Green Bench Monthly - Vol 4, Issue 5, May 2019

VOL. 4, ISSUE 5, MAY 2019

St. Pete’s Direct-Mail Community Magazine

Webb’s City

”World’s Most Unusual Drugstore” pg. 6

Movers and Makers

Local Business Directories pg. 18

Raising Locals

Downtown Developments

Summer Camps pg. 20

What’s New In DTSP pg. 29

Publishers

Ashley & Tony Sica

Advertising Sales Eileen Brock

Editors (this issue)

Rui Farias, Marilyn Malara, Mary Jane Park, Cathy Weisberg

Contributors (this issue)

Tina Stewart Brakebill, Tara Britton, Vandi Carmella, Erin Cody, Rui Farias, Denielle Kennett, Marilyn Malara, Jack Spinrad, Brian Zucker

Photographers Brian Brakebill, Kristina Holman, Kelly Nash Cover Photo From Webb’s City, World’s most unusual drugstore - St. Petersburg, Florida. 19--?.

Color souvenir viewbook. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

Contact

Demens Landing “Phuddle Shot” by David Calvin of David Calvin Furniture. See story on pg. 16.

FROM THE BENCH

Come one. Come all. We’ve got some unusual content for you this month. Settle in, grab yourself a drink from the corner store (pg. 29), get to know some locals (pg. 6-16), bring home a plant (pg. 26), and maybe even learn something new (pg. 25).

Till next time,

In This Issue:

14 Sparkle Wash: Cleaning St. Pete

PO BOX 76095 St. Petersburg, FL 33734 (727) 280-5406 hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

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From the Museum’s Archives: Goodyear Blimp

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Webb’s City: “World’s Most Unusual Drug Store

Proud member of:

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People of St. Pete: De’Marre Hampton

11 Nails on Ninth: Natural Products, Healthy Nails, Beautiful Results 12 Shedding Light on Budget Blinds St. Pete

Green Bench Monthly Is Directmailed to 15,500 homes and businesses in zip codes 33701, 33704 & 33713. Neighborhoods included in our mailing: Allendale, Crescent Heights, Crescent Lake, Downtown, Euclid-St. Paul, Five Points, Greater Woodlawn, Historic Kenwood, Historic Old Northeast, Magnolia Heights, North East Park, Snell Isle, & Woodlawn

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

16 David Calvin Furniture Studio: Where Art and Architecture Meet

25 Be A Lifelong Learner: Where to Learn New Things!

26 So you want an indoor plant...that will survive

18 Movers and Makers: Using Business Directories

28 Fun Times, No Booze Required

20 Raising Locals: 14 St. Pete Summer Camps Your Kids Will Love

30 Events

22 Suncoast Voices for Children: Speaking Up for Abused or Neglected Children

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29 Downtown Developments

GOT A STORY IDEA? hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

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From the Museum’s Archives: Goodyear Blimp

With St. Petersburg Museum of History Executive Director, Rui Farias Long before the NFL arrived in Tampa, Goodyear blimps filled the skies above St. Petersburg. In 1929 promotions guru John Lodwick convinced City Council to build a blimp hangar at Albert Whitted Airport in an effort to lure the Goodyear blimp fleet to St. Petersburg, and course, boost tourism.

According to Museum curator Nevin Sitler, whose graduate

work in the Florida Studies program at USF-St. Pete centered on Lodwick, dirigibles soared over the city skyline for a decade providing rides and even delivering Santa Claus and gifts at Christmas. Goodyear eventually moved its blimp base to South Florida.

For more historic St. Pete photos, visit www.historystpete.org.

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Doc J.E. Webb and his famous drug store - St. Petersburg, Florida. 19--?. Color postcard. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

Webb’s City: World’s Most Unusual Drug Store

By Jack Spinrad For the first issue of this magazine (Vol. 1, Issue 1, September 2016) I wrote about a visit to St. Petersburg in the mid ‘50s as a teenager. While here we visited Webb’s City. I recall entering a very crowded store holding my mother’s hand to make sure we didn’t get separated in the sea of people that seemed to push us along.

This store was unlike anything I had ever seen. There was a lunch counter and the aisles seemed endless—groceries to clothing to hardware, even sideshow acts featuring talking mermaids.

Despite the circus-like atmosphere, what stands out the most to me were two water fountains with signs that read “White Only” and “Colored Only”. As a kid from New York City, I never had any actual experience with segregation. This was the deep south though—at a time when Jim Crow laws and customs were in full effect. In New York my school was a veritable U.N with children of all ethnicities. Perhaps I was just sheltered.

“Webb’s Cut Rate Drug Store” James Earl “Doc” Webb was born the son of a paving contractor in Nashville, TN. His experience with economic adversity informed his future success. In St. Petersburg and the Florida Dream, author Ray Arsenault explains that, “by the age of twenty, he had become ‘Doc’ Webb — the slick-talking purveyor of patent medicines, magical herbs, and good cheer.”

In 1925, Webb was contacted by an old friend, Hayworth Johnson, who asked him to invest in a small pharmacy he had opened on the outskirts of a predominantly black neighborhood in St. Petersburg.

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Florida was booming and Webb was eager to take advantage of the offer, buying into a 480 sq. ft. drugstore located on the corner of 9th St. S. (now Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S.) and 2nd Ave. In 1926, Florida’s housing market collapsed sending the state into an economic depression. This didn’t deter Doc Webb though. He bought out his deflated partner and renamed the store “Webb’s Cut Rate Drug Store”.

When it came to merchandising, Doc Webb believed “stack it high and sell it cheap” was the way to increase sales. In some cases his prices were too low and he was sued by companies that had fixed, “fair trade”, pricing. He would ultimately win in Supreme Court, and although he and his customers claimed victory, competitors saw him as a real problem.

Doc Webb “the little man’s friend” Years later, Webb explained “I didn’t care a damn about money.

I wanted customers”. This fueled his success. He guaranteed his prices were at least 10% less than his competitors. Through the Great Depression and most of the ‘40s and ‘50s, if you lived in St. Pete, Webb’s City was the place to go for just about everything.

At its peak, Webb’s City had seventy-seven departments in about six square city blocks between 7th and 10th Sts. S. His empire offered furniture, hardware, clothing and gifts, and featured a beauty salon, butcher shop, travel agency, soda fountains, and coffee shops. There was even an Arthur Murray dance studio on the roof. Webb is also credited with creating the “ten item or less” express lane.

Webb’s City, Home of the World’s most unusual drugstore - St. Petersburg, Florida.

