SATURDAY ADULT SAILING Noon-2pm Sailing lessons for 18 and up, along with continuing sailing with the adult groups
JANUARY
familytimenews.weebly.com Email: ysn1998@aol.com
S
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
o, it’s 2025 and another New Year. Time to make those New Year Resolutions; lose weight, quit smoking, go back to school, start exercising, get out of debt... yada, yada, yada... A new year means a fresh start and brings so much hope. So here’s the bad news. More than 50% of New Year Resolutions end up a bitter failure in the first week. The first week! That’s hardly enough time to write down all the changes you want to make.
For the other 50% who manage to white knuckle it through the first week, there’s even more bad news. By the time six months has passed, 90% of that 50% will fall off the wagon and start smoking, drinking, gambling and burning their gym memberships. They’ll quit running and head back to the couch with a bag of Fritos and a YooHoo.
So why do so many resolutions go down like the Titanic? There are many theories, but one that stands out is simply this; people rely on will power alone and fail to make lifestyle changes. If you want to quit smoking you can’t go on break with your old smoking buddies to the smoking-allowed, cancer acquisition zone and stand by while they blow Marlboro smoke in your face.
Quirklogy reports that while 52% of participants in a Resolution Study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals. A separate study by Richard Wisemen from the University of Bristol showed that 78% of those who set New Year resolutions fail, and those who succeed have 5 traits in common. An article in the Wall Street Journal reported that men achieved their goal
Losing weight is always in the top five of New Year Resolutions. Research says that 60% of new gym memberships go unused.
22% more often when they engaged in goal setting (a system where small measurable goals are being set; such as, a pound a week, instead of saying “lose weight”), while women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.
According to Time Magazine, the top ten broken New Year’s Resolutions are:
• Lose Weight and Get Fit
• Quit Smoking
• Learn Something New
• Eat Healthier and Diet
• Get Out of Debt and Save
• Spend Time with Family
• Travel to New Places
• Be Less Stressed
• Volunteer
• Drink Less
WeIgHT lOSS is always on everyone’s top ten list of New Year’s Resolutions. It’s the same as when, after the Winter Olympics, ice skating rinks are inundated with little girls who want to become the next Amber Glenn. Wouldn’t you know, local gym memberships skyrocket in January and hoards of overweight Americans resolve to shed the pounds and get healthy. Again the bad news, research says that 60% of new gym memberships go unused and attendance is usually back to normal by mid-February.
QUITTINg SMOkINg is another regular top ten resolution. One of the most addicting substances in
America is tobacco. It’s estimated that approximately 90% will fail in their first attempt to quit smoking within the first twelve months. The percentage improves slightly as the person’s desire to quit improves. Although highly physically addictive, the physical addition isn’t the major reason why smokers fail to quit for good. The emotional response to stress is guaranteed to send you running for a smoke.
Fellow traveler, it’s the journey, not the destination! The process of leARNINg SOMeTHINg NeW can be enjoyable and rewarding. Well... for a while, anyway. Soon, you remember there’s a reason you haven’t learned all this yet. French is too hard to pronounce. Piano takes too much practice. Ordering out is just so much easier than cooking.
Food that’s bad for you tastes good, a bit of an oxymoron. To give up all the good stuff to eAT HeAlTHIeR AND DIeT sounds doable, but after a few weeks of just meat, you’re ready to hit Dr. Atkins over the head with a loaf of French bread.
After sorting through the pile of
Christmas time credit card receipts, it’s easy to say, “I want to geT OUT OF DeBT AND SAve MONeY.”
Starting off the new year by making a decision to say No! every time you want to go out to dinner or buy those new shoes may help you get out of debt, but as time goes on, those new Jimmy Choo’s look really good and couldn’t I really use a dress to go with them? And, that new outfit you got for Christmas is perfect for the theater and you really can’t go to the theater without eating out... maybe I’ll save money next year!
