FTNSeptember202513-24 by Family Time News

SENIORMUSINGS

Where has common courtesy gone in our society today?

My last trip to the local Publix Shopping Center was like driving through an obstacle course! I needed to circumnavigate my car through a plethora of iron weaved shopping carts of destruction that the mad herds of unfeeling and thoughtless shoppers had left behind like so many stranded carcasses in the wasteland we know as the supermarket parking lot.

Of course, it is understandable why these very busy shoppers feel inclined to leave their carts on the edge of every available parking place because after all, it IS a long walk back to the store. And they truly would be hurting the economy if they brought that cart back to where they first acquired it, for if they did, those young high school kids would be out of a job. But wait!

Amidst the many accoutrements

of a modern day parking lot, lights, finely painted parking lines and trash receptacles, are these odd shaped anomalies bearing the cryptic message “RETURN CARTS HERE.”

These cart receptacles are strategically arranged throughout the lot so that a shopper will always be just a few steps away. A few steps that could alleviate the many nicks and dings that an otherwise healthy paint job must endure. But, no!

Instead of a few steps, the heartless shopper will tug, push and lift the cart onto one of the many curbs protecting islands of grass that dot the parking lot landscape.

Maybe it is simply an act of rebellion as the shopper drives away knowing they have defied the establishment.

Or maybe they just don’t give a damn.

next month, thenThe Senior Muser

ASTHMA, KIDS AND SPORTS

You might remember a time when kids with asthma were discouraged from playing sports and told to take it easy. That’s no longer the case. Being active, working out and playing sports not only helps kids with asthma stay fit, maintain a healthy weight and have fun, but also can strengthen their breathing muscles and help the lungs work better.

For these reasons, your doctor may recommend exercise as part of your child’s asthma treatment plan. If you have doubts about whether sports and asthma mix, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that asthma affects more than 20% of elite athletes and 1 in every 6 Olympic athletes.

GAME ON!

Two important things that kids who have asthma should know about sports participation: Their asthma must be under control in order for them to play sports properly. When their asthma is well controlled, they can, and should, be active and play sports just like anyone else.

require short bursts of activity like baseball, football, gymnastics, and shorter track and field events.

Endurance sports, like longdistance running and cycling, and sports like soccer and basketball, which require extended energy output, may be more challenging. This is especially true for cold-

to take a prescribed medication before exercise can lead to severe flare-ups and even emergency department visits.

YOUR

CHILD SHOULD CARRY RESCUE MEDICATION AT ALL TIMES, EVEN DURING WORKOUTS, IN CASE OF A FLARE-UP.

weather sports like cross-country skiing or ice hockey. But that doesn’t mean kids can’t participate in these sports if they truly enjoy them. In fact, many athletes with asthma have found that, with proper training and medication, they can participate in any sport they choose.

Of course, some sports are less likely to pose problems than others for people with asthma. Swimming, leisurely biking and walking are less likely to trigger asthma flare-ups, as are sports that

STAYING IN THE GAME

To keep asthma under control, it’s important that kids take their medicine as prescribed. Skipping controller medication can make symptoms worse, and forgetting

It’s also a good idea to keep triggers in mind. Depending on their triggers, kids with asthma may want to: Skip outdoor workouts when pollen or mold counts are high. Wear a scarf or ski mask when training outside during the winter. Breathe through the nose instead of the mouth while exercising. Make sure they always have time for a careful warm up and cool down. These recommendations should be included in the asthma action plan you create with your child’s doctor.

Also make sure that the coach knows about your child’s asthma and the asthma action plan. For a young child, you might want to provide the coach with a copy. Older kids should keep a copy with them, as well as any medication that could be needed to treat a flareup. Most important, your child and the coach need to understand when it’s time for your child to take a break from a practice or game so that flare ups can be managed before they become emergencies.

YFSN

THE IMPORTANCE OF EYE PROTECTION!

According to a recent report, approximately 30% of eye injuries among children under 16 are sports related. And yet, 90% of those injuries are preventable. With adults between the ages of 18-40, that number drops to just under 15%. Children are particularly susceptible to eye injuries because of their underdeveloped depth perception, fearless style of play and athletic immaturity. It’s recommended to wear eye protection for the following sports and recreational activities: baseball, softball, racquetball, tennis, badminton, soccer, ice hockey, street hockey, basketball, lacrosse, archery, fencing, boxing and karate.

