FOCUS South Tampa 02-06

SOUTH TAMPA MPA DAY PRINCIPAL OF TA ES HIS SCHOOL, SHAR CATION U PASSION FOR ED ’S MIND AND THE CHILD

FOCUSSOUTHTAMPA.COM

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FOCUS Magazine south tampa august 2011

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Table of Contents

Volume 2 Issue 6 • August 2011

focussouthtampa.com

on the cover Jim larkin

SOUTH TAMPA

Principal of Tampa Day School

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Tampa based Kanter & Associates offers personal and business financial literacy courses to the public in an effort to teach young people and adults the benefits of financial planning and security.

This firm has everything one could need to succeed financially and believes “Back to School” season to be the perfect time to start planning!

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hidden history

St. Peter Claver Catholic School in South Tampa fights against the economy to stay true to their original calling and mission – providing South Tampa children a private school education at a low cost to develop strong children. The primarily African American school has weathered the storms and is looking forward to yet another year of exemplary education.

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FEATURE

Artist Taylor Ikin shares her passion for art and capturing the landscapes, lifestyles and culture of Tampa Bay. She has been commissioned for famous art pieces and continues to contribute greatly to Tampa’s art community. Check out her recent paintings and her view of our great city.

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SPOTLIGHT

Tampa Day School Principal and South Tampa resident Jim Larking shares his overwhelming passion for education, learning and discovering the intricacies of a child’s learning process and pattern. Mr. Larkin speaks openly about the difference in boys and girls and what teachers can do to stimulate the minds of both sexes in the same classroom.

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dining profile

To round out summer, try some tasty BBQ from Kojak’s and discover why it’s so great to be an American during summer time…ribs, BBQ, potato salad and French fries!

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If you are interested in owning your own Focus Magazine contact Mike Floyd at 813.707.8783 ext 26.

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Photographer: Christina Musial PRINCIPAL OF TAMPA DAY SCHOOL, SHARES HIS PASSION FOR EDUCATION AND THE CHILD’S MIND FOCUSSOUTHTA

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Letter From The Editor I love school supplies. Crayons, notebook paper, pens, pencils, glue and notebooks. All of those things my job doesn’t necessarily require.

However, annually I contribute to a Backpack Drive where free school supplies are given away to the community and it sparks a bit of sadness in me.

I was (perhaps still am) your quintessential nerd.

I read books for fun and love the smell of the library. The paper in books smells different than all other paper and is the best smell in the world (aside from crayon smell of course). I lived for the end of the year reading list so I had something to stimulate my mind during the summer. I had my “First Day of School” outfit picked out weeks before that day actually arrived and you could guarantee my backpack or sling bag was filled to the top with everything one could need to succeed.

Now, I’m not complaining because I know many people will scoff when they read this next line, but I experienced a bit of panic the other day when I realized I’m quickly approaching my 10-year high School Reunion! All of those notebooks, binders and school books full of important information I was SURE I would need someday are still sitting in boxes in a closet at my parents house. They haven’t been glanced at in years. My official school education ended so long ago…

The knowledge that this part of my life is over is saddening. As a girl I’ve spent so many hours thinking about school. When I was younger I played school and my dream career was being a teacher. So much of my young life was wrapped up in going to that building to learn. Now as I monthly receive my student loan payments for my Undergraduate and Graduate education, I realize that yearning for knowledge never really goes away.

My hope and life-long goal is that I never stop learning. For so many years, we’re taught that we go to school to learn and gain knowledge, and foolishly we think once we receive a diploma or two we’re set for life in the knowledge department, but obviously that’s not logical. The adage “You learn something new every day” really is true…well, should be true.

This is why we’ve included some of the articles we did in this month’s issue. We want you to learn about your community, find something new you’d never known about. Learn about someone else’s passion, or learn from a lifetime educator HOW you learn and what learning can mean to a child. I hope that we at FOCUS have given you the opportunity this month to gain knowledge.

As you scoop up school supplies and backpacks, lunch boxes and supply lists over these last few weeks of summer (or for those of us without children, enjoy the last few weeks of light traffic), think about what you’ve learned in your life…the most valuable lessons. Share those with someone. You don’t have to possess a degree in education to teach someone something, and you certainly don’t have to be a child in a uniform or stepping off a school bus to learn…Education is everywhere.

Join me in raising your Crayons, Summer Reading Lists and spiral notebooks…Summer is coming to an end and Class is in Session Again. Happy Learning everyone!

Christina Musial Editor-in-Chief

Be safe, Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Publisher Jim Duke Editor in chief Christina Musial

www.focussouthtampa.com Advertising Director Harrison Tropp Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

Sales Sophia Hyde | Holly Farmer | Harrison Tropp Production Anthony Sassano | Tony Cartagena Photographers Ben Drummond

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 7078783 or e-mail focus@dukepublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Staff Writers Christina Musial | Harrison Tropp Jodi Lokay Contributors Al Ruechel | Kim Francis | Emery Jones Teal McKenzie | Rachel Drummond

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects.

Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

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business profile» Focus

AN EDUCATION IN FINANCIAL LITERACY WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCES, IT’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME FOR BOTH KIDS AND ADULTS Story by: JJulie Capobianco

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or many, financial literacy is a lifelong pursuit, and Florida’s schools and local businesses are stepping up to meet the educational need.

dividual’s financial concerns and begins to coach them toward a better understanding of their financial situations.

Some local schools are offering a ‘Senior Survival’ course geared specifically to the more than 30,000 high school students preparing to enter their senior year. With topics ranging from basic, independent life skills to creating and maintaining a budget, today’s youth are learning the keys to financial success.

“Planning a successful economic future begins with our team listening to each client to effectively define their primary financial issues,” says Kanter. “Once we identify the most urgent concerns, we can begin building the foundation toward the client’s future goals.”

Kanter says the back to school season is the ideal time for business owners and individuals to evaluate their financial outlook.

While students may appear to have seniority when it comes to financial literacy, adults in need of fiscal or budgetary guidance are finding some local businesses to be a great resource as they offer free, in-depth consultations. Tampa’s Kanter and Associates, for example, is providing one-hour complimentary, one-on-one consultations regarding either personal finances or business finances. During these sessions, the founder of the firm, Brad Kanter, discusses and evaluates the in-

“The third quarter allows plenty of time for clients to make adjustments that can improve their 2011 year-end results,” states Kanter.

“If you wait until April 15th to consider your taxes, it’s too late. We recommend businesses and individuals look at their financials now and create a plan to reduce their tax obligations while there’s still time to make these important adjustments.”

Through an aggressive, detailed and reliable approach, the firm provides five service areas

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to assist clients with their accounting needs.

The firm also offers business coaching, tax preparation and planning, accounting and bookkeeping, forensic accounting, IRS representation and CFO/controller services for not only small to medium-sized businesses, but to high net-worth individuals as well.

“Our staff has a passion for assisting clients in meeting their goals and our firm prides itself on the attitude of providing real client service and providing our clients real results,” Kanter says.

Kanter and Associates, P.A., C.P.A. features the latest technology for database design, document management, client communication and electronic filing for payroll tax and sales tax. All tax and accounting information is maintained and stored on a secure internal network for instant access and retrieval.

In addition, internet tax services with yearround support to meet the needs of clients are also available.

Kanter & Associates, P. A., C.P.A. is a member of several accountant associations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Florida Institute

of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA), the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) as well as the Florida Association of Enrolled Agents (FAEA). Kanter himself is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), an enrolled agent licensed by the U.S. Department of Treasury and an enrolled local provider (ELP) for Dave Ramsey financial advisors in Hillsborough County. He is currently completing his Masters Degree in Accounting specializing in Forensic Accounting.

To make an appointment for the complimentary one-hour financial discussion session, contact Kanter and Associates, P.A., C.P.A. at 813-855-5433, or through their website at www.KanterPA.com.

Kanter and Associates, P.A., C.P.A. 813-855-5433 www.KanterPA.com

hidden history» Focus the community.

“We, now more than ever need a school like this within the African American community. We decided we wanted to do this and started making some changes; discipline, uniforms, bringing it back to the original Catholic school.”