Loneliness makes the heart grow fonder, or is it out of sight out of mind? The resolution to SPeND MORe TIMe WITH FAMIlY sounds good and the new year is a good time to start, but after the Christmas fiasco with your wife’s cousin Johnny and your ten year old nephew’s temper tantrum, you might have second thoughts. Spending more time with the kids is a good idea, but they’re all grown now and have lives of their own. After the logistical nightmare of coordinating Sunday dinner, sometimes, no matter how committed, Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to be enough.
It’s the new year and it’s time to explore all those exotic locales you’ve seen on the Discovery Channel. It’s time to TRAvel TO NeW PlACeS, take that balloon excursion over the Serengeti Plains or dine at the Jules Verne atop the Eiffel Tower. But things have a habit of getting in the way... money gets tight, finding a good pet sitter is a hassle and the gyrations it takes to get a passport these days? It’s easier to just watch the Discovery Channel.
It’s always a good idea to reduce stress in one’s life. To Be leSS STReSSeD means better health and will make one happier in general. Of course, that’s easier said then done. The holidays can become a time of even higher than normal stress levels. Pressure to find the perfect gift and the ways and means to pay for it, family obligations and relatives best kept at long distance can make even the most Zen centered person a raving lunatic. And here’s more bad news... more than likely, the first New Year’s Resolution to bite the dust will be this one. With the new year comes the anxiety of where have the years gone? What will the economy do? Will you get that promotion? yada, yada, yada... and, by the way, that chocolate cake
You want to save money, but those new Jimmy Choo’s look really good...
looks really good.
To be of service to my brother man, it’s time to give back. There’s so much to be grateful for, you should vOlUNTeeR. But volunteering takes time and add that to the list of other demands on your time, well, see the less stressed paragraph above.
On new year’s morning, with the inside of your head pounding like an old diesel on the Long Island Railroad, you most certainly will vow to DRINk leSS in 2024! Look, it’s better for your health, will save you money and keep you out of the You Tube videos of the office Christmas party next year, but headaches go away, memories fade and You Tube hits go down.
So now you’re truly inspired... to fail, that is. So let’s take a look at five things that’ll help you be one of the great minority who will, in fact, succeed with their New Year’s Resolutions.
1. DON’T HAve UNReAlISTIC gOAlS. Expecting to drop 50 pounds and fit into a size 2 dress, becoming
a triathlete and learning how to play guitar like Eric Clapton by the end of the year isn’t going to happen. So set a realistic goal like losing 1-2 pounds per week. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, so put some effort into learning a new skill and your chances will vastly improve.
2. DON’T lOOk FOR A QUICk FIx.
Don’t expect to suddenly not want to smoke because it’s bad for you. Get a support group and use a cessation device. Remember, 90% of smokers will fail the first time. Diligence is the key, so be ready to jump back on the wagon the minute you fall off.
3. DON’T SURROUND YOURSelF WITH TeMPTATION. Having a refrigerator full of chocolate cake and pizza isn’t going to help you stay on track if you plan on losing weight. Get rid of all the cookies and cake and replace them with fruits to help conquer that sweet tooth. But keep a small stash of Godiva on hand because indulging in sweets every so often will keep your healthful eating on track.
4. DON’T TRY AND CHANge eveRYTHINg All AT ONCe.
Trying to do too much too soon will just leave you overwhelmed and set up to fail. Focusing on one goal will guarantee greater success. The simpler and more focused your goal, the easier it will be to attain.
5. HAve A PlAN. Would you get in your car and drive if you didn’t know where you were going? If you’re trying to lose weight, think about exercise and diet. Don’t go to extremes by eating lettuce and running 20 miles a week. Devise a plan that fits in with your schedule and set goals that are realistic and achievable, such as going for a walk three times a week. Schedule in a “buffer” week after New Year’s to adjust to eating better and getting on track.
So, by the time you read this, you may already have fallen off the wagon and your New Year’s Resolution, like 2024, is a thing of the past. If that’s the case, remember you can always start over, so jump back on the horse and try again. If you’re still maintaining but beginning to waiver, hang in there and remember you only have to diet one day at a time.
But, if you’ve just had enough and purchased a year’s supply of Fritos, then take heart, 2026 is less than a year away...
