January 2017

JANUARY 2017

tampabayparenting.com

McDonald's Children's Gasparilla Extravaganza Guide

Find Your Passion Project

Guest Editor: Blogger Jennifer Burby of The Champagne Supernova

2 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

START PLAYING TODAY

The hospital can be a scary place for anyone, especially children.

Big machines and doctors in masks can seem like monsters.

At St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, we help kids and their parents get to know the monsters. Because once you understand them, the things that scare us aren’t so bad after all.

UnMonsters.org TampaBayParenting.com 3

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JANUARY 2017 Life + Home

10

Finding Your Passion Project

13

Estate Planning

15

Small Busines Legal Advice

Food + Drink 22

Recipe

25

Health + Wellness

VoodDoo Spice MAKING

MAGIC IN THE KITCHEN AND IN THE COMMUNITY WITH THE VOODOO CHEF

GUEST EDITOR JENNIFER BURBY SHARES HER GOTO DINNER RECIPE FOR BUSY DAYS

18

Tips for a healthier 2017

Beauty + Style

Education

34

What's in your bag?

JENNIFER BURBY SHARES

26

Education Guide: PRIVATE SCHOOL LISTINGS

30

New year, new books: LOCAL AUTHORS WE LOVE

Family Fun 38

What's Happening 44

Your Neighborhood LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS AND MORE!

Gasparilla! MCDONALD’S CHILDREN’S GASPARILLA EXTRAVAGANZA 2017

41

Parade Tips LOCAL MOMS

SHARE WAYS TO MAKE THE DAY FUN

47

Our Top Picks THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

48 Around Town

52

January Calendar

4 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

FROM THE COVER James W. Warren IV (Shamus) with his son James W. Warren V (Whit), 7, and daughter Wesleigh, 3. Shamus has been a member of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla for 17 years, following the footsteps of his father James W. Warren III and grandfather James W. Warren II, who are past YMKG Captains and Kings.

Cover Photos by Nicole Geller of Nicole Geller Photography

TAKE A SPIN ON THE NEW

PAY FOR A DAY

PLAY ALL YEAR Buy a Busch Gardens Fun Card and get an Adventure Island Fun Card FREE.

Limited time offer. Quantities limited. © 2017 SeaWorld Parks TampaBayParenting.com & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

5

Greetings and Happy New Year!

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anu Varma Panchal Jennifer Burby Elaine N. McGinnis, Esq. Kelly Charles-Collins, Esq.

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Stoulil

CALENDAR & NEIGHBORHOOD STORIES Chris Kuhn

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins

INTERNS Nicole Duran

LAYOUT & DESIGN Page Four Creative

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Darlene Barlows Nicole Geller Jeanine McLeod Event Fest, Inc.

SOCIAL MOMS Lisa-Marie Leihy Mandi Mella

TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE 320 W. Kennedy Blvd Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: 813-949-4400 Fax: 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com

I'm so excited to be guest editing this month's edition of Tampa Bay Parenting magazine. It's been one of my go-to resources for finding out about great activities and events in our community, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to connect to such an amazing group of families.

My favorite writers are David Sedaris and Erma Bombeck, and my favorite movie is “Forrest Gump.” When I'm not at my day job or blogging, I enjoy photography, live music and a good bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Ok, that's a lie. It doesn't have to be a good bottle. Any bottle will do.

I'm a native Floridian who grew up in the small town of DeLand, which is in Volusia County just west of Daytona Beach. (Any of you who ever watched MTV's "The Grind" in the early 1990s will immediately know where I'm talking about.) I attended undergrad and law school at the University of Florida before relocating to Tampa in 2008. My husband, Jason, is a structural engineer, and we have two daughters, Arden (4) and Elle (2). I work as a litigation attorney and, in 2014, started my lifestyle, parenting and humor blog, The Champagne Supernova. My work has been featured on the Today Show, the Huffington Post and Scary Mommy.

My family's favorite local activities are spending time at Pass-A-Grille Beach, dining at Cappy's Pizza, watching the kids play at Kate Jackson Park, and wandering aimlessly around the aisles at the Target on Gandy. By the way, I live south of Gandy and really want to make it cool to develop a "SOG" car sticker, sort of like the people who live on Davis Islands have a "DI" sticker. Who else is with me?

I hope you enjoy this month's edition of Tampa Bay Parenting. Cheers to a 2017 that is filled with love and success!

Jennifer Burby, thechampagnesupernova.com

BECOME A FAN AT: Facebook.com/ tampabayparentingmagazine

Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.

6 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

MORE WITH JENNIFER BURBY OF THE CHAMPAGNE SUPERNOVA BLOG AND EMILY LEY ON PAGE 6

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Life + Home

Finding your passion project

WITH EMILY LEY

I recently attended a teleconference with a longtime neuroradiologist who I retained as an expert in one of my medical malpractice cases.

He's in his 70s, and, two hours into our conversation, asked me if I felt fulfilled in my career.

He then told me that he has worked with thousands of attorneys over his decades of practice, and that "99.9 percent of them are miserable in their careers."

Miserable. That was his exact wording.

He went on to tell me that, in his life experience, the most critical thing that each of us can do for ourselves is to work in an arena where we have passion—something that makes us excited to get out of bed in the morning, something that we truly want to be doing instead of feeling trapped by a certain income and lifestyle, or merely sitting behind a computer to collect a paycheck. He said that life is so short; seven decades of his life have flown by, and you don't want to waste your life spending it doing something you don't want to do.

Passion. How many people have the courage 10 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

to go after the fire they feel in their hearts? How many people even know what they are passionate about? How many people would chase something if they weren't concerned about money, time or someone else's opinions?

How many people actually pursue their passion?

I know so many people who feel stuck in "deadend" jobs when they would rather be starting their own restaurants or retail stores, or creating oil paintings, or selling handmade jewelry or being a travel writer. One of my colleagues once said that each and every person has an inherent need to be creative. When we can't fulfill that need, we become depressed and feel trapped. I have to agree with this. My authentic passion is creative writing and, up until 2014 when a colleague suggested I start a mommy blog, I had not pursued this passion.

I can't imagine where I would be emotionally if I didn't get out of my comfort zone, start the blog and cultivate my passion of writing.

Emily Ley personifies what it's like to create an empire based on passion. She is a self-taught graphic designer and the brain behind the wildly popular Simplified Planner. Estab-

lished in 2008 as a way to cope with infertility, her company, Emily Ley, began as an Etsy shop creating wedding stationery.

Her products are now showcased in hundreds of stores throughout the United States. She is married with three young children, and recently wrote her first book, “Grace, Not Perfection.” A Pensacola native, Emily received a Master of Nonprofit Management from the University of West Florida. She later relocated to Tampa, where she worked at the University of South Florida's Women in Leadership and Philanthropy program.

There, she was surrounded by individuals who were passionate about engaging and developing the intellectual and leadership potential of women, important because it showed her that you can't let your educational background prevent you from pursuing your true passion. Doctors can become architects.

Teachers can become archaeologists. Mathematicians can become event planners.

So many people have great ideas, but difficulty getting them off the ground. What do you recommend? Just do it!

It's easy to get so overwhelmed with a finished product that you end up feeling paralyzed and just do nothing. Start small.

Instead of trying to write

an entire book, start with the table of contents before moving onto chapter one. Break the end goal into realistic chunks. You'll be more productive and it makes it so much easier to reach.

through December of the following year. Retailers require this in order to give the product a longer "shelf life," because after six months into the new year, sales on calendars and planners go way down.

What was the turning point for your business? It didn't happen overnight. I started in 2008 and there were many times during the early years where I worked 80 hours per week. I would say my company "took off" in 2014, but I can't pinpoint why, other than social media really helped generate an interest in, and awareness about, the Simplified Planner and the other products. I would encourage all new business owners to take advantage of social media like Instagram and Facebook to help build their businesses.

You must be so busy.

How do you decide what to say no to? I love being busy, but saying yes to too many things is what got me to a really bad place emotionally. Like the saying goes, saying "yes" to one thing means saying "no" to another, and that "no" was usually my family. Despite it being a dream, I recently turned down a TED Talk because I didn't have time to do it.

(This doesn't mean it can't be revisited in the future.)

I've recently scaled back what I do for the company and rely heavily on my team of seven in order to have more time with my family. I'm the "class mom" for my oldest son's class at school and am having a blast. When they are adults, I want my three kids to look back on their childhood and remember me as the mother who created a home filled with joy and not as the mother who was always working and at meetings and events. In the long run, none of that will matter. I just want to be a good mom.

Do you have any regrets or things you'd do differently? Sometimes I wish I had a formal education and training in things they don't always offer at school, like production and supply. While not having this formal education didn't stop the company from growing, I would have had a lot less to figure out on my own along the way.

For instance, until working directly with retail stores, I never understood why calendars on the shelves ranged from August

Cheers to finding and fulfilling your passion project in 2017!

Jennifer xoxo

BY JENNIFER BURBY Jennifer Burby is Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine's January guest editor. She is a litigation attorney and mom of two girls who is the mastermind behind the popular parenting and lifestyle blog, The Champagne Supernova. She and her family reside in Tampa.

Photo by: Darlene Barlows Photography darlenebarlowsphotography.com

TampaBayParenting.com 11

Life + Home

Planning for the Future IT IS THE START OF A NEW YEAR, and the talk is all about resolutions and planning: getting healthy, planning a trip, and maybe even a new hobby. It is also a great time to make sure you have an up-to-date, well-written and thought through estate plan for your family. In fact, an estate plan might be one of the best gifts we can give our children – it allows us to plan for our children’s financial security, and it allows us (instead of a court) decide who will love and care for them.

“A new year is a perfect opportunity for families to plan for the security and well being for their loved ones,” says Elaine McGinnis, an estate planning attorney at the law firm Wetherington Hamilton.

According to McGinnis, estate planning is vital, especially if you fall into one of the following categories: families with minor children; blended families/second marriages; families with special needs beneficiaries; families with charitable or non-relative beneficiaries; and families with large estates.

“Whether you own a large estate requiring complex tax planning or simply want to ensure that your family wedding ring is given to your only daughter, estate planning documents provide the opportunity for you decide what happens to your assets,” says McGinnis.

You may be looking around your three-bedroom ranch and wondering what estate she’s talking about, but consider this: In Florida, if you die with your assets in your name alone and no will or trust, Florida law gets to decide how they are distributed. Even more importantly, deciding who takes care of our children could be the most crucial decision we make for them while we’re still able. “No one will parent your children as you do, but it is much better for you to name a family member or friend to love and care for your children instead of leaving that decision to a judge,” says McGinnis.

Also important to decide: when the kids get your money. “A child becomes an adult at age 18 according to the law, but most parents hesitate at the

12 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

A NEW TO-DO FOR THE NEW YEAR!

thought of their 18 year old inheriting a home, life insurance proceeds, a savings account, retirement, or any other valuable item,” says McGinnis. A more palatable option (especially to anyone with a teenager in the house) might be a revocable living trust or testamentary trust, which allows you to appoint a trustee or co-trustees to hold and manage the funds, and provides flexibility in determining distribution. For example, you can state that the funds are to be held in trust with 25 percent to be given to the child when she turns 25; a third when she turns 30 and the balance at 35. The trustee you designate gets to distribute the income and make sure your kids’ health, education and shelter is covered without squandering their inheritance.

The guardian doesn’t have to be the same person as the trustee; in fact, some people have separate people caring for their child and their child’s money to ensure checks and balances for the trust estate. Others prefer to nominate the same person in both roles to minimize delay in administration. In either case, thought should be given to whether the trustee and guardian will be able to work together and who is best suited for those roles, says McGinnis. It is also common for parents to change the nominated guardian over time. “Grandma in Georgia may be perfect for your sweet baby at 10 months old, but now that your baby is 12 and loves her school and friends, and grandma is in her 70s and suffering from several health

issues, choosing someone closer to home and in better health may provide more consistency for your child if you are gone,” says McGinnis.