Sister Maria says that they are gradually building the school back, taking initiative to improve numbers and academics.

Continuing a Mission In spite of struggle and challenge, St. Peter Claver

She says that one initiative is to try and make technology a large proponent in their school, while funds have yet to allow for the opportunity she is hoping that they can take a leap into that venue within the next few years.

Catholic School still provides for Tampa children Story by: Rachel Drummond

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school started in 1893 by the Jesuit Fathers stands still today in the midst of the Tampa Bay area. It’s fallen almost forgotten in a business district but stands strong in its foundation. A school that has faced turmoil and racist out lashes; a school that has been burnt to the ground within a week of its opening; a school that has been rebuilt within days; a school that has become a refuge for the struggling African American youth. St. Peter Claver Catholic School holds an abundance of history, and a fear that it won’t survive much longer.

St. Peter Claver Catholic School faced a struggle upon its initial opening on Morgan Street. Within a week of its doors opening the school was burnt to the ground with a note reading: “This inscription is posted in this place to say that the late fire on the grounds was not caused by any ill feeling to the Catholic Church, but because the citizens do not propose to submit to a negro school in the midst of the white and retired portion of this city; and warn that in case another institution of the same character is operated in this vicinity it too will meet the same or worse fate; and to persist in the same like will certainly cause destruction of the convent and your Churches. Remember, this is positive.”

The threats made by the community made absolutely no impact on the founders of the school, within a week the school was rebuilt on the property where it stands today on Governor Street.

Sister Maria Babatunde, the school’s principal says that the school was built because individuals felt like it was a necessity in the community.

The school has been a traditional Catholic setting from its start. It is Catholic in its structure an in academics. While only 3-5% of the student body is Catholic the school continues in the same fashion.

“They don’t have to be Catholic, but be here to learn. But, everything we do has always been catholic, they go to mass, they serve. The “The original student number was probably kids go to religion class every day, which is a between 100-150, it was just two buildings,” requirement for a Catholic school.”

Sister Maria said.

From the start the school has had a burden Sister Maria says that mass is once a week. for the community, a burden that goes beyond The entire student body walks down to the the cost of tuition but that seeks to provide church together and every student and faculty children with an education whether they can member participates. afford it or not.

“Sometimes when our pastor is sick we have “A lot of the parents [at the time] who were to cancel mass, you’ll be surprised [to know] not able to pay were given the opportunity to they all ask ‘Sister, why aren’t we having mass?’. come into school and work to pay for their We can see that they understand and we want them to realize that God is number one in child’s education.” everything they do. It doesn’t matter what St. Peter Claver Catholic school is the old- church you go to, you just need God first.” est Catholic African American school in the Sister Maria says that the school is expectstate of Florida, and while it has survived over ing a more diverse group of students once the 100 years it has faced struggle within the past building projects are completed next door.

She says that from the beginning the housing few years. in the area has been the residence of a lot of “Now we are down to around 900 [students], the students. we still continue the education of African American students. Five years ago, a building “For 110 years, this school has been here, [next door] was torn down and families were there has never been an issue with burglary put in apartments all over town. That affected or anything. Because, even though these kids have all of those issues going on next door at our enrollment.” the apartments, they always made sure that Sister Maria says that the Pastor didn’t feel nothing happened to the building. It has been like the school was fulfilling its original mis- their pride and I think we still enjoy that tosion and intentions, so he decided he wanted day.” to bring it back to its original glory and still provide the same services to the children in Sister Maria says that a lot of students have

family members that have come to the school for generations. They are trying to carry out a tradition by sending their kids to the school.

She also says that the school has had so many individuals come through the school that have become successful in the area along with across the country. She fears that the school is struggling at this point, and it shouldn’t be based on the success that has come out of it.

“We’ve had so many people graduate from here who are successful, so we should not be struggling. But, on the schools part we have not kept in touch, so we are trying to be better about that.”

St. Peter Claver Catholic School has been providing children with a quality education for over one hundred years. They have been able to meet the needs of children in the community through state scholarships that allow low income families to send their children to Private Catholic schools.

“African American youth are really going down the wrong path these days, we don’t want money to keep them from coming here; at the same time we don’t want to encourage parents to say that everything is free,” Sister Maria said. “So, what we try to do is get kids educated but make sure parents have a way to do something, pay something, or giving back.

So, they feel the pride of being a part of their child’s education but still meeting the income of it.”

Sister Maria says that the schools mission is not only excellence in education but to be there for the children who have nothing else.

“It’s not all about math and reading; we realize that these kids are coming to school with a lot of issues that they are dealing with at home. So we are looking into that, into the whole child.”

Sister Maria is confident that the school is meant to be on Governor Street to meet the need of the community. She only fears that it will continue to face its challenges.

This school is a historical landmark that has been forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the city. It has withstood trial and adversity, yet still stands to provide the struggling African American youth with a future that they can be proud of.

“We are trying to get Tampa to know that the school is still here. A lot of people have forgotten that it’s here. We are recognizing the need of the time and responding to that, the kids of this time are facing so many challenges; we need to find a way to break that cycle and allow these kids to do something great. And, that is why the school needs to be here.”

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Feature» Focus

Taylor Ikin Renowned Watercolor Artist Preserves the Pristine Story by: Cheryl Johnston

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outh Tampa watercolor artist Taylor Ikin has a heart for the natural beauty found outdoors. Lucky for us, she also has a heart to preserve it in her uniquely identifiable watercolor paintings. In fact, you might call Ikin a preservationist with a paintbrush.

Ikin has called Tampa home since 1961. She is widely recognized for both her talent and passion to, in her words, “preserve the precarious, fragile habitats than can vanish forever,” if we’re not careful.

She describes herself as a woman whose “paintings record the wonders and beauty, often taken for granted,” and says of those, “My images demonstrate the necessity of preserving those in fact and in art for future generations.”

Sites accessible to the public within an hour of Tampa have become a favorite theme in Ikin’s work. She especially appreciates the bodies of water, vegetation, and landscapes that decorate Florida’s lush eco-systems.

One particular body of work is of great interest to Tampa Bay area collectors: The Hillsborough and Fragile Florida Collection (20022005). More than 43 interpretive paintings, including three commissioned works, depict legally protected nature scenes in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties that are virtually inaccessible to the general public. In her extensive online resume, Ikin elaborates: “From my guided field trips, I was very fortunate to observe, photograph and sketch the County’s pristine nature, situated on land acquired through the Environmental Lands Acquisition Properties Program (ELAPP), established in 1987 by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. As these places are preserved, so the Collection will present the pictures and preserve the nature.”

The Collection traveled from Tampa to Tallahassee, Washington D.C., Norfolk, Tarpon Springs and home again. Ikin’s commissioned paintings, including “Heart of Hillsborough”, “River Rapids” (Alafia River), and “Alderman’s Ford” (for the Environmental Protec-

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tion Commission), can be viewed online.

Numerous public, corporate, and private collections include Ikin watercolors, including The Vatican in Rome. She has also been a featured artist at Florida House in Washington D.C. and the 22nd Floor Gallery in our Tallahassee state capitol building.

The past president of the 1,200-member Florida Watercolor Society was commissioned recently by the City of Tampa to create a special farewell gift for retiring mayor Pam Iorio. Ikin took photos of sites such as downtown’s Riverwalk, the historic Sulphur Springs Tower, and Tampa Bay History Center among others suggested by Iorio’s peers. This work presented a different challenge than the wilderness settings for which Ikin is normally recognized.

The scenic collage of Tampa’s notable sites affected by the mayor’s efforts while in office, titled as “Reflections”, now hangs in the Iorio home. Good news for locals: Sure to become a collectible, the limited edition prints will soon be available for purchase.

At age 17, Ikin’s best friend advised her that she couldn’t draw. Thankfully, that didn’t deter her from pursuing an Art History degree.

Ikin confesses, “Fortunately, now I use a paintbrush to draw.”

As a young bride, Ikin moved from Norfolk, Virginia to Tampa. Widowed after nine years at 32 with two children, Ikin remarried and the family moved to Antigua. Of that experience, she said, “We embraced the West Indian culture for 18 years. I feel blessed to have had the God-driven opportunity to live in a third-world country during a transitional period of its history.”