19--?. Color souvenir viewbook. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

Mermaids, Chimps, and Dancing Chickens When low prices and selection weren’t enough, Doc got resourceful.

His promotions included dollar bills for ninety-five cents and breakfast for two cents. He flaunted mermaids, chimp acts, baseball-playing ducks and “dancing” chickens. Sadly for the chickens they danced because the floor was electrified anytime the button on their display was pushed.

By the ‘60s though, Doc Webb’s customer base had shifted to predominantly black and senior citizens. Despite this patronage, black customers were still not allowed to shop in all of the clothing departments or eat at the lunch counter. That, combined with the fact that most of the cashiers were white, resulted in the NAACP picketing the store and holding sit-ins. Webb eventually took legal action, claiming the demonstrations were hurting his business. It would turn out to be an uphill battle and just one of many appearances in court for Mr. Webb.

The opening of Tyrone Mall in 1972 was the beginning of the end for Webb’s City. Webb’s low prices and gimmicks weren’t enough to save it as customers started to vanish — preferring to shop at Tyrone and other new shopping centers. Not even a federal loan could keep the “World’s Most Unusual Drug Store” open. Doc Webb sold the store in 1974. In August of 1979 Webb’s City closed for good.

Gone but not forgotten Doc Webb and his city left an indelible mark on St. Pete’s history and continue to influence our culture today. Talking mermaids live on in events hosted by the St. Petersburg Museum of History. The Webb’s City phenomenon was even turned into a musical staged at the Mahaffey Theater and Ruth Eckerd Hall in 2000. The show was resurrected in a concert version at the Palladium Theater on September 21, 2018. If it should return for another bow, it would be well worth your time to get a taste of the spectacle that was Webb’s City.

Publishers note: Doc Webb continues to make headlines. A debate about historic designation of his one-time home in Allendale has raised issues with St. Pete’s designation process as well as questions about property owners’ rights. At press time, his former home has been recommended for partial designation by the St. Petersburg Development Review Commission (DRC). City Council is expected to have the final say sometime this month.

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Photo by Brian Brakebill

People of St. Pete: De’Marre Hampton

By Tina Stewart Brakebill St. Petersburg is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere, but the people of St. Pete truly make this city something special. In appreciation, each month Green Bench Monthly shines a light on one of the many people who make our city unique.

Our light this month shines on De’Marre Hampton. If you live, work, or play in downtown St. Petersburg, you may have seen him.

He’s a guy with the big muscles and an even bigger smile strolling along Central Avenue with his beautiful wife, Brooke, or walking his pit-bull “babies” Kimba, Dream, and Bruno. The hard-earned physique and infectious smile attracted our attention, and his uplifting attitude and motivational spirit kept it!

Love Forges New Paths As a kid in Baton Rouge, Hampton planned to play college football, earn a law degree, and “make a difference,” he said. Instead, when he was 18, connections made at a part-time job introduced him to the fitness industry. Working as a personal trainer and within a corporate wellness program, he realized his passion for the job and decided to forgo college ball. Soon afterward, he met a woman from Florida through mutual friends on Facebook. Long (very sweet) story short: They fell in love, and that love brought him to Florida. Now, he and Brooke are happily married and building a mutual path in St. Petersburg.

The Road to Mr. USA From the beginning, Hampton enjoyed helping people as a trainer, and he quickly realized that he missed the sense of personal

accomplishment connected to competition. His boss suggested a body-building contest. A lifelong athlete, young Hampton was surprised by the discipline required. It was the hardest thing he’d ever done, he said. After completing his first contest, he was surprised (again) to realize he wanted more. Fast-forward through more than 12 years of hard work and discipline to this coming July, and Hampton will compete in the National Physique Committee (NPC) USA Bodybuilding Championships. Winning his heavyweight class would earn him his pro card as well as a shot at being Mr. USA. He fully intends to win; as he told me, if you’re going to do something, then you should always “go for the gold.”

Swollen Nerd Aiming high is at the heart of Hampton’s outlook, and not just about competition. Summing up his attitude about life in general is simple: “Be unapologetically you!” he said; find what you love, then do it at the highest level. The approach also is the essence of the production company/lifestyle brand Swollen Nerd that he and several partners are building. Swollen Nerd’s goal is to motivate and engage people, especially kids, to be the best versions of themselves.

To that end, participants visit grade schools dressed as super-hero favorites and create comic-book style motivational videos. They also partner with nonprofit organizations for volunteer projects.

Listening to Hampton describe Swollen Nerd is a great reminder that he’s passionate about more than fitness. He loves the opportunity to encourage and inspire youngsters and their families. He wants to do more of that in the future, and our uplifting conversation left me feeling confident that he will.

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Left, owner Thuy Le (Leah), and right, one of her employees, Trinh Luu (Trina). Photos by Kristina Holman.

Nails on Ninth: Natural Products, Healthy Nails, Beautiful Results

by Tina Stewart Brakebill After eight years working for other nail salons, Thuy Le (or Leah never reused. The salon also provides a wide variety of face and body as her clients call her) knew that she was ready to step out on her own. waxing options.

Those years of experience honed her skills and helped her shape a plan for her own business. She envisioned a spa-like salon that offered “Come for the natural products, come healthy “all natural and organic” products and services where clients back for the people” could relax in a calm soothing space. In short, she wanted (as she told According the salon, their use of vegan-friendly products often me) “to do it my way.” In October of 2018, she achieved that vision initially attracts new customers, but it’s Leah and her staff that keep when she opened Nails on Ninth. them coming back. Clients, both men and women, appreciate the friendly professional service and the comfortable space. They feel Enter and Relax welcomed while they are at the salon and they feel good with the You’ll notice the difference as soon as you walk in the door. No results when they leave. If you’d like to experience Nails on Ninth for blaring televisions adorn the walls. The music is low and soothing yourself, give them a call at 727-289-9300 to make an appointment. instead of loud and jarring. As a whole, the décor suggests a feeling of Conveniently located on North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street calm. A palette of soothing earth colors surrounds and welcomes you. (3214 Ninth Street N), they are open from 9:30am to 7pm, Monday The furniture, from the waiting area to the manicure and pedicure through Friday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays. chairs, is comfortable and cushioned. Everything about the salon’s ambiance encourages relaxation, including the presence of Leah and her staff. Their friendly and professional approach lets clients know immediately that they are in good hands.

