottom. This will create straps so make sure to not connect them too tightly.

Then, using dollar store foam curlers or even empty cans, you can create a tool belt.

Simply use electrical tape to connect all of the curlers or cans and tape to the pants.

Add your snorkel and goggles and voila! A scuba diver!

BONUS: By turning the bottles upside down and adding red and orange streamers, you have a DIY jet pack!

TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

octopus Who doesn’t like to spend a little time under the sea on Halloween?

For this easy costume, you will need: Four pairs of colorful footed tights or pantyhose A matching shirt Batting or soft stuffing

T H E F LO R I DA ORCHESTRA

This is one of the easiest costumes that is great for busy working moms. All you need to do is to stuff all four sets of tights with stuffing or batting. This will create the octopus tentacles. Next, you will need to tie the leggings together in a circle. You will need to make sure to do this directly on the child so that you don’t make it too tight or too loose. You can tie the leggings up by twisting every other leg together, or by rolling them together on the tops. Safety pins will help keep them all in place once you have your tentacles tied up. You can have your child wear the same color leggings or pants and a matching shirt and they will be the perfect creature of the sea!

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Family Concerts

Alice in Wonderland With a TFO string quartet and Instrument Petting Zoo for young children. Just $5!

Oct 31, Nov 7 and Nov 21 In Dunedin, Tampa, St. Petersburg

Ask about free Classical Kids tickets for Masterworks concerts 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286 www.FloridaOrchestra.org www.janemarieblog.com

Founding Fathers America’s founding fathers and even kings from centuries past have rocked a curly gray wig—so why not make it a costume?

All you will need is: At least 15 empty toilet paper rolls (cardboard) A nice outfit (like a white shirt and slacks) A hair band Hot glue Using hot glue or tape (or even staples) connect the rolls together side by side to create the wig. When you pick it up, it should make a U shape.

Hot glue the top of the “wig” formed from the rolls to a hair band. This is your fancy curly head piece! Pair it with a robe or a nice outfit and you will have an outfit fit for a king, or Benjamin Franklin!

For more great ideas visit www.tbparenting.com/ costumes

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kenziepoo/

TampaBayParenting-Oct.indd 1

9/1/2015 10:37:46 AM

s

ome children learn best outdoors, and some would rather work at the kitchen table. Some prefer to work on their own, and others prefer a set of specific instructions. So how does your child understand the world -- through language, drawing and daydreaming, musical thinking, or logical calculations?

We all want to make learning experiences meaningful and effective, but do schools and parents really focus on the individual by building upon a child’s specific strengths or intelligences? When we want to find out if schools or students are successful, we turn to assessments, and — according to the Child Development Institute — most IQ and standardized tests primarily evaluate just two types of intelligences: verbal and math.

But when we maximize children’s natural skills and gifts, we maximize their learning. Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner proposes there are eight ways in which children demonstrate intelligence, and tapping into these strengths can accelerate learning.

Look at your child’s natural interests and talents and how she interacts with the world around her. These questions from the Child Development Institute’s Jay Davidson can help you identify the strengths your child exhibits, and Education Coalition Executive Director Dr. Carla Lane offers suggestions as to how to best serve these learners.

Does your child: Use the body effectively, like a dancer or surgeon? Excel in more than one sport? Enjoy taking things apart and reassembling them? Enjoy running, jumping or other physical activities, show skill in fine-motor coordination activities such as origami, making paper airplanes? Bodilykinesthetic kids learn best through physical activity, handson learning and role playing.

Show understanding when interacting with others? Enjoy socializing? Seem to be a natural leader? Empathize easily with others and give advice to friends? Show signs of being street-smart? Enjoy teaching other kids? These students with strong interpersonal skills learn through group activities, seminars and dialogs. Tools include the telephone, audio conferencing, time and attention from the instructor, video conferencing, writing, computer conferencing and E-mail.

Show a sense of independence or strong will? Demonstrate realistic understanding of her own abilities or goals? Do well when left alone to play or study? “March to the beat of a different drummer?” Have good self-esteem? Intrapersonal learners tend to shy away from others but are the most independent of the learners. They’re in tune with their inner feelings; they have wisdom, intuition and motivation, as well as a strong will, confidence and opinions. They can be taught through independent study and introspection. Tools include books, creative materials, diaries, privacy and time.

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

how do kids learn?

Just how does your child understand the world?

By Cindy Strickland

An Extraordinary Education with Excellence and Excitement!

Admissions Open House

Wednesday, October 7 at 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, November 17 at 8:30 a.m. or call today to schedule a personal tour!

Highly trained & skilled teachers Academics with joy & challenge Brain-based teaching strategies Focus on team sports Visual & performing arts that build confidence & creativity 31

Think in terms of physical space? Easily recall visual details in objects? Like to draw, do puzzles, read maps, doodle and daydream? Drawings, verbal and physical imagery helps students with strong visual-spatial skills to learn. Tools include models, graphics, charts, photographs, drawings, 3-D modeling, video, videoconferencing, television, multimedia and texts with pictures/ charts/graphs.

Show sensitivity to rhythm and sound? Easily remember song melodies and sing them? Recognize when music is off-key? Tap on the tabletop when working? Musical learners love music, but they are also sensitive to sounds in their environments. They may study better with music in the background. They can be taught by turning lessons into lyrics, speaking rhythmically and tapping out time. Tools include musical instruments, music, radio, stereo, CDs, multimedia.

Write and/or spell better than average for their age and use words effectively? Enjoy telling stories or jokes? Enjoy reading?

Appreciate rhymes, puns, tongue twisters? Linguistic learners have highly developed auditory skills and often think in words.

They can be taught by encouraging them to say and see words and read books together. Tools include computers, games, multimedia, books, tape recorders and lectures.

Demonstrate curiosity about how things work? Enjoy math or computer games? Like math in school? Enjoy strategy games that include reasoning, calculating? Think conceptually, abstractly and are able to see and explore patterns and relationships? They like to experiment, solve puzzles and ask cosmic questions.

Logical-mathematical students can be taught through logic games, investigations and mysteries. They need to learn and form concepts before they can deal with details.

Talk about favorite pets or nature? Love the zoo, nature preserves? Hang around classroom pet? Collect bugs, flowers, leaves? Speak out about animal rights and earth preservation?

Naturalistic students are often kinesthetic learners, so handson activities such as gardening or visiting an interactive natural history museum are perfect for them. For naturalists, everything from math to reading is made more alive when done outside.

You may find your child reflects several of these traits. In his Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory, Gardner says each of us has varying degrees of each of these intelligences, with some more dominant than others. All are equal in importance and often work together. The challenge, Gardner says, is when an educational system “assumes everyone can learn the same materials in the same way and that a uniform, universal measure suffices to test student learning.”

Ideally, schools, teachers and parents would all work together to provide rich, purposeful learning opportunities. Like Corbett Prep, schools need to integrate these areas into the curriculum and train teachers in addressing kids’ distinctive abilities and how they learn. Parents can find activities outside of school to help their children develop their dominant areas of intelligences. When we understand a child’s strengths and the unique ways he or she embraces learning, we help to create a true love of learning, a joy that lasts a lifetime.

Cindy Strickland is the Assistant Director of Middle School at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, located in Tampa’s Carrollwood neighborhood. Corbett Prep is a fully accredited, nonsectarian private school serving over 500 students from PreK3-8th grade and offers the International Baccalaureate program of study for all students. Teachers are endorsed in gifted education through a master’s level grant with the University of South Florida.

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

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Learn more about Academy at an upcoming Admissions

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legalizing medicine The fight for medical marijuana in Florida

By Krista Byrd

s

he was only 2 when the doctors gave up hope.

The same small head that Moriah Barnhart had planted hundreds of kisses on would soon undergo surgery, creating a crown of scars. The same tiny arms that Barnhart had marveled at and rubbed with sweet-smelling baby lotions would be poked and prodded and would wear IV’s like puppet strings. The soft round belly that Barnhart had blown raspberries on to hear a chorus of giggles would soon shrink in hunger and pain.

Dalia Barnhart was only 2 when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, and she had little hope for full recovery. Her mother, Moriah Barnhart, did as the doctors instructed, bringing her in for chemotherapy in doses that could kill a fully grown man.

Currently, Florida law allows the production and use of CBD oil, however those who produce it must pay a $5 million bond to the state of Florida.

This makes it increasingly difficult to obtain the oil without leaving the state.

Weeks went by and her condition deteriorated. Barnhart was faced with seeing her child suffer, not eating or drinking. Her once energetic child became a shell of her former self.

Within the first days of giving her daughter the oil as a supplement to her chemotherapy and radiation, Dalia began to eat and sleep again. Barnhart started to see signs of her daughter coming back to life right before her eyes.

But, Barnhart believed what doctors didn’t: that her daughter could get better, even if it was just better enough to feel less pain.

“It breaks your heart to see your child suffering like that. I knew that I would do whatever was humanly possible to help my child,” says Barnhart.

Barnhart began researching supplements to try to find something to help her daughter through the chemotherapy. She took her daughter to St. Jude Research Hospital for treatment, but sought answers from alternative sources.

After meeting with experts, including top medical professionals, Barnhart decided that there was only one option to which she could turn: medical marijuana.

She packed her and her daughter’s bags and moved to Colorado for six months, where she was able to obtain CBD oil.

CBD oil stands for cannabidiol, which is an extract of the marijuana plant that contains little to no THC. THC is the chemical in marijuana that creates the “high” that traditionally comes to mind when thinking of the plant.

CBD is non-psychoactive, and can actually counteract many of the properties of THC. Using specific breeding techniques, marijuana can be grown with little to no THC and higher levels of CBD.

Not only did the CBD oil bring Dalia’s appetite and sleep back, but it actually helped the chemotherapy work more effectively, says Barnhart.

It also helped to stop the seizures that she was having as a result of her cancer.

Dalia’s doctor was amazed at the changes he began seeing. Tumors were shrinking rapidly and there was finally hope that Dalia would live, says Barnhart.

“He [the doctor] told me that once you have seen it with your own eyes, you can’t go back,” says Barnhart.

Today, Dalia has a smile that lights up the room. She giggles and wiggles and asks her mother for sweets. She is now 4 years old, her smile lighting up every room she enters, and she is no longer on chemotherapy.

Dalia’s journey caused Barnhart to look around and see the lack of education and awareness of medical marijuana, so she decided to form a group called CannaMoms. Along with several other mothers with similar circumstances, CannaMoms focuses on creating a community that can educate others about the benefits of medical marijuana.

While the road to helping Dalia was a difficult one, it is one that many families are forced to take. Parents, like Barnhart, are frustrated that there is a natural way to help their children but instead are told to give their children addictive medications like morphine and Oxycontin.

Last year, Floridians voted on amendment 2, which would have legalized

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

Hillsborough County Magnet Schools Elementary school programs Animal Sciences, Creative Science Centre, Cultural Arts & Humanities, Gifted & Talent Development, International Studies, International Baccalaureate (IB), Medical & Science Exploration, Visual & Performing Arts and World Studies

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medical marijuana. It required a 60 percent vote to qualify as a majority and to pass, but reached only 57.62 percent.

Groups like CannaMoms and United For Care are not taking the defeat lightly however, and are fighting to have medical marijuana added back to the ballot as early as next year.

