September 2019

tampabayparenting.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

#GOBUCS

family & football

WITH MIKE EVANS

Mike Evans with wife Ashli and youngest daughter Ariah after Training Camp at the AdventHealth Training Center.

OF THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANE ERS

CAR SEAT SAFETY

CHOOSE SCIENCE

OVER PREFERENCE

changes in altitudes

SUMMER IN PARK CITY, UTAH page 48

GET TO KNOW FLORIDA'S

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

DR. DAKEYAN C. GRAHAM OF TAMPA'S KING HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT'S NEW IN TAMPA BAY AND OUR FAVORITE TAMPA BAY EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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Get your back to school smile with

Mark Angeloni, DMD "The privilege and opportunity to positively impact people’s lives, while having fun at the same time, makes every day a great day!"

(727) 202-6971 Pinellas

(813) 968-2483 South Tampa/Carollwood

Christopher Cetta, DMD "A new smile has such a positive impact on an individual’s self-esteem. It is amazing to see the transformation in our patients’ self-confidence and often times their lives!"

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South Tampa North Tampa

Clearwater Seminole

Wesley Chapel Town & Country

St. Petersburg Bradenton

TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

BlueWaveOrtho.com KidsSmiles.com

SEEING IS NOT ONLY BELIEVING. IT’S COMFORTING. Introducing virtual reality medical technology.

Sometimes what you can’t see is hard to imagine— but this new virtual reality technology lets patients and their families see what the doctors see. And the 360-degree, cutting-edge imaging lets doctors plan and walk through certain complex brain and heart surgeries before the actual surgery.

Doctors can now give patients and their families an understanding of what’s going on with their diagnosis and treatment, and answer all their questions. And the most important feature of this new technology? Understanding what they see helps ease the anxiety for a child and their family. Learn more about our virtual reality tool: StJoesKidsVR.org

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is the first children’s hospital in the Southeast to adopt this virtual reality technology for conditions affecting the brain and heart.

19-844545-0719

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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Darlene Barlows Photography

September 2019 12 // Safe, safer, safest Guest editor Michelle Pratt explains why car seat safety needs to be all about that science!

14 // Moms to KNOW Julie Tingley of KNOW

Tampa and KNOW St. Pete/Clearwater introduces you to two moms empowering others through philanthropy and the arts.

16 // The perfect party Get tips on how to

throw the best birthday bash from the experts at the Glazer Museum.

21 // Cheer on the home teams Whether it’s football, hockey or baseball, here’s your family game day plan.

22 // Anything for you, baby Must-haves for

baby, toddler—and mommy!

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cover story

FAMILY AND FOOTBALL The Bucs’ Mike Evans talks about love, life and how he gives back to the community.

24 // Stay after school Find out why the most fun sometimes happens after the bell goes.

26 // Learning begins at birth It’s never too early to read to baby; fun tips for story time.

28 // On top of the world Meet the 14 girls who led Tampa Bay to international softball glory.

31 // Florida’s top teacher Give it up for the man and musician inspiring a generation at his alma mater.

37 // The lowdown on this year’s flu shot

Why one jab can save our year, and myths about the flu vaccine.

healthy kids, healthy you

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42 // Brain surgery crosses a new frontier

Virtual reality takes surgery to a whole new level.

44 // Tongue-tie and lip-tie Learn how to

recognize and treat these common conditions.

48 // Changes in altitudes Summer fun in a ski destination? Sign us up!

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51 // House hunting with kids 3 ways to find

the perfect home.

56 // You do you, girl A mommy’s complete guide to self care.

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every issue 10 // NOTEWORTHY SEPTEMBER PEOPLE AND PLACES TO GET EXCITED ABOUT! 53 // GET OUT AND ENJOY SEPTEMBER OUR FAVORITE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS

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TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

58 // WHAT'S TRENDING ON TAMPABAYPARENTING.COM

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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GUEST EDITOR Michelle Pratt CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Stoulil

young kids, I know that peace of mind is everything.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michelle Pratt Laura Byrne Laura Cross Julie Tingley Caroline Turner Courtney Cairns Pastor Jennifer Hodges Maggie Rodriguez Dr. Timothy Hendrix Anu Varma Panchal Dr. Frank Sierra Anna Tataris de Jesus Diana Blinkhorn CALENDAR Katelyn Schur Cassidy Gaudes ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins LAYOUT & DESIGN Nicole Barolo of Page Four Creative CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Darlene Barlows Photography Ashlee Hamon Photography Christina Jones Photo BOOKKEEPING Employee of the Month, LLC TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE 320 W. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone 813-949-4400 Fax 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com BECOME A FAN tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting

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.

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AS A MOM OF TWO

MICHELLE PRATT

TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

Like many of you, I’m in the trenches of raising young kids. If you told me six years ago that I’d transition from a senior executive of a national non-profit to a nationally certified child passenger safety technician and small business owner, I would’ve looked at you like you were crazy.

But as most of you know, life with kids changes things!

As a mom of two young kids, I know that peace of mind is everything. I’ve been where we all start—overwhelmed by the choices, decisions and purchases before baby arrives and as they grow. Naturally, I prioritized safety but found very little support around one critically important aspect: car seats.

How could this be? I couldn’t find a go-to resource to help me navigate this complex part of my child’s safety. My master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and 15-plus years working as a senior executive in the nonprofit sector apparently weren’t enough to help me figure it out either!

Car seat safety is very technical and incredibly difficult to get 100% right. Yet, of all the purchases you make, a car seat has the greatest chance of saving your child’s life. Well, that is, if we use it correctly.

So, as they say, necessity is the mother of

Michelle Pratt

Pratt with Jake, 6, and Adelyn, 3 1/2

invention. I took matters into my own hands and became a nationally certified car seat safety technician and launched Safe in the Seat. Now, I proudly serve as the village expert in car seat safety, partnering with parents virtually, on the phone and in-person to keep our most precious cargo safe from their greatest danger (riding in the car).

While there are so many preferences when it comes to parenting, car seat safety is one area where we really can rely on science to teach us what is safe and what is not. Research states that 95% of parents think they are nailing car seat installation and harnessing. The reality is that less than 10% of us parents are actually correct.

We all want nothing more than to control what we can to keep our children safe. As National Child Passenger Safety Week nears (Sept. 16-21), I hope you will join me in learning about how car seat safety really is not about preference, but rather evidence-based science. And, set an appointment with a child passenger safety technician so we can help you ensure your child is safe in their seat.

What you have to lose is too great to risk.

From one mom to another, I wish you safe travels on this bumpy, exhausting, and oh-soworth-it parenting road.

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Meet our contributors

thank you advertisers and sponsors

Because of them, we are able to provide this family-friendly resource to you for FREE.

ANU VARMA PANCHAL Anu Varma Panchal has

Caroline Turner is the events and

written and edited for area

programs coordinator at Glazer

publications for nearly 20

Children's Museum. She has worked

years. She’s ac­t ive on her

in museums as close as the Henry

children’s PTA boards, loves

B. Plant Museum, and as far as

theatre, concerts, the local

the British Museum in London,

brewery scene and travel,

England. Glazer’s attentiveness to

and spends way too much

delivering enjoyable sensory-friendly

time schlepping her 11 and

experiences to guests with special

14-year-olds around in her minivan. She never leaves

JULIE TINGLEY

COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR

home without her library

Julie Tingley is an 8-year

card. You can find her at

Tampa transplant who has

youreditingsolutions.com.

found her way through

Courtney Cairns Pastor

numerous professional and

is the communications

parenting transitions by

coordinator for Corbett

maintaining focus on her

Prep, a PreK3-8th grade

daily inspirations: Ella, 5,

school in North Tampa.

and Kate, 2. With a vision

Previously she covered

of a better future for her

parenting, features and

girls, she has introduced

education for The Tampa

the KNOW Book + Tribe, a

Tribune.

women’s publication and

SARAH STOULIL

community, to Tampa Bay.

CAROLINE TURNER

needs has inspired Caroline to pursue a graduate degree in Special Education.

MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ

JENNIFER HODGES Jennifer Hodges is the

Maggie Rodriguez is a former

Supervisory Librarian in

TBPM Editorial Assistant,

network news anchor who

Community Engagement

Sarah Stoulil, has a degree

now lives in South Tampa with

for Tampa-Hillsborough

in Vocal Performance Musical

her husband and their two

County Public Library. She

Theatre, as well as minors

children. She is best known

lives in Land O' Lakes with

in Business and Entrepre-

Nicole Barolo is the print designer

as the host of the nationally-

her husband James, a web

neurship. When not keeping

for Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.

televised morning news

application developer, and

Tampa Bay Parenting orga-

She owns boutique design studio

program, The Early Show on

her three children. Jennifer

nized behind the scenes, you

Page Four Creative. Prior to

CBS, as well as a substitute

and her family love theatre/

may see her portraying many

starting her own design business,

anchor on The CBS Evening

Broadway, listening to

of your favorite princesses

she spent nearly 10 years helping

News with Katie Couric. Since

audiobooks and singing all

with Parties with Character or

local schools create and publish

relocating to Tampa Bay,

20,520 words to "Hamilton:

dancing around Tampa Bay.

yearbooks. She and her husband

Rodriguez has been busy

An American Musical."

share their home with an 8-year-

rekindling her love for writing,

old ninja-in-training, a 9-year-old

volunteering and enjoying

drummer and a Boston terrier

weekend adventures.

NICOLE BAROLO

Story idea?

Are you a local blogger or writer? If you have a content idea or a story to tell, email us. editor@tbparenting.com

named Porter.

DIANA BLINKHORN Diana Blinkhorn is a beach-loving, margarita-drinking, homeschooling mama sharing her imperfect life with hopes to inspire yours. On her page you will find real life, with tips on how to find joy in even the most simple moments. She talks a lot about their travels, their 115-year-old farmhouse, and their journey to be more positive parents. She loves Disney, our city of Tampa,

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chips and salsa, and any time she gets to be by the ocean.

TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

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SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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[ noteworthy ]

september Don't miss THE COOLEST NEW THINGS HAPPENING

By Laura Cross, Hillsborough County Schools

ROLAND PARK K-8 MAGNET TEACHER DONATES WEDDING GIFTS TO LOCAL STUDENTS: Most people register for place-

GET READY TO P-ARRRGGHHHH-TY AT THE INAUGURAL BUCS BEACH BASH AT TRADEWINDS RESORTS IN ST. PETE BEACH The beach and football: two ingredients

settings and blenders when they get

SWAPTEMBER IS BACK ZooTampa, the Florida Aquarium and MOSI are sharing in the FUN once again to give their members a chance to ‘swap’ memberships so they can experience what each attraction has

married—but Kelli and Matt Cameron

for a spectacular day out with the family!

to offer!

didn’t need a blender.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and TradeWinds Resorts are hosting

This is a great time to test out another

a party like no other on Saturday, Sept. 21 with headlining

attraction to see if you want to invest

at Roland Park K8 in Tampa, Kelli

performer Billy Ray Cyrus and platinum-selling group Parmalee.

in an annual pass/membership. Each

knew students in our county need

The all-day long event is FREE to attend and open to the general

offers different benefits for members,

books, pencils and binders. So, for her

public as part of the NFL 100 Fantennial celebration.

including special discounts on

However, as a first-grade teacher

The party kicks off at 11 a.m. with live music from local bands

wedding, she asked guests to bring

Street Team (including Madden gaming stations),

After the wedding, the couple was able

Cheerleaders, Captain Fear, pirates and former

to donate 70 full backpacks to some of our neediest students so those kids could start their school year off right!

purchases and experiences.

and DJs, trivia games, contests, the Jr. Bucs Kids Zone,

backpacks filled with school supplies.