Photos courtesy of Taylor Ikin

feature » Focus Exploring island fauna also proved as inspiration for her paintings and for her ability to, as she says, “pack and go.”

Ikin hopes she’s paying that inspiration forward by teaching others, an activity that gives “the YUPO queen” great pleasure. About 18 years ago, as a result of her environmental concern, Ikin began painting her vivid watercolor scenes in strong colors on a slicksurfaced “tree-free” synthetic paper used in the printing industry. She credits YUPO for providing more “razzle- dazzle” and suggests “it’s like painting on glass.”

For 30 years, Ikin has taught at the Dunedin Fine Arts Center and formerly at Belleair Arts Center. Now the Dunedin class and another each week paint at The Long Center in Clearwater (727-562-4814).

It’s important to Ikin that folks enjoy the time they invest. With fondness, she remembers being invited in 1971 by her friend Pamela Wright to a painting class. When Ikin expressed concern that she couldn’t paint, her friend said: “That doesn’t’ matter. All we really do is smoke cigarettes and drink coffee.”

So Ikin went to enjoy the camaraderie, learn what she could, and simply “paint images to put on my own walls.”

In her weekly classes she presents a demonstration and suggests other possibilities. Ikin relates, “I like to explore on my work in front of my students, so they’ll feel free to do the same. I don’t want to limit the variety of creative expression.” The method, she says is: “You do it and I will tell you how you can make it better. You reach within yourself first.

That’s now how I teach.”

The lessons provide individual attention, class critiques, motivational reading, art discussions, and the opportunity to try special paints. She describes the cheerful environment as “filled with challenging ideas and a positive spirit.

It’s a class for the person who wants to make art (some also paint on 140 cold press or canvas).” All are welcome, invites Ikin, “to bring the spirit to learn and explore because everyone is a winner in this class.”

Professionally, Nuance Galleries at 804. S. Dale Mabry Highway in South Tampa represents the artist. The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art on the Tarpon Springs campus of St. Petersburg College often displays her work as well.

The prolific artist serves professionally through membership, board positions, demonstrations, workshops, lectures, seminars, and as a juror in local, regional, national and

international arenas. Critics describe Ikin’s work as “heartfelt and empathetic,” a description she hopes applies also to her service to the community in general.

Another passion is travel. She and painter friend Laure Pericot, who is French and has worked as the former head of the cultural center in Nice (France) and at the Carollwood Cultural Center, just returned in May with a group of 12 others from 10 days in Nice.

Photos courtesy of Taylor Ikin

“Typically,” said Ikin, “these trips are more for reference gathering. We glean perspective from visiting museums, famous sites, and landscapes. I encourage everyone to bring watercolor pencils and pen and ink for sketching the views. Some folks paint and we would never discourage that, but many just gather imagery.” Pericot’s husband Mark also photographs images to inspire the group upon return.

The next trips are planned for May and September to Nice and Tuscany. For encouragement to sign up, contact Ikin now and visit the November 12th show at Nuance reflecting the 2011 trip. Exhibiting with Ikin will be her friend Laura Waller.

More than anything, Ikin hopes her paintings “records the lands of today so future generations better understand the necessity of preservation.” She describes herself on Facebook as someone who “enjoys people and sharing the fun and pleasures of learning and painting together.” Additionally, she loves music, theatre, and being an active community supporter.

Ikin also loves sharing her pleasant South Tampa homestudio with Abby, a Chihuahua-Shih Tzu puppy and considers herself privileged to paint her world.

Ultimately, she offers, “My goal is to create an exciting body of work, images to be enjoyed not only for their aesthetic quality, but also to foster a unique awareness about park properties and public responsibilities as they regard our natural spaces. In short, I hope to awaken the public to what is theirs - to respect it, to enjoy it, and take pride it.”

For more information about the artist, her work, classes, or upcoming exhibitions, visit www.taylorikin.com or www. nuancegalleries.com

Photos courtesy of Taylor Ikin FOCUS Magazine south tampa august 2011

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EDITORIAL» Focus

From tiger to gator A Transition From High School to College: A Freshman’s Perspective and Checklist

Written By: Stephen Lagor , Jesuit High School Class of ‘11, University of Florida Class of ‘15

Perspective As you sit on the stage quietly observing the rich, spacious auditorium filled with family, friends, classmates, and acquaintances, you suddenly notice that your row has just stood up in preparation for diplomas. You walk down the steps and feel a rush as the sound of your name reaches your ears and a bright, perhaps a little too bright, spotlight shines down on you; you feel eyes watching you as you shake the school president’s hand, and somewhere in the back of the auditorium you can distinguish some obnoxious clapping and someone screaming out your name. Of course, this happens to be your brother, but whatever, it’s funny all the same. Sitting down, you open up your diploma and see your name in bold letters, or if you go to Tampa’s Jesuit, then you see nothing since the school holds onto the diplomas until the next morning…..Either way, at this moment reality checks in and you understand that your last four years of high school are now behind you and perhaps you begin to reflect….

My high school years really helped me “find out who I really was.” I know, I know, the cliché is overused and really doesn’t say anything, but I did notice some major differences from the beginning of my experience to the end. Coming in as a freshman, I was a short little five foot kid who was pretty shy

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and didn’t know what to expect. I had some clue as to what I wanted to do in high school, that is establish myself some way in the music program and play some type of sport, but at first I wasn’t very sure whether Jesuit was the best fit for me. I mostly kept to my group of friends from middle school and didn’t branch out much.

However, all of that changed sophomore and junior year. I became more confident, actually grew a little bit, tried expanding my social pa-

developed greater leadership skills, more tolerance for other views and people, and many more responsibilities whether it be practicing with my music teacher to be able to perform at the next concert or school Mass, leading the next underclassmen retreat, completing service hours while realizing that my time spent was for a greater cause rather than to complete a quota, or gearing up for the next wrestling meet.

Throughout my experience, I met a myriad of people with new, diverse personalities and talents which far exceeded my own. I had the qualities of many of my role models especially my wrestling coach and English teachers rub off on me, or at least I hope they did, and I started to understand how lucky I was to have parents who were always there in my toughest times and were willing to send me to a private school which wasn’t exactly free to say the least. I watched best friends pass away and others move to different states; I

class was given; I witnessed the teachers who became not just instructors, but also friends with their students, and most importantly, I saw how each person in my grade found his passions and ideals while going through his high school years.

I now am very grateful for going to Jesuit and understand that the things I learned, interests I gained, and qualities I developed will be coming with me to Gainesville as I major in Electrical Engineering at the University of Florida. It’s hard knowing that there are friends who I may never see again, events that I can’t look forward to anymore, and teams and groups I’m no longer a part of.

In regards to next year and onward, I constantly consider: How many times am I going to end up changing my major? What career path will I enjoy? How will I establish myself on campus next year? What groups, clubs, and perhaps fraternities are there to join? How will my relationship with my family change?

Will I want to murder my roommate after a week? How am I going to get up for seven thirty classes? Will I be able to find a great job that I enjoy after college, or will I have to star in the next Office Space movie, smashing my company copier in a random field while jamming out “Still” by The Ghetto Boys?

I’m determined to make my transition from a tiger to a gator a smooth one. While I may have a few questions, I at least know that college is going to be a different world and atmosphere, one I can’t wait to get to.