“The goal of United for Care is to pass a sensible comprehensive medical marijuana law in the state of Florida,” says Ben Pollara, spokesperson for United For Care. “Last year the biggest roadblock for us was that $7 million in out-of-state money was spent opposing medical marijuana.”

United For Care is currently petitioning to get medical marijuana on the ballot. The petition needs 683,149 signatures, and is almost to the halfway mark at 400,000. However, to account for potential voter registration issues, 1 million signatures is a more realistic number that is actually needed. As of Aug. 31, enough petitions have been signed to trigger a Florida Supreme Court review of the petition.

“There are hundreds of thousands of people in Florida who are sick or suffering and medical marijuana is something that could possibly help them,” says Pollara.

Because of CBD oil being allowed in Florida, many groups, like Informed Families, feel that legalizing medical marijuana is unneccessary.

“The public, as a whole, also does not know that there is a law in Florida that allows for “medical necessity” defense,” says Peggy Sapp, president and CEO of Informed Families. “So, if a person truly is seriously ill and all viable medical treatments have failed, they can apply for an exemption to the law that could protect them from criminal prosecution for possessing small amounts of marijuana for “medical” purposes.”

However, the fight for medical marijuana goes beyond CBD oil.

“Doctors who are allowed to prescribe dangerous addictive narcotics should be allowed to prescribe the use of medical marijuana, which is not totally benign but in the history of human civilization not a single person has ever died from a marijuana overdose,” says Pollara.

Every day in America, an estimated 44 people die from an overdose of prescription pain killers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even more than the number of people who die from drug overdoses every day is the number of people who become addicted.

Every day, almost 7,000 people are treated in emergency departments for abusing prescription drugs, according to the CDC.

“The war on drugs has caused more deaths than actual drugs have,” says Barnhart. “We don’t have a drug problem in this country; we have an addiction problem.”

While medical marijuana has been pushed aside, addictive drugs have been approved for kids as young as 11. On August 14, the FDA approved the use of OxyContin for kids ages 11-14. While this can be helpful for children going through surgery or another traumatic injury, the drug is highly addictive and frequently abused, and it is estimated that the drug earns big pharmaceutical companies upwards of $3.1 billion a year, according to Purdue Pharma.

“I think it [OxyContin] is something people take a look at and say, ‘Oh that’s so outrageous,’ but we in Florida have gone through this horrible pill mill crisis already and now we are expanding usage of these dangerous narcotics to children,” says Pollara. “So my belief is that to the extent that we can use anything in replacement of dangerous narcotics like OxyContin than that is a good thing.”

Morphine is another drug commonly used to treat pain that is also a highly addictive (and costly) substance used for kids who have chronic pain.

“Morphine is from an opiate and only treats the symptoms and pain, but it doesn’t actually treat the problem. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had something that not only treated the pain, but also solved the problem?” says Barnhart.

While marijuana seems to be a miracle drug, groups like StopRXDrugAbuse.org and No2Pot.org are skeptical of the benefits.

“The public is being bombarded with propaganda that marijuana is a miracle drug that cures illnesses from headaches to glaucoma to cancer,” says Teresa Miller, an antidrug advocate from No2Pot. org and StopRXDrugAbuse.org. “People should ask themselves ...if marijuana were truly a miracle drug, why aren’t the pharmaceutical companies promoting the already legal prescription cannabis-based medicines the way these companies have marketed narcotics? The answer is simple: It isn’t the best available drug AND the risks far outweigh any benefits perceived or actual.”

While medical marijuana continues to be a public debate, groups like Informed Families and No2Pot.org are pushing for scientific research to put an end to the debate.

“Medicine should be determined through science, not popular vote,” says Sapp. “Policies involving medical issues should be rooted in scientific research, not just anecdotal stories. It’s important for the public to understand that this issue is not about someone who is on their deathbed looking for any form of relief. It is about opening the floodgates for investors to come into Florida and create a Big Marijuana business, where for the right price anyone can get a socalled medical marijuana card to obtain a joint, a spiked brownie or a tincture that is labeled ‘medicine.’”

To families on the fence about voting or signing the petition for medical marijuana, Barnhart urges you to think of your own kids.

“We have been through this, so we know, but unfortunately this is one of those situations that, until you’re in it, you might not understand. So consider your kids and your family,” says Barnhart.

“You want these options to be available if your child is ever hurting like mine was.”

To sign the petition, volunteer, or donate, visit UnitedForCare.org. To connect with other parents and to read more about the benefits of medical marijuana, visit Cannamoms.com.

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

37

A National Blue Ribbon School

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

39

The Mother of All Baby Showers

Friday, November 13, 2015 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Glazer Children’s Museum Tampa, Florida

Try It Before You Buy It- Educational Sessions-$20k in giveaways!-Mini Spa Treatments-Tasty Treats-Swag Bags

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

www.themotherofallbabyshowers.com

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

THE_MOABS

41

What's Happening

Zoo Boo Kids presented by Florida Central Credit union

Don’t miss this all new Halloween adventure for kids ages 3-11 at Lowry Park Zoo. Happening on select days in October, Zoo Boo has a whole new look and feel that your family will love. With zoo admission, your family will get to visit the pumpkin patch, mazes, trick-or-treat candy stations, an animal parade, face painting, and more. This not-so-scary day-time celebration is perfect for families who want the fun of Halloween without the fear. www.lowryparkzoo.org

guppyween Be whoever or whatever you want and trick-or-treat at The Florida Aquarium’s Guppyween! On Oct. 24 and 25 from 1-5 p.m., families can enjoy live entertainment and more than 20,000 animals, and there’s plenty of fun to go around! Kids are invited to come in costume and trick-or-treat from tank to tank.

Tickets are only $5 for kids in costume and $15 for kids 12 and older. www.flaquarium.org

tampa bay history center night at the museum The Tampa Bay History Center will come alive from 3:30-5 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. on Oct. 18 with spooky ghosts, funny flappers, pirates, and pioneers. This family trick-or-treat event includes a costume contest, crafts, games, and more. Don’t forget to bring your candy bags! Tickets are available online for a discount at $13 for an adult and $10 for kids, and will be available the day of the event for $15 per adult and $12 per child. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

usf women in leadership philanthropy symposium The tenth annual Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Fall Symposium provides an exceptional forum to celebrate women who are transformational leaders through their volunteer, professional and philanthropic contributions. This half-day event on Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. includes a networking breakfast, concurrent sessions, and a lunchtime keynote address by Amelia Rose Earhart. www.usfweb.usf.edu/ ua-wlp/wlp_web/symposium-details.aspx?ID=2520

alvin and the chipmunks live For the first time ever, Alvin and The Chipmunks are hitting the road on a nationwide tour – and they’re coming to The Mahaffey Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m.! The world’s most famous chipmunk trio – accompanied by the Chipettes – will delight fans of all ages with LIVE performances that will feature world-class production, music, special effects and immersive interactivity to encourage audience participation. Tickets are only $27.50, $37.50, $47.50 and $57.50. www.themahaffey.com

lightning hockey season begins After an epic season that landed the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Stanley Cup Championship, ranking them #2 in the world, Lightning Hockey is back starting October 8! Tickets for single games are already on sale and season tickets are available as well. Experience the excitement of the indoor lightning when the team scores and be the thunder. The Tampa Bay Lightning has a history of being one of the best teams in the world, and has even won the Stanley Cup. Tickets to each game are available online or at the gate, and every Thursday there are special deals for students. www.lightning.nhl.com

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

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crawling babies. It also functions as a night lamp that rotates between shades of red, green and blue for children who may be afraid of the dark. Its essential oil compartment allows you to fill the nursery with the calming and relaxing sent of lavender, peppermint, oregano or eucalyptus. $90, www.tribestlife.com

scary good glow stick lab Make awesome glow sticks that shine in cool colors under UV lights and that glow in the dark. Mix up five different glowing concoctions using the included materials and substances from around your house, and then learn why they glow! $20 www.thamesandkosmos.com

The Big Freeze Cool high-speed adventure is on the way to preschoolers nationwide with the newest “Chuggington™” DVD, “Chuggington: The Big Freeze”! The latest release in the popular DVD collection from Anchor Bay Entertainment is jam-packed with six fun-filled adventures – including a never before seen holiday special episode from the toprated Disney Junior series. www.chuggington.com

germ destroyer Protect you and your little ones from getting sick by destroying the germs in your home. Diffuse Germ Destroyer and help everyone stay healthy or recover more quickly. This essential oil is safe and effective. $10, www.planttherapy.com

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

robeez The premier baby shoe and sock brand since 1994, Robeez provides soft sole footwear that supports healthy foot growth by promoting balance and encouraging muscle growth. With its beloved designs, Robeez is a favorite among celebrity moms including Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, Liv Tyler and Jennifer Garner. These adorable shoes make the perfect addition to any children’s fall wardrobe and, at under $40, won’t break the bank! www.robeez.com

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practical and cute – Zapi Luxe has a wobble that can’t topple over. There’s a color and design for everyone! $34 www.violife.com

Star Wars Beer Steins These signature steins stand at an impressive 9 inches tall and hold up to 22 oz. of your favorite beverage! The head-hinged lid closes, keeping your drink from spilling.

Gift these high-quality ceramic steins and you’ll become the wookie of the year! $50, www.amazon.com

bug band towelletes Keep pests away this Halloween with these towelettes. The BugBand Towelette is a very handy, easy-to- use method of applying Geraniol DEET-FREE insect repellent for heavy duty insect protection. They’re ideal for using around your face or neck without over-applying. BugBand Towelettes use naturally derived active ingredients to repel mosquitoes, flies, gnats and no-see-ums. Safe for the entire family, even pets! www.bugband.net

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Extraordinary

Woman

By Angela Ardolino

Mastering the art of motherhood, work and community.

Focus on your assets, not your deficits. Don’t freak out. A smile and “hello” can go a long way in making a bad day better or a good day great. Those are the mantras by which Stacy Carlson lives.

and overcoming the obstacles together. I also have very supportive parents, brother and former in laws. We all work together to make sure the busy train stays on the tracks and no one skips a beat.

Carlson is the busy mother of three boys, Trey (13), Jacob (6) and Jon Luke (5). “They are the absolute best part of me, even when they are being naughty (and maybe that comes a little from me too),” says Carlson.

Carlson’s other job is as vice president and program director at Helios Education Foundation, where she works to help more students access and graduate from postsecondary education.

what is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is taking for granted all that is wonderful and beautiful and possible by being so busy I don’t slow down long enough to appreciate all that is around me.

“As a first-generation college student, college was always an expected destination after high school,” says Carlson. “My personal journey to get there taught me the path can be full of potholes and unnecessary diversions that almost led me to drop out.

My experiences led me to a career where I can help alleviate some of those barriers, making it easier for students to complete.”

Carlson also is passionate about developing the potential of women to be community and civic leaders. She focuses her efforts as president of The Junior League of Tampa.

“The League has given me opportunities to grow my skills as a volunteer and leader while contributing to lasting community impact,” she says.

Carlson grew up in Tampa, graduated from Chamberlain High School, obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Florida, a master’s degree from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education and a doctorate from the University of Florida in Educational Leadership and Policy. what do you think is the secret to your family's success?

