Family Time News is published monthly by:
Publications 559 Edward Road West Melbourne, FL 32904
Phone: (727) 678-2226
Website: familytimenews.weebly.com
Email: ysn1998@aol.com For advertising information, ad sizes and prices, please call or go to the website and click on the Ad Rates link.
per Year Any reproduction in whole or in part without the written consent of MilPro Publications is prohibited.
Strike three! And the dejected ten year old walks away, head down, dragging his bat behind him. He looks up and sees an angry coach and parents in the stands throwing up their hands in dismay as they lose the game. They lost the game! (According to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, a game is structured playing, usually undertaken for enjoyment and sometimes used as an educational tool.)
Playing sports is a great way for kids to burn up some excess energy in a positive way, as well as a way to develop some sport specific skills. There is more than physical skill at stake here, though. Sports can be very
instrumental in developing life skills, too. But, just as important is having fun. Kids need fun ‘cause well... they’re kids!
So much attention is given to college and pro athletes by the media and the enormous wealth and fame that accompanies them, that the benefits for kids can get lost. As a result, youth sports has become more competitive and with that, it seems, less fun.
Here lies the rub, and the question... What is more important? Competition or just playing for fun? These two valuable and important components of sports should be
balanced, but instead, they have become lopsided, with most of the emphasis on competition. Youth sports has, in many cases, gone over the edge when it comes to the importance of winning. Everyone has heard of, or seen, a crazed parent or coach having a meltdown on the diamond or in the gym because they lost the game. What results is a bunch of eight year old kids sitting on the bench in shock, as the wrong message is delivered by coaches and parents.
A new attitude has also permeated youth sports. The attitude is that kids, in order to excel at a sport, need to specialize at an early age and then play it year-round. First off, less than one 1/2 of 1% of high school players will ever reach the pro ranks in one of the four major sports (baseball, basketball, football and hockey). And to lower that percentage even more, not every kid on their little league team makes it on their high school squad. So the overall chance that little Johnny, although
We
Monday-Friday 8am
8pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am to 6 pm No Appointment Necessary
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm
Need medical care? Come in and see us now. No Appointment Necessary
IMMEDIATE, CONVENIENT,
Need medical care? Come in and see us now. No Appointment Necessary
IMMEDIATE, CONVENIENT, FAST SERVICE (727) 441-5044
We
Saturday & Sunday 9am to 6 pm
Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am to 6 pm
Need medical care?
Colds, Flu, Bronchitis, Ear Infections...
Adult, Pediatric and Women’s Care
Injuries, Sprains, Breaks, Stitches Treated on Site!
Colds, Flu, Bronchitis, Ear Infections...
Adult, Pediatric and Women’s Care
Colds, Flu, Bronchitis, Ear Infections...
Family Medicine and Sports Medicine Physicians on Staff
Injuries, Sprains, Breaks, Stitches Treated on Site!
No Appointment Necessary IMMEDIATE, CONVENIENT, FAST
Most insurances accepted but not required
Injuries, Sprains, Breaks, Stitches Treated on Site!
Family Medicine and Sports Medicine Physicians on Staff
Most insurances accepted but not required
Family Medicine and Sports Medicine Physicians on Staff
Workers Comp, also accepted
Most insurances accepted but not required
Workers Comp, also accepted
X-ray, Labs, EKG and Treadmill Stress Testing on Site!
X-ray, Labs, EKG and Treadmill Stress Testing on Site!
Workers Comp, also accepted
X-ray, Labs, EKG and Treadmill Stress Testing on Site!
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.BaysideUrgentCareCenter.com
possessing a wonderful swing with that big orange plastic bat, will have a career as a professional athlete is pretty slim. However, the chance that Johnny will have a long career playing in a coed Sunday softball league is pretty good, provided that the fun of the sport is not drained out of
A study done by Michigan State University revealed that, “by age 13, about 70% of kids have quit sports.”
In many instances, fun is a few notches down on the priority list of coaches and parents. While fun is not so important, winning and the pressure that goes with it, is high on the list. Sometimes the emphasis on winning can overshadow the fact that sports is mostly about staying fit and healthy.
Cost per day:
$27 W/ rec card, $30 W/O rec card
April 18, 2025 April 21, 2025
Cost:
$135 W/ rec card, $150 W/O rec card March 17-21, 2025 CAMP HOURS ARE FROM 7:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M.
School’s out, but your work isn’t? Join us for a fun filled week over Spring Break where campers get to play structured activities, enjoy arts n ’ crafts, and go on a field trip!