MORE AT

players. m/

Buccanners.co BeachBash

As part of the new partnership, there are specials on two-night VIP stays that weekend at the TradeWinds with rates as low as $368 per package.

You’ll be seeing more of the TradeWinds on

game days at Raymond James Stadium too. Look out for RumFish Grill food locations at the stadium and more!

CASCADIAN FARM FOOD FOR GOOD TRUCK HEADING TO TAMPA BAY THIS MONTH! Cascadian Farm is hitting the road to bring their organic good food vibes to Tampa. Visit the truck for free samples of their new gluten-free cereal, fruitinfused granola bars, and much more! facebook.com/pg/CascadianFarm/events

RUN WILD AT ZOOTAMPA ZooTampa is teaming up with IRONKIDS on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 8-11 a.m. to host a wildly fun run through the zoo! There will be four races including a Diaper Dash and a Mile Fun Run for the older kids and teens.

This is a run designed for kids and families. As you and the kids make your way through the zoo, you’ll be greeted by animal ambassadors and more. Registration is now open for $30 with a $10 discount for members. It includes admission to the zoo, access to festival area, t-shirt and medal. To register, visit ZooTampa. org/IronKids

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TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

READY FOR A COOL NEW PUBLIX EXPERIENCE?

more fun do

Publix recently announced it will be bringing its new concept GreenWise Market to Channelside's

things to

Water District in 2021 (this is different from the original Greenwise concept). The new store will feature organic, local and specialty food items like

page 53

hand-crafted sandwiches, pizzas and kombuchas on tap.

GLAZER TURNS 9 Celebrate GCM’s ninth

NBA Experience at

STAR WARS GALAXY'S EDGE NOW OPEN AT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

birthday with free museum

Disney Springs

We to take a peek before the

admission, cake and plenty

We got to get a peek on

opening of the 14-acre park

of birthday surprises all

opening day of the new

that will immerse you into

weekend! New this year is

entertainment complex

planet Batuu. Immersion is a

a sensory-friendly bash for

that takes the place of

keyword with Disney and you’ll

families with special needs

Disney Quest. There

definitely feel like you’ve been

on Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to

are two floors featuring

transported to a galaxy far, far

1 p.m.

13 basketball-themed

away from Orlando. This is a

*The museum is also running a special on birthday parties!

activities, so lace up

must for all Star Wars fans! Pack

If you book a birthday party for 2020 at Glazer Children's

those athletic shoes!

your patience: Fans have been

NBA EXPERIENCE AT DISNEY SPRINGS

Sept. 28 & 29

Museum before Dec. 31, 2019, you’ll save 15%! Learn more:

waiting decades for this park to

GlazerMuseum.org/birthdays

come to fruition!

HOSPITAL EXHIBIT REOPENS SEPT. 16 You might have noticed that Glazer Children’s Museum’s hospital exhibit is getting a total makeover! Now at the St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Featuring the UnMonsters™, you can try on the white coats or scrubs of different hospital roles and treat your the CT scanner and new body sounds machine, playing

TAMPA YARD GREETINGS HELPS FIGHT CANCER WITH YARD SIGN FUNDRAISER

a medical matching game and more! Kiddos can even

Just in time for the Halloween season, the South Tampa

create a digital card to send to patients at St. Joseph's

based company has created the “Booed Ghost,” a friendly

Children's Hospital.

and durable ghost sign you can place in your yard, or

un-scary UnMonsters™ by driving an ambulance, using

use to Boo a neighbor, while showing your support for

NEW PLAY AREA OPENS AT ZOOTAMPA'S WALLAROO STATION

cancer research. The signs have a white space so you can write a personal message. They are available for $12 at www.etsy.com/shop/thankfultimessigns, and $2

The zoo is celebrating its newest furry addition with the

from the purchase of each sign will benefit the National

opening of a new playground structure, Koala Klubhouse,

Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Tampa Yard Signs owner,

later this month. Koala mama Ceduna and dad Heathcliff

Ann Bloomquist, says she was inspired to create the sign

welcomed their new joey, Sydney. Having spent months

by her brother who was diagnosed with leukemia at the

inside mama’s pouch, Sydney has emerged into new

age of 4. “By the grace of God, he fought it and beat it.

surroundings. You might spot the little joey if you and the

Unfortunately, there isn’t always a successful outcome for

kids decide to book a Koala Photo Encounter! Learn more at

all children. So, my husband and I want to do our part to

ZooTampa.org/Encounters.

help find a cure.”

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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GUEST EDITOR

H IL D N AT IO N A L C FE TY SA ER G PA SS EN EE K W S ES N RE AWA 1 is Sept. 16 -2

Safe Safer Safest

CHOOSING SCIENCE OVER PREFERENCE WHEN IT COMES TO CAR SEAT SAFETY

By Michelle Pratt, Safe in the Seat

act: There is no formula when it comes to parenting (as much as we wish there was one).

Also a fact: Being a parent makes you kind of a scientist. (Lofty life goal: check.)

You try new things every day, experimenting with different foods, toys, books and TV shows. But here’s the thing about car seat science—your preference doesn’t have a place in the car seat safety world. There is a massive difference between parental preference and proven science. There is one right way, and there are many very wrong ways.

For instance, 95% of parents think their child is properly restrained in the car. Fact: Less than 10% of those parents are actually correct.

I’ll say it again—car seat safety is science.

Props to science for giving us one parenting formula. But while a formula exists, the variables are constantly changing. To truly be safe in the seat, you need a detailed review of your child, their specific car seat, your particular vehicle and the prowess of the installer and harnesser. What could go wrong?

Well, lots.

F

Car seat safety is a formula. The child plus the vehicle plus the car seat plus the caregiver are all ever-changing variables in the Safe in the Seat equation.

WHY DO I NEED A CAR SEAT IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Driving is the deadliest thing we do with our kids. As the number of cars (and people) goes up, the number of accidents goes up, too. In 2016, there were nearly 35,000 police-reported fatal accidents across the United States. Plus, studies show that your personal odds of getting into a fatal accident are 1.3 per year. That’s a huge deal. Think you can hold the child in your lap? If the crash force alone can send an adult through a windshield, your littles are in even worse danger. Let’s check in with Newton’s first law of motion on this one: An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Basically, if we don’t want kiddos flying out of the car, we need to properly harness them in a safety mechanism that will act as an unbalanced force. Your arms around them in your lap are a balanced force: Though you are holding onto them, you’re going out that window, too. A properly installed car seat is unmoving, evenly spreads the crash force over a child’s entire body (all force in one place = high impact; all force in many places = low impact), and will act as the strongest friction against the physics that wants to throw everyone from their seats. (P.S. This applies to any form of transportation, even planes.)

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TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

FIND A LOCAL CERTIFIED CAR SEAT SAFETY TECHNICIAN at Cert.safekids.org. Select "find a tech" then search by county or zip code for the best results

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1

3

1 Forward facing car seats should be tethered. 2 Eventually you will have to seatbelt install your seat due to lower anchor weight limits; make sure it is through the right belt path. 3 To save a life, a car seat has to be installed tightly and the child has to be harnessed properly.

AS A NATIONALLY CERTIFIED CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY TECHNICIAN, HERE ARE A FEW COMMON, MAJOR ISSUES I SEE ALMOST DAILY:

“GRADUATING” CHILDREN INTO THE NEXT CAR SEAT STAGE TOO EARLY

X

She is not ready to sit in the front seat.

MOVING KIDS TO THE FRONT SEAT TOO SOON

“But their friends are doing it!” "It’s a quick trip to the grocery store." "We live right around the block." "It’s just this once." But it’s not worth it. Air bags are now designed to make travel even safer—for adults, not children. (Plus, if you’ve ever experienced an air bag, it is literally like getting thrown into a brick wall.) The back seat is always the safest place for our under-12 littles to ride. So, check off your kid’s 13th birthday present—congratulations! You now get to sit in the front seat because your bones and muscles have developed enough to handle getting slammed into that brick wall.

“My child’s legs are hitting the seat! Finally, I get to switch to forward-facing!” You stop it right there. Children are meant to stay rear-facing for as long as possible, at least until they reach the height and weight limit of their seat (which can often get the average child to age 4 before they outgrow their rearfacing convertible seat). Plus, most crashes are frontal impact, and that’s exactly what a rear-facing seat is made to best handle.

For any naysayers left out there, no—your child’s legs are not at risk of breaking in this position. In an accident, bodies are propelled toward the front of the car. The legs go with them.

This goes for all future stages, too. Think your harnessed kids are ready for a booster?

Can your 5-year-old sit like a soldier for more than five minutes in any situation? (If so, send your parent manual ASAP.) From experience, most kiddos are objects in constant motion.

A five-point harness is a restraint.

A booster seat uses a seat belt (not a restraint). The real question you should be asking yourself is, "Do they need to be restrained?" And don’t even get me started on children sitting without booster seats. Graduations are exciting—but remember why it’s called an adult seat belt.

It’s designed to stop crash forces for an adult body. Get acquainted with the five steps below before making the big move.

*Most kids will need a booster seat until 10-12 years old and approximately 4'9"

INSTALLING CAR SEATS AND HARNESSING CHILDREN IMPROPERLY

There are only 100 ways this could go wrong. We can’t get into all 100 here (check out Safe in the Seat’s #MondayMisuse series on Instagram and Facebook), but here’s a bit of the science behind the rules.

Even the tiniest car seat safety regulations are put in place to protect our littles from major impact, serious injury and that scary D word: Death. From seatbelt manufacturers to vessel engineers (planes, trains, automobiles) to major vehicle safety organizations, the latest in car seat technology is constantly being tested to ensure our littles’ utmost safety in every vehicle.

Some common examples of misuse that have deadly consequences: Whether to tether, improper belt path designation and not installing your car seat tightly enough.

Wondering what that long, seat-belt-esque strap that extends backward from the top of your convertible car seat is for? That’s a tether and it is used in forward facing car seats. It’s intended to attach to designated anchor position typically found behind the vehicle’s seat. There are often lower anchors beneath our littles’ seats; shouldn’t those secure my children well enough? Well, not enough, and not using a tether can cause life-threatening effects.

Our convertible seats often have two separate belt paths—one for rear-facing and another for forwardfacing. This isn’t a pick-and-choose; the correct belt path to use is most often the one closest to the vehicle seat.

Many car seats are not installed tightly enough or the child is not restrained as safely as they could be. In fact, 69% of babies have a loose harness.

Remember, the seat must be installed tightly so it stays in place, and a child must be harnessed properly so they stay in place, no matter the occasion. The less the seat can move, and the less our kiddos can noodle around in their seats, the safer they are.