Don’t worry, only 90% of people will fail at their first attempt to quit smoking.
senior time
F-E-A-R
For centuries, the fear response has kept our ancestors alive. Immediate response to a threat was a survival skill. Think caveman, sabertoothed tiger and lunch. Today unscrupulous scammers are using that basic fear response to bilk money from our most vulnerable segment of society.
Recently, an elderly woman reached out to her neighbor for help because she was being threatened over the phone. Apparently she was receiving harassing phone calls from a man in the Caribbean. The man was demanding payment for some debt that she had incurred. When pressed for details, the elderly woman was rather vague and somewhat confused as to what had occurred.
Pressed for more details, the woman explained that she had received a phone call months ago, informing her that she had won a sweepstakes prize, and the award was a considerable amount. In order to get the money, she would need to pay the tax on the prize and would she please provide her banking information to do so.
Over a period of time, the man in the Caribbean took control of her bank account, made electronic deposits and then withdrew the funds by buying gift cards. It was pretty clear that a money laundering scam was in play and that the elderly woman was
being coerced into continuing to allow this to happen until finally, she called the bank and they closed the account. This is when the harassing phone calls began because now, the scam artist was unable to control the money in the account.
The good Samaritan neighbor called the scammer in the
Caribbean, informed him that the elderly woman would no longer be transferring any money or providing any account information, and the police would be informed. Even though the phone calls stopped, the woman was bilked out of a few thousand dollars and endured many sleepless nights.
Fear was the tool this scam artist used to keep his foot in the virtual door of her bank account. Fear that she would somehow be financially liable, or even criminally prosecuted, if she did not continue doing this con man’s bidding. And, many similar fear based scams are out there today:
The Fake Utility Company scam. They will call and threaten to shut off your power if you don’t pay with cash right now.
The Warrant scam . They threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay right now. Variations include the IRS scam (past due taxes) missed jury duty scam and social security imposter. All involve paying NOW to avoid arrest.
The IRS, Social Security, the courts or utility companies will never ask for cash or contact you in that way. There will always be multiple paper communications first.
How to respond? Never pay by gift cards. Hang up and call directly. If you have been a victim of one of these scams there are resources available to you:
ELDER HELP LINE 727-217-8111
ELDER WATCH 800-222-4444 OPTION 2
888-895-7873
SENIOR MUSINGS
Since it’s the new year, it’s time for The Senior Muser to make his 2025 New Year’s Resolutions!
My 1st resolution is not to complain about things so much this year. I get so tired of people complaining about everything from the economy to the government but are unwilling to do anything about it and the... wait, looks like I just broke that resolution.
to the dentist only when I’m in great pain, so there goes the
Well, I guess the best resolution to make is to not make any resolutions at all. At least I won’t break that one.
FRESH. BOLD. FUNKY. FLORIDA.
Monday Night Bingo
Taco Tuesdays
Wednesday Night Prime Rib
Thursday Night Karaoke
Friday Fajitas
2 for 1 Margaritas Daily!
New Menu Items
New Recipes
New Weekend Brunch 10am - 2pm
New Late Night Menu Mon-Thu 11pm-1am • Fri-Sun 11pm-2am
WHAT’S UP IN JANUARY?
CLEARWATER PARKS AND
RECREATION
727-562-4800
Th E M ARKET M ARIE
Saturday, January 11th
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.
D R. M ARTIN Lu T h ER K ING
J R. C ELE b RATION
Monday January 20th
The city of Clearwater and the NAACP Clearwater Upper Pinellas County Branch present the annual
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Monday, Jan. 20 at the North Greenwood Recreation Center
900 N. Martin Luther King Jr., Ave. and Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St.
8:00-10:30 a.m.: Breakfast at North Greenwood Recreation Center 10:45 a.m.: March Procession to Coachman Park.
For more information, email NAACP5096@gmail.com, call (727) 307-4865.
F REE M ORNING 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
S TRETC h AND P LAY: T EAM
T RI v IA Ch ALLENGE
Monday January 27th 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Aging Well Center @ The Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher Road, Exercise your brain through fun challenges about facts, dates and culture. Pre-registration preferred. Space is limited. Pre-registration is recommended for all in-person classes. To register, call (727) 562-4904
PARKS & R ECREATION
bOARD M EETING
Tuesday January 28th 6:30pm - 8:00pm Clearwater Main Library City Council Chambers, 100 N. Osceola Ave Parks & Recreation Board meetings are held in Council Chambers on the first floor of the Main Library.