MLK Jr. Day, January 20, 2025 President's Day, February 17, 2025 Memorial Day, May 26, 2025 Morningside Recreation Complex| 2400 Harn Blvd (727) 562-4280
For more information, call (727)562-4280 or email kelsey mccray@myclearwater com
However, going to the extreme in the opposite direction doesn’t really work either. In a well intentioned effort to keep it fun for everyone, some organizations play games where no score is kept and no winner or loser is declared. But if the kids are old enough to count, on the ride home, parents will be informed who won or lost, and the exact score, by the very kids who just played the game!
In youth sports, there are organized leagues and also what are known as “pick-up” games. But really, they are both organized, only the pick-up games are organized by the kids and the leagues are organized by adults.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Engaging in informal pick-up games allows kids to learn how to form teams, work with the other kids toward a common goal, develop rules, and take responsibility for following and enforcing them. When the adults are in charge, the right
adults that is, the game stays more structured and coaches can teach the fundamentals and strategies of the sport. It does seem that when the adults are in charge, the focus is more on competition and when the kids are calling the shots, it’s more about fun. Blending competition and fun is a win-win for all.
Some parents and community leaders have come to the conclusion that too much competition is not a healthy way to teach kids a sense of fair play. At the youth level, fun and competition should be more balanced than they seem to be. The main focus in youth sports should not be competition for kids who really just want to play for the sheer enjoyment of it. When coaches and parents focus on winning, they often lose the opportunity to really teach life skills.
However, competition is a fact of life and it is certainly a significant part of sports that should be valued even at the youth level. But, when it is overemphasized, problems arise.
Another problem with youth sports is that
not every kid has the opportunity to play or has limited time on the field. This is where parents need to determine what type of team is best for their child. If little Johnny plays on a competitive
Little League blends competition and fun as all kids get to play during the regular season, but only the best-of-the-best get to play in the All-Star Tournament.
“travel team,” there’s a chance he might be riding the bench if he’s not as talented as some of the other players. That “fact of life” is usually made clear up front at tryouts. Going into that situation, it’s important that everyone involved (parent, child, coach) are on the same page. Putting the team first and learning to be a role player and not the star, can help build character under the right circumstances. If sitting is a problem, then a recreational league might be a better fit. Most rec leagues have some sort of minimum play time requirement, but that can have its own set of problems. If it’s late in a game and a player at the end of the bench didn’t get their minutes or at-bats, a coach would be forced to put him in at a critical time of the game. If that kid strikes out with the bases
loaded or puts up an air ball with the team down by a basket, he or she could take some unfair abuse from over-zealous players, coaches or even some parents in the stands.
Some leagues take that decision out of the coaches hands by, for example, blowing the whistle every four minutes in a basketball game to put in the next group of players so all play equal minutes, regardless of the game situation.
Little League Baseball does manage to blend competition and fun as all kids get to play during the regular season but
only the best-of-the-best play on the competitive all-star teams.
Over the years, a handful of kids who were written about in this magazine have made it to the pros. Largo youth football player, Dexter McCluster, was profiled 1999 as a ten year old. His answer to future plans? To play in the NFL. He went on to play seven years in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans.
Palm Harbor Little League AllStar Ryan Harvey was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs in 2003. But these two
are the exception rather than the rule. By the way, both of those kids interviewed as 10-12 year olds, said playing sports was FUN! Although making it as a pro is very rare, for some talented kids, sports can be the ticket to college and in those cases, competition is the key... with a lot of fun on the side.
So, when evaluating your players, look not only at the vertical leap, fast ball speed or time in the 40... be sure to add the size of the smile... ‘cause they’re kids and sports should make kids happy!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers educational camps throughout the summer. Campers will enjoy creative classroom activities and have fun learning about marine life in the aquarium and out on the water.
More Choices for Second and Third Graders:
A specialized camp tailored to their age group, featuring engaging, age-appropriate activities focused on marine life and conservation.
Kindergarten through Third Grade Camp:
This is a great option for families with younger kids that want to attend camps together.
Middle School Campers have Two NEW Options!
Animal Care 101: Experience what it takes to care for the animals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Campers will explore the daily routines, diets, and medical needs of rescued patients and resident species.
Ecosystem Advocates:
A traveling camp with three field trips to explore different ecosystems, such as coastal mangroves and marine habitats.