Most importantly, always double check your manufacturer manuals for details specific to your vehicle and car seat. Having rules at all means they can change, and regulations tend to shift a bit between manufacturers.

BUCKLE DOWN AND BUCKLE UP

A car seat is likely the one item on your baby registry that could actually save your child’s life. Science tells us that we need a properly installed car seat and correctly harnessed child for every single ride—two minutes or two hours—no question. And, after every Safe in the Seat family having at least one major misuse, it’s worth getting with an expert to make sure your littles are as safe as they can possibly be. As for the “big kids,” we’ve got to buckle up, too. The number one way we teach our kids that buckling up is important is by doing it ourselves.

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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moms

to KNOW

By Julie Tingley, KNOW Tampa and KNOW St. Pete/Clearwater

With the launch of KNOW St Pete | Clearwater in Pinellas County last month, nearly 90 new women joined the KNOW Tribe to share their stories, build authentic connections and grow female empowerment across the Bay. As this new book was introduced, excitement filled the community as once again, the strongest leaders, most inspiring creators and exceptional entrepreneurs came together to be honored and to celebrate one another. When I think of the work each one of these KNOW women does, I am in awe. They are truly masters of their trade and experts in their field. They are visionaries who see the big picture when others cannot find a way. They pursue their passions, stay true to their purpose and care for their communities so that others may do the same. When I think of those servant leaders within KNOW St. Pete | Clearwater and KNOW Tampa, I think of Molly duPont Schaffer and Hope Chanel Donnelly.

Molly duPont Schaffer FREE LITTLE PANTRY Belleair resident Molly duPont Schaffer joined the staff of Church of the Ascension nearly 10 years ago as the social media minister. While her primary responsibilities include delivering key church information via social media, another ministry on campus was calling her name.

Schaffer began to notice many of the area’s homeless and food-insecure individuals congregating by the benches near the back parking lot and got to know the regulars.

Having come across the concept of The Little Free Pantry (littlefreepantry.org) somewhere along the way, Schaffer thought it was just what the community needed.

She and 31 volunteers keep the pantry filled daily. Ready-to-eat food and drinks are the most popular. Volunteers are invited to think creatively, and the pantry is often decorated for a holiday or a particular theme just to bring cheer to those who are hungry.

Image by Ashlee Hamon Photography

meet two Tampa mamas who care for their community in unique ways

Hope Chanel Donnelly 8-COUNT PRODUCTIONS RIALTO THEATRE Florida native Hope Chanel Donnelly founded 8-Count Productions in 2011 as an umbrella brand to create and consult at the end of a decade working in professional sports entertainment, all while teaching art and coaching college dance. Donnelly and her husband purchased and re-envisioned the Rialto Theatre in 2013 as a mixed-purpose arts and events space.

The Rialto now hosts wedding celebrations that have been featured on Southern Living, Pop Sugar and Carats and Cake, as well as photo and video productions, dance showcases and cyphers, gallery receptions, community gatherings and corporate events. Donnelly also curates multiple gallery spaces featuring local artists.

She volunteers for community and arts planning committees, coordinates public art installations, and consults for historic projects and creatives.

She believes in risk-taking, historic preservation, making events and spaces green, and community over competition.

Image by Christina Jones Photo

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TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

istock.com/VPanteon

LEARN MORE about the KNOW books at theknowtribe.com

THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO VISIT MOSI!

DINOVATIONS LAB

MOSI ROPES

COURSE

VIRTUAL TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING REALITY SLIPPERY

SIMULATOR

SCIENCE

RECYCLOSAURUS

CAMPS YOUNG ENGINEERS SKYTRAIL CONNECTUS

SCIENCE PARK

ONE SMALL STEP

SCIENCE

MISSION: MOONBASE

MYSTERIES

ART FACTORY

IDEA

MIND

ZONE

THE SAUNDERS PLANETARIUM

4 8 0 1 E A S T F O W L E R AV E • TA M P A • 8 1 3 - 9 8 7 - 6 0 0 0 • M O S I . O R G MOSI is a leader in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives by making science real.

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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the perfect party

secrets to a great birthday bash for your kiddos

By Caroline Turner, Glazer Children's Museum

he Glazer Children’s Museum is turning nine, and we are busy blowing up balloons, filling up on cake samples and decorating until we drop!

In addition to the museum’s Birthday Bash (you’re all invited), I also have the pleasure of planning kids’ birthday parties at the Museum. I have always adored throwing a good party; my stuffed animal tea parties when I was little were the talk of the cul-desac. My goal at the end of a successful party is that everyone felt welcomed, comfortable and had a fantastic time. You could say I’m a birthday party master, and I am here to tell you the Glazer Secret to a perfect party for your little one.

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MAKE IT COLLABORATIVE

Allow your kiddo to lend a helping hand. Letting your child feel a sense of responsibility for the party teaches a great lesson and enhances the fun. They can put together goody bags, decide the arrangement of the cake table or greet guests as they enter. The sense of accomplishment will add something extra to their special day!

MAKE IT EDUCATIONAL

At the museum, we believe in playing with purpose. Play-based learning encourages a child to gain essential skills that help them interact with the world around them. When party planning, try including activities that spark curiosity by exploring the unknown and showing that outcomes are a result of choices. One of my favorite museum birthday activities is Marshmallow Builders. Children attempt to create a standing structure from just marshmallows and pretzel sticks. It’s tricky—and a tad sticky—but the determination on those little faces is an undeniable sign that they are learning while having fun.

HAVE FUN!

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Now that you know our secret recipe for the perfect party, here are some themes we love. Try them at home or celebrate your child’s next birthday with us at Glazer Children’s Museum.

ART AND SCIENCE Make your kids next birthday party STEAMfocused! Who says science, technology, engineering, arts and math are reserved for the classroom?

Wow your guests with captivating activities like doodling with metal shavings and magnetic fields or building your own lava lamp.

SORCERER SCHOOL Make your child’s next birthday magical!

Ignite their curiosity with wand making, tales of fantastic beasts and a game of broomstick flying.

SUPER SAFARI It’s time to get wild. Step into an adventurous world of elephants, tigers and lions, oh my! Watch as your child practices their adventurer skills in a Serengeti inspired party.

Photo from Glazer Museum, istock.com/undefined

It might seem obvious that a certain quota of fun must be met at a birthday party, but often, as the parent and host, your responsibilities hold you back from the birthday shenanigans.

Sit back, take a deep breath and remember that the fun isn’t just reserved for the little ones.

birthday party photo hopefully

Book a Birthday Party!

’S E L

CH

CE OI

PEO P

Ignite imaginations with a birthday party at GCM! Choose from a variety of kid-approved packages to give your child a birthday to remember.

GlazerMuseum.org/birthdays

Book for 2020 and Save!

Receive 15% off when you book a birthday party for 2020! Must book before December 31, 2019.

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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COVER STORY

FAMILY AND FOOTBALL LESSONS FROM THE FIELD TO THE HOME

Darlene Barlows Photography

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEER MIKE EVANS, WIFE ASHLI, AND DAUGHTER ARIAH (WHO TURNS 3 IN NOVEMBER), PLAY ON THEIR HOME TURF. Evans' older daughter, Mackenzie, (not pictured) lives in Texas with her mom.

By Laura Byrne with Photos by Darlene Barlows Photography

f it’s Sunday afternoon and you hear that cannon booming from Raymond James Stadium, you know it’s September in Tampa Bay and the start of football season!

They may spend long hot hours knocking each other down on the field, but many of the Bucs are softies at heart. As some of the city’s most recognizable representatives, some of them go out of their way to give back.

Wide receiver Mike Evans has spoken publicly of the

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hardships he suffered in his childhood in Galveston, Texas. So when he and his wife, Ashli, launched the Mike Evans Family Foundation in December of 2017, it was with a view to help kids who are going through what he once did. The foundation will develop a college scholarship program for graduating high school students from lowincome families and support women and families battling domestic violence.

We met with Evans and his gorgeous family to talk about football, fatherhood and philanthropy.

TBPM: As we were waiting, we couldn't help but notice the bond between you, your teammates and your families. The Bucs babies sure do adore each other!

MIKE EVANS: The Bucs are our second family.

We are with them at least half of year. The guys are really close to each other on the team. We all know each other’s kids. It’s cool to see everybody at practice. Our daughter is getting to know Jameis Winston’s son and Ryan Jensen’s son.

I’ve been here six years and I’ve seen some of my teammates’ kids grow. It’s pretty cool to see.

TBPM: Has being a father brought you closer to some of your teammates?

MIKE EVANS: It gives us something to talk about. We all discuss our parenthood problems and issues we go through. It’s not major problems; it’s about little hiccups like changing diapers and stuff like that. (laughs) It’s pretty cool to have somebody else in your shoes.

TBPM: You and your wife Ashli are from Texas, but you have a lot of love for your second home, Tampa Bay. What are some of your favorite things to do as a family here?

MIKE EVANS: We love to go to the movies at CineBistro. We like to go for walks on Bayshore, [visit] Busch Gardens and the water park with my other daughter, go ice skating downtown in the winter, and eat good food. We love watching TV. That’s one of our favorite things…just watching TV.

IT’S A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SATISFACTION THAT YOU GET WHEN YOU’RE HELPING SOMEBODY OUT, MORE THAN SCORING TOUCHDOWNS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.

TBPM: Has parenthood changed the way you play the game?

MIKE EVANS: I’ve always been a hard worker. I play as hard as I can, but when I had my first child in college, it was a little extra motivation. Everything I do, she’s watching and now they’re both watching. I’m trying to feed them so they can grow up and have access to the things I didn’t have access to.

They have college funds already set up. That’s one of the things I’m most proud about.

It’s just extra motivation. Keep working just for them and show them that if you work hard enough, your dreams are reachable.

TBPM: What are some life lessons you’ve learned on the field that you bring back home?

MIKE EVANS: Being a football player, there are some similarities in parenthood. You have to have patience and discipline. You have to have patience on the football field, or you won’t be a good player and you have to have patience in the household, or you won’t be a good father.

TBPM: We can’t help but notice all of the kids who wear your jersey to training camp and the games. What is that like for you?

MIKE EVANS: It’s awesome. I grew up loving sports.

I always wanted to wear my favorite athlete’s jersey and now that I’m in that position. Kids look up to me, and grownups are a fan of me.

It means the world to me.

TBPM: You and Ashli have a strong passion to give back to the community. Why is a commitment to give back through the Mike Evans Family Foundation so important to you both?

MIKE EVANS: We’re blessed to be in this position. Somebody who has the platform that we have, we should be giving back. It’s something that’s in our hearts.

I guess it was instilled in us when we were young. We had really great mothers who showed us the way and we’re just trying to show that on a bigger scale and show that anything is possible if you work hard.

It’s a different type of satisfaction that you get when you’re helping somebody out, more than scoring touchdowns or anything like that.

TBPM: The holidays are a special time too! Tell us more about your annual Christmas gift event for kids in Tampa Bay. MIKE EVANS: That’s one of our favorite events.

ASHLI EVANS: I think that means more to us than it does to them.