My family is phenomenal. I can’t imagine how three boys from the same parents could be so different and amazing. I am divorced, and while many women would say that with a hushed voice, my family is still intact. As husband and wife, we are no longer together, but we will always be parents to our boys. At the center of our success is mutual respect.

My ex-husband and I are very respectful of each other. We also manage to keep our kids at the forefront of our decisions and planning.

We are very successful juggling all of our busy lives while celebrating the successes

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TAMPA BAY PARENTING

My latest realization of my tendency to not slow down was when Trey turned 13. I realized: five more years and he may move out forever. I struggled with guilt for a little while and then focused on how to make little changes to my life to increase my time with him. For example, I drive him to school without my phone, so I can focus on listening to him. I also try to spend time with just him—whether at dinner, a show or a short trip. I take similar one-on-one strategies with my other boys. what advice would you give to other women?

I saw this post on Facebook recently on advice women were giving to other women: “If you focus on the 50% of people that will always disagree with you, you lose focus on providing leadership to the 50% of people who are on your side.” We can’t waste our energy on negativity. We have such precious time that it is wise to focus it on those that make us better, not tear us down. Women aren’t quitters. what is your proudest moment?

Probably my happiest moment was each time I gave birth to one of my boys. what is your biggest acheivement?

Besides my three kids, I think it was getting a fellowship to pursue my doctorate and receiving my PhD. I recall looking up into the stands where my family sat looking at me and I saw my mom cry. My mom and dad didn’t go to college. I knew at that moment, they knew what an accomplishment this was. A doctorate was never a lifetime goal for me, but a challenge. Completing my doctorate after three kids, a full-time job and The Junior League was an immensely huge achievement.

What makes you happy?

I love traveling with my family and friends. I need a “trip” to unplug from my busy life. It makes me so happy to spend that time with people I love while exploring new cultures

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

and having new adventures.I also get great joy from watching my kids gain a new skill or have a new experience. Appreciating life through the eyes of someone who is seeing things for the first time can’t be replicated. I love when my kids read a higher level book, get to ride a new ride and perform in theater.

Their boundless, uninhibited happiness is infectious. how do you relax and take time for yourself?

There is something very therapeutic about being in the sun. So whether it is relaxing on the beach, paddle boarding, kayaking or riding my bike, enjoying the outdoors is a good start. As I mentioned before, a trick to actually get me to relax is to go away. I love travel and I seek out every opportunity to go to new places. I also find going overseas to new countries gives me an appreciation for what I take for granted. I return refreshed and renewed. what kind of message would you like to give women in the community?

Women’s importance and relevance in all aspects of community are improving. We are better educated, earning more money, making more financial and household decisions, and have unique skills and attributes to bring to critical decisions being made in the community. Now we have to continue to figure out how to capitalize on these attributes to build greater opportunities for women and our community at large.

Whether it be in politics, nonprofits or the business board room, we need to work with other women to take a hand up and offer a hand back to make sure there is a pipeline of women in positions to add their voice to critical conversations and decisions in the community. who is your role model?

My biggest inspirations are women who identify a problem and create a unique way of solving it. The Junior League of Tampa is a membership full of these types of women. Whether it is passing legislation to help human trafficking victims, providing food over the weekend to families who are struggling, or mentoring other League members to develop their potential, I am inspired by the women who are spending their time to make this community a better place while making sure the next generation of women who will come behind them is prepared to find success as well.

Stacy carlson Stacy in her office at the Helios Foundation in Tampa.

Photo by Nicole Geller

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South hillsborough apollo beach | lithia | riverview ruskin | south tampa | valrico | fishhawk

Area groups Launch Drowning prevention program The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA have come together for an exciting and very relevant partnership. In response to alarming statistics that point to drowning as the number one killer for children under the age of 4, the Children’s Board has been committed to bringing a new, innovative water safety program to Hillsborough County.

The Children’s Board Mobile Water Safety Team has introduced its new initiative, “Be Water Smart from the Start.” Funded by the Children’s Board, the program will make available to families at apartment complexes and neighborhood pools formal swim lessons and water safety education. During the program, children will learn to swim and be water safe alongside other neighborhood kids through training being offered in partnership with the Tampa YMCA. Like the Children’s Board, Tampa YMCA has been tirelessly committed to children’s water safety. Earlier this March, various Y locations in the Tampa Bay area offered a week of free water safety lessons as part of the Y’s own SPLASH! Week program to arm children with the life-saving swimming skills they need to enjoy the pool, beaches and lakes of Florida. “We want to raise awareness about the importance of swimming as not only a fun way to stay fit, but as a critical safety skill,” says Tampa Y Aquatics Executive Amanda Walker.

For more information about confirmed locations for the Children’s Board initiative, Be Water Smart from the Start, or to inquire about registering your child, contact Amanda Walker at 813229-9622, ext. 1278 or by email at amanda.walker@tampaymca.org.

Sign up for a Ghoulish Make-up Class Families are invited to take part in Behind the Curtain: Stab Wounds, Scars and Scares! Oh, My!, a fun workshop being offered through Patel Conservatory just in time for Halloween.

Staff member and theater make-up enthusiasts Audrey Siegler and Sarah Berland will lead a Halloween Makeup Workshop Saturday, Oct. 24. at the Conservatory.

Designed for students in grades 5 through adult, the workshop will include a general introduction to make-up and design; an application demonstration of wounds, scars and painting; and an opportunity for students to apply their learned skills to create a basic wound.

The class runs 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Patel Conservatory located onsite at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place in downtown Tampa.

All materials will be included for in-class applications as well as take-home materials to guide students for their own application later. Registration fee is $20. To sign up, call 813-222-1002 or visit the Patel Conservatory registration office. Learn more about this and other workshops and programs offered at patelconservatory.org.

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• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

dates: Sept. 30, 5-8 p.m.

South Tampa Chamber of Commerce Business Expo Browse and network with 100 South Tampa area businesses on the grounds at George M. Steinbrenner field at this South Tampa Chamber of Commerce event. Admission is free for Chamber members who pre-register and open to the public for $10. southtampachamber.org

oct. 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Puppet Show: Happy Birthday Moon Meet a large, cuddly bear who longs to become friends with the moon at this creative, heartwarming puppet show presented by Creative Arts Theatre at the Thonotosassa Branch Library. For children ages 3 and older. For more information, call 813-273-3652.

oct. 4, 1-5 p.m.

HCPS Spirit Night: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Take the family out for a night of football and school spirit as part of this special evening at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Bucs team up to make tickets available for purchase at your school. sdhc.k12.fl.us

oct. 10, 9:30-11 a.m.

Music Makers Enroll your young aspiring musician in a free workshop designed to introduce the sounds of various musical instruments at the Florida Academy of Performing Arts located onsite at Music Showcase in Brandon. Designed for students ages 3 and older. faopa.org

oct. 20 & 27, noon – 1:30 p.m.

Self Esteem and Self-Talk Workshops Sign up for helpful workshops that examine selfworth and what shapes how we feel about ourselves at these events in Hyde Park offered through The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women. Cost is $10 and includes light lunch. thecentre.com

oct. 25 - 12:15-2:30 p.m.

Second Annual Fall Family & Friends Field Day Bring the family to walk, run and play at Pepin Stadium on the University of Tampa campus. Take part in this Tampa Jewish Family Services benefit event offering fun, family-friendly races and activities.

Admission is free with one non-perishable food item per person for the Community Food Bank. Register online at tjfs.org.

Oct. 17 - 31, 2015

B G

WEEN

BUY ONE • GET ONE

When you see mad scientists, mutants or zombies, please don’t scream.

They came dressed in costume for MOSI’s BOGOween!

Bring your mummy, superdad or caretaker too, when they pay and you’re in costume, it’s FREE for you!* *Children 12 and under who visit MOSI in their Halloween costume receive free general admission with a paid adult. May not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Limit one (1) offer per household.

Child and parent must be present at time of purchase. Excludes special engagement exhibitions, films, events and Sky Trail® Ropes Course & Zip Line. Other restrictions may apply. Only valid Oct. 17-31, 2015.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY | 4801 E. FOWLER AVE., TAMPA, FL 33617 | 813-987-6000 MOSI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, community-based institution and a leader in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives by making science real. MOSI.ORG

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north hillsborough carrollwood | citrus park | lutz | new tampa odessa | temple terrace | westchase

Children's Assessment program Supports Families

dates:

Tampa Jewish Family Services (TJFS) has made a new program available to families of all faiths. A leading provider of counseling and community service programming, the organization now offers testing for students ages 2-18 to provide support to parents trying to answer pivotal questions about their children’s academic strengths, emotional or behavioral issues, and learning difficulties. Questions about whether your child is gifted, showing signs of ADHD or facing a learning disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder can be addressed and evaluated through a series of psychological and educational assessments offered.

oct. 3 and 17, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

“Testing is very expensive, and as a nonprofit, we really want to target populations not always served as much,” says Nicole Agresto, Psy.D., a trained, licensed psychologist and TJFS Clinical Director. “We wanted to offer this so every kid can have an education, and we can get to families that need help. We’re trying to make testing that’s already needed as affordable as possible.”

oct. 5, noon-5 p.m.

Dr. Agresto says her team is committed to providing a comfortable, confidential environment for families throughout the testing process. Once an evaluation is complete, the family is provided a comprehensive written report with specific, customized recommendations and any necessary referrals to appropriate specialists.

“Even when we’re there to look at areas of difficulty, we always pull out the child’s strengths.

It’s not just about finding out what’s going wrong but also where can we identify strengths and expand those areas,” she says.

Tampa Jewish Family Services accepts many major insurance plans. To schedule an appointment or learn more about this program, contact TJFS at 813-960-1848 or visit them online at tjfs.org.

MoSI Joins Initiative to Draw Women to S.T.E.M. Careers MOSI has joined a state program that pledges to foster 5,000 mentor-mentee relationships within the next four years. The Million Women Mentors (MWM) program encourages young women ages 12 – 24 to pursue careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Million Women Mentors’ goal is to sponsor programs that connect girls and young women with STEM professionals and increase the number of women who choose to pursue, and succeed, in these careers.

The collaboration includes partnerships with multi-national corporations, reaching more than 30 million girls and women. MOSI launched its effort in August at a cocktail hour and networking event with STEM leaders in the community.

“MOSI is committed to changing the negative stereotypes which discourage women from entering a STEM-based career,” says Molly Demeulenaere, MOSI’s CEO and President.

“Exposing these young women to inspiring and successful role models will show them that they have the power to change not only the perception of STEM careers, but to change history.” For more information on the program, visit millionwomenmentors.org.

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Fall Community Garage Sales Clean out the garage or attic and sell unwanted items or browse sales in area neighborhoods. The Westchase Community holds its sale Saturday, Oct.3, and Northdale hosts its community garage sale Saturday, Oct.17. Visit wetchasewca.com or northdale.org.

Free Flu Shot Clinics Get ahead of flu season by taking advantage of free flu shots being offered to Florida residents at area Florida Hospital Centra Care locations as part of its Get Healthy Florida program. This month, flu shots are available at Carrollwood Centra Care at 4001 W. Linebaugh Ave. No reservations are required; available while supplies last. centracare.org

oct. 7, 8:30 a.m.

Corbett Prep PreK - 8th Grade Open House Corbett Prep produces students who are creative, innovative thinkers, who collaborate and lead, and who carry the confidence to take on new challenges.