Field Investigation Program for High Schoolers:
This brand-new program offers high schoolers an insider’s look at scientific research and conservation. Activities include hands-on research methods such as water sampling, species identification, and ecosystem analysis. This program is perfect for teens interested in pursuing careers in marine biology, environmental science or conservation.
Your Fitness, s ports and r ecreation n ews
If baseball continues to be “America’s Pastime,” prevention of injury needs to become the number one priority.
For years, the arm injury rate in youth baseball has been on the rise. Due to this trend, several years ago, dramatic steps were taken by Little League Baseball® to make youth baseball a safer and healthier sport. This effort has been successful in curtailing many of traumatic injuries due to overuse. However, there is much more work to be done.
The initial step taken at Little League to decrease arm injuries was the development of the pitch count rules, with which everyone reading Family time news, needs to be familiar! The pitch count rules were generated after long periods of study and research at USA Baseball and the American Sports Medicine institute (ASMI).
With regard to overuse injuries that occur in youth baseball, fatigue continues to be the driving factor. There is a 36 to 1 increased incidence that players can injure their throwing shoulder and/or elbow. Parents should remember the jeopardy they’re putting their young players in when fatigue occurs. Little League International has done a lot to educate their coaches, players, parents and grandparents about the risks involving fatigue and arm injuries, and what steps need to be taken to play the game safely. It’s also
important to note that Little League also passed rules to limit “pitcher moving to catcher” and vice versa, in the same game, to limit additional throwing.
the number-one risk factor of arm injuries for our youth continues to be year-round baseball or softball. If parents understand the injury risk factors, it only takes common sense to be able to recognize what to do to decrease injuries. In the case of year-round baseball or softball, it is recommended that young players have at least 2 months off each year where they are not playing any type of overhead sports. Preferably, it is recommended 3 to 4 months off each year. Even professional baseball players get that period of time off, and certainly our kids are more vulnerable to injury than our mature professional players!
the second risk factor is playing in more than one league at the same time. Certainly, for those parents that have their children participating in Little League, they should try to make sure their children do not participate in more than one league at the same time. When multiple leagues are played in the same season, there are few safeguards and the chance of
overuse injuries goes way up.
Some showcases are very well organized and have the health and well-being of the young players as their top priority. There are other showcases, however, that are not well organized and carry a high injury rate. Today’s parents, unfortunately, and mistakenly, consider showcases as a way for their child to get scouted for both college scholarships and professional play.
Showcases don’t mean nearly as much as parents think they do, and they can produce serious injuries over a concentrated weekend period.
Youth pitchers should avoid curve balls. The problem with curve balls at an early age is that it is a highly sophisticated neuromuscular controlled pitch that is difficult to throw. Not throwing curveballs until old enough to shave is recommended. That means pitchers have gone through puberty and their bones have matured.
Poor mechanics continue to cause injuries, so working on good mechanics for any position in youth baseball is extremely important. While seeking out a pitch coach to learn good mechanics sounds like a good idea, there is a caution involved here as well. Pitching lessons add an additional work load that could cause harm.
AnD ReCReAtiOn (727) 562-4800
tH e M ARK et M AR ie Saturday, February 14th
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 8am - Noon 710 Court Street, Downtown Clearwater Shop local at The Market Marie with over 85 small business owners every second Saturday in Downtown Clearwater.
Enjoy live music, delicious food, art, clothing, jewelry, henna, handmade candles, soap, pet treats, home goods and more. Event is Located next to the City of Clearwater Municipal Services Building, 710 Court Street. Parking is Free and can be found throughout downtown. The closest parking garage is the city employee parking garage located diagonally from the field. The garage is Free on the weekends.
F R ee M OR nin G YOGA
Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland Street, Clearwater Saturdays at 8 a.m. - Free fitness class hosted by the Clearwater Y In Motion. Physical and mental well-being through mastery of the body, is achieved through exercise, holding postures, proper breathing and meditation.
For More Info Contact the YMCA Suncoast (727) 461-9622
DU ne D in
R e CR e Ati O n (727) 812-4530
tH
D OW ntOW n M ARK et
Fridays and Saturdays in February, 9:00am - 2:00pm
John R. Lawrence
Pioneer Park
Features fresh produce, eggs, meats, artisans cheeses, breads, honey, and baked goods. You can also find other unique items like soaps, candles, plants, delicious lunch bites and more. As you shop and browse, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and live music performances that add to the charm of the market.
R e CR e Ati O n
(727)586-7455
Friday, February 21st
6:00-9:00pm
Coyote Moon and Jet’s Pizza
Mark your calendars for a night of live music, delicious bites, and good vibes at the Concert Series on the Breezeway!
No memberships needed, everyone is welcome to groove to the tunes, indulge in great food from food trucks, and sip on refreshing drinks from the bar. Bring your friends and family for a laid-back night under the stars!
For more information, please call 727-518-3024 .
L ARGO Cent RAL PARK tRA in Ri D e S
Saturday and Sunday
February 1st & 2nd
March 7th & 8th
Join us for a ride around beautiful Largo Central Park on our miniature railroad on the first full weekend of the month.. The accurately modeled scale locomotives pull you and your family along a mile-long loop through great scenery, the spooky tunnel, and our waterfall pond. Fun for all ages! There is no charge for this familyfun activity, but donations are welcome. Your contributions keep the trains running.
For the latest updates to the train schedule or cancellations, visit Largo Central Railroad online or follow on Facebook. (Weather Permitting). Save some time and fill out the waiver online. (Note that this resets each day, so please only fill it out just before you arrive).
PLEASE NOTE: Children under the age of 1 and pregnant women, are not permitted to ride the train.
tH e L ARGO e venin G
M ARK et
Saturday February 22nd
Join them on the 4th Saturday of the month and wander through different tents adorned with artisanal goods, from handmade jewelry to organic produce, all while enjoying the music from
local musicians. There will be food trucks onsite for purchase.
Please email TheLargoEveningMarket@ gmail.com for vendor inquires for this market.
S e M in OL e
R e CR e Ati O n (727) 391-8345
eSPOR t S
Open Play Hours
Monday - Wednesday - Friday 4:00pm-7:00pm Saturday 11:00am-2:00pm
Members Free Non-Members $5
i R i SH DA n C e
Learn Irish Dance with St. Pete Irish Dance. Classes will provide a fun and healthy dance enviorment. Wear workout clothes and comforable shoees. No experience necessary. At the Rec Center
Youth and beginner Irish dance
Saturdays 9:30am -10:30am Ages6-12
Adult intro to Irish Dance
Saturdays 10:30am -11:30am
$67 members per month
$100.50 non members per month For More Info Call 727-391-8345
SAF et Y HARBOR
R e CR e Ati O n (727)724-1555
tH i RD F R i DAY
Friday, February 21st
6pm-10pm
Safety Harbor Main Street
This much-loved monthly community event has been reimagined to benefit the Safety Harbor business community and bring people to the town we all love. Nine blocks of Main Street will come together to showcase the restaurants, bars, shops and nonprofits in our vibrant community.
The street is wet-zoned so that you can purchase and enjoy
alcoholic beverages from your favorite establishment within the event footprint and stroll along nine blocks of Main Street which is alive with entertainment and activities. Shops will be open late.
OLLY FA i R e
Saturday, February 8th 9:00am - 12:00pm
Folly Farm Nature Preserve 1538 Dr. MLK Street N There’s no better way to spend a
Saturday morning but at Folly Farm by getting some fresh air, taking a walk through the park, visiting our nursery for a plant sale, asking a Master Gardener questions, enjoying music, or participating in family friendly nature activities and kids crafts at our NEW Folly Faire!
Every 2nd Saturday of the month. For More Info Call 727-724-1555
tARPO n SPR in GS
R e CR e Ati O n (727) 938-3711
in S t RUC ti O n AL JUniOR SPORtS at the Gymnasium
Elementary instruction for ages 6-10 in variety of sports.
Saturdays at 9am: February 8th to March 8th
Wednesdays at 6pm: February 12th to March 5th
$20/session w/card $30/ session w/out card
inStRUC tiOnAL BASKetBALL LeAGUe ar the Gymnasium
A youth league centered focusing on instruction, with organized games. Saturdays from 10am-12 pm
Season begins in February, registration begins in January. Ages 8-9, 10-11am, Ages 10-12, 11am-noon
$40/league w/card
$50/league w/out card
MUSiC & MOveMent
Tuesdays
Craig Park Rec Center
Designed for ages 1-5,
this class keeps children active and engaged in a musical atmosphere.
Tuesdays at 10am
$15 per class or $60 for a 5/class punch pass
Still recovering from the hurricanes, the Gulfport Recreation Center is currently closed for activities, classes and rentals. Your understanding is appreciated and they will keep you updated. Thank you for your patience.
March 13th - CL Residents
March 14th - Open registration
This summer at Morningside Recreation Center, kids can take off on our Passport to Fun adventure! No flights needed just daily journeys filled with exciting activities and passport stamps. It’s the perfect way for your child to explore, make new friends, and have an unforgettable summer!
For more information, call (727)562-4280 or email
kelsey mccray@myclearwater com
Pre-Camp May 30th
Cost:
$27 (W)/ $30 (W/O)
Camp Dates & Times
June 2 – August 8 2025
Monday - Friday, 7 a m - 6 p m For kids entering 1-7
Cost*
Full Camp:
$1000 (W/ plus)
$1,100 (W/rec)
$1,200 (No Card)
*Half the amount is due at registration
(727) 562-4280
Morningside Recreation Complex| 2400 Harn Blvd
Come on out to the bridal event of the season, the Tampa Bay Bridal Show! It’s a great day to meet local Tampa Bay vendors looking to make your day special. Searching for the perfect flowers, venue, DJ, photographer, or caterer? The Tampa Bay Bridal Show has it all! Spend the afternoon with the experts; get great tips, financial advice, color schemes, theme ideas, and sample goodies from multiple caterers.
If you are not sure where to start, start here, you could plan your entire wedding in one weekend!
@ The USF St. Pete Academic Advising 140 7th Ave S
The St. Petersburg Science Festival is an annual regional celebration where families and the public can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).
There are over 50 exhibits hosted by organizations from across Tampa Bay and beyond. The Festival is held in conjunction with MarineQuest, the open house of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.
The two events happen side-by-side and attendees can walk from one to the other.
The event is Free of charge.
With all this talk about youth sports and fun vs. competition, it’s about time us old guys get to weigh in.
Being a big baseball fan and long time Yankees supporter, the off season brings hope that next season they will raise that
29th world championship banner. It also creates an itch! It creates an itch that only donning a pair of cleats and digging into the batter’s box can scratch.
So, on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I took my old bones down to the softball diamond to play a little weekend warrior softball with younger guys that are all out of shape. My head tells me that I am in good shape and despite my age, can still run with the young bucks. However, my body has a slightly different opinion and therein lies the rub!
Hitting a softball that some fat guy hurls at you at a blazing
speed somewhere around 18 miles an hour, should be easy enough.
Well, the first couple of swings would seem to contradict that statement. After flailing away at a couple of slow moving pitches, the barrel of my bat accidentally crashes into the ball, sending it screaming down the third base line. I come flying out of the batter’s box and am really moving (in my own mind)! I round first while some middle aged accountant jogs after the ball in left field. As I approach second, I realize that a triple is within reach!
I make the turn at second and stare down the accountant in left, challenging his gun against my wheels and dash for the bag as the accountant uncorks a rocket towards third. As I arrive, so does the ball and I slide under the tag... Safe! is the call. The old guy legged out a three bagger!
The next morning I awake with great anticipation, I have defied father time and I feel great! As I arise from my slumber, my thighs begin screaming at me and the challenge for the day will be how will I ever be able to tie my shoes.
So, for this Weekend Warrior it’s not so much about fun vs. competition, it’s about walking vs. not walking!
‘til next month, thenThe Senior Muser
RAYMOND JAMES THEATRE
163 3rd Street North in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. (727) 823-PLAY (7529) t H i S G i RL LAUGHS, t H i S G i RL CR ie S, t H i S G i RL DO e S n Ot H in G by Finegan Kruckemeyer Closes February 9th
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening curtain is at 7:30pm
Friday and Saturday evening curtain is at 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday matinee curtain is at 3 pm
6099 Central Avenue St. Petersburg 727-498-5205 S O n
ei
Wei DMA n’S ROAD S HOW Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by John Weidman February 14th - March 16th
et H By William Shakespeare Closes February 9th
jobsitetheater.org For tickets go to tickets@jobsitetheater.org or call the Straz Center Box Office at 813.229.StAR
1120 E Kennedy Blvd Tampa 813-251-8984
tA
by Natalie Symons February 7th -23rd
Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo (727) 587-6793
Lyrics by Tim Rice Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber February 28th -March 9th
302 Seminole Street, Clearwater 727-446-1360
n OF L
n CHA February 13th - March 2nd
4025 31st Street S, St. Petersburg 727-866-1973
February 7th - 16th
Monday Night Bingo
Taco Tuesdays
Wednesday Night Prime Rib
Thursday Night Karaoke
Friday Fajitas
2 for 1 Margaritas Daily!
Menu Items
Recipes New Weekend Brunch 10am - 2pm
Late Night Menu Mon-Thu 11pm-1am • Fri-Sun 11pm-2am