MIKE EVANS: It’s a cool moment for them and that’s why we do it. We pick 13 kids in the Tampa community who are making good grades that come from low income families and we buy them everything they want for Christmas. It’s been two Christmases. This will be our third year doing it and just seeing their faces…that’s the best part.

ASHLI EVANS: Just seeing their faces light up… (smiles) I think we get more out of it than them.

TBPM: Charity is a family affair —why is it important to involve your daughters Ariah and Mackenzie in your charity work as they get older?

ASHLI EVANS: We want to get them more involved so they can understand how blessed they are and to be around other kids less fortunate and give back to them. I want them to know and experience that.

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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Cheer on the home teams!

Kick off the fall season by taking your littles to a home game. You have two Tampa Bay Bucs football games at Raymond James Stadium this month, and the first one even includes a free Tim McGraw concert (with game ticket)! If hockey is more your family’s scene, head over to Amalie Arena to be the thunder during one of three preseason Tampa Bay Lightning games.

WANNA TAKE THE KIDS TO A TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS GAME? HERE'S HOW

GO TO A TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING GAME

THE DETAILS • •

•

All attendees must have a ticket due to NFL policy.

Go early! Bucs Beach located on the side of the stadium along Tampa Bay Boulevard is a fun spot for the whole family to hang out and opens 3 1/2 hours before the game. Mom and dad can grab a drink from the tiki bar and the kids can try the quarterback football throwing challenge.

Check out the Jr. Bucs Kids Zone where the kids can try inflatable football activities and interactive PLAY 60 football clinics. Captain Fear and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders might visit the kids here too.

SEPTEMBER HOME GAMES

Sunday, Sept. 8 at 4:25 p.m. vs. San Francisco 49ers: The season opener includes a FREE pregame Tim McGraw concert as well as an encore halftime performance. Take advantage of the family 4-pack deal and purchase two adult and two kid tickets for $100 so you can all come and help raise the flags against the 49ers.

Sunday, Sept. 22 at 4:05 p.m. vs. the New York Giants

JOIN THE CLUB

Jr. Bucs Fan Club A one-time registration fee of $24.99 will get your under-14 a Jr. Bucs Fan Club welcome kit with priority invites to future Jr. Bucs events, an official membership card, Bucs hat and Jr. Bucs notebook, football and lanyard. Join at buccaneers.com/fans/jr-bucs.

THE DETAILS •

• • •

Children 2 and under do not need a ticket (as long as they do not need their own seat).

The Kids Club table is typically located at section 128 during games.

Get your camera ready! ThunderBug is at every game.

Weekend games tend to have more kids activities taking place outside on Ford Thunder Alley.

PRESEASON GAMES

Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. vs Carolina Hurricanes Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. vs. Nashville Predators Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. vs. Florida Panthers

THUNDERBUG’S KIDS CLUB PRESENTED

BY CHEERIOS

Kids 12 and younger can join the Rookie Level for free and receive a welcome letter from ThunderBug, a monthly newsletter, discounts to select games, ID card and wristband. Paid packages that range from $30 to $250 offer additional perks, such as special offers, discounts, free tickets to ThunderBug’s Birthday Bash, autographed memorabilia and even official jerseys. Visit TampaBayLightning.com/ KidsClub to check out the levels and join.

SEE A TAMPA BAY RAYS GAME

THE GAMES

Catch one of several Tampa Bay Rays games at Tropicana Field. If you time it right, you may be able to take advantage of $2 kids tickets (with full-price adult ticket purchase) or giveaways such as Rays pillowcases, pajamas and $7.11 tickets!

*THE RAYS ROOKIES KIDS CLUB IS SOLD OUT FOR 2019, but check back in

November at mlb.com/rays/fans/rays-rookies/ kids-club for information on how to join the 2020 club.

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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trendsetters

The Night Sky creates beautiful custom star maps for a special date like a birth date. thenightsky.com

TOKI PLAY MAT

Luxioursly soft sheets made from 100% organic bamboo that even come in regular sizes for your bed! ettitude.com

ETTITUDE CRIB SHEET

NIGHT SKY PRINT

The Toki Play Mat is perfect for tummy time, play time and baby yoga. Added bonus: the mats easily fold to store away when not in use. tokimats.com

Anything

for you,

BABY AND TODDLER MUST-HAVES JOJO BABIES LOUNGER

baby BABY BOXY

A thoughtfully curated gift box including luxury brands and adorable themes. babyboxy.com

The JoJo Babies Lounger developed by mompreneur Nicole cuddles your baby from infancy to toddlerhood. Nicole even offers mompreneur coaching! nicoleandco.co

ITZY RITZY BABY TEETHER

mama's gotta have FRANKIE CAMERON BAG Frankie Cameron Diaper Bags feature removable, washable liners and can convert from backpack to handbag! frankiecameron.com

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ITZY RITZY BOSS BACK PACK itzyritzy.com

Itzy Ritzy Latte Teether is a notso-basic teether any mom can appreciate! itzyritzy.com

healthy kiddos CUTIE PEA BAMBOO DIAPERS AND WIPES cutiepea.com

THE LITTLE BAE RETRACTACLIP

iHEALTH

This is the world’s first retractable clip for pacis! littlebaebae.com

Quickly and easily keep track of your child’s temperature without waking them up. iHealthlabs. com

ride out

DELTA CLUTCH CHILDREN'S STROLLER deltachildren.com

ROCKIT STROLLER ACCESSORY

The Rockit gently rocks any stroller.

RockitRocker-USA.com

DAPPLE

We’ve loved Dapple baby dish soap for years. Now the company is introducing a line of plant-based, chemicalfree personal care products for baby. dapplebaby.com

safety first

JEEP JOGGING STROLLER

OWLET FABRIC SMART SOCK

This lounger features breathable mesh technology and is machine washable. mycubbycove.com

CUBBYCOVE LOUNGER

deltachildren.com

The Owlet Smart Sock monitors baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels.

This does not replace safe sleep practices, but can offer a parent extra peace of mind. owletcare.com

MAXI-COSI LILA MODULAR STROLLER SYSTEM The Lila, which can convert from a single to a double stroller, offers multiple position options. We love the large removable storage basket underneath! maxi-cosi.com

TODDLER MONITOR

NIGHT BUDDIES

These loveable plush toys glow to help ease nighttime fears.

Cortextoys.com

KEA BABIES BACK PACK

Durable, functional, waterproof —perfect for mom and dad. keababies.com

This door sensor will notify you if your little one attempts to sneak out of their room and will send an alert right to your smartphone. toddlermonitor.com

MAXI-COSI’S MAGELLAN 5-IN-1 CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT maxi-cosi.com

LEAK RESISTANT NURSING BRA

BY NOONIS FREEMIE BREAST PUMP

The hands-free and discreet option for busy, moms on the go. The cups work with any breast pump. Each cup can hold up to 8 ounces of milk. freemie.com

This super soft nursing bra is leakproof and worry proof. shopnoonis.com

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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SPONSORED

stay after school?

IT'S GOOD FOR THEM!

WHETHER PARENTS CHOOSE A SPORT OR A LESSON, A PLAY OR PLAYTIME FOR THEIR CHILDREN AFTER SCHOOL, THEY’RE DOING MORE THAN SIMPLY FILLING THE AFTERNOON HOURS.

Corbett students in their afterschool Lego club build and create projects.

By Courtney Cairns Pastor, Corbett Prep

hen the school day ends, Corbett Prep is anything but quiet.

Hundreds of students stay on campus after the buses leave, heading to classrooms, the library, the gymnasiums and the fields. They sit down at pianos, warm up for school sports, grab paddles for canoeing, slip on tap shoes, complete homework, program Lego robots, weed the garden and rehearse for plays.

Enrichment classes, recreational activities, arts programs and sports provide fun and engaging opportunities for students in the hours after school. Working parents rely on these options for child care, but the benefits of after-school programs are so widespread that many families choose to have their children stay at school past dismissal.

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A quality after-school program can raise students’ academic performance, strengthen social skills, establish healthy habits, improve school day attendance and broaden horizons.

The Harvard Family Research Project analyzed a decade of research on the positive benefits of after-school programs and found that participating students showed significant gains in math test scores. Overall academic achievement may also increase because students have the chance “to learn and practice new skills through hands-on, experiential learning,” according to the report.

Although after-school commitments may seem to eat into homework time, the opposite is true for the majority of kids. Sixty-eight percent of students in such programs actually improve their homework completion, according to the nonprofit Afterschool Alliance.

Students enrolled at Corbett Prep, a

TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

private PreK3-8th grade school, can fill their afternoons with a wide variety of after-school classes, community programs or the extended day plan. Students in the Tampa Bay area, as well as Corbett Prep students, benefit from Corbett Prep’s community programs – the Community School of the Arts and the Community School for Sports.

The Community School of the Arts offers private, pair and group lessons in art, music, dance and theatre with performances and recitals throughout the school year.

Lessons and performances are held at Corbett Prep but are open to anyone. Exposure to the arts helps students develop creativity and self-discipline and increases their confidence as they take pride in their accomplishments and growth.

The Community School for Sports follows a similar model, establishing its home base at Corbett Prep while inviting student-athletes from any school to join. Students can focus on skill development for specific sports, attend clinics and play in scrimmages, tournaments or on competitive teams. When kids participate in any sort of athletic activity after school, they are forming and practicing healthy habits, combating childhood obesity and balancing out screen time.

Corbett Prep students have additional opportunities to join school teams, starting with track and cross country in fourth grade.

Younger students enroll in soccer, martial arts, yoga and more in the school’s After-School Activities program. This program also includes academic and extracurricular activities that change every few months. Depending on their age, students may sign up for coding, Spanish, chess, robotics, etiquette or fishing and canoeing, for example.

Students who stay late without signing up for additional activities take part in Corbett Prep’s extended day program, which balances homework time with free play on the fields, gym and in classrooms. Students build social-emotional skills when they invent games, make their own decisions and negotiate relationships with friends on the playground.

Whether parents choose a sport or a lesson, a play or playtime for their children after school, they’re doing more than simply filling the afternoon hours. They’re helping their kids discover more about themselves and build good habits. Positive experiences after school can lead to positive experiences during school as students boost academic achievement, gain confidence and build social-emotional intelligence.

PreK3-8th Grade PreK3-8th Grade

ADMISSIONS ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE Oct.OPEN 15 ~HOUSE 8:30 a.m.

Oct. 15 ~ 8:30 a.m.

RSVP - (813) 961-3087 www.corbettprep.com RSVP - (813) 961-3087 www.corbettprep.com

L E ARNING BEGINS AT BIRTH

TALK, READ AND SING TO BOOST YOUR BABY'S VOCABULARY

By Jennifer Hodges

he roots of language develop in a baby’s brain before they can talk. The more words your baby hears over time, the more words they will learn. Caregivers who read one picture book with their child every day provide exposure to an estimated 78,000 words each a year, and the more words caregivers use when speaking to infants, the greater the size of the child's vocabulary by age 3.