Natural Products & Full Service Once a client is relaxed, then they can take advantage of Nails on Ninth’s full menu of treatments. For your nails, they offer various levels of manicure and pedicure services, as well as nail enhancements and SNS dipping powders. And they always have the most upto-date color collections. So, no matter what the season, if a client is looking for that fun new color, Nails on Ninth has it! Customers also can be confident in the knowledge that Nails on Ninth products are “all natural and organic” and that they follow the strictest safety codes. The salon uses an autoclave to disinfect their reusable tools and things that can’t be sterilized (like buffers and pumice stones) are

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Shaun and Samantha Roberts, owners of Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg. Photos above and next page by Kristina Holman.

Shedding Light on Budget Blinds St. Pete

by Marilyn Malara Whether you love morning light streaming through sheer curtains or a pitch-black room as you wake up, it’s hard to deny the importance of high quality window treatments. For expert insight into the latest in all things curtains, valances, shutters and shades, look no further than Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg.

Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg is a full-service window treatment consultation and installation service owned and operated

by Shaun and Samantha Roberts. The duo’s passion for design led them to pursue the beautification of St. Pete’s residences through Budget Blinds. The local-friendly franchise boasts start-to-finish

expertise and offers the highest quality at competitive prices. To make it even sweeter, when you call Budget Blinds of North St. Pete, you actually speak to a real human, not an answering service.

The St. Pete difference Owners Shaun and Samantha felt an affinity for St. Petersburg right away. While touring Florida ahead of their big move from Liverpool, England, Samantha says they knew St. Pete was different, and the perfect place to put down roots.

“St. Pete has a vibe that we didn’t see anywhere else in the state,” Samantha told Green Bench Monthly. “The spirit of the city combined with the unique display of properties throughout the various communities is awesome. There is a lot to boast about in St. Pete.”

The couple, who now have a one-year-old named Charlie, can’t get enough of The ‘Burg. Shaun enjoys spending his weekends working on various D.I.Y. projects and playing golf while Samantha loves a great workout, which often includes a run along the picturesque St. Pete coastline. “It’s a great place to be,” she adds.

Budget Blinds—way more than some shades!

Samantha and Shaun offer a wide variety of blinds, shades, and shutters.

Call today for an in-home consultation.

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Budget Blinds of North St. Pete is a full-service window treatment business which supports their clients from concept to fulfillment.

And it’s not only about blinds. It’s about everything your home or office windows need, including a splash of additional decor.

“We offer a wide variety of blinds, shades, shutters and soft treatments. This includes fully automated shades which can integrate to your home automation, setting timers and schedules for opening and closing,” Samantha says. “Soft treatments, including matching throw pillows are truly custom and we have hundreds of samples available to browse.”

Budget Blinds of North St. Pete also offers removal and disposal services of existing window treatments.

Refer to this article for 25 percent off all Enlightened Style products!

Where to Start Most Floridians know the importance of quality window treatments simply because of the spring and summer’s intense heat!

Locals often opt for window solutions that help reduce air conditioning costs. But how does one start looking for the best options?

“The best way we [found] to figure out the right choice of treatment is to ask our customer what they want from their window and how they see themselves using that specific window and room at different times of the day.” Pay attention to how you use your windows. Do you keep them open throughout the day? Do they act as decorative features of a room? What direction are they facing?

“Layering treatments [are] a very popular way to allow multiple uses for one window,” she said. “A simple shade or blind that provides privacy and light control can be used in the window opening and then layered with fabric treatments such as romans, cornices or decorative drapery panels.” The added layers offer an increased sense of warmth and coziness and provide that delightful custom feel.

Supporting The Community Shaun and Samantha are huge advocates for living and buying local. On top of serving the community through their business, they regularly encourage new residents to support local businesses as well.

They even have a referral program through which clients receive gift cards for local shops that they frequent. The couple also enjoys attending the markets downtown on the weekends.

Budget Blinds of North St. Petersburg also makes a point of participating in the thriving local community. Each quarter, the company chooses to donate a portion of their profits to a local charity.

“This quarter, we are donating to CASA St. Petersburg,” or Community Action Stops Abuse, Samantha told GBM. The nonprofit supports those who have become victims of domestic abuse in southern Pinellas County.

Get in touch To get the latest updates on Budget Blinds St. Petersburg’s promotions and other deals, follow their Facebook page at Facebook. com/budgetblindsofnorthstpetersburg and their Instagram @ budgetblinds_northstpetersburg. Visit their website at budgetblinds. com/northstpetersburg or email the owners directly at sroberts@ budgetblinds.com.

As a bonus, Green Bench Monthly readers who refer to this article will receive 25 percent off all Enlightened Style products!

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Jack Walsh owner of Sparkle Wash Pinellas County. Photo by Kelly Nash Photography.

Sparkle Wash: Cleaning St. Pete

By Cindy Garza Ontkos Spring sprang here in St. Petersburg early this year! Pollen has filled the air, and all of our sinuses as well. But that doesn’t hold us back from getting outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. It’s why we choose to live in this beautiful place, befittingly called “The Sunshine City,” after all.

Now, with April showers bringing forth May’s flowers, the mix of spring pollen and wet weather makes for some slippery walkways and moldy siding. Good thing we have our very own local Sparkle Wash expert here to handle all of your outdoor cleaning needs! Enter Jack Walsh, owner and operator of Sparkle Wash Pinellas County for the past two years.

Jack provides power washing and restoration services to commercial and residential properties in Pinellas County. Jack comes with top notch products and equipment backed by the Sparkle Wash franchise, circa 1965. “I love everything about living and working in St. Petersburg. I moved here at the age of seventeen in 2009 and I’m so excited to be celebrating ten awesome years in the states this summer! I am proud to call St. Petersburg my home.”

Care and expertise St. Petersburg is known for its many historic residential districts and mature commercial buildings. Beautiful to see everyday but, tricky to maintain. In order to keep the integrity of many of these historic bungalows and craftsmans homes and businesses, it’s best to put this type of maintenance and care in the hands of adequately trained professionals. With Jack, you can rest easy knowing he is licensed, certified and insured to handle any and all of his clients’ needs.

Jack spends the majority of his time in places like Historic Old

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NorthEast, Snell Isle and Historic Kenwood just to name a few.

These properties require special care by an expert as well as carefully selected products to keep from causing damage during the cleaning process. All Sparkle Wash products are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and thoroughly tested on a regular basis to ensure the best quality is provided to their clients. Jack will provide the proper cleaning agent and care for your specific need, no matter the issue, be it mold, pollen, moss, grease or fungi. “Each job is different and requires a different process as well as different equipment. This is not something you want to go into without a plan for the best possible outcome. After all, this your home or business at stake.” Now as a homeowner myself, that pretty much screams expert, reliable service to me!

