October 2017

tampabayparenting.com

OCTOBER 2017

Smart arts Set the stage for success

COVER STORY

stronger together Hope after the fire: Lee Elementary

FALL EVENTS

HURRICANE RELIEF TAMPA BAY GIVES BACK A healthier family

TIPS FROM THE YMCA

pages 55 - 65

PUMPKIN PATCHES HALLOWEEN EVENTS DIY COSTUMES

GUEST EDITOR

SUZANNE LIVESAY of the David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Education Guide

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OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 3

Contents / OCTOBER 2017

SECTIONS 9 10 12 13 14 16 19

27 31 36

40 43

44

48 50 55

68 72

14

LIFE + HOME

LaurelBox Coping after loss Florida Aquarium A letter from the CEO Family Law Estate planning tips from Mastry Law Great Explorations Celebrates 30 Years Hurricane Irma Local family rides out Irma in St. Thomas Guest Editor The arts are smart Theater Etiquette Rules of engagement

EDUCATION

Choice The school puzzle demystified Open House 7 questions to ask Lee Elementary Life after the fire

BEAUTY + STYLE

Runway Translator Florida fall fashion What's in Your Bag? with blogger Janie Porter

FOOD + DRINK

Fall Favorite Cooking with squash

HEALTH + WELLNESS

Pediatric Neurology What you need to know A Healthy Family Tips from the YMCA Ask the Doctor Halloween safety tips

36

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Top Picks Things to do with the family Around Town Hurricane relief efforts across Tampa Bay

FEATURES

20 57

43

ON THE COVER

EDUCATION DIRECTORY Your guide to area schools

FALL FAMILY FUN Tampa Bay's best pumpkin patches and corn mazes, DIY Halloween costumes, Our favorite family-friendly Halloween events

This month's cover, Lee Elementary students Andrew Hedrick, Isabella Piccirillo, Ja'Quayvia Slaughter, Zuri Schoensee, Miracle Smith.

Cover image by Grayson Kamm

4 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

50

Tickets On Sale Now! Available for purchase at themahaffey.com or 727-893-7832

1701596

MAHAFFEY THEATER OCT 20 – 22 SesameStreetLive.com

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 5

Guest editor note

GUEST EDITOR

Suzanne Livesay

CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER Laura Byrne

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anu Varma Panchal

An Inspiring Role

Setting the stage for lifelong success

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sarah Stoulil

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Suzanne Livesay Anu Varma Panchal Sommer Stiles Roger Germann Mike Mastry Lael Arango Jake and Michelle Schomp Marlowe Fairbanks Jeff Eakins Karen Vaughn Michelle Bremer Janie Porter Carley Boyette Lalita Llerna Jill Hechtman, M.D.

CALENDAR Chris Kuhn

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Page Four Creative

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Theresa NeSmith Photography Darlene Barlows Photography Grayson Kamm

INTERN

Rosie Raggio

BOOKKEEPING

Employee of the Month, LLC

I’m delighted to play the role of guest editor for this month’s “Tampa Bay Parenting.” As vice president of education at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, I direct the vision and logistics of the Patel Conservatory with the input of a dedicated staff of artist-teachers. Acting as the “principal” of the conservatory, I have the pleasure of working in one of the area’s most inspiring venues in a position that oversees performing arts training to students of all ages.

Ever since my children’s theater and school choir days growing up in St. Pete, the arts have been a source of joy, challenge and fulfillment for me.

They led me to my undergrad degree in musical theater, a professional performance career just out of college and to my ultimate calling, directing middle and high school theater. My patient and supportive husband Gil

also found youth work to be his life’s passion. So, our careers took us from central Florida, to Denver (twice), Atlanta and back to Orlando. In September 2014, my career led us with our two teenage performing artsfocused daughters, Micah and Wren, to a transformed Tampa Bay area.

What has not changed since my childhood is the need for students of all ages to observe and participate in the performing arts. The benefits of exposure to and training in the arts reaches beyond a simple performance into the very being of the person, helping form who he or she is and will become.

SUZANNE LIVESAY

Vice President of Education, DAVID A. STRAZ, JR. CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

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

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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 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

MORE WITH SUZANNE LIVESAY on page 16

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LaurelBox | Life + Home

Laurelbox Laurelbox: Tampa company helps women deal with loss

such as candles, linens and jewelry.

The company was founded by Denise

The two women, also mothers, oversee every aspect from design to shipping with care. They ensure the customer experi-

Wolfe and Johanna Mutz, cousins and

ence is straightforward and personal. The

best friends from Cincinnati, Ohio, and

majority of their customers are a friend

Tampa, Florida. Denise and Johanna

of someone who has experienced loss, but

he sixteenth of July. I never forget a birthday (I never

witnessed close friends experience the

like myself, there are many individuals

forget his birthday). The house smells like birthday

loss of a child and struggled with what

who have experienced loss more directly

cake, the rich, moist yellow cake of our youth. I can

to say or send to comfort them during

and are drawn to their brand.

By Sommer Stiles

T

artisan businesses and include items

almost taste it. A candle has been lit, but there’s no one to

their grief. Denise commissioned an

Most people have a “second story,” Mutz

blow it out. We let it burn.

artist to make a print, Johanna had a

says. The story may be one that they don’t

custom necklace made, but they sought

tell but is an influential part of who they

that I don’t celebrate his birthday. I think about him all the

My brother passed away 28 years ago, but not a year goes by

to do more. After six months of product

are. Because friends often struggle with

days between birthdays, but on this day, we celebrate his life

development, Laurelbox was born.

what to say or what to do, those grieving

and we remember. This year we started a new tradition: the

Named after the hardy laurel tree, the

tend to hide their stories not wanting to

birthday candle. A small mason jar, soy wax hand-poured over

company’s mission is to “nourish a

cause an uncomfortable situation. Howev-

rainbow sprinkles. One burned in my home, the other in my

woman’s heart after loss” and as Johan-

er, the truth is that many wish to be asked

parents, until all that was left was soot glass. Subtle yet com-

na states, “support the supporters.”

about the loved one passed who may be

memorative, it was a gift I discovered through Laurelbox.

Laurelbox is a boutique, online gift company specializing in gifts and gift boxes intended for woman who have experienced loss. The shop offers over 50 thoughtfully curated gifts that are then hand-packaged and sent with an inspiring note.

lost but not forgotten.

Laurelbox is a boutique, online gift company specializing in gifts and gift boxes intended for women who have experienced loss. Laurelbox.com

Products are either hand-made or sourced from other small, OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 9

Life + Home | Florida Aquarium

Learn more about The Florida Aquarium at flaquarium.org

endangered coral reefs and studying sharks that desperately need our help.

We’ve recently launched The Florida Aquarium Center for Conservation at Apollo Beach, which is one of the few conservation outposts of its kind. In the future, we’ll open this important research and conservation facility to the public, but until then, we’re immersing ourselves in critical scientific work.

Recent national studies confirm that we are inspired by the ocean, but often remain unwilling to accept that it is in trouble. Our children deserve the best.

As parents, my wife and I will work tirelessly to leave our earth better for our children and yours. As community leaders, the Aquarium’s dedicated staff and volunteers will work tirelessly to “wow” and inspire you and your children and take action on behalf of animals and ecosystems that rely on our help.

Leaving Chicago wasn’t easy, but my wife and I can think of no better community in which to raise our family and change the world than the Tampa Bay region, which provides an incredible quality of life for all. From its rich Cuban heritage to the diversity of our community, we’re one incredible melting pot of ideas, culture and people. The Florida Aquarium is proud to be a strong member of our diverse

mother ocean

Our blue planet needs our help

community, providing a safe place to

now more than ever, and The Florida

play, learn, explore, laugh and create

Aquarium is leading the charge to

family memories that last a lifetime.

protect and restore this one-time gift

As a fellow parent, let me personally

from Mother Nature. Our children are

invite you and your family to visit

our most important treasures, and at

our Aquarium, attend one of our

our Aquarium — and yes, this crown

kid-friendly programs, or join me and

jewel of Tampa is OUR aquarium–

my wife in supporting our important

we’re investing our time, talent and

efforts. Our kids are counting on us

resources in providing world-class,

to protect and restore our blue planet,

educational and fun experiences.

and our blue planet is counting on our

Whether your family comes face-to-face

Florida Aquarium—but we can’t do it

Being a parent is one of the most

with sharks behind the giant acrylic

without you.

tremendous responsibilities anyone

window in our Coral Reef exhibit, or

can take on. It also can be one of the

gets wet in our newly renovated Splash

most daunting because as parents, we

Pad, or whether your kids meet a

regularly ponder what the future holds

penguin or attend one of our award-

for our children. One area of concern

winning education classes, there’s

is the health of our planet, and that’s

something for everyone to enjoy at our

why I’m honored to lead The Florida

Florida Aquarium.

A letter from Florida Aquarium CEO, Roger Germann

By Roger Germann

ROGER GERMANN is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Florida Aquarium.

Germann spent 16 years at the John

Aquarium, along with my family and

As good stewards of the planet,

our passionate and experienced staff,

we’re also rolling up our sleeves and

executive vice president at the time of his departure. His

to be part of the solution.

saving injured sea turtles, restoring

background includes consulting, politics and television.

10 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where he served as

for

your little guppies

OCTober 24 & 25, 1-5 P.M. Enjoy a spooktacular weekend, as kids can trick or treat throughout the Aquarium, while viewing 20,000 amazing sea creatures in a fun, safe setting.

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5 PM (Limit 4 children per adult at this price.)

Adults and over – pay general admission.

We’ll be packed to the gills with goodies.

Kidsage can12trick-or-treat throughout the Aquarium and view endless amazing Members children under two getcarvings. in free. All exhibits will be open, sea creatures in a fun, safe setting.Aquarium There will even beand underwater pumpkin

including Fins, our new plazaattiki and The Splash Pad. Just purchase youroutdoor tickets onsite thebar, Aquarium ticket booth.

KIDS IN COSTUME GET IN FOR ONLY $10 flaquarium.org | 813.273.4000

(Limit 4 children per adult at this price.)

Non-Member adults (age 12+) regular priced admission. Aquarium Members and children under two get in FREE. Purchase your tickets onsite at the Aquarium booth.

OCTOBER 2017ticket | TampaBayParenting.com

11

Life + Home | Famliy Law

SPONSORED

Do You Know What Would Happen To Your Kids If Something Happened to You?

This Story Will Break Your Heart

The answer may surprise you…

In 2006 Casey and Melanie Barber were on a summer vacation with their three children when their van blew a tire and spun out of control, resulting in a horrifying accident that left Casey and Melanie dead. Miraculously, all three of their boys survived the accident.

In the aftermath of the accident there was confusion among family members concerning who would care for the children.

Because the Barbers left no clear instructions, this confusion

ultimately resulted in a court battle over custody of the boys (and their inheritance) that lasted for more than a year, involved no less that nine different attorneys and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in attorney and court time.

In the end, the court appointed a legal guardian who may or may not have been the person who Casey and Melanie would have wanted to raise their children. We’ll never know because they never made their wishes known.

It Doesn’t Have to Be That Way for Your Family…

Like many parents with minor children at home, the Barbers didn’t take the time to put a plan together that would have protected their children after their accident. “Many parents have so many questions about estate planning and feel so overwhelmed by the thought of their children being raised without them that they procrastinate and do nothing at all,” says St. Petersburg attorney, Mike Mastry. He adds, “I know how it feels. I’m a dad too.”

“The most important thing that any parent can do is name a guardian for their children,” explains Mastry. “Most people don’t realize that if you don’t legally name a guardian to raise your children, then the courts will do it for you; and they may not choose the person that you would have wanted.”

system. Getting information about the basics of a good estate plan is the first step. The second step is to speak to an estate planning attorney about your unique family dynamic and your specific goals questions, offer advice for how to best provide for your children, and craft a plan that meets your needs.

With a good attorney, the process of estate planning shouldn't be intimidating, difficult or even time consuming. It should however be a fundamental requirement for every parent.

Every loving parent understands the need to have a plan in place should something happen to them. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding wills, trusts, and the court

Attorney Mike Mastry is committed to preserving the legacy of individuals and families as a lawyer focusing on Estate Planning Law. He is also a dedicated father and husband, an accomplished woodworker, and a third-generation fisherman who grew up on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Are You Living with A False Sense of Security?

A Parent’s Lack of Knowledge and Misunderstanding About Estate Plans and Wills Can End Up Hurting Their Children

In this free report, A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning, we reveal the most frequently asked questions that we hear from parents of minor children, and the questions that parents should be asking to best protect their children. In this report, you will discover: • The legal documents that every parent must have to best protect their children; • Important documents that most estate planning attorneys rarely discuss with their clients; • How to choose the right guardian for your children; and • As a bonus, we show you how to choose the right estate planning attorney for families who have children at home.

Take the first step toward insuring that your children will be taken care of, no matter what happens to you.

Download your free copy of A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning at www.MastryLawParentsGuide.com

12 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Your Children Through Estate Planning is a must-have resource for every parent.

Great Explorations | Life + Home

cheers TO 30 YEARS GREAT EXPLORATIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CELEBRATING MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

By Lael Arango

In 1986, the Junior League of St. Petersburg and Hands On! Inc. established Great Explorations, the first science center and children’s museum in Tampa Bay. Their vision was to provide a space for children to learn through creativity, play and exploration. Since then, across three locations and other changes (including the addition of a preschool), Great Explorations has been a constant in St. Petersburg.

The road was not always smooth. The economic downturn of 2008 hit the museum hard. Tourism dropped, attendance declined and outside funding decreased as the government and corporations scaled down spending. Limited resources led to shabby exhibits and reduced programming, and our image suffered. With our future in jeopardy, staff morale sank and donor confidence faltered.

Thanks to dedicated board members who wrote personal checks to pay our bills and salaries, our small but mighty museum held on until the economy turned around and we emerged from our dark days. Climbing out of debt, we began to repair relationships, rebuild our reputation in the community and return to our founders’ original vision.

These challenges sharpened our focus on those in the community experiencing dark days of their own. Sponsorships, grants and donations allow us to share the power of play with ALL children regardless of economic status or ability through free or discounted admission

For more information about Great Explorations or to become involved in our capital campaign or events, visit greatex.org.

and program scholarships to at-risk families and schools, educational outreach, after-hours access to family-serving non-profits, and more.

Today we are nationally accredited and financially stable and are experiencing record-breaking attendance with waiting lists for many of our programs. Last year we reached almost 220,000 people and our many programs are overwhelming our current facility. A once uncertain future is now a bright but crowded one, which is why we are launching a $2 million capital campaign to build a mezzanine that will allow us to have a larger impact. The campaign kicks off this fall with the opening of Longo’s Cove, a

unique climbing experience sponsored by Tampa Bay Rays player Evan Longoria and his wife, Jaime.

Then, on Oct. 14, we will host a 30th birthday gala at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg. With exciting entertainment and playful refreshments and décor, Cheers to 30 Years Presented by Duke Energy will be a colorful and creative fundraiser that will inspire our guests to support child's play in a unique way.

LAEL ARANGO began her career in education in 1998 when she took a position as a high school Spanish teacher.

At Great Explorations since 2013, she has been director of education and recently became the director of community initiatives.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 13

Life + Home | Hurrincane Irma

RETIRED TODDLERS

RIDING OUT HURRICANE IRMA IN ST. THOMAS Post-Irma fallen tree next to the condos in which we stayed.

By Jake and Michelle Schomp

On Sept. 6, Hurricane Irma struck St. Thomas as a category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph, battering the island for hours. The most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic basin tore through this U.S. Virgin Islands, leaving raw devastation in its wake. Michelle and Jake Schomp and their full-time travelling Retired Toddlers (Henley, 4, and Jagger, 2) were unable to evacuate ahead of the storm so rode it out in a vacation rental condo facing the storm on the east side of the island on Cowpet Bay.

Pre-Irma St. Thomas on Cowpet Bay

14 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

We didn't take any chances during the storm. We had prepped as best we could by stockpiling gallons of water, freezing extra meals, and sealing up the condo in every way available. Even

though we felt prepared, nothing could ready us for the onslaught of the storm and the disjointed aftermath that it left behind.

We lost power and cell service in the morning and with it lost all connection to information about Irma’s path. Our last look showed that we would be spared the worst of it as it was heading further north. What we didn't know was that in the next few hours Irma both strengthened and shifted toward us instead of away from us.

When the storm descended upon us we retreated to the bathroom.

Towels and pillows lined the tub for a “hurricane party” with iPad mov-

ies playing to keep the kids’ attention off the incessant tornado-like gusts threatening to break down our sealed windows and doors. In the heart of the storm the vacant condo above us exploded with sounds of debris smashing into walls. We figured the roof ripped off it as the building shook with fear (we later found its roof intact but the massive front doors blown wide open with deadbolt blasted inward leaving water, sticks, leaves and furnishings strewn throughout the once pristine condo).

The next day we ventured out to check on friends we had met at the resort next door. The area was torn up in every direction. Most cars had windows smashed in. Roofs all around were partially or totally gone. Trees were top-chopped or snapped in half. Tears ran. Amazingly, everyone in our area had survived. Elsewhere they were not so fortunate.

Over the next few days we were cut off from the outside world. Only very few people had cell service which was extremely isolated to tops of hills, worked once out of a hundred tries, only good for a minute call before getting cut off, and had no access to internet for reliable evacuation information. The roads were largely impassable, littered with shattered telephone poles and power lines intertwined across streets like pick-up-sticks.

The people were beautiful. Generous, helping, working, kind. Everyone gave what they could to help one another. Food, water, phones, supplies and information were shared without hesitation. We were instantly bonded together, all trying to ease each other’s worries and escape the island to the safety and security of our loved ones back home.

Henley and Jagger’s lighthearted and infectious laughter brought many smiles to weary faces. There was a lot of misinformation flowing around: We thought we would be evacuated in a couple of days, so we

packed our bags and sat together for hours awaiting vans, boats, planes that never arrived. Finally we very thankfully were evacuated by boat to the kind people of Puerto Rico.

We were lucky. Our story doesn't include injury or even exposure to the immense elements of the beastly hurricane. We were just tourists visiting this beautiful island. The residents of St. Thomas, St. John, the British Virgin Islands and the other impacted islands don't get to evacuate to make this devastation a distant memory. They will have to endure months without power, with limited supplies, a crippled infrastructure and a new post-Irma reality. They lost homes, cars, boats, businesses, schools, public safety buildings and peace of mind.

We pray for those left behind and wish them strength and support to rebuild their paradise that they so graciously share with us tourists.

The Retired Toddlers decided to continue on their Caribbean journey with stays planned in Puerto Rico, Dominica, Barbados and Grand Cayman.

Post-Irma medical helicopter rescues

Post-Irma St. Thomas on Cowpet Bay

Post-Irma third evacuation attempt successful.

Follow the travels of bloggers, RETIRED TODDLERS Find them on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, @RetiredToddlers or at RetiredToddlers.com

The family managed to evacuate before another powerful storm, Hurricane Maria, made landfall in Puerto Rico.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 15

Life + Home | Guest Editor

the arts are

smart

By Suzanne Livesay, Vice President of Education, David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts

R

esearch has only scratched the surface in identifying how exposure to and study of the arts affects the whole person. Gleaning from 16-plus years of arts education experience, I’ve observed that students develop specific skills beyond higher test scores through involvement in the arts. Motivation, persistence, sense of identity and the ability to think creatively are just a few examples of attributes students acquire through first hand involvement in music, dance, theater and musical theater.

When my elder daughter decided to join the school marching band in seventh grade, I was concerned the added commitment to an extracurricular activity might affect her grades. The results were quite the opposite. Instead, participating in band provided her with the motivation to pick up her clarinet daily to rehearse so she was prepared each day. An added benefit was what emerged as part of her routine: She became more consistent in completing the very academic assignments I was concerned about. She tied goals to her involvement in band, and though young, the possibility of someday vying for drum major or receiving a solo became a motivator for her to practice and improve as a musician. As a parent, I began to see her make daily choices in how she spent her time that made her involvement in

16 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

THE ARTS serve as a profoundly effective self-motivator for students, and what parent doesn’t relish in a self-motivated child?

Suzanne Livesay

For more information about classes offered at the PATEL CONSERVATORY AT THE STRAZ, visit strazcenter.org.

band a priority.

The arts serve as a profoundly effective self-motivator for students, and what parent doesn’t relish in a self-motivated child?

Helping our children to persevere takes up a good part of the task of parenting. Reaching for higher goals, resilience, persistence and pushing through adversity are desires we all have for our children.

As parents, we know that if our kids have these qualities, they can become all they are meant to be. I once heard a parent say, “There are just some things you can only learn through the discipline and routine of sitting at a piano and practicing for 30 minutes a day.” Whether it’s leaping higher, playing a piece with increased precision or memorizing lines for a difficult role, performing artists spend hours in the studio, in the practice room and on the stage honing their skills. The ultimate test of confidence in your area of skill is to display your work for an audience. Students in the arts do so in a culminating recital, concert or performance. Some performances are near perfect and all the performer desired them to be, while others

contained obvious or not so obvious errors. Performers have the task and challenge of returning to rehearsal and the goal of the next performance opportunity.

At the Patel Conservatory, we are continually reminded by parents that their child has “found their place.” Whether it be a dancer who finds her identity as a ballerina and the self-worth that establishes; the musician who plays with a chamber group, orchestra or sings with a choir; or a shy child who realizes he blossoms onstage, the sense of place the arts establish for a student keeps them coming back. The structure and discipline of arts study occupies children and keeps them “busy” in constructive, positive ways that parents hope for.

In education, teachers are familiar with Bloom’s taxonomy that defines “creating” at the highest level of understanding. With the current focus on the STEM benchmarks of celebrating innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, many people don’t realize that these skills are automatically learned in arts education. Students in the arts innovate by creating works, mood, character,

beauty, memories, moments and friendships that endure beyond the final bow. Arts students develop a critical eye for their work and the work of others. Problems solved onstage include long-term processes such as making the most of limited resource and improvising solutions in high pressure situations. After all, if a prop drops accidentally during a show, actors have to figure out how to remove it and make it seem natural. That skill comes in handy throughout life, when we get many metaphorically dropped props. You simply cannot succeed in the core areas of STEM without what the arts bring to it because engineers and techies can’t do their work unless they create—and the arts are the academic areas that best encourage creating.

Beyond any research study, in time, I believe we will look back see with 20/20 hindsight how lack of arts training and exposure has affected our society and culture. Until then, parents must seek out opportunities for their children to study the arts, like those offered through the Patel Conservatory, and encounter the arts, like those offered through the Straz Center.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 17

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Theater Etiquette | Life + Home

Rules of

Engagement

Good theater manners make for a great experience at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts.

By Marlowe Fairbanks

A

s the brand new show season launches this month at the Straz Center for the Per-

forming Arts, Tampa Bay’s preeminent performing arts center, parents will find abundant opportunities to share the joys of live theater, music and dance with their children. If you’re a parent or guardian new to sharing live theater with the kids in your life, don’t be anxious about that first experience.

Theater etiquette is based around the same principle as all other manners: respect.

“The most important thing parents can do to prepare their children to practice good theater etiquette is to remind them about the importance of respect—respect for the actors, the

turning off all electronics. Using these

audience members, themselves and

guidelines for theater etiquette means

the theater itself,” says Straz Center

an enjoyable experience for all—the audi-

Theater Managing Director for Edu-

ence, the artists, the ushers and the house

cation Audrey Siegler. “Good theater

management.

etiquette helps ensure everyone has a great show.”

If you’ve ever been in a movie theater

Sometimes audiences can be rowdy in shows, and it’s up to the performers to let the audience know. These exceptions

or concert hall while another patron

to the Theater Manners 101 basics are

talks on the phone or texts, wears

usually obvious, and the Straz Center’s

a giant hat and sits in front of you,

Kid Time and Wee Folk series allows for

unwraps loud candies and snacks or

wiggling and typical toddler and little

illegally films the performance on their

kid squirminess and need to interact. The

bright smart phone screen, you know

Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory youth

how annoying (and often infuriating)

theater also has one sensory-friendly

it can be to try to enjoy a live perfor-

musical theater performance designed

mance with people who don’t mind

to accommodate people on the autism

their basic theater etiquette.

spectrum who may find the typical

The best way to guarantee audience members in the future will respect the performers and their fellow theater-go-

Using these guidelines for theater etiquette means an enjoyable experience for all—the audience, the artists, the ushers and the house management.

situation and social expectations too overstimulating.

Live performances of music, theater

ers is to get kids to the theater today to

and dance can change a child’s life for

practice arriving early, sitting quietly,

the better, and knowing the etiquette

listening attentively, thanking the per-

expectations enhances the experience all

formers by applauding, staying to the

the more. To find out which shows at the

final curtain, waiting for intermission

Straz Center will be perfect for you and

and after the show to eat snacks and

your children, visit strazcenter.org.

Theater Manners 101 ARRIVE EARLY to be in your seats at least five minutes before the show time.

TURN PHONES AND ELECTRONICS OFF or to silent and put them away.

WAIT UNTIL INTERMISSION or after the show for snacks.

EXIT QUIETLY with a crying child or a child disrupting other patrons’ experience.

WAIT UNTIL THE FINAL BOW before leaving the show.

WATCH SILENTLY once the house lights go down and wait to talk to friends and family until intermission or after the show.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 19

Education | Education Directory

EDUCATION DIRECTORY Your guide to area private and public magnet schools KEY SCHOOL INFO

Financial Aid

Transportation

Sports AMENITIES

Arts

Uniform Required

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

OTHER ACTIVITIES

ADVANTAGE ACADEMY OF HILLSBOROUGH 304 W. Prosser Drive, Plant City, 33563 advantageacademyhillsborough.com | 813-567-0801

480 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

ARMWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 12000 E. U.S. Highway 92 , Seffner, 33584 armwood.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8040

2,235

BELL CREEK ACADEMY 13221 Boyette Road, Riverview, 33569 bellcreekacademy.com | 813-793-6075

1,060 varies by grade

varies by grade

6-12

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

BERKELEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL 4811 Kelly Road, Tampa, 33626 berkeleyprep.org | 813-885-1673

1,320 15-20

10 to 1

Pre-K - 12 $17,660 $24,680

Episcopal affiliation, after school programs, summer programs

BLAKE HIGH SCHOOL 1701 North Blvd., Tampa, 33607 blake.mysdhc.org | 813-272-3422

1,666

CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL 1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, 33613 carrollwooddayschool.org | 813-920-2288

1,030

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

9-12

9-12

10 to 1

PS2 - 12 $5,390 $19,970

After school programs, summer programs

8 in early childhood campus, 16 in elementary and middle school, and 18 in upper school

CHANNELSIDE ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE 1029 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, 33602 channelsideacademy.com | 813-579-9649

560 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF IDS 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa, 33618 corbettprep.com | 813-961-3087

500 18

8 to 1

PreK3-8 $7,915$15,620

After school programs, summer programs, International Baccalaureate

DOWDELL MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL 1208 Wishing Well Way, Tampa, 33619 dowdell.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8322

612

DUNBAR ELEMENTARY 1730 Union St., Tampa, 33607 dunbar.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5677

277

20 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

6-8

21 to 1

K-5

After school programs, summer programs

Every child… known, inspired, challenged, empowered .

Advantage aCADEMY Of hillsborough Grades K-8 304 W. Prosser Drive Plant City, FL 33563 813-567-0801

www.advantageacademyhillsborough.com

BELL CREEK ACADEMY Grades 6-12 13221 Boyette Road Riverview , FL 33569 813-793-6075 www.bellcreekacademy.com

channelside ACADEMY Of math and science Grades K-8 1029 E. Twiggs Street Tampa, FL 33602 813-579-9649 www.channelsideacademy.com

HILLSBOROUGH aCADEMY Of math and science Grades K-8 9659 W. Waters Ave. Tampa, FL 33635 813-793-6085 www.hillsboroughacademy.com

SACS Accredited, Premier, Tuition-Free Public Charter Schools

Enrichment in S.T.E.A.M.

INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY Grades K-8 12902 East Hwy 92 Dover, FL 33527 813-473-8600 www.iacademies.com

PINELLAS ACADEMY Of MATH AND SCIENCE Grades K-8 1775 S. Highland Ave. Clearwater, FL 33756 727-330-9449 www.pinellasacademy.com

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math Education

SUNLAKE ACADEMY

Character-Based Education program in a Safe, Secure Campus.

valrico ACADEMY

Of math and science Grades K-8 18681 Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL 33548 813-616-5099 www.sunlakeacademy.org

Grades K-5 13306 Boyette Road Riverview, FL 33569 813-699-5049 www.valricoacademy.com

Please visit our website for a complete listing of our schools:

www.charterschoolassociates.com OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 21

Education | Education Directory

SCHOOL INFO

KEY

Financial Aid

Transportation

Sports

Uniform Required

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

FERRELL GIRLS PREPARATORY ACADEMY 4302 24th St., Tampa, 33610 ferrell.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5608

594

17 to 1

7-8

After school programs, before school program

FRANKLIN BOYS PREPARATORY ACADEMY 3915 21st. Ave., Tampa, 33605 franklin.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8108

567

17 to 1

8

After school programs, before school program

HILLEL ACADEMY 2020 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, 33612 hillelacademytampa.com | 813-963-2242

175 15

15 to 1

PreK-8 $16,000

After school programs, summer programs, garden, technology, Hebrew

HILLSBOROUGH ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE 9659 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 33635 hillsboroughacademy.com | 813-793-6085

870 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

HILLSBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL 5000 Central Ave., Tampa, 33603 hillsborough.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5620

1,980

HILLSDALE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 6201 Ehrlich Road, Tampa, 33625 www.hcatampa.org | 813-884-8250

145 15

15 to 1

K2-6 $6,500

Christian affiliation, after school programs, summer programs, VPK and Step-Up

INDEPENDENCE ACADEMY 12902 E. U.S. Highway 92, Dover, 33527 www.iacademies.com | 813-473-8600

900 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL 4401 Cypress St., Tampa, 33607 jefferson.mysdhc.org | 813-872-5241

1,827

9-12

KING HIGH SCHOOL 6815 N. 56th St., Tampa, 33610 king.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8333

1,738

9-12

LEE ELEMENTARY MAGNET SCHOOL OF WORLD STUDIES & TECHNOLOGY 305 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa, 33602 lee.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5405

329

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

AMENITIES

Arts

OTHER ACTIVITIES

9-12

16 to 1

K-5

After school programs

*Currently at Lockhart Elementary Magnet

LENNARD HIGH SCHOOL 2342 Shell Point Road, East Ruskin, 33570 lennard.mysdhc.org | 813-641-5611

2890

9-12

LETO HIGH SCHOOL 4409 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 33614 leto.mysdhc.org | 813-872-5300

2305

9-12

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY MAGNET 1207 East Renfro St., Plant City, 33563 lincoln.mysdhc.org | 813-757-9329

649

22 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

25 to 1

Headstart-5

After school programs

SCHOOL INFO

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

LOCKHART ELEMENTARY MAGNET 3719 N. 17th St., Tampa, 33610 lockhart.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5727

423

14 to 1

Headstart-5

After school programs

LOMAX ELEMENTARY MAGNET 4207 26th St., Tampa, 33610 lomax.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5569

380

16 to 1

K-5

After school programs

MACFARLANE PARK ELEMENTARY MAGNET 1721 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 33607 macfarlane.mysdhc.org | 813-356-1760

363

20 to 1

K-5

After school programs

MIDDLETON HIGH SCHOOL 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 33610 middleton.mysdhc.org | 813-233-3360

1,691

MULLER ELEMENTARY MAGNET 13615 N. 22nd St., Tampa, 33613 muller.mysdhc.org | 813-558-1355

391

15 to 1

K-5

After school programs

ORANGE GROVE MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 3415 16th St., Tampa, 33605 orangegrove.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5717

529

18 to 1

6-8

After school programs

PEPIN ACADEMIES 3916 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 33610 pepinacademies.com | 813-203-3806

1,000+ 13-18

13 to 1

3-12, Transition program for 18-22 yr olds

After school programs, summer programs

PROGRESS VILLAGE MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 8113 Zinnia Drive, Tampa, 33619 progressvillage.mysdhc.org | 813-671-5110

916

22 to 1

6-8

After school programs

RAMPELLO DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP 802 E. Washington St.,Tampa, 33602 rampello.mysdhc.org | 813-233-2333

769

20 to 1

K-8

After school programs

RIVERHILLS ELEMENTARY MAGNET 405 Riverhills Drive, Temple Terrace, 33617 riverhills.mysdhc.org | 813-987-6911

471

16 to 1

K-5

After school programs, before school program

ROBINSON HIGH SCHOOL 6311 S. Lois Ave., Tampa, 33616 robinsonhs.mysdhc.org | 813-272-3006

1,638

9-12

ROLAND PARK K-8 MAGNET 1510 N. Manhattan Ave., Tampa, 33607 rolandpark.mysdhc.org | 813-872-5212

773

K-8

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

AMENITIES

OTHER ACTIVITIES

9-12

After school programs

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 23

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE

in a PreK-12 private school?

Inspiring curiosity, kindness, and dignity in a caring Christian community.

•Challenging Academics •Performing and Visual Arts •Religious Education •Video Production Activities •Exciting Enrichment Opportunities

•Competitive Athletics •Foreign Language Instruction •Advanced Technology •Global Studies •Community Service

— Please join us at our —

Admission Information Night Monday, November 13, 7 p.m.

Discover Opportunities Only at Farragut!

AVIATION AP CAPSTONE SCUBA

Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade

2101 S. Hubert Avenue, Tampa (813) 258-5508 • www.smeds.org

MARINE SCIENCE NAVAL JR. ROTC SAILING LEADERSHIP ENGINEERING BOARDING Schedule Your Tour 727-384-5500

Great Futures begin with a Strong Foundation Love of Learning starts here ...

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.

24 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

REGISTER TODAY!

PEPIN ACADEMIES FOUNDATION CENTRE FOR UNIQUE ABILITIES Pepin Academies Centre for Unique Abilities is dedicated to continue the education process for students as they transition from the classroom to the workforce. This new partnership between Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center and Pepin Academies teaches students the life skills they need to be productive and contributing members of society.

Major Areas of Training: Active Recreation Proper Socialization Interpersonal Skills Independent Life Skills Job Placement/Workforce Development

Where UNIQUE ABILITIES Lead To

Work Training Programs Include: Early Childcare Certificate Program Auto Detailing Pool Maintenance-Lawn Care Custodial Maintenance Class Times Available: Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

GREATER OPPORTUNITIES.

Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Grant funding covers tuition and all ancillary costs needed to provide education to each student.

For more information or to set up an appointment, please contact: Dr. Ann Bouchard, Director 813-203-3806 abouchard@theacademies.us Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center (BSAC)

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 25

405 Beverly Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511-5507

Education | Education Directory

SCHOOL INFO

KEY

Financial Aid

Transportation

Sports AMENITIES

Arts

Uniform Required

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

OTHER ACTIVITIES

SHORE ELEMENTARY 1908 E. Second Ave. Tampa, 33605 shore.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5712

412

18 to 1

K-5

After school programs

SLIGH MIDDLE MAGNET 2011 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa, 33610 sligh.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5596

589

14 to 1

8-11

After school programs

ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL PARISH DAY SCHOOL 240 S. Plant Ave., Tampa, 33606 stjohnseagles.org | 813-849-4200

503 20

9 to 1

K(4)-8 $12,930 and $13,400

Episcopal, after school programs, summer programs, clubs

ST. MARY'S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2101 S. Hubert Ave. Tampa, 33629 smeds.org | 813-258-5508

447 22

16 to 1

PreK-8 $13,900

Episcopal, after school programs, summer programs, advanced curriculum, foreign language, technology, community service, global studies

STEWART MIDDLE MAGNET 1125 Spruce St., Tampa, 33607 stewart.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5691

1055

22 to 1

8-12

After school programs

STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover, 33527 strawberrycrest.mysdhc.org | 813-707-7522

2237

SUNLAKE ACADEMY 18681 Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz, 33548 sunlakeacademy.org | 813-616-5099

650 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

TAMPA BAY TECH HIGH SCHOOL 6410 Orient Road, Tampa, 33610 tbt.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8360

2,085

20 to 1

9-12

TAMPA PREPARATORY SCHOOL 727 W. Cass St., Tampa, 33606 tampaprep.org | 813-241-8481

670 varies by grade

12 to 1

6-12 $21,000$23,000

Summer programs

THE MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE OF HYDE PARK 2416 W. Cleveland St., Tampa, 33609 hydeparkmontessori.com | 813-354-9511

75 25

13 to 1

Pre-K-6 $6,000 $10,500

After school programs, summer programs

VALRICO ACADEMY 13306 Boyette Road, Riverview, 33569 valricoacademy.com | 813-699-5049

925 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-5

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

WALKER MIDDLE MAGNET 8282 N. Mobley Road, Odessa, 33556 walker.mysdhc.org | 813-631-4726

984

16 to 1

6-8

After school programs

HILLSBOROUGH

26 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

9-12

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

School Choice | Education

The School Choice Puzzle— Demystified!

Puzzled over magnet schools and school choice? Here’s how to unlock more than 50 school options, all with free tuition.

What’s in store at your child’s next school? ⊲⊲ Is it a learning lab for architecture or environmental science? ⊲⊲ A world-focused school culture built on individual choices? ⊲⊲ A middle school with real medical classes, partnered with USF Health and Florida Hospital?

Hillsborough County is home to one of the top-rated large school districts in the nation, which means all of its schools are part of a top-flight education system.

But within Hillsborough are more than 50 specialized “choice” programs, offering an incredible range of school experiences.

In many cases, particularly with magnet schools, a specialty becomes a theme that is woven into the fabric of nearly every activity at the school. At an arts magnet, even the math questions will often connect to ideas like paint colors, performances or poetry.

In schools with “attractor” programs, students can choose to spend part of their class time in a multi-year series of classes and projects focused on a central theme. For example, students in a middle school aerospace engineering academy will cluster together to design rockets during an engineering class, and then go

out of “engineering mode” when they’re with other students in English class.

Interested? Great – because tuition is free for every choice program, and in some cases, free transportation also may be available to schools in the magnet category.

STEP 1 – LEARN

Go to choice.mysdhc.org to look at Hillsborough’s choice options and spot the specialties and learning styles that may match what your student is interested in and the way your student learns. You can also get help with any part of the choice process by calling (813) 272-4692.

STEP 2 – GO

Attend the Hillsborough Choice Expo (Nov. 3), STEMtastic (Oct. 19), Choice Exploration Night (Nov. 15 & Dec. 5) or Parent University (Oct. 28) to sample the different choice options and ask questions in person. The Hillsborough Choice Expo at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Nov. 3 from 3–7 p.m. is the largest event; every magnet program will be there, showcasing its specialty.

Contact the schools you’re most interested in to find out about upcoming Open House events or schedule a tour.

STEP 3 – APPLY

Apply online at choice.mysdhc.org.

•The middle and high school application window runs from Nov. 1 and Dec. 12, 2017.

•The Elementary School window runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 12 and then from Jan. 10 to Jan. 31.

There is no advantage to applying early. All applications are entered together into a computer lottery and offers are extended after the deadline at the same time, depending on elementary, middle or high school levels.

Because space is limited, selection for magnet programs and choice schools is done using a computer lottery. When you fill out your child’s application, you can choose up to three school options; the order in which you put them does not matter.

A computer takes all of the applicants for a particular school and randomly selects students until it fills the number of available seats at that school. Those selected students then receive electronic offers to attend that school and are removed from the lottery so they can’t be picked again. This process is repeated for each application window throughout the school year.

(Note: All Magnet Programs and some Choice Schools at the high school level also require criteria that are specific to each school to apply, including grades, test

You’ll see Hillsborough’s choice options split into a few categories: Magnet schools – the school’s curriculum is totally woven together with a specialty like technology or environmental studies Attractor programs – a focused topic, like finance or bio-engineering, is the center of a structured series of courses and projects within the school Partnership schools – the school is a partnership with nearby private sector supporters in Downtown Tampa, the West Shore area or USF Career and Technical Education (CTE) – technical training offered at nearly all middle and high schools leading to high wage/high skill jobs Hillsborough Virtual School – an entirely online school with certified teachers where students can enroll full-time or part-time

continued on page 28 OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 27

TAMPA BAY’S ONLY ACCREDITED JEWISH DAY SCHOOL

HILLEL ACADEMY

From page 27

The School Choice Puzzle—Demystified! scores, and/or auditions.)

Results of the first lottery will be available starting in late February 2018. If your student receives an offer to a school, you’ll need to accept or decline it.

There will be a second lottery/offer window that occurs later in the school year. If you do not receive an offer in the first window, you do not need to apply for the second window as your application will remain on file and be automatically entered into the next lottery.

If you do not receive an offer

from any of the application windows, your student can attend his or her local attendance area school or learn about other options available at choice.mysdhc.org.

STEP 4 – GROW

Choice programs are a launchpad to incredible futures for students – leading them to new ways of learning and looking at the world and helping them develop specific skills that power amazing careers and a lifetime of success. So… What’s in store at your child’s next school?

28 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR

OPEN HOUSE

FOR PARENTS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN - EIGHTH GRADE Tuesday, October 24, 2017 | 6pm-8pm | Discussion at 7pm For more information and to RSVP visit http://www.hillelacademytampa.com/admissions/Open-House.cfm or contact Cosmo Kunzelmann: ckunzelmann@hillelacademytampa.com EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS, TECHNOLOGY AND JEWISH LIFE

Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council. Member of the Jewish Community Day School Network and the National Association of Independent Schools.

Blue Ribbon School, U.S. Department of Education.

www.hillelacademytampa.com 2020 W. Fletcher Avenue | Tampa, FL 33612 | 813.963.2242

Education Directory | Education

KEY SCHOOL INFO

Financial Aid

Transportation

Sports AMENITIES

Arts

Uniform Required

ENROLLMENT/ CLASS SIZE

STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

GRADES/ TUITION RANGE

OTHER ACTIVITIES

847

19 to 1

6-8

After school programs

611

16 to 1

6-8

After school programs

450 varies by grade

8:1 in Early Childhood; 14:1 average other grades

PreK3-12 $10,490$21,190

After school programs, summer programs, S.T.E.M.

425 17

8 to 1

PreK3-12 $13,000$19,000

Sports, arts, after school programs, summer programs, military, aviation, scuba, sailing, leadership, AP capstone, AP and dual enrollment, boarding

680 varies by grade

varies by grade

K-8

After School Programs, Summer Programs, S.T.E.A.M. enriched curriculum, clubs, technology

175 12-30

8 to 1

PreK-8th $8,000$15,000

Financial aid, sports, arts, after school programs, summer programs

960 15

10 to 1

PK3-12 $8,310$22,630

After school programs, summer programs, Center for Medical Sciences Program; Global Scholars Initiative; Advanced Placement Courses; Online Classes; S.T.E.A.M. Curriculum (PK3-12)

400 16

12 to 1

K4-8 $6500$10,000

Christian, after school programs, summer programs

370 18

18 to 1

K-8 8,250

United Methodist, after school programs, summer programs

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY WILLIAMS MIDDLE MAGNET SCHOOL 5020 N. 47th St., Tampa, 33610 williams.mysdhc.org | 813-744-8600

YOUNG MIDDLE MAGNET 1807 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa, 33610 young.mysdhc.org | 813-276-5739

PINELLAS & PASCO COUNTY ACADEMY AT THE LAKES 2331 Collier Parkway, Land O' Lakes, 34639 academyatthelakes.org | 813-909-7919

ADMIRAL FARRAGUT ACADEMY 501 Park St. N., St. Petersburg, 33710 farragut.org | 727-384-5500

PINELLAS ACADEMY OF MATH AND SCIENCE 1775 S. Highland Ave. Clearwater, FL 33756 pinellasacademy.com | 727-330-9449

SAFETY HARBOR MONTESSORI 2669 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 33761 safetyharbormontessori.com | 727-244-9002

SHORECREST PREPARATORY SCHOOL 5101 First St. NE, St. Petersburg, 33703 shorecrest.org | 727-522-2111

ST. PETERSBURG CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2021 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 33702 stpetechristian.com | 727-522-3000

WESTLAKE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 1551 Belcher Road, Palm Harbor, 34683 westlakechristianschool.org | 727-781-3808

OPEN HOUSES

Check out

tampabayparenting.com

for more details.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 29

Admissions Open Houses 8:30 a.m. October 11 & November 14

30 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Open House | Education

in traditional rows, better for a lecture format, or are they clustered in teams for cooperative learning?

WHAT’S HAPPENING OUTSIDE? Pay attention to the outdoors, too. Are there fields and facilities for physical education, sports and recess? What priority does the school place on physical activity? Do PreK and kindergarten children share space with older children or have their own play space?

DO KIDS HAVE A CHANCE TO MOVE? Research supports providing kids with “brain breaks” – short movement activities during the day – to increase students’ time on task. Multidisciplinary lessons that involve hands-on activities, movement or artistic endeavors stimulate both hemispheres of the brain and improve students’ ability to retain information.

WHO TEACHES THE TEACHERS? Ask how the school invests in its teachers.

Do they have the time and resources to

7

access regularly scheduled trainings

things to ask

TO MAKE YOUR OPEN HOUSE VISIT A SUCCESS

By Karen Vaughan

A

on campus or the chance to attend conferences specific to their fields or interests?

WHAT’S YOUR EXPERIENCE? Talk to administration, students, parents and teachers. Parents can explain how the school supports them and how best to be involved. Teachers can tell you how they reach students with questions will help you gather the kind

different learning styles and keep all

of information you’ll need to make this

kids engaged. Meeting students will

important decision.

show how the students interact with

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL KNOWN FOR? Your future school may have a signature program, a marquee event or maybe a

one another and allow you to hear their valuable perspectives as well.

CAN I SEE MY CHILD HERE? Ultimate-

n open house is a wonderful

commonality among graduates that is a

ly, this is the most important question

opportunity to experience a

source of pride. At Corbett Prep, we love

to ask, and it’s one that only your

school firsthand and see how it

to share about the poise and confidence

family can answer. Think about your

lives up to what you have read or heard.

our students gain through leadership

child’s personality and strengths and

It’s a chance for school leaders to share

and public speaking opportunities. Ask

what is important to your family and

information about programs or core

this open-ended question to teachers in

consider whether the culture of the

values and for parents to have pressing

different departments or even parents,

school you are visiting is the right fit.

questions answered in a welcoming,

and you’ll learn what makes the school

casual atmosphere. Before the open

stand out beyond its stated philosophy

house, look over the school’s website

and mission.

KAREN VAUGHAN is the director of admissions

WHAT’S HAPPENING INSIDE? Look at

for Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, a private

may have about hours, curriculum, tu-

the student work displayed on the walls

school for PreK3-8th grade in North Tampa. Visit

ition and the admissions process. This

and ask follow-up questions about what

corbettprep.com for more information.

will free you up to ask more in-depth

it represents about the curriculum or

questions to determine if the school is

school’s approach to education. Notice

the right choice for your child. These 7

how classrooms are arranged – are desks

for answers to general questions you

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 31

BREAKTHROUGH MOMENTS Berkeley – where building the better mousetrap challenges your own expectations.

AN INDEPENDENT EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN PRE-K TO GRADE 12

www.berkeleyprep.org/openhouse

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSES: Grades 6 to 12: October 22 | Pre-K to Grade 5: October 24

The Montessori Children’s House of Hyde Park The Montessori Children’s House of Hyde Park is an Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.) recognized school, founded in 1996 for children ages 3 to 12.

A.M.I. was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929 to maintain the integrity of her work in the education of the child and see it carried out as she intended. We are the only school in the Tampa Bay area to receive this accreditation.

Join us for our Open House on Sunday, January 14 from noon to 3:00 p.m. or contact us at (813)354-9511 to schedule a tour.

Learn more at our website-www.hydeparkmontessori.com.

We are proud to be a member of F.C.I.S. 32 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

A National Blue Ribbon School

Bucified Burt | Life + Home

Excellence

CHRISTIAN

SCHOOL

Open House:

Visit our campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at your convenience.

________________________________________ October 12 - November 7 - January 18

A Ministry of Palm Harbor United Methodist Church

Excellence in Academic Achievement & Spiritual Formation Teaching the Mind

Reaching the Heart

www.westlakechristianschool.org

|

727.781.3808

Accreditation - Florida Council of Independent Schools, Florida Kindergarten Council, & Southern Association of Colleges and Schools/AdvancED

Open Houses Middle & Upper School October 8, 2017 | 1:00 p.m &

Upper School

November 7, 2017 | 7:00 p.m 1515 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL 33613

RSVP at: budurl.com/CDSRSVP17

An International Baccalaureate World School Preschool through Upper School Accredited by FCIS, FKC, IBO and SACS OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 33

LET US PLAY! Story Time, Arts & Crafts, and Free Play are happening all the time at one of the six Children’s Board Family Resource Centers.

Bring your child into one of the Centers and experience what it’s like to be Happier, Healthier and Stronger!

BRANDON

1271 Kingsway Rd, Brandon, FL 33511 (813) 740-4634

CENTRAL TAMPA

1002 E Palm Ave Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 204-1741

EAST COUNTY

639 E Alexander St Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 752-8700

NORTH TAMPA

116 W Fletcher Ave Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 558-1877

SOUTH COUNTY

3030 E College Ave Ruskin, FL 33570 (813) 641-5600

TOWN ‘N COUNTRY

7520 W Waters Ave Tampa, FL 33615 (813) 356-1703

34 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

STEAMakers OPEN HOUSE

Showcasing Innovation in Early Childhood at Shorecrest

STEAM

isn’t just for the big kids!

Science Technology Engineering Art Math Join us for a morning of hands-on STEAM learning activities for children 2 years old through 4th grade.

Explore our classrooms Engage with our experiential curriculum Excite your child’s love of learning!

Admissions information and campus tours available at the event.

For more info and to register visit more.shorecrest.org/OpenHouse17 or call 727-522-2111

When Where

Saturday, October 14 | 10am-1pm

Shorecrest Preparatory School 5101 1st St. NE St. Petersburg, FL 33703 OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 35

Education | Lee Elementary

After the fire A FEELING WE’LL NEVER FORGET

By Jeff Eakins, Hillsborough County Superintendent of Schools

I

’ll never forget it – the feeling of standing next to one of our community’s oldest schools, Lee Elementary in Tampa Heights, as fire soared up into the sky.

I thought about the students and staff, who call themselves “Fami-LEE.” This beautiful brick school is so much more than just a historical landmark. Lee is the amazing environment inside the building, created by 329 students and families and 49 talented staff members.

36 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

I thought about the teaching tools inside. They lost the basics of a great school, like bulletin boards and books, plus unusual treasures like world flags and robotics kits – the things that make Lee a unique magnet school of world studies and technology – all collected during the careers of Lee’s 25 teachers, and all gone in minutes.

I’ll never forget the feeling of watching that fire. But I’ll tell you what I’ll also never forget: the incredible outpouring of support for the students and staff from

our Tampa Bay community.

Calling it “overwhelming” doesn’t even come close. Calling it “humbling” is a good place to start.

Neighbors dropped off crates of crayons, index cards, markers, and more.

Strangers called from Chicago, asking where they could send a shipment of desks. A boutique in South Tampa held a book drive, a church in Lutz collected contributions, and Facebook groups from Westchase to Wimauma were bursting with offers to lend a hand.

And to replace those lost teaching tools, the Hillsborough Education Foundation organized a Lee Elementary Relief Fund (more at educationfoundation.com/lee).

After such a difficult experience, affecting kids as young as kindergarten through parents and grandparents – the incredible wave of support has meant so much.

And our own Hillsborough County Public Schools staff jumped in to help as well, just hours after operating more than 40 public schools as shelters during Hurricane Irma, protecting and feeding 29,000 evacuees.

The Friday after the fire, more than 350 fellow educators from surrounding schools filled Lockhart Elementary Magnet School, the campus that Lee’s students and staff will share for at least this year.

In a whirlwind of scrubbing, stapling, and glue-sticking, this “academic army” transformed empty classrooms at Lockhart into the kind of inviting places any child would feel welcome and ready to learn.

"This is not going to get fixed overnight," one of Lee’s teachers, Samantha Levine, said that morning, "but it will be fixed as long as we stick together as a family."

Levine looked on as a dozen teachers buzzed around her new classroom, decorating bulletin boards and stocking the room with donated supplies.

I’m confident the profound love she felt from our community is a feeling she will never forget.

Real-world, hands-on

•D

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I

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Learn more about Academy’s Signature Programs and schedule a tour at: academyatthelakes.org/sp

TI

NT

Academy’s Signature Programs connect students to real-world challenges and provide hands-on, experiential learning in our Certified Schoolyard Habitat® and outdoor classrooms.

IS

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE PreK3-Grade 12

2331 Collier Parkway Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639

813-909-7919

Tampa Preparatory School grades 6 - 12

Active LeArning environments in every cLAssroom Learn how our innovative approach prepares the leaders of tomorrow

oPen HoUse October 25: Program begins 6:00 pm

www.tampaprep.org/oH

727 West Cass Street Tampa, FL 33606 | Tel 813.251.8481 | www.tampaprep.org OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 37

38 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

50+ SCHOOL OPTIONS ALL TUITION-FREE

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 39

Beauty + Style | Runway Translator

florida

fall fashion Fake it 'till you make it Written and styled by Michelle Bremer of Runway Translator

Conventionally, the thought of fall fashion conjures up visions of heavy jackets layered over long sleeves paired with corduroy pants, boots, hats and scarves… unless you live in Florida. With our year-round heat and humidity, we have about 48 hours of fall-like weather to work with. So, if you’re a style-minded fashionista who enjoys dressing on trend with the seasons and you live here in Tampa Bay, you simply must "fake it" for fall.

A go-to fall accessory

DAY + MOOD

fringe leather crossbody bag $198

MISA floral dress $282 and JOIE mauve booties $348 from HADEN REID, SPANX leggings $98 and LONG HORN necklace $28 from FAB’RIK, Layered beaded necklaces from

SWEET SOUTHERN CHIC, INDIA HICKS clutch and POR TOI earrings

MISA ruffle dress $378 from HADEN REID, SKIES ARE BLUE jacket $129 from SWEET SOUTHERN CHIC Sunglasses $12 from FAB’RIK NINE WEST boots from stylist’s closet

HOMMAGE jumper $69, LUSH jacket, belt $26, tassel clutch $64, MOTEK gold choker $28, gold ring $48, and MOTEK glam earrings $20 from SWEET SOUTHERN CHIC, SCHUTZ mule pumps $180 from HADEN REID

from stylist’s closet

Summer-to-fall pieces ALEXIS floral romper $545, and SAYLOR red halter top $176 from HADEN REID, Snakeskin print halter top $59 from SWEET SOUTHERN CHIC

40 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Here are a few of my tips for achieving a fall fashion look while still dressing appropriately for the warm weather Dark Colors The fall color palette tends to be more dramatic and red is very on trend this year. The floral prints from spring continue, but they get darker.

Lightweight Layering Use sheer shawls, lightweight jackets, cotton cardigans, and the like to achieve a layered look without overheating.

Add Leggings Pair your favorite short dress with leggings and booties and voila, instant fall ensemble.

Animal Print This is a classic fall trend. Go bold with a snakeskin print kimono or add accents like a handbag or a belt for just a touch.

Leather Fringe Whether it’s a tassle necklace or a crossbody bag, find ways to incorporate fringe into your look!

MICHELLE BREMER is a busy full-time working wife and mother of two active children.

She owns Runway Translator, a full-service fashion styling firm. She also volunteers in the

It’s a fun challenge to find ways to dress for the season, but I always prioritize comfort.

Looking fabulous is great, but it should make sense for your lifestyle—your Florida lifestyle!

THIS LOOK

community with The Junior League of Tampa and Dress for Success Tampa Bay. RunwayTranslator.com

BY TOGETHER KIMONO $68, Z SUPPLY tank $38, SPANX MOTO LEGGINGS $110, URBAN EXPRESSIONS velvet

THERESA NESMITH,

handbag $64, and belt $18 from FAB’RIK, CA tassel necklace $78, MOTEK choker $26, gold ring $48, cuff and beaded bracelets from SWEET

She specializes in

SOUTHERN CHIC, SCHUTZ

studio in Tampa.

mule pumps $180 from

813-469-4021

HADEN REID

theresanesmithphotog-

a wife and mom to three, owns Theresa NeSmith Photography. women and family portraits, capturing the essence of her clients.

She shoots on location and in her natural light

raphy.com PHOTOS BY THERESA NESMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 41

42 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

What’s In Your Bag? | Beauty + Style A former TV news reporter, Janie went from chasing news stories to chasing toddlers, negotiating tantrums and hunting for lost sippy cup lids. Her site, She Just Glows, helps women find joy in the trenches of parenting and life. She and her husband live in St. Pete, along with their three sons aged 6 and under, and a baby girl due in February.

CELINE SUNGLASSES

What's in your bag?

JANIE PORTER of SheJustGlows.com

with blogger

Not a kid item, but one of my favorite purchases this year. These are definitely a splurge, but they stand up to toddler abuse, and that is worth its weight in gold!

SUMMER INFANT BIBBITY BIB It's a plastic bib that's dishwasher-safe and has a shelf to catch stray food. Need I say more?

SALT WATER SANDALS I love these because they're classic, and

CONTIGO KIDS AUTOSPOUT GIZMO WATER BOTTLE Finding a water

they can double as both

bottle that doesn't leak is

SOAP & GLORY SEXY MOTHER PUCKER XXL LIP GLOSS, SMITH'S ROSEBUD SALVE The

dressy or play shoes for

the holy grail of parent-

lip gloss is super plump-

kids. I've been wearing

ing, and this is it. I buy at

ing, and I keep the rose-

them since I was a kid,

least four at a time!

bud salve everywhere—in

and I even have a few

my car, nightstand and

adult pairs.

every purse.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 43

Food & Drink | Fall Favorite

cooking

with squash

Local farmers dish on a fall favorite: squash and zucchini!

Find BOYETTE FAMILY FARMS at 6631 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel 33545 or on Facebook.com/BoyetteFamilyFarms

The Boyette Family has been growing varieties of squash for more than 50 years. Because of our climate, it's a great crop for farmers to grow here in Florida or for the beginning gardener to grow at home. It's one of the easiest and fastest (about 40 days from planting to picking), but more importantly, one of the tastiest! The best time of year to harvest is in the spring and fall, when conditions aren’t too hot or too cold, but they do need moisture.

The Boyette Family Farm will likely grow squash and zucchini now until the first frost (planting new seeds every three weeks). Most people prefer to pick squash and zucchini around 5-7 inches, but the larger ones can be great to use for zucchini bread or sliced as "zoodles". While yellow squash and zucchini can be tasty all on their own (sautéed in a little butter), the Boyette Family loves to incorporate them in main dishes too. Calvin Boyette came up with his "Southern Stir-Fry" recipe while looking for more ways to lower his cholesterol and eat more chicken. We hope you enjoy!

44 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

BOYETTE SOUTHERN STIR-FRY

4 yellow squash (sliced) 3 zucchini (sliced) 1 large sweet onion (chopped) 3 or 4 cloves of garlic Olive oil 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts, cubed 1 bag baby spinach Greek seasoning

In skillet, drizzle olive oil. Add garlic, chicken and onion. Sprinkle with Greek seasoning as desired. Let saute until chicken is almost done.

Then add squash and zucchini. When done, toss in spinach.

4048 W Kennedy Blvd Tampa, FL 33609 813-769-9209 LittleDonutHouse.com

online ordering and delivery available

free

free

3-PACK Donuts

Regular Coffee

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 45

Food & Drink | Kids & Food

46 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Hey Kids...

There’s a New Party in Town!

Smarty fit party is now in the tampa area!

MENTION THIS AD FOR A PARTY DISCOUNT!

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Visit SmartyFitParty.com or call us at (954) 708-4900 for information.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 47

Health & Wellness | Pediatric Neurology

Matters of the brain

Referred to a neurosurgeon?

Don’t worry—it may not be as bad as you think

By Anu Varma Panchal

48 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

He’s a nice guy, a highly credentialed and respected professional in his field of neurosurgery who breaks down complex medical terms without condescension, and a kid at heart.

Despite all that, Dr. Abilash Haridas isn’t someone most parents are thrilled to meet: Being referred to a pediatric neurosurgeon is a sure bet that your child is probably suffering from more than the flu.

The good news is that if your child is dealing with a serious neurological

condition, they are in the safest possible hands with Haridas, the newest pediatric neurosurgeon at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. “My philosophy is to treat every child like my own child,” says Haridas, “and that’s never led me down the wrong path.”

As well as credentials and experience with some of the most cutting-edge techniques in the field, Haridas is a believer in collaboration, not just with some of the best minds in the field nationally and globally, but with the families of his patients who are invited to become important partners in the care of their child.

“We’re working on one goal, and it takes a team to get each child better.”

So why do children have to see a pediatric neurosurgeon? (Someone who treats anyone from birth to age 22 for issues pertaining to the brain, spine and spinal cord.) Here are some of the most common issues: HYDROCEPHALUS (sometimes referred to as water on the brain) is one of the most common issues Haridas sees. It’s something that babies can be born with or develop as a result of infection or trauma and the way to fix it is to install a tube that drains the excess fluid from the head to the tummy.

Research has now led to endoscopic methods in which doctors use miniature cameras and tubes to find better pathways by which to drain the fluid that offer the child a better quality of life.

BLEEDING IN THE BRAIN AND STROKES fits into the category

of vascular disorders, another set of serious problems Haridas encounters. These are difficult to diagnose in very young children who can’t even verbalize their problems. The complex conditions require meticulous planning and tedious hours of surgery. In stroke patients, Haridas employs cutting edge microsurgery to create new pathways of blood flow to the brain. He is one of few pediatric neurosurgeons in the country trained in these advanced surgical techniques, which he continues to teach and perfect.

BRAIN TUMORS are also quite prevalent. Today, surgery techniques have developed so far that it is even possible to perform surgery on a child who is awake during the procedure. For example, having the child speak during the operation can help surgeons figure out if they are too close to tumors near the speech center of the brain. There are also specialized GPS navigation tools used during surgery to ensure complete removal.

At St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Haridas is able to use an MRI during surgery, one of the latest technologies to help ensure the best results. “All these tools are used simultaneously, and with the right care team, our kids make remarkable recoveries,” he says.

EPILEPSY SURGERY has also made numerous advances. Most seizures are controlled by medications, but for some kids, surgical treatment is necessary. Using cutting-edge imaging, Haridas is able to localize the source and remove it, sometimes half the brain even. “It’s quite remarkable how well kids recover, as they learn to rewire and relearn quicker than adults. By teaming up with our neurology colleagues to properly select these children, we continue to identify and deliver the best care.”

Improved technology has helped dramatically impact outcomes in pediatric neurosurgery, says Haridas, both in terms of diagnosis, imaging and surgical technique, but it’s important to note that technology takes time to develop,

perfect and teach. “It’s not like a new phone every year,” he says. That’s why collaboration is crucial, and a cornerstone of his and St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s philosophy.

“You can’t make this happen without the right team approach, and tailoring each treatment to the child. This requires meticulous attention to detail and steadfast determination to find answers, no matter how dire the situation.”

When it comes to pediatric neurosurgery, Haridas says it’s important to understand that no matter how bleak the situation seems upon diagnosis, options today are far better than ever before. Says Haridas: “the horizon is really, really exciting.” The beauty of treating children is that they rarely understand the gravity of their situation, so once they recover they bounce right back into living their fun-filled life. And being able to facilitate that trajectory is the reason for Haridas’ being: “It’s the most gratifying feeling I’ve experienced in my life,” says Haridas.

When ANU VARMA PANCHAL isn’t writing, editing or volunteering on the board of her kids' PTA, she’s usually in her minivan driving her two daughters (12 and 9) around Tampa to school and their activities.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 49

Health & Wellness | A Healthy Family

Health begins at home

By Lalita Llerena

W

hen someone asks about your family’s recreational habits, do you ever find yourself saying: “Does watching TV together count?” “It’s not so bad if they’re playing on their tablets and I’m right next to them washing the dishes, right?” “There’s just so much to do!” If these thoughts sound familiar, you’re not alone. In today’s digital age, playing outside has become a 50 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

rarity and face time happens through a phone.

Unfortunately, this reality is taking its toll on our health. According to the Florida Department of Health, 65 percent of adults in the state are at an unhealthy weight. One out of three kids is considered overweight or obese. Obesity not only can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, but can cause psychological effects, including low self-esteem, negative body image and depression.

Now’s the perfect time to change, and you don’t

have to do it alone. It’s National Family Health Month, and many community resources can help your family find respite from social, economic and educational challenges. The YMCAs of Tampa Bay have a fundamental desire to provide opportunities for every family to get healthier together, build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged with their communities.

It’s important to point out that being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It’s about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. If your family could use some help finding that balance, reach out to available community resources, like the Y. As a leading voice on health and wellness, the Y continues to brainstorm and implement innovative classes, programs and initiatives that have been shown to work in real life.

While you’re working on bettering yourself, you can also look to the Y to be a parenting partner for afterschool care in a safe environment, for youth sports to keep your kids active, and swim lessons to teach lifelong skills. To learn more about how the YMCA can help your family get healthier together, go to ymcatampabay.org/ find-your-y/. There you'll find our 25 locations in five counties.

You and your family can count on the Y for support, while improving your health and well-being, connecting with new friends and the community.

Take these small steps with your family to start living healthier EAT HEALTHY

Even the busiest families can improve their eating habits with moderation. Grab a new fruit or veggie and encourage everyone in the family to try at least a bite. Sweet treats and the occasional burger are just fine when balanced against healthier choices and combined with an active lifestyle.

PLAY EVERY DAY

Adding short periods of playful activity to your day gives you the energy you need to live a full and balanced life. It is also one of the keys to avoiding a variety of chronic conditions down the road. From walking to gardening, swimming to shooting hoops, make playful movement a part of your family’s day.

GET TOGETHER

Spending regular quality time together as a family is one of the best ways to improve your family’s health and well-being. This can get tricky at home with digital distractions. If the TV and video games are too tempting, head to your local YMCA. Serving families has always been at the heart of the Y. There, you can come together to participate in a variety of fun activities such as pool games, arts and crafts, family fitness classes, volunteer opportunities and more! The Y is a place where parents and caregivers can find life balance. Children can reach their full potential, seniors can be active and find camaraderie, and families can connect and strengthen relationships.

GO OUTSIDE

Recent studies point to the mental and physical benefits of being active outdoors and having regular contact with nature. Kids, in particular, develop a greater sense of independence, use more of their imagination and develop social skills from interacting with other children. To make it fun, challenge the family to play on a different playground, park, nature trail and/or bike path every week. Tampa Bay is the perfect place to play outside!

SLEEP WELL

Restful sleep plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, an active metabolism, memory, learning and other vital functions. Doctors recommend 10-12 hours of sleep a day for children ages 5-12 and 7-8 hours per night for adults.

As the communications director, LALITA LLERENA oversees all internal and external communications for the Tampa YMCA. Before starting her public relations career, Lalita managed a 24-hour local TV news team as an executive producer. She lives in Riverview with her husband, Danny, and their 7-year-old daughter, Daniella, and 3-year-old son, Logan.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 51

delivering UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

PERSONALIZED BIRTH EXPERIENCE

PRIVATE ROOMS

EXPERT CARE

FAMILY FRIENDLY

As a future parent, we know you have great expectations. That’s why you can trust the highly experienced team of nurses and physicians at St. Pete General Hospital’s Family Beginnings to deliver your baby with care. Our one-to-one focus provides you and your family the specialized attention you deserve during one of the most momentous occasions of your life. Whether you are expecting your first child or adding to your family, begin this new life with us. At St. Pete General Hospital’s Family Beginnings, we deliver more.

Celebrate your special delivery at Family Beginnings … where St. Pete babies are born.

Visit us at www.StPeteGeneral.com/Family-Beginnings. #StPeteBabies CONNECT: 52 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017 #StPeteBabies

You can trust us with all your kids.

Even the furry ones.

We know your pets are a part of your family, which is why we have pet friendly team members and pet friendly products. We’ve developed specific procedures for cleaning up pet hair with special tools and techniques that leave your home as close to hairless as we can get. We even vacuum under the cushions on the couch.

Call now for a FREE ESTIMATE Riverview, Apollo Beach, Ruskin

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OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 53

TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO

EERIE FAMILY FRIGHTS Creatures of the Night returns even spookier than last year, for ghouls and goblins of all ages!

Hoot, howl and hang out as the Zoo transforms into an eerie and immersive Halloween adventure for the whole family. Creatures emerge at dusk with startling surprises around every corner.

No horror or gore, just fun frights for all!

22

95

AFTER 4PM

Oct 6 – 28

Fri & Sat

FREE FOR ZOO MEMBERS

Open til 10PM

Visit tlpz.org/creatures 54 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Ask the Doctor | Health & Wellness

SPOOKY SAFETY Dr. Jill shares tips on how to keep your little goblins safe this Halloween!

TREATS AND CANDY • Make sure to sort the treats with your kids at the end of the evening. Check for opened or damaged candy and, of course, pick out your favorites!

• Consider bringing extra candy to your place of work!

• Watch for choking hazards with younger kids.

• Avoid homemade treats by strangers.

PUMPKIN CARVING SAFETY • Small children should not carve. Consider having them draw the face for the adult to crave into the pumpkin.

• Consider glitter, glue, paint or markers to decorate your pumpkin!

• Glow sticks are a fun alternative to candles to illuminate the pumpkin.

• Make sure candlelit pumpkins are on a sturdy table and away from anything flammable.

OUR FAVORITE TIP FROM DR. JILL Before you head out for a night of trick-or-treating, feed children a healthy, belly-filling meal. They will be less likely to want to overindulge in the candy!

COSTUME SAFETY • Choose light colors that are bright and reflective and make sure the fabric is flame resistant.

• Make sure the costume fits.

Trip and fall accidents are common and this is where many injuries occur.

• Choose costume accessories that are soft and flexible.

• Use non-toxic face paint and be sure to remove all face paint prior to going to bed.

• Do not use decorative contact lenses.

• Skip masks if possible and choose face paint and wigs.

• Use glow sticks and flashlights.

GENERAL RULES FOR A SAFE HALLOWEEN • Stay in a group; never trick or treat alone. Adults should supervise children.

• If kids are older and going alone, make sure you set curfews so that they are home

• •

• • • •

safe at a certain time.

Only walk up to well-lit homes.

Walk, don't run. Look left and look right before crossing the street and do not dart across the street.

Pay attention—stay off your cell phone and enjoy!

As a homeowner, make sure you control your pets. Many children are frightened of them.

Cross streets at corners and use traffic signals.

Drive safely and watch for children, especially during the most common times for trick or treating, which are 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Most importantly, have fun and watch out for the little ghouls and goblins!

DR. JILL HECHTMAN is medical director of Tampa Obstetrics, board certified by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, former Board of Trustees member at HCA Hospital Brandon and Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 55

56 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Fall Family Fun | Family Fun

scary fun Our favorite Halloween pumpkin patches and events

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 57

Family Fun | Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes

Tampa Bay's best

Pumpkin Patches

& Corn Mazes Have some Halloween fun!

HARVEST HOLLER CORN MAZE Sept. 22-24, 29-30, Oct. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 2022, 27-29 Come out for a fun fall tradition and stroll the fields of this year’s corn maze at Harvest Holler Farm, a working family farm in Polk City. Check out the pumpkin patch, go on a hay ride, and meet up with live farm animals.

Families also can ride the cow train, play corn hole, swing on the tire swings and the hay fort. harvestholler.com Everyone

MINION CORN MAZES AT HARVESTMOON FARM Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 Explore HarvestMoon Farm’s five acres in Masaryktown. Venture into Maize-O-Poly and search for educational farm facts within the corn maze or take the smaller maze to read the story of Spookley the Square Pumpkin. Guests can also check out a 70-foot jumping pillow, cow train ride, mineshaft slide, pumpkin bowling and other Halloween-themed barnyard games. Check out the pumpkin patch, expanded petting farm, tree house and live entertainment. Tickets are $11.95 plus tax for ages 3 and older. Harvestmoonfl.com Everyone

SWEETFIELD FARMS FALL CORN MAZE AND FARM ACTIVITIES Sept. 30, Oct. 1, 7-9, 13-16, 20-23, 27-30, various times Come out for corn maze fun at Sweetfield Farms in Masaryktown. While on the farm, check out the Pitcher Pump Duck Race, hay ride, farm animals and free craft of the season.

Stick around to meet up with special visiting vendors including Jerry Crowling’s storytelling for all ages, Heyman Kettle Corn, Ex-SqueezeMe Lemonade, Fresh Pressed Apple Cider and more. sweetfieldfarms.com Everyone

SEAL SWIM SCHOOL’S PUMPKIN PATCH & FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL Oct. 1-31 Pick out this year’s jack-o-lantern wannabes and stop by again later in the month for a fun event for the whole family at Seal Swim School with two locations – in Lutz and South Tampa.

Admission is free and open to the public. Plus, stop by 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14 for a fall-flavored family festival. sealswimschool.com Everyone

THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH AT HYDRO HARVEST FARMS Oct. 1 – Nov. 5, various times 58 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Bring the family to pick out this fall’s pumpkins and browse a large assortment of other fresh fruits and vegetables at Hydro Harvest Farms in Ruskin. The farm uses no pesticides and GMO seeds. Farm is closed on Mondays. hydroharvestfarms.com Everyone

FALL FAMILY FUN FEST AT GREAT EXPLORATIONS Oct. 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Stop by Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete for seasonal crafts and fall-themed activities. Guests can toss rings around a pumpkin, pin the leaf on the tree, make silly leaf puppets and explore wind and weather.

Activities are included in museum admission. greatex.org Everyone

14TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN PALOOZA FALL FESTIVAL Oct. 7, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Pack up the whole family for a day of fall fun at this GFWC St. Petersburg Junior Woman's Club event held at Northside Baptist Church in St. Pete. The event offers a pumpkin patch, kids’ games, face and hair painting, inflatables, food and treats, arts and crafts vendors, and more.

Admission is free. New for 2017, check out onsite food trucks and purchase a $15 play-all-day wristband for unlimited games for the kids.

Funds raised benefit charitable projects of the Club. gfwc-spjwc.org Everyone

FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Take part in exciting, family-friendly fall games and activities at Fox Squirrel Corn Maze in Plant City. Tackle the corn maze, check out fun duck races, challenge friends to a game of cornhole or badminton, try your hand at Dummy Steer Ropin’ and shop for a pumpkin in the patch. Free parking. Maze cost is $11 plus tax for adults and $10 plus tax for children ages 3-17. Other activities may incur additional cost. futchentertainment.com Everyone

BUCS SQUAD FOR YOUTH PUMPKIN PATCH Oct. 21 3 - 6 p.m.

One Buccaneer Place, Tampa Join the Buccaneers for the 2nd Annual Bucs Squad for Youth Pumpkin Patch! Pick your pumpkin and enjoy lots of football and family fun this fall! Don’t miss appearances by the

SACRED HEART FALL FESTIVAL Oct. 11-15, various times

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders and

Get ready for Sacred Heart Church’s annual fall celebration and fundraiser held at 4661 82nd Ave. N. in Pinellas Park. Event includes games, Midway rides, food, music and prizes.

Free admission and parking; rides are $12 a ticket sheet in advance and $20 per sheet onsite. sacredheartfestival.com Everyone

costumes for a chance to compete in this year’s

Captain Fear and don’t forget to wear your costume contest! Cost: $10 for children, $5 Season Pass Member. Parents are Free.

buccaneers.com/pumpkinpatch

OUR LADY OF LOURDES FALL FESTIVAL Oct. 12-15, various times Experience this Dunedin tradition on the grounds of Our Lady of Lourdes that offers tasty fair food, a craft beer and sports tent, rides, games, music and a Beat the Priest 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk to support the Tyler Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund. Admission and parking are free with free trolley shuttle service available. Proceeds benefit Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. ollfallfestival.com Everyone

8TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST Oct. 13-15, various times Celebrate all things German —German music, dance, food and fun — as part of this fall tradition at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. Event features games and competitions all weekend long. Festival is open 4-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. oktoberfesttampa.com.

Moms & Dads

SCARECROW FESTIVAL Oct. 14, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Take part in fall games and activities as a family at Pioneer Florida Museum and Village in Dade City. Paint a pumpkin, make a scarecrow, visit the petting zoo, pose for a photo with a scarecrow, touch a truck, get your face painted and go on carnival rides.

Stay for The Great Pumpkin Drop at 1 p.m.

Roam the grounds and explore the various buildings that make up the museum. Admission is $5. Children younger than 5 are free.

No pets, coolers, food or beverages allowed. pioneerfloridamuseum.org Everyone

HUNSADER FARMS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL Oct. 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29, various times Come out to Hunsader Farms in Bradenton for this yearly fall celebration. Festival will include musical entertainment and other live entertainment as well as a variety of fun fall activities for all ages. Admission is $10 and parking, $5. Children 12 and younger are free. hunsaderfarms.com Everyone

PINT SIZE PUMPKIN PATCH Oct. 21, 6-7:30 p.m.

Enjoy games, food and crafts at Highland Recreation Complex in Largo. Meet up with a visiting scarecrow and come dressed for a trick or treat parade for little ones. Cost is $6 per child and $2 per adult. For information, call 727-518-3016. Everyone

WESLEY CHAPEL FALL FESTIVAL Oct. 28-29, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tampa Bay Buccanneers pumpkin patch

Gear up for autumn fun as this popular Wesley Chapel festival returns to The Grove.

Event features live music, arts and crafts, a business expo, fall foods and beverages and a special Halloween celebration. Saturday night, stay until 4pm for Trunk or Treat.

Festival carnival will be open until 10 p.m. simplyeventsfl.com Everyone

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 59

family fun | DIY Costumes

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1 Ace Ventura 2 A Latte Love 3 Alfalfa 4 Bacon & Eggs 5 Bee Keeper, Queen Bee, Bumblebee 6 Titanic Captain 7 Cutest Scarecrow 8 Construction Bieber 9 Dennis the Menace & Margaret 10 Friendly Ghost 11 Golden Girls 12 Harley Quinn 13 Harry Potter 14 Minion

60 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

DIY Costumes 15

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The best of 2017 19

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15 Mini Grannies 16 Oompa Loompa 17 Peter Pan & Tinkerbell 18 Robin 19 Speedy Gonzalez 20 The Joker 21 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 22 Stay Puft Marshmallow Girl 23 Scuba Diver & Mermaid 24 We're All Mad 25 Wicked Witch Under House 26 Wizard of Oz 27 Wonder Woman

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 61

62 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

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family fun | Halloween Events

TE I R OUR FAVO

N E E W O EVENTS HALL

MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY Select Nights through Nov. 1, various times Visit Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park for a night of trickor-treating fun with some of your favorite Disney characters and explore the attractions. Check out the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Show.

Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed in costume. disneyworld.com Everyone

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS 27 Select Nights Sept. 15 through Nov. 4, various times Dare yourself to experience Halloween at its most frightening at this Universal Studios Orlando event. This year’s theme is “The Horrors of Blum House,” presented by the filmmakers behind “The Purge,” “Insidious” and “Sinister.”

Flex tickets are available to allow visitors to decide what night is best for them. halloweenhorrornights. com Teen & Older

HOWL-O-SCREAM AT BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA Select Nights Sept. 22 through Oct. 29, various times Experience terrors around every corner at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Meet up with hundreds of roaming creatures, explore new

SEAWORLD ORLANDO’S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Weekends Sept. 23 – Oct. 29, 11 a.m. to park close

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 2728, various times Return to Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo for a Halloween event even spookier than last year. Ghouls and goblins of all ages can watch the zoo transform into an eerie and immersive Halloween adventure for the whole family.

Creatures emerge at dusk with startling surprises but without the horror or gore. tlpz.org Everyone

SESAME STREET KIDS’ WEEKENDS AND HALLOWEEN PAINTING AT BUSCH GARDENS Oct. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, various times Say hello to Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird and many more Sesame Street friends for Hallow-

64 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Join Tampa Bay Moms Blog for their 1st Annual Fall Spooktacular at The Barn at Winthrop. Dress up in your best costume and bring your family for indoor (and outdoor) trick-or-treating, games, snacks, and fun! Tickets are $6/ child (babies under 1 and adults are free). Tampabay.citymomsblog.com

BRICK OR TREAT Oct. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 and 31, various times

haunted houses and see live, interactive entertainment. For mature audiences. buschgardenstampabay.com Teens & Older

Kids can dress in their favorite Halloween costume and take part in fun-filled trick-or-treating at SeaWorld Orlando. Plus, meet up with everyone’s favorite neighbors on Sesame Street as The Count, Elmo, Abby and others take the stage for “Sesame Street’s Countdown to Halloween.” Other Halloween fun includes Penelope’s Garden Party, Pets Ahoy Halloween and Halloween Dance Party. Event is included in park admission. seaworldorlando.com Everyone

1ST ANNUAL FALL SPOOKTAKULAR Oct. 14, 11-2 p.m.

een fun at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Enjoy trick-or-treating, music and a chance to be up close with the park’s animal ambassadors.

Join in parades and dance parties throughout the afternoon at Sesame Street Safari of Fun with different themes each weekend.

Plus, take part in a special Sesame Street meet and greet, then create a mini-masterpiece during a 45-minute child-friendly Halloween Painting session. buschgardens. com/tampa Everyone

SCREAMIN’ GREEN HAUNTOWEEN AT CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE Oct. 7-31, various times Beware of werewolves, witches and monsters at the Crayola Experience inside The Florida Mall in Orlando. Check out 26 exciting hands-on attractions. Create monster crafts, snap character photos, go on a themed scavenger hunt and trick-or-treat throughout the attraction (weekends only). Admission is $22.99 plus tax per person and annual passes are $29.99 plus tax each.

Buy online and save.

Crayolaexperience.com/Orlando Everyone

Enjoy a Halloween party built just for kids at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. Kids can enjoy spooky, kooky LEGO building activities, trick-or-treating, meetand-greets with spooky characters, new entertainment and themed fireworks. legolandflorida. com 4 & Older

MR. TOMMY’S VERY UN-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY Oct. 15, 2-3 p.m.

Catch the children’s entertainer in action as he hosts a fun, scare-free Halloween party at Carrollwood Cultural Center in Tampa. Dress in costume and be ready to sing along and dance to monster hits.

Cost is $7 members and $8 general admission, with a $28 family fourpack also available. Children ages 4 and younger are free. carrollwoodcenter.org Everyone

HALLOWEEN MAGIC AND SPOOK SHOW SPECTACULAR Oct. 20-21 and 27-28, 8-9:30 p.m.

Prepare to be dazzled by magic, mentalism, illusions, escapes and dangerous, spooky and bizarre tricks at this special event at Merlin’s Theatre in New Port Richey. Advance tickets are $17.50 adults and $12.50 children 12 and younger. First weekend offers a Halloween Magic Show and second weekend, Oddities, Curiosities and Spooks. visualmagicshop. com/events 10 & Older

A NIGHTMARE ON FRANKLIN STREET AT TAMPA THEATRE Oct. 20-31, various times Explore Tampa’s most historic – and most haunted – movie palace as part of this popular Halloween event returning to downtown Tampa. Also, visit the Theatre’s website this month for new ghost tours and special screenings throughout October plus 12 nights of back-to-back classic horror films, creepy cult favorites, family-friendly frights, paranormal experiences and spooky special guests. For schedule details and tickets, tampatheatre.org/Nightmare.

10 & Older

ZOMBIE BASH FUN RUN Oct. 21, 8 a.m.

Get up and get out early for this fun run, part of the Family Fun Series, hosted by Highland Recreation Complex in Largo. Cost is $10/person and $20/family. For more information, call the Complex at 727-518-3016. Everyone

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: MONSTER MASH MAKEUP WORKSHOP Oct. 21, 2-3:30 p.m.

Take part in this hands-on workshop taught by Patel Conservatory resident makeup artists at the Conservatory located at Straz Center in Tampa. Workshop introduces students to the basic materials and skills needed to apply and design classic monster makeup. Fee is $25. Registration is required by calling 813-222-1040 or visiting the Conservatory registration office. patelconservatory.org 10 & Older

HAPPY HALLOWEEN RUN 5K Oct. 22, 8 a.m.

Get ready, set and go in your most ghoulish racing form as this Halloween 5K sets off at Gadsden Park. Participants dress up for their favorite causes and get an authentic event Halloween cape and collectible run bib. Run for fun or choose your favorite charity and raise funds. Registration starts at 8 a.m. with individual and team races to kick off at 9 a.m. thehalloweenhustle.com Everyone

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: FAMILY TRICK OR TREAT Oct. 22, 2-6 p.m.

Stroll down the halls of Tampa

Bay History Center in one of two spooky sessions and meet up with pirates, explorers, Florida pioneers, Storm Troopers and Ghostbusters. See exhibits and historical figures come to life as you take kids through the galleries to trick or treat. Night includes a costume contest for prizes along with crafts and games for kids.

Admission is $10 and open to children of all ages with adult companion. tampabayhistorycenter. org Everyone

HOWL-O-GLOGA Oct. 26, 7-8:30 p.m.

Experience a Halloween-themed glow-in-the-dark yoga party at Highland Recreation Complex in Largo. Dress in your favorite family-friendly costume, enjoy themed treats and find your inner peace while improving flexibility and core strength. Cost is $17 before Oct. 19 and $20 after. Highlandrecreation.com Everyone

DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREAT Oct. 27, 5-8 p.m.

Bring the kids around downtown Dunedin businesses for fun, safe trick-or-treating as the city closes roads. Participating merchants display pumpkin decals in their windows to invite families to stop in for treats. Stop by Dunedin History Museum for a Halloween exhibit and costume contest at 6:45 p.m. Later, head to Pioneer Park for a screening of “Beauty and the Beast” (2017). Free. For more info, call 727-298-3201. dunedingov.com/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=6013 Everyone

OLDSMAR HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS Oct. 27, 5-9 p.m.

Head to R.E. Olds Park in Oldsmar for a night of ghoulish fun. Families can take a stroll along the Spooky Trail and enjoy games and rides at the Halloween Carnival. myoldsmar.com Everyone

OWL-O-WEEN Oct. 27, 6-9 p.m.

A spooky nature trail, a raffle, candy and toasted marshmallows and ghost and goblins are on the agenda for this night in McGough Nature Park in Largo. Cost is $5 per person. For more information and to preregister, call 727-5183047. Everyone

THE GREAT EEKS!PLORATION Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Stop by Great Explorations Museum in St. Pete for Halloween activities and trick-or-treating throughout the museum. Make hand bats, mummy collages, glow-in-the-dark art and more.

The museum also will take part in the Teal Pumpkin Project providing candy and non-food treats while showing awareness of food allergies and promoting inclusion of all trick-or-treaters.

A $2 admission discount applies to those who arrive in costume. greatex.org 3 & Older

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR 2016 Oct. 28, noon - 5 p.m.

Enjoy this popular, family-friendly event at Largo Central Park chock full of Halloween fun.

Day includes a trick-or-treat trail (noon-4 p.m.), inflatables, a hay maze, games, music and other activities. Cost is $7 advance at recreation centers and $10 day of purchase at recreation locations and the park. For more information, call 727-587-6740, ext. 5014.

Everyone

HALLOWEEN HOWL Oct. 28, 4-9 p.m.

Join your Zephyrhills neighbors for a special Halloween celebration along 5th Avenue. Check out food and merchandise vendors, games and more, with a Safe Trick or Treat Zone for the kids. Free admission. mainstreetzephyrhills.org Everyone

GUPPYWEEN Oct. 28-29, 1-5 p.m.

Get ready for a spooktacular time at this popular trick-ortreat event hosted by The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment and a sea of candy in a safe setting. All Aquarium exhibits, including the venue’s new outdoor plaza tiki bar and Splash Pad, will be open. flaquarium.org Everyone

DUNEDIN HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS Oct. 28, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Get together with friends and family for a haunted hayride, carnival games, costume contests for all ages, DJ music and more at Highlander Park in Dunedin. Kids can have fun with crafts, bounce house, Boo in the Zoo and a Little Goblins Hayride. Cost is $5 parking, $10 for Haunted Hayride and $10 for a wristband for children’s activities. For more information, call 727-812-4530. Everyone

HALLOWEEN HAPPENING AT LARGO COMMUNITY CENTER Oct. 29, 2-4 p.m.

‘Monster Mash’ with your friends during this special Halloween Party hosted by Largo Community Center. Party includes dancing, entertainment, lunch and a costume contest. Tickets are $14 and must be purchased in advance. largocommunitycenter.com Everyone

MUMMY & ME HALLOWEEN SCREENING Oct. 31, time TBA Watch an animated family film Halloween morning at Tampa Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids ages 2-12. For this year’s Halloween selection, be sure to stop by the Theatre website. Flick details will be posted as soon as they become available. tampatheatre.org Everyone

MAIN STREET TRICK OR TREAT Oct. 31, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Put on that costume and head to downtown Safety Harbor’s Main Street for a fun, safe family-friendly trick-or-treating experience. City Hall, Fire Station 52 and Main Street businesses will be handing out treats.

Free. cityofsafetyharbor.com Everyone

HALLOWEEN SPREE Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m.

Enjoy spooky fun with a safe trick-or-treating alternative at Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa. Evening includes museum play, special programs, a costume parade, trick-or-treating and more. Cost is $10 for Museum members and $15 general admission. glazermuseum.org 2-10

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 65

A NaTig h T the M u se u M tampa bay history center as tHe mUseUm winDs DOwn,

tHe exHiBits COme alive!

Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion join pirates, pioneers and other ghosts from Florida’s past as they haunt the History Center! Two spooky sessions to choose from!

tRiCK OR tReat

CRaFts & games

S U N D AY OCt. 22nD 2-3:30 p.m.

OR

4:30-6 p.m.

RegisteR Online!

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801 OLD WATER STREET 813.228.0097 66 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Donate!

Hey Neighbor, Create, Take and

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 67

What’s Happening | Top picks

OCTOBER CHILDREN’S BOARD OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FREE TUESDAY Oct. 3, noon to 7 p.m.

of Tampa Bay to support their

and special exhibits inside the Mu-

Florida Healthy Transitions program

seum of Fine Arts in St. Pete every

that is funded by the Substance

first and third Saturday monthly.

Take advantage of an admission

Abuse and Mental Health Services

Free with museum admission. Regis-

promotion at Glazer Children’s

Administration (SAMHSA) and sup-

tration is not required. mfastpete.org

Museum. The event aligns with

porting youth and young adults ages

5 & Older

the Children’s Board’s mission to

16-25. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m.

promote the well-being of children

ckgfoundation.org/tampa Everyone

and families. Meet Daniel Tiger Neighbor Day.” Bring a new or gently

FREE FIELD DAY Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

used sweater or sweatshirt to donate

Foster care children and their

for a needy child. glazermuseum.org

families are invited to learn more

Everyone

about the YMCA and enjoy a fun day

at select times as part of “Be My

WIREGRASS RANCHERS KIDS CLUB Oct. 4, 10-11 a.m.

Bring the kids to Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel the first Wednesday each month to meet children’s entertainer Mr. Tommy for face painting, balloon art and other activities. shopsatwiregrass.com 4-7

CREATE YOUR OWN SUPERHERO KIDS WALK Oct. 7, 8-11 a.m.

Encourage your own little superhero-in-the-making to participate in a fundraiser walk hosted by Westfield Citrus Park Mall in Tampa. The event benefits My Brother Rocks the Spectrum Foundation & We Rock the Spectrum, which provide an inclusive environment in all communities to ensure ALL children can attend classes, social skills programs, and have one-to-one attendant care when needed and supporting those with specials needs through employment and additional resources. Fee is $25/walker and includes a T-shirt.

simplyeventsfl.com Everyone

27TH ANNUAL SPCA TAMPA BAY PETWALK Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m. to noon Pack up the whole family, including the pooches, for this annual benefit walk along the Vinoy Park waterfront in St. Pete. Join a team or start your own and collect donations for the SPCA Tampa Bay. Registration is $25. petwalk.org Everyone

SPEAKUP 5K Oct. 7, 9 a.m.

Hit the pavement for a good cause at this benefit walk at Al Lopez Park in Tampa. A portion of the proceeds

of games, swimming and fellowship at this free event hosted by the Greater Ridgecrest YMCA in Largo.

For more information, call George Garcia at 727-461-9622. ymcasuncoast.

org Everyone

MORNING AT THE MUSEUM Oct. 7, 9:30 a.m.

Take the whole family to The Dali in St. Petersburg for a private tour before the museum opens to the public. Join an expert docent and junior docents for a journey through the museum's permanent collection and hear stories oriented toward children about the eccentric artist and his works. Kids later get to engage in hands-on activities while parents enjoy coffee and breakfast specials in the onsite café. Pre-registration is required. Free for members. For general admission ticket information, visit thedali.org. 6-12

MFA MAKE & TAKE SATURDAYS Oct. 7 and 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Create your own masterpiece inspired by works in art collections

Our favorite events and things to do for families in Tampa Bay!

SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m.

Take part in what has been dubbed the world’s largest fundraising event for breast cancer when it kicks off at Albert Whitted Park in St. Pete. Help to raise funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement, celebrate survivors and honor those who have lost their battle with breast cancer.

komensuncoast.org Everyone

FREE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION FOR OASIS 16TH BIRTHDAY Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join Outreach Assisting Students In Schools (OASIS) for a celebration of its anniversary during the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market held on the lawn of Hillsborough High School in Tampa. Event will include carnival games and activities, including prizes and cupcakes.

Admission is free but youth size school clothing donations and birthday gifts of Target or Walmart gift cards are welcomed. oasis-network.

org Everyone

3RD ANNUAL ANTI-BULLYING 3K RUN/WALK Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sign up to take part in this benefit run/walk hosted by The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation

Department at Al Lopez Park in Tampa. Purpose of event is to bring awareness to youth about the dangers, consequences and results of various forms of bullying. tampagov.

net Everyone

SHOPKINS LIVE! Oct. 13, 4 p.m.

Meet up with the number 1 kids’ toy in North America as the beloved Shoppies make their theatrical debut in an original new live showing coming to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette, Polli Polish and more bring the show to life on stage through

FREE POPS IN THE PARK Oct. 21-23, 7 p.m.

Bring the whole family for a free, fun evening of lively symphonic music courtesy of The Florida Orchestra at three venues this month: Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg (Oct. 21), River Tower Park in Tampa (Oct. 22) and Coachman Park in Clearwater (Oct. 23). Admission is free but guests are encouraged to bring canned goods for donation to Tampa Bay Harvest. floridaorchestra.org Everyone

will be donated to the Crisis Center

song and dance. Tickets are $33.25, $43.25 and $103.75 (VIP Party Package tickets). rutheckerdhall.com 2-8

JULIE SCARDINA PRESENTS MISSION: WILDLIFE Oct. 13, 7 p.m.

Join wildlife Ambassador Julie Scardina as she shares her passion for wildlife and wild places for this one-night only event at Tampa Theatre. Audience participation is a big part of this family-friendly show.

Tickets are $25.50 at the Theatre box office and $28.00 online (including service fees). A limited number of VIP tickets are also available.

tampatheatre.org Everyone 68 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

For even more family fun, visit TampaBayParenting.com to see our full calendar! ment featuring adoptable pets, an after party and cigar bar. Tickets are $175 each. tuxesandtailstampa.com Moms, Dads

EVERYDAY MOMS TRUNK OR TREAT October 14, 2pm-4pm Join Everyday Moms for this FREE event featuring decorated trunks

SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS SESAME STREET LIVE Oct. 20-22, various times

TRAMPOLINE PARK SENSORY SATURDAYS Oct. 7, 9-10 a.m.

Jump to the beat on Sesame Street

Pack up the family and head to

at an all-new, interactive show fea-

Altitude Trampoline Park in Tampa

turing the funniest, furriest party

for a morning of sensory-friendly

in the neighborhood onstage at The

trampoline fun. Families can

Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

expect a less crowded environment

Tickets start at $15. themahaffey.com

and reduced music volume. altitu-

2 & Older

detampa.com Everyone

RATTLESNAKE FESTIVAL Oct. 21-22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stop by this family-friendly, out-

WARRIORS FOR AUTISM – SENSORY WARRIORS PROGRAM Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 11 a.m. noon

door festival in San Antonio Park.

Learn about adaptive martial

This year’s event offers food, live

arts training at Warrior Fitness &

music, arts and crafts, kid games

Sensory in Tampa with program-

and rides as well as gopher races

ming designed for kids on the

and live snake and reptile shows.

autism spectrum and their siblings

Free admission and festival park-

in a safe and supportive learning

ing. rattlesnakefestival.com Everyone

environment. Classes include

PATEL CONSERVATORY PRESENTS GODSPELL Oct. 26-29, various times

anti-bullying, speed and agility

by local businesses, as well as our amazing Everyday Moms Contributors. There will be a pumpkin patch, trunk-or-treating, face painting and more! Event takes place in Riverview at The Big Red Barn at 10070 Fernhill Dr.

7TH ANNUAL ST. PETERSBURG SCIENCE FESTIVAL Oct. 20-21, various times Come join this regional celebration hosted by USF St. Petersburg where families and the public can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). The event is held in conjunction with MarineQuest, an annual open house of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

ANNUAL BREWS BY THE BAY BEER AND FOOD FESTIVAL Oct. 13, 8-11 p.m.

Save the date for this popular beer and food festival at The Florida

Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. stpetescifest.org Everyone Belleair Images Photography, Wayne Cathel

Aquarium. The festival features dozens of types of beer from Pepin Distributing, food from Bay area

drills, discipline, self-defense and more. warriorsensory.com 5 & Older

Get lost in this timeless tale of on the Gospel According to St.

GREAT CONNECTIONS Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to noon

Matthew and being presented by

Explore the rooms and halls of

students in the Patel Conservatory

Great Explorations with special

theater program onstage TECO

early access hours made available

Theater at Straz Center. Sing along

to children with special needs and

to memorable tunes featured in the

their families. Take part in senso-

show including the international

ry-friendly activities and crafts the

hit “Day by Day.” Tickets are $20

second Sunday of the month. This

and can be purchased online at

month, the Museum partners with

strazcenter.org. Everyone

Apraxia Tampa Bay. Cost is $5 per

friendship, loyalty and love based

of event for general admission, and

7TH ANNUAL TAMPA PIG JIG ON THE RIVER Oct. 28, 1-10 p.m.

$45 for Aquarium members through

Pack up the kids for a fun day of

Oct. 12. VIP tickets are also available

music and tasty barbecue at Curtis

restaurants and live entertainment.

Tickets are $50 advance and $60 day

28TH ANNUAL HYDE PARK VILLAGE ART FAIR Oct. 14-15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See artwork across a variety of media at this free event in Hyde Park Village. Meet up with participating artists and browse shops and dine in

Hear live music from Nathaniel

See a sensory-friendly screening of

Ratcliff & the Night Sweats and

this new release at Studio Movie

Justin Moore, bid in a silent auction

Grill at University Mall in Tampa.

See work by over 40 local and

and check out the annual BBQ

Screening is shown with reduced

competition. Kids have games and

lights and lowered volume. This

regional artists as they transform

children’s activities to keep them

month’s film is PG-rated and runs

Clearwater Beach sidewalks into

active. Proceeds raised benefit

99 minutes. Parental guidance is

NephCure. tampapigjig.com Everyone

always suggested.

larger-than-life canvases. Vote for

artfestival.com Everyone

Choice Award,” to be announced noon on the festival’s last day.

Event also includes a kids’ zone, arts and crafts vendors and music.

studiomoviegrill.com Everyone

PJ MASKS LIVE: TIME TO BE A HERO Oct. 28, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Channel your inner hero and join Catboy, Owlette and Gecko as they leap, flip and climb to save the day

benefit the Humane Society of Tam-

Festival runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday

pa Bay hosted by the Tampa Conven-

and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

which follows the characters of the

tion Center. Evening includes live

Sunday. Free. clearwaterbeachchalk-

popular animated children’s tele-

and silent auctions, a cocktail hour with complimentary wine and beer, dinner and dessert, live entertain-

greatex.org infant & Older

Hixon Park in downtown Tampa.

your favorite artist for the “People’s

Glam it up for this black-tie gala to

free to Museum members.

6TH ANNUAL CLEARWATER BEACH CHALK ART FESTIVAL Oct. 20-22, various times

the Village. Free admission.

TUXES & TAILS Oct. 14, 5:30-11 p.m.

person for general admission and

SENSORY-FRIENDLY MOVIE SCREENING: MY LITTLE PONY Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

for $75. flaquarium.org/brewsbythebay.

Moms, Dads

kickboxing, martial arts, flexibility,

walk.com Everyone

in the live show at the Straz Center

vision series. Sing along to favorite songs at this show that puts kids in the superhero spotlight. Tickets start at $25. strazcenter.org 2-10

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 69

THE SANTAS ARE COMING Gift your little believers the magic of the memory of a lifetime, a Real Bearded Santa walking in your front door, ringing sleigh bells with a toy sack of gifts over his shoulder.

Private Home visits: Nov 24 to Dec 24.

Call or Text 813-230-9254 RealBeardedSantasFlorida.com Toyshoppe 727-491-0533 Santas are also available for Schools, Holiday parties, Corporate events, Day-Care Centers, and More!

Reserve your Santa Visit Today

70 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

R

,

DWELL HOME STAGING

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 71

What's Happening | Around Town

Hurricane Relief Coming TOGETHER to give back after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma

On Wed., Sept. 13 "Men of Vision" group members came together to help Middleton High and the surrounding neighborhood clean up debris left over from hurricane Irma. The students who showed up represent Middleton, Hillsborough, Brooks DeBartolo and Steinbrenner.

Celeste and Charlotte of St. Petersburg earned over $100 selling lemonade and popcorn. Neighbors, friends, family and complete strangers donated. 100 percent will be donated to the Red Cross.

Students at Carrollwood Day School lived up to their motto "Where caring is common." They collected hundreds of donations for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. They were even featured on the Today Show for their efforts!

These Original Carrollwood students raised money for

Hurricane Harvey relief efforts by selling lemonade and cookies to neighborhood residents and raised over $300 in just two hours!

72 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Giving back for his 8th birthday, Luca and his party guests donated items to fill hurricane flood relief buckets. The buckets will be distributed via UMCOR to aid clean-up efforts from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Schools help the community

On Sat. Sept 16 , Small Change presented a squad of officers from the Clearwater Police Department with coffee and donuts to show appreciation for their efforts helping the community recover after the storm.

Rookie players with the Tampa Bay Lightning spent time at Metropolitan Ministries with hurricane relief efforts Students from the University of South Florida support Metropolitan Ministries during a post-Irma serve day.

1

2 3

1 MITCHELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students and their families gathered at the South Tampa school to clean up school grounds after Hurricane Irma.

2 As teachers at MCKITRICK ELEMENTARY in Lutz Radiant Church serves the South Tampa community all week long by helping those who were affected by Hurricane Irma.

prepared their classrooms to serve as shelter spaces, they set out activities and games to keep kids' minds engaged as they sheltered from the storm. The tweet from Mrs. DiTarando, a 2nd grade teacher at McKitrick Elementary says "Arts, books, games and drumming.

It's about giving people more than just a shelter. It's giving them comfort and community too."

3 SHELTER SELFIE! As Irma bore down on Tampa Bay,

J.W. Mitchell High School students and their

Strawberry Crest High School Principal David Brown snagged this selfie with the school’s Student Nutrition Services team, who rode out the storm at the school along with evacuees with special needs. Altogether, teams like this served up 34,000 meals a day to evacuees in 40+ Hillsborough County Public Schools that served as shelters.

families gathered together to clean up the debris on their campus left behind

by Hurricane Irma.

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 73

Justin Moore

Pig Jig Market

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats

BBQ Competition

JOIN US FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL TAMPA PIG JIG ON THE RIVER

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2017 1pm-10pm • Curtis Hixon Park • Downtown Tampa

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

2017 LIVE MUSIC LINEUP Co-Headliners Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and Justin Moore

Since 2011, over $2,000,000 has been raised with all proceeds benefitting NephCure. Please contact us at TampaPigJig@gmail.com to learn more about sponsoring the event.

Stoplight Observations and more!

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW Join us for live music, a BBQ competition, silent auction, Pig Jig Market, children’s activities, games and more!

FOR VIP & GENERAL ADMISSION CONCERT TICKETS, OR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.TAMPAPIGJIG.COM Let’s Get Social!

MAIN STAGE SPONSOR

@TampaPigJig

‘CUE UP A CURE FOR FSGS

74 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

BENEFITTING

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 75

76 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

SOUTH TAMPA TRADING CO. Hours: 10am - 6pm Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday Closed Sunday

1916 S Dale Mabry Hwy SouthTampaTradingCo.com (813) 831-7882

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 77

What services and resources are available to you and your family?

Get an app for that...

It ’s so simple!

Download the Parent Connection app Answer a few questions In moments you’ll know what services are available Use the resources tab everyday And, it’s all free!

This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA)of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number D89MC28265-01-00, Affordable Care Act, Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood HomeVisiting Program, $8,361,139. This information or content and conclusions are thoseof the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of,nor should any endorsement be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.

The Parent Connection app is brought to you by the Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County, Inc.

78 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 79

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Quitting tobacco isn’t easy. Finding help should be.

GROUP QUIT offers two programs: OPTION 1

A 2-hour session where participants learn how to develop a successful quit plan.

OPTION 2

Support groups meet once a week for 6 weeks and cover a variety of topics including coping with withdrawal symptoms, managing addiction and preventing relapse.

NICOTINE REPLACEMENT

FREE nicotine patches, lozenges or gum* to help tobacco users cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. *If medically appropriate and 18 years of age or older.

GROUP COUNSELING

Is an effective and critical component of any quit attempt, and can more than double the success rate of quitting tobacco.

Program covers all forms of tobacco.

GROUP QUIT

Is the in-person option of Tobacco Free Florida Quit Your Way services.

Pre-registration is required. To register call: 813-974-7889

tobaccofreeflorida.com/quityourway

OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 81

Cook up some family fun.

Do something delicious with the people you love. Sign up for a hands-on class at Publix Aprons Cooking School.

You’ll eat well, gain great skills, and have an unforgettably good time together.

For the closest location, a schedule of classes, and more information, visit publix.com/cookingschools.

82 TampaBayParenting.com | OCTOBER 2017

Expert ER care for kids

The care you expect.

The expertise you know and trust.

PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY CARE COORDINATION BY

Florida Hospital and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital have an exclusive affiliation that brings nationally ranked expertise and pediatric emergency care to each of our six emergency rooms. Additionally, we offer 24/7 access to on-site All Children’s Specialty Physicians at our Florida Hospital Tampa location.

ER4Children.com OCTOBER 2017 | TampaBayParenting.com 83

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