Spend the morning here and experience for yourself the dynamic learning environment offered at Corbett Prep since 1968. www.corbettprep.com

oct. 13, 1-2:30 p.m.

Managing Motherhood Take part in this monthly event designed for new mothers at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital Medical in Tampa. Interact with other moms as you discuss the challenges of motherhood and changing roles. Free.

Register at baycare.org.

oct. 14-15, 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.

BANANIMAGINATION with Shana Banana See a performance by the children’s performer and storyteller as she invites young audience members and their families to the wonderful world of imagination at Carrollwood Center. Tickets are $7 members and $8 general admission with a family 4-pack available for $28. carrollwoodcenter.org

oct. 23 – Nov. 14, various times California Suite Support community theater by catching the Neil Simon classic performed at Carrollwood Players Theatre in Tampa. Tickets start at $20 general admission and $17 student/senior/military. carrollwoodplayers.org

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South pinellas pinellas park | seminole | st. pete beach largo | st. petersburg | treasure island

Tampa Bay Bucs Commit to All Children's Support

dates:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, through the Bucs Care Foundation, have made a $375,000 commitment to All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine with a primary focus to support physician training in brain health. This is the Buccaneers’ largest gift to date in their charitable partnership with the hospital.

oct. 3, 8 a.m.

“The work being conducted by the doctors and researchers at All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine is exciting and provides real hope that we are on the brink of major advancements in the field of pediatric neurological care,” says Buccaneers Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer.

Run Walk Rally Against Bullying Sign up for this race for the whole family in recognition of National Bullying Prevention Month in Largo’s Taylor Park. Participants can take part in a 5K Run and 1 Mile Kids’ Dash. Check-in is at 7 a.m.; race starts at 8 a.m.

Registration is $15 adults and $10 children. ymcasuncoast.org

oct. 3, 3-10 p.m.

Over the next five years, the Bucs Care Foundation will fund the Brain and Neurologic Training Curriculum that supports a unique neurologic residency rotation at the hospital.

Approximately 60 All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine pediatric residents will learn about and treat a broad spectrum of pediatric issues including traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke and epilepsy among many other neurologic and developmental issues in the inpatient, ambulatory and rehabilitative settings.

Public Works BBQ Cook-Off Bring the lawn chairs to England Brothers Park in Pinellas Park for live music and barbecue with a contest featuring local competitors. No coolers allowed in the park. Proceeds will benefit People Helping People. For more information, call 727-369-5617.

“We are entering a new era in the care of children with neurological diseases and injuries.

Due to increasing prevalence of these conditions, advanced technology and research allow us unprecedented access to and understanding of the complexities of the nervous system,” says Jonathan Ellen, M.D., President and Physician-in-Chief, All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine and Vice Dean and Professor of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “When it comes to pediatric brain health issues, we are at the very threshold of what we can accomplish.”

oct. 3 and 17, 10:30 a.m.

In addition to the support of the residency program, $25,000 of the gift will be allocated to assist charity care for ophthalmology patients, aligning with the Buccaneers’ commitment to improve childhood vision health.

St. pete Doubles up on Science Fun Families are invited to two major science events hitting downtown St. Petersburg this month. On Saturday, Oct. 17, University of South Florida St. Petersburg hosts the 5th Annual St. Petersburg Science Festival being held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the waterfront campus’s Poynter Park. With the theme of “Science in the Sun,” this year’s regional celebration of science offers families the opportunity to explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).

The festival is free and is being held in conjunction with another science-focused event occurring nearby, MarineQuest 2015. This annual open house of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) also takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the FWRI located at 100 Eighth Ave. SE. in St. Petersburg. Admission is free to the event which invites visitors to learn more about Florida’s environment and the Institute’s current fish and wildlife research efforts. For additional information about this year’s science festival, go to stpetescifest.org.

To learn more about MarineQuest 2015, call 727-896-8626 or visit myfwc.com/research.

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Children’s Horticultural Programs and Workshops Give your children a valuable opportunity to learn about nature and gardening as part of this educational series through Sunken Gardens in St. Pete. Preregistration is required. For more information, call 727-551-3102.

oct. 9-12, various times 1st Annual St. Pete International Invitational Baseball Tournament Cheer on players ages 8-18 as they and their teams from South-Central America, the Caribbean and the United States compete in this debut event at Walter Fuller Baseball Complex in St. Petersburg. For matchups and game times, go to ibcbaseball.com.

oct. 15, 10 a.m.

ArtsPower Presents: “Dog Loves Books” Watch Louise Yates’ New York Times best seller come to life when ArtsPower brings it newest musical to Janet Root Theatre at Shorecrest Preparatory in St. Petersburg. Show is designed for children ages 3-7. RSVP at shorecrest.org/events.

oct. 21, 11 a.m.

St. Anthony’s Hospital Auxiliary Luncheon and Fashion Show See the latest fashions presented by Dillards at “Rock the Runway” hosted by The Club at Treasure Island.

Social hour starts at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at noon.

Proceeds benefit programs and services at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Tickets are $50 and include valet parking.

For ticket information, call 727-448-7119 or 727-776-1903.

Discover why students choose Farragut and why their parents couldn’t be happier.

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A New Place to Play in Tampa Bay For Kids For Adults For Families 10019 W. Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, FL 33615 813-999-4987 www.PKPLAYZONE.COM

north pinellas oldsmar | clearwater | dunedin palm harbor | safety harbor East Lake | tarpon springs

Saint paul's To Celebrate New Middle School

dates:

Earlier this summer, Saint Paul’s – Clearwater’s Independent School unveiled its brand new, state-of-the-art middle school building during part of the school’s annual Pep & Prep Day. Pep & Prep Day is a Saint Paul’s tradition during which all students, new and returning, gather on campus the day before the first day of classes in order to obtain schedules and meet teachers. This year, guests also had an opportunity to witness the formal ribbon cutting for their campus’s newest addition. Later this month, the school hosts an open house to celebrate its launch.

Films in the Park Pack up the kids and a basket and head to downtown Dunedin’s Pioneer Park for a movie under the stars courtesy of Dunedin Parks and Recreation. This month, see “Cars” (Oct. 2), “Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone” (Oct. 9), “The Addams Family” (Oct. 16), “Beetlejuice” (Oct. 23) and “Hocus Pocus” (Oct. 30). Free. For more information, call 727-8124530.

Head of School Samantha Campbell and various students were on hand in August to help with the ribbon cutting ceremony and thanked donors responsible for helping the school complete its vision to offer the best possible facilities for teachers and students. Campbell welcomed the school community into the building for the first time and noted the importance of the building, which included the upgrade of eight classrooms and addition of a STEM lab. “The middle school renovation will not only improve the building’s spatial quality but also create a learning community to shape teaching and strengthen the social and emotional development of our students,” Campbell says. “Our goal is to capitalize on our small classes by better enabling our teachers with new classroom arrangements and state of the art technology.”

Saint Paul’s hosts a Middle School Open House 1 - 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct 25. Saint Paul’s also offers tours Monday through Friday by appointment through the Admissions Department. For more information, call 727-536-2756 or visit the school online at st.pauls.edu.

plans for palm Harbor Er begin Medical Center of Trinity recently announced its plans to open the Palm Harbor ER, a free standing emergency department of Medical Center of Trinity. The Palm Harbor ER is a 24hour, seven-day-a-week emergency room for adults and kids, with a planned opening in early 2016. This will be the fourth free-standing emergency department that HCA West Florida has opened in the Tampa Bay region since 2013. The Palm Harbor ER will join Medical Center of Trinity’s Citrus Park ER, which opened earlier this year in June, Largo Medical Center’s Clearwater ER and Brandon Regional Hospital’s Plant City Emergency Center.

“These ERs bring full-service emergency care even closer to more communities,” says Peter Marmerstein, president of HCA West Florida. “Each has been very well-received by their community and EMS, as they are able to deliver outstanding, advanced patient care very quickly.”

The Palm Harbor ER will offer easy, convenient access to emergency care 24 hours a day with all the resources needed for acute care of a serious illness or injury. The free standing ER will be equipped to provide more advanced emergency services than a traditional urgent care center and as a full service ER, will be able to accept patients via ambulance and offer site CT scan, ultrasound, x-ray and laboratory services. The new planned facility to serve residents in Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas will be staffed 24/7 by physicians Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and nurses with emergency care experience and certifications.

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oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, at dark

oct. 3, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Boot Camp for New Dads Expectant fathers can learn about bonding and caring for their baby at Morton Plant Hospital’s Power Pavilion in Clearwater. A certified facilitator shares tips for surviving baby’s first weeks and offers tips for supporting mom. Cost is $25. baycare.org

oct. 3, noon – 10 p.m.

Harbor Sounds Music Festival Come down to Main Street to experience three stages of live music in downtown Safety Harbor.

Bring the family to visit area shops and restaurants.

Main Street will be closed 8 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. from Bayshore to 8th Avenue. Free. cityofsafetyharbor. com

oct. 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Junk in the Trunk Sell your unwanted belongings from the back of your car at this unique garage sale event or go shopping at the Safety Harbor Community Center.

Pre-registration is required for sellers for $10 per space and $5 per table. Free to attend. To register, call 727-724-1530.

oct. 17, 10 a.m.

New Countryside Library Grand Opening Celebrate the grand opening of the new Countryside Library inside Countryside Community Park in Clearwater. Check out separate kid and teen areas, including a dedicated youth craft and program room.

For information, call 727-562-4970.

oct. 24, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Seminole/Largo Golf Tournament for All Children’s Hit the links for a good cause as part of this double shotgun tournament for the Seminole/Largo Guilds fundraiser for All Children’s Hospital at Cove Cay Golf Club in Clearwater. allkids.org

pasco dade city | land o' lakes | new port richey trinity | wesley chapel | zephyrhills

Photo by Nicole Geller Photography

Celebrate pasco's Stars on the Dance Floor

dates:

This month, the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Dancing With Our Stars competition. In its fourth year, the event showcases the talent and community spirit of business “stars,” teamed with local dance instructors. The result is a performance for the public to enjoy Saturday, Oct. 17 at Eleanor Dempsey Performing Arts Center on the grounds of Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Spring Hill.

National Night Out Meet and greet local law enforcement and other government agencies as part of this annual crime/drug prevention event hosted by Main Street Zephyrhills and the Zephyrhills Police Department. Night includes live entertainment and special guests like McGruff the Crime Dog and Smokey Bear. Free. mszi.org

The Chamber’s Dancing With Our Stars event brings attention to local businesses throughout the Tampa Bay area, and, through the online auction, from around the country. Participating “Stars” and their sponsors have the opportunity to promote their business, area dance professionals have the opportunity to bring attention to their studios and visitors to the auction and show can benefit a good cause and enjoy a fun evening.

Overall Star winner is based on monetary votes; with the star that raises the most money to benefit the chamber and its programs declared the winner. A portion of the proceeds also benefit arts programs and centers in the community. Several other awards will be handed out as well during the evening including the People’s Choice award.

For more information about this year’s event or to get involved, contact the Chamber office at 813-909-2722 or visit centrapascochamber.com. To check out this year’s auction, go to biddingforgood.com/CPCC.

parents and Educators Invited to Help Build the Future The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. has opened online registration for its 8th Annual Learning Conference. This year’s event will be held 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Bishop McLaughlin High School in Spring Hill.