Estate planning is also important as we start to think about caring for our parents as they age, too. For instance, do you have a power of attorney for your parents so that you could pay bills, write checks, contact insurance agencies, and generally act in the shoes of parent who is unable to act for himself? “It is a common misconception that a spouse or adult child can simply assume this role,” says McGinnis. “Unfortunately, if one suffers from mental incapacity, and does not have a properly executed durable power of attorney and nominated health care surrogate, a legal guardianship may be necessary. A legal guardianship is an expensive and time-consuming court procedure, which can usually be avoided with proper planning.”

And actually, putting together an estate plan brings a great sense of relief. Says McGinnis: “My clients often feel a sense of relief after they sign all of their documents. They know they have a solid plan to protect and provide for their family.”

Elaine N. McGinnis, Esq., is an Associate of Tampa law firm Wetherington Hamilton, P.A., who sponsored this content. Her practice concentrates on Trusts and Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Probate and Trust Administration. She may be reached at ElaineM@whhlaw.com.

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TampaBayParenting.com 13

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Focus on Local Business Every year around the holidays, there is a big push to celebrate “small” businesses – Small Business Saturday.

Of course, small businesses should be celebrated yearround. Recognizing the importance and impact of small businesses in the community, attorney Kelly CharlesCollins a Partner at Smoak, Chistolini & Barnett, (a local law firm which is also a small business) has tailored the firm’s Labor and Employment practice to compliment the needs of these businesses. Says Charles-Collins, “We believe that all businesses should be protected.

That’s why our labor and employment practice focuses on small to medium sized businesses with an emphasis on preventive counseling.” Charles-Collins has been representing businesses for over 17 years and over time she has realized that, unlike large corporations, small to medium sized business are less likely to engage employment lawyers on a proactive basis, often because smaller businesses are afraid of costs or lack knowledge of employment law.

To change that mindset, Smoak, Chistolini & Barnett has the “HR Wellness CheckUpTM.” The purpose of the HR Wellness CheckupTM is to assess a business’ health from a human resources perspective, and it involves a three-step process: (1) a collaborative, in-person, on-site evaluation of the business; (2) a specifically tailored

Life + Home

WITH KELLY CHARLESCOLLINS, ESQ

written assessment and action plan identifying areas of opportunities, recommending resolutions, analyzing risk and priority, allocating business investment, and delegating accountability; and (3) holding follow-up strategy meetings to discuss, assess and revise the action plan as necessary.

“Our mission is to empower businesses by providing them the tools necessary to build and maintain a solid foundation that fosters the proper environment for growth and protection of not only their tangible assets but their most important resource – their employees,” says Charles-Collins. “Employee claims are very expensive to defend. A single plaintiff employment lawsuit can cost more than $100,000.00 dollars to defend, whether your business wins or loses. Benjamin Franklin famously stated, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Our HR Wellness CheckupTM is a great way to prevent or minimize these risks.”

Smoak, Chistolini & Barnett also provides “a la Carte” services to businesses at a fixed price. “We want to remove the ‘cost barrier’ for essential services,” says Charles-Collins. “Our services include drafting or revising employee handbooks and employment agreements, and providing on-site training in areas such as discrimination and harassment, retaliation, workplace investigations, employee leave and wage an hour issues.”

Not sure how your business is doing with HR? Visit Smoak, Chistolini & Barnett’s website, flatrialcounsel.com to take their HR Wellness Checkup™ quiz and one of their Employment Lawyers will contact you for your free initial assessment.

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Life + Home

Champions for Children

SUPPORTING TAMPA BAY PARENTS FOR 40 YEARS

Parenting can be an uphill task on the best of days, so having someone in your corner giving you good information and supporting you while you make tough choices can make all the difference.

Tampa Bay parents are luckier than most.

For 40 years, they’ve had someone that’s a grandparent, teacher and friend all rolled into one: Champions for Children.

Since its creation in 1977 by the Junior League of Tampa as the Community Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, the agency has grown beyond its original scope of dealing with abused and neglected children to being a source of support for ALL children and families, with wellnessbased parent education and the informal mantra: “any baby, any family.”

Through programs such as Baby Bungalow, Parents as Teachers and Fathers Resource and Networking Center/ FRANC, families with babies of all ages have found help and resources here.

“Every first-time expectant parent is a bundle of nerves and self-doubt,” says Brian McEwen, Ph.D. Executive Director of Champions for Children.

“It doesn’t seem to matter what a family’s circumstances are; all new parents are hungry for information and for emotional reassurance.

16 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

But the sheer mass of information can be overwhelming and sometimes conflicting, leaving an uncertain parent wondering what to believe and who to trust.

In our developmental playgroups that occur through many of our programs and in many locations, we’ve learned to balance the amount of information we provide with opportunities for parents to talk to each other and compare experiences.”

Educating parents about the month-by-month changes of a young child’s development, for example, can help parents make necessary adjustments to their expectations of their child's abilities, says

McEwen. “Knowledge of changes in all the domains of a child’s development – cognitive, language, sensory, gross and fine motor, and socialemotional – is also the key to nurturing a child’s rapid brain development during these first, formative years,” he says. Helping parents appreciate the reality of so much of the “hard wiring” of a child’s brain in these early years is a powerful motivator.

Champions for Children also helps disseminate research that can help parents understand the changes in their world, such as the teaching of the Brazelton Touchpoints Center at Boston Children’s Hospital. These points in time represent a collision between a child’s

(and a parent’s) mastery of a developmental task (sleeping through the night), followed almost immediately by an emerging skill (pulling to a standing position, sometimes practiced during bedtime). “The effect on a family is that for these overlapping periods of time, everything seems disorganized and even the most confident parent feels confused and disheartened,” says McEwen. “The Brazelton Touchpoints approach recognizes that it’s often at these vulnerable times in a parent’s waning confidence that s/he reaches out for help. How we respond to parents at such times can either reassure them, with anticipatory guidance, or leave them feeling defeated.”

Another important message? It may sound simple, but the importance of closely interacting with babies cannot be overstated.

“The ‘serve and volley’ style of parents and children interacting with one another builds attachment, as well as language,” says McEwen.

“In fact, we know from our friends in the local school system that frequently children’s early difficulty in settling into the regimen of school is their lack of social or emotional readiness. So talking to a child, reading to a child, singing to a child, all nurture brain development and innate ability along the pathway to kindergarten readiness.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

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Health + Wellness

17 Tips for a Healthier 2017 FIND A BUDDY, CHANGE YOUR CHINA AND OTHER GREAT TIPS FROM LOCAL EXPERTS TO STAY FIT THIS YEAR

7. OUTSOURCE. Check

BE REALISTIC. “People say, I’m going to work out seven days a week!” says Jenny Beadle, membership and wellness executive at the Bob Sierra YMCA. That rarely works, and you end up feeling worse about yourself. “Shoot for three, four at the most,” and work your way up.

out one of the many food prep companies on the market, such as Fitlife Foods, for options for healthy home cooked foods that are easy to obtain as restaurant or fast food meals.

8. SUBSTITUTE! Incremental changes can go a long way. Cut dairy to lowfat, do egg whites rather than whole eggs, choose frozen yoghurt rather than ice cream and a broth rather than cream-based soup. (For a handy list of substitutes, check out https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ health/educational/lose_wt/ eat/shopping.htm.)

2.

9.

This is the year you’ll transform into one of those homemade organic smoothie drinking moms, the ones who sport a six-pack while they jog around the neighborhood after school, dumbbells in hand.

Sound familiar? What may be just as familiar is how easy it is to slide back from the peaks of good intentions, but maybe the key is to scale them properly from the beginning.

Check out these handy tips from local experts that can help you stay on the fitness wagon this year.

1.

PREPARE. Beadle suggests putting workout clothes on the bathroom counter the night before, or in the backseat of the car, or in the gym bag by the front door. Not having to take the few extra steps of finding your workout gear will ease the transition to being out the door.

3.

FIND AN EXERCISE BUDDY. “You’re probably more likely to show up if you know someone is waiting for you, particularly someone you like and someone you don’t want to disappoint,” says Beadle.

4. PUT EXERCISE ON YOUR CALENDAR. If you

actually have it written down and have a time slot assigned to it, working out becomes as important as other engagements.

5. LIMIT LAZINESS—to just 23 ½ hours a day! From

that perspective, a daily workout isn’t quite as daunting. Beadle tells the people she works with that all she’s asking for is 30 minutes of activity. The remaining hours of their day can be spent being as lazy as they want.

6.

BE YOUR OWN PREP COOK. Beadle says she and her husband take out about an hour and a half of their Sunday to boil eggs and chop up vegetables and fruits. They store these in Tupperware containers in the fridge so they can grab them on their way out the door and skip the drive-through.

18 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

BUY IN BULK. Beadle suggests buying items like brown rice, grains and quinoa in bulk to save time and money. She cooks up a tub of quinoa and keeps it handy in her fridge so she can grab a cup of it and add it to a skillet egg, for example, to make a healthy and filling breakfast.

10. ALSO—THINK SEASONAL. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, seasonal fruits and veggies “are fresher and tastier, and nutritional value is optimized. Plus, eating seasonally encourages a diverse diet, is often more economical, and harmonizes with nature’s production cycle.”

Some good January veggie choices are avocados, squash, eggplant, bell pep-

pers and snap beans, and for dessert, guavas, passionfruit or carambola.

11. KEEP A FOOD JOURNAL. We often snack mindlessly, and keeping writing down everything we eat can be a real eye opener. Jenni Crafton, owner and instructor of FIT4MOM New Tampa, recommends her clients keep theirs handy at all times, or record their food on their phones.

12. EAT REAL FOOD. Why reach for a supplement

when you can munch on the real thing? Crafton says broccoli sprouts have five times the cancer fighting powers as supplements made with them, so stock the freezer with nutrient-rich frozen sprouts.

13. INVEST IN NEW PLATES. Cornell University

researchers learned that not only do smaller plates and bowls limit the amount of food you serve yourself, the color of your china makes a difference too. A plate that has a high contrast with the food you’re serving means you’ll eat less, so if you want to eat more greens, use green salad plates! If you want to eat less lasagna, serve it on a blue plate rather a red one.

14. BRUSH YOUR TEETH IMMEDIATELY AFTER

DINNER to avoid late-night snacking and let your body know that eating time is done for the day.

15. WORK OUT THE BODY BUT DON’T FORGET

THE MIND: “Many people make poor choices when they are stressed,” says Crafton. Find some proactive ways to manage stress in your life. Meditate, get organized, and do your best to limit stressful situations.

16. STICK TO WATER. You should be drinking a

minimum of eight 8-oz glasses of water per day--even more if you are exercising, and even more if you are a nursing mom, says Crafton. Try flavoring it with fresh mint, cucumber, lemon or lime.

17. GO OUTSIDE! In just a few months, we’ll be

swatting mosquitoes and gasping for breath in the humidity, so take advantage of the gorgeous temperatures to finish the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation District’s Hiking Spree 2017. Complete eight of the featured 19 hikes by March 31 to earn a medallion from the department. Visit hcflgov.net/hikingspree for more information.

By Anu Varma Panchal When Anu isn’t writing, editing or volunteering on the board of her kids' PTA, she’s usually in her minivan driving her two daughters (11 and 8) around Tampa to school and their activities. Although her idea of the ultimate good time is usually found between the pages of a book, Anu also enjoys yoga, her book club, travel, theater and area food and music festivals.

TampaBayParenting.com 19

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Individualized Learning Spaces (813) 374­2070 www.engagebehavioralhealth.com

Servicing Pasco, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County TALLAHASSEE 1842 Jaclif Court Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850) 298­8862

RIVERVIEW 11910 Boyette Road, Riverview, FL 33569

CITRUS PARK 6507 Gunn Highway Tampa, FL 33625

SOUTH TAMPA 550 N. Reo Street Suite 202 Tampa, FL 33609

Learn more about Academy at an

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE PreK3 - Grade 4

January 12, 2017 • 9:00-11:00am 2220 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes RSVP: academyatthelakes.org/rsvp-open-house

Small School. Big Opportunities.

PreK3 through High School

You Matter Here.

TM

academyatthelakes.org | 813-909-7919

20 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

CREATE —

E N I G A M I INVENT —

e t e P , t S m p 2 m a 0 1 • 7 1 0 2 , 4 y r a u r b e F , y a d r u t a S ity celebration n u m m o c e e fr to a d You’re invited eering, arts an in g n e , y g lo o n of science, tech teractive and FUN! n, in math. Hands-o es 2-12. g a n re d il h c r o F Featuring: Busch Gardens e Aquarium n ri a M r te a w r Clea ons Great Explorati s die Tampa Bay Row Wonder Studio and more! r y School to ra a p re P t s At Shorecre Petersburg, FL t.

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nics Robotics and Electro g Building and Makin Food Trucks Arts and Crafts acks LEGOs & Marble Tr Science in Action — See it Ooze, Bubble & Electrify!

Sponsored by TampaBayParenting.com 21

Food + Drink

What's for Dinner?

GUEST EDITOR JENNIFER BURBY SHARES HER GO-TO RECIPE!

BAKED CHICKEN AND RICE WITH BLACK BEANS CONTRIBUTED BY JANUARY GUEST EDITOR JENNIFER BURBY

I found out about this recipe from a girlfriend who made it for us after we had our second daughter. I loved it so much that I use it as my own go-to when delivering meals for friends (unless I'm in a hurry and resort to takeout or Uber eats; it's the thought that counts, right?). The recipe originated from one of my favorite magazines, Southern Living, and the instructions are as follows: INGREDIENTS

1 (10-oz.) package yellow rice mix 1 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper 1/2 cup chopped carrot 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups cubed cooked chicken (Instead of cooking the chicken myself, I buy a 22 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from Publix and pull small pieces of chicken from that.)

1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained 2 cups (8 oz.) grated Monterey Jack cheese PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare rice according to package directions.

Meanwhile, sauté onion, bell pepper, and carrot in hot oil in a medium skillet over medium heat 10 minutes or until tender.

Combine hot cooked rice, onion mixture, chicken, beans, diced tomatoes and chiles, and 1 1/2 cups cheese in a large bowl. Spoon into a lightly greased 3-qt. or 13- x 9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Bake, covered, at 350 F for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Add corn for an extra pop of color.

Cheers!

TampaBayParenting.com 23

L

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OUR CHARTER

SCHOOLS

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

TUITION FREE public charter schools

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HI

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Greatness Starts Here.

We Take Your Child’s Education Personally Every student deserves to be treated as an individual. Our personal learning plans meet students where they are and help them grow.

Start your student on the path to greatness.

PROUD MEMBER OF THE

We are tuition-free public charter schools. Accredited by AdvancED, and proud members of the Charter Schools USA family of schools.

Learn more at ww.CharterSchoolsUSA.com

APPLY TODAY! Space is filling up quickly.

Visit our website at www.HillsboroughCharterSchools.org 24 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

Food + Drink

VooDoo Chef

MAKING MAGIC IN THE KITCHEN AND IN THE COMMUNITY The VooDoo Chef—AKA Erik Youngs—is the culinary genius behind Let’s Do Gourmet, a sauce and spice company invading dinner plates across Tampa Bay and beyond. Youngs’ creations also happen to be the official sauce and spice of the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, which is why he’s preparing to invade Bayshore Boulevard to walk among pirates with his brand new VooDoo Krewe.

CHICKEN REÁL FROM ERIK YOUNGS’ PERSONAL COLLECTION INGREDIENTS

over medium heat. Add Red and water and simmer for 40 minutes until water evaporates and chicken pulls.

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken 2 cups Tomato Trinity, diced (available at Publix) 3 tablespoons VooDoo Chef Red (available at voodoochef.com) 4 cups water PREPARATION In a large pot, brown chicken in olive oil over medium/high heat. Add Tomato Trinity and cook for 3 minutes

Gasparilla krewes are a coveted and guaranteed good time, but they’re about more than just a social experience; they also serve as an opportunity to give back to our community. Filling hungry bellies and the empty cupboards of needy children and families in our area is among this kitchen krewe’s top priorities.

For Youngs, it’s also about his students. Youngs is the award-winning educator behind Chamberlain High School’s Culinary Operations Academy. The unique, intensive program—the only Model Culinary Career Academy in the country—teams up with Outback Steakhouse to provide students with real-world experiences in the Food Service/Hospitality industry.

The VooDoo Krewe raises money to help send Youngs’ students and others throughout the state to higher levels of culinary education.

He’s already given away $6,000 in scholarships and hopes to continue to grow that number.

Learn more about VooDoo Chef at voodoochef.com.

“These are the note cards from when I wrote the recipe for Chicken Réal, one of my family’s favorites. It is simple, but delivers an amazing flavor. We use it for chicken tacos or burrito bowls, but would play well in any of your Tex-Mex favorites. I hope you enjoy as much as we do!”

ERIK YOUNGS, THE VOODOO CHEF

TampaBayParenting.com 25

Education

Your guide to area private schools HILLSBOROUGH BAYSHORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 813-839-4297 bayshorechristianschool.org The school’s college preparatory program focuses on core academic subjects, with enrichment programs in performing arts, visual arts, foreign language, computer, media science and physical education.

Students have athletic opportunities at the middle school, junior varsity and varsity level. Upper school students are prepared for college through dual enrollment and advanced placement courses.

BERKELEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL

4811 Kelly Road, Tampa 813-885-1673; berkeleyprep.org

A coeducational, independent college-preparatory day school for children in Pre-K through grade 12, the school is dedicated to academic excellence, character development, the arts and athletics. Its curriculum is designed to support the talent and ambition of each student.

Administrators and educators strive to instill a strong sense of morality, ethics and social responsibility in its students.

CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL

1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 813-920-2288; carrollwooddayschool.org

The sixth school in the U.S. to offer all three International Baccalaureate programs, school leaders believe that education involves the whole child, including academics, character development, physical fitness and emotional intelligence. A highly qualified staff provides a rigorous education within a caring learning community. CDS aims to teach children how to think for a lifetime.

26 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC SCHOOL

EARLY LEARNING COALITION

Christ the King Catholic School delivers an academically challenging curriculum in a nurturing, Christ– centered environment. For over 65 years, CKS has served Pre-K4 through 8th grade students in a dynamic setting designed to build character, bolster confidence and develop future leaders. We invite you to learn more about CKS where we Love to Learn ~ Live to Serve!

This organization specializes in the funding and delivery of quality early childhood care and education, afterschool programs, and services to the children and families of Hillsborough County.

3809 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa 813-876-8770 www.cks-school.org

CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF IDS

12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 813-961-3087 corbettprep.com Founded in 1968, teachers and administrators aim to provide a dynamic, caring and highly academic environment, offering the International Baccalaureate program as well as extensive fine arts, sports and technology programs to students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. Call to schedule a personal tour.

CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL

9715 N. 56th St. Temple Terrace 813-988-1722 catholic-church.org/cccschool

The mission of Corpus Christi Catholic School is to provide a Catholic educational experience in spirituality, scholarship and service. Challenging children to grow spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and physically, this school serves children from early childhood to eighth grade. By integrating Gospel values, they promote the practice of faith, nurture worship, community and service.

6800 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 158, Tampa 813-515-2340 elchc.org

HILLSDALE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY & PRESCHOOL

6201 Ehrlich Road, Tampa 813-884-8250 hillsdalechristianacademy.org This program provides a variety of activities and learning opportunities for children. The primary goal is to help children grow spiritually, socially, physically, intellectually and creatively. The staff is well-qualified and works hard to create a loving, Christian atmosphere conducive to a child’s development. Teachers utilize a variety of teaching techniques from traditional instruction to learning centers to hands-on learning through good, old fashioned play!

LEARNING FOR LIFE ACADEMY (ENGAGE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH)

6507 Gunn Highway, Tampa 813-445-4229 LearningForLifeAcademy.com

Learning for Life Academy is yearround schooling for children grades K through grade 5 with autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome and other developmental delays.

LFLA's mission is to help students reach their full potential by using scientific, research-based intervention and care to create a highly structured, individualized program. With a low staff-to-student ratio, LFLA is able to apply principles of ABA and Applied Verbal Behavior, assess each student’s skills on a daily basis, monitor progress and modify teaching strategies.

LEE ACADEMY FOR GIFTED EDUCATION

8613 Twin Lakes Blvd., Tampa 813-931-3316 leegiftedacademy.com

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL PARISH DAY SCHOOL

Three locations in Tampa 813-849-6200 stjohnseagles.org

The school’s approach to education is based on Dr. Barbara Clark’s integrative education model and strives to give equal importance to the four human functions — thinking/cognitive, feeling/emotional, physical/sensing and intuitive.

It does not emphasize testing; however, its students score high on standardized and college tests.

The Tampa Bay area’s oldest Episcopal school has been nurturing academic excellence in a Christian environment since 1951. Grounded by a commitment to spiritual and ethical values, a love of learning and the development of strong character, the staff works to help students build a foundation to grow into caring and successful adults.

MONTESSORI ACADEMIES

ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL

Multiple locations 813-899-2345 montessoriacademies.com

Montessori classrooms provide a prepared environment where children are free to respond to their natural drive to work and learn.

The children’s inherent love of learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous, meaningful activities under the guidance of a trained adult. Through their work, the children develop concentration, motivation, persistence and discipline. Within this framework of order, the children progress at their own pace and rhythm, according to their individual capabilities, during the crucial years of development.

PEPIN ACADEMIES

3916 East Hillsborough Ave, Tampa 813-236-1755; pepinacademies.com With a mission to create a high intensity, low threat therapeutic learning environment, this tuitionfree, public charter school for student with learning or learning related disabilities serves students in grade 3-12 in Hillsborough and Pasco counties. The highly trained staff prepares students to meet academic, social and emotional challenges they encounter every day.

2101 S. Hubert Ave., Tampa 813-258-5508 smeds.org

Students experience challenging academics, exciting performing and visual arts, competitive athletics, enrichment classes, public speaking, foreign language and advanced technology, including iPads. Serving students in Pre-K through 8th grade, there is a focus on intellectual, spiritual and personal growth.

Specific student goals include integrity, self-discipline, leadership, good citizenship, teamwork and a love for learning.

TAMPA PREPARATORY SCHOOL

727 W. Cass St., Tampa 813-251-8481 tampaprep.org

Tampa Preparatory School is the premier private school in the Tampa Bay area for students in grades 6-12. As a leader in education, the Tampa Preparatory School incorporates progressive ideas into the curriculum, schedule and facilities on a regular basis. Their educational philosophy instills values of fairness, decency, honor, diligence and academic curiosity. The School stresses the development of selfconfidence, a sense of worth and the importance of having fun in the pursuit of one’s goals. Visit their open house on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m.

PASCO ACADEMY AT THE LAKES

2220 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes 813-909-7919 academyatthelakes.org

Academy serves students in PreK3 through high school in a warm and inclusive community, preparing them for college and for life. Academy at the Lakes’ curriculum provides a well-defined focus and energy for not only academics, but also for service, arts, athletics and other activities. Their goal is to help students develop skills in key areas that are necessary for success in the academic arena, workplace and global market.

PINELLAS ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY

501 Park St. N. St Petersburg 727-384-5500 farragut.org Admiral Farragut Academy is a co-ed, private, PreK-12 school that offers boarding for grades 8-12.

Farragut offers more than just an education - it’s an experience, a journey, a launch point for life.

The student body represents an average of 32 countries and 17 U.S. states. Signature programs include Aviation, Marine Science, Scuba, Sailing, Engineering, Naval Jr. ROTC, and Leadership. Summer day and boarding camps also offered. Discover what only Farragut students can experience.

ESPIRITU SANTO CATHOLIC SCHOOL

2405A Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor 727.812.4650 ESCSchool.org

Centrally located in Safety Harbor, Espiritu Santo Catholic School provides excellence in education for over 400 students in grades PreK - 8. Espiritu Santo believes in the unique gifts of every child; experienced faculty guides students TampaBayParenting.com 27

Education

as they develop into confident scholars and faith-filled leaders. At ESCS, each student is challenged to reach their academic potential, encouraged to explore their faith, and inspired through service to act as reflections of Christ for the world.

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

250 78th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg 727-526-8194 holyfamilycatholicschool.com With Jesus, Mary and Joseph as our models, Holy Family Parish Catholic School prepares students for roles in the church, home, civic and global communities by educating them in their Catholic faith and in those skills necessary to foster academic excellence.

MONTESSORI BY THE SEA

1603 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach 727-360-762 montessori-by-sea.org We proudly serve children from 3 – 12 years old in beautiful multi-age learning environments. We offer an authentic Montessori curriculum, including hands-on learning, movement and guided discovery.

We are just minutes away from St. Petersburg and Gulfport, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in historic PassA-Grille Beach. Montessori certified educators facilitate delivery of that curriculum in a manner that nurtures a life-long love of learning and instills a sense of wonder.

NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

7777 62nd Ave. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33709 727-541-7593 www.nck12.com

A Christ-centered school of excellence equipping preschool - 12th grade students to reach their God-given potential through outstanding academic and extra-

28 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

curricular programs since 1971.

Elementary students learn to play a variety of instruments, and they have the opportunity to play all major sports culminating with at least 10 percent of high school seniors signing to play their sport of choice at the collegiate level. Academically, Northside is the only private school in Florida to win the prestigious national blue ribbon in 2016.

PALM HARBOR MONTESSORI ACADEMY

2355 Nebraska Ave, Palm Harbor 727-786-1854 PalmHarborMontessori.com Palm Harbor Montessori Academy offers the highest quality Montessori education experience, developing well-rounded students with a focus on independence, courtesy and respect. With more than 33 years of experience, our individualized academic programs address the needs and goals of each child through our engaging, holistic and authentic Montessori approach. We are located on five spacious acres of beautiful, secure indoor and outdoor environments, including a pool, and have an incredibly engaged parent and volunteer community.

SAFETY HARBOR MONTESSORI ACADEMY

2669 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater (727)724-1767 safetyharbormontessori.com

Safety Harbor Montessori Academy seeks to inspire children to become passionate scholars and compassionate citizens, who are guided by a deep sense of integrity, responsibility, and determination to achieve their personal best. Our academic program is designed to be challenging, stimulating, and engaging to each student. We strive to help our students become independent workers, creative thinkers, strong collaborators, effective communicators and avid problem solvers. Individual tours available, please call for an appointment.

SHORECREST PREPARATORY SCHOOL

5101 First St. NE, St. Petersburg 727-456-7511 shorecrest.org

Since 1923, Florida’s oldest independent day school has provided the consummate college preparatory experience to students in preschool (age 3) through 12th grade. Award-winning teachers provide students with the foundation for lifetime achievement and the 100 percent college acceptance rate illustrates the school’s commitment to academic excellence. The school offers a flexible tuition program.

ST. PETERSBURG CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

6333 9th Ave N St. Petersburg, FL 727.344.4065 spchs.org

St. Petersburg Catholic High School, operating under the auspices of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and administered by the Salesians of Don Bosco, views the student as an individual and as a member of the Church and of society. The school seeks to provide each student with the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical aids needed to live a healthy and productive adult life in an ever-changing, diverse and multicultural world. It attempts to develop within the student body, parents/guardians and faculty a strong sense of unity, not only for their mutual help, but as a foundation in the sense of Catholic witness and service to all.

WESTLAKE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

1551 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor 727-781-3808 westlakechristianschool.org Westlake Christian School is a K-8, college preparatory school dedicated to Teaching the Mind and Reaching the Heart of the next generation. Named a National Blue Ribbon School, Westlake holds accreditations from the Florida CONTINUED ON PAGE 57

Inspiring a sense of wonder and learning for over 30 years Accepting enrollment for ages 3-12

1603 Gulf Way St. Pete Beach Montessori students: • • • •

Develop a lifelong love of learning Discover concepts for themselves Develop self-discipline & motivation Learn at their own pace

montessori-by-sea.org

727-360-7621 Member of AMS & International Montessori Council License # C620076

Call to reserve a space or schedule a private tour of our classrooms.

TampaBayParenting.com 29

Education

Local Authors We Love “Goodnight Tampa” by Melissa Twomey. Illustrated by Donna Craig: $18.99 goodnighttampa.com

"Goodnight Tampa" is a beautifully illustrated book inspired by the children’s classic, “Goodnight Moon.” As you flip through the pages, you and your child will be taken on a visually stunning adventure to say goodnight to some of Tampa Bay’s most family-friendly venues such as the Glazer Children’s Museum, Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium.

Melissa was born in Memphis and has now spent as many years in Tampa as in Memphis. Her job marketing Coppertone sun care products brought her to Tampa, and she has also served as marketing director for the Lowry Park Zoo and the Yankees, both featured in the book. Her past 10 years have been dedicated to the Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay, which finds homes for children in foster care who are available for adoption.

Donna studied at Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida. Before graduation, she was hired by Hallmark Cards as an illustrator. She is well known in local circles for having been an illustrator for Lowry Park Zoo's annual fundraiser, Karamu, for 20 years. Other clients that have benefited from her illustrative touch are Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, American Cancer Society, the Florida State Fair, Once Upon an Opera and PowerStories.

“Monsters are Afraid of Music”

by Allison A. Wilkins. Illustrated

by Elizabeth A. Galbraith: $24.95 allisongsfortots.com Sing along with this interactive storybook that teaches young children to use music to chase away their fears.

“Angels Watching Over Me” by Allison A. Wilkins. Illustrated by Mike Motz: $19.95

CHILDRENS BOOKS

allisongsfortots.com This is the second book in Allison Wilkins' children's empowerment series that guides readers through the timeline of a child's life when the angels are with them, showing them they are never alone.

Singer/songwriter Allison Wilkins is the owner of Allisongs For Tots, LLC, which teaches music to children ages 0-5 through a research-based curriculum developed by Music Together in eight locations in the Tampa Bay area.

“The Pirates’ Fixable Teeth” by Kate Kyres.

Illustrated by Susan S. Robinson: $16 sillydillytotspot.com

A kind, plucky, skilled and resourceful dentist working on a Royal Ship teaches Pirate Captain Roy and his crew that the real treasure lies within their healthy, golden smiles. This fun, smooth-sailing rhyme and companion illustrations inspire animated story-telling and happy lone reading by 4 - 8 year olds.

Kate created Silly Dilly's 9 years ago to curate and sell other companies' products and to act as creative inspiration for her stories.

Last year, she created The Enchanted Spot to share her stories. “The Pirates' Fixable Teeth” is the first of her stories to become a hardcover book.

PERFECT FOR GASPARILLA

THREE PICKS FROM GUEST EDITOR, JENNIFER BURBY “Only One You” by Linda Kranz. This board book

is a story about life's wisdom stated in a way that children can understand. I love the illustrations, and it's often one of my go-to books for children's birthday gifts.

“Blueberries for Sal” by Robert McCloskey.

This book has sentimental value because I remember having it read to me when I was in pre-school. Awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1949, the story takes place in Maine and features a little

30 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

girl, Sal, and her mother as they pick blueberries for winter.

“Have you Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud. This book encourages positive behavior by using

the concept of an invisible bucket to show children how rewarding it is to express kindness and love by filling other peoples' buckets.

This story was assigned summer reading for my oldest daughter's pre-Kindergarten class and has really helped her to understand how her actions (and inactions) can impact others.

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE Corpus Christi Catholic School

Fully accredited by: The Florida Catholic Conference The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/ Middle States Association

Serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade

OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, February 2, 2017 8:30 AM – General Meeting/Campus Tours

REGISTRATION

Thursday, February 16, 2017 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM In Parish Office (north side of the Church)

LOVE TO LEARN • LIVE TO SERVE

Accepting Applications Now for the 2017-2018 School Year

ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş ď‚Ş

REGISTRATION Strong faith formation program Thursday, February 12, 2015 Certified, fully credentialed professional staff 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM Outstanding core academic program of studies 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM High standardized test scores In Parish Office (north side of the Church) Collaborative technology lab Teacher to assist students with special needs Full Middle School interscholastic sports program Extensive Community Service Program Graduates accepted at all area private high schools Secure, safe campus Strong school-parent partnership Extended Day program available until 6:00 PM Financial Assistance Available Caring, nurturing environment

Serving Pre-K4 through 8th grade since 1949

Contact us today for a personal tour or for more information 813.870.3262 • www.cks-school.org 3809 W Morrison Ave • Tampa, FL 33629 •

@ ckslions

Come to our OPEN HOUSE or call for a tour or for a day for your child to shadow another student.

Corpus Christi Catholic School 9715 N. 56th Street Temple Terrace, FL 33617

(813)988-1722 kgreco@cccstt.org website: www.cccstt.org

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Call 2-1-1 and connect to the help you need! ‡ Confidential, emotional support for parents

‡ Developmental screenings & assistance

‡ Child care & youth services

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32 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

One Crisis Center Plaza ‡ Tampa, Florida 33613 ‡ (813) 964-1964 | www.crisiscenter.com

16

We Are...

A Nationally Recognized

Blue Ribbon School Northside Christian Elementary Academic

AP, Dual Enrollment, Honors Classes 70% of Graduates Received College Scholarship Offers

fine arts

Award Winning Band and Choir Elementary through AP Art

19

Athletics

State Qualifiers in Multiple Sports FHSAA 2015 Rozelle Sportsmanship Award Recipient

Family

Safe, Nurturing Environment Christ-Centered School of Excellence

We Are. . .

7777 62nd Avenue N St Petersburg, FL 33709

727-541-7593

Preschool through 12th Grade on one 28-acre campus • www.nck12.com

TampaBayParenting.com 33

Beauty

What's in your bag?

"This is such a hilarious topic because my purse always seems to be a bottomless pit of “junque” and I usually have difficulty searching for what I need. It’s littered with gum wrappers, baby wipes, keys, beads from a broken children’s necklace, multiple pairs of sunglasses and tissues. Ah, the neverending battle of life and motherhood. " Notwithstanding, there are a few items I consider essential and they are: IPHONE As a lawyer and blogger, I check my emails, texts, phone calls and social media many times a day. I haven’t moved up to the iPhone 7 (which I heard has an amazing camera), but I do adore my iPhone 6 and “Beverly Hills” phone case from Sonix (which reminds me more of Palm Beach).

SUNSCREEN We never know when we are hitting the pool and, due to some horrible childhood burns of my own, I’m neurotic about protecting my own kiddos with sunscreen.

I primarily use Beautycounter sunscreen because it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals like the products on the shelves at our favorite stores. I wish the public would do more research about what they put on their bodies but that’s a long topic for another time. This sun stick is teeny-tiny and doesn’t take up too much space in my purse.

FUCHSIA LIPSTICK. I can leave the house with zero makeup on my face, and as long as I have this lipstick, I feel dressed up. Pink looks great on everyone, you just have to gather up the muster to wear it. My signature shade is from Rimmel in “As You Want Victoria.” Every.

Dang. Day. VITAMINS If I don’t have them handy in my bag, I have a hard time remembering to take them. My favorites are Vitality Coldwater Omega 3 from Melaleuca. These vitamins promote overall eye, brain and cardiovascular system health and wellness. As I routinely feel like I’m losing my mind, I need all the help I can get!

GUM I’m a creature of habit and have been chewing my favorite Extra brand peppermint gum since I was in high school.

34 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

GUEST EDITOR JENNIFER BURBY ANSWERS

dance dance

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DRAMA DRAMA

727.712.2706 HoffmanSchoolOfTheArts.com

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dance dance

Every bite colorful.

Every bite clean. 

Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence in 2017



Catholic, Salesian School



11:1 Faculty-to-Student Ratio



Flagship Programs o Medical o Engineering o Computer Science o Visual & Performing Arts



48% of students on scholarship/need-based aid

727-344-4065

www.spchs.org

Every salad is clean.

No artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, or colors from artificial sources.

STRAWBERRY POPPYSEED WITH CHICKEN

admissions@spchs.org

Faith * Academics * Service * Success

PaneraBread.com

©2016 Panera Bread. All rights reserved.

TampaBayParenting.com 35

Learn | Explore | Inspire

OPEN HOUSE! January 29th | 9:30 am – 12:00 pm PK3 – Grade 8 | ESCSchool.org

Learning Environment Engaging, Holistic, Authentic We offer the highest quality Montessori education experience which develops well-rounded students, with a focus on independence, courtesy and respect.

• Individualized academic program, addressing specific needs and goals.

• More than 33 years of experience providing high quality, authentic Montessori education.

• Five spacious acres of beautiful, secure indoor and outdoor environments with a pool.

• Incredibly engaged parent and volunteer community.

Palm Harbor Montessori Academy 2355 Nebraska Avenue Palm Harbor, FL 34683

727-786-1854

PalmHarborMontessori.com Serving Students Ages 12 months - 15 years.

36 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

PATEL CONSERVATORY

@

STRAZ CENTER

DANCE • THEATER • MUSIC Music Auditions

Theater Auditions

THU • JAN 5 • 5PM SAT • JAN 7 • 11AM

SAT • FEB 4 • 5PM Grades 5-12

Various ages

Chamber Ensembles Rock School

Vocal Arts

Jazz

patelconservatory.org • 813.222.1040 TampaBayParenting.com 37

Family Fun

GASPARILLA!

MCDONALD’S CHILDREN’S GASPARILLA EXTRAVAGANZA 2017 SATURDAY, JANUARY 21

Gasparilla Preschooler’s Stroll: 1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. at Bayshore Boulevard and S. Howard Ave. This is the perfect opportunity for children 5 and under to experience what it’s like to strut Bayshore Boulevard in their best pirate attire! It’s also a chance for parents and kids to show off their creativity with their decorated wagons, bicycles and strollers. The Preschooler’s Stroll steps off at Howard Avenue and ends at Rome Avenue.

You must register to take part in this event by Jan. 6.

Learn more by visiting gasparillaextravaganza.com. To watch, all you have to do is show up!

BICYCYLE SAFETY

Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Rodeo: 11a.m.1 p.m. at Bayshore Boulevard and S. Rome Ave. The Tampa Police Department’s Bicycle Unit is taking over this annual event in partnership with OnBikes to provide kids with a unique and fun experience to learn how to safely ride a bicycle and cross streets. Kids can give the obstacle course a try and even get fitted for a FREE helmet while supplies last. Helmets are being donated by the Tampa Police Department.

Gasparilla Air Invasion and SOCOM Day Jump: 2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. at Bayshore Blvd. The kids will be in awe as they watch the United States Special Operations Jump Team, The Para-Commandos, make a precision parachute jump!

Gasparilla Children’s Parade, Driven by Chevrolet: 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of more than 100 krewe floats, marching bands, dance units, schools and more! The parade steps off at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Boulevard and continues north, ending at Edison Avenue.

Gasparilla Air Invasion and SOCOM Night Jump: 6:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. The United States Special Operations Para-Commandos will dazzle the crowd once again!

“Piratechnic” Extravaganza, Presented by McDonald’s: 7 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Don’t miss out on this epic imaginary sea battle between the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla and the City of Tampa in a “Piratechnic” display that will entertain kids and adults of all ages. The pirates will prevail, setting the stage for the Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates on Jan. 28!

DON’T GET TOWED!

Street parking in the neighborhoods near the parade route is strictly prohibited.

The downtown Tampa parking garages will have a onetime special event rate to park. The event shuttle will operate continuously from downtown Tampa to the parade route. The cost is $10 per adult. Children ride for FREE with accompanying adult.

There are some areas near the route where local businesses and private citizens charge for parking during the event.

38 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

BUY YOUR 2017 RESERVED TICKETS EARLY AND SAVE

You may purchase bleacher seat tickets for $35 plus tax up until Jan. 13. Prices will then go up to $50 plus tax. FirstMate front-row chair seating tickets are $50 plus tax until Jan. 13 and will go up to $60, plus tax, after that date.

Go to gasparillatreasures.com.

NOT ABLE TO ATTEND?

CELEBRATE IN STYLE

If you really want to celebrate in style, consider a Hospitality Ticket which includes a reserved bleacher seat in a private area with pre-parade entertainment, a picnic style buffet lunch and additional snacks and treats.

Can't make it to the event? FOX 13 will broadcast the event live and even live stream the parade on MyFoxTampaBay.com. ®

Adult tickets are $125 plus tax, until Jan. 13. The price will jump to $140 plus tax after that date. Children’s tickets are $85 plus tax up until Jan. 13 and will go to $100 plus tax beginning Jan. 14. Children 3 and under do not need a ticket.

Check gasparillatreasures.com.

GASPARILLA CHILDREN'S PARADE ROUTE ALONG BAYSHORE BLVD.

Children's Parade Route along Bayshore Blvd.

Parade begins at Bay to Bay and ends at Watrous/ Orleans.

Preschooler's Stroll Parade Route Stroll begins at Howard and ends at Rome.

Handicapped Parade Viewing At Howard on the landside of the parade route Reserved Parade Seating Purchased Tickets NOTE: The indicated reserved seating locations are based on demand. Areas not utilized for general admission seating will be available for open parade viewing.

NOTE: THIS MAP IS NOT TO SCALE, BUT WILL GIVE YOU A GOOD IDEA OF THE PARADE ROUTE AREAS. TampaBayParenting.com 39

Family Fun

South Tampa Trading Co. Swag The South Tampa Trading Company located at 1916 S. Dale Mabry Highway pretty much covers all of your Gasparilla needs, from custom made costumes, hard to find ostrich feathers in every color, kids gear, beads, jewelry and so much more. southtampatradingco.com

WHY WE LOVE IT

The store gathers products from 32 small business owners from Tampa Bay!

“Load the kids in a red wagon with blankets and snacks (minimal beverages, for obvious reasons) and watch the parade in a location along Bayshore Boulevard where you can make an easy exit, if necessary.”

-JENNIFER BURBY, TBPM JANUARY GUEST EDITOR

“Review the Gasparilla schedule online in advance to determine which events you'd like to attend. If you only want to see the main parade, it's ok to arrive a little later as some families arrive early and tire quickly.

With younger children, pulling a decorated wagon was a lifesaver when they got too tired to walk!”

–LISA-MARIE LEIHY, TBPM SOCIAL MOM 40 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

"Bring food, water and money. A soft cooler of snacks is a great idea. Also, if you get there early, it’s less crowded on the water side of Bayshore Boulevard and don't forget your sunscreen."

-MANDI MELLA, TBPM SOCIAL MOM

GASPARILLA THEN AND NOW

The first Children’s Parade was held in 1947. It was held primarily on Franklin Street in downtown Tampa.

The Children’s Parade moved to Bayshore Boulevard in 2002.

About 100,000 people attend the Children’s Gasparilla Extravaganza every year!

There’s debate about when Krewes began throwing beads, but the tradition is believed to have started around the late 70’s to early 80’s.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST ON JAN. 28, 2017!

Image provided by State Archives of Florida/ Holland

Historical images provided by State Archives of Florida.

2017’s expanded Pirate Fest will feature several stages of live music and entertainment along the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa and at Curtis Hixon Park. The festivities will be ongoing from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

The Gasparilla Invasion begins at 11:30 a.m. with the Jose Gasparilla pirate ship and its flotilla of hundreds of boats making their way from Hillsborough Bay up through Seddon Channel to capture the city!

This is a spectacular event the kids will love to experience! The best view is from the Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center.

Tickets start at $78 plus tax for children ages 3-12 and $98 plus tax for adults. Prices go up on Jan. 21. The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates follows the invasion at 2:00 p.m, stepping off at Bay to Bay Boulevard and Bayshore Boulevard.

Get all of the details: gasparillapiratefest.com

TampaBayParenting.com 41

Tickets On Sale Now! 366606

AMALIE ARENA 42 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

JAN 25 – 29

RINGLING.COM

Corbett Preparatory School of IDS PreK3-8th grade

Admissions Open Houses

8:30 a.m. January 31 and March 7 Highly trained teachers provide academics with joy and challenge Brain-based teaching strategies reach and engage all learners Focus on team sports that provides options for every player Visual and performing arts that build confidence and creativity Social and emotional learning integrated into curriculum

TampaBayParenting.com 43

What's Happening

Your Neighborhood LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS AND MORE!

TICKETS TO THE 113TH FLORIDA STATE FAIR are on sale at FloridaStateFair.com and

Florida Walgreens locations beginning Jan. 2. The fair is scheduled to run Feb. 9-20 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, and a new featured attraction focuses on the history of confections. Sweets: A Tasty Journey is an interactive exhibit that blends traditional and modern educational techniques to explore the history of candy and its role in pop culture. It also features a giant Candy Land game, a “beanboozled” jellybean taste test challenge and candy-inspired art, including amazing replicas of famous paintings like the Mona Lisa created with jellybeans.

THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY (MOSI) AND GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM (GCM) FORMED SCIENCE ALLIANCE,

which offers out-of-the-classroom education opportunities to area children. It provides members of MOSI or GCM discounted admission to each other, and Science Alliance plans events to bring fun STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) learning to the community. “Science Alliance is the perfect way to recognize how vital hands-on learning is for children in our community,” says MOSI President & CEO Molly Demeulenaere, who also serves as co-chair of the Tampa Bay STEM Network.

AREA SCHOOL GARNERS ATTENTION OF POPULAR AUTHOR

Sligh Middle School recently announced that it has received a $3,000 grant from bestselling author James Patterson to support its school library. In addition, Scholastic Reading Club will match each dollar of Patterson’s donation with “bonus points” that teachers can use to acquire books and other materials for their classrooms.

BUSCH GARDENS PARTNERS WITH FLORIDA HOSPITAL CENTER ICE

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Florida Hospital Center Ice have entered into a multi-year partnership agreement for Busch Gardens to be the exclusive sponsor of the main NHL rink at the new facility in Wesley Chapel. Once completed, Florida Hospital Center Ice (FHCI) is being positioned to be the largest ice sports facility in the southeastern United States.

44 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

CLEARWATER SEEKS FOUR ASPIRING YOUNG TRAVELERS

The City of Clearwater is currently searching for four local high school students to embark on an educational trip halfway across the world to Japan.

Four students receive a $2,000 scholarship to spend one week during the summer of 2017 in Clearwater’s Sister City of Nagano, Japan as part of the Sister Cities International Exchange Program. To be eligible for this unique travel study opportunity, students must be a resident of Clearwater and enrolled in high school with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher, and they must also be enrolled in a class for world language, international business or comparative cultures or have completed a sequence of similar study.

Those interested must apply by Jan. 6, 2017. For information about all program requirements and to access an application, visit myclearwater.com/ sistercities.

ART CENTER INTRODUCES NEW $5.7 MILLION ADDITION

The Dunedin Fine Art Center recently celebrated the completion of the fourth and final phase of its Creative Visions Expansion with the formal ribboncutting ceremony of its second floor addition. The update brings an additional 7,300 square feet and six studio/classrooms to the Center’s main campus located at 1143 Michigan Blvd. in Dunedin.

“It’s great to see this campaign completed,” says Todd Still, DFAC’s director of Youth Education and DFAC’s project manager for all four phases of the construction. “I think this speaks strongly to the important role DFAC plays in the community,” adds Wheatley-Giliotti, who served as Chair of DFAC’s board of directors when the first phase began.

TampaBayParenting.com 45

We inspire passionate scholarship and compassionate citizenship, guided by a deep sense of integrity, responsibility, and determination to achieve one’s personal best.

Safety Harbor Montessori Academy 2669 N. McMullen Booth Road Clearwater, FL 33761 (727)724-1767 www.safetyharbormontessori.com 2 yrs. - 8th grade Individual tours available.

Please call for an appointment.

See Us in Action – OPEN HOUSE at Shorecrest Wednesday, Feb. 9 9-2pm See Shorecrest students and teachers in action. Ongoing throughout the day from 9am-2pm.

Visit more.shorecrest.org/openhouse for more info and to register.

Shorecrest is an independent, nonsectarian, coed, college preparatory day school for students preschool through high school, located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Proven results since 1923.

46 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

5101 1st St. NE | St. Petersburg, FL 33703| 727-522-2111

Our Top Picks DAY CAMPS AT LOWRY PARK ZOO Jan. 2-6, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Drop off the kids for a fun day camp at Tampa’s Lowry Park to wrap up their school winter break. Kids in grades K-3 can become Zooper Heroes and explore the awesome adaptations and abilities of animals. Kids in grades 4-8 can sign up for Comic Conservation and learn about raising awareness for conservation and helping endangered animals. One-day camps and fiveday camps are available. lowryparkzoo.com 4-13

CHILDREN’S BOARD FREE TUESDAY Jan. 3, noon – 7 p.m.

Take advantage of this free admission promotion at Glazer Children’s Museum presented in partnership with The Children's Board of Hillsborough County the first Tuesday every month. Adults must be accompanied by a child and vice versa. glazermuseum.org Everyone

MINECRAFT MANIA AT MOSI Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 1-3 p.m.

Learn or level up your Minecraft engineering skills in exciting educational challenges at MOSI. Event has limited availability so advance registration is highly recommended. Program fee is $15 members and $20 general admission. mosi.org 7-12

STARS OF TODAY MEET THE STARS OF TOMORROW – YAGP GALA Jan. 7, 8 p.m.

Attend the crown jewel of dance galas when it returns for a special evening featuring star professional dancers from the world’s top companies and the award-winning members of Next Generation Ballet and winners of the Youth America Grand Prix at this gala in Straz Center’s Ferguson Hall in Tampa. Tickets start at $35. strazcenter.org

MONSTER TRUCKS Opens Jan. 13

Meet a high school senior who builds a Monster Truck from car scraps in this latest animated action sci-fi film.

After a bizarre oil drilling accident, this teen finds an unlikely friend and the unexpected key to escaping his

What's Happening

THINGS TO DO

hometown. Film features voice talents of Lucas Till, Jane Levy, Rob Lowe and Amy Ryan. Running time, 104 minutes. 8 & Older

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS Jan. 14, 3 p.m.

See award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, ancient and contemporary music and spectacular costumes combine to tell a breathtaking and spellbinding story at the historic Tampa Theatre in downtown Tampa. Tickets are $33.50-$43.50 adults and $17.50-$22.50 for kids. tampatheatre.org Everyone

12TH ANNUAL SUNCOAST ARTS FEST Jan. 21-22, various times

Stop by The Shops at Wiregrass with family and friends and browse the work of over 125 fine artists and crafters upon the grounds of Wesley Chapel open-air retail village. Event includes live music, food and youth art activities, and runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. shopsatwiregrass.com Everyone

2017 TAMPA BAY BLACK HERITAGE FESTIVAL Jan 21-22, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Celebrate the many contributions and influences of African Americans as part of this family-friendly festival at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa. For a schedule of events including details about this year’s Music Fest lineup, go to tampablackheritage.org Everyone

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY® PRESENTS CIRCUS XTREME Jan. 25-29, various times

Take the family out for an exciting Big Top adventure as the circus visits Tampa’s Amalie Arena with its latest show. From high-wire wizards and powerful strongmen to BMX trick riders, trampoline daredevils and bungee aerial skydivers, acts from around the world perform daring and awe-inspiring feats of strength and wonder. For tickets, go to amaliearena.com Everyone

JERRY SEINFELD Jan. 26-27, various times

See a comedy legend bring his signature comedic style and timing and relatable humor to Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall for three shows. Tickets start at $58.75. rutheckerdhall.com Moms, Dads

JOSHUA BELL Jan. 29, 7 p.m.

Experience the violin prodigy and viral musical sensation as he brings his modern take on classical music to the Ferguson Hall stage at Straz Center in downtown Tampa. Tickets start at $45. strazcenter.org Everyone

2017 College Football Playoff national championship events AT&T PLAYOFF PLAYLIST LIVE! Jan. 6, 7 & 8

Don’t miss this free three-day music festival at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. On Friday, Eric Paslay will perform along with The Shadowboxers and Clare Dunn.

Flo Rida will headline Saturday’s performance with an additional performance by Cold War Kids. On Sunday, Jay Pharoah will be the guest host with Usher as the headlining act. Gavin DeGraw and Jamie N Commons will also perform on Sunday.

PLAYOFF FAN CENTRAL Jan. 6, 7, & 8

Head to the Tampa Convention Center to experience a 200,000-square foot college football themed park. The family-friendly event includes youth clinics, autograph sessions and pep rallies. Playoff Fan Central runs Friday, Jan. 6 (3-8 p.m.), Saturday, Jan. 7 (noon-8 p.m.), and Sunday, Jan. 8 (noon-8 p.m.). Single-tickets are $8 ($10 day of event) and children 12 and under are free with an accompanied adult.

MEDIA DAY Jan. 7, 9 a.m.-noon

Be there at the Amalie Arena as national media conducts interviews with coaches and student-athletes prior to the title game. ESPN will broadcast live from this free event.

EXTRA YARD 5K Jan. 8, 8 a.m.

Sign up for a family-friendly race held in conjunction with the College Football Playoff National Championship hosted here in Tampa. The 5K race takes a scenic route through iconic Bayshore Boulevard and downtown Tampa. The 5K starts at 8 a.m. with a Fun Run at 9 a.m.

Fees are $30 for 5K and $15 for Fun Run. Proceeds benefit Extra Yard for Teachers. Register at runsignup. com/extrayard5k. Everyone

TASTE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP Jan. 8, 7-10 p.m.

Sample gourmet foods and beverages representing geographic regions from around the country at this special foodie event hosted by The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Event will feature a variety of Tampa restaurants including 717 South, Ava, Bern’s Steakhouse, Goody Goody, Mise en Place and others. Cost is $250 general admission. Proceeds from the event support the College Football Playoff Foundation. flaquarium.org Moms, Dads

LEARN MORE tampabay2017.com

CHAMPIONSHIP BEACH BASH Jan. 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pack up the whole family for this fun event at Pier 60 Park along the white, sandy beaches of Clearwater Beach. Pep rally atmosphere offers a “Kids Zone” with games, inflatables, live music and more. For more information, call 727-562-4700.

TampaBayParenting.com 47

FLORIDA HOSPITAL NORTH

CEO, Tricial Williams and VP of Business Development Jason Dunkel at the Florida Hospital North Pinellas’s Lights of Love holiday event on Dec. 6.

PINELLAS’S

Carley Boyette and Glazer Children's Museum CEO Jennifer Stancil.

ABC MORNING BLEND HOST

6th annual Winter Wonder Ride fundraiser on Dec. 10 at Curtis Hixon Park rasied enough money to purchase 800 new bikes for underprivileged and foster children around the Tampa Bay Area.

THE RIDE - ONBIKES'

Photo by Joe Sale Photography and Tampa Image Factory.

48 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION and fireworks at Florida

Hospital Zephyrhills on Dec. 4.

What's Happening

Around Town TO SEE MORE PHOTOS, VISIT TBPARENTING.COM/FACEBOOK

paid a visit to his Treetop Lodge at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo during Christmas in the Wild creating fun, lasting memories for all!

THE BIG GUY IN RED

With all AROUND SIGHTS OF STUNNING LIGHTS, seasonal holiday treats, the excitement of festive entertainment and the magic of wildlife at night, Christmas in the Wild was festive fun for all!

In December, TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO guests experienced up-close encounters with animal ambassadors and saw many animals get into the Christmas spirit with fun seasonal enrichments!

MORE THAN 700 FASHION SAVVY GUESTS turned out to support St. Joseph’s

Women’s Hospital during the 28th Annual Georgette's Holiday Fashion Show, held at the Hilton Downtown Tampa on Dec. 2, 2016. The spectacular runway show and elegant luncheon, co-chaired by April La Cava and Lisa Gari, featured musical entertainment, professional dancers, celebrity models, 50/50 raffle drawings and live and silent auctions. The event raised more than $125,000 for the newborn resuscitation room at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital.

TampaBayParenting.com 49

Tampa Preparatory School grades 6 - 12

Active LeArning environments in every cLAssroom

Learn how our innovative approach best prepares the leaders of tomorrow

oPen HoUse January 25: Program begins 6:00 pm

www.tampaprep.org/oH

727 West Cass Street Tampa, FL 33606 | Tel 813.251.8481 | www.tampaprep.org

50 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

WHERE BELONGING LEADS TO LEARNING Does your child have an Individualized Education Plan? Are you looking for a school that believes your child can thrive with the right services to support them socially and academically? Pepin Academies is Enrolling Now! Serving 3rd –12th grades, and job training for young adults. Call us today and find out if your child is eligible.

TUITION FREE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIFIC LEARNING

DISABILITIES Tampa: 3916 E. Hillsborough Ave. (813) 236 -1755 Riverview: 9304 Camden Field Parkway (813) 533-2999 Pasco: 9804 Little Road (727) 233-2961 WWW.PEPINACADEMIES.COM

TampaBayParenting.com 51

Hillsborough County Magnet Schools Elementary school programs Animal Sciences, Creative Science Centre, Cultural Arts & Humanities, Gifted & Talent Development, International Studies, International Baccalaureate (IB), Medical & Science Exploration, Visual & Performing Arts and World Studies

Middle school programs Boys Preparatory Academy, Creative Science Centre, Cultural Arts & Humanities, Environmental Studies, Girls Preparatory Academy, International Baccalaureate (IB), International Studies, and Math, Science and Technology

High school programs Architecture, Arts, Biomedical-Biotechnical, Center for International Studies, Collegiate Academy, Computer Game Design, Computer Systems Engineering, Engineering, Health Professions, International Baccalaureate (IB) and Urban Teaching Academy (UTA)

Choice Information Line

2017-2018 elementary Application dates

January 5 - 20, 2017

52 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

813-272-4692 www.sdhc.k12.fl.us and search "go magnet"

SAVE $5 on Tickets!

Use offer code: MJ5SAVE

Restrictions and exclusions may apply. No double discounts. Subject to availability. Market prices are subject to supply and demand, and may change throughout and following the offer period.

Excludes premium seats. Offer good for all shows. Offer excludes day of show.

RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM

JAN 14 & FEB 4

370039

Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2016 Feld Entertainment, Inc.

MonsterJam.com

TampaBayParenting.com 53

What's Happening

JANUARY

MILES FOR MINDS 5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN Jan. 7, 8-10:30 a.m.

Join friends and neighbors as part of this Carrollwood Village community event at Carrollwood Cultural Center.

The 5K starts at 8 a.m.; Fun Run, at 9 a.m. Registration fee is $35. Portion of proceeds benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, Voices for Children and Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. Register at racehawk.com.

MEMBER MORNING AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Jan. 8, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS IDEA ZONE AT MOSI All Month

Create a fantastic menagerie from cardboard and explore creativity as part of this month’s Idea Zone theme, Cardboard Zoo, at Tampa’s MOSI. Visitors can learn new creative skills by making cardboard creations come to life with motors and other moving parts. Idea Zone activities are included with admission. mosi.org Everyone

NEW YEAR'S DAY AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Jan 1, noon - 4:30 p.m.

Start off the New Year with a day of play at Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete. Create a sensory collage with feathers, pom-poms and more.

Learn about New Year’s traditions from around the world and get a head start on Chinese New Year decorations.

Plus, make a family time capsule to mark life at the start of 2017. greatex.org Everyone

TAILGATE DAYS AT LOWRY PARK ZOO Jan. 1 and 8

Celebrate football season on designated days at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo. Join the Zoo as it hosts the wildest tailgate events in Tampa Bay with interactive games, food and drink, animal mingles and activities for the entire family. lowryparkzoo.com Everyone

MANAGING MOTHERHOOD Jan. 2, 4-5:30 p.m.

Take part in this monthly event created for new moms at Mease Countryside Hospital in Safety Harbor. Join others new to motherhood as they discuss challenges and emotional changes. Free. To register, go to baycare. org/events.

ST. PETE CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY/CAR SEAT CLASS Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 9:30 a.m. – Noon

Ensure your child’s safety while traveling at this class led by a nationally certified child passenger safety technician at All Children’s Outpatient Care main campus in St. Pete. Learn how to install and use the car seat correctly as well as when to transition your child to another seat. All appointments must be scheduled online. allkids.org

YBOR CITY SATURDAY MARKET Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Browse locally produced gourmet foods and other items as part of this popular weekly event in Ybor City’s Centennial Park. Check out one-of-a-kind pieces of art and meet the artists. Free admission. ybormarket.com

SKYWATCH Jan. 7, 7-9:30 p.m.

Join MOSI space experts in the staff parking lot for a night of space exploration through the museum’s telescopes. Skywatch events are free to the public. mosi.org Everyone

54 Tampa Bay Parenting JAN 2017

Spend the morning with the family at Glazer Children’s Museum in downtown Tampa the first Sunday every month. Invite other family members to join you and meet other members and special guests. glazermuseum.org Everyone

THE POUT-POUT FISH PUPPET SHOW Jan. 9 and 23, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Bring the little ones to the St. Pete Main Library for a fun puppet show put on by the Junior League of St. Petersburg. Shows are offered twice monthly. For more information about this and other events, call the library at 727-893-7724.

MAGNET & SCHOOL CHOICE EXPLORATIONS NIGHTS Jan. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Get valuable information about the magnet and school choice programs available through Hillsborough County Public Schools. This month’s parent information night is geared toward prospective elementary school students.

For location details as they become available, visit dhc. kl2.fl.us/magnet/. Moms, Dads

PIG OUT ON READING Jan. 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Join Farmer Minor and his pot-bellied pig Daisy as they stop by the Clearwater East Library on a nationwide tour of libraries and schools. Event is recommended for kids ages 4 and older. Learn more about Daisy and check out her coloring pages, photo album and list of favorite pig books at daisyminor.com. For additional information about her upcoming local visit, go to myclearwater.com/ cpl/.

CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m.

See the groundbreaking, critically-acclaimed Broadway hit filled with exotic encounters and inspired by nature’s unpredictable creations as it hits the stage at The Mahaffey in St. Pete. Tickets are $29.50-$59.50. themahaffey.com Everyone

CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE EVENTS Jan. 12, 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Meet faculty and ask questions about the International Baccalaureate World School programs available at the Carrollwood school. Open house events scheduled at 9:30 a.m. for parents of elementary school students and 7 p.m. for families seeking high school program information. RSVP at http://budurl.com/CDSRSVP16.

ACADEMY AT THE LAKES ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE Jan. 12, 9-11 a.m.

Learn about the various programs offered through Academy at the Lakes in Land O’ Lakes. Parents with students entering grades PreK3-4 can meet staff and faculty, and get questions answered. RSVP at academyatthelakes.org/rsvp-open-house. For more information, call 813-909-7919.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Jan. 13, 6-10 p.m.

Drop off the kids at the St. Petersburg museum with trusted team members for a night of science fun while you enjoy a date night. Children can play, explore the Touch Tunnel, watch science shows and catch a G-rated movie. Pizza, snacks and juice are included. Advance registration is required. Cost is $25 members; $35 nonmembers. greatex.org 4-10

GREAT FUTURES GOLF CHALLENGE Jan. 13, Noon

Hit the links and raise money for The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay at this benefit hosted by The Groves Golf & Country Club in Land O’ Lakes. Funds raised provide scholarships for children in need. bgctampa.org

GULFPORT MLK DAY Jan. 14, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Take part in the City of Gulfport’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Recruit friends and family to join in the effort and register your 2017 Day of Service project at mygulfport.us/mlkdayofservice2017/. #MLKDay

KID ZUMBA Jan. 14, 11-11:45 a.m.

Keep kids active as part of this activity being offered to families at the Temple Terrace Public Library. Kids move to music for fun and fitness. For more information, call 813-506-6770.

WINTER WONDERLAND Jan. 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join Great Explorations for a special celebration of the beauty and wonder of the winter season "SunshineState style." Play with Florida snow, create Frosty trail mix, learn about cold weather creatures and challenge friends and family in a faux snowball fight. Activities are included with admission. greatex.org Everyone

IMAGINATION BOX Jan. 14, 10-11:30 a.m.

Bring the kids to a special event designed to help children expand their creativity at Safety Harbor City Park. Visitors get a chance to let their imagination flow and grow through play with boxes and cardboard. Cost is $2 per child. cityofsafetyharbor.com

CAPT. “SULLY” SULLENBERGER Jan. 15, 7 p.m.

Hear from the “Miracle on the Hudson” pilot captain as he brings his stories from his career and lifelong lessons to the stage for a special presentation at The Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete. Event also includes a Q&A session with the aviation safety expert and accident investigator.

Tickets start at $67.50. themahaffey.com 12 & Older

DAY CAMP AT MOSI – MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY Jan. 16, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Enroll little innovators in day camp at MOSI while the kids are out for the MLK, Jr. holiday. Participants get to think outside the box and build original creations from a variety of materials as part of the Engineering Innovators School Break Camp for grades K-5. Fee is $25 members and $35 non-members. Extended hours are available. mosi.org 4-10

DAY CAMPS AT LOWRY PARK ZOO – MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY Jan. 16, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sign up the kids for a day camp at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo while they are out of school in honor of MLK, Jr. Day. Students in grades K-3 can take We Speak for the Trees as they discover the diversity of plants and animals unique to rainforests and learn ways to save their shrinking habitat. Kids in grades 4-8 embark on Animals 101 and get a crash course in animal classification, learning about their favorite animals and facts surrounding them. lowryparkzoo.com 4-13

MLK, JR. DAY AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Jan. 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Stop by the St. Petersburg children's museum and celebrate the life, words and ideas of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Children can make a necklace in tribute and build a peace and equality collage. Day will also include “I Have a Dream” paper dolls, a dream chain throughout the museum and an inspiring storytime. All activities are included in admission. greatex.org Everyone

While great care was taken in compiling the calendar, it’s always best to phone ahead to confirm information.

OCEAN WILD: THE LIGHTS BENEATH THE SEAS Jan. 17, 7 p.m.

Get lost in Brian Skerry’s mesmerizing underwater images that illuminate the vast, hidden world beneath the waves as part of this unique event at Straz Center’s Ferguson Hall. Join the photographer for an intimate look at dolphin intelligence and enigmatic manatees, and learn what it was like to capture the first photos of Atlantic Bluefin tuna in the wild. strazcenter.org 10 & Older

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE Jan. 17, noon – 3:30 p.m.

Come out for a parade and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King and the beautiful diversity and community spirit of the Bay area as the two-mile route starts off winding through East Tampa’s Cuscaden Park and ends at Middleton High School in Tampa. Floats, bands, cars, trucks, motorcycles, equestrian and walking units will be taking part in this year’s event. Free to attend. mlkjrparade.com

WINTER OPEN HOUSE AT BERKELEY PREP Jan. 18, 9-11:30 a.m.

Visit Berkeley Preparatory School for a closer look at the academics, arts and athletics programs available for students entering middle and upper divisions (grades 6-12) at the South Tampa school. Registration starts at 8:45 a.m. with program to begin at 9 a.m. berkeleyprep.org

FLORIDA TREASURES: A VIVA FLORIDA HISTORY EXPLORATION Jan. 18, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Meet up with a pair of tourists who discover a treasure chest full of historical artifacts and are transported back in time in a fun-filled journey through Florida history in this production from A.C.T. for Youth at Carrollwood Cultural Center. For tickets, go to carrollwoodcenter.org.

LITTLE AMIGOS CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERIES Jan. 18 and 25, Feb. 1, 8 and 15, 1010:45 a.m.

Sign up your family for this 5-week playgroup for 2-, 3and 4-year-olds that exposes English-speaking children to Spanish through fun activities led by Baby Bungalow and hosted by Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in Central Tampa in Ybor City. Facilitators use music, singing and rhyme. Register at 813-204-1741.

HOME SCHOOL DAYS AT GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: SCIENCE FAIR Jan. 18, 2-5 p.m.

Bring along the kids for this first ever event being hosted by Glazer Children’s Museum. Home school and Virtual School students can enter their science fair project through Jan. 11. Students will have access to a six-foot table and one folding table for setup and all projects will be displayed with their student scientist at the museum for this event. For more information, go to glazermuseum.org/event/hschoolsciencefair. Everyone

CHILDREN'S GASPARILLA PARADE AND “PIRATETECHNIC” EXTRAVAGANZA Jan. 21, 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Don your best swashbuckling gear for this pirate celebration along Bayshore Boulevard. Day includes Bicycle and Pedestrian SafetyRodeo (11 a.m.), Preschooler's Stroll (1:30 p.m.), Gasparilla Air Invasion and Socom Day Jump (2:45 p.m.) with the Children's Parade to start at 3:30 p.m. Festivities end with “Piratetechnic” fireworks display at 7 p.m. Shuttle available for $10 per adult with children accompanied by an adult ride free. gasparillapiratefest.com/childrens-fest/. Everyone

COPACABANA, 2017 ANNUAL STAGEWORKS GALA

Jan. 21, 7-11 p.m.

Show your support for Tampa’s Stageworks Theatre by attending the venue’s annual fundraiser hosted by the Stetson Law Center in Tampa. This year’s theme is Copacabana. For tickets and other details, go to

stageworkstheatre.org. Moms, Dads

CARROLLWOOD VILLAGE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Jan. 21, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sell your gently used wares or browse for a hidden treasure or two at this free community event open to the public and held on the grounds of the Carrollwood Cultural Center. Event will also feature local music artists and bands. To participate in sale, download a table reservation form at carrollwoodcenter.org and submit by Jan. 13.

PIGZ IN Z’HILLS BBQ & BLUES Jan. 21, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sample culinary creations of both local and out-oftown barbecue chefs at this family-friendly event being held in its new location, across from the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. This year’s event features tasty barbecue, live blues music, a car and motorcycle show, aircraft displays, business showcase and Kidz Zone games and activities led by East Pasco YMCA. Admission is free. Parking is $10. zephyrhillschamber.org

DUNEDIN CONCERT BAND PERFORMANCE: A CONCERT FOR CHILDREN Jan. 22, 3:30 p.m.

Children can learn the components of concert band as part of this musical event offered through Dunedin Parks & Recreation at Dunedin Community Center.

The Dunedin Concert Band and a narrator guide kids through “Yankee Doodling,” a thematic approach that introduces the various instruments of the band using a familiar tune. Free to attend; recommended $10 donation. thedcb.com

JACK HANNA’S INTO THE WILD LIVE Jan. 22, 3 p.m.

Say hello to an array of live, exotic animals in the company of beloved animal expert, storyteller and conservationist Jack Hanna as he introduces them to the audience at The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg. Tickets are $29.50-$47.50. themahaffey.com 6 & Older

WONDER YEARS SERIES Jan. 23 and 30, Feb. 6, 13 and 27, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

SPECIAL NEEDS Sponsored by Early Autism Project www.EAPTampa.com

SENSORY FRIENDLY FILMS AT AMC THEATERS Jan. 14 and 28 Take advantage of unique sensory-friendly movie showings offered the second and fourth Saturday monthly as part of this partnership between AMC Theaters and the Autism Society. Guests will experience lowered lights and sound, and enjoy the freedom of getting up to dance, walk, shout or sing during screenings. Check local theater listings for specific showtimes and titles being featured. amctheatres.com Everyone

FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP Jan. 3, 6:30-7:30 a.m.

Chat with other parents of special needs kids at this monthly support group hosted by Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital Child Development and Rehabilitation Center in St. Pete. RSVP at 727-767-2885. johnshopkinsallchildrens.org Moms, Dads

GREAT CONNECTIONS AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Jan. 8, 10 a.m. - noon

Roam the exhibit rooms at Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Petersburg with other special needs families while the venue is closed to the public. This month, the museum partners with Blossom Family Chiropractic.

Admission is $5 general and free for members. greatex.org 6 & Older

Sign up you and your child for this 5-week developmental playgroup for 2- and 3-year-olds to target early childhood development offered through Champions for Children and led by Baby Bungalow at Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in North Tampa. Families take part in activities focused on music, singing, rhymes, stories and other creative elements to promote preschool readiness. To register, call 813-558-1877.

CARD STATEWIDE CONFERENCE Jan. 20-22, various times

10TH ANNUAL FOUNDERS LUNCHEON Jan. 27, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

SUNSHINE SUNDAY Jan. 29, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Show your support for the Dunedin Fine Art Center and its role in the community by attending this annual fundraiser hosted by the DFAC Sterling Society at Bon Appetit in Dunedin. Event includes social hour, silent auction and raffle followed by luncheon and a keynote speaker. For more information and tickets, go to dfac.org.

Attend this annual event hosted by USF's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando. Hear presentations from this year's lineup of speakers and connect with others impacted by autism and other related disabilities. cardconference.net Moms, Dads

Experience Glazer Children’s Museum with lights and sounds lowered and special programming available for those with special needs to enjoy the museum exclusively. Free for members and $5 nonmembers. glazermuseum.org Everyone

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK GASPARILLA PIRATE FEST AND PARADE OF THE PIRATES Jan. 28, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Get ready for colorful beads and costumes as a Tampa tradition returns. Follow the floats as the parade launches at 2 p.m. with marching bands and krewes strolling a 4.5-mile parade route along Bayshore Boulevard and into Downtown Tampa. gasparillapiratefest.com/main-festival/. Moms & Dads

CAVE EXPLORERS WITH MOSI Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join MOSI to explore underground caverns in the Withlacoochee State Forest as part of this outdoor event. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and expect a full day of exploration and adventure amid stalactites, stalagmites and other geological treasures. Program fee is $25 members and $35 general. mosi.org 8 & Older

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A BEAUTIFUL PLANET All Month

Check out Earth from space and join astronauts aboard the International Space in this IMAX film co-produced with Disney in cooperation with NASA and showing at Tampa’s MOSI. One IMAX® film is included with MOSI general admission. mosi.org Everyone

NATIONAL PARKS ADVENTURE All Month

Photo Courtesy Tampa Bay History Museum

ART PRESERVING EDEN Through Jan. 8, 2017, various times

See this retrospective of Florida snapshots by legendary outdoor photographer Clyde Butcher in this exhibit at Tampa Bay History Center before it closes this month.

The exhibit highlights Florida’s indigenous flora and fauna, and spotlights early Floridian naturalists. tampabayhistorycenter.org Everyone

FRIDA KAHLO AT THE DALI Dec. 17 – Apr. 17, various times

Check out the newest exhibit on display at The Dali in St. Petersburg showcasing the extraordinary career and life of the acclaimed 20th century artist. More than 60 Kahlo works are on displaying including paintings, drawings and numerous personal photographs from the celebrated female artist and influential icon. thedali.org 8 & Older

DOWNTOWN DUNEDIN ART FESTIVAL Jan. 7-8, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Browse original handmade work by fine artists from across the country on Main Street and available for purchase. See a wide array of media and engage with the artists onsite. artfestival.com Everyone

SATURDAYS @ THE MOREAN Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Bring the kids for free art activities at this family drop-in art studio hosted by The Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg. Classes are held in the Children's Learning Center, and parents and/or guardians must remain with their children at all times. moreanartscenter.org 5-10

Fly over red rock canyons and scale steep mountain peaks among America’s most legendary outdoor places in the Florida Hospital IMAX® DOME Theatre at MOSI. Filmed in more than 30 national parks, the movie celebrates 100 years of National Park Service. mosi.org Everyone

ROBOTS All Month

Discover the future of robots in this IMAX film being shown currently at Tampa’s MOSI. Watch how scientists are using innovative engineering and design to make cyber characters less humanoid and more human. mosi.org Everyone

WILD AFRICA All Month

Check out MOSI’s latest IMAX film that takes audiences from the highest snow-covered mountains in Kenya and great rivers to the steamy rainforests and wide-open savannahs. One standard IMAX film is included with MOSI general admission. mosi.org Everyone

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY Select Dates in January

See The Rebellion in action as they plot to steal plans to the Death Star for this limited engagement at MOSI’s Florida Hospital IMAX Dome. Film stars Felicity Jones and Ben Mendelsohn. For tickets and showtimes, visit mosi.org. 9 & Older

A DOG’S PURPOSE Opens. Jan. 27

Petersburg venue. Dubbed “haunting” and “electrifying”

by The Washington Post, the story is set in a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1991 and shines a light on America’s newly freed men and women as they ventured into a new world. americanstage.org Teen & Older

LATIN NIGHTS Jan. 19, 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Get a taste of Latin-inspired food and dance at Maestro's Restaurant in downtown Tampa. Enjoy tapas and drink specials while moving to the rhythms of a live salsa band and DJ. Dance instructors will be on hand for salsa lessons. Tickets are $15. strazcenter.org Girls Night Out, Date Night

RIVERDANCE Jan. 20-21, various times

Catch this Irish dance phenomenon in motion when it returns to Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall for one weekend of shows. Shows are 8 p.m. Friday, and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets start at $35. rutheckerdhall.com Everyone

SHEN YUN Jan. 27-28, various times

Watch the ancient world come to life onstage with the beauty of classical Chinese dance, ethnic and folk dances, and breathtaking costumes, music and backdrops for a weekend of shows at The Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. Shows are 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets run $73.50-$203.50. themahaffey.com Everyone

SOUNDS OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT: THE POWER OF SONG Jan. 8-9, various times

Get inspired and celebrate the important role music played in the Civil Rights Movement and its continued impact at this concert hosted by The Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College. Show includes singers, musicians and narrators from the Bay area and beyond as a kickoff event to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and upcoming Day of Service projects. Admission is free but tickets required. mypalladium.org Everyone

Go on an adventure with a dog seeking to find his mission in life over the course of multiple lifetimes and owners in this latest family drama. Film features Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad, Britt Robertson and Logan Miller. Rated PG. 8 & Older

ST. PETE BEACH COREY AREA CRAFT FESTIVAL Jan. 14-15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

View work by local and national crafters at this two-day juried art event on St. Pete Beach. See an array of handmade arts and crafts and gift items, and visit the Green Market to shop for handmade soaps, plants, dips and gourmet sauces. Free admission. artfestival.com Everyone

MUSIC & COMEDY

THEATRE & DANCE AS YOU LIKE IT Jan. 11 – Feb. 5, various times

Spend an evening with the Bard as Jobsite Theater brings back one of Shakespeare’s most iconic plays to the stage at Tampa’s Straz Center. From gender roles and nature to politics, all becomes a muddle in this clever and astute comedy that reflects on how bewildering and pleasurable life can be. Shows run 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $28. jobsitetheater.org 10 & Older

FILM

JOE TURNER’S COME AND GONE Jan. 18 – Feb. 19, various times Experience the epic conclusion of American Stage’s journey through August Wilson’s Century Cycle with this latest production opening this month at the St.

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REAL MUSIC SERIES AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA Jan. 9 - Mar. 4, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Busch Gardens Tampa's longest running concert series returns with concerts spanning music from the 1950s to today. This month's concerts are Shirley Alston Reeves (of The Shirelles), The Diamonds, The Platters and Fernando Varela. Concerts are free with park admission. buschgardenstampa.com Everyone

BILLY GARDELL Jan. 13, 8 p.m.

Laugh along to the standup of this TV favorite from the hit series Mike & Molly when he takes the stage at The Mahaffey in St. Petersburg. His grounded, down-toearth point of view strikes a strong chord with American audiences as he shares stories about a rough childhood, wild adolescence and new family life. Tickets start at $35.50. themahaffey.com Moms, Dads

RAYMOND JAMES POPS: BRAVO BROADWAY BY TFO Jan. 13-15, various times

Enjoy the best of Broadway’s biggest shows and enduring musical classics from “Phantom of the Opera,” “West Side Story,” “My Fair Lady” and more performed by The Florida Orchestra at three Bay area venues this month. TFO takes the stage at Tampa’s Straz Center at 8 p.m. (Jan. 13), at St. Pete’s Mahaffey Theater at 8 p.m. (Jan. 14) and Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall at 7:30 p.m. (Jan. 15). floridaorchestra. org Everyone

TAMPA BAY SOULFEST Jan. 15, 7 p.m.

Hear from some of the best R&B artists as this special musical event brings performers like Brian McKnight, Johnny Gill and Al B. Sure to USF Sun Dome in Tampa. Tickets start at $51.75. sundomearena.com Everyone

ETHAN BORTNICK AT THE PALLADIUM Jan. 15, 7 p.m.

Catch this talented 15-year-old when he brings his singing and piano-playing talents to The Palladium Theater in St. Pete for a special Mahaffey on the Move performance. Bortnick will perform everything from crowd favorites from the Beatles, Elton John and Michael Jackson to Chopin classical renditions and Broadway show tunes. Tickets are $20-$40. themahaffey.com Everyone

TERRY FATOR: IT STARTS TONIGHT Jan. 29, 7 p.m.

Meet up with a cast of characters as the comedian, ventriloquist and singer dubbed “The Voice of Entertainment” brings this eclectic mix of personalities and talents to Mahaffey Theater in St. Pete. Catch up with Winston the Impersonating Turtle, World’s Greatest Elvis Impersonator Maynard Thompkins, Walter T. Airdale, Duggie Scott Walker and more. Tickets are $49.50-$79.50. themahaffey.com 8 & Older

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

It is never too soon to get started.”

Champions for Children also works hard to bring recognition and inclusion for a sometimes overlooked but crucial ingredient in a child’s success: fathers. “A common mistake many of us make is our unintended exclusion of fathers by mothers and by professionals in the field,” says McEwen. “As providers, we tend to treat men the way they feel about themselves – as secondary.

And as parents, men usually defer to women – either a child’s mother or a female professional - especially with 0-5 year old children.”

Champions for Children has partnered with Allegany Franciscan Ministries to implement a fathersand-babies-only developmental playgroup to help dads build confidence and attachment early.

“We’ve learned that men tend to let their guard down about their knowledge and needs as fathers when they are around other men,” says McEwen. “Men have unique skills and value in families and in parenting - equal in value to women, but different. Where women tend to explore through talking something out, men look for a task or a problem to solve. It’s a tangible way to feel like a useful contributor.”

Putting these lessons into practice through these programs and constant engagement in the community is how this invaluable agency serves the smallest and most vulnerable members of our community.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Kindergarten Council, the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/AdvancED. Westlake offers a well-rounded program in all academic subjects, technology, fine arts, athletics and leadership.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS CENTER ACADEMY

727 541-5716 centeracademy.com

Lutz – 1520 Land O’Lakes Blvd.

813 909-9442 Palm Harbor – 34054 US 19 N. 727 781-2986 Pinellas Park – 6710 86th Ave. N. 727 541-5716 Riverview – 10518 Riverview Drive 813 677-7777 Happy. Secure. Inspired. Center Academy students in Lutz, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park and Riverview appreciate the individualized attention and support they receive. Parents appreciate opportunities for success. Founded in 1968 and SACS accredited, Center Academy provides a small, safe setting to help students to focus, organize, and learn. We work with students in grades 4-12 with ADHD and learning differences and accept McKay, Gardiner and Step Up Scholarships. Dual enrollment and summer programs are available.

“As we move into our 40th year of service to this community, we celebrate the value and power of strong families,” says McEwen “It’s the best investment we can make if we want to have thriving children. We encourage you join us in your commitment to that goal and to reach out and learn more about what our agency might have available to support you in helping your children thrive.”

For more information about Champions for Children, visit http://cfctb.org/.

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Behind the scenes AT OUR COVER SHOOT

With James W. Warren IV (Shamus), his son James W. Warren V (Whit), 7, and daughter Wesleigh, 3.

Photos by Nicole Geller of Nicole Geller Photography

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