FTNJune202513-24 by Family Time News

Experts say the most important time for the growth and development of a child’s brain happens before the age of five. The early years are the learning years.

Well, all I can say is, kids today are just plain spoiled. When I was a kid, we didn’t have this new fangled Voluntary Pre Kindergarten.

Early learning in my day was watching cartoons on Saturday morning and it was not voluntary. Hey look, there were plenty of educational opportunities watching Saturday morning cartoons... like... well... science. Yeah, science, those Roadrunner cartoons taught us about science... you know,

SENIOR MUSINGS

those ACME rockets that the coyote strapped himself to so he could catch the roadrunner... I am sure many of those ex-NASA scientists got their early inspiration from watching that coyote blow himself to bits.

And what is all this talk about the environment? My environment was sitting six inches in front of a black and white TV that was spewing radiation at me while my mother was spewing her own toxic fumes

from the constant plume of chain smoking Lucky Strikes into the living room.

And God forbid if we wanted to open a window! My father would give us an economics lecture (See, another early learning opportunity!), you know, dollar bills flying out the window. So early learning? Bah! Humbug! Besides, look at me!

I turned out just fine. Twitch, twitch, cough, cough...

‘til next month, then -

The Senior Muser

An Inside Look at a Graduating VPK Class

As 23 four and five year olds stood solemnly on the stage, clad in little red gowns with red mortars balanced precariously on their heads, a few used their rolled up diplomas as telescopes. Others were searching the crowded audience for a familiar face, a few shyly waved, while others occasionally hammed it up for the camera. Like so many other Voluntary Prekindergarten Programs across Pinellas County, First United Methodist Church Preschool graduated their VPK class.

The children have had a busy year. They have explored our world through the alphabet, discovered the wonderful state of Florida, took trips to the library and post office and climbed way too high in the trees at the park. They made scarecrows and were wrapped up like mummies in toilet paper. They dressed like Pilgrims and Indians for a Thanksgiving Feast, hunted for leprechauns, made stone soup, wrote the President and the Queen, enjoyed watermelon ice cream and wondered why they couldn’t have a camp out every Friday!

They learned the real Christmas story you don’t see on TV, washed feet like Jesus, and discovered that the fruit of the spirit is not a coconut. They’ve read and sung and glued and colored. They know their ABC’s and 123’s and how to bow their little heads and open up their precious hearts in prayer.

The teachers have had a busy year, too! They were the creators and controllers of chaos both of their own making and of the children’s. They have kissed away hurts and mended broken hearts. They

have rescued lizards from harm and saved butterflies from being “over loved.” They’ve prayed for a rainy day so projects could be finished and complained when it rained for too many days because the natives were getting restless. They’ve learned that the first part of the school year moves too slowly and the end comes too quickly. They have come to love the little chairs, the hand sanitizer, and to wear cake batter as a badge of honor that was slung by an overzealous preschooler making pineapple upside down cake. They answer to Ms., Mom, Teacher, and Hey You!

Most importantly, they’ve come to know and love 23 unique children, what makes them happy or sad, what they like to read and sing, their favorite centers and how they learn best. They look forward each day to their smiles, their laughter, their stories, their hugs and “I love you’s.”

The end of preschool may seem like an insignificant event to many. However, it’s not insignificant to those of us who are invested in early childhood education.

We realize this is the end of a child being identified as part of his or her parent, and the beginning of independence and self-identity. Children who have the advantage of being part of a quality early childhood education program will have greater success academically and in life.

Quality programs ensure that the whole child is being developed. The children learn through play and experiences. They discover the natural world by watching a caterpillar eat its way through leaves, spin a cocoon and then almost as if by magic,

emerge as a new creation in the form of a butterfly.

Children learn about the magic of books as teachers read stories with silly voices and act out the parts of characters. Phonological awareness and print knowledge is everywhere from the environmental print on the walls to the labels on every item in the classroom. Critical thinking skills are honed by asking, “What do you think?” and “What if...” The love of math and engineering is fostered by providing different tools for children to build, design and manipulate.

Even more important is the social, emotional development and “soft” skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem solving, critical observation and conflict resolution.

It’s easy to see that choosing the right preschool is just as important, if not more important, than choosing the right college.

So take your time and choose a VPK program with care...

Take a tour. Ask questions. Be involved. The choice is yours.

Just so you know... This story was submitted 15 years ago by a retiring preschool director. It’s so good, we run it every year in June!

WHAT’S UP IN JUNE?

CLEARWATER

PARKS AND RECREATION

(727) 562-4800

THE MARKET MARIE

Saturday, June 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.

THIRD FRIDAYS AT THE LONG CENTER

Friday, June 20th

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Kids with crazy hat day join the Long Center for our monthly parent’s night out! Drop your kids off for a fun night of pizza, games, and excitement. For children in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Please register by the Thursday before the event.

Cost $10 with recreation card, $11 without a recreation card.

For More Info Call (727) 562-4905

FRIDAY NIGHT FRIENDZY AT MORNINGSIDE

Friday, June 6th

6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Morningside

Cupid Shuffle

Join Morningside Recreation Center for our monthly parent’s night out! Drop your kids off at Morningside for a fun night of pizza, games, and excitement

Cost $7 with recreation card, $8 without a recreation card.

For More Info Call (727) 562-4280

FREE MORNING 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

THE DUNEDIN DOWNTOWN MARKET

Fridays and Saturdays in May, 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.