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All images provided by Hillsborough County Public Library

BABIES LEARN THROUGH PLAY, SO MAKE STORY TIME FUN! Choose books with little or no text and big, high-contrast pictures. Exposing newborns to books with contrasting black and white graphics strengthens eye development, increases concentration, stimulates brain cell connections and increases attention span. As your baby grows, consider books with interactive components for hands-on learning such as mirrors, flaps, peepholes or puppets. Touch-and-feel books allow babies to explore different textures and help them to connect with the world around them. For a list of book suggestions, visit http://bit.ly/HCPLCBooksforBabies.

FROM APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS TO ONE YEAR, CHILDREN START TO UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE WORDS READ TO THEM. Choose picture books that are short and simple with colorful illustrations.

Durable board books are a perfect format for this age group. Take time to point

BABIES RESPOND TO PITCH, NOT VOCABULARY, SO ANY READING EXPERIENCE CAN BECOME A LANGUAGEBUILDING OPPORTUNITY. From a baby’s point of view, there is no difference between hearing you read Shakespeare, Dr. Seuss or even the menu at your favorite restaurant. When parents and caregivers read out loud using different voices and expressions, it nurtures the child’s emotional and social development. Just keep reading. You are making a difference!

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and name the pictures for your baby. Babies love stories with pictures of other babies and familiar objects, such as animals.

Many children in this age group also delight in stories with repeating rhymes and phrases. For a list of book suggestions, visit bit.ly/ HCPLCPictureBooks.

RESEARCH SHOWS THAT TALKING, READING AND SINGING WITH YOUR CHILD EVERY DAY FROM BIRTH HELPS BUILD THEIR BRAINS AS WELL AS IMPORTANT LANGUAGE, MATH, READING AND SOCIAL SKILLS THAT THEY WILL USE IN SCHOOL. Reading helps build memory and listening skills, and gives babies information about the world around them. In addition, reading aloud introduces concepts such as numbers, letters, colors and shapes. Reading and talking to your baby helps develop word mastery and grammatical understanding, which form the basis for learning how to read. Read and sing with your baby anytime, anywhere with eBooks and streaming music HCPLC.org/books/.

READ TO YOUR BABIES EARLY AND OFTEN. The library can help. Get tips on reading with your child at an early literacy class or bond with your baby through stories, bouncy rhymes and songs during Baby Time. Visit HCPLC.org/events to find a class near you.

EXPERIENCE A SEA OF MAGIC

Members' Night Oct. 25, 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Sensory Guppyween Oct. 26, 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Guppyween Oct. 26 & 27

We request your presence at the Codwarts School of Fishcraft and Squidery in The Florida Aquarium. Young wizards will be sorted into their Codwarts House before embarking on a quest to further their Fishcraft knowledge. There will be dazzling treats and magical adventures. All exhibits will be open, including our 4-D Theater and our kids’ water play zone, The Splash Pad. SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com 27

on top of the world

SOUTH TAMPA TEAM WINS THE JUNIOR LEAGUE WORLD SERIES

By Maggie Rodriguez

he was scared but calm. Stressed but focused. Number 10 had just been pulled from the bench to sub in for an injured hitter. With the Junior League Softball World Series championship at stake (bottom of the last inning) and her team trailing, Emilee Mezrah took a deep breath and tried bunting. She missed. Strike one. Her next bunt went foul.

Strike two. Only one more chance to bring in the runner on third base to tie the game.

The 14-year-old had been preparing for this pressure-cooker moment for nine years, playing softball since the age of 5, with and against many of her all- star teammates. Over time, each girl developed the same winning work ethic.

“You have to put in the work to get where you want to go,” says infielder Teagan Riley.

She devotes herself to “practice, practice and then more practice.”

Left- fielder Madisen Waters says that good enough is never good enough. “You can’t say ‘I’m fine where I’m at.’ You have to keep Emilee Mezrah celebrates after working to get to the the win. next level.”

The South Tampa All-Stars were hand-picked from Interbay Little League and Tampa Bay Little League—a rockstar team to represent their city on an international stage. For two grueling months, they travelled across the country, playing other American and Canadian teams, as well as some from Asian countries.

“We just kept working hard the entire time,” says pitcher Lindsey Chadwick.

“You always have to be focused on winning. You can’t assume you’re going to blow out any team.”

The All-Stars suffered brutal losses that took them to the brink of elimination, but survived because of the strength of the team. Each girl stepped up in clutch situations, each one proving why she deserved a spot on this elite squad.

Everything they had worked for culminated in the final inning of the final game— down, but not out yet. “I had no doubt in our team,” Mezrah says. “I was never thinking we couldn’t come back.”

But could she deliver? With two strikes, she did the unexpected: bunted again.

The gamble paid off. The tying run came in; Mezrah reached first base. The next hitter crushed the ball. Emilee shot out like a bullet, and “the speedy Mezrah”— as the ESPN announcer dubbed her on national television— crossed home to score the game-winning run. She did it! They did it! The girls from South Tampa beat the Southwest All-Stars from Texas in a walk-off, 7-6.

“Everyone starts crying tears of joy,” remembers Chadwick. “We can’t believe we just did that because we worked so hard the whole entire year, and all the years before, to get to this point.”

Tampa Bay is now home to the champions of the world— the best junior league softball team on earth. It’s made up of 14 fierce fighters—including the girl on the bench who seized her opportunity to shine and helped lead her team to a victory they will never forget.

Photo by Sean Valley

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I HAD NO DOUBT IN OUR TEAM. I WAS NEVER THINKING WE COULDN’T COME BACK. EMILEE MEZRAH

FREE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS AND NAVIGATION OF RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Visit; www.asqonline.com/family/02cfdc or call 813-466-4462 SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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Award-Winning Hillsborough County Public Schools

2019 International Science & Engineering Fair

Worldwide Top 3 Finisher Rajat Doshi

At Hillsborough Schools, STEM stands for more than Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

It’s more than 50 unique programs with hands-on learning in Aerospace, Architecture, Biotechnology, Computer Simulation, Environmental Science, Health, Robotics, Video Game Design and more.

Go to hillsboroughschools.org/STEMschools to see all our offerings, with award-winning programs right in your neighborhood.

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hillsboroughschools.org

Florida's

top teacher TAMPA'S KING HIGH SCHOOL IS HOME TO THE 2020 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR DR. DAKEYAN C. GRAHAM

By Laura Byrne

very student has the one: That one teacher who made such an impact on their life that it resulted in a life pivot that put them on the path of success. For Dr. Dakeyan C. Graham, his ‘the one’ was his band director at King High School in Tampa.

Even though he had a life-long passion for music, the younger Dr. Graham had his mind set on a medical degree.

After all, it was a promise he made to his family. But medicine would not be a part of his final score. What he didn’t realize as a high school student was that his life’s journey was already being orchestrated as he played the saxophone in his high school band classroom—he just had to find it in his heart to follow the music back to that very spot.

We recently sat down with him to find out more about the journey that led him back to King High School and what life has been like since being named the 2020 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year.

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TBPM: What inspired you to become a teacher?

DR. GRAHAM: It was definitely the role of my high school band director Cheri Sleeper who also taught at King High School, who also was a student at King High School. She learned under her father who was the band director here for 20 years. After a two-year hiatus, she took over for 13 years, and I took over immediately after her.

TBPM: There was a point in your life when you had other educational goals, right?

DR. GRAHAM: When I went into college (at the University of Florida), I actually wanted to be an anesthesiologist. My junior year, I was one class away from finishing my microbiology requirements, and I decided music and teaching was where I needed to be.

I always promised my grandparents and parents that I’d be a doctor, so it kind of shifted the lens that I could still be a doctor, just not a

medical doctor. That’s where that plan started to formulate.

Ten years later, I have four degrees and I’m just looking for more opportunities to learn.

(Dr. Graham has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education from the University of Florida; a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University; and a doctorate in Music Education from the University of Florida.

TBPM: It sounds like there’s valuable lesson in this life pivot.

DR. GRAHAM: One of the key things I try to instill in my students is the significance of flexibility, not only in their role and how it fits in our program, but also in life--learning to roll with the punches and move through things.

Things may not be going in the direction you want them to be continued on next page

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Dr. Graham rehearses with King High School band students before the school year begins.

TBPM: What was that moment like when you were named Florida Teacher of the Year?

DR. GRAHAM: Surreal. It was absolutely one of the most incredible moments of my life. What I do is not for me. I’m here for my kids. The fact that someone else is acknowledging that sacrifice that my wife and my daughter are making day in and day out so I can pour into my students here . . . I look at it as something for them … so they can say, daddy is doing something great that’s worthwhile.

but that doesn’t mean you can’t steer things back toward your goal.

It’s okay to make mistakes. We’re only human. There are going to be times when we don’t get the result we want, or we don’t have the outcome as it relates to the effort we’re putting in. But stay true to the course and keep pushing forward with whatever life’s got in front of you.

There is no greater profession.

You want to understand your impact on the world and leave a legacy, then education is the place to be

TBPM: What’s your advice for students?

DR. GRAHAM: The biggest thing for students is, you get out of it what you put into it. If you go into the school year with a positive mentality and you want things to be better and you want to get as much as you can out of this school year, then you put everything, all of your positivity and all of your energy into it, and that’s what you’re going to get out of it.

TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

TBPM: As your daughter starts kindergarten this year, what is your hope for her?

DR. GRAHAM: I just want her to take advantage of all of the opportunities she has to learn. I really want her to jump into it and make the most of her educational experience.

Every student has the capacity and the potential to learn. It’s our job as educators to provide the support to allow them to achieve at that high level.

We have high expectations for all of our students that come in of not allowing their background and the areas they come from to work as a crutch, but using that as a strength. We emphasize those things that are positive in their situation and get them to change their perspective so they understand the value of not only their education, but of having great self-efficacy and self-worth. So they know they are worth it and that the sky is the limit regardless of what they’ve gone through.

DR DAKEYAM GRAHAM

TBPM: What would you say to aspiring teachers about the importance of becoming a teacher?

DR. GRAHAM: No other profession exists without the teaching profession. What we do is vital to the very fabric of our society.

A lot of times teaching gets a bad rep, but it’s all about what we’re doing for our kids and to move our community forward. So the advice I would give to incoming teachers is to remember your why.

Why are we here. My why: the students who come back who have impacted me or have caused me to stretch and grow and become a better educator or shift my perspective. They’re the reason I continue to come back.

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TBPM: What’s next for this year as you serve your role as Florida’s Teacher of the Year?

DR. GRAHAM: I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to see a lot of places I’ve never seen before, to learn a lot of the inner workings of how things are decided, and understanding the legislature a little bit differently. And getting a chance to hopefully inspire other teachers in the same way I’ve had an impact on my students.

Family photo by Dafne Spencer, Daspen Photography

TBPM: What is your most proud moment as a teacher here at King High School?

DR. GRAHAM: When my ensembles performed at Carnegie Hall. There are really no words for being on that prestigious stage.

We were the first ensemble to perform so I got an opportunity to go out and take everything in before everybody else came in. Just being in that hall and knowing the performers that have performed there, knowing that this group of kids from a Title 1 school in inner-city Tampa had an opportunity to perform on a world-renowned stage, that was definitely unique as a director. It was an incredibly proud moment getting to hear the passion these students are playing with and performing with and their take on performing there.