Here’s a look at the most popular sports and the recommended protective eyewear:

Baseball/Softball: Baseball is the leading cause of sports related eye injuries. Best Defense: A polycarbonate face guard attached to the helmet. This will prevent corneal abrasions (scratches on the cornea), hyphema (bleeding in the eye), cataract and swollen retina.

Soccer: 50% of soccer eye injuries result in hyphema. Best Defense: Wearing polycarbonate goggles will help prevent swollen retina, inflamed iris and hyphema.

Basketball: More than 193,000 children ages 5-14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for basketball related injuries in 2022. Best Defense: Wearing polycarbonate goggles will help prevent fractured eye sockets, swollen retina, corneal abrasions and hyphema.

Football: The good news is that football related eye injuries have been reduced

head and eyes must be completely protected.

Polycarbonate Lens

Material and another material called Trivex™ are the most impact resistant materials from which lenses can be made. These materials are over 20 times stronger than regular lens material and can stop a .22 caliber bullet under some conditions. Obviously, contact lenses do not provide protection and regular eyeglasses are insufficient and can shatter when hit by a ball, puck, elbow, hand or the ground, and in some cases, produce an injury worse than if a person was not wearing glasses at all.

90%. Best Defense: A facemask with a polycarbonate shield over the opening of the mask. Will prevent corneal abrasions and hyphema.

Ice & Roller Hockey: Ice hockey is the second leading cause of winter sports injuries. Best Defense: A facemask with a polycarbonate shield on the helmet will help prevent corneal abrasions, hyphema and swollen retina. There have been several blinding and disfiguring traumas in hockey. The

When shopping for sports eyewear protection, expect to pay between $35 and $100 for protective eyewear and at least $80 to $120 for eyewear with prescription lenses. Purchase eyewear at a sports specialty store or optical store and don’t buy eyewear without lenses. Make sure the eyewear fits comfortably and securely and can fit on a helmet if necessary. Check the packaging to see if the eyewear is comprised of polycarbonate and has been approved by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

If an injury to the eye does occur, go to an eye doctor or hospital emergency room. Some players may see stars or spots, or notice a change in their vision, indicating an injury. But, damage from a blow isn’t always apparent even right after it happens. A “shiner” or black eye, is sometimes funny to look at but can indicate a serious injury that needs treatment and without treatment, can cause permanent loss of vision.

WHAT’S UP IN SEPTEMBER?

CLEARWATER PARKS AND RECREATION

(727) 562-4800

THE MARKET MARIE

Saturday, September 13th

10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 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 Svcs Bldg,

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.

CLEARWATER OFFSHORE NATIONALS

Friday thru Sunday September 26th-28th, . Friday 5:00 PM to 9:Midnight Saturday8:00pm to Midnight Sunday 6:00pm to Mightnight No admission will be charged at any of the race events.

The sounds of seagulls and gentle waves on Clearwater Beach will be replaced by the thrilling roar of approximately 90 race boats competing in the 2025 Xinsurance

Clearwater Offshore Nationals. Specially built, low-slung boats up to 50 feet long will race at speeds up to 150 mph in the Gulf. The competition for national championships will be fierce as boats and crews vie to qualify for the World Championships in Key West in November.

How to watch the event: The races will be easy to see. The 2.5-mile-long race course will be just a couple of hundred yards off and parallel to the beach. Turn One will be about 100 yards off Clearwater Beach’s famous Pier 60.

Hundreds of people will come to the beach and the pier to watch the show and enjoy the beautiful Gulf waters and soft, white sand.

A spectator fleet of privately owned and tour boats will anchor just offshore of the course in an area organizers have set aside for them. Several tour boat companies are offering race-day cruises. Beachfront hotels will hold watch parties.

For More Info Call (727) 593-5536

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

THIRD FRIDAYS AT THE LONG CENTER

Friday, September 19th 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

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

DUNEDIN RECREATION (727) 812-4530

THE DUNEDIN DOWNTOWN MARKET

Fridays and Saturdays in September, 9:00am - 2:00pm

John R. Lawrence

Pioneer Park

Features fresh produce, eggs, meats, artisan cheeses, breads, honey, and baked goods. You can also find other unique items like soaps, candles, plants, 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.

ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL

Next date:

Saturday, October 11, 2025

| 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM

ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL

Discover and meet some of the nation’s most talented artists showcasing handmade, original works of art and fine craftsmanship. Home decor, pet accessories, wearable art, jewelry, painting, photography, ceramics, and more will be on display, pop-up gallery style, from over 150 artisans and craft artists. This outdoor event also features live plants and tasty treats.

This event is presented by American Craft Endeavors. For more information, visit www.ArtFestival.com, email info@artfestival.com

or call 561-746-6615.

SEMINOLE RECREATION

(727) 391-8345

THE 28TH ANNUAL MUSIC IN THE PARK CONCERT SERIES

Fridays, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Starting in September

@ The Seminole City Park 7464 Ridge Road Fridays, September 12th, 19th, 26th October 3rd, 10th 7pm – 9pm

FREE to attend / $3 Event

Parking per vehicle (Main Parking Lot & Repetto’s Lot)

o We recommend bringing your own chairs or blankets. o We discourage coolers. o Outside alcohol is prohibited. NEW THIS YEAR:

o Parking Decal (5 concerts) sold for $10 is Pre-Purchase ONLY (must be done in person at the Seminole Recreation Center).

o Each concert will be themed (food and intermission activities) to match the genre being played. Feel free to dress up to join in on the fun.

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

Sept. 12 -- Chris Robert Band / Country Sept. 19 -- Smooth D and the Boyz / Funk Soul Sept. 26 -- Whiskey Throttle / Rock Theme is Rock Into Halloween featuring 8-10 craft vendors selling Autumn & Halloween items. A sponsor will give away pumpkins (while supplies lasts). Oct. 3 -- Point 6 / Latin Pop Oct. 10 -- Risky Business / 80s

FOOD/DRINKS

Concessions available for purchase by Fire Union Cash Only Please Alcohol will be available for purchase by Seminole Recreation Vendors (weeks 1-5): A Bees Place and Rita’s Italian Ice Vendor (week 1): Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

AND EVENT SPONSORS: Thank You to our Community Partners & Event Sponsors:

o Presenting Sponsor: NexGenEsis Healthcare

o Community Partners Include: All Smiles Orthodontics, Animal Hospital of Seminole, Calvary Church

o Sponsors Include: Bay Dermatology, Premier Martial Arts, Re/Max

Interested in being a Sponsor or Vendor? Contact the Seminole Recreation Department at 727-391-8345.

WE DO NOT HAVE ONLINE REGISTRATION AND WILL NEVER ASK FOR YOUR PAYMENT INFORMATION ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE .

Payments can only be submitted in person or sent by mail. Stay Safe!

LARGO RECREATION 727-586-7455

LARGO CENTRAL PARK TRAIN RIDES

Saturday and Sunday September 6th & 7th 10am-4pm (Saturday) 10am-1pm (Sunday)

Largo Central Park is located at 101 Central Park Drive. Train rides can be accessed via the tan-roofed shelter on the east side of the park.

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 family-fun activity, but donations

are welcome. Your contributions keep the trains running!

CONCERT SERIES ON THE BREEZEWAY

Friday, September 19th

6:00-9:00pm

Music by Carl Motyka | Food Truck: Westchase BBQ

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 .

THE LARGO EVENING MARKET

Saturday, September 27th

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.

OLDSMAR RECREATION

(813)749-1100

ADULT OPEN HOCKEY

Monday & Thursdays in September (Ages 16 & Up) 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Oldsmar Sports ComplexOutdoor Hockey Rink 3120 Tampa Road

Games are organized by participants and teams are picked at random. Bring a light and dark shirt. All skill levels are welcome.

Note: Participants must provide their own sticks, balls and protective gear. Program available except during clinics & camps.

For More Info Call 813-749-1152

SATURDAY MARKET

Saturdays in September 9:00am - 1:00pm City Hall-East Lot 100 State Street West Presented by the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce

Support local vendors while enjoying fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food. Whether you’re shopping for unique gifts, fresh ingredients or just looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday, the Oldsmar Saturday Market has something for everyone.

Arts & Crafts

Fresh Baked Goods Farm-Fresh Produce Local Boutiques & More!