Safety is key When you think about commercial cleaning products, big safety concerns often come to mind. I have pets, I have children playing in my yard daily, and I just planted the most beautiful roses. Eek! My precious vegetable garden -- how will all of this affect the environment?! These are questions that Jack encounters regularly. He is excited to educate his clients and extremely proud to answer their questions. Sparkle Wash strives to use just the right balance of product to job ratio. The products are safe, patented and pose no threat to your family, pets or foliage. “We don’t overuse chemicals like a lot of other pressure cleaning companies.

Sure, they will get it clean but at the risk of killing nearby plant life and adding unnecessary chemicals into the environment, all the while increasing the risk of serious property damage.”

Above — before Sparkle Wash. Below — after Sparkle Wash.

Save your money and your time We all have a little DIY fever here and there. However, in this scenario I encourage you to leave the power washing chore to Jack! The personal cost of inefficient equipment that can’t hold up to the test of time, potentially dangerous store-bought chemicals, and all the time used to do the work, adds up fast! (Not to mention the cost of repairing mistakes made in the process. Yep, you guessed it: I’ve had my own fair share of DIY fails!) Roof cleaning, fence washing, walkway cleaning, siding maintenance…yikes! I believe I will choose to save my money and my time by leaving it to Jack and Sparkle Wash! I’d much rather spend my free time playing outside instead of cleaning it, wouldn’t you? In addition to all the money you will save, if you mention reading this feature and Green Bench Monthly, Jack will give you 10% off his services!

You can contact Jack Walsh by phone at 727-954-5365, E-mail at jwalsh@sparklewash.com, and online at SparkleWash.com/ Pinellascounty. Sparkle Wash is located at 224 50th Ave N St. Petersburg FL 33703.

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David Calvin. Photos above by Kristina Holman.

David Calvin Furniture Studio: Where Art & Architecture Meet

By Tina Stewart Brakebill Maybe you’ve just bought a new home or want to change-up the look of your current living room. Perhaps you finally decided to replace that boring mass-produced dining table, or you’re determined to fill that empty space in the corner with something beautiful. Simply put, you’re ready to buy and you know what you want, but you’ve searched high and low and can’t find the perfect items. Maybe instead you want to incorporate a personalized design or repurpose an heirloom for everyday use and you already know you’ll never find what you want from a retail vendor. Regardless of how you got there, when you’re ready to purchase something special, David Calvin Furniture Studio is your answer.

Who is David Calvin Furniture Studio?

David Calvin IS the David Calvin Furniture Studio. He is an artist, designer, craftsman, and photographer who has spent his life creating beautiful and practical things. For two decades, he used his skills (and his degree in Industrial Technology) primarily to design and build waterparks and natatorium pools, but even then he devoted a considerable amount of time to his passion for woodworking. Finally, after years of making furniture for friends and family, he decided to turn this passion into a full-time venture. In 2013, he fine-tuned his already considerable skills by attending Maine’s prestigious Center for Furniture Craftsmanship and the Marc Adams School of Woodworking in Indiana. Soon after, he and his wife Amy relocated the David Calvin Furniture Studio from St. Louis to warm, sunny, art-loving St. Pete.

Furniture-Making as an Art

Custom coffee table by David Calvin

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Since that time, David Calvin Furniture Studio has become a recognized name in the Tampa Bay arts and design world, known for his stunning hand-crafted pieces. Visit David Calvin Studio’s Handmade Furniture Gallery at dcfurniturestudio.com and you’ll immediately see why David’s pieces have been included in artistic showcases such as, “Fine Craft Art for the Home: A Unique Florida Craft Art Experience.” His work IS art. But it’s not just art for the eyes, it’s also functional furniture, which is why his client base includes Interior Designers and Architects looking for the perfect fit to their designs, as well as individual customers seeking that special piece for their home or office.

Custom desk by David Calvin. To view more of his work, visit dcfurniturestudio.com

Making Furniture for YOU: Collaboration Visit David’s online handmade furniture gallery and you’ll also see that he’s not locked into a single style or genre. His repertoire includes everything from traditional time-tested styles to popular mid-century modern looks. Read through the testimonials on his website, or look at his independent online reviews, and two things stand out. First, clients are thrilled with the quality of the finished pieces, and second, they rave about his willingness to include them in the process. David understands he is building something for YOUR home, and he has the artistic vision and craftsman skills to design and build the high-quality piece that YOU want. Each hand-made custom piece is the result of a collaborative process that begins when you walk in the door and ask, “Can you make …?” One of his many happy clients may say it best: “David Calvin is a master craftsman and, best of all, an impeccable listener… For every idea I had, David had two that were better! He was genuinely excited to be a part of my vision. As David made our table, he kept me in the loop throughout the process. Now I’m sitting at this beautifully custom-created table that will never be replaced, nor will there ever be another. It will serve my family for many decades. It makes me happy every day, every meal, every board game, every talk, every wipe down. Thank you, David Calvin!”

Keeping it Local: Locally Owned. Locally Crafted.

This level of deep collaboration is possible because David Calvin Furniture Studio is located in downtown St. Petersburg. Clients can visit his studio by appointment and see his craftsmanship up close.

You can browse an array of wood or compare finishes. David can also come to you and assess your space or help you figure out how to repurpose grandma’s old desk. He’s not a faceless online seller.

He’s your neighbor. From the first sketch to the finishing touches on your special custom piece, you can be part of its creation. And don’t assume you can’t afford custom-made. It’s not big-box store cheap, but it’s more affordable than you may think. So if you’re in the market for beautifully hand-crafted furniture, visit David Calvin Furniture Studio at dcfurniturestudio.com and then schedule a time to talk to him about YOUR special project. Call 314-605-1313 or email him at dcfurniturestudio@att.net.

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Movers and Makers: Using Business Directories

By Tara Britton St. Petersburg offers up more than one small-business directory, with more than one reason to use them. Two major champions for community, Keep Saint Petersburg Local and LocalShops1, provide membership programs for small businesses in the area. Knowing who they are is the first step to knowing how to use them to their full potential.

Pointing you in the Right Direction Keep Saint Petersburg Local partners with government officials, media, small-business owners and residents to “raise awareness of the importance of buying local.” The organization also is behind the beloved annual event, Localtopia. Its directory program offers three membership levels, including one specifically for nonprofits.

LocalShops1 strives to be the area’s “best resource for local businesses” and hosts the annual Shopapalooza Festival. It publishes an online directory, a digital “Live Local! Buzz” quarterly and a print and digital membership guide annually. Find the physical shop in downtown Gulfport, where more than 40 local artist members consign. LocalShops1 has two membership levels, annual sponsorship options, and free listing opportunities.