With a theme of “Building for the Future,” the conference will feature early childhood education leaders from universities and organizations across the country and provide teachers, preschool and daycare providers, parents and other members of the community with innovative practices from a variety of fields related to the education, development, care and mental health of early learners. Conference attendees will select from nearly 80 breakout sessions, covering such topics as the nourishing value of storytelling, tools for inclusion with autism and the data driven classroom.

This year’s keynote speaker will be James F. Harris of Opportunities Consulting Services in Porterville, Ohio. Harris has made his life’s work helping people reach their potential as a parent educator, educational consultant, early interventionist and behavioral health therapist.

Registration for the conference through Oct. 16 is $45 and on-site registration, $50. All registered attendees will receive the full-day conference, breakfast and lunch, access to the exhibitor hall, four breakout sessions and entry for door prize giveaways.

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. is one of 30 Early Learning Coalitions in Florida and serves over 9,000 children between infancy and eight years old, working with more than 300 providers in Pasco and Hernando counties. For a complete list of sessions available, visit phelc.org.

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oct. 6, 6-9 p.m.

oct. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.

Stress Reduction Support Group Join in at this monthly meeting hosted by Florida Cancer Affiliates at its new Trinity center. Group is open to anyone who feels overwhelmed at times or struggles to find life balance. Free. To learn more or join, call 727-8084818.

oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10-11 a.m.

Kids Club at Shops at Wiregrass Take the kids to Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel every Wednesday at center court. This month, kids get to experience My Fairytale Forest (Oct. 14), Mr. Tommy (Oct. 21) and Mr. Tommy and The Halloween Special (Oct. 28).

Free. www.theshopsatwiregrass.com

oct. 9-10 and 16-17, various times Live Oak Theatre Presents Around the World in 80 Days Come out to see the fall musical adaptation of the Jules Verne classic tale when Live Oak Theatre takes the stage at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Brooksville.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is $18 adults and $5 for students 13 and under. liveoaktheatre.org

oct. 16, 9 a.m. - noon Pink for a Purpose Attend this annual event celebrating cancer survivorship at the Hernando County Y in Spring Hill. Get valuable information about health and wellness. Event is free and open to the public. Vendors can participate for $45 per table. All proceeds support the 12-week free exercise program LIVESTRONG for anyone affected by cancer. ymcasuncoast.org

oct. 23-25, various times Blues Under the Stars Pack up the family for a fun weekend of blues music and camping at Sertoma Youth Ranch in Brooksville. Music acts in the lineup include Brent Johnson, Joe Moss, Daddy Mack Band, Damon Flower Band, Annie Piper and more. Tickets and reservations are available by the day or for the whole weekend. For schedule and tickets, go to campingblues.com.

November 14th | 9:30 a.m.

Gadsden Park,Tampa

3K S T R O L L .

WALK. RUN.

Trot to prolong high risk pregnancies and improve the outcomes for premature infants.

Stay for food, fun and family friendly activities.

Adults $25, Children $15.

REGISTER NOW AT WWW.TOTTROT.ORG

photo by the gallery studios

•10AM•

EVERY WEDNESDAY

AT THE SHOPS AT WIREGRASS

Wiregrass Ranchers Kids Club

presented by:

• live children’s entertainment • face painting • balloon artists • activities •

Bruce B. Downs & S.R. 56 - Wesley Chapel (813) 994-2242 | theshopsatwiregrass.com /shopsatwiregrass

/shopwiregrass

polk auburndale | bartow | haines city lakeland | lake wales | winter haven

polk Youth Groups Fly High This Month at SuN 'n' FuN The SUN ‘n’ FUN Convention campus in Lakeland serves as host this month for Aerospace Discovery Weekend. This 3-day youth aerospace adventure formerly known as WINGS ‘n’ THINGS takes place October 23-25 at the campus located at 4175 Medulla Road in Lakeland.

The event introduces young men and women to the world of aviation by presenting youth groups unique hands-on educational opportunities from watching an astronaut’s presentation to learning how the science of sports relates to flying an airplane.

Kids ages 8-17 who have never flown in a general aviation aircraft before can take part in a First Flight opportunity in an actual plane and enjoy other fun activities such as meeting an astronaut, climbing a rock wall, designing and launching a rocket and experiencing a flight simulator. Over ten interactive STEM learning stations will be available as well as demonstrations and presentations designed to stimulate as well as entertain young guests. Group awards and prizes will be handed out for friendly competitions including for a scavenger hunt, longest paper airplane flight and closet to the pin for the rocket launch.

Last day to register for Aerospace Discovery Weekend is Thursday, Oct. 15. For more information, call 863-904-4073 and visit the campus online at sun-n-fun.org.

dates: oct. 1, 6:30 p.m.

Shine a Light Family Festival Show your support for raising awareness and eradicating sex trafficking in Florida at this black-tie-optional fundraiser by Florida Baptist Children’s Homes at The Lakeland Center. Evening includes a formal dinner and performance by Grammy-nominated gospel vocalist Natalie Grant. Tickets are $100. theporchlight.org

oct. 3 and 17, 10:30 a.m. - noon Family Art Workshops at Polk Museum of Art Sign up the family to take part in fun art projects or learn special techniques from local artists each month at Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland. Workshops are held at the museum or offsite with all ages and skill levels welcome. Free; no registration required. polkmuseumofart.org

oct. 9, 5-8 p.m.

polk Students Score Big at FFS Convention Polk County Public Schools and students brought home multiple awards from the 87th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo, which took place this summer at the Caribe Royale Orlando. The convention featured career development events (CDE) and activities for members of the Future Farmers of America, a national organization serving students who are interested in agriculture and leadership.

CDE team award recipients from Polk County included: Kathleen High School, which won four first place awards in Citrus, Forestry, Land Evaluation, and Nursery and Landscape; George Jenkins High School, first place winner in Veterinary Assisting; Crystal Lake Middle School, which won first place in both Aquaculture and Poultry Evaluation; and Frostproof Middle School, first place winner in Tool Identification.

Both Kathleen and George Jenkins high schools will compete at the National FFA Convention & Expo in October in Louisville, Ky. “Polk County students and agriculture departments were well represented, and crossed the stage multiple times taking awards and getting recognized for their achievements,” says Paul Webb, Agriscience Resource Specialist for Polk County Public Schools.

Individual and team demonstration award winners from Polk included: Lake Gibson Middle School’s Madison Dvorak, who won first place in both Creed Speaking and Prepared Public Speaking; Megan Kachmarik from Haines City High School, first place winner in Agriscience Fair – Plant Systems; and Anna Plair and Jacob Raines from Frostproof High School, who won first place in Agriscience Fair – Food Products and Processing Systems.

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Polk Schools received two additional honors. Maegan Meredith from Tenoroc High School was elected to serve as the 2015-2016 Area IV State FFA Vice President. John Small, Assistant Superintendent of Multiple Pathways Education, was awarded an Honorary State FFA Degree.

Free Fridays at Children’s Museum of Highlands Bring the family to see the latest exhibits at the Children’s Museum in Sebring the second Friday each month for free admission courtesy of Wells Fargo. All ages are welcome; no reservation required. www. childrensmuseumhighlands.com

oct. 17-18, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Boktoberfest Plant Sale Shop from over 45 plant vendors while enjoying German food, live entertainment, clown shows, and other family fun like tree climbing, petting zoo, children’s activities and more at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales. Admission is free. boktowergardens.org

oct. 23, 6:30-8 p.m.

Joggin’ for the Noggin’ 5K Lace up the sneakers for a fun race to benefit scholarships and programs funded through the Polk State College Foundation and held onsite at the school’s Lakeland campus. Run features zombies on the trail with a children’s fun run, adult and children’s costume contest, Zumba, face painting, music and more. Registration is $25. foundation.polk.edu/joggin

oct. 24, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Babysitting Basics Sign up your aspiring babysitter to learn about responsibilities and general baby care at this informative class hosted by Winter Haven Women’s Hospital. Participants will also get valuable pointers about accident prevention, CPR and basics for what to do in an emergency.

Cost is $30. baycare.org

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• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

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Around Town

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Former cover kid winner Brogan Paul and the group from GAP Kids X ED who are making strides to change the face of beauty.

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Staff from All Children’s Hospital with the American Heart Association Red Sofa team. The Red Sofa Tour is a way for the American Heart Association to increase awareness of cardiac disease and stroke with an open dialogue. The sofa is traveling throughout St. Petersburg.

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Team members from the Tampa Yankees visited All Children’s Hospital and spent time with patients during their annual Hope week.

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Everyone, even a llama, came out for the Tampa Theatre’s Napolean Winemite Wine Fest.

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Director of the Centre for Girls Gabrielle Perham with the Cofounder of Charter CPS Jeffrey Cain, and Deb Cain and the Centre for Girls and Charter GPS teams hosted a graduation night.

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Guests came out to the Tampa Theatre’s Napolean Winemite dressed as Napolean, Deb, and the rest of the gang.

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Winner of Bey Day Dress Contest Danielle at the Bey Day event hosted by Fashion Week Tampa Bay.

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Former Cover Kid Winner Brogan Paul on the red carpet with GAP Kids X ED, where she was honored for changing the face of beauty.

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Executive Director of the Centre for Women, Ann Madsen and Centre for Women board member Nancy Vaughn at the Gourmet Feastival.

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South Tampa YMCA Board Chair Rob Clarke, Tampa YMCA President & CEO Tom Looby, Tampa YMCA Governance Board Member David Kennedy, South Tampa YMCA Capital Campaign Chair Jay Kennedy, Liz Kennedy, Tampa YMCA Sr. Group VP Val Siktar, Tampa YMCA COO Adam Klutts, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa YMCA Governance Board Chair Michelle Maingot, at the ribbon cutting for the new YMCA aquatic center in Tampa.

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october Events

2015 progressive Insurance Tampa Boat Show

Oct. 2-4, various times View, board and buy from selections of hundreds of boats on display as well as browse marine accessories and electronics at this event to officially kick off fall boating season at the Tampa Convention Center and Harbor in downtown Tampa.

Take part in boating lessons on the Bay. Attend seminars and relax on the party barge to live entertainment. tampaboatshow.com. Moms, Dads

parents Night out

e v e n t s & f e s t i va l s Bowling for Dreams

Oct. 1, various times Hit the lanes at Splitsville Channelside in Tampa with friends and raise funds for a good cause.

Evening includes bowling, food, drinks and a silent auction. Join a team, form one or stop by to cheer one on. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Dream Fund. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with bowling times at 6 p.m., 7:10 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. childrensdreamfund. org Moms, Dads

balloon campaign

Oct. 1-31, various times and locations Great Clips, Dairy Queen, IHOP and Long John Silvers will be partnering with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals throughout October.

When you make a donation to CMN Hospitlals, including All Children’s Hospital, you will receive coupons and discounts on your purchases. Allkids. org Everyone

military moms resource group

Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Military moms can connect and celebrate their families at Hammond Psychology. For active duty moms, retired military moms, military reserve moms, and spouse/partner of military member (active or retired), this event is free. Call 813-6540503 to sign up. hammondpsychology.com Moms

infant and child cpr

Oct. 1, 5, 25, various times Learn how to perform CPR and choking rescue techniques on both infants and children according to American Heart Association guidelines at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. Cost: $35 per person.

