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YFSN YOUR FITNESS, SPORTS AND RECREATION NEWS
THE IMPORTANCE OF EYE PROTECTION!
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.
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.
Football: The good news is that football related eye injuries have been reduced
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.
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
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. 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.
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Children Mimic What They See and Hear…
Have you ever wondered how children “know” things without really being taught? Take a moment to watch children in your surroundings, care and environment. What have you observed? More often than you realize, children mimic what they see, long before what they truly learn.
When children see their moms, dads and other familiar people do something on a consistent basis, they tend to grasp the concept long before they know what they are actually doing.
For example, when children are playing in a housekeeping area of a preschool classroom, or with dolls at their home with friends, notice how little girls instantly hold a baby doll. They often look for a blanket or other item to swaddle or wrap the baby doll up, then they hold it close to them. Now notice how they talk to the doll.
Take for example smoking. Children who have seen someone hold a cigarette to their mouth and then take it away and blow out smoke, will do the same actions with an object similar in size or shape of a cigarette. They will hold the object in their hand or between their fingers depending upon their age, coordination skills and the size of the object. They will then hold the object to their mouth, then pull it away and then proceed to blow out.
Perhaps they use phrases like, “Don’t cry baby, mommy has you,” or “You need your diaper changed,” and then proceed to “change” the doll’s diaper. How do they know how to do this? It’s simple. They have watched someone do these actions repeatedly over time, and have actively listened to the words that were being said at the time.
While younger children (one year or two years of age) may not truly understand just exactly what they are imitating, they do know that it is something they see on a daily basis of their life, and to them it is a normal behavior. If the child is older and verbal, when asked what they are doing, they will respond that they are “Smoking.”
Children as young as two years of age (or younger), have the understanding of what a phone is. Quite often, they will pick up an item within reach and hold it to their ear and say hello, or act as though they are talking to someone. Some may even act as though they are dialing, texting or answering someone by tapping the item in their hand.
It is sometimes comical when a child mimics another’s actions. When sitting on the sofa watching TV and someone crosses their legs, or stretches out, many times a child will do the same actions. After some time, this becomes something they just do while watching television. If a child notices that every time their mom sits on the sofa that she instantly covers up in a blanket, the
child will start bringing a blanket to cover up with while watching the television. There may be times when this can serve as a lesson to those with small children around on a daily basis. Times where language development takes place and often not the best choices of words are repeated. When a person uses curse words or slang expressions, many times children relate these words to actions. A great example could be while driving and someone either cuts in front of you or stops quite abruptly and you say something to the effect of “Damn it, or son-of-aB!#$@!” The next time this happens while your child is in the car, don’t be surprised if they say the words before you do! While we cannot help but to be human, and we cannot always stop ourselves from the actions we do subconsciously, we can start to understand a little better the way a child’s mind works, learns and grasps even the simplest concepts without ever truly being taught! Hopefully, this sheds both a little light on how children learn, as well as a little laughter to your day! Submitted by: Dianna Burpee Preschool Director Kids Corner Christian Preschool 2875 State Road 580 Clearwater, FL 33761 727.723.7679
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WHAT’S UP IN SEPTEMBER? 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 PARKS AND RECREATION (727) 562-4800 FRIDAY NIGHT FRIENDZY AT MORNINGSIDE Friday, September 4th 6pm-9pm For children entering grades 1-7, Morningside Recreation Center is the place to be for an exciting evening of games, activities, swimming, and pizza. So bring your friends and let the friendzy begin! Students must be registered by the Thursday prior to the event. $7 (W) / $8 (W/O) per day For More Info Call (727) 562-4280
THE MARKET MARIE Saturday, September 12th 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,
FUNTASTIC FRIDAYS AT COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION CENTER Friday, September 25th 6pm-9pm oin Countryside Recreation Center for our monthly parent’s night out! Drop your kids off at Countryside for a fun night of pizza, games, and excitement! Cost $7 with recreation card, $8 without a recreation card. For More Info Call (727) 669-1914 Free Sunset Yoga Mondays in September 06:30 PM to 07:30 PM Participate in a free fitness class hosted by the Clearwater Y In Motion at Coachman Park. Yoga involves physical and mental well-being through mastery of the body, is achieved through exercise, holding postures, proper breathing and meditation. Location is on The Green, the large grassy field in Coachman Park. Parking can be found throughout Downtown. For More Info Call (727) 461-9622
DUNEDIN RECREATION (727) 812-4530 DOWNTOWN MARKET
Saturdays in September 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM Featuring fresh produce, eggs, meats, artisanal 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. The Dunedin Downtown Market is presented by Tampa Bay Markets. John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park, 420 Main Street Info Call 727-298-3000
VOICES OF JAZZ
Friday, September 11th, 7:00 PM Join us at the Dunedin Community Center for a free concert featuring Voices of Jazz on Friday, September 11th at 7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of big band jazz, classic swing music and contemporary arrangements of popular tunes. This event is presented by Dunedin Parks & Recreation and Voices of Jazz. For more information, visit www.