Membership Perks For business owners, joining a membership program has several advantages. From networking to advertising, connecting with a directory could get you the most bang for your hard-earned buck.

Members can expect opportunities to connect with other movers and shakers around town, share following, and team up for collaborative projects. Both Keep Saint Petersburg Local and LocalShops1 memberships offer inclusion at meetings, events, and mixers.

According to Ester Venouziou, founder of LocalShops 1, “It’s a power-in-numbers sort of thing. Individually, we can each only do so much. But when we come together, great things happen.”

Members can also bank on advertising opportunities, with the chance for promotion through a directory’s social-media accounts, event postings, and cross promotions. Keep Saint Petersburg Local even has discounted advertising rates through participating local media outlets.

Consumer Benefits Non-business owners can find convenience in using local directories. For consumers, these are a handy search engine for finding everything from home cleaning services to hotels and web design. Both Keep Saint Petersburg Local and LocalShops1 have user-friendly search functions that make it simple to find businesses and get in touch. In addition, they’re a resource for learning about local business news and finding upcoming community events.

“We’ve all heard the positive economic impacts to the local community when we shop, eat and play local. That’s not just a catchy line. When you shop from a local business, you are keeping more of your money local and supporting your community. Beyond that, local businesses give our communities unique charm and character,” Venouziou said.

Find out whether listing your business in a membership directory is right for you. Choose to search locally owned, independent businesses first for your service-provider needs. Skip big-box stores or national chains whenever possible.

Visit Keep Saint Petersburg Local at keepsaintpetersburglocal.org.

Find LocalShops1 at localshops1.com.

Market Mafia is a resource connecting residents and visitors throughout Greater Tampa Bay with local handcraft markets. Find local happenings and #HitTheMarket, visit www.MarketMafia.com.

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Left: Bayside Sports Academy. Photo by Vandi Carmella. Right: Creative Clay “Art Around the World”. Photo courtesy of Creative Clay.

Raising Locals: 14 St. Pete Summer Camps Your Kids Will Love

By Vandi Carmella and Denielle Kennett School’s out for Pinellas County students on May 29. And while some parents have their kids’ summer camp schedule planned before spring break, there’s still hope for those of us who haven’t. St. Petersburg offers lots of fun day camp options for all interests. From music and sports to all of the arts, you can easily find the perfect fit — and an open spot — for your family.

Availability is accurate as of press time. Please contact the camp directly for more information.

Eckerd College

4200 54th Ave. S | June 3-Aug. 2 The Eckerd College Waterfront Program offers instruction for various ages in Little Mariners Watersports, Exploring Watersports, Sailing, Wakeboarding, Windsurfing, Paddlesports, Saltwater Fishing, and Children’s Marine Discovery and Exploring. eckerd.edu

Great Explorations Children’s Museum

1925 Fourth St. N | June 3-Aug. 9 Great Explorations’ camps stimulate learning and imagination with days filled with experiments, arts, field trips, and guest presentations from local experts in the fields campers explore. Each week features a new theme and field trip for youngsters entering Grades 1-3. greatex.org

The Art of Science

Imagine Museum

Bayside Sports Academy

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art

1200 30th Ave. N | June 3-28 Explore the creative worlds of art and science in any of the four weeklong camps offered by the Art of Science for kids ages 5-12. Camp themes include “Under the Big Top,” “Mythical Creatures,” “Arabian Nights,” and “Explorations Along the Nile.” theartofsciencellc.com 4400 34th St. N | June 3-Aug. 9 Children ages 5-13 will stay busy learning gymnastics skills as well as improve their physical well-being through strength and flexibility exercises, games, and relay races. Full- and half-day camps are available. baysidesportsacademy.org

Creative Clay

1846 First Ave. S | June 3-July 26 Art from Australia, China, Mexico, and Madagascar will be the focus of “Art Around the World” summer camp at Creative Clay.

The 8-week camp for kids of all abilities ages 6-12 will highlight art, culture and customs that emanate from these diverse areas of the world. creativeclay.org

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1901 Central Ave. | June 10-14, July 15-19 The possibilities are infinite at Space Odyssey summer camp at the Imagine Museum. Campers ages 11-14 are invited to create a pendant or keychain, use a 3-D pen to create art, explore virtual and augmented reality, and more. imaginemuseum.com 150 Central Ave. | June 10-July 26 Kids ages 6-11 can let their imaginations soar as they explore the James Museum’s galleries, create original artworks, and showcase their own masterpieces in a special exhibition each week. While learning about the museum’s collections, campers will hone skills in drawing, painting, sculpting, and more. thejamesmuseum.org

Makeme

3028 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N | June 3-July 19 Makeme’s mixed-media art camps are designed for children entering kindergarten through 5th grade and include themes that incorporate painting, drawing, collage, sewing, building, and more.

Choose to attend weekly or daily. makemestudio.com

School of Skatin. Photo by Jennifer Dukes.

Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg

255 Beach Drive NE | July 15-Aug. 2 The MFA offers two unique camps this summer — “Art, Marine Science, and Yoga” for children entering Grades 2-6 and “Wild Creations: Empowerment Camp for Young Women” for those entering Grades 6-9. mfastpete.org

NoiseMakers

2730 Central Ave. | June 3-28 Whether your child is an accomplished musician or a beginner, NoiseMakers’ Rock Camp is the place to be. Campers ages 5-10 can explore music through hands-on instrument play, fun games, interactive methods of learning, and an end-of-summer concert. noise-makers.org

School of Skatin

6635 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N | June 3- Aug. 9 Children ages 6-15 will grow and learn as skateboarders at School of Skatin’s summer camp through daily skatepark trips and interactive activities. Camp also includes other fun summer activities such as movies, swimming, water parks, art and more. schoolofskatin.com

St. Pete Music, Acting, and Dance

1920 First Ave. S | June 3-Aug. 2 Parents will love the creative camp selections at St. Pete M.A.D. (including Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Trolls, Disney, the music of Queen, and more) for kids ages 5-15, a professional and caring staff, small camp sizes, and payment-plan options. stpetemad.com

St. Petersburg International School

5313 27th Ave. S | June 28-July 19 Reading, conversation, visual arts, music, performance, and games are used to help children ages 4-11 build their Spanish comprehension and speaking skills at St. Petersburg International School. No prior knowledge of Spanish is necessary. stpeteinternational.netlify.com

St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation

June 3-Aug. 9 St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of summer camps, including elementary- and middle-school camps, aquatics camps, tech camps, and a therapeutic recreation camp at recreation centers around the city. stpeteparksrec.org Vandi and Denielle are the moms behind Sunshine City Kids, an online resource for all things kid-friendly in St. Petersburg. Follow the Sunshine City Kids at www.sunshinecitykids.com.