D u NEDIN
RECREATION
(727) 812-4530
Th E Du NEDIN
D OWNTOWN M ARKET
Fridays and Saturdays in
January, 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.
Du NEDIN
I NTERNATIONAL
F ILM F ESTI vAL
January 9th -12th
HoB Brewing Co 931 Huntley Ave, Dunedin
In the heart of Downtown Dunedin, Florida, for four unforgettable days of independent cinema, local talent, and international creativity. From gripping thrillers to soul-stirring dramas, DIFF is bringing the very best in storytelling to the screen. Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or new to the world of film, there’s something for everyone at this must-attend festival.
Festival Highlights: Films Every Day! Watch incredible films from around the world at the HOB
Garden Theater , 6 PM to 11 PM, January 8–12. After Parties Every Night: Celebrate with filmmakers, industry professionals, and fellow film lovers. Let’s keep the energy high all week long!
Friday Night Filmmaker Party at Caledonia (01/10): 8 PM – 12 AM. Dance the night
away with 80’s movie music and a costume contest to kick off the weekend in style.
Saturday After Party at BLUR VIP Lounge (01/11): Celebrate in style with fellow festival-goers in Dunedin’s hottest nightclub. Sunday Brunch + Films + Bottomless Rosé. Join them for a special brunch benefiting Chicks Making Flicks , an incredible initiative supporting women in film. Enjoy delicious food, bottomless rosé, and an inspiring panel featuring some of Florida’s most exciting female filmmakers!
When: Sunday, January 12th at 11:00 AM Where: Fenway Hotel, Dunedin Tickets: $50 includes brunch, the female filmmaker panel, and bottomless rosé. Red Carpet & Awards Gala The grand finale! Celebrate the best of the festival at our Red Carpet & Awards Gala, Sunday, January 12th, from 4 PM – 7 PM at the HOB Garden Theater . Shine alongside the stars and filmmakers as we honor outstanding cinematic achievements. Filmmakers, this is your moment! Whether you’re a local talent or an international visionary, DIFF is your platform to showcase your work. Share your stories, connect with fellow creatives, and engage with an audience that lives and breathes cinema.
Friday, January 17th
6:00-9:00pm
Carolynn Street & 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 .
Th E R ESOLu TION
Ru M b LE P ICKLE b ALL T O u RNAMENT
Saturday, January 11th
8:30am-end of tournament Southwest Rec Ages 18+
$30 per team When registering, the payment needs to only appear under one person’s account.
Come enjoy the world’s fastest growing sport in a fun and competitive Saturday tournament. This is an open tournament featuring two males, two females or co-ed. Everyone can come out and have fun. Each team is guaranteed 4 seeding games and at least 1 bracket play game. Register in person at the Southwest Recreation Center, Highland Recreation Center or the Largo Community Center. You may also register online at playlargo.com . If you register online, the registration form must be emailed to crees@largo.com .
For More Info Call 727-518-3125 .
T O u C h- A -T R u CK & STEM Ex PLORER F EST
Saturday, January 18th 10am-2pm
Largo Central Park This is a Free Event!
The City of Largo is once again hosting its Touch a Truck event and STEM Explorer Fest in Largo Central Park on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 10am-2pm.
Climb, explore and talk to local community helpers who will be on-site with their trucks, cars, boats, etc. This annual family friendly event is fun for all ages.
They are currently accepting applications to show of your truck, motorcycle, helicopter, boats, trains, planes and automobiles!
Please note that our sensory friendly hours are from 10am12pm. This will include quieter music, no noise makers and no horns. If you prefer the horns, that will start at 12noon and last until 2pm. Please join us for the truck parade after the event as you line the sidewalk and watch the trucks leave. We encourage everyone to leave the event area by 1:55 to allow the trucks time to leave.
support local small businesses.