What to Expect from Orientation Orientation, preview, or whatever your college wants to call it, is something every new college student has to go through. It’s a time to become familiar with the campus, learn about departments, choose a major, learn about classes, figure out the credit hour system, see where your dorm is, discover the campus and town’s hotspots, and meet other future students just like you. You also have the chance to get to know your personal advisor who may be able to help you transition easier to college life.

rameters, went out more, started to establish excellent relationships with my teachers, took classes that challenged my beliefs and ethics, joined a sport that I loved, and became a strong part of the music department. By senior year, I was defined by my interests and

saw my class go from being one hundred and fifty two separate boys from freshmen year to become one brotherhood which looked out for its members (did I mention it was an all guys school?); I saw the blessings that my

My college preview consisted of informational meetings with food breaks and options about which seminars to choose from depending on your academic or social interests. Some time was spent with parents, but the majority was spent in small groups with a preview advisor and other students. If your orientation is overnight, then you lucked out, since this will be a time for you to be with other students the whole night. My time was spent relaxing, listening to music, playing cards, and watching the Miami Heat game on a big screen

Editorial» Focus

downstairs with the other students. It’s rather easy to meet people since everyone is happy to be there, but make sure to get first and last names of peers otherwise you may find that there are fifty Jennifer’s all in the same county and same school on Facebook. Be prepared for an early wakeup, something which doesn’t sit too well during the summer. In regards to what to bring to preview, there are a decent amount of things you may need:

• Ideas about what classes you want • Alarm clock • Cell phone with the charger • AP/IB/AICE/ and dual enrollment course information and test scores

College Tips and Checklist

Establishing yourself will be a major part of college. Rather than partying and going out for the first few weeks, you should take time • Pillows and bed sheets to first decide what clubs, organizations, or • Shower shoes activities you want to pursue. Create a sched• Toiletries-shampoo, soap, razors, tooth ule and organize things around your class brush, deodorant, • VERY comfortable clothes and shoes since times. Go to class, especially at the begin you may be walking quite a bit. Probably ning of the semester. In addition, make sure to make yourself known to your professors by three outfits if it’s overnight. going to their office hours. This will make you • Playing cards an actual person in their eyes rather than just • IPod for travel another student number who needs a grade • Book for travel or reading at night for the course. Perhaps one other thing you • Map of campus may want to consider is purchasing a meal • About $100 for food and the gift shop • Social security card, driver’s license, college plan. This may give you unlimited access to food and save you money in the long run.

ID number, and login passwords for the college’s site

Determining what to bring to college can be somewhat difficult. You need to remember though, that you will be living there for the next year. Essentially, if you will be participating in similar activities, then it would be a good idea to try and bring the items you use at home for those interests. A college list may look like the following: • Pillows and bed sheets • Shower shoes • Toiletries • Cell phone with charger • A good bit of money • Identification and social security info.

• One to two weeks worth of clothes.

Outfits for class. Outfits for recreation.

One or two outfits for important events.

Outfits for going out • Map of campus • Board games or playing cards • Alarm clock • IPod or music device • Small desk or cabinet for keeping things.

Most places provide one dresser and one

desk per student.

• Laptop • TV for watching movies or setting up a game system • Equipment for sports or clubs of interest. Basketball, volleyball, swim gear, a Frisbee, ect.

• An instrument if you’re into playing in your down time • A notebook or binder for each class.

• All necessary books for your classes. These can be ordered online or bought at the book store.

• Pain medication like Tylenol or Ibuprofen • Sandals • Snacks and food • Wastebasket with garbage bags • Hamper • Fan • Bike, car, longboard, or walking shoes • Attitude which is ready to compromise with roommates and floor mates

FOCUS Magazine south tampa august 2011

11

5:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evenings

The Premier Showplace for Talent in Florida

JULY 15 COVER TO

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The trio covers the top hits from yesterday to today! Also, P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

JULY 16, 29 & 30 RALPH ALLOCCO

AUGUST 20 LOLA & THE SAINTS

Doo Wop At Its Best! Relive the 50s & 60s as though it was yesterday. “Forever in Love,” “Just Over the Brooklyn Bridge.” Plus, P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds.

& SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

JULY 29 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser! P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

JULY 22 RICHIE

MERRITT

Richie Merritt, formally of the Marcels, will be performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

Also, P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

AUGUST 5 COVER TO

COVER

The trio covers the top hits from yesterday to today!

Also, P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

AUGUST 6, 12, 19 & 27 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room

AUGUST 13 & 26 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

SEPTEMBER 2, 10, 17 & 23 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

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SEPTEMBER 3 & 30 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

A dynamite crowd pleaser!

P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

SEPTEMBER 24 THE MYSTICS

The Mystics, including, original members of the group, George Galfo and Phil Cracolici, will perform their hits, including their number one chart topper “Hushabye.” P.J. Leary’s Las Vegas Sounds perform before and after the show.

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EDITORIAL» Focus

Censored Classics Public Schools add books to the Banned Books list before the start of classes Written By: Rachel Drummond

H

istory can be relived through words on a page. Classic novels have often swept us away into a time before our own, allowing not only an escape but an insight into what has come before us. We find ourselves at a party in the 1920’s with Jay Gatsby then we make our way to the gallows as we wait in anticipation for the verdict on Hester Prynne and her scarlet letter. We’re looking into someone else’s life, whether it be a recount on true events or completely fictional, books have opened our minds to so much more than we’ve ever known before.

Literature is explored thoroughly once students enter into high school. Classic novels along with contemporary works are introduced to prepare junior and seniors for AP Language and Composition exams along with AP Literature exams. As students pass one grade it is expected that their maturity will continue to grow, thus the material read becomes more graphic at times or more ‘colorful’ if you will, in the language.

The government issues a ‘Banned Books List’ every year.

Books on the list are banned in public schools somewhere in the United States.

While they may not be banned in every school, being on the list shows that someone somewhere has put up a fight against a specific book. Books are being censored.

Censorship is not a negative thing; I agree that there are certain novelties that should never be introduced in school. Then again, many of those would have little appeal

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August 2011 focussouthtampa.com

to literature. So, censoring books in schools is not the issue. The issue is the selection of books on the Banned Books List.

The list includes classics like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger and contemporary works including Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl.

Twain and Lee made their way on the list due to the use of what is believed to be racist undertones. Usage of the ‘n’ word as we would refer to it, sent individuals into a frenzy. We would assume, that novels based on history would be filled with events, phrasing, and even names used throughout that period of time.

The novels are taught to introduce literary and thematic themes outlined with history. Removing key elements in

history makes it fictional.

Paterson landed her novel on the list due to the belief that children’s books should not incorporate death, it is inappropriate subject matter. However there are far more graphic novels allowed in schools including sexual scenes, drug usage that are more offensive than the death of a character in a novel.

There is nothing wrong with censorship, it is important to censor anything a student or a child does when so much is made available to them.

The action made by the government, however, to introduce books banned across the United States makes it evident that students are being gaurded from novelties that have only been banned because offense has been found on the wrong subject matter.

I agree, that schools should not be allowed to introduce students to certain things their parents or guardians are against, but I also agree that exploring history through novels is an experience that should not be kept from them.

spotlight » Jim Larkin

Passion for Learning

Jim Larkin, Principal of Tampa Day School, shares his passion for education and the child’s mind Story & Photos by Christina Musial

A

s the summer draws to a close and children around the city, state and nation are preparing to head back to school, we sat down with a South Tampa local who has dedicated his life to education and developed a passion for teaching, learning and instilling that same passion in others.

Jim Larkin, Principal of Tampa Day School, happened upon a career in education completely by accident. Armed with several scholarships, he started at University of South Florida with a major in Accounting. “I took one class in Accounting and went ‘Woo! That is just not a good direction for me,’ Larkin said. He then took a course entitled “Intro to Teaching”.

The class required working in an old Seminole

Heights school in a traditional classroom. The teacher allowed him to tutor kids in math. “I had no intention of going into education; it was the farthest thing from my mind. After 3-4 weeks there and watching those faces light up, I changed my major,” Larkin said.

Larkin chose to focus on Elementary and Early Childhood Education and it was quite interesting for him being one of very few males studying that discipline. “You can guess how many men were in that area. There were maybe 2 of us in every class. But it became a passion just to see these faces light up, so to speak. Those eyes brighten and get big, that ‘Aha!’ moment if you will.”

After completing his degree, Larkin taught in Elementary, Middle and High School before taking a position at St. John’s Greek Orthodox in South Tampa where he was Headmas-

ter for 31 years. Larkin retired from St. John’s because he felt it was time to move on and create new experiences. After being retired for 3 weeks, Larkin applied for a position as a science teacher at Tampa Day School. They informed him that their principal was leaving the school and would he be interested in doing that as well as teaching.

St. John’s is a college prep program for grades K-8. The kids take high school classes and can graduate with several high school credits. The shift to Tampa Day School was an interesting one for Larkin. “At Tampa Day School, the kids have to be average or above average IQ but it’s for kids who learn differently – dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, anxiety. Those are the kinds of kids we work with here. This is where God wanted me to go because it’s a passion now.