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From left to right: Andrew Maurin, Nancy Blount, Donna Gaffney, Cynthia Faulhaber and Carol Dinsdale. Photos by Kristina Holman.

Suncoast Voices for Children: Speaking Up for Abused or Neglected Children

By Nehemiah Warner When children are removed from their homes, their worlds are turned upside down. The actions may be necessary to ensure a child’s safety, but youngsters often fear losing their belongings, the comfort of what they know, their families, and their friends. They are scared and hurting, and they may feel voiceless. Suncoast Voices for Children (SVC) steps up in dark moments to provide for the unmet needs of abused, abandoned, and neglected children.

Since 2004, the nonprofit has been speaking up for abused and neglected youths in Pinellas and Pasco counties. The unique support program works on the front end of the dependency system by strengthening families and defending the dignity of youths involved in the system already. It promotes normalcy in abnormal situations and successful outcomes for youngsters in difficult spots.

How They Help SVC is housed on Ulmerton Road in mid-Pinellas County in space donated by the Pinellas County Sheriff ’s Office. The organization’s physical proximity to Eckerd Connects, the agency contracted for

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child-welfare services, allows representatives to immediately serve youths whose needs are identified by child-protective investigators, case managers, public defenders, guardians ad litem, and other community partners. Requests span from beds to extracurricular activities and everything in between. Last year, SVC served 3,000 kids in both counties.

The organization supplied 1,000 beds last year through its More Than A Bed initiative. Unsafe sleeping arrangements can be the No. 1 threat to an infant and are an immediate need in a family placement.

Beyond portables, SVC provides bedding and a care package of formula, diapers, and other essentials.

Two visitation rooms, one for older youngsters and one for small children, are available in the SVC office, offering a cheerful place to meet with parents working to regain custody. There is a colorful ocean mural on the wall and toys in every corner. Through funding by American Locker, SVC soon will launch its Safe Keeping Project, offering youngsters in the system secure places to store their belongings.

Save the date: 2019 Suncoast Voices for Children Gala is October 5th at the Vinoy Renaissance, 501 5th Ave NE.

Meeting Every Need

Protecting the Innocence of Childhood

SVC is guided by a 15-member board that includes co-founder Donna Gaffney. Executive director Andrew Maurin manages operations. A staff of three process and fulfill requests. Despite the small operation, SVC has made an impressive impact, having raised $2.5 million since inception to fund its mission.

The committee reviews requests on Fridays. They have met every need presented that has aligned with their mission: car seats, high chairs, a special dietary formula that costs more than $100 per can, a toddler bed for a child placed with an aunt because of a parent’s substance abuse. A typical week can involve fulfilling between 15 and 30 requests that can cost between $5 and $10,000. Each appeal is approached with dignity, concern, and compassion.

Children for whom SVC speaks have experienced struggles that no one should ever face. After I toured the offices, Executive Director Maurin handed me a drawing colored with crayons, a ballerina in a scribbled blue dress wearing a crown, a red curtain cinched to her left. The young artist was removed from her parents and placed with her grandmother, he said. The girl had always wanted to take dance lessons, and SVC obliged. I held the drawing in my hand, marveling at how simply it captured childhood in a tiny frame. SVC represents many children in various difficult situations, listening closely to their needs and speaking up boldly.

To learn more, visit www.SuncoastVoices.org

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Suncoast Developers Guild

Being an adult beginner can be tough!

Be a Lifelong Learner

For those who wish to take a dance class, but not be surrounded by near-professionals or children, the good ol’ St. Pete Recreation Center offers affordable adult beginner classes. The Roberts Rec Center has ballet classes every Thursday from 4-5, and jazz from 5:30-6:30, and each will only set you back $32/month. Hip Expressions also offers dance classes, if belly dance is more your style.

Many of us like writing and are pretty good at it but don’t have the direction or perseverance to stick with an actual project. Writing can be lonely after all. That’s where Keep St. Pete Lit comes in. Their LitSpace classes change every month, and don’t require a commitment. Most classes are $10-15, and upcoming offerings range from how to tell a story in your fiction writing to journaling. Writing or poetry workshops to a course in “Bringing Sexy Back” to your manuscript. You can also check out Wordier Than Thou to further explore your writerly pursuits.

By Erin Cody

A Tech Tonic

Improv at Spitfire Theater. Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

Perhaps you’ve always wished to take a ballet class but didn’t have the time or confidence in your youth to take the leap. Perhaps you have an idea for a novel, want to grow a garden in your backyard, are ready to learn how to create an impressive website or app, or are dying to show off your awesome collection of impressions. Now is the time to embrace your interests with both hands!

Learning new things can, and should, be extra-curricular. Remember all the after-school activities you did growing up? There’s a delight that comes from learning something you enjoy just for fun. It makes you a happier, more well-rounded person and keeps your mind elastic - always important to consider as our ages advance.

Where to explore a new hobby?

Have you ever watched “Whose Line is it Anyway?” and thought you could do that? There’s no time like the present and man, does improv force you to be present! American Stage offers Improv4Life, a weekly (Wednesday or Saturday), beginner-friendly, improv class that lasts three months. Using games and exercises, the classes gently introduce students to the art of improvisation in what they call “grown-up playtime.” The next session begins in mid-June, and tuition is $215. Spitfire Theater also offers improv classes you can check out.

If you are anything like me, you wander farmers’ markets, marvelling at the beautiful flowers and perfect produce, and wish you had that magic ability to create life. Perhaps you do! The Garden Club of St. Pete has numerous group activities, offers a place to garden, and local membership also makes you a member in state and national garden clubs. The group has over 200 active members and annual dues are only $40. I also suggest following the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Coalition on Facebook to keep an eye on their upcoming events.

If web development is of interest to you but you don’t know where to begin, Suncoast Developers Guild, Florida’s first not-for-profit coding school, has the answer. In their six-week, part-time course, Web Development Test Drive, students learn all the basics: practices, fundamentals, and how to create brilliant websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The next round of classes begins on 6/13, and takes place from 6:30-8:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuition is a hefty $1,999, but the fee for this introductory course can be applied directly to the tuition for their immersive Web Development Program, should you wish to continue learning. Web development classes are also available through St. Pete College.

Hop in and learn some new things this summer! Your brain will thank you, and you’ll surely be the most interesting person at your next dinner party!