There is also a $10 fee if a completion card is required. baycareevents.org Moms, Dads

Manufacturing Day at MoSI

Oct. 2 The Tampa science museum welcomes guests to join in for a fun day recognizing the importance of manufacturing with fun activities intended to inspire the next generation of manufacturers. mosi.org Everyone

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space science and technology for the betterment of humankind. mosi.org Everyone

Member Mornings

Oct. 4, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Enjoy special members-only privileges with hours of exclusive museum access at Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. Invite family to join in the fun (up to five guests admitted at no charge; must include an adult). While there, your guests can buy a membership for 20 percent off regular membership cost. glazermuseum.org Everyone

Oct. 3, 5:30-11 p.m.

Forego a traditional babysitter and trust the Professional Education team at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo to oversee the kids while mom and dad enjoy date night. Event includes entertainment, a pizza, snack and beverages. Guests are divided into two groups: younger than 5 and ages 6-12. (Ages 3-10 must be potty-trained.) Cost is $30 per child and $10 per additional sibling. lowryparkzoo.com 3-12

Children's Board Free Tuesday

safe baby express

Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m.-3p.m.

This class at St. Joseph’s Hospital covers CPR, infant/adult CPR (non-certifying), care seat safety, SIDS, childproofing and Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Cost: $75. Call (813) 443-2046 to register. baycareevents.org Moms, Dads

Oct. 8 – Oct. 25, 2015, various times Lights rise on Grace, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, and Large, the young black man she loves. Lights rise on Riece, the sole bright spot in Large’s dark new world as a prison inmate. A world premiere at Stageworks Theatre. Tickets are $30.

Shows Thursday – Saturday, 8pm and Sunday, 3pm. stageworkstheatre.org Moms, Dads

Tampa Bay's Dancing with the Stars

moms-to-be pampering day

Oct. 3, 6-11 p.m.

Root for your favorite Bay Area celebrities as they hit the dance floor for a good cause at Tampa’s TPepin Hospitality Centre. Proceeds this year benefit Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay, Clothes to Kids, My Hope Chest and The Cypress Initiative. handsacrossthebay.org Moms, Dads

Stars and Stripes u.S.o. Show Oct. 3, 8 p.m.

Go back in time at this unique song and dance tribute to the WWII era for the whole family. Experience the big band sounds at this special concert at St. Petersburg Coliseum.

Reserved seats are $26 advance and $28 night of event. VIP tickets are also available for $50. armedforcesmuseum.com Everyone

Cityquest Tampa

Oct. 3, 11:30 a.m.

Channel your inner adventurer for an inaugural event combining brains and brawn via a downtown sprint launching from Ferg’s Live in Tampa’s Channelside. Complete challenges in “Amazing Race” fashion with both team and family divisions competing for money prizes and bragging rights.

To register, go to cityquestraces.com/events.

Everyone

World Space Week at MoSI

Oct. 3-10, various times Take part in an international celebration of space science at Tampa’s MOSI. Week-long activities will recognize various contributions in the fields of

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

Oct. 6, 2-7 p.m.

Take advantage of this free admission promotion courtesy of The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County during designated hours at the Glazer Museum. See the latest exhibits and meet up with special guests. Adults must be accompanied by a child and vice versa. glazermuseum.org Everyone

lights rise on grace

Oct. 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Moms-to-Be will experience free massages and Belly Painting by Artsy Faces by Luz, enjoy tasty food, take home some much-needed gifts, be inspired by speakers like KathySings4u and gather valuable information and resources from parenting training classes. There’s even a room for big brothers and sisters to have fun while Mom and Dad are both being nurtured and pampered for the day! Register at eventbrite.com/e/dayof-pampering-for-moms-to-be-2015-registration

Moms

History Center Gala

Oct. 9, 7 p.m.

Glam it up for this annual black-tie fundraiser at the Tampa Bay History Center in downtown Tampa. Evening includes lavish culinary fare from Columbia Restaurant, live entertainment and an open bar. Tickets are $250 each. Proceeds support the museum’s various education programs.

Purchase tickets at tampabayhistorycenter.org/ gala. Moms, Dads

Internet Cat video Festival & SpCA Tampa Bay petWalk

Oct. 9-10, various times This weekend belongs to the cats and dogs!

Kick off PetWalk 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 with an outdoor screening of a popular Internet Cat Video Festival. Lead your pooch and the whole family along the Vinoy Park waterfront 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 10 for the SPCA of Tampa Bay benefit walk. Enjoy a free IHOP pancake breakfast. petwalk.org Everyone

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

Tampa Bay Dragon Boat Classic

Oct. 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cheer on your favorite team or sign up to participate in this charitable dragon boat event at Cotanchobee Park in downtown Tampa. Teams of 20 will enjoy a day of spirited competition and raise funds for the animal care, education programs and global conservation initiatives of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. tampabaydragonboatclassic.com Everyone

Coastal Trekkers Family program

Oct. 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Study the coastal marine ecosystem with MOSI biologists at St. Pete’s Fort De Soto State Park.

Fees are $67 per parent-child team ($50 MOSI members); $33 per additional guest ($25 member).

Pre-registration required. Register at campfun.org/ cotro1020.html. Everyone

Developmental Checkups

Oct. 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Come in for a checkup sponsored by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and Glazer Children’s Museum, Champions for Children and Baby Bungalow. A Champions professional will be available to review and discuss your child’s development on the second Tuesday of the month. Pre-registration is required and checkups are included with general admission or membership. To learn more, email ddeleon@glazermuseum.org or call 813-443-3810. Up

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daddy 101

Oct. 14, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

This class is for the men in the family at St. Pete General Hospital. New to family life or want to sharpen your skills? This is the place for you! Taught by a veteran fire and EMS expert, learn everything from how to hold your infant, diapering, bathing and what to do in an emergency. Cost: free. stpetegeneral. com Dads

The 2015 Children's Home Fashion Show

Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Enjoy delicious food and fashion at this fundraiser at Brio Tuscan Grille at International Plaza and Bay Street in Tampa. Guests will enjoy a runway show featuring Talbots’ lines of casual, business and active wear, along with a plated lunch from Brio followed by dessert, coffee and an exclusive sale for attendees. Proceeds benefit The Children’s Home. childrenshome.org Moms

pink pancake brunch

Oct. 15, 10 a.m.

Join Tampa Community Hospital for this event.

Brunch will be served during an educational seminar given by Dr. Gus Mitsopoulos that addresses the importance of early detection and breast biopsies. tampacommunityhospital.com Moms

Grand Slam Fishing Tournament Oct. 15-18, various times Get ready for two days of inshore fishing at this children’s cancer research benefit held at The Vinoy Renaissance Resort in St. Pete. Weekend includes

Captain’s Reception and Dinner (Oct. 15), Steve Yerrid Kid’s Fishing Derby (Oct. 16), Fishermen’s Ball (Oct. 16) and Inshore Fishing Tournament (Oct. 17-18). Proceeds benefit Pediatric Cancer Foundation. fastercure.org Everyone

Brews by the Bay

Oct. 16, time TBA Choose from over 100 types of beers while sampling dishes from area restaurants, listening to live music and exploring the exhibits at Florida Aquarium in Tampa. For tickets and additional details, go to flaquarium.org. Moms, Dads

The Guy Harvey Fishing for Hearts Tournament

Oct. 16, 8:30 a.m.

Sign up for a signature fishing tournament to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay and Athletes for Hearts. Anglers stay overnight Oct. 15 at Guy Harvey Outpost in St. Pete Beach, take part in a social and embark on a full day of fishing from Loggerhead Marina with some of the best captains in Florida. For more information, visit fishingforhearts.com or rmhctampabay.org.

Moms, Dads

rattlesnake Festival

Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend

Oct. 22 and 24, various times Catch up with Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby and friends when they return to the stage for another fun, interactive musical celebration of friendship and culture at Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall Oct. 22 and Lakeland’s Youkey Theatre Oct. 24.

Tickets are $15-$25. Go to rutheckerdhall.com and thelakelandcenter.com for tickets and showtime information. Everyone

recycled Yard Art Contest

Oct. 22-25, 29-31 and Nov. 1 Contest is open to Hillsborough residents of all ages and aims to increase environmental awareness and encourage reuse of yard materials.

Art submissions must be created mostly with recycled or recyclable materials. Entries must be delivered to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 or 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19. For official rules or additional information, email meredithl@hillsboroughcounty. org. Everyone

Easter Seals' Walk With Me Tampa

Oct. 17, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Bring the kids to Downtown Park in San Antonio for this family-friendly event featuring arts, crafts, antiques, kids’ games, food, and entertainment as well as its popular snake and reptile shows and gopher races. Free admission and parking. rattlesnakefestival.com Everyone

Oct. 24, 9 a.m.

Sign up for this annual campaign to show your support for Easter Seals and come walk, roll or stroll a 2-mile family fun walk at MacFarlane Park in Tampa. Proceeds from the event will benefit Tampa’s Murray Child Development Center. Checkin at 8 a.m. and walk at 9 a.m. walkwithme.org/ tampa Everyone

Tuxes & Tails

Tampa Take Steps

Oct. 17, 6-11 p.m.

Dress to the nines for an elegant evening to benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay being hosted by the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa. This black-tie gala includes live and silent auctions, a cocktail hour with complimentary wine and beer, dinner and dessert, live entertainment featuring adoptable pets, after party and cigar bar.

Tickets are $150 each. tuxesandtailstampa.com

Moms, Dads

girls night out

Oct. 20, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Join the Medical Center of Trinity for this exciting event. With education stations, interactive activities and shopping, and restaurant sampling, there is something for ever girl in your group.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 727-8347-5630. Cost: free. www. medicalcentertrinity.com Girls Night Out

Gift of peace Lunch

Oct. 22, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Attend this annual fundraiser lunch for The Spring of Tampa Bay taking place at Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa. Hear from speakers and learn more about support services being offered through the nonprofit. thespring.org

Moms, Dads

Oct. 24, 2:30 p.m.

Hit the pavement of Tampa’s Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park as a team or individual and raise funds and awareness for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. No registration fee is required to participate but all fundraising participants are encouraged to set a goal and will have a chance to receive prizes. Festival begins at 2:30 p.m. with registration and meet-ups followed by 4 p.m. walk. Register at ccfa.org/chapters/ florida. Everyone

National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Gala Award Ceremony

Oct. 24, 7 p.m.

Join Tampa’s MOSI in recognizing its 2015 honorees for the National Hispanic Scientists of the Year at a gala award ceremony. Proceeds benefit the museum’s Meet the Hispanic Scientists Day held Oct. 23 during which 1,200 students from underserved communities and low-income schools visit MOSI. mosinhsoy.org Moms, Dads

Kim russo

Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m.

Prepare to be awed by the spirited host of LMN’s “The Haunting Of...” when she brings her psychic abilities to Jaeb Theater at Tampa’s Straz Center.