Dr Graham with his wife Casey Marie Graham and daughter Aaliyah Michele Graham

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TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

SPONSORED lu season is just around the corner, which means the team at AdventHealth Centra Care has already been preparing for months to protect your family. Influenza is the most frequent cause of death from a vaccinepreventable disease in the United States, with an average of 24,000 deaths a year. In addition to fatalities, seasonal influenza is also responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year. Rates of infection from seasonal influenza are highest among children, but the risks for complications, hospitalizations and deaths are higher among adults ages 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years, and people of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for

By Dr. Timothy Hendrix complications from influenza.

There are many different flu viruses and they tend to change each year. The composition of the flu vaccines is reviewed annually by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and updated as needed to match circulating flu viruses.

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• A/Brisbane (H1N1) pdm09-like virus • Many people consider "the flu" to be any illness with fever and cold • A/Kansas (H3N2)-like virus symptoms or gastrointestinal symptoms. If they get any viral illness, they may • B/Colorado (Victoria lineage) virus blame it on flu vaccine or think they got "the flu" from the shot. Influenza vaccine only • B/Phuket (Yamagata lineage) virus protects against certain influenza viruses, not all viruses.

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brain surgery

CROSSES A NEW FRONTIER

fton Moore was in class finishing up her last semester of nursing school when she got a phone call no parent ever wants. Her 15-year-old daughter, Arion, had had a seizure at a track meet.

Arion had shown no signs of illness before. The healthy, active athlete ran track, swam and played soccer. Within days, however, Moore, her husband and Arion herself were sitting in the office of Dr. Abilash Haridas, chief of pediatric neurosurgery at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

Floating in front of them was the “enemy,” an abnormal cluster of blood vessels called an AVM, or an arteriovenous malformation.

By using a technology called Surgical Theater Precision Virtual Reality®, Dr. Haridas was able to put a pair of virtual reality goggles on Arion and guide her through a “fly through” of a 360-degree model of her brain to explain her complex condition. She could see the AVM, a dangerous cluster of blood vessels tangled in a knot. Dr. Haridas explained that he’d have to cut some, and that because of their location, there was a risk of damaging part of Arion’s brain that controlled her movement, which could leave her partially paralyzed.

Immediately, the family understood the challenge, as well as the necessity for surgery and the complications involved. It is this

A

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educational aspect that appeals to Dr. Haridas.

“Their understanding of what they are up against is very clear at the very beginning,” Dr. Haridas explains. “The communication barrier is broken down—there’s less medical jargon and more meaningful conversation. It helps patients and families assimilate information at a time of extreme stress.”

St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital is the first children’s hospital in Florida and the only pediatric facility in the Southeast to use the technology in its pediatric neuro and cardiac surgery programs.

Using F-16 flight simulator technology, the program finely slices CT and MRI images, then assembles the “slices” to create a 360-degree virtual model of a patient’s own anatomy.

With virtual reality headsets, surgeons at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital can guide a patient through a 360-degree model of their heart or brain to illustrate the condition, treatment options and potential risks in greater detail than ever before. Rather than a bland set of CT and MRI scans, patients and families can now see their conditions in colorful, vivid 3D.

TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

Although this might seem frightening, most patients like the clarity of information, Dr. Haridas says—especially children. Arion approached the virtual reality with teenage confidence, quickly grasping the need for surgery and asking how soon she would be able to get back to riding roller coasters and playing soccer. Younger kids sometimes have to be coaxed off the headsets because of their excitement at the novelty of flying through their own brains—but they do get a video of their brain “fly-throughs” to take home.

“The children are a part of their treatment plan; there is no shroud of secrecy,” Dr. Haridas says.

“Every patient deserves to understand as much as reasonably possible.”

Not only does he use the technology to help patients and families understand their situations, he also is able to use it to plan and strategize the best route for surgery. He spends hours before entering the operating room studying the model from various angles and investigating different approaches into the patient’s brain.

Because of the delicacy of the surgeries he performs, this extra reconnaissance ahead of time can provide him with invaluable information and minimize surprises on the operating table.

“AVMs are one of the toughest and most dangerous conditions neurosurgeons face. Having the ability to study an AVM with multiple tools helps me plan a surgical strategy to eradicate the threat this condition poses,” he says.

By using the technology in real time during surgery, he can also ensure that the entire surgical team is on the same page during the surgery and can see exactly what is happening. This additional layer of understanding contributes to better outcomes.

In Arion's case, the excellent outcome was a far cry from what could have happened had she not had the seizure that forced them into Dr. Haridas’ office.

“Before we saw the images, we didn’t realize how big it was,” Moore says today. “I was in shock.”

Following her diagnosis in March, Arion underwent surgery in May and spent a total of 11 days in the hospital during and after the surgery. Her biggest complication was the nausea that often results from the brain swelling postsurgery. Says her relieved mother: “If it wasn’t for Dr. Haridas and the technology he used … she probably wouldn’t even be here.” Now fully recovered, the Palm Harbor University sophomore is already back in action on the soccer field.

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[ PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY FOCUS ]

tongue tie and lip tie

By Dr. Frank Sierra, BlueWave

ost of us think of tongue-tie as a situation we find ourselves in when we are too excited to speak. Actually, tongue-tie is the non­medical term for a relatively common physical condition that limits the use of the tongue, ankyloglossia. Lip-tie is a condition where the upper lip cannot be curled or moved normally.

Before we are born, a strong cord of tissue that guides development of mouth structures is positioned in the center of the mouth. It is called a frenulum.

As we develop, this frenulum recedes and thins. The lingual (tongue) or labial (lip) frenulum is visible and easily felt if you look in the mirror under your tongue and lip. Sometimes the frenulum is especially tight or fails to recede and may cause tongue/lip mobility problems.

The tongue and lip are a very complex group of muscles and are important for all oral function. For this reason, having tongue-tie can lead to nursing, eating, dental or speech problems.

M

DENTAL For older children with ties, persistent dental problems such as a gap between the front teeth can occur. The frenum can also pull against the gums causing recession. In addition to the esthetic problem, this can lead to sensitivity and pain. The tight lip frenulum may trap food and bacteria against the teeth.

This is a major factor in Early Childhood Caries.

INFANTS A baby with a tight tongue and/or lip frenulum can have trouble sucking and may have poor weight gain. If they cannot make a good seal on the nipple, they may swallow air, causing gas and stomach problems. Nursing mothers who experience significant pain while nursing or whose baby has trouble latching should have their child evaluated for tongue and lip-tie.

Although it is often overlooked, tongue and lip-tie can be underlying causes of feeding problems that not only affect a child’s weight gain, but lead many mothers to abandon breastfeeding altogether.

SPEECH Speech impediments due to tongue-tie are possible. By the age of 3, speech problems, especially articulation of the sounds l, r, t, d, n, th, sh, and z may be noticeable. Evaluation may be needed if more than half of a 3-year-old’s speech is not understood outside of the family circle.

Although there is no obvious way to tell in infancy which children with ankyloglossia will have speech difficulties later, the following associated characteristics are common: • V-shaped notch at the tip of the tongue • Inability to stick out the tongue past the upper gums • Inability to touch the roof of the mouth • Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side

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TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

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TREATMENT Revision is a simple procedure and there are normally no complications. The procedure may be performed as early as the day of birth. A laser is used to perform the revision. A cream to numb the area can be applied for comfort. The laser gently removes the frenulum tissue with virtually no bleeding. The baby is allowed to nurse or feed immediately after the procedure!

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47

changes in altitudes

Paddleboarding with Park City SUP

Namaste on the mountain

A SUMMER MOMCATION IN PARK CITY, UTAH (BUT, FAMILIES SHOULD TOTALLY GO TOO!) Posing with aspen trees and yoga instructor Cindy

Story and images by Laura Byrne and Anna Tataris de Jesus

ou probably won’t find the word ‘MOMcation’ in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, but believe us when we say it holds as equal importance to one of our favorite words: vacation.

Being a parent is hard. It’s the toughest, yet most beautiful job we’ll ever undertake in our lives.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, working parent, work-from home parent, or part-time working parent, you likely will come to a point where you simply just need a break. Enter the vacation. Or, as Anna Tataris de Jesus, creator of the family travel blog TheGreatEscapePlan.com, and I like to call it: the MOMcation.

Anna and I both work. We each have two little kids and amazing husbands who graciously took over for a few days so we could fly off to the other side of the country to escape the Florida heat and humidity and simply unwind. (YAY for Delta’s one-way flights from TPA! One less thing to worry about and it gave us a few hours to work en route—because fully escaping work can be hard to do.)

So…you went to a ski resort…in the summertime?

When Visit Park City first introduced the idea of hosting us for a summer weekend getaway, I’m not gonna lie. My first thought was, “What’s there to do in the summertime at a ski resort?”

Turns out—A LOT. So much so that I am already planning on bringing my entire family back for a longer visit. (We still love you dearly, Florida, but sometimes your heat can be oppressive.) Park City is absolutely beautiful in the summer with temps in the 70s and 80s. The mountains normally covered in snow are green and beautifully decorated with wildflowers. And yes, it felt like the hills were alive just like in the Sound of Music.

Y

[ travel tip ]

WHERE WE STAYED LEARN MORE: VisitParkCit y.com

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The Brass Tag restaurant

Laura and Anna at the Miners Hospital during the Mines and Wines tour.

[ travel tip ]

WHERE WE PLAYED FOX SCHOOL OF WINES MINES & WINES TOUR

Our first Mom playdate was with the Fox School of Wines Mines & Wines Tour. Park City has a long history of mining, as we discovered when we hopped on our luxury tour bus. Kirsten Fox, headmistress and executive sommelier, fills your head with amazing stories of local people and places as she creatively finds ways to connect each place with a delicious wine from around the world. At our first stop, the First National Bank, Fox paired the story of prosperity with the prosperity of rose wine that has gained in popularity in recent years.

There were six stops, sips and small bites in total.

We ended the tour where we started, at the Brass Tag Restaurant in the Lodges of Deer Valley, which prepped a beautiful charcuterie board for us to nibble on as we heard the story about the inspiration behind the Brass Tag. Miners each had their own brass tag with a number which they would hang up at the entrance of the mine before going in and then take home with them at the end of the day. If a tag remained at the end of the day, it was a good indication that the miner was missing.

It was an awesome three-hour tour full of learning and fun. foxschoolofwine.com

We flew out of Tampa International Airport on a oneway ticket with Delta early in the morning, which put us in Salt Lake City, Utah, by early mid-morning. Canyon Transportation took us on a half-hour drive to The Deer Valley Resort where we stayed.

We stayed at the Powder Run at Deer Valley. The rental condos feature two master suites, a loft with additional beds (perfect for kids), full kitchen, half bath, dining room

TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

HIKING AND YOGA WITH PARK CITY YOGA ADVENTURES

The next day, we woke up early to meet with the owner of Park City Yoga Adventures to begin our hike up to 8,500 feet to do yoga.

The mountain was covered in beautiful wildflowers. We walked through fields of buckwheat, wild sage and beautiful Aspen Trees.

Our yoga class under the big, beautiful sky was breathtaking, and these two busy mommas were able to truly relax. This was a truly spectacular experience. As we hiked back down the mountain, we even saw a moose!