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Indoor plants. Photo by Brina Blum.

So you want an indoor plant...that will survive

By Erin Cody “A houseplant is like an independent woman: she wants your attention, but don’t suffocate her. Give your plant light and water, but not too much of either, and she’ll be happy.” Thus opined my gal pal, Amanda Patanow. She has a fantastic approach to house plants, and

the indoor menagerie to prove it. Amanda also knows better than to have any greenery that is too high maintenance. “If your plant doesn’t work out, she was too complicated to fit into your life anyway.”

The learning curve A couple years ago, I decided to try my hand at hosting a few house plants. I did my due diligence, researching as best I could, despite having absolutely no experience in the arena. I was told that succulents were nearly impossible to kill, but despite my efforts, I found a way. I saw a jade and a couple cacti fade into oblivion, and even managed to take out a few air plants.

Which hearty green goddesses managed to make it past my unintentional reign of terror? A Rubber Tree Plant, Yucca, and the ever-immortal Snake Plant, AKA Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. I am happy to announce that all three are still alive and thriving!

So which plants are best for you?

Snake Plant. Photo by Kara Eads.

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Who will be your survivors? I realized that despite my efforts when I began this journey, I missed a few big things. I did not consider that some plants that do well indoors in, say, Minnesota or Washington State, may not be the best contenders down here. I also bypassed my best resource - my green-thumbed friends! Some of my local buddies, like the aforementioned Amanda, have quite a bit of luck in this area, so I sought their wise words.

Monstera. Photo by Mike Marquez.

Living decoration Mary Wimpling has had great luck with her Monstera, Pilea Peperomioides, and Alocasia plants. “Indoor plants are my favorite way to decorate. I love to choose ones that are fairly hassle-free. I find that the less I obsess over them the better they do. My typical routine is to water them every Sunday and stick them all in the sink for a little shower. If one of my plants is acting a bit ‘moody,’ I move it to a different location to see if it does better. Each new plant is different so I learn as I go.”

Don’t have the right sunny-all-day spot for a house plant? Even a low-light area can be a home to the right varietal. Apartment dweller Vinny Tafuro has had great results with both Snake and Spider Plants, as well as Pothos. Pothos is beautiful and quite easy to care for, but should be avoided if you have curious pets at home.

Many popular house plants are, unfortunately, toxic to our furry friends. Aloe, Fiddle Leaf (Philodendron), and Jade Plants also fall into this category.

Hit up your local nursery!

Luckily, there are a number of fantastic nurseries around town that can help you choose and learn to care for your new greenery. A few favorites are Willow Tree, Kathy’s Korner, Twigs & Leaves, and Dolins Garden Center. Welcome some well-curated plants into your home and reap the benefits: cleaner air, beautiful natural decor, and an all-around positive environment. You’ll be amazed what a joy house plants can be!

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Paddleboarding at Coffee Pot Bayou. Photo by City of St. Petersburg.

Fun Times, No Booze

By Erin Cody “Let’s grab a drink.” The invitation seems ubiquitous. Casual adult beverages can be the go-to activity, whether for a first date or meeting your partner after a long day, hanging out with co-workers or catching up with old friends. Aren’t we due for an update? More and more of us don’t drink, and even those who do may be looking to cut back on their consumption. Is it possible to cut the booze without severing social time?

Heck yeah!

If it seems like all the events that friends or dates are planning revolve around booze, take some initiative. Think back to your teen years. What did you do for fun before alcohol played a starring role?

Scavenger hunts? Pizza and board games? Theme parks? Putt-putt golf? Invite some of that creativity into your adulthood. Perhaps you can engage both your brain and your body, and work together with some friends to beat an escape room. That’s a personal favorite of mine, and there are some awesome ones in St. Pete. Outerlife Studios, in particular, will knock your socks off.

You could see what’s playing at theaters nearby, or plan a themed dinner-and-movie night. Figure out a genre that excites everyone, and plan a movie and meal to fit it, or pick a country on a map, and make that your theme for the evening. Watching Amelie and torching your

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very own creme brulee? Yes, please.

Plan a picnic followed by a standup paddleboard or kayaking adventure. Wander around town, stopping into the best spots for coffee and pastries, while admiring all the amazing street art. Check to see what’s being exhibited at local museums. Take an art or cooking class with your sweetie, or giggle through an improv class with friends.

If you’re up for a schlep over the bridge, hit up Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple in Tampa on Sunday morning for a unique, delicious, inexpensive dining experience, then mosey over to the Florida Aquarium. End your evening back in Pinellas to take in a sunset on the beach. For a special experience, bring along some biodegradable wishing lanterns to let fly just as the sun goes down.

See? Plenty of options, and you can also choose to join your friends wherever they happen to be. Just because you are in a boozy environment doesn’t mean you need to imbibe. Whenever I need a break, I order a club soda with lime. Friends being jerky about it?

Order the club soda privately, and tell the bartender you want the same going forth. Bartenders tend to be very amenable to this; just make sure you still tip them!

If your pals really are not up for booze-free good times, maybe it’s time to add a few new friends to your lineup. There are plenty of sober meetups going on around town. Just download the Meetup app and jump right in. Cutting alcohol should never mean you have to be alone.

Let’s try substituting “Let’s grab a drink,” with “Let’s catch up,” “Let’s make some mischief,” or “Let’s try something new.” There’s a whole world to explore. Enjoy!

Matter of Fact, 1029 Central Ave

USF St. Petersburg, 6th Ave S & 3rd St S

Pete’s General, 495 7th Ave N

Downtown Developments

By Brian Zucker, Owner of St. Pete Rising It seems like each time we take a stroll through downtown there are new restaurants and galleries opening and more apartment complexes and condo towers being built. We realize it’s difficult to keep track of everything. Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Each month we will feature a few of the most exciting new downtown developments that are on the horizon for the Sunshine City.

Matter of Fact, a men’s shop, opened last month at 1029 Central Avenue in the EDGE District. For years, men’s clothing has been hard to come by in Downtown St Pete, but not anymore! Matter of Fact carries shirts, shorts, swimsuits, backpacks, hats, wallets and more by popular brands such as Herschel, Billabong, Vissla, Kenny Flowers, and RVCA. The shop is a joint venture between Matthew Baker and Amanda Henderson, owner of Ashe Couture Boutique. “The style of Matter of Fact will be for the everyday St. Pete gentleman, whether you’re grabbing a drink at Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails or having dinner on Beach Drive” says Matt. Give them a visit soon!