MilPro Publications voicesofjazz.org or call the Dunedin Community Center at 727-812-4530.
9/11 25TH ANNIVERSARY REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY Friday, September 11th | 8:40 AM to 9:25 AM The City of Dunedin invites the community to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Join us as we remember those who lost their lives on that tragic day and honor all of the first responders who answered the call to serve. The event will include a presentation of colors by Dunedin Fire Rescue Honor Guard, historical reflections, moments of remembrance, honorary tributes, Dunedin Pipe Band Memorial Tribute, special speakers and more. For More Info Call 727-298-3102
PALM HARBOR RECREATION (727) 771-6000 ESPORTS GAMING LOUNGE
This space helps gamers develop Esports skills and allow participants to socialize with likeminded competitors and make new friends in high energy environment. Open Monday-Thursday from 5 pm-8 pm. FREE Ages 5+ (A parent/guardian in the Centre must
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LUNCH AND LEARN
Friday September 18 and Friday October 23 12pm FREE Ages 18+ The Centre Be sure to sign up for these great and informative presentations about your health and daily living. Lunch has been graciously sponsored by Curlew Hills Memorial Gardens and Empath Life. The September session, Overcoming Arthritis, will highlight the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention for arthritis. The October session, PACE Program, introduces a new program offered through Empath Life which strives to provide assistance to seniors as they navigate living independently.
Limited seating is available for Lunch and Learns. Preregistration is required. Specific lunch details available on the event flier at the Centre.
SEMINOLE RECREATION (727) 391-8345 MUSIC IN THE PARK
Chris Robert Band (Country) Friday, September 11th 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Seminole City Park 7464 Ridge Road Seminole, FL 33772 FREE to attend, Parking $3
CO-ED ADULT KICKBALL
Grab your pals and sign up for Friday night co-ed kickball! If you’re looking for an opportunity to play a little ball and socialize with your friends, then this is the league for you. Individuals are welcome! Our League Coordinator will find you a spot on the team. Limit of 15 players per team. Ages 18 & up Fridays, September 18-October 23 Game start times: 6:30pm, 7:30pm or 8:30pm $250 Members / $375 Non-Members (per team registration) $35 Members / $52.50 Non-Members (individual registration)
MUSIC IN THE PARK
Sweet Lick (Popular Hits) Friday, September 18th 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Seminole City Park 7464 Ridge Road
Page 18 Seminole, FL 33772 FREE to attend, Parking $3
MUSIC IN THE PARK
Trop Rock Junkies (Beach) Friday, September 25th 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Seminole City Park 7464 Ridge Road Seminole, FL 33772 FREE to attend, Parking $3
YOUTH COACH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Seminole Recreation needs volunteer coaches. There is no experience required, just a desire to see kids having fun! All volunteercoaches will receive a 50% credit towards another season of youth sports! Any team without a coach will be disbanded and refunds given. A background check is required All training and materials are provided Call 727-391-8345 if you can help or know of someone suitable who may be interested.
BASKETBALL SKILLS & DRILLS This program is designed to help young athletes develop and elevate their game in a fun, structured and supportive environment. Participants will work on key aspects of basketball, including ball handling, shooting technique, proper form, footwork and overall game IQ. Through a combination of skill-based drills, small sided games and real-game scenarios, players will gain confidence, improve decision-making and learn how to perform effectively on the court.
MilPro Publications Beginner & Intermediate Ages 6-12 Wednesdays, 5:30pm-7:00pm Advanced, Ages 13-16 Wednesdays, 7:00pm-8:30pm $80.00 Members $120.00 Non-Members For More Info Call 727-391-8345 Members (per social) Pre-registration is preferred
YOUTH CROSS COUNTRY
Learn to run in a fun, gamefilled environment while building endurance, confidence, and teamwork. Participants can also experience friendly competition through optional travel meets held throughout Pinellas County. Practices and meets are held on Wednesdays. Events include Quarter Mile, Half Mile, and Mile. Ages 5 - 14 Wednesdays, 6pm - 6:45pm August 19 - October 14 $60 Members / $90 Non-Members
FALL 2026 AQUATIC CENTER HOURS September 1st- September 30th Open Swim Monday- Thursday 4:30pm - 8pm Friday, 2:30pm - 8pm Saturday, 10am - 2pm Lap Swim Saturday, 8am - 10am Two lanes are always open for lap and fitness swimming during Open Swim. The Activity Pool is open during the Open Swim hours.