Largo Central Park is located at 101 Central Park Drive. For more information on this and all of our events, visit LargoEvents.com or call 727-587-6740 ext 5014.
The City of Largo is also excited to partner with Pinellas County Schools to bring STEM Explorer Fest on the same day! If you are interested in setting up a booth during this event, please apply today!
Food and beverage vendors will be on-site, so come hungry and
L ARGO C ENTRAL PARK T RAIN R IDES
Saturday and Sunday
January 4th & 5th
February 1st & 2nd
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 Ev ENING M ARKET
Saturday January 25th
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.
SEMINOLE RECREATION (727) 391-8345
SEMINOLE INSTR u CTIONAL b ASKET b ALL
Ages 6-8
Starts January 10th
$50 Members $75 Non Members
There are still spots available for the Instructional Basketball League. This League is for ages 6-8 and will meet on Friday evenings beginning January 10th. Contact the Recreation Center for more information @ 727-391-8345
E SPORTS
Open Play Hours
Monday - Wednesday - Friday 4:00pm-7:00pm Saturday 11:00am-2:00pm Members F REE
Non-Members $5
IRIS h DANCE
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
SEMINOLE REC LIL’ KICKERS
Ages 6-8
Tuesdays January 7th - 28th
5:30pm - 6pm
$27 Members
$40.50 Non Members
Learn how to dribble, pass and shoot the ball and learn teamwork. This League is for ages 4-6. Contact the Recreation Center for more information @ 727-391-8345
SEMINOLE REC YO u NG SC u LPTORS
Ages 7-11
Wednesdays January 8th - 29th 6pm-7pm
2025-2026
$37 Members
$55.50 Non Members Explore the fimdermentals of hand building pottery.
Contact the Recreation Center for more information @ 727-391-8345
SAFETY h AR b OR RECREATION
(727)724-1555
Th IRD F RIDAY
Friday, January 17th
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.
F OLLY FAIRE
Saturday, January 11th
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
TARPON SPRINGS RECREATION (727) 938-3711
INSTR u CTIONAL YO u T h v OLLEYb ALL at the Gymnasium
Skill development clinics to improve your game. Wednesdays at 7pm
Ages 10-17
January 22nd to March 12th
$75/session w/card $90/ session w/out card
PEE
WEE SPORTS at the Gymnasium
Preschool instruction for ages 3-5 in variety of sports. Saturdays at 9am: January 11th to February 1st Wednesdays at 6pm: January 15th to February 5th
$20/session w/card $30/ session w/out card
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
YOuTh bASKETbALL SKILLS CLINICS at the Gymnasium
Specialized basketball clinics designed to improve shooting,
passing and other skills.
Saturdays from 10-11:30am, Ages 8-14
January 11th to February 1st
$40/session w/card
$50/session w/out card
INSTRuCTIONAL 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
G u LFPORT RECREATION
(727)893-1068
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.
They can still be reached at 727-893-1068
S T. P ETERS bu RG RECREATION
(727)893-7441
PARENTS’ N IG h T Ou T hI b ERNATION
Friday, January 24th
6PM - 10 PM
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way, S
Parents! Drop the kids off for a FRIDAY evening of outdoorthemed activities including: Games, Crafts and Dinner. Florida’s climate is milder compared to many regions, but certain animals still enter a state of dormancy to cope with the cooler temperatures and limited food availability.
Participate in games, activities, crafts, and a night hike.
Cost: $25 | Ages 6 - 12 Registration is required.
For More Info Call (727) 893-7441
K IDS YOGA IN T h E PARK
Tuesdays January 7th - 28th 4 PM - 5 PM
Lake Vista Park 1401 62nd Ave. S
Discover the benefits of yoga through play, movement and
mindfulness. Join us for Kids Yoga in the Park! A FREE, fun, interactive, four-week series designed for kids, ages 6 - 12. It’s the perfect way to introduce kids to a healthy, active lifestyle and teach them tools for managing stress and improving concentration. Only 15 spots available | Registration is required! Participants will learn basic yoga poses, breathing techniques and relaxation exercises in a positive and supportive environment.