Statistically 80% of children diagnosed with a

learning disability are male,” Larkin said.

At Tampa Day School, Larkin has the opportunity to live by his basic philosophy: “A child’s potential is only limited by your expectations. You being the teacher, the school, the parent. I’ve always felt that kids can do anything.”

Throughout his teaching career, Larkin had taught children with learning disabilities or issues, but always with those children integrated into a large classroom with other “normal” learners. Adjusting to teaching children who struggle with learning on various levels required an adjustment for Larkin personally.

“I had to reevaluate the way I look at teaching, completely. It’s all about differential learning here. Every child learns differently. You have to understand that they’re going to have their strengths and they’re going to have their

FOCUS Magazine south tampa august 2011

15

spotlight » Jim Larkin weaknesses. I think every child is gifted, and every child may have a learning problem in one area. You honor the gifted and you work with the learning part of it. It’s just about the kids. If you give a child a good memory, something in school, or something they do, at some point in their life they’re going to hit that bump in the road that’s really trying for them and they’ll think back and go ‘WOW’. Hopefully it will get them to that next level.”

Before moving into fulltime administration at Tampa Day School, Larkin taught a few math and science classes, and that’s when he realized his approach had to be different.

“To be honest with you, I did my first test here, and everybody failed it. That was my “Aha!” moment.

You need to take a look at what you’re doing and reevaluate the way you teach children who learn differently. And, I did. It was a neat experience. It’s been a learning curve and a real passion…how do we do this? How do we get a student from A to B.? It’s great. Yes it was absolutely different. Are the kids the same? Yes, kids are kids.

They are who they are. It’s just that these kids here are given a chance to find success.”

Larkin believes these children are already at a disadvantage when they get here, so a traditional teaching style could be detrimental to them. “A lot of times when they come to us, they’ve been beaten down and basically told they can’t learn- they believe they can’t learn. It’s up to us to build up that self-esteem, to get them to the place where they can learn. It’s all about the child feeling good about himself or herself. If they feel good about themselves, they’re going to learn better.”

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August 2011 focussouthtampa.com

can analyze the poem.

None of the words are real words, but you can get an idea of what they’re talking about,” Larkin said.

Also as Headmaster and Principal, he encourages interactive learning. “I wasn’t the teacher at the time, but our science teacher did rockets.

They had 4 foot rockets, about 20 of them and they set them off. Within 10 minutes there were 8 or 9 helicopters from MacDill Air Force Base coming our way. I said we’re going to handle this right…‘Run!’”, he said.

Not only does Larkin have a passion for education in general, he has a primary focus on how boys and girls learn differently. He believes the more teachers and parents know on this subject, the better they will be, and in turn, the better their children will be. These differences in learning can be boiled down to hormone interactions in the body.

“Boys associate learning with movement. You’re going to find them tapping and fidgeting. It’s because of all the hormones going through their body at the same time. Serotonin is a calming hormone.

Males and females both have Serotonin which calms you. The boys’ brain produces more than the girls, but the girls absorb more than the boys. That’s why girls tend to be calmer,” Larkin said.

Having taught in every possible age group, Larkin has discovered innovative ways to teach and make lasting impressions on his students. He wants them to know learning can and will be fun in his classroom. “I like to have fun with the kids. Teaching is fun, learning should be fun. I love everything I teach. I love every class level,” Larkin says.

“I remember when I was interning my first time. It was a second grade class and I read them “The Raven” with the lights off and the candle burning. They didn’t understand one word of it, but they were glued to every single word. It was just such a neat thing. One of the fun lessons is to take a nonsense poem like “The Jabberwocky” and show kids that you

This difference is easily noticed with the first assignment upon a student’s return to school when they’re asked the simple question: What did you do for summer vacation? Larkin described the result of such an assignment. “At that point, you as a female are accessing both side of your brain because you have verbal on both sides of your

spotlight » Jim Larkin brain. You can process the sensorial, the emotional, everything else. When you tell that to a boy, it lights up on the left side, that’s it.

That’s his verbal piece, on the left side of the brain. She’s accessing both and she’s just having a great time. Then you have to go back and the boys are having a difficult time. What

hunters, gatherers, protectors. Spears, things going through the air. So they associate that with learning. Hunting was basically stealth, so they had to be quiet,” Larkin said.

Although we’ve advanced past the prehistoric times, Larkin believes we’ve lost track of these

not set up for boys. They need movement. We always taught, dim the lights, they’ll quiet down. Yeah, but that’s not true. It puts boys in distress. They learn better in bright light,” he says.

Armed with this powerful knowledge of how brains work, Larkin has identified his favor-

process of puberty, it’s use it or lose it. Your brain starts cropping the neurons it doesn’t need. Those kids’ heads are filled with so much now. Yes, they forget things, yes they’re absent minded. Yes they don’t sleep well. So, they’ve got all of these things going on and their parents are looking at them like ‘Who’s Child

Photo courtesy of Tampa Day School you have to do to get them going is do a story board, a picture board. Because they’re visual mechanic, if they can see it, they will start to build their story, and then they can go back and write,” he said.

Larkin attributes this difference in writing and basic communication to evolution of the human mind. Girls use 20,000 words a day whereas a boy uses only 7,000. “It goes back to the prehistoric times. As a female you were responsible for a child. So as a female person, you have more sensory input from your fin-

differences in males and females although they prove to be quite influential in the learning abilities of children. “Boys process differently than girls and that’s a really big thing.

It’s just now coming into the forefront that we dropped the ball on boys 25 years ago in education. We fixed it for girls a lot because they were going down in math and science, so you add more verbiage to it, more word problems. There’s less hands on in science and more reading. It brought the girls back up, but the boys went spiraling down. Boys don’t learn that way. They’re very concrete. With

ite grade level that allows him to display the most passion for his work. Middle School is by far Larkin’s favorite and most interesting age group. “I love middle school. You know why I like middle school kids? Their parents don’t like them a lot, they don’t like themselves a lot, and somebody’s got to love them. I just love them for that reason. They don’t belong down here, they don’t belong up here, and they’re just kind of in no man s land,” he said.

Larkin’s philosophy for dealing with Middle School children came from a friend who told him “it’s not a matter of educating them, its

are you, I don’t know who you are, you’re not mine’,” Larkin said.

girls, everything ties into this, which ties into that because you’re using both sides of your brain. With boys it’s this block, and this block and this block,” Larkin said.

helping them get through those years, socially and just surviving those years.” Larkin believes those middle school years to be a riot and full of wonderful opportunities for the student, teacher, parent, anyone. Their brains work harder and form more information making it a gold mine for an observant teacher.

Maybe your child really is a brilliant, gifted child and just needs a nudge toward interactive learning. Make learning fun, enjoy teaching and learning yourself. You’re never too old to learn something new! Perhaps we can all live by one of Larkin’s favorite quotes hanging in a frame in his office – “I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”

Jim Larkin’s passion for education and students is refreshing and a wonderful asset to our community. As he moves forward with his career, impacting the future of students, he hopes teachers and parents take the opportunity to learn about their children and get involved. “It’s always been important to educate parents,” he said.

If your child is starting back to school in a few weeks, take some of Larkin’s points to heart.

Photo courtesy of Tampa Day School gertips, from your skin, from different parts of your body because you had to be able to tell if things were ok to be eaten, you had to deal with the babies, the food and have that social interaction because the boys were gone. You had to develop that verbal part of your brain,” Larkin said.