LARGO RECREATION 727-587-6720
LARGO CENTRAL PARK TRAIN RIDES Sunday, September 6th 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. 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).
THE LARGO EVENING MARKET Saturday September 26th 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.
CONCERT SERIES ON THE BREEZEWAY
Friday, September 18th Band TBA Food Truck: Divinos Tacos 6:00p-9:00p
MilPro Publications Largo Golf Course FREE admission (Food & beverages available for sale) Mark your calendars for a night of live music, delicious bites, and good vibes at the Concert Series on the Breezeway! Thank you to our sponsors Optimum Healthcare, Simply Healthcare and Dedicated Senior Medical Center.
LINE DANCE SOCIAL
Fri, Sep 4, 2026 Fri, Oct 2, 2026 Fri, Nov 6, 2026 Fri, Dec 4, 2026 Time: 6-8pm Ages: Adults Location: Largo Community Center Cost: $5 Come enjoy your favorite hits and line dance the night away! No instruction will be given. First Friday of each month. All levels welcome! Call 727-518-3131 for questions.
MOM SON MESSY MADNESS
Saturday, Sep 12th Time: 5-6:30 pm Location: Highland Recreation Complex Cost: $30 per couple, $10 per additional child Get ready to make memories and a whole lot of mess! Although the event title says “Mom and Son,” all are welcome to attend—ages 5 and up. Join us for a fun‑filled evening of messy games, creative challenges, and laughs you’ll be talking about for weeks. 2026 Theme: Slime Wars! It’s time to slime! Teams will take on outrageous slime‑filled
Page 19 challenges inspired by classic game‑show chaos. Enjoy food and dessert before the games begin, then get ready to dive into the goo. Don’t forget to bring a towel and a change of clothes—who will come out as the Messy Madness champions?
GULFPORT RECREATION (727)893-1068 TEEN NIGHT Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 6pm - 9pm At the Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex and Gulfport Recreation Center 5730 Shore Blvd. S. The Teen Night Program is a great opportunity for teens in grades 6-12 to enjoy recreational and social activities with peers their age. It offers field trips, cooking projects, guest speakers and service projects. There is a gymnasium, game room and outdoor area that the teens can use. For Teen Night Community Service Project and Teen Night Registration Form contact, Jami Rowell, Recreation Coordinator at jrowell@mygulfport.us Gymnasium and game room activities, monthly field trips & cooking projects. For More Info Call (727) 893-1068
GULFPORT TEEN COUNCIL The Gulfport Teen Council makes recommendations to the City Council on equipment needs
and budgetary onsiderations for the city’s parks and rec programs; provides recommendations and assistance with youth events for city-sponsored festivals & programs; organizes and performs service projects which benefit the Gulfport community; holds and/or participates in fundraisers within the city in support of the Teen Council. If interested in joining Teen Council, please email Marivel Gutierrez at mgutierrez@ mygulfport.us or visit the Gulfport Recreation Center located at 5730 Shore Blvd. S. for an application.
TARPON SPRINGS RECREATION 727-942-5628 SUNSET BEACH CONCERT SERIES Thursday, September 3rd @7pm Ulta Vinyl, rock hits Thursday, October 1st @7pm Loveloaf, pop and rock Sunset Beach, 1800 Gulf Road Brought to you by the City of Tarpon Springs & AdventHealth North Pinellas. Concerts are on the 1st Thursday of the month (Feb-Nov) & start at 7 pm. In the event of inclement weather and the concert is canceled before the start time, the concert will be the following Thursday. Concessions available for purchase. Alcohol & pets prohibited. Parking limited onsite, so courtesy shuttle will deliver concertgoers to and from the beach and Tarpon Springs High School. FREE!!
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MUSIC & MOVEMENT TUESDAYS
Craig Park Rec Center 5 Beerkman Lane Designed for ages 1 to 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
TAE KWON DO
Craig Park Rec Center 5 Beerkman Lane Rise in the belts as you learn from an instructor with over 20 years of experience in martial arts. Thursdays at 6pm (ages 5 to 17) $45 per month with pass or $50 per month without pass
CREATION STATION THURSDAYS Craig Park Rec Center
5 Beerkman Lane This weekly child-led art class will allow the imagination to soar while getting messy. Thursdays, ages 1 to 5, at 10am $15 per class or $60 for a 5/class punch pass
BACK TO SCHOOL SPLASH & ECOFEST
Please join us for a celebration of going back to school. We will have water slides, music and fun! The City of Tarpon Springs is also teaming up with Keep Pinellas Beautiful to offer an educational and informative event about the environment. The event is FREE to attend and concessions will be available for purchase. Location: Splash Park Day & Time: Saturday, September 19, from 10am-1pm
Does your child need extra support wih phonics, decoding, reading comprehension or fluency?