LARGO CENTRAL PARK TRAIN RIDES

Saturday and Sunday June 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.

TEEN TIDAL WAVE

Friday, June 27th

Friday, July 25th

7:30-9:30pm

For kids entering 6th grade & up!

At the Highland Family Aquatic Center

Teens take over the Highland Family Aquatic Center for set Fridays this summer! Teens can splash, dance to the music, purchase food from the snack bar and hang out with friends.

For more information call 727-518-3016

THE LARGO EVENING MARKET

Saturday, June 28th

Join us 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.

Email TheLargoEveningMarket@ gmail.com for vendor inquires for this market.

LARGO LIVE

Fridays in June 7- 9pm at Ulmer Park

This is a FREE event. Gather up the family, grab your blankets and chairs, and join us for live music, games, food trucks, and more every Friday starting in April at Ulmer Park!

On-site parking is available. No personal alcohol is permitted. Pets on a leash are permitted.

For more information, please call 727-587-6740 x5014

PINELLAS PLAY FRIENDS

Sunday, June 22nd

Please visit our Adaptive Programs page for more Adaptive programs. 9:30-11am, All Youth Ages This is a FREE event At the Highland Recreation Complex

Join the fun with this FREE playgroup tailored for awesome youth with Down Syndrome and special needs, led by our pals from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. of West Florida with games and activities galore presented by Play Express

Both parents and children will bond with fellow families, swap stories, and uncover cool new resources.

Siblings are invited to jump in on the action too! Questions?

Contact Erika Lafontaine at elafonta@largo.com or call 727-587-6740 Ext 5047

JUNIOR COUNSELOR PROGRAM

The Junior Counselor Program is for interested teens who want to take part in our summer activities and be the “helping hands” in a day camp setting.

JC’s will have various duties in the camp program such as; setting up rooms for the day, preparing crafts, leading games and sports, being an active member of the Camp Adventure team and more.

If interested call the Centre to get an application.

SEMINOLE RECREATION (727) 391-8345

ESPORTS

Open Play Hours

Monday - Wednesday - Friday 4:00pm-7:00pm Saturday 11:00am-2:00pm Members FREE

Non-Members $5

IRISH DANCE

Learn Irish Dance with St. Pete Irish Dance. Classes will provide a fun and healthy dance environment. Wear workout clothes and comforable shoees. No experience necessary. At the Rec Center

Youth and Beginner Saturdays 9:30-10:30am Ages 6-12

Adult Intro to Irish Dance Saturdays 10:30-11:30am

$67 members per month

$100.50 non members per month For More Info Call 727-391-8345

THE 21 ST ANNUAL TRI-IF-YOU-DARE IS A GREAT MULTI-SPORT RACE

Sunday, June 22nd 7am - 10am

For beginner and novice youth. This youth triathlon is a non-traditional

triathlon as we go in reverse order and start the race with the run, followed by the bike and finish with the swim. The closed course is held on the Seminole Recreation Complex and St. Petersburg College (SPC) Seminole Campus.

Event Details and Schedule:

7:05am 11-12 years old 1 mile run, 3 mile bike, 150 yd swim

7:35am 9-10 years old .75 mile run, 2 mile bike, 100 yd swim

8:05am 7-8 years old .5 mile run, 2 mile bike, 100 yd swim

8:35am 5-6 years old .25 mile run, 1 mile bike, 25 yd swim

Awards will be announced immediately following the last race. Please arrive no later than 6:30am to check-in, get your child’s number marking and

place their bike in transition. Parents will not be allowed in the bike transition area at any time. We will have experienced volunteers to assist the athletes in the transition area.

Sign up in person at the Recreation Center or online at www.runsignup. com/Race/FL/Seminole/ CityofSeminoleTriifyouDare .

$50 per participant prior to May 31st

$65 per participant on or after May 31st

Packet Pick-Up will be Saturday, June 21st from 10:00am-2:00pm at Seminole Recreation Center. For more information, call Seminole Recreation at 727-391-8345 or email Maren at manderson@myseminole.com

SAFETY HARBOR RECREATION

(727)724-1555

THIRD FRIDAY

Friday, June 20th

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

CITY SUMMER CAMP INFO

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.

FOLLY FAIRE

Saturday, June 14th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Folly Farm Nature Preserve 1538 Dr. MLK Street N

DUNEDIN

812-4530

771-6000

& RECREATION (727) 724-1555

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

4TH OF JULY PARADE

Friday, July 4th

The American Legion Auxiliary will host a patriotic parade down Main Street on the morning of July 4th. Wear your red, white, and blue and be ready for a good time. To enter a float in the parade, call (727)726-9601. Stick around after the parade for a Patriotic Ceremony at the Gazebo at approximately 11:30am.

MARKET ON MAIN

& RECREATION (727) 391-8345

893-7441

Sundays in June Join friends in the community at the Safety Harbor Farmer’s Market on Main for open-air shopping each Sunday. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Gazebo at John Wilson Park 401 Main Street

Email: SHMarketOnMain@gmail.com Ths is a FREE event

JUNE CURTAIN CALLS

AMERICAN STAGE

RAYMOND JAMES THEATRE 163 3rd Street North in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. (727) 823-PLAY (7529)

FAT HAM by James Ijames Closes June 22nd

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

6099 Central Avenue St. Petersburg 727-498-5205

THE HOUSE OF FUTURE MEMORY

Devised by Eric Davis, the ensemble, and you June 13th - July 13th