Kim the Happy Medium, as she is known, will go into the crowd and attempt to pick up feelings

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october Events from audience members as well as share her own personal story about her gift and how it works. For tickets, go to strazcenter.org. 12 & Older

Tee-Cup Classic

Oct. 30, noon Tee it up for this third annual event at Rogers Park Golf Course in Tampa to benefit the Employee Recognition Committee for the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department. Cost is $200 per team or $60 per individual and includes lunch, range balls, closest to pin, long drive and other fun contests. For more information, email info@ friendsoftamparec.org. Moms, Dads

Creative Start: Elementary Schools N-Z

Oct. 30 - Dec. 11, various times View artwork by area students on display at Dunedin Fine Art Center in its Kokolakis Family Youth Gallery. Selections will represent work produced during Pinellas County Elementary School art classes. dfac.org Everyone

Toodles Early Steps playtime

Oct. 7, 9, 20 and 23, various times Bring the little ones for an open gym playtime for infants and toddlers with special needs in the Early Step program at locations throughout the Bay area this month. Playtimes are scheduled in Odessa, Land O’Lakes, St. Pete and Clearwater. Fees vary by location. For schedule and location info, call 727-767-6705. allkids.org 1-4

Great Connections

Oct. 11, 10 a.m. - noon Explore Great Explorations Children’s Museum with other special needs families during this exclusive access to the museum while it is closed to the general public. Museum modifies lights and sound to create a sensory-sensitive experience and provides a cool down room when guests need a break. Cost is $5 per person or free for members. greatex.org 6 & Older

AMC Sensory Friendly Movie - pan

Oct. 17, 10 a.m. - noon Go to select theaters offering a special sensoryfriendly movie screening experience with lights raised, sound lowered, and audiences encouraged to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing during the film. Participating Bay area theaters include Regency 20, Sarasota 12, Tri City 8, Veterans Expressway 24, West Shore 14 and Woodlands 20. Tickets are $6. amctheaters.com/programs/ sensory-friendly-films 6 & Older

Sensational Sundays @ Family Fun Center

spECIAL NEEDS

Sponsored by Early Autism Project www.EAPTampa.com

Special Needs Screening: Hotel Transylvania 2

Oct. 18, 10:30 a.m. - noon Bring the little ones to take part in fun activities in a sensory-friendly atmosphere designed for children with special needs and their families at Family Fun Center in Lakeland. Kids can explore a 4-story maze of tunnels, tubes, slides and obstacles. thefamilyfuncenter.com 3-12

uncommon Couture

Through Oct. 24, various times Check out this unique exhibit that crosses the boundary between art and fashion at Florida CraftArt in downtown St. Pete. See a ready-towear collection fusing wearable garments with recycled materials and hand painted one-of-akind corsets from designer Lina Teixeira. Also included in the exhibition are vinyl record purses, funky shoes, recycled tin bracelets and more. floridacraftart.org Moms

Marvels on the reef at FMopA

Through Dec. 28, various times Go deep into the waters at this new underwater photography exhibition at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in downtown Tampa. This unique showcase is comprised of work from seven different photographers who previously worked with National Geographic and have recorded detailed, intimate images of aquatic life and curiosities through diving experiences and candid photography. fmopa.org Everyone

Friday Night Clay

Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 7-9 p.m.

Gather friends for a night of play in the clay - wheel throwing or hand building. Pack a towel, your favorite beverage and a sense of fun to bring to Morean Arts Center for Clay in St. Petersburg.

Center provides the materials, and participants pick their favorite piece at the end of the class for a bisque and glaze. Pre-registration is required with class starting at 7 p.m. moreanartscenter.org

Girls Night Out, Date Night

DillyDally with Dali

Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 11:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Bring the kids to discover their creativity through games, puzzles, and arts and crafts at The Dali in St. Pete. Activities take place under the direction of the museum’s Family Programs Coordinator. thedali.org 5-10

Oct. 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Catch a sensory-friendly screening of the recently released computer-animated sequel featuring the voice talents of Adam Sandler and Selena Gomez at Studio Movie Grill inside Tampa’s University Mall. Rated PG. Adults are $6, and kids and siblings are free. studiomoviegrill.com 8 & Older

Free Homeschool Social Skills Group

Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 11 a.m. - noon Sign up the kids grades 2-5 for a free, interactive weekly social skills group with Hammond Psychology. Register online or call 813-567-3253. hammondpsychology.com 7-10

Family Support Group

Oct. 6, 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Talk with other parents of special needs children as part of this monthly parent-to-parent support event hosted by All Children’s Hospital Child Development and Rehabilitation Center in St. Pete.

RSVP at 727-767-2885. allkids.org Moms, Dads

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Art Five Decades of photography at the MFA

Through Oct. 4, various times Celebrate 50 years of the Museum of Fine Arts with an eclectic mix of photos that transport visitors around the work through the lens of some of the most famous photographers. Collection includes about 17,000 images with more than 150 works on display. fine-arts.org Everyone

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

film

The Breakfast Club 30th Anniversary with Molly ringwald

Oct. 3, 7 p.m.

Gather friends for a special screening of the 1985 coming-of-age dramedy at Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre followed by an interactive discussion and Q&A with actress Molly Ringwald. Tickets are $60 and $75. For tickets and additional information, visit rutheckerdhall.com. Girls Night Out, Date Night

Home Alone 25th Anniversary

Available Oct. 6 Relive the timeless holiday classic starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern when it arrives in stores on Blu-ray and DVD as a special commemorative edition. The Home Alone 25th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Christmas Edition features all five films packaged together for the first time in a collectible paint can full of limited edition movie memorabilia for the whole family. foxconnect.com 8 & Older

The Jungle Book

Opens Oct. 9 Meet a young boy raised in the jungle by a charming brood of creatures including a bear, a panther and a wolf pack in this latest live-action presentation of the Rudyard Kipling classic directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man) and starring Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba and Bill Murray.

Check local theaters for showtimes. 8 & Older

Edward Scissorhands 25th Anniversary

Available Oct. 13 Return to the Gothic castle and its irresistibly charming resident with razor-sharp metal hands and a heart of gold in this Tim Burton classic being released as an all-new remastered 25th anniversary edition Blu-ray giftset in time for Halloween. Film stars Johnny Depp in the lead role supported by Winona Ryder and Dianne Wiest.

Rated PG. Running time, 105 minutes. foxconnect. com 12 & Older

Jem and the Holograms

Opens Oct. 23 Follow the adventures of a young woman who along with her three sisters uncovers she has special talents worth sharing with the world as a superstar. Film stars Molly Ringwald and Juliette Lewis. Rated PG. See local movie listings for showtimes. 8 & Older

Almost an Evening

Through Oct. 4, various times Watch three satiric shorts by Oscar-winning screenwriter Ethan Coen (Raising Arizona, Fargo) when this popular Off-Broadway traveling production arrives at the Shimberg Playhouse at Tampa’s Straz Center. Tickets are $28. Shows are 8 p.m. Thurs. through Sat. and 4 p.m. Sun. strazcenter.org Moms, Dads

Intimate Apparel

Through Oct. 11, various times See the award-winning Off-Broadway play brought to life by American Stage in St. Petersburg.

Story spotlights a proud, shy African-American seamstress and designer of lingerie as she embarks on a journey to find love and meets up with challenges along the way. For tickets and showtimes, visit americanstage.org. Moms, Dads

upstairs/Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel

Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2 p.m.

Enjoy live theater of single-character vignettes that bring turn-of–the-century Tampa Bay Hotel staff members and guests to life at the Henry B. Plant Museum on the University of Tampa campus. All performances are open to the public with museum admission. plantmuseum.com/upstairsdownstairs

Everyone

Silence! The Musical

Oct. 16 – Nov. 22, various times Catch a performance of the award-winning, unauthorized parody of The Silence of the Lambs when it comes to Jaeb Theatre at Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Note: for mature audiences only. Tickets are $29.50. strazcenter.org Moms,

Dads

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder Oct. 20-25, various times Experience the 2014 Tony Award-winning musical when it hits the road and visits Tampa’s Straz Center. Meet a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by any means necessary, all while juggling a mistress, fiancee and the threat of being put behind bars.

Tickets are $40-$95. strazcenter.org Moms, Dads

Skippyjon Jones Snow What

Oct. 25, 2 p.m.

Meet up with the beloved children’s book hero, a Siamese cat who thinks he’s a Chihuahua in this new musical based on the book by Judy Schachner which puts a funny spin on the classic Snow White tale and taking the Ferguson Hall stage at Straz Center. Tickets are $12.50. strazcenter.org 4-12

So You Think You Can Dance

t h e at e r & d a n c e

Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the best of stage and street dance as the Season 12 tour Top 10 finalists arrive in the Bay area to perform some of the season’s most popular routines and original pieces onstage at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Tickets start at $43.25. rutheckerdhall. com Everyone

music & comedy Brad paisley

Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m.

Catch the popular country singer when his Crushin’ It World Tour comes to MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Paisley is joined by guests Mickey Guyton and Justin Moore. Tickets start at $19.75. livenation.com 10 & Older

Silly Sam the Music Man

Oct. 3, 11 a.m.

Experience a treasure trove of wind instruments, strings, percussion and electronics as Silly Sam’s Music Box opens with the wonders of sound at Straz Center. Tickets are $7.50. strazcenter.org

3-10

Hispanic Heritage Concert

Oct. 11, 1 p.m.

Come out for this annual celebration of Latin music at Coachman Park. Gente De Zona joins a lineup of popular Latin recording artists at this day-long event featuring family-friendly activities and Latin-inspired, local food. Gates open at noon.

Order tickets at 800-514-3849. myclearwater.com

Everyone

Alvin and the Chipmunks Live

Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Sing along with the world’s most famous chipmunk trio accompanied by their charming Chipettes with a live performance at The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg. Show features world-class production, music, dance, special effects and interaction with the audience as the group performs hits

by One Direction, Elvis Presley, Maroon 5, Carly Rae Jepson and more. Tickets are $27.50-$57.50. themahaffey.com 6 & Older

Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour

Oct. 31, 7 p.m.

Dance in your seats as the pop and country sensation brings an impressive collection of hits and her 1989 Tour to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Swift will be joined by Vance Joy and Shawn Mendes on the road. Tickets are $65$195.50. www.raymondjamesstadium.com 10 &

Older

halloween and fall events A Nightmare on Franklin Street at Tampa Theatre

Annual Pumpkin Palooza Family Fall Festival

Oct. 3, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Bring the kids out for fall festivities at this GWFC St. Petersburg Junior Woman’s Club event held at Northside Baptist Church in St. Pete. Stop by the pumpkin patch, enjoy kids’ games and crafts, watch live performances and take part in drawings. gfwc-spjwc. org Everyone

All This Month Stop by downtown Tampa’s historic movie palace for a jam-packed month of petrifying programming leading up to Halloween. The series includes classic horror films, family-friendly spooky movies, creepy cult favorites, a special screening of ”The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with a live floor cast, an evening of live spooky storytelling, lights-off ghost tours of the Theatre and a day of Hitchcock classics on Oct. 31, plus other spirited special guests. Details will lurk soon at tampatheatre. org. Everyone

Brick or Treat

Howl-o-Scream at Busch Gardens Tampa

Oct. 3-31, various times Put on your Halloween costume and stop by for special shows, a sea of sweet treats, and lots of fun, familyfriendly spookiness. seaworldorlando.com Everyone

Through Oct. 31, various times Attend this year’s special Halloween fright fest Unearthed from the producer of The Blair Witch Project, when it takes over Busch Gardens Tampa for select nights. For mature audiences. howloscream.com Teens

& Older

monster mania

Through Oct. 31, various times Ghoulish tricks and yummy treats are waiting at Crayola Experience during Monster Mania. Trick-or-Treat while exploring 25-colorful-hands-on attractions. Create monster-ific crafts and take your photo with our spooky characters all month long included with general admission. There is so much to “BOO”, you may never leave. Cost: $19.99 crayolaexperience.com/orlando

Everyone

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween party

Through Nov. 1, various times Wear your favorite costume and come out for an evening of trick-or-treat fun and visit with some of your favorite Disney Characters decked out in their own Halloween garb for select nights in the Magic Kingdom.