OG
CONNECTION Tutoring
Private, one-on-one tutoring that specializes in the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading. • Multisensory • Direct & Explicit • Sequencial & Structured • Confidence Building
GOLF CLINICS
Tarpon Springs Golf Course The clinics are educational, fun and are designed to make the kids become lifelong golfers! Students will alternate between full swing on the range, short game skills, and putting practice games and drills. With the use of video analysis software, participants will see the progress of their own swing throughout the summer. Tuesdays in September 9:30 to 11am, Ages 7-16 $45 per clinic (each day)
VOLLEYBALL (INSTRUCTIONAL)
Community Center Gymnasium 400 S Walton Avenue Skill development clinics to improve your game. Wednesdays at 7pm, Ages 10 to 17 Through September 30 $75session with pass, $90 w/o
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SEPTEMBER CURTAIN CALLS
JOBSITE
AMERICAN STAGE
THE RESIDENT THEATRE COMPANY AT THE STRAZ CENTER
163 3rd Street North in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg.
PENELOPE: AN EPIC NEW MUSICAL
RAYMOND JAMES THEATRE
(727) 823-PLAY (7529) A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
written by Randy Johnson September 16th - October 11th 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 WHAT A GLORIOUS FEELING!
by Jay Berkow musical arrangements by Albert Evans September 18th - October 4th Wednesdays and Sundays, 2:00 pm Thursdays, 7:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 pm
book by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz Closes September 6th
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 JANE AUSTEN IN 89 MINUTES By Syrie James September 25th - October 11th
EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE Largo Cultural Center,
105 Central Park Drive, Largo
(727) 587-6793
COME FROM AWAY September 4th - 13th
FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater
727-446-1360
THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES September 11th - 20th
ST PETE CITY THEATRE
4025 31st Street S, St. Petersburg
727-866-1973
THE SUFFRAGETTE’S MURDER September 18th - 27th
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R O I N E S S G N I S MU are.”
I had my 20 year old Cadillac in for repairs t h e other day. I commented that the car is old and in five years I can get a classic car licence plate. A customer in the garage overheard me and blurted out, “The car’s not old, it’s vintage!” This made me muse... get it? Anyway, I liked the sound of that and applied it to myself. I am not old, I am vintage. Our society takes great pains in putting a different spin on getting older. “You are only as old as you feel,” or “You have aged like a fine wine.” I don’t know about that, when I’m playing softball, I feel like I am twenty. Unfortunately, my legs would disagree. Cary Grant once said, “When people tell you how
young you look, they are also telling you how old you
There are also many humourous ways to look at aging. There are three things you should know: 1) I am not old. 2) Crap, I forgot what I was going to say... 3) What was number one? or “Don’t let aging get you down ‘cause it’s too hard to get back up.” Either way, I’m not laughing! Of course, there is the philosophical take on aging. “Today is the oldest I’ve ever been, and the youngest I will ever be again,” or “ A g i n g seems to be the only available way to live a longer life. Is that supposed to make me feel better, or worse?
Then there are the inevitable quotes that start with, “Back in the day...” “Back in the day, there were only two dimensions.” “Back in the day, hash tags were called pound keys.” “Back in the day, we didn’t say back in the day, we said yesterday.” Anyway, the point of this column is... crap, I can’t remember. ‘til next month, then The Senior Muser
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LEGACY TUTORING CENTER
Unlock Your Potential
18 yeARS OF EXPERIENCE DAN LADERER, OWNER/OPERATOR dcandsonstreeservice.com dcandsonstrees@gmail.com
727.933.1941 Licensed and Insured
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Ask Us About Available Financing, too!
Whether you are in need of mastering core subject matter or assistance preparing for your future career, Legacy Tutoring Center is here to guide you through every step of your learning journey.
LTC Offers:
Tutoring in All Subjects and Grade Levels: Reading, Writing, Phonics, Math, Science
Test Preparation: FAST/EOC PSAT/SAT/ACT GED
ESOL & ESE Assistance Career Preparation:
General Contracting Medical Assisting CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) FTCE (Florida Teacher Certification Exam)
Step Up for Students scholarships accepted
In need of tutoring services not listed above... Please contact LTC to inquire.
“Leaf it to us for all things trees!”
CONTACT LTC TODAY: Call/Text: 727.437.8387 Email: Info@legacytutoringcenter.com Website: legacytutoringcenter.com Location: 2021 Nebraska Avenue, Palm Harbor, FL 34683
Clearwater
just got cuter. Pinniped Pier is opening this July, introducing sea lions at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Come meet our newest flippered friends and explore this exciting new habitat that will inspire connections with marine life.
Explore more at cmaquarium.org.
A deeper connection
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