On the other hand, males had no reason to develop high verbal skills. They were “the

Larkin says this knowledge of different learning styles has been excluded even from the most basic aspects of education. “School’s are set up so the first part of the day is reading and phonics, but he’s lost that. Schools are

“Once you hit puberty, you get a new explosion of neurons in your brain. During the

FOCUS Magazine south tampa august 2011

17

entertainment » event calendar

South Tampa

calendar of events

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to focus@dukepublications.com

Now thru August 9 @ 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO PRESENTS FAMILY FLOCK FOR AGES 2-5

Journey through the animal kingdom with the letters of the alphabet as your guide. Explore

August 3rd Lil’ Wayne with Rick Ross, Keri Hilson & More Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross, Keri Hilson and others will be performing at the 1-800-ASK-GARY

Amphitheatre. For more information call 813740-2446.

winter/spring and subsequently gathering Pollstar

Ybor City Museum State Park. All galleries and

modern worship band Hillsong UNITED returns

1900’s on 19th street between 8th and 9th avenues

Magazine’s April 11 “Hotstar” cover feature,

to North America this summer to pick up where

they left off. The band will perform at the St. Pete Times Forum on Friday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Singing the favorites that have helped sell over

11 million albums, the band will also play songs from AFTERMATH, Hillsong UNITED’s

acclaimed 2011 release that topped retail sales

charts internationally, hit No. 17 on the Billboard Top 200 and continues to be its fastest selling

album ever. Visit www.sptimesforum.com for more information.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Oakland Athletics

the animal world alphabet style. Each class will

focus on a specific letter of the alphabet and the

August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th

Come and see the Rays, one of the best teams and

amazing, awesome, awe-inspiring animal the

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Field. The games on Friday and Saturday will be

letter represents. Play-based activities may include

Watch the Tampa Bay Rays and the Blue Jays

played in the evening at 7:10pm. The Last game of

animal visits, biofact viewing, games, crafts, songs,

battle it out in their three game series at Tropicana

the series will be played on Sunday at 1:40pm. For

and stories. Program Information:

field. The games on Tuesday and Wednesday

more information visit www.raysbaseball.com.

Selected Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30-11:30

will be played in the evening at 7:10pm. Their

a.m. Cost: Zoo Pass Holders $15 / Non-Zoo

final game of the series will be at 12:10pm in

Pass Holders $17 (includes 1 child and 1 adult).

the afternoon. For more information visit www.

Additional siblings in household are $5 each.

raysbaseball.com.

Cost does not include Zoo admission.

August 5 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM

August 2nd Kings of Leon Concert

Kings of Leon will be playing at the 1-800-ASKGARY Amphitheatre located at 4802 US 301 North Tampa, FL 33610. The Kings of Leon

is an American rock band that formed in Mt.

Juliet, Tennessee in 1999 consisting of the three Followill brothers and their cousin. Their well known singles include “Sex on Fire” and “Use

Somebody.” For more information call 813-7402446 or visit www.kingsofleon.com for band

information. For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster. com.

END OF SUMMER BASH FOR TEENS (At MOSI)

Event Detail:

Gather with your friends for a night of music,

movies, gaming and activities. Chow down on a

fun food buffet featuring pizza, soda, and candy.

Jam out in a Rock Band group or dance to the latest hot songs with a live DJ. Take the ropes

course challenge and play laser tag in the exhibits.

Parents enjoy a night off and drop off your teen for a safe, supervised party celebrating the end

of summer. For ages 12 to 17. From 6:30 PM to

11:30 PM For more information visit www.mosi. org.

August 5th, 6th, and 7th Hillsong UNITED

After becoming the first Christian artist to sell

out Staples Center in Los Angeles, logging sold out events at major venues coast-to-coast this

18

August 2011 focussouthtampa.com

Hot Tuna Acoustic Show

Come to watch Hot Tuna at Skipper’s

Smokehouse. For more information call 813-9710666

YBOR CITY SATURDAY MARKET At Ybor City Saturday Market, you’ll be sure to

find Great Produce at Great Prices, gourmet foods & sauces, fresh baked breads, prepared foods,

orchids, herbs & plants, pet treats, honey, fine

cigars, unique gifts, photography, artwork, jewelry, woodworking, bath and body products, candles, and so much more!! From 9am to 1pm.

ART ON 19 ST. A FREE MONTHLY DAYTIME EVENT IN YBOR CITY

Arnold Martinez will be opening their studios to

the public for a rare engagement. Both artists will

be in their studio/gallery to discuss art, their work,

Plaza Tampa, FL. From 2 to 7pm. For more information call 813-443-FUN1.

August 6th

The first Saturday of the month Dan Balk and

TWO DOLLAR TARGET TUESDAYS! Glazer Children’s Museum 110 W. Gasparilla

baseball play the Oakland Athletics at Tropicana

studios are housed in restored structures from the in the “artsy metropolis” of Ybor city. For more information call 813-247-2787.

August 7th Tampa Bay Comic Con

If you enjoy comic books, anime, artwork and fun; come to the Doubletree Hotel for Tampa Bay’s Comic book convention. It starts at 10:00am

Sunday morning. It is in the doubletree hotel on 4500 W. Cypress St. Tampa, FL 33607.

1st Sunday Improve presents 321

From the minds of Hawk & Wayne, the creators of The Dumb Show, comes American Stage’s new long-form comedy improvisation show,

321. Starting with the audience suggestions of 3

character relationships, 2 improvisors will create a piece that takes place in 1 location. Gavin Hawk and Ricky Wayne weave all of these elements

into a hilarious, amazing, and poignant one-act

play that is sure to delight the audience. The show will still take place every first Sunday of each

month, will still remain Pay-What-You-Can, and of course, there will still be full bar service for all patrons. At Raymond James Theatre. For more information call 727-823-7529.

August 10th Bryan Adams “Bare Bones” Tour

See Bryan Adams perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

For more information call 727-791-7400.

August 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Kansas City Royals

See the Tampa Bay Rays and the Kansas City

Royals play at Tropicana field in this four game

series. The first three games on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are evening games being played at 7:10pm. The fourth game on Thursday is an

afternoon game at 12:10pm. For more information visit raysbaseball.com.

and demonstrate their creative process. Fine art

August 12th

display and for sale at The Singing Stone Gallery,

An Evening with Shawn Colvin

and Craft produced by local artisans will be on Arnold Martinez Gallery, Tre Amici @ The

Bunker, The Ybor City Museum Store and The

See the three time Grammy award winner perform

entertainment » event calendar at Capitol Theatre. For more information call

More

by international house hero, Kaskade. This is

August 13th

10 #1 singles and 20 top tens. See them perform

unparalleled production for a festival environment.

See Disturbed, Godsmack, Megadeath, Joined

more information call 813-740-2446.

727-791-7400.

Since their start in 1999 Rascall Flats has placed

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival

live at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre. For

by Machine Head, In Flames, Trivium and many

the first traveling tour of its kind, and it features The festival area itself is a huge open space that

will host an array of entertainment as well as an electro-elite lineup that includes: Pretty Lights,

information call 813-740-2446.

August 19thSeptember 4th

QUIDDICH CUP TOURNAMENT &

Lourdes of the Flies

Hercules and the Love Affair, Le Castle Vania,

All you need is your broomstick and a pair

Comedy, by Bill Leavengood, the writer director of

Superstars, White Shadow, LA Riots, Aeroplane,

phenomenon of Quiddich. Colleges from around

For more information call 727-822-3590.

Eye…with special guests still to be announced! It

more of today’s popular rock artists. They will be in 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre. For more

Disco Biscuits, Rusko, Avicii, Chuckie, Booka

Shade, Pete Tong, Modeselektor, Jessie and the Toy Boys, Steve Aoki, DJ Shadow, Etienne De Crecy, The Crystal Method, Nero, Holy Ghost!, Datsik,

EXHIBITION

Get ready for Lourdes of the Flies, A Savage New

The Eye and Doorly, Steve Lawler, Manufactured

of tennis shoes to participate in the growing

Webb’s City - The Musical! At Palladium Theatre.

Nervo, Chad Hugo, Marshall Barnes and The

the world have created teams and challenge one

another to see who has what it takes to play this amazing and immersive sport from the Harry

Potter books and movies. Learn the rules and try

your hand at catching the snitch. Watch a college

team put on an exhibition and challenge others to a friendly game. Join your team for a picture with

the MOSI Quiddich Cup. Costumes are optional.

Program fee: $50 per team of 7; $9 per individual.

The tournament last from 10am to 12pm. For more information visit www.mosi.org.