For More Info Call (727) 893-7441
A STRONOMY N IG h T
Saturday, January 18th at 7PM
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S
Participants will be able to check out planets! Saturn, Venus and Jupiter and Mars will be within sight through the telescopes.
Precious Paws Need FOREVER Homes!
diAMOnd dAnieL!
Hi! My name is Daniel and I’m a Diamond Dog. Please ask about the special perks that come with my adoption. I LOVE: toys, especially the squeaky ones. I really like massages and butt scratches too. One of my favorite things to do is chase squirrels.
I KNOW: I’m easy on the leash. I am also a smart boy and want to please. The volunteers say I’m a “handsome hunk!”
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE: to welcome you home with a big smile and kisses, that’s me.
I AM SPECIAL BECAUSE: I lost my home due to a hurricane and my family wanted me to be safe and happy. I will miss them but I’m ready to find my new family
and forever home. Please, pick me! Come to the SPCA Tampa Bay today at 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo. Visit Daniel and his friends online at www.SPCATampaBay.org.
spirted vixen!
Vixen is a gentle girl with a loving spirit. While she may be a little shy at first, she warms up quickly once she knows you’re a friend. Smart and eager to please, Vixen already knows commands like Sit and Down
A great cuddle buddy and an easy walker, Vixen politely accepts treats and will be a loyal, affectionate companion. Do you have room in your heart and home for this sweet girl?
Visit the shelter at 12450 Ulmerton Road in Largo, or see Vixen and her friends online at www. pinellascounty.org/animalservices/ adopt. To learn more about Animal Services, stop by the shelter or call (727) 582-2600.
sweet Kenzi!
Meet seven-month-old Kenzi, currently available for adoption in our Cat+Kitten Adoption Room at PetSmart in Oldsmar. Kenzi recently moved into our cat room. She is learning to spend more time
and enjoys treats more than toys. She seems to thrive in the company of other dogs and would love a furry brother or sister to share her adventures. Now off mama duty, she’s ready to relax and have fun!
Daniel is waiting for you at the SPCA Tampa Bay
Vixen is waiting for you at Pinellas County Animal Services.
Kenzi is waiting for you at the Suncoast Animal League.
with humans as we earn her trust. She is excellent with other cats and loves grooming and snuggling with the other kittens. Kenzi will need a patient adopter who can give her the time it takes to learn to trust and see how wonderful human companions can be!
For more information about Kenzi or to get more info about our cat+kitten adoption program, please email us at Cat.Adoptions@ SuncoastAnimalLeague.org.
energetic jAcKie
Hi there, I’m Jackie! I have boundless energy and so much joy to go around. I am potty trained and will let you know when I have to go. I’m a lovebug and a goofball, and I LOVE playing with toys. Everyone tells me I have a heart as big as my personality! If you’re looking for
a loyal friend who will brighten up your days, I’m your guy! If you currently have a dog at home, please bring them to meet me to be sure that we will get along!
Come meet Jackie at the Humane Society of Pinellas at 3040 State Road 590 in Clearwater. For more information call (727) 797-7722 or visit HumaneSocietyofPinellas.org.
ALL AMericAn ApOLLO!
Apollo is a big, exuberant boy who makes friends with everyone he meets! If you are looking for an exercise partner or just a big, goofy companion, you need to meet him! Apollo is a 2 1/2 year old, 50 pound All-American boy.
All of our animals are spayed or neutered, micro chipped and vaccinated. Visit Apollo and his friends at Pet Pal Animal Shelter
located at 405 22nd St. S, St. Pete, FL 33712 or call (727) 328-7738.
cOrnFLOwer
Cornflower is the prettiest flower in the patch and she’s hoping you pick her! Cornflower would do best in a home without the presence of dogs.
is waiting for you at Friends of Strays.
To meet Cornflower, please call Friends of Strays at 727-5226566 or stop by our Adoption Center at 2911 47th Ave N, St. Petersburg. Many of our adoptable pets are also on the web at FriendsOfStrays.com
Jackie is waiting for you at the Humane Society of Pinellas.
Apollo is waiting for you at the Pet Pal Animal Shelter.