We highly recommend this as an outing if you go! There are other yoga adventures too, like silks yoga in the trees, and paddle board yoga in a crater with beautiful Caribbean blue water. parkcityyogaadventures.com

and living room. It’s perfect for families. In fact, you can easily fit two families in one condo— something to consider if you like to travel with other families.

There are so many awesome things to do for all ages! The resort even has a Summer Adventure Camp for infants to teenagers in case you want to plan some day trips without the kids. Learn more: deervalley.com

Main Street at the Kimball Arts Festival

Amphitheatre at the Deer Valley Music Festival

[ travel tip ]

WHERE WE FEASTED

Park City has an amazing food scene.

Many of the restaurants take pride in their fresh ingredients and sustainable food sources. Here are some of the spots we enjoyed and recommend you check out.

DEER VALLEY GROCERY & CAFE turkey chili

Ride on the Deer Valley ski lift

Anna's art purchase at the Kimball Arts Festival

HIGH WEST DISTILLERY & SALOON shishito pepper appetizer

KIMBALL ARTS FESTIVAL PARK CITY SUP

We live here in Florida and yet, it took a trip to Utah for us to finally give stand-up paddleboarding a go. We are officially addicted.

Our instructor and owner of Park City SUP, Trent Hickman, met us at Pebble Beach at Deer Valley. He was a patient instructor and we quickly picked up the skills we needed to navigate around the reservoir of melted snow, which is used to make snow during the ski season.

They also offer SUP Yoga and One-Wheel Tours where you can ride around the course on a One-wheel that looks a lot like a skateboard on one wheel. parkcitysup.com

RIDES ON THE DEER VALLEY SKI LIFT

This was one of the coolest and most relaxing things we did during our visit. The view was a sight to behold, with green mountains and tons of trails for those who love mountain bikes. In the summer, you can load your bike on the lift and take a ride to the top to start the trails.

Park City is well known for hosting the Sundance Film Festival and we’d say the Kimball Arts Festival is just as glamorous!

After all, Smithsonian has named it as one of the “can’t miss summer festivals” in the country.

We walked up Main Street, which is already dotted with beautiful art galleries, and took in all the creativity from artists around the world. We even made a few purchases and met with artists we can’t wait to meet up with again at the Gasparilla Arts Festival here in Tampa! The Festival also features an awesome kids’ area that definitely made us miss the kids.

Roasted sweet potato salad from HARVEST

DEER VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Our last night in Park City was magical.

Imagine getting to enjoy an outdoor concert underneath the beautiful sky with the mountains as a back drop. Did I mention the amazing Kristin Chenoweth was performing?

Chenowith was part of a concert series at The Deer Valley Music Festival which occurs each summer in July and August in Park City.

We even enjoyed a gourmet picnic basket and sipped on the locally produced Old Town Cellars wine—it was delicious.

[ bonus ]

RIVERHORSE PROVISIONS

TWISTED FERN'S pasta ripiena

The public transportation in Park City is so easy to navigate. It’s clean, and best of all—it’s FREE! We had an amazing moms getaway in Park City.

From the summer activities, to the food, art and beautiful weather, it helped us recharge, and we came back to Tampa refreshed and ready for the back to school fun.

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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STEP INSIDE A WORLD OF

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house hunting with kids

3

ways to find the perfect home Whether you’re purchasing your first home or are a home-buying pro, shopping for the perfect place to call home can be even more challenging when kids are involved. But with a little planning, the house-hunting process can be a fun and memorable experience for you and your children.

KNOW WHEN TO INCLUDE YOUR KIDS IN THE SEARCH

1

Shopping for a new home can be stressful and tedious, so it’s best to wait to involve your children in the process until you’ve narrowed down your top choices. Start your home search online and visit prospective homes first without your children, then bring them back for another visit if the house is a top choice.

Involving children in the house-hunting process is key to making the move more exciting for them and helps prepare them for this big transition. You can introduce your child to each home you’ll visit online through apps like Opendoor.

“If scheduling permits, try to limit your in-person home tours to one or two houses at a time, so your child doesn’t get bored or overwhelmed,” shared Candice Bradley, general manager of Opendoor Tampa and mom to four young children. “As you walk through the house, talk with your child about how it might look with your furniture, and how he or she might want to arrange their future bedroom.”

RESEARCH NEIGHBORHOODS AND SCHOOLS

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Do other families live in the neighborhood? Ask them how they enjoy it. Take your family on a walk around a potential neighborhood and get a feel for what daily life would be like. Consider how far away playgrounds, community pools and local recreational facilities are for your young athletes.

When it comes to schools, you may want to research school districts online before you begin your house search to help to keep your house-hunting more focused. Visiting school websites and social media pages with your children can also help them feel more comfortable and look forward to meeting new friends.

CONSIDER HOUSE SIZE AND LAYOUT

Images courtesy of Opendoor, istock.com/ilyaliren

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If you’re planning to grow your family, a bigger home may be a better choice. Having extra storage for toys and sports equipment, along with a designated area where kids can have space to play and make noise, can keep both grown-ups and kids happy. Also consider how the house’s floor plan fits your family’s lifestyle. If the kitchen and dining area are where your family gathers, is the space big enough to accommodate everyone, including extended family and guests during holidays?

Are there enough bathrooms to allow all family members time and space to get ready for the day during the morning rush (especially once they get to be teenagers)?

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions that your family will make. By taking the time to prescreen houses and paying attention to the details that will affect your family, you can find the perfect home where you can watch your children grow and thrive for years to come.

Download the Opendoor app to search for your next home.

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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CO M I N G T H I S FA L L !

A N ig ht

at the

MuseuM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20TH TRICK OR TREAT | CRAFTS & GAMES | COSTUME CONTEST

OPENS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

AT THE TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER

A walk through history in LEGO® bricks

9/28 10/26 11/23 12/28

Pirate’s Life: Tales from Florida Waters Families of the Gray and Blue: Family life during the Civil War Marines of the Seminole Wars The Florida Cowhunter: Cattle ranching in the 1870s

Visit tampabayhistorycenter.org or call 813.228.0097 for registration, updates and more information.

Smithsonian

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@tampabayhistory

get out and enjoy family friendly events you can't miss in

SEPTEMBER al artists and crafters. Kids 12 and under are free and tickets for 12+ are only $6. floridastatefair.com TAMPA THEATRE’S SEPTEMBER SING-ALONG SUNDAYS Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29, 3 p.m.

Head over to the Tampa Theatre for their brand-new September Sing-Along Sundays’ Series every Sunday at 3 p.m. Enjoy popular singalongs such as “The Sound of Music,” “Grease,” “The Greatest Showman” and “Mary Poppins.”

This is the perfect event to bring the kiddos along for a great afternoon of fun for only $13. Members save $3 and can participate in the pre-sale. tampatheatre.org

HARRY POTTER SORTING SOIREE Sept. 1, 5 - 9 p.m.

Find out what Hogwarts House your kids belong to at the Victoria Grace Tearoom’s Sorting Soiree. There will be games, contests and more as “students” compete for points to win the House Cup! Hors d'oeuvres and dinner will be served. Contact the Tearoom for tickets. victoriangracetearoom.com THE LABOR DAY ALL AMERICAN 5K Sept. 2, 9 a.m.

Run with the entire family during this 5K that has an easy all-flat path. Runners will receive a brownie celebrating the American Brownie and a t-shirt, and those over 21 will get a beer ticket. Registration is available now. active.com CHILDREN’S BOARD FREE TUESDAY Sept. 3, Noon to 6 p.m.

Join the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and the Glazer Museum on the first Tuesday of every month for free admission from noon to 6 p.m. The event promotes the well-being of children and families by uniting them with community partners. glazermuseum.org

TAMPA RIVERWALK WINE AND DINE TOUR Thursdays in September, 5 p.m.

Head over to the Riverwalk for one of the most popular wine tours in Tampa. The Riverwalk Wine and Dine Tour is a 3-hour tour beginning at Oxford Exchange that includes dinner, an informative walk through Tampa and the opportunity for guests to visit 5 tastings! tampabayfoodtours.com HOMESCHOOL DAY AT CRACKER COUNTRY: PIONEERS & COWHUNTERS Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Transport back in time with folks in historic dress as you learn about growing up in a Florida farming and ranching community 100 years ago.

Pricing is $8 per person with free admission for kids under 3. crackercountry.org HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS Sept. 6- Nov. 2 Universal Studios brings back one of the most popular Halloween events with 10 haunted houses, including a new Ghostbusters haunted house, five creepy scare zones, and fun live entertainment. orlando. halloweenhorrornights.com

THE FAREWELL TOUR: PETER FRAMPTON WITH JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m.

Head out to the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre to hear Peter Frampton, who recently celebrated the 43rd anniversary of his fifth solo album, “Frampton Comes Alive!” which sold over 17 million copies. Experience this remarkable artist who has performed alongside David Bowie, Ringo Starr, Matt Cameron, and more! midflorida.com 8TH ANNUAL CHICK-FIL-A FALL STAMPEDE Sept. 7, 8- 11 a.m.

Come on out to Chick-fil-A’s Fall Stampede 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk to help benefit the Children’s Cancer Center. There will also be a mascot race, photo ops with the famous CFA cows, free CFA food for all those who race, and a post-race party which will include a DJ, games, and live entertainment.

The event happens at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. fallstampede.com

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS V. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS Sept. 8, 4:25 p.m.

Touchdown! Football season is back. The Bucs take on the 49ers at Raymond James Stadium in the first Bucs game of the regular season. Your ticket gets you access to the free pregame Tim McGraw concert. buccaneers.com TEAM UP TO CLEAN UP Sept. 14, 8 - 10 a.m.

Help clean up the community by picking up trash and debris from the streets. eventbrite.com MUSIC MAKERS FREE WORKSHOP Sept. 14, 9:30 – 11 a.m.

Attention mini-musicians: the second Saturday of every month from September through December, Music Makers Free Workshop at Music Showcase in Brandon is open to children ages 4 to 10 and offers free workshops to young children wanting to learn about various instruments. faopa.org

BUCKLER CRAFT SHOW Sept. 7-8, Times Vary Shop at the Florida State Fairgrounds for one of a kind crafts, jewelry, home decor and more made by local and nationSEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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ST. JUDE WALK/RUN TAMPA Sept. 14 September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and St. Jude is raising money for children’s care. Register now for the run or walk and help kids in your community fight against cancer. st.jude.org DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT Sept. 14, 5 - 8 p.m.

Make some memories during a Daddy Daughter date! The Largo Community Center is hosting a magical night out at an “Alice’s Magical Wonderland” themed party with dinner, dancing and dessert. playlargo.com MOM & SON MESSY MADNESS Sept. 14, 6 - 8 p.m.

Have a fun, energetic night out with your favorite boy(s)!

The 6th Annual Mom and Son Messy Madness event will feature interactive games, dinner and dessert! playlargo.com DENIM AND DREAMS BENEFIT CONCERT Sept. 14, 7 - 10 p.m.