August 14th The 19th Annual Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival

August 19th, 20th, 21st Tampa Bay Rays vs. Seattle Mariners

See the Tampa Bay Rays play the Seattle Mariners at Tropicana Field. The First game on Friday will be played in the evening at 7:10 pm. The second game on Saturday will be played at 4:10 pm.

The third game on Sunday will be played in the

afternoon at 1:40pm. For more information visit raysbaseball.com.

August 21st

will be at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre.

813-740-2446.

The Centre’s Annual Gourmet Feastival is right around the corner. Join us August 24th at the

Hyatt Regency in downtown Tampa from 6:00 to

8:30 PM for samplings from some of the best food and beverage purveyors in the greater Tampa Bay Tampa’s own Mo’ Gravy band and silent and live

auctions. For more information call 813-251-8437 or visit www.thecentre.org.

August 21 at 7 pm. Tickets go on sale this Friday,

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Detroit Tigers

791-7400.

Tigers in this four game series at Tropicana field.

August 23rd

Tuesday and Wednesday of this four game series

August 18 - 22 BUCCANEERS VS. NEW ENGLAND Raymond James Stadium

Jack’s Mannequin with Guster

Tampa, FL

more information call 813-247-2555.

4201 N Dale Mabry Highway 813.350.6500

*Preseason Game

August 19th Rascall Flats with Sara Evans, Easton Corbin and

Jack’s Mannequin is visiting The Ritz Ybor. For

August 24th Skullcandy presents The IDentity Tour

From August 11th to September 10th, you can

witness a sensory extravaganza at the Skullcandy

Amphitheater Stage on IDentity Tour, headlined

Johnny Gale, Kurt “Frenchy” Yahjian, Jimmy Bense, keyboardist Chip Degaard, and Tony

Gallino on Drums, redefine oldies with vocal

authority and freshness. As exemplified by their signature song “Looking For An Echo”, their

material is influenced by the music of the 50’s

generation to a rich historical musical style. With

their cool and sultry musical approach, they give a

gift to those who are discovering them for the first time! At Ruth Eckerd Hall. For more information call 727-791-7400.

August 27th Although it’s been almost 45 years since the

goes on until 10:00pm. For more information visit tampacarnival.com.

and inviting dimension. The group, Kenny Vance,

Hippiefest “A Concert for Peace and Love”

Douglas will bring their Paper Airplane Summer

April 22 at noon. For more information call 727-

Vance and The Planotones have voices of original

area! This event will also include live music from

James Stadium during the 19th annual Tampa

Tour 2011 to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on

Among today’s great vocal pop musicians, Kenny

they are classicists, opening the eyes of a new

August 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th

Bay Caribbean carnival. It begins at noon and

Kenny Vance and The Planotones

musically sophisticated point of view. In this sense

BENEFITING THE CENTRE

Alison Krauss and Union Station

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry

August 26th

and 60’s, but they consistently bring a unique and

20TH GOURMET FEASTIVAL

Come enjoy Food, Live Entertainment, Costume Parade, Crafts, and steel drums all at Raymond

*Preseason Game

Hippie movement began, there’s been an annual

concert event since 2005 that celebrates the music

of the era and the lifestyle revolution it represented - HIPPIEFEST. This summer will mark the sixth

The Tampa Bay Rays are battling the Detroit The first second and third games on Monday

will be at 7:10pm. The final game on Thursday will be played in the afternoon at 1:10pm. For more information visit raysbaseball.com.

Tampa, FL

813.350.6500

expressed peace, love and happiness. The tour will

make a stop at Ruth Eckerd Hall Saturday, August 27, 2011. For more information call 727-7917400.

ST. PETE MUSCLE CLASSIC FROM 10AM

Professional Bodybuilder IFBB Pro Mark

BUCCANEERS VS. MIAMI DOLPHINS 4201 N Dale Mabry Highway

who first achieved stature in the decade that

TO 5PM.

August 25 - 28 Raymond James Stadium

year of HIPPIEFEST which will feature artists

Antonek, along with The Padgett Medical Center, presents to you an NPC Amateur

Competition called The St. Pete Muscle Classic.

This competition includes several competitive categories: Mens Bodybuilding, Womens

Bodybuilding, Womens Figure, Womens Bikini, FOCUS Magazine south tampa august 2011

19

entertainment » event calendar along with Masters (over 40,50) and Teen

Division. There will be a morning competition, judges comparing each individual against their

opponent. Morning show is at 10 am and tickets are general admission for $10. The evening

show, at 5pm, will consist of competition, trophy presentation, and special guest posing by IFBB Pro’s Mark Antonek and IFBB Pro Nathan Wonsley. Evening show tickets are reserved seating, $20 or $30. For additional Show

information, athlete registration, or sponsor

participation, see website www.spmuscleclassic. com or call 727-822-3590.

2011 FARA ENERGY BALL The third Annual FARA Energy Ball will be held to raise funds for research that will improve the

quality and length of life for those diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia and lead to treatments that

eliminate its symptoms. To benefit Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and the

University of South Florida Ataxia Research

Center (USF ARC). $300 per person; $600 per

couple. For more information call 813-831-5390.

August 28 @ 3:00 PM TAMPA THEATRE SUMMER CLASSICS PRESENTS PETER PAN

Featuring Live Musical Accompaniment with the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

Get whisked away to Never Never Land with

Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy & her brothers, the Lost Boys and Captain Hook. Ingeniously capturing the mysteries and adventures of

childhood, Barrie’s timeless play became one of the most popular films of the 1920’s. This charming film adaptation also dazzles with remarkable

special effects (as impressive today as they were

in 1924). Cheering, jeering, gasping and laughing out loud heartily encouraged! 1924/1:45 Regular feature tickets are $9 (all ages). Tickets for the

special PETER PAN silent film are $12 (adults)

and $10 for kids 2 - 12, Seniors, Military, Tampa

Theatre Members. For directions and other theatre info, call the 24-hour info line at 813-274-8981 or visit www.tampatheatre.org.

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August 2011 focussouthtampa.com

August 31st Maroon 5 with Train and Matt Nathanson

A mix of polished pop/rock and neo-soul sex

appeal made Maroon 5 one of the most popular

bands of the 2000s, with songs like “This Love,”

“She Will Be Loved,” and “Makes Me Wonder” all topping the charts worldwide. Previously,

bandmates Adam Levine (vocals/guitar), Jesse

Carmichael (keyboards), Mickey Madden (bass),

and Ryan Dusick (drums) had spent the latter half

of the ‘90s playing in Kara’s Flowers, even releasing a debut album for Reprise Records while still

attending high school. The record tanked, however, and Kara’s Flowers found themselves dropped from Reprise’s roster. After briefly attending

college, the bandmates regrouped as Maroon 5,

added former Square guitarist James Valentine to

the lineup and embracing a more R&B-influenced sound. The concert will be at the 1-800-ASKGARY Amphitheatre. 813-740-2446.

Advertise

with FOCUS Get your business/organization in front of the community Call or email us to learn more about advertising in FOCUS Jim Duke 813-390-5526 jim.duke@dukepublications.com

entertainment » dining Profile While their signature fare option is certainly ribs, equally impressing is their chicken, pork, sliced beef, and hot links. Upon arrival to my table, the warm hospitality and inviting ambience were perfect additions to my sweet tea.

Studying the menu as if I were about to take an exam, I carefully selected their roast beef sandwich and a side of macaroni salad.

Photos Courtesy of Trip Advisor

The beef was sliced tender and plated atop a toasted hoagie roll and accompanied by their selection of sauces which included sweet, spicy, and their signature original. As my philosophical approach to eating has always impeded me from ruining a good thing, I did try their original sauce. Tomato based and full of spice and flavor, the sauce only enhanced the flavors of the beef and provided a tangy cap to my already delicious sandwich.

Kojaks: The Bay’s Best Barbecue South Tampa Eatery Savors Flavor and Family Tradition

In addition, the macaroni salad was a nice diversion from my main course. Flavors of mustard, green pepper, and onion were binded with light mayonnaise and served as cool and refreshing side.

Since its foundation, Kojak’s has remained characteristically founded in its desire to produce quality barbeque with timeliness practice. It is an establishment which prides itself in simplicity and whose refusal to fall victim to complication and overdoing is mirrored in the food they create. Kojak’s is not simply a restaurant but as their website states appropriately rather, “an institution” of experience, family, and of course, good food.

Kojaks 808 West Gandy Boulevard Tampa, FL 33611-2822 (813) 837-3774 Open Tue-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 12pm-9pm Bus: Macdill Av @ Paul Av

Story By: Harrison E. Tropp

I

f you’re a barbecue lover like I am, then you have undoubtedly faced the common dilemma of choosing a South Tampa eatery to satisfy your cravings of hog, beef, and chicken. The apparent crossroad is not an easy one to translate, and in recent years, I have found the once prized pig and echelon of comfort food tangled in a web of sophistication, refinement, and complexity. Where once laid open pits of flame and hickory chips now stand Viking ovens and assembly lines.

So long are the days of backyard gatherings where if your face wasn’t covered in sauce, well then the barbeque simply wasn’t eaten correctly. Fear not patrons of pig, hope exists.

I will note that while my knowledge of food is less than extensive my desire to eat is not.

When I say I like barbeque, people ask constantly of my choice (of course alluding to my regional preference). What ever happened to the good stuff? What ever happened to simplicity in cooking? Regardless of dry rubbed, tomato based, vinegar based, mustard based, and so on, barbeque to me is a heaping mound of delectable pork, slow cooked in quintessential Dixie fashion and properly accompanied by potato salad. Moderate variations exist, but I believe you understand the concept.

On a mission to find the best barbeque in South Tampa, my culinary counterpart, Jodi Lokay, and I, ventured fittingly in the heart of South Tampa to an establishment reminiscent of an Alabama backyard, adorned with string lighting, picnic tables, and a wraparound front porch. Located on Gandy Boulevard and nestled beneath the shade of four live oak trees, Kojak’s House of Ribs has been a South Tampa landmark since 1978. While the name alone is enticing enough to try, the restaurant is rooted in southern heritage.

According to their website, “Kojak’s” comes from a gentleman named Bill Forney who was Chief of Detectives in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Although Forney left the police force, the name Kojack stuck and he eventually went into the barbeque business, opening his House of Ribs in Midwest City. Forney’s brother Bud opened Kojak’s in South Tampa, using original family recipes and down home technique.

Kojak’s seems to pride itself in basic barbeque.

Their menu of tasteful options offers enough variety to appease the pickiest of eaters, yet still remaining true to their unrefined cause.

FOCUS Magazine south tampa august 2011

21

extra » al reuchel These were all remarkable people. Many have spent most of their adult lives hand rubbing those ceramic tiles that protect the shuttle from reentry’s inferno. They turn the wrenches, operate the lifts, and have cooked the meals for the astronauts. They never sought publicity, just did their jobs as best they could for 135 shuttle missions. Most stayed in their small working groups to watch Atlantis fly one last time. Some wandered into the press area and shared their stories and tears with us.

I met a man whose brother was killed working on the Columbia before it was launched in 1981 in a nitrogen purge accident. Another person I met was responsible for painting the letters on the outside of Atlantis. A sweet looking gray haired woman told me she helped with the meals in the astronaut’s kitchen.

For me, this final mission was like turning back the hands of time. I, wearing my STS-1 News Media pass, found dozens of other reporters and photographers who were also here from the beginning. And to a person, we all shared our concern that closing out the shuttle program was a huge mistake. Just look around at all the infrastructure; the VAB, so big you could place the Empire State Building inside of it; the two spotlessly clean shuttle preparation facilities now housing the Discovery and Endeavor as they are being decommissioned and made safe for displays at museums in California and Washington, DC; the 3-mile long runway and the launch gantries waiting for something in the future, though no one knows what it is.

Saluting the shuttles!

T Written By: Al Reuchel

he tears were pouring down our cheeks in the press area just 3 miles from launch pad 39A. The noise so loud you could feel it throbbing in your chest.

Gazing skyward the exhaust plum as bright as the sun itself. People were yelling and screaming and laughing and waving their fists in the air, encouraging the most sophisticated flying machine in the world to climb through the clouds. It was a moment

22

August 2011 focussouthtampa.com

I will freeze in my mind and replay over and over again.

This is the way it ends for the shuttle program. No one can believe it. Despite low hanging clouds and dire predictions of lousy weather, the shuttle Atlantis made her final journey into the skies as if to say, “I will reach for the heavens one more time. I will not be denied my place in history.”

Okay, some may say it is a stretch. This is just a machine. I can’t have memories, regrets, feel a purpose, express remorse, wonder what’s next down the road. But the thousands of men and women who poured their lives into these incredible flying machines do. On Friday, July 8, 2011 you could pick them out from the crowd, like loving parents watching their child walk down the graduation isle for the final time.

Rationally, I understand the need to move on to the next challenge. Maybe NASA’s mistake was doing too much. Without a solid nudge, private industry was not about to step up to the plate and spend their own money when Uncle Sam was already spending yours and mine.

I do pray this isn’t a mistake we will regret in the future. Ii may be expensive to send the shuttles up at about 500 million a pop, but losing thousands of engineers and skilled minds, and losing a dream for future generations is costlier.

If exploration is truly in our DNA then losing the shuttles has to be akin to Columbus losing his ships.

Getting to the new world has just become much, much harder!

extra » derek maul that is where this summer is already budding with the beginnings of promise.

First Presbyterian of Brandon is already reconstructing our physical facilities – so why not the folk who worship here too? We’re not the kind of congregation that closes down programs down for the summer, mothballs Christian Education, or runs anything at half speed – but we do try to encourage folk to change-up some of their routines and try something new.

Consequently, and in light of the fact that half the campus is under construction, the Discipleship Ministry Team is offering a smorgasbord of mid-week learning opportunities that I’m really looking forward to.

So yesterday I joined a group of 12 for weekone of a month-long seminar on Paul’s journeys through Galatians, Thessalonians, Corinthians and Philippians. The instructor is our resident New Testament scholar, Charles Willard. Charles is a PhD with a lifetime of experience in ministry, grace and academia - including accreditation for post-graduate programs in theological education.

I’m citing all that academic mumbo-jumbo to underline my point that summer reinvention needn’t be lightweight or shallow. The primary purpose – so far as I plan to experience it – is refreshment and renewal.

This leaves us (at my latest count) with a list of six most excellent “r”-words. So I’ll repeat them below, along with the following recommendation. Take some time to think seriously about what each word/concept might potentially mean for you, especially when it comes to making plans for the coming weeks:

It’s that time of the year!

B Written By: derek maul

ack when I was a schoolteacher I loved June-August for many reasons. I never taught summer school because those few weeks were an amazing opportunity to spend time with my own children. Lots of family “field-trips”, state parks, bike rides, beaches, the neighbor’s pool, museums, board games, books, picnics - and very little in the way of television.

Then my wife Rebekah would try to take three weeks of her vacation in one block and we’d travel – extensively and on the cheap.

Here are some of the more memorable family trips: - The “heritage tour” to the UK when Naomi and Andrew were eight and ten…

- Washington, D.C. and all the state capitols on the east coast…

- Our Civil War Battlefields bike tour – four bicycles strapped to the back of one minivan (we watched the entire Ken Burns Civil War documentary over two months prior to the trip)…

- The epic 7,000 mile drive to New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and back to see the Saguaro, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks – and more…

- Several weeks at a beach house on Pensacola’s Santa Rosa Island - Appalachian Mountain hiking; a bucket of crabs and some nutcrackers in Maryland; in-

numerable state park cabins…

- And the Alaska Cruise from Seattle that marked the end of the “family of four” era as Naomi met Craig and a new family was launched….

Anyway, point being that summer has always worked well for us as an opportunity for recalibration, restoration, reinvention and recreation. Having Andrew and Naomi living at home helped us to be more deliberate about crafting and enjoying those kinds of experiences.

Today we are out of the loop of school calendars, spring breaks and the long summer stretch. Except, that is in terms of church, and

- Recalibration - Restoration - Reinvention - Re-creation - Refreshment - Renewal Oh, one more observation. These are all great words when it comes to living the life-charged life. And it’s no accident that they all find their best expressions in the context of faith.

FOCUS Magazine south tampa august 2011

23

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