A new residence and dining hall is coming soon to USF St. Petersburg. Last month the university held an official ground-breaking ceremony to commemorate the start of construction. Once complete, the 125,000 square foot building will be six-stories and have 375 beds -- increasing the campus’ housing population by nearly 70%. The new complex will be located at the northwestern corner of campus on 6th Avenue South between 3rd and 4th Street South, across the street from the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Research and Education Building, which opened last year.

The Dali Museum is expanding! The $39M addition will include a new permanent exhibit, more event and education space, and a new public parking garage. The new exhibit is being dubbed “Digital Dalí” and will immerse visitors in a multi-sensory, highly engaging, and interactive world of Dalí. The largest part of the expansion will be used for parking,

which will increase the number of spaces from 130 to 410 spaces. While the garage would primarily cater to the museum, it will also be open 24/7 to the public. The museum has submitted a request to the county’s Tourist Development Council in hopes of receiving $17.5 million in county bed taxes to construct the expansion. The remainder of the cost will come from private donations.

Pete’s General opened last month at 495 7th Avenue North in Historic Uptown. The owners only have one rule -- keep everything local. If you love NYC-style bagels made fresh every morning, get to Pete’s ASAP (and preferably early — they sell out!). Bagels are available in seven styles — everything, sesame, poppy seed, onion, garlic, salt and plain. Pete’s General also offers organic produce, cookies and hand pies, a flower bar, and much more. We would love to see more walkable community markets like this nestled within St. Pete’s many beautiful neighborhoods!

Also coming to Historic Uptown is The Bier Boutique, which will open at 465 7th Avenue North. After five years in Key West, the Bier Boutique is moving to the Sunshine City and bringing with them draft beer, smoked meats, and their famous bison burgers. The Bier Boutique joins an already impressive lineup of retail offerings in Historic Uptown, such as Flatbread & Butter, Pete’s General and The Studieaux. The Bier Boutique is currently slated to open to the public on May 20.

St. Pete Rising is an urban development blog covering future retail, restaurants, and real estate in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Stay up-todate, visit StPeteRising.com.

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Cross-Bay Ferry Service is here to stay. Visit thecrossbayferry.com for schedule and tickets. Photo by City of St. Petersburg.

EVENTS The May Mad Hatter event at Art Lofts When: through June 1st Where: Art Lofts above Florida CraftArt, 10 5th St N Cost: Open to the public, Art for Sale Come see the wild eccentricities of our own mad hatters, and help selected the Baddest Maddest Hatter award by voting for your favorite piece. The winning artist will get a cash prize. Pieces will be available for purchase — some right off of the heads of the artists themselves! Anyone wearing a hat is eligible to participate in the Baddest Maddest Hat Contest. To enter, wear a hat to the Second Saturday ArtWalk between 5 and 9 PM on May 11. After the reception, a judge will select the winner with the most outstanding /hattitude-inspired piece to win a cash prize. For more info, visit bit.ly/mad-may-hatter-event

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FINAL SOLUTION movie

by Cristóbal Krusen When: Saturday, May 11th starting at 3pm Where: Sundial Theater, 151 2nd Ave N Cost: Admission is free (reservations are required) Filmed in South Africa, the movie “FINAL SOLUTION” tells the true story of a white supremacist’s redical transformation from violent racist to dedicated peacemaker. The day will finish with a reception in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church to discuss the film with Writer/Director Cristóbal Krusen.

To reserve your seat email info@ messengerfilms.com.

your sensitivity at the door and join us for ten rounds of raucous entertainment and delicious PAW beers! No reservations required.

Drag Queen Bingo

3rd Annual Iftar Dinner

When: Tuesday, May 14 from 3pm - 5pm Where: Pinellas Ale Works, 1962 1st Ave S Cost: $10 to play The one and only Stephanie Shippae is hosting Bingo to benefit Friends of Strays! Check

When: Wednesday, May 29th from 7pm - 10pm Where: The Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N Cost: Free Mayor Rick Kriseman and Muslim leaders from throughout Tampa Bay will host St.

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Petersburg’s 3rd Annual Iftar Dinner welcoming residents of all faiths to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.

Please RSVP online, stpete.org/ iftardinner by May 15 or contact Imam Abdul K. Ali, (727) 5602567 or abdulkrent@aol.com

Memory Cafe When: 2nd Mondays from 11am - 1pm

Morean Center for Clay. Photo by City of St. Petersburg.

Where: Carrabba’s at Sunken Gardens, 1951 4th St N Cost: Lunch may be purchased from a simplified menu You’re invited to join us if you or a loved one you care for at home have memory issues due to a disease process or traumatic brain injury, and you want to continue actively enjoying life.

Local Memory Cafe events with Cate and Jane open doors to new friendships, and provide additional support during challenging times. Resource information is shared, laughing is common, and good stories abound. For more information, visit catemccarty.com

Play in clay! Wheel throwing or hand building for 2 hours of fun!

Pre-registration required. Visit www.moreanartscenter.org

Saturday Morning Market When: every Saturday from 9am - 2pm Where: Al Lang parking lot through May 29th (in June the market moves to Williams Park through August) Cost: Open to the public “The heart of St. Pete”. Featuring local food, live music, art, and much more. For more info, visit saturdaymorningmarket.com

Saturdays @ the Morean

Yoga on Tap: 3 Daughters Brewing When: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6pm - 7pm Where: 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St S Cost: $10 preregister / $5 for BE members / $15 AT THE DOOR Join The Body Electric Yoga Company for yoga in the warehouse accompanied by live music from local artists. The flow is moderately-paced with plenty of room for modifications.

Afterward, belly up with some of Florida’s best-tasting craft brews (or root beers) with your fellow yogis. Register with The Body Electric Yoga Company’s free app in iTunes and Google Play.

Friday Night Clay When: Friday Nights from 7pm - 9pm Where: Morean Center for Clay, 420 22nd St S Cost: $25 per person

When: every Saturday 10am - 12:30pm, 1pm - 3pm Where: Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave Cost: Free Art activities are geared toward children ages 5-10.

Parents and/or guardians must remain with their children at all times. For more info, visit www. moreanartscenter.org.

St. Petersburg Second Saturday ArtWalk When: 2nd Saturday from 5pm - 9pm Where: Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, EDGE District, Grand Central District, and the Warehouse Arts District Cost: Free Trolley, Art for sale Join us as 40 artists’ studios and galleries open their doors from 5-9 p.m. Download the map and list of participants to plan your festive art evening at www.stpeteartsalliance.org.

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Green Bench Monthly P.O. Box 76095 St. Petersburg, FL 33734

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ST PETE FL PERMIT NO. 4