Party is an additional admission cost. disneyworld.com

Everyone

oktoberfest

Oct. 2-3 and 9-10, 4-10 p.m.

Come out to the German American Society in Pinellas Park for its largest event of the year and enjoy all things German. Listen to live oompah music, partake in homemade German cuisine and imported beers and check out a folk dance performance. Admission is $6 adults with children 12 and younger free. For more information, call 727-238-8201. Everyone

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Oct. 3, 10, 17, 23-24, 30-31, various times Visit themed treat stations with candy, snacks and fun along the way at LEGOLAND Florida weekends in October. Event will also feature a costume contest, scavenger hunt, and LEGO building contests and characters. Event is included with park admission. legolandflorida.com 4 & Older

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular

Fall Campout

Oct. 9-10, 4 p.m. - 10 a.m.

Pack the sleeping bag for a fun night under the stars at Bonner Nature Park in Largo. Night includes campfire events, food and nature programs. Advance registration and payment is required. Cost is $10 per person and free for ages 2 and younger. Register online at natureparkfriends.org. Everyone

oktoberfest

Oct. 9-11, various times Celebrate the month with German music, dance, food and fun at Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Day features games and competitions including stein hoisting, tug-o-war, corn hole and more. Event runs 4-11 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m. -11 p.m. Sat., and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun. oktoberfesttampa.com Moms & Dads

Scarecrow Festival

Oct. 10, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Take part in fun fall games and activities at Pioneer Florida Museum and Village in Dade City. Make a scarecrow, touch a truck, take part in a spelling bee, ride the train and get your face painted. Stop by the Pumpkin Patch to pick out your next jack-olantern. Admission is $5 (children under 5 are free). pioneerfloridamuseum.org Everyone

pint Size pumpkin patch

Oct. 10, 6-7:30 p.m.

Enjoy games, food and crafts at the Southwest Recreation Complex in Largo. Guests will be greeted by a visit from a scarecrow. Little ones can participate in a trick or treat parade. Cost is $5 by Oct. 2 and $8 after. For

• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com

more information, call 727-518-3125. Everyone

uSF Fall plant Festival

Oct. 10-11, various times Browse a variety of vendors selling plants and gardening-related wares at USF Botanical Gardens in Tampa. This year’s event includes bamboo, begonia and herb workshops on Saturday, a beekeeping workshop Sunday and scarecrow contest throughout the weekend. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 (free for Garden members and kids under 12). gardens.usf.edu Everyone

Wesley Chapel Fall Festival

Oct. 10-11, various times Visit The Grove shopping plaza for live music, food trucks, entertainment and other fun vendors at this popular Wesley Chapel event. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Free. wesleychapelchamber.org Everyone

ZooBoo KIDS presented by floridacentral Credit union

Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 23-26, 30-31 and Nov. 1, 1-7 p.m.

Experience an all new ZooBoo that’s just for little kids.

Go batty with extended Zoo hours on select days and “fright-free” festivities like trick-or-treat stations, a crazy corn maze, kooky not spooky character appearances, jeepers creepers critter encounters, fun fall photos, Monster Mash groovy tunes and more.

ZooBoo KIDS activities are included with paid Zoo admission or membership. lowryparkzoo.com 3-11

Mr. Tommy's very un-Scary Halloween Special

Oct. 11, 2-3 p.m.

Join the children’s entertainer for a fun but scare-free Halloween party at Carrollwood Cultural Center in Tampa. Come in costume, party with monster hits and prepare for plenty of treats. Cost is $7 members and $8 general admission ($28 family four-pack, also available). carrollwoodcenter.org Everyone

Sacred Heart Fall Festival

Oct. 14-18, various times Bring the whole family to this fun event from Sacred Heart Church in Pinellas Park. Festival takes place at 7951 46th Way N. and includes fall games, food, music and prizes. Rides are $12 per sheet advance and $18 onsite. Wristband available for $20 to ride all night Wednesday or Thursday. sacredheartfestival.com

Everyone

our Lady of Lourdes Fall Festival

Oct. 15-18, various times Attend a Dunedin tradition by supporting this familyfriendly festival filled with rides, games and music at

Our Lady of Lourdes in Dunedin. Event offers rides and games for all ages including a special “kiddie rides” section. Browse the flea market and take part in a raffle with a $3,000 grand prize. Admission and parking are free, with free trolley shuttle service available. ollfallfestival.com Everyone

games and crafts in celebration of all things Hogwarts.

Costumes are encouraged. Family members welcomed.

Register with the Children’s Department at the Library at 727-587-6175. 5 & Older

mainstreetzephyrhills.org Everyone

Halloween Spooktacular

Oct. 31, 8 a.m.

Start off the day with a family race at Bob Sierra Youth and Family Center in Tampa followed by a free pancake breakfast. Race is open to all ages with awards given for the top 3 finishers in each age category. Kids 12 and younger will receive finisher ribbons. Event includes a 5K and 1-mile Fun Run. Net proceeds benefit the Y’s 2015 Annual Community Support campaign and Northdale Civic Association. Register at active.com. For more information, visit northdale.org. Everyone

Oct. 16, 11 a.m.

Watch the animals of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo have their own special pumpkin party as they indulge in a seasonal treat and stomp, chomp, and play with pumpkins while entertaining guests. Event included with Zoo admission. lowryparkzoo.com Everyone

Oct. 24, noon – 5 p.m.

Prepare for a hauntingly festive time at this year’s event held at Largo Central Park. Enjoy a trick-or-treat trail (noon-4 p.m.), inflatables, a hay maze, games, music, bounce houses, petting zoo and more. Cost is $7 advance at recreation centers and $10 day of purchase at recreation locations and the park. 727-587-6740, ext.

5014 Everyone

Spooktacular

Halloween Happenings

pumpkin Toss

Oct. 16, 6-8 p.m.

Come out early for a fun, safe Halloween alternative at J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex in Holiday. Evening includes games, music and candy galore. Donations of

$1 accepted. Those interested in volunteering are also welcome to call 727-942-7439.

Fall Family Fun Fest at Great Explorations

Oct. 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Celebrate the start of autumn with fall crafts and fall-themed activities at Great Explorations in St. Pete.

Children can toss a ring around a pumpkin, pin the leaf on the tree, make “hop” corn and much more. greatex. org Everyone

A Night at the Museum: Family Trick or Treat

Oct. 18, 4-7 p.m.

See the Tampa Bay History Center come to life as exhibits wander the galleries of the downtown Tampa museum. Meet up with pirates, pioneers, ‘20s gangsters, Ghostbusters and beloved Star Wars characters.

Play ghoulish games, make creepy crafts and take part in a costume contest for prizes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For ticket information, go to tampabayhistorycenter.org. Everyone

owl-o-ween

Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m.

Walk along a haunted trail at McGough Nature Park in Largo in costume as the whole family goes trickor-treating. Search for bats, owls, ghosts and ghouls as you stroll. Event includes games, crafts and scary stories by the campfire. Cost is $5 per person (2 and younger free). Call 727-518-3047. Everyone

Harry potter Halloween at Largo public Library

Oct. 23, 4 p.m.

Explore Diagon Alley and enjoy “witch-crafts” and “wizarding snacks” at Largo Public Library. Take part in

Oct. 24, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Gather the family for haunted hayrides, carnival games, crafts and bounce houses at Highlander Park in Dunedin. Evening also includes a DJ, costume contests and Boo in the Zoo for preschoolers. Costume Contest runs 6:30-9 p.m. at the Park’s Sindoon Stage and is free to enter for all ages. Cost is $5 parking, $5 for hayride/Boo in the Zoo and $10 wristband for children’s activities. Call 727-812-4530. Everyone

Guppyween

Oct. 24-25, 1-5 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to be whoever or whatever they want as they trick-or-treat at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Families can enjoy a fun, safe atmosphere with live entertainment, surrounded by more than 20,000 animals to explore. See flaquarium.org for more details and ticket information soon. Everyone

halloween makeup workshop

Oct. 24, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Patel Conservatory staffers and theater make-up enthusiasts Audrey Siegler and Sarah Berland will teach participants to create frightening looks for Halloween. Students will be provided with all materials to create in-class applications as well as how-to and material guides to take home for reference.

Registration is required by calling 813-222-1002. Cost: $20 Patelconservatory.org Everyone

Downtown Trick or Treating

Oct. 30, 5-8 p.m.

Take the kids in costume for trick-or-treating through downtown Dunedin as the city closes the roads for safety. Participating merchants will have orange pumpkin decals in their windows to invite families to their shops for delicious sweets and treats. Free. For more information, call 727-298-3198. Everyone

Halloween Howl

Oct. 30-31, 4-9 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with your Zephyrhills neighbors as the annual Halloween Costume Parade takes to the streets of downtown Zephyrhills at 6 p.m. Kids can trick or treat and enjoy a howlingly good time.

Northdale 5K pumpkin run and 1-Mile Walk

Spooky Boo-seum

Oct. 31, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Don your costume and join Great Explorations Museum in St. Petersburg for tricks, treats and lots of Halloween fun. Guests will enjoy candy, crafts and spooky science. greatex.org Everyone

Main Street Trick or Treat

Oct. 31, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Dress up the kids and trick-or-treat along Safety Harbor’s Main Street at this safe, family-friendly event.

Downtown businesses as well as members at City Hall and Fire Station 52 will be there to hand out treats to visitors. Main Street will be closed 4-7 p.m. from Bayshore to 8th Av. Free. Call 727-724-1572. Everyone

Halloween Spree

Oct. 31, 4:30-8 p.m.

Get your little goblins ready to monster mash, trickor-treat, and wiggle at the Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa. Guests will have fun at this Halloween party that’s not-so-scary but chock full of fun. glazermuseum.org 3-10

pinellas park Halloween Treat Trail

Oct. 31, 6 p.m.

Hit the trail at England Brothers Park in Pinellas Park and collect candy donated by area businesses and community organizations. Night includes a costume contest, refreshments and popcorn, other fun Halloween activities and prizes. Free. For more information, call 727-369-5746. Everyone

Halloween Bash

Oct. 31, 7-9 p.m.

Head to downtown Gulfport for this popular Halloween event with a new twist. Kids can take part in Trunk-orTreat when local businesses hand out candy as they “trick or treat” around the Gulfport Recreation Center parking lot. Check out a frightful haunted house, a “BooRoom for Tots,” and the Haunted Snack Shack with affordable snacks for families. Compete in a costume contest for ages 17 and younger and for entire families with three awards given in each category. mygulfport. us Everyone

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• OCT. 2015 • TBParenting.com