The Florida Dream Center is hosting a benefit concert to help raise money for helping the community. AMC country music artist Brandon Ray, whose recent EP was produced by country music star Keith Urban, will perform. Tickets and packages on sale now. floridadreamcenter.org FOAM GLOW 5K Sept. 14, 8 p.m.

The Foam Glow 5K is a fun run for runners of any level with courses featuring blacklights and tons of foam. Runners will receive a Foam Glow t-shirt, finishers medal and entry to the after party. Sign up now. foamglow.com I LIKE IT HOT! FESTIVAL Sept. 14-15, various times Bring the whole family out to the largest hot sauce fest in Florida at Minnreg Hall in Largo. Tickets are only $5 for anyone over 12 and include admission to events such as the Pepper Eating Contest, Extreme Lolly Lick-A-Thon, Amateur Salsa Competition and more! ilikeithotfestival.com PRESEASON: TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING V. CAROLINA HURRICANES Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Head to Amalie Arena for the Lightning’s first preseason game of 2019. See your favorite players in action as they get ready for their upcoming season, which begins in October. nhl.com

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ZOO UNIVERSITY AT ZOOTAMPA Sept. 18, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Allison Yeh, an executive planner and sustainability coordinator for Hillsborough County, will teach kids all about sustainable transportation and how you can get around while helping the planet! zootampa.org

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Sept. 21 - Oct. 27 Enjoy a fun, non-scary Halloween celebration that’s perfect for younger kids. The event will surround guests with an underwater Halloween with trick-or-treating, characters, and more! seaworld.com

TAMPA BAY FASHION WEEK Sep. 18-21 The Tampa Bay region’s premier celebration of fashion and style, Tampa Bay Fashion Week returns Sept. 18 -21. The 12th Annual #TBFW celebrates Tampa Bay’s creative culture with a week of festivities for the community. Fashion designers, trendsetters, models, influencers and fashion enthusiasts come together for runway shows, socials, networking and more. fashionweektampabay.com

PHIL COLLINS: STILL NOT DEAD YET Sept. 26, 8 p.m.

Listen to the Grammy, Academy and Golden Globe winning recording artist at Amalie Arena on his follow-up to the 2018 tour. Take your kids to experience his talent and hear live the man who wrote and performed the Tarzan soundtrack! amaliearena.com

HOWL-O-SCREAM Sept. 20 - Nov. 2 Get ready to howl and scream at Busch Gardens! Wander through the haunted houses and scare zones to see what horror awaits. Go on rides in the dark and maybe end up next to a spooky guest. buschgardens.com 15TH ANNUAL MUSEUM DAY Sept. 21 The Smithsonian Magazine announced the 15th Annual Museum Day for Sept. 21.

Participating museums across the country will have free entry for people who download the branded ticket. Participating locally are the Henry B. Plant Museum, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Pete. For a complete list check smithsonianmag.com.

GS FEST Sept. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Girl Scouts are kicking off their year with the annual festival. There will be the chance to take part in activities based on the GS values and many more fun activities! Register online gswcf.org BUCS BEACH BASH Sept. 21, 11 a.m.

The Bucs and Tradewinds Resort host the first Bucs Beach Bash at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete. The family-friendly event will feature local music acts during the day, trivia, contests, Bucs Kids Zone, pirates, old players and more!

The country band Parmalee performs at 5:30 p.m., followed

by Billy Ray Cyrus at 8 p.m.

The event is free. Packages can be purchased. After the shows, stay for fireworks and the RumFish Grill afterparty. buccaneers.com

TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

NATIONAL UNPLUGGED DAY Sept. 28 In a technology-fueled world, it’s important that kids remember how to play and be creative without technology. National Unplugged Play Day, sponsored by the Wikki Stix Company, is an event intended to help kids set aside electronics and engage in hands-on, imaginative, creative play. Unplugged Play Day kits are available to host an at-home Unplugged Play Day through the Wikki Stix Company. wikkistix.com/unplugged TAMPA BAY WOMEN’S EXPO Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Tampa Bay Times is producing the Tampa Bay Women’s Expo at the Florida State Fairgrounds. There will be exhibits, seminars, and education on women’s interests, including health, travel and more. Free; parking is $8. floridastatefair.com FALL FAMILY FEST Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Fall Family Fest at Water Works Park will feature games, characters, free books, laser tag, food trucks and vendors. tampabaymomsgroup.com

special needs events SENSORY SENSITIVE SUNDAYS Sept. 1, 9-11 a.m.

Stop by your local Chuck E. Cheese two hours before regular operating hours for a morning of sensory-friendly fun in a safe environment with reduced lighting and noise, food, games and fun for everyone. Trained staff members will be on site. chuckecheese.com SENSORY-FRIENDLY SATURDAYS Sept. 7 and 21, 9-10 a.m.

Children with sensory needs are invited to come out to Altitude Trampoline Park in Tampa and jump in a safe, sensory-friendly environment with low music and no crowded parties. One accompanying parent to a sensory-friendly child jumps for free. All others can jump for a lowered cost of $11.95 per person. altitudetampa.com AMC SENSORY-FRIENDLY MOVIE Sept. 14 and 28, times vary On the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, AMC offers family-friendly sensory movies. The lights will be turned up and the sound down so everyone can talk and get up to walk. Check your local AMC for times. amctheatres.com SUNSHINE SUNDAY Sept. 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The last Sunday of every month, Glazer Children’s Museum hosts a special morning with lowered sensory activities.

This Sunday is geared towards children with special needs and their caregivers. Explore the museum with reduced light and sound. Admission is $5; free for GCM members. glazermuseum.org

check out the full list of events at TAMPABAYPARENTING.COM

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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you do

YOU, girl

a complete guide to self care

by Diana Blinkhorn, @mrsblinks and The Gray Ruby Diaries

y self-care journey forced me to think about things in my life that were important to me and brought me joy—and focus my energy on that. In the process, I also had to focus on things that did not bring me joy, things that weren’t the best use of my time or skill set, and remove as much of those as I could.

So, here is my self-care guide for the overwhelmed mom: the mom who needs a little more than a glass of wine or a bath bomb to help her get through the trenches.

M

PRACTICAL SELF CARE

I work fulltime from home. I homeschool my three girls. Every single day I would stress over how I would get it all done without vacuuming at 11 p.m. and slaving away on weekends.

Finally, I realized that the deep cleaning was not where I wanted to delegate my time or skills.

The hours I took away from work to do the cleaning could go back into my work to cover the cost. So I hired Two Maids and a Mop. They were on time, brought all their own equipment, and were sweet and super detail oriented. Just the simple task of hiring them to come twice a month took a huge burden off my shoulders.

I still have to wash dishes and clean up after my kids, but knowing I have help makes a huge difference.

Other ways I practice practical self-care: • Budgeting with my husband to make sure we aren’t financially overwhelmed.

• Spending at least one day a month organizing an area of our home that caused us stress • Using Amazon's grocery delivery service.

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TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2019

SPIRITUAL SELF CARE

If I am washing dishes, I pop in my headphones and listen to a podcast. If my girls are playing quietly, I jump on my computer to answer a few emails. It’s easier than ever to combat boredom, but did you ever stop and think that maybe boredom was a good thing? I started putting a 20-minute “silent time” into practice every day with no talking, no outside distractions, and no noise or stimulation at all. Spirituality is about nursing your soul, whether that means prayer, reading your Bible, or meditation and affirmations.

Once I started putting in my “silent time,” I felt the overwhelm start to drift away.

I use the time to • Pray, • Meditate • Brainstorm ideas for work • Recite positive affirmations • Sit in silence

EMOTIONAL SELF CARE

“I’ve got it under control” this was my mantra for the last few months, even as I coped with my dad’s disease, my mom’s hospital stay, my husband’s job change and my kids’ evolving demands.

But on the inside, I was in way over my head with no proper coping mechanisms or stress management tools. I let it pile up until my body shut down. I went into adrenal fatigue, and at that point any little thing would be send me into a downward spiral.

PROFESSIONAL SELF CARE Here are some things I did to help: • I set clear boundaries for my emotional needs, even with the ones I love. Saying NO or letting someone know how I feel (even if it might hurt) was the best self-care I could have done for myself.

• We set aside time to talk about our feelings. Maybe we feel stressed or unhappy or maybe we are really content. Setting aside a few minutes each week to have that space to discuss how I felt helped me feel validated.

• I started to explore my emotional needs. Do I need alone time to think? Or do I need more affection?

Or do I need affirmations?

• I also tried to find coping techniques that help ME best when I am stressed. I realized alone time to think worked wonders for me.

• A big one? I let myself have a big cry, then sat down and wrote a gratitude list.

If I had to pinpoint one section of my selfcare that had the unhealthiest boundaries it would be this section right here. I love my work and I tend to find any free moment to squeeze in a few emails or a little writing.

Without realizing it, I ended up working myself into a full-on burnout. I realized that for me to maintain this career I loved so much, I would have to be better about taking breaks, getting enough sleep, walking away from my computer and being present. This was not only a game changer for my mental health, but it greatly increased my creativity.

These boundaries didn’t mean I wasn’t “hustling”, it meant I was serious about my success long-term.

Here are some healthy practices I started putting into place: • Block scheduling worked great for me for my productivity and mental health. It helped me stick to my boundaries and stay focused.

• I surrounded myself with positive people, even though I work at home by myself. My strong blogging community makes sure I am getting my weekly dose of encouraging discussions.

• I make time to learn new things.

• There can be a lot of comparison in my industry, so I try to remember that God has a special journey for me, and I am right where I need to be.

PHYSICAL SELF CARE

As mothers we have a huge responsibility that is not only physically but also emotionally exhausting. We need breaks. We need to stop and think of ourselves and what rest looks like for us. Maybe that means napping with your baby or maybe that means sitting on the couch while your kids play. Maybe that means forcing yourself to go to bed early. Or it means saying no to a playdate or a volunteer opportunity or a girls’ night out. Whatever rest looks like to you, I need you to take it. But here is the thing, rest is not rest if you carry guilt with it. Stop feeling guilty for choosing yourself and doing what’s best for your body and mind.

This was a big part of my physical self-care. With these extra few steps I saw a huge difference in how I felt: • I revamped my bed time. I was the worst at falling asleep because I had devices all around me at all hours of the night. Setting a time to turn off the devices at least an hour before bed has greatly helped me get a better night’s rest.

• I would make wholesome lunches for the kids and scraps for me, so I started making my lunch first. If I made mine first, I noticed I was a lot less likely to make an excuse.

• Drinking water. I kept two huge water cups right on my table and I found myself reaching for them more because they were right there.

• I didn’t have time to work out, but I did have time to do yoga with my kids, or pay a game of tag, or jog to the park. Maybe a gym isn’t in the cards for this season, but I can get something done that helps my body feel good.

SEPTEMBER 2019 TampaBayParenting.com

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Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and pirates of YMKG at our 12th Annual Back to School Fair.

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The YMCA and Florida Blue celebrated providing 31,744 free swim lessons to 7,936 kids this year at 30 Tampa Bay area YMCA locations.

Behind the scenes of our September cover photo shoot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Darlene Barlows Photography.

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Celebrating Our 60th Anniversary!

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To RSVP or learn more, visit us at

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