Cornflower
JANUARY CURTAIN CALLS
AMERICAN STAGE
RAYMOND JAMES THEATRE
163 3rd Street North in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. (727) 823-PLAY (7529)
T h IS GIRL LAu G h S, T h IS GIRL CRIES, T h IS GIRL DOES NOT h ING by Finegan Kruckemeyer January 22nd- 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
FREEFALL ThEATRE 6099 Central Avenue St. Petersburg 727-498-5205
COMING IN FE b RuARY
S OND h EIM AND W EIDMAN’S R OAD Sh OW
JObSITE
T HE R ES i DENT T HEATRE COM pANY AT THE S TRA z C ENTER
MAC b ET h
By William Shakespeare January 15th - February 9th
jobsitetheater.org For tickets go to tickets@jobsitetheater.org or call the Straz Center Box Office at 813.229.STAR
STAGEWORKS 1120 E Kennedy Blvd Tampa 813-251-8984
COMING IN FE b RuARY T h E PEOPLE DOWNSTAIRS
Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo (727) 587-6793
COMING IN FE b RuARY
J OSEP h AND T h E A MA z ING T EC h NICOLOR D REAMCOAT FRANCIS
PLAYhOuSE 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater 727-446-1360
L ADIES OF T h E C AMELLIAS by Lillian Groags January 9th - 19th
ST PETE CITY ThEATRE
4025 31st Street S, St. Petersburg 727-866-1973
COMING IN FE b RuARY J ANE Au STEN’S P RIDE AND P REJ u DICE
Your Fitness, s ports and r ecreation n ews
YFSN
New Year’s thoughts from the Weekend Warrior... It’s now 2025, so time for some reflection on the importance of my weekend warrior extracurricular activities, and how they play havoc with my life. A quick perusal of my health insurance claims page tells me I am getting my money’s worth for my over priced medical insurance premiums. So maybe it’s time to make some Weekend Warrior 2025 New Year Resolutions.
It appears that I am also helping the economy as my orthopedic will certainly show a profit on his balance sheet thanks to my weekend warrior adventures. His large fees for telling me not to fall on my head was money well spend. So my first New Year’s resolution is to not fall on my head!
I had a bit of a negative impact on my general practitioner’s earnings because she was replaced in 2024. We had philosophical differences in a vast array of medical disciplines. She wanted me to stay out of the water and not surf for three weeks due to a minor muscle tear in my forearm. I felt two days and a prednisone pack would be adequate.
She disagreed, imagine her arrogance! Just because she went to medical school, she assumed she knew more about rehabbing an injury than I did! She also wanted
me to cut down on steak and ice cream. Cut down on steak and ice cream, really? What are they teaching doctors these days!
Hopefully, my new doc will have attended a less rigid institution of higher learning. So, my second New Year’s resolution is to find a general practitioner who agrees with me and maybe has a financial interest in a steak house or an ice cream parlor.
On the home front, my softball escapades have rendered my wife’s honey-do list dormant. She does not seem to agree that legging out a three bagger with bad knees is worth spending the next week on the couch
watching reruns of Dexter with ice packs on my knees. Her statement that the gate will not fix itself seems rather insensitive. Try telling that to my teammates... yeesh! So, my third New Year’s resolution is to hit more home runs!
I must concede one point. I cannot justify buying a new nine iron every time I miss the green and toss the club into the water hazard. So my fourth New Year’s resolution is to not toss my nine iron into a water hazard. That should be doable as long as I don’t miss the green on an easy approach shot. So how do I keep the resolution if I miss the green? I can always wrap that nine iron around a tree trunk.
Now, I have been accused of lacking, what’s the word... I think it begins with an M... oh yeah, MODERATION. I have been accused of lacking moderation when it comes to sports. Just because I go surfing for eight hours or play 36 holes of golf in a single day. My wife calls it magnificent obsession. I kinda like that. It sounds, well, magnificent. Though she is not smiling when she says it. See broken gate, ice packs and Dexter. So, my fifth New Year’s resolution is to practice moderation. Naa, that’s not ever gonna happen...
Happy New Year from The Weekend Warrior!
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