For More Info Call 813-855-4233

Precious Paws Need FOREVER Homes!

ACES HIGH!

Hi! My name is Ace and I’m a Diamond Dog. Please ask about the special perks that come with my adoption. I LOVE: belly rubs and ear scratches more than toys and treats. I KNOW: I’m a good walker and I will sit politely for a treat. The

Tampa Bay.

volunteers say I am well behaved and easy to handle. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE: to join you on a walk or for cuddles on the couch, I’m the one for you.

SOMETHING ABOUT MY PAST: I have lived with dogs but I chase cats. My previous family trusted me to be alone in the house so I had free roam. I like the pool but not thunder. I’m actually a great cuddle buddy.

Come to the SPCA Tampa Bay today at 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo. You

can also visit Ace and his friends online at SPCATampaBay.org.

LAID BACK BO-D!

Bo-D is a handsome gentleman with a calm, laid-back nature who knows how to enjoy the simple pleasureshe loves belly rubs more than toys and can catch treats midair like a pro. Friendly, curious and confident, he’s smart and eager to please, already mastering Sit and Down with good manners to match. Well behaved and easy to handle, Bo-D walks nicely on a leash and politely accepts

Bo-D is waiting for you at Pinellas County Animal Services.

treats, and wants you to know he has a frosty muzzle but a warm heartthe perfect companion for someone seeking a steady, loving friend.

Visit the shelter at 12450 Ulmerton

Road in Largo, or see Bo-D and his friends online at www. pinellascounty.org/animalservices/ adopt. To learn more about Animal Services, stop by the shelter or call (727) 582-2600.

BROTHERS IN YOUR ARMS!

Meet five-month-old kitten siblings Bly and Bidzill, who are currently available for adoption in our Cat+Kitten Adoption Room at the PetSmart in Oldsmar. These siblings are super sweet and loving. They enjoy playing and get along well with other cats and even dogs. They are a bit shy at first, but they come out of their shells once they are comfortable!

For more information about Bly and Bidzil or to get more info about our cat+kitten adoption program, please email us at Cat.Adoptions@

Ace is waiting for you at the SPCA

Bly and Bidzil are waiting for you at the Suncoast Animal League.

SuncoastAnimalLeague.org. Call the office at 727-786-1330 and visit our other adoptable pets at 1030 Pennsylvania Ave in Palm Harbor.

BARLEY NEEDS A SECOND CHANCE!

We would like to introduce you to Barley! We’re surprised he has BARELY been looked at. This goodest boy originally came to us at the start of the new year from a neighboring county facility. He was adopted out soon after arriving to us and spent approximately three months getting to experience the good life in a home. Unfortunately Barley was recently brought back to us due to no fault of his own.

Despite multiple transitions, Barley has remained a steadfast, good boy. He’s looking for his forever family. Could it be you? Some fun facts about Barley: He has a wiggle butt that just won’t quit. He enjoys playing hard with his canine friends.

He is an absolute snuggle bug that loves to cuddle/receive affection. He is a smart boy that enjoys having his brain challenged. His puppy eyes are strong, do not assume that you are immune to them.

Come meet Barley 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 BRAXTON!

Braxton is a quiet, camera shy boy... until you bring out the squeaky toys! He loves to play fetch and his personality really shows up when he sees that toy. If you are looking for sweet, playful, unconditional love,

All of our animals are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Visit Braxton and his friends at Pet Pal Animal Shelter located at 405 22nd St. S, St. Pete, FL 33712 or call (727) 328-7738.

MELLOW BABE!

Babe is used to a quiet, cozy home with adult company. She is still adjusting to the shelter environment and would benefit from calm voices and slow movements. Babe needs patience, love, and understanding as she navigates her new beginning.

Babe is waiting for you at Friends of Strays.

To meet Babe and her other friends, please call Friends of Strays at (727) 522-6566 or stop by our Adoption Center which is located at 2911 47th Avenue N, St. Petersburg.

you need to meet this boy! He is a one year old, 54 pound All American dog.

Many of our adoptable pets are also on the web at FriendsOfStrays.com.

Barley is waiting for you at the Humane Society of Pinellas.

Braxton is waiting for you at the Pet Pal Animal Shelter.