2013 holiday issue
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About the CoverEsther Edwards, featured in our cover story, with her daughter Lilly, at Clearwater Beach.
Photo by:Stacia Kelly Photography
Lifestyle, Children& Family Portraitsstaciakellyphoto.com727-366-6403
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8-9 Good Adventures
11-13 Good Products
Holiday Gift Guide
14-15 Good People
Gina Wilkins & Lewis Hill
33-34 Good Eating
The Good Stuff
Features 18 A Note from
Pinellas County Schools
Dr. Michael A. Grego
18News from the Children’s
Movement of Florida
Dave Lawrence
19 A Note from
Juvenile Welfare Board
All Kids Matter
Dr. Marcie Biddleman
20-21Celebrating the Holidays
On Board a Disney Cruise
Pamela Settle
22-23Strong is the New Beautiful
Thais Leon-Miller
24-27 Bringing the Soiree
Back to Life
Pam Settle
29 Sweet Truths
about Holiday Foods
Brenda Watson
30 Local Doctors Warn
of Holiday Health Hazards
31 Getting Through
the Holiday Season Without...
Barb Hennessey
36-37 The Edible Peace Patch
Kip Curtis, Phd.
38 My Story
Don Germaise
I can hardly believe we are nearing the end of 2013 already! Seems time is passing
faster and faster with every year. It’s been a busy year and we are deeply grateful for
everyone who read GoodLiving® magazine in 2013. We know how busy parents can
be! Quiet time to read a magazine is a luxury and so we do not take it for granted that
you give us your time.
GoodLiving® remains a free community magazine and that happens because companies
advertise. We seek out only good companies and good organizations because our
brand promise is to provide information about the best resources in Pinellas County.
Good companies we want to recognize are Achieva Credit Union and Florida
Hospital North Pinellas. Th ese major advertisers have supported this publication
for the long term because their corporate philosophy is in line with our mission.
Th ey too care deeply about the well being of families right here in Pinellas County
and it shows in how they do business. We hope that you will recognize this genuine
commitment and give them your patronage.
Th e same goes for the many small business and non-profi t organizations that reach
out to families through our magazine. Again, we only partner with the “good guys,” to
bring our readers the best our county has to off er.
Many of these good companies are linked to the non-profi ts we feature. We salute
them all for their hard work and caring hearts.
You’ll read about some caring hearts in this issue as we focus on hunger. Hard to fathom
that we have chronic hunger in a well-to-do county like ours. Sure, we know there are lower
income families and senior citizens, but do we really know about the ones who regularly go
to sleep hungry? We shouldn’t tolerate this for one minute. We are a population of nearly
one million. Surely we can give enough to feed those in dire need.
My son proved that one person can make a diff erence, even a young person. He
learned about students who needed extra food for the Th anksgiving break through a
food drive at his school and the news didn’t set well with him. His class was tasked
with bringing individual cereal boxes, so he ventured out to collect as much money
as he could to buy even more cereal. By asking adults and local business owners for
$5 each, he collected $150 in two weeks, enough to feed breakfast to 500 kids. Th at’s
a lot of impact for one second grader! But it illustrates a simple solution with simple
math. If we all seek to make a small contribution toward the feeding of 7,000 hungry
kids each day, we can do it.
We hope you’ll enjoy our end of year Holiday issue. But more than that we hope
you’ll be inspired by what you read.
Until next time,
Letter from the Editor
Pamela Settle
From our hearts to yours,
we wish you all the best in 2014.
Happy New Year!
®
PublisherLight Shine Media Group, LLC
Editor-in-ChiefPamela Settle
Design and LayoutMarcie Kelliher
Contribu ng WritersDr. Marcie Biddleman
Dr. Michael Grego
Dave Lawrence
Thais Leon-Miller
Brenda Watson
Barb Hennessey
Kip Curtis, Phd.
Don Germaise
Distribu on provided by ASAP Distribution
To submit good news ideas or events [email protected]
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necessarily those of the publisher. All rights reserved.
Holiday Issue 2013
Holiday Issue 2013 Holiday Issue 2013 8
adventures
DisneyworldNobody does holiday magic like Disneyworld. Cinderella’s
castle is breathtaking as it lights up the festivities at Magic
Kingdom. Th e awesome and memorable Christmas Candlelight
Processional at Epcot Center is a moving choir performance of
Christmas hymns with a celebrity reading of the Christmas story.
Th e countries share their holiday traditions and foods as well.
And then each evening, someone hits the switch at Hollywood
Studios to turn on the Osborne Family light display, one of the
largest such displays in the country. Th e entire downtown area
covered in lights is something you just have to see to appreciate.
Disneyworld.com
First Night St. PetersburgRing in the New Year at First Night
in Downtown St. Petersburg. Th is is a
family friendly event starting with First Kids at 4 p.m. at
the Morean Arts Center where children will make crafts,
enjoy music and a petting zoo. In Williams Park, Th e
Warehouse Arts District Artists (WADA) will Light Up
the New Year with Luminous Flight illuminated sculp-
tural lanterns. Participate in hands-on demos including
glass etching, fl ight based clay creations, and a decorating
a Chinese style Dragon. Join the Dragon Procession to
the Waterfront at 10 pm. Also a TASCO Young Talent
Showcase and Pathfi nder Tree Climbing. Adults and kids
will take in arts and culture with fi reworks, stories, music,
food and more until midnight. fi rstnightstpete.com
Downtown Tampa on IceIt’s not quite Rockefeller Center,
but Downtown Tampa on Ice is
going to do it Florida style. Th e
outdoor ice skating rink at Curtis
Hixon Waterfront Park is a tempo-
rary fi xture from Th anksgiving week
to January 5th. Take the family ice
skating along the river or schedule a
private holiday party under the stars.
Sessions of 90 minutes cost $10 per
person including skate rental.
photo courtesy of Walt Disney World
Wild Wonderland Lowry Park Zoo is magical
during Wild Wonderland
where children of all ages can
see live reindeer, millions of
lights, elaborate holiday displays
and free unlimited zoo rides all
evening. Wild Wonderland runs
select evenings and requires a sepa-
rate ticket. lowryparkzoo.com
9 Holiday Issue 2013
Frosty the Snowman
at ICE! A perennial chilly favorite
at the Gaylord Palms in
Orlando is ICE! running
through January 5th. More
than two million pounds of
hand-carved ice sculptures
will tell this classic tale
of Frosty the Snowman
as only they than can do
at ICE! Th is year they
have four ice slides, a live ice carving zone and an ice nativity. Th e
hotel itself has holiday decorations, entertainment and shopping
that makes for a nice day trip. Florida resident rates available. For
tickets and information go to gaylordpalms.com/ice.
LegolandChristmas Bricktacular with holiday-themed festivities on Saturdays
and Sundays in December is included with park admission. Take
a family photo in front of the giant LEGO® Christmas Tree, scour
the park in the Santa Scavenger Hunt and enjoy decorations and
holiday entertainment throughout your visit.
Th e fun continues after Christmas as LEGOLAND Florida
celebrates their Countdown to Kids’ New Year’s Eve parties that
features nightly fi reworks over Lake Eloise Dec. 26-30, 2013.
Watch a spectacular fi reworks display with special 3D viewing
glasses that turn ordinary fi reworks into millions of exploding
LEGO bricks. Bring the kids for a very special Kids’ New Year’s
Eve Party on December 31st. Kids get to rock out in Miniland
USA with a live DJ Dance Party. Th e grand fi nale features an
impressive LEGO fi reworks display and a chance to watch the
BRICK Drop at just the right time for kids, midnight KST (Kid
Standard Time) - otherwise known as 7 p.m. EST.
adventures
Holiday Lights at the Florida Botanical GardensCelebrate the Season with Holiday Lights at the Florida
Botanical Gardens in Largo. You and your family can stroll
through the beautiful gardens amidst 425,000 twinkling lights
as the Gardens transform into a holiday wonderland. Th is event
is free to children 12 and under and a suggested donation of $2
per adult.
Global Winter WonderlandFor locals traveling to or through Atlanta, this very unique and
brand new lantern festival and multicultural theme park may
pique your attention. Th e Global Winter Wonderland features
giant illuminated lanterns depicting creatures and scenes that
include a Christmas holiday village, animals real and imagined,
and people and scenes from around the world. Highlights include
recreations of some of the world’s greatest architectural achieve-
ments, including the Taj Mahal, the Eiff el Tower, Chichen Itza,
and the Golden Gate Bridge. Th e eco-friendly lanterns, some
of which tower more than 50 feet high and span nearly 100 feet
wide, are illuminated with low voltage LEDs and fl uorescent
lights, and several structures are powered by solar panels. Th is
family-friendly event also features numerous carnival rides and
games, international cuisine, arts and crafts, live entertainment,
and celebrations of holiday traditions and various cultures from
around the world.
New this year and running through January 5th at Turner
Field. Tickets are on sale now and available for purchase at
globalwonderland.com or by calling (770)723-3862. Tickets
are $24.99 for adults, $18.99 for seniors, and $16.99 for children.
Prices are inclusive of all the rides and live entertainment.
Children 4 and under are admitted free. Global Winter
Wonderland is open daily from 5pm-11pm.
When it comes to the holiday-themed
events, it’s always exciting to take the family
to see something new. In its second year, Busch Gardens
has again outdone itself with Christmas Town®, a nighttime
wonderland of all things Christmas. Th is year they have three
times more snow and installed over one million twinkling lights
to shine over these festive activities:
Visit SnowWorld® and slide down eight new slides, make a
snowman, play in the soft white snow or pack the perfect snow
balls to test your aim in the target practice area.
Enjoy a trip back in time at Holiday Hills, a nostalgic town with
a live brass band playing seasonal favorites.
Journey into Jungala to see a nature-inspired Christmas,
including a larger-than-life Christmas tree that comes alive every
fi fteen minutes with spectacular dancing lights.
Stroll through Mistletoe Memories and take in the romantic topiaries,
fl owers and sparkling white twinkle lights that fi ll the trees overhead.
Join Elmo, Cookie Monster, Zoe and
everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends in the
all-new show, Elmo’s Christmas Wish.
Join the Madagascar friends including Gloria, Alex, King Julien and
the penguins in Madagascar Live! Operation:Christmas Vacation.
Climb aboard the Christmas Town Express for a Christmas carol
sing-a-long while circling the Serengeti on a beautifully lit
vintage-style steam locomotive.
And fi nally, stop by the beautiful North Pole home at Welcome to Santa’s House. While the elves are busy preparing for Christmas,
Mrs. Claus is in the kitchen baking holiday treats, but even Santa
himself will take a break from his busy holiday schedule to meet
and take photos with families in his private study.
Christmas Town is open 18 select nights from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
through December 23 and requires a separate ticket for admission.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ChristmasTown.com.
family
ar Busch Gardens
Joi
everyo
all new show E
11 Holiday Issue 2013
Holiday Gift Guide
Zeenie DollzTh e Zeenie Dollz are fashion-forward, environmentally friendly
toys created for young girls to develop their sense of power to
improve the Earth. Th e Zeenies are stylish yet vibrant eco-
warriors, and each of the six dolls possesses a unique eco-power
that protects the environment including Evee, Protector of the
Skies, Lina, Protector of the Rainforest and Yana, Protector of
the Oceans. $49.99 at zeeniedollz.com
GoldieBloxTh e book and construction set, stars Goldie, the girl inventor
who loves to build. In playing the game, young girls follow the
story while developing an understanding of basic engineering
skills. GoldieBlox demonstrates that engineering and science are
fun and accessible fi elds for females. GoldieBlox and the Spinning
Machine, $29.99. Available at Toys ‘R’ Us or Amazon.com
Romo Robotic PetRun by an app for iPhones and iPod Touch this robot can
be your child’s new best friend while he or she learns the
capacity of technology. Romo is a curious digital creature
who lives in your phone and explores your world on his
roving base Just download the app and dock your device.
Romo senses his environment and interacts with his
surroundings. $149 and found on Amazon.com
12Holiday Issue 2013
Holiday Gift Guide
littleBitsTh e Base Kit for the littleBits experience is a set of 10 color-coded
modules that snap together magnetically to create larger circuits.
Includes everything you need to start designing and prototyping
your own interactive creations, including a 9V battery, an attrac-
tive, re-usable case and the ever-popular DC Motor. Th ere’s
also a new, expanded activity booklet with great projects like the
Art Bot and Th ree Wheeler. Th is Kit is sure to kick-start your
creativity...from ages 8 to infi nity! List price is $99, but cheaper
at Amazon.com.
Nhócchi PuppetsDeveloped by a husband and wife team to bring their combined
engineering experience to their art. Nhócchi puppets inspire a
spirit of creativity for kids to use their imaginations to create plots
and adventures for the animal cast. Each one is handmade, using a
fabric woven in communities in the mountains of Asia.
$25 each at nhocci.com
Magic Path of Yoga GamePlayers roll the die, draw a card that matches the color they land on,
and perform the yoga pose on the card for 10 seconds to round the
board. Th e fi rst player to collect one card of each color wins! A great
introduction to yoga, this game strengthens and tones the muscles
and improves posture. Also includes a fully-illustrated, step-by-step
yoga instruction book. $29.99 at Amazon.com.
Flipzles®Created by an artist and stay at home mom, Flipzles® are double sided
puzzle play sets, encouraging problem solving and creative play. Each of
the interlocking wooden pieces is also a stand alone character or object
that goes with the theme of the puzzle. Children can use the the puzzle
frame as a backdrop to make up their own imaginative stories. Less than
$20 on Amazon.com.
13 Holiday Issue 2013
Holiday Gift GuideGifts Ideas for Grown Ups1. DropcamDropcam is a cloud-based Wi-Fi video monitoring service with
free live streaming, two-way talk and remote viewing that makes
it easy to stay connected with places, people and pets, no matter
where you are. Prices vary by model. Dropcam.com
2. The Justin CaseTh e Justin Case by Innovative Technology is a portable 7 inch
tablet or iPad case with a built-in rechargeable battery.
Ithomeproducts.com
3. Picture KeeperPicture Keeper is a device that backs up your digital pictures
from computers and smart phones using embedded software.
No installations, wires or passwords. Very simple way to protect
photos. Prices vary by model. picturekeeper.com
4. The WatershotTh e Watershot is an underwater camera housing for the iPhones
or Galaxies. Housing has glass lens port and black rubberized
baffl e for optical image clarity. Mounts for other lenses, fi lters
and a tripod. Base model is depth rated to 40 M / 130 FT. Prices
vary by model. Watershot.com
5. The Slingshot from BlueFlameTh e Slingshot from BlueFlame is a water-resistant, portable
speaker system with Bluetooth ability. It’s perfect for the shower,
pool, beach or anyone you want to play music.
Bluefl amegear.com
1.
2.
3.4.
5.
14Holiday Issue 2013
peopleMaking Sure Kids EatTwo Local Heroes Fill Backpacks and BelliesBy THAIS LEON-MILLER & PAMELA SETTLE
Editor’s NoreMost of us take food for granted and waste more than we are willing
to admit. We also may not realize that right here in Pinellas County,
about 7,000 children go hungry everyday. Th ese are children who
have no control over their circumstances. Th ey are the innocents.
And they are our neighbors; real children who are part of our greater
Pinellas County family.
Th e holidays are a time we focus on giving food to charities
that provide holiday meals. Th e spirit of giving peaks and we are
moved to drop some cans into the food donation box. But what
about the rest of the year? What about the children who know
the pangs of hunger the remaining days of the year?
Pinellas County Schools feed free breakfast and lunch, and in some
schools dinner, to qualifying children. Th ese children, though, go
home for the weekends and the long holiday breaks from school and
may not eat until they go back to school. Th is is something that Gina
Wilkins and Lewis Hill couldn’t live with. Separately, and together,
they fi ght the good fi ght against childhood hunger. Th ey lead their
respective organizations and manage a small army of volunteers who
pack donated food items for children to carry home. Th is act of love
is the lifeline for children throughout our community. Did you realize
that a pack of peanut butter crackers and a box of raisins would mean
so much? We didn’t until we met these remarkable Good People.
Gina WilkinsFounder of The Kind Mouse Productions
It doesn’t take a long time speaking
with Gina before you hear the smile in her voice. Th ere is no
mistaking the enthusiasm when she is discussing her project of
feeding hungry kids across Pinellas County. Th e Kind Mouse
Productions is Gina’s brainchild, inspired by a 2011 CBS 60 Minute
Report “Hard Times Generation: Homeless Kids” ( June 26, 2011).
Gina was working as an architectural draftsman and had seen a lot
of her colleagues fall into a slump due to an ailing economy. She felt
that she needed to do “something” but wasn’t sure what until she saw
the news report. Th e segment put children’s homelessness under a
microscope and Gina immediately connected with it. Families
being forced to split up due to home foreclosure or a family of
four living in a cramped hotel room resonated strongly with her.
To learn how to set up a non-profi t organization, she sought help
from Lewis Hill, founder of Pack a Sack 4 Kids, and Bob Dillinger
of Nourish to Flourish, two organizations that focus on feeding
kids. She learns as she grows, including how to do fundraising and
volunteer recruitment. By this Christmas, Kind Mouse will be
feeding 100 kids in Pinellas County on a weekly basis.
“We work with the schools in St. Petersburg to fi nd out which
kids need the most help, the hungriest of the hungry. Th en
[without knowing the identity of the families] we off er our
services and make sure they aren’t going to bed hungry.”
Th e stories she tells are sobering. “Th ere was a boy who came in
with his mom and when he saw our logo on a Mouse Nibbles
bag, he exclaimed that he had been eating them all summer
long.” He went on to thank Gina for the granola bar that was
packed in one of the bags. She later learned that he, his fourteen
year-old sister and his mother had all shared it for dinner the
previous night. “Th ese are hard-working, educated families who
have fallen on hard times. Some of these people have Master’s
degrees. Th is could be any one of us.”
Gina is not only focused on making sure every child is fed, she
also wants to make sure that the entire family stays together,
including the pets. When Janette Rivera of Th e Vinoy received
an email from Gina requesting a donation, Janette, an avid
animal advocate, asked about the families’ pets. Realizing the
importance of the family pet, they started requesting dog and cat
food, leashes, and supplies to add to the donations.
Th e Kind Mouse hosts Th e Hotel Food Drive Competition, running
from November 25th to December 16th. Th is well-timed event
ups the amount of food stuff s sent to each family during the
holidays. Gift cards for local grocery stores are the coveted item
for this time of year, and she is praying for a big turnout to ease
some of holiday volume. Gina addresses this nonchalantly as she
does all the other sacrifi ces and hard work she has put into this
project. Working out of her two-bedroom home, she handles the
majority of the picking up, sorting, fundraising, and promotion
of Th e Kind Mouse. She shrugs this off even as she explains that
she is now committed to the project full time. “It’s 100% full-time
and 100% volunteers. Hungry children are more important.”
While she gives a great deal of credit to her volunteers, she
doesn’t have enough of them and needs the manpower, and gift
cards, desperately. Gina doesn’t stop though, and continues to
live up to the organization’s name. “Kind” representing the legacy
that she wants to leave behind and “Mouse” being her nickname
since birth, Gina Wilkins continues to do what she can for the
children of Pinellas County, one nibble at a time.
15 Holiday Issue 2013
peopleLewis HillFounder of Pack a Sack 4 Kids
It seems simple enough. Garner donated food. Recruit volunteers.
Coordinate with individual schools. And every Friday get 1,400
small bags of food into the backpacks of children. Maybe it
seems simple because Lewis Hill makes it look easy. He works
every day in a small offi ce out of the First United Methodist
Church of Clearwater. Something that started in 2007 as a
small project to keep him busy in retirement is now his full time
mission. Pack a Sack operates with a letter of agreement with
Pinellas County Schools to be the provider of supplemental food
for needy students. Currently they serve students in about 40
diff erent schools, working closely with principals to make it all
run smoothly.
Th e program is successful because community organizations
have signed on for the long haul to be a part of the program.
Th e community organization commits to raising funds or obtaining
the donated food on an ongoing basis. Th ey also provide volunteers
each week to pack the sacks that will be delivered to the schools.
Many of the volunteer organizations are churches, but civic
groups, companies and families are chipping in, too. “I have
moms who call up and want to do food collection as part of their
child’s birthday party,” said Lewis. No matter who calls to help,
he will fi nd a way.
He believes that children should not go hungry. “I want to do
away with hunger. Th at’s my goal,” he says. But for now he knows
that there is a constant supply of hungry kids. “I don’t pay too
much attention to the numbers. We just feed hungry kids.” Lewis
also has his share of poignant stories. Th e ones that really
break his heart are the ones where he knows a child is in a
position to make a tough choice: to eat the food, or share it
with a hungry friend or sibling. No young child in modern
America should have to make that choice, but it happens
right under our noses.
Th is year resolve to be a part of feeding kids in Pinellas
County. Contact either Gina or Lewis and learn how you
can donate money or food.
Contact Informa onEmail Gina at [email protected] TheKindMouse on Twi er: @TheKindMouseand like them on Facebook.
Email Lewis at [email protected] call him at (727) 644-4795
Holiday Issue 2013 16
Hunger continues to be a problem in Pinellas
County. But the GOOD NEWS is that our
county is fi lled with loving, caring individuals
who work for and volunteer at charities
throughout our county all year long.
Th ese organizations step up their eff orts during
the holidays and make it easy for anyone and
everyone to help out.
Please be a part of the giving season. No matter
your individual situation, there is someone who
needs you and someone you can help. One
person can make a diff erence! Giving $5 will
provide a meal. Collecting food items from
friends and neighbors is an easy, meaningful way
to be fi lled with the spirit of giving. Committing
to volunteer once a month is a resolution that
will do more for you than you realize.
It is in this true spirit of caring and giving, that
GoodLiving magazine has issued a community
challenge called, “Fill our Food Banks!”
We are asking each and every person in the
county who is capable, to give at least one item
of food to a food bank or to a collection drive. If
you can’t make a donation of food, then please
fi nd a way to give a small fi nancial contribution
or volunteer your time.
Th e following is a short list of food banks that need your help. Th ere are many more that can be found at 211Connects.org. Contact them by phone fi rst before dropping off food as hours of collection vary by organization.
Abundant Life Ministries1550 Belcher Road South
Largo, FL 33771
(727) 210-LIFE x5433
abundantlifeministries.cc
Calvary Episcopal ChurchThe Beach Community Food Pantry1615 First St.
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
calvaryirb.org/foodpantry.htm
Countryside Chris an CenterHelping Hands Ministry2565 Blackburn Street
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 724-1290
countrysidechristiancenter.org
F.E.A.S.T. Food Pantry2255 Nebraska Avenue
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
(727) 789-5275
feastfoodpantry.com
First United Methodist Church of Pinellas ParkCan Cupboard9025 49th Street North
Pinellas Park, FL 33782
(727) 546-5741
gbgm-umc.org/fi rstfl
Northwood Presbyterian Church Food Pantry2875 State Road 580
Clearwater, FL 33761-3231
(727) 797-8276
northwoodpc.org
Lealman United Methodist Church Food Pantry4090 58th Avenue North
Saint Petersburg, FL 33714-1133
(727) 526-6240
fl umc2.org
Ma e Williams Neighborhood Family Center1003 Dr. ML King Jr. Street North
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 791-8255
shnfc.org
Northside Bap st ChurchBenevolence Ministry Food Pantry6000 38th Avenue N.
Saint Petersburg, FL 33710
(727) 381-3642
nbcstpete.com/benevolence
Oldsmar Cares163 State Road 580 West
Oldsmar, FL 34677
(813) 415-7373
oldsmarcares.org
TM Community Challenge
During the month of December,every resident of Pinellas County is
asked to give a donation of food to at least one food pantry in the county.
Fill the Food Banks!
Holiday Issue 201317
R.C.S. (Religious Community Services)Food Bank700 Druid Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 443-4031
rcspinellas.org
Salva on Army Clearwater Social Services1521 E. Druid Rd.
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 446-4177
salvationarmyclearwater.com/more_about_
us.htm
Salva on Army St. Petersburg Food Assistance1400 4th Street South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 821-9123
salvationarmysouth.org/FLA.htm
Salva on Army Tarpon Springs Social Services209 S. Pinellas Ave
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
(727) 934-4476
salvationarmy.org
St. Patrick Roman Catholic ChurchMinistry of Helping Hands1507 Trotter Road
Largo, FL 33770-4366
(727) 584-2318 x330
stpatrick-largo.org
St. Paul United Methodist ChurchOpen Arms Ministry1199 Highland Avenue
Largo, FL 33770
(727) 584-8165
stpaulumc.org
St. Petersburg Dream Center Ministry1360 16th St. S.
Saint Petersburg, FL 33705
(727) 520-1909
stpetedreamcenter.org
Tampa Bay Harvest13620 49th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33762
(727) 538-7777 x1
tampabayharvest.org
St. Petersburg Free Clinic863 3rd Avenue North
Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 821-1200 x114
stpetersburgfreeclinic.org
Outreach Programs Reach Out for More Help.
Can you help them this season?
Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services: Th ey need soup,
peanut butter, jelly, cereal, canned fruit meat and veggies, spaghetti, spaghetti
sauce, rice, new and gently used toys. 14041 Icot Blvd. in Clearwater.
(727) 479-1800. gulfcoastjewishfamilyandcommunityservices.org
Calvary Chapel of St. Petersburg has a strong homeless outreach
program. Th ey like to give gift bags to the homeless for Christmas and could
use new XL tees, socks, candy, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes (all in
small travel sizes).
Call Roger Ambrose at (727) 639-7823 to fi nd out how to help.
Abundant Life Ministries’ Pastor Anthony McDaniel says “We’ve
bitten off a big project this year.” Th ey’ve become the distribution branch for
Metropolitan Ministries and will be distributing meals to 7,200 people.
Th ey need food and toys. Toys don’t have to be new but should be in virtually
new condition. Th ey also are OK with people dropping off meats that need
to be refrigerated or frozen, and are OK with taking unusual meats like
venison. Th ey regularly give out groceries and allow people to come select
both food and toys in the holiday season. Th is is help for the truly needy.
People can drop off food between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through
Th ursday. 1550 Belcher Rd S. in Largo. (727) 210-5433.
Holiday Issue 2013 18
Pinellas County Schoolsa note from
By DAVE LAWRENCEchair of The Children’s Movement
The Children’s Movement of Florida is a non-partisan statewide organi-
zation of Floridians insisting on increased investment in children’s early
learning years.
As 2013 comes to a close, The Children’s Movement -- a “voice” on behalf
of all Florida’s children – continues to spread the message of the impor-
tance of early childhood investment not only in Tallahassee, but across the
state. Here is just a glimpse of the year to come:
ParentsCaring, knowledgeable adults are central to children’s healthy develop-
ment. All parents have questions and concerns about their children,
but not everyone has trusted sources for the answers they need – and
all parents can benefi t from information and support. The Children’s
Movement – along with more than a dozen state agencies – is working
to provide and publicize a statewide platform (phone, web, and mobile)
in multiple languages focused on providing parents with the most-up-to-
date information about their children’s development.
Early LearningThe wisest path to public education reform in Florida (and America) is
to give children the best possible opportunity to enter school ready and
eager to learn. With this in mind, The Movement is pushing to support
adequate funding for School Readiness and for voluntary prekinder-
garten (VPK) to ensure children’s access to educational, enrichment
programs that support working families and the academic and social
skills needed for kindergarten and beyond.
Health CareWe need to make sure that all children are covered and as healthy as
they can be. Almost a half-million of Florida’s youngest, most vulnerable
citizens do not have health insurance. The Move-
ment is working to extend KidCare coverage to
include children of “lawfully residing” immigrants
as allowed by federal law
We are nowhere near the “promised land” for
children, but the progress made in 2013 gives
us more reason to hope… and to continue the
privilege of working on behalf of all children in
the year to come.
ChildrensMovementFlorida.org
Dear Parents,Pinellas County Schools is committed to increased achievement
for all students. In that spirit, one of the larger initiatives the
district has launched this year is our Beyond the Classroom
digital extended learning opportunity. Th is eff ort is extending
learning beyond the school day for all students by providing
free access to several online resources that will motivate them to
read more and help them improve their skills in many subjects,
including language arts, math, science and social studies. Th e
initiative includes several eff orts, including one specially aimed
at students in Title I schools that that will give them equal access
to the technology they need to be successful. Called “Connect
for Success,” this initiative has made it possible for third- and
fourth-graders at three-dozen Title I schools to check out Dell
laptop computers to use at home. Th ose students also will have
access to online educational resources. Families without Internet
service will be able to purchase discounted Internet service from
Bright House Networks.
Th e district has also launched another major initiative aimed at
increasing achievement for all students. Th e Bridging the Gap
initiative is specifi cally focused on closing the achievement gap
between black students and their peers. Th e plan involves fi ve
goals and action steps to boost achievement, increase graduation
rates and improve student engagement for African American
students throughout the district.
Th e district recognizes that community support is crucial to the
eff ort’s success. To solicit feedback and direction on the initia-
tive, Pinellas County Schools recently invited more than 100
educators, students, clergy, business leaders and other commu-
nity members to a special Bridging the Gap summit. Pinellas
County Schools also plans to hold additional events to give more
community members an opportunity to share their ideas about
the initiative.
Our objective is to provide the best possible
learning experience for all students. Th ank
you for your involvement in your child’s
education and for working with us to achieve
our vision of 100 percent student success.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.
:: News from the Children’s Movement of Florida ::
Family Services Initiative – a partnership between JWB, 2-1-1
Tampa Bay Cares, Central Florida Behavioral Health Network
and PEMHS – provides real-time assistance to struggling
families. Families start by calling 2-1-1 where their imme-
diate needs are assessed and assistance is provided to help them
become self-suffi cient. Last year, the Family Services Initiative
helped over 1,600 families – a total of 4,400 individuals!
Th e Juvenile Welfare Board invites you and your family to get
involved. Whether you’re inspired to help during the holidays
or make a New Year’s resolution to volunteer, our community’s
children and families greatly need your time, talents and trea-
sures. To learn more, contact the Juvenile Welfare Board at (727)
453-5600 or [email protected]. Or, if you or a
family you know needs assistance, call 2-1-1.
Th e Juvenile Welfare Board wishes you a happy, healthy holiday season, as we all work together to strengthen Pinellas County’s children and families. Because all kids matter!
Dr. Marcie Biddleman
Executive Director, Juvenile Welfare Board
Juvenile Welfare Board“All Kids Matter”
a note from
With the holiday season upon us, we are reminded of what really
matters. Family, friends, good health and neighborly goodwill. With
so much to be thankful for, we must not forget that many families
in our community are struggling and need our help. In this issue,
I wanted to share a little perspective with you, along with what the
Juvenile Welfare Board and others are doing to help. Plus, off er ways
you and your family can get involved to make a diff erence.
Did you know that a quarter of all children are living in poverty
and over half of all students qualify for free or reduced lunch in
Pinellas County? Did you know about 7,000 children in our
county are considered “chronically hungry” and go to bed hungry
each night or don’t have adequate food on the weekends? And
when last year’s homeless point-in-time count was done, a third of
all people counted as “homeless” in Pinellas County were children.
Th e Juvenile Welfare Board believes all children and families
matter. Our Neighborhood Family Centers serve as “hubs” to
provide support services to our community’s most vulnerable and
are situated so services are easily accessible. Our weekend back-
pack food program provides “shelf stable”, pre-packaged, nour-
ishing meals so our county’s hungry children are fed. And our
Holiday Issue 2013 20
Th e Most Magical Place on Earth takes its magic to the high
seas every time a Disney cruise ship sets sail. We couldn’t
imagine just how magical this cruise would be, but our family
was enchanted from the time we set foot in the terminal until
the time we left with our luggage to go home.
We sailed the Fantasy for a seven-day trip to the Western Carib-
bean with port stops that included Castaway Cay, Disney’s private
island in the Bahamas. But honestly, the ports on this cruise were
secondary, as the ship is the main reason to sail with Disney.
Like so many of the other families on board for the Th anks-
giving-week cruise, we traveled with extended family and had
adjoining cabins with verandas. Th is may be the most perfect way
to spend a week with family, as it had just the right amount of
togetherness and separateness.
As veterans to the Disney experience, my family had an idea of
what to expect, but it was fun to witness the magic through the
eyes of our relatives who don’t live in Disney’s back yard and
haven’t yet been to the parks with their children. It started in
the terminal where Mickey and Minnie were on hand to greet
guests. Each family is piped aboard to the ship’s Atrium which is
designed to have the glamour and style of the early cruise ships
but enough whimsy and color to give it the Disney signature feel.
Th e ship atrium and halls were already decked for Christmas,
adding a festive fl avor to the entire cruise.
Our fi rst day on the ship started with lunch in the buff et dining
hall, Cabanas. We were greeted by Aries, a most-friendly young lady
from the Philippines who swept the children away to help them get
lunch while the adults got settled. My sister-in-law was immediately
taken in by this level of customer service and was sure from that
moment that she wanted to take Aries home. We discovered that
this would be our experience for the entire cruise with most all of
the crew on board the Fantasy. Crew members on our ship hailed
from 60 diff erent countries, and each one of them was
well-trained and well-suited for providing this level of
personal care and comfort.
Th e ship events never disappointed either. Th e Sailing
Away dance party on deck with characters set the
happiness tone for the entire cruise. We would dance
under the sky again for the Christmas show and on
Pirate night. I’m not sure who had more fun, the
kids or the parents. Each day’s newsletter was fi lled
with activities that started with Sunrise Stretch on
deck at 7 a.m. and ended with dancing in their clubs
past midnight. Th e hours in between were fi lled with
classes, youth activities, shows, movies, crafts and
games, all suited for the variety of ages on board. Th e
versatile and talented entertainment staff skillfully
led men through a fantasy baseball draft in the O’Gill’s lounge and
then led the high-energy kid’s show on deck, and then karaoke and
Bingo in the activity rooms.
Th at entertainment staff also put on some fabulous shows in the
gorgeous Walt Disney Th eater, too. We saw three musical productions
that week that carried the same quality as the shows you see in the parks,
complete with singing, dancing, characters, puppetry, pyrotechnics and
special eff ects. Th ree generations of families were together in front of
live entertainment, something that probably doesn’t happen much at
home – making the experience all the more memorable.
When families weren’t together at shows, at meals or in port, kids
were in their camps. Th e targeted age group for their kid magic
is three through 12 with two clubs, Th e Oceaneer Lab and Th e
Oceaneer Club. Th ese adjoining areas are a kid’s dream come true
with video games, movies, animation lessons, crafts, contests and
an opportunity to play in Andy’s room from the movie Toy Story.
Younger children can spend time in the It’s a Small World Nursery
and teenagers hung out in Vibe or Edge to enjoy age-appropriate
activities like cooking classes, crafts, dances and games.
Celebrating the Holidays on Board a Disney Cruise
Editor’s Review by PAMELA SETTLE
Holiday Issue 201321
Parents got to play and relax, too, especially when the children
were securely occupied at their camps. Th ey took in shows,
attended classes, watched movies and relaxed poolside. Th e
adult-only area is at the front of the ship with a private
pool, whirlpool, sun deck, bars, fi tness center and spa. Th e
Senses Spa and Salon off ers facials, massages, manicures
and hair services.
Th e food. Oh my goodness, the food is abundant and varied
and going hungry is never an issue. Th e highlight is that
you have three dining rooms for a sit-down dinner and you
rotate each night, carrying your same serving staff with you.
While Enchanted Garden and the Royal Court are beauti-
fully appointed, the Animator’s Palate is by far the most
creative way to dine. Screens throughout the dining room
bring Crush to life to converse with diners and drawings
on placemats are animated by staff behind the scenes. Th is
is the type of Disney magic that cannot be found on other
cruises and is pure delight. Overall the food quality was
above average. Th ere were some lighter, healthier options if
you looked hard, but most of it was rich and tasty. Th e chil-
dren’s menus could use a little work, though. Seven nights
of the same burgers, mac and cheese and pasta got old and
all of it could have used more fl avor. For older children, the
adult menu’s lighter fare items were a good compromise.
Th e entire week of family togetherness for Th anksgiving
week was a blessing and we all highly recommend this is
as a family holiday vacation. (Be sure to book the holiday
weeks early as those fi ll up very quickly.) Th e Th anks-
giving meal and Formal Night were occasions to dress up
and take pictures, but it was Pirate Night that will stand
out in our memories. Th ere is nothing like seeing thou-
sands of people, from infants to 80-year old grandparents
all dressed as pirates. From the dining rooms to the deck
Pirate show, “Aaargh” was in the air and junior swash-
bucklers waved their plastic swords with dreams of seeing
Jack Sparrow in person – and they did!
By day seven, I had another seven days in me. And so did
everyone else as the common feeling was wanting more.
Granted a Disney cruise will cost more than other lines, but if
you are looking for an experience that is family-friendly, posi-
tive, happy and full of magical moments, then this is the way
to cruise for you. On my cruise I ran into two other families
from Pinellas County and between the two of them they
had been on a total of 37 Disney cruises! Th ey have become
Castaway Club members to take advantage of discounts, but
they also recommend using a travel agent that has cash-back
bonuses and watching for the occasional Florida resident
specials that are posted on DisneyCruise.com on Mondays.
We have plenty of photos to remind us of the rare time we
had together as a family; grandkids with grandparents and
all of us at the dinner table. Our own special kind of family
magic was enhanced by the Disney experience, and the
week will live on in our hearts and in our memories forever.
We can’t wait until the time comes to sail together again.
Holiday Issue 2013 22
Fab 50Women on the Runby THAIS LEON-MILLER
Pamela Paul is a runner. Like most runners, she works through
the issues plaguing her mind on her runs as if she were running
toward clarity. Right before her 49th birthday, she was training
for an upcoming race and fi ghting through a serious depression
that had taken hold. As she ran, she made a commitment to not
be in the same place next year for her 50th birthday. She got
home and started reaching out to friends, asking them if they
would be willing to run with her on her next birthday after a
training program of six months. Th ey responded and one year
later, Pamela and her friends were crossing the fi nish line of a
half marathon, a fi rst for most of them. After the race, many of
the women told Pamela what an amazing experience they had.
So much so, that Pamela decided to make it offi cial and Fab 50
Women on the Run was born.
Pamela created a Facebook page but found that most of her
clients were word of mouth referrals. “Th e testimonials from
these women were amazing. A lot of them were saying that this
experience had changed their lives.”
Running has always been a lifeline for Pamela. She has been
running since she was in 8th grade, although not anything
competitive. As she got older, she wanted to challenge herself
more, running for longer distances. By the time she thought up
Fab 50, Pamela was consistently running half marathons.
But what about those of us that aren’t in “marathon shape?”
Pamela assures us that’s not a problem. “We are women of all
shapes and sizes, of all diff erent fi tness levels. Anyone can do
this.” Plenty of women have; 250 women have gone through the
training program including the roughly 100 women who just
participated in a half marathon run November 24th.
One of those runners was Kellie Gilmore, a self-described “non-
runner” when she fi rst met Pamela. It started when Kellie wanted
to see what the running craze was about and signed up for the
Iron Girl 5k. She ran into Pamela, who was a co-worker at All
Children’s Hospital, at that race and joked with her, “I don’t
know what I am doing!” After the race, she ran into Pamela
again who off ered to send her an invitation to train for and run
a half-marathon for her fi ftieth birthday. Kellie laughed again,
sure that this was not for her.
By the time the invitation came, she had made a life-changing
decision. “I thought that maybe this would be a good time to
complete a challenge I didn’t think I could.” One of the deciding
factors was going to watch a half marathon race in person.
STRONGSTRONG is the New Beautiful is the New Beautiful
Pamela Paul
Kellie Gilmore and Bonnie Kay
She witnessed the joy on their faces of the runners when they
crossed the fi nish line. It was so contagious that she couldn’t
help from crying tears of joy herself. Kellie conquered her fear
in 2011 and has just completed running her fi fth half mara-
thon this November.
Not only did Kellie become a runner, she became a Squad
Leader for Fab 50. She works with the close to 40 members
who meet weekly in the Largo location, motivating and
training the next group of women for the next run. “Th e
camaraderie is amazing! Everyone is so supportive and
pushes one another throughout the week. Th ese groups
really help encourage each other.” To hear Kellie tell it, that
is one the strongest reasons to be a part of Fab 50. Th is
is clearly more than a group of women runners; this is a
community of women who stand by one another and cheer
each other across the fi nish line.
A particularly inspiring moment was a mother and daughter
who joined the group. Two weeks into training, the mother
was diagnosed with colon cancer. She didn’t let the news stop
her and she continued training while undergoing chemo.
She continued to train and made it to the 8 mile mark before
deciding to take a break and focus on treatments.
When the day of the race came, Kellie was standing at the
fi nish line, cheering on members as they crossed. She looked
up and saw a girl pushing a woman in a wheelchair toward
the fi nish line. It was the mother/daughter team! Th e mother
ran with the daughter as far as she could and the daughter
pushed her mother in the wheelchair when she needed to
take a break. Together, they crossed the fi nish line in a fl urry
of cheering, hugs, and tears.
Th e inspiration doesn’t stop there. Fab 50 is growing in
members and locations as well. Th ere are now training
programs in Largo, St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs
with more planned to open in the future. Fab 50 also off ers
a Virtual Training Program for women who are unable
to make the weekly Saturday morning training sessions.
“Th e virtual program sends weekly emails and keeps you
connected with other members. Squad captains make sure
that even though they don’t see you face to face, you are still
being accountable with your workout.”
Training sessions last six months, meeting once a week, with
the goal of running a half marathon (13.1 miles.)
Fab 50 Women on the Run and Pamela Paul are always
looking for more women who want to experience the joys of
running. Go to fab50womenontherun.com for more information.
“The testimonials from these women were amazing. A lot of them were saying that this experience had changed their lives.”
Holiday Issue 2013 24
Meet entrepreneur and entertaining
enthusiast Esther Edwards. Th is single
mother from Belleair is raising two
teenage daughters and launching a
business that seeks to revive the art
of the small soiree. What exactly is a
soiree you ask? It is a small gathering
meant for friendship, conversation and
fun. Her company, Soirée Everyday!
with Esther Edwards is a comprehensive
party planning resource for the home
cook or anyone who might be a little
intimidated by the idea of having small,
elegant and fun parties in their home.
In–home entertaining was more prevalent in times past, when
fewer women worked outside of the home and life was simply
more… simple. In today’s modern world of fast data, fast jobs,
fast kids and fast friends, people are missing out on the fulfi lling
experience of entertaining at home.
“It’s the joy of the invitation,” says Esther. “When you invite
someone into your home, you are giving them a gift of your time
and hospitality. Who doesn’t feel special when they receive an
invitation to intimate gathering?”
Th e key word is intimate. Large parties serve a very diff erent
purpose. Th e soiree is having three couples over for dinner,
conversation and maybe a board game. It’s a small dessert party
for a dozen of your neighbors. It’s an afternoon tea with six lady
friends where the conversation happens face to face. It’s whatever
creative spin you can put on a small gathering where the end
result is a quality time with old or new friends.
Th e soiree is something anyone can do and Esther has a solution
for every reason someone has for not entertaining. “If someone
feels their home is too small or too messy to entertain, then
borrow the home of a friend or a relative who has the right
space for entertaining. If kids are an issue, go together and share
a babysitter at someone else’s home. If money is an issue, ask
friends to each bring a dessert and have a dessert party. People
want to be involved. Th ey want to participate. Remember the end
result is having a good time and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It
just has to be.”
Th is passion for entertaining and helping others fi nd their inspiration
for entertaining drives Esther’s work. Th rough a series of web videos,
articles on her website and a book to be released in 2014, Soirée
Everyday! with Esther Edwards is a companion, encourager and
entertaining coach. She will walk you through the many ways
you can add a little Soirée to everyday life, even if you think that
you don’t have enough time, money or space.
by PAMELA SETTLE
Bringing � e Soiree Back to Life
photos by Stacia Kelly Photography
‘
Holiday Issue 201325
An Introduction to Planning An Introduction to Planning � e Soiree, Es� er style...� e Soiree, Es� er style...“Relax! My best piece of advice is to be relaxed. Th en be
organized. If you are organized, you can be relaxed.”
To get organized, make a plan-of-attack for preparing food and
your home. A Soirée isn’t all about the food; it’s also about how
you present your dishes in the most comfortable setting with your
theme and decorations. Address how you want to decorate your
table and display the place settings. Determine the lighting and
music you will need to set the right mood and what platters and
utensils will be needed for your menu. Adding the details to your
setting usually can be done the evening before your party, making
the day-off checklist that much shorter. Go ahead and set the
table and set out your serving dishes and platters the night before.
In an eff ort to be as organized as possible, make a timeline. Go
through each recipe to see what you can do in advance. Make notes
on your recipes or other lists you’re using to keep organized. Check
your fridge, freezer, pantry, pots and pans – make sure to make a
thorough list based on your menu and how you will be preparing
your setting. Get the shopping done all at once and prep food over a
few days’ time. Pull out recipes for each item you are preparing, even
if you know them by heart. Th e night before, make a list and timeline
for what needs to be done before your guests arrive, right down to the
re-heating instructions and lighting of the candles.
If the idea of cooking everything from scratch is frightening,
there are plenty of ways to be creative. Every city has specialty
food stores and bakeries where you can fi nd decadent treats and
baked goods, as well as delicious cheese and fruit assortments
that will compliment any menu. Also, do not be afraid to ask
for help when you need it. If that means placing an order with
a bakery or asking your neighbor to help set up lighting for a
backyard party, then by all means, ask for help.
Choosing a LocationIndoor, outdoor, patio or pool – a location for your next Soiree
can easily be found around your home and near your kitchen.
Choose a location that goes equally well with both your theme
and the weather. It’s really just a matter of matching the location
with the right serving style and menu.
Serving StyleOnce you have decided on a theme and the area where you will be
hosting your Soiree, you need to decide on a serving style that works
best. You will need to consider how many guests there will be. Does
this number include children? Will this be a casual or formal aff air?
A sit-down meal is a formal style where you plate and serve
guests in courses like at a restaurant but with a lot more love.
It’s the most intimate and also makes the biggest statement that
shows your guests how much they mean to you.
A buff et is a very comfortable way for a group of friends to enjoy
dinner at their own pace. It’s also a lovely way to showcase your menu.
Th is style allows you to set out a beautiful presentation of your dishes.
The Se ingStart with a simple idea – a tropical-themed party, comfort-food
family dinner, a country barbecue, garden brunch. Let your ideas
guide the look of your Soiree. Make a basic diagram of the space
to know where to put the buff et or dining table, seating and
drink station. Take into account your natural surroundings and
furnishings to incorporate into your setting. Don’t be afraid to
move furniture to open up more space.
Add elements to your table, buff et or stations that compliment
your theme. Try using plates and bowls that complement the
color of the food. Use platters, cake stands, plates and bowls.
Attractive everyday dishes, glassware, and fl atware work well and
depending on your theme, add details consistently throughout.
Centerpieces of fresh, seasonal fl owers work beautifully in any
setting. Candles add ambiance and warmth as well. Whatever
elements you choose, create a sense of unity with repeating
patterns. A color theme with just 2 or 3 color variations is all you
need. Include plans for seating arrangements, lighting and music
to fi t with your style, setting, and theme.
It Reall y Is All In The DetailsEven the most informal party can have style and elegance. Pay
attention to the details. Th ink about what element you desire
to stand out, think about what you want your guest to notice
or what you believe they will love the most and amp it up. Th is
can be the way you set up the entrance to your home, how
you display your food and how you set and decorate the table.
Th e details you add are your loving touch. When you Soirée
Everyday! you open your heart and your home. Th e passion
naturally fl ows and every expression you want to convey comes
through the details.
“Relax! My best piece of advice is to be relaxed. Then be organized. If you are organized, you can be relaxed.”
Holiday Issue 2013 26
Shrimp in Spicy Thai Coconut Sauceover Rice Serves 8
2 Tbs. canola oil
1 Tbs. fi nely chopped fresh ginger
1 Tbs. fi nely chopped fresh galangal root or powder*
1 Tbs. fi nely chopped lemongrass (use the tender interior only)
1 Tbs. fi nely chopped seeded Th ai bird chiles or serranos
1 Tbs. fi nely chopped garlic
2 lb. jumbo (21 to 25 per lb.) or extra-large (26 to 30 per lb.)
shrimp, peeled and deveined
3/4 cup well-shaken unsweetened coconut milk
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 Tbs. fi sh sauce
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
*Galangal is a cousin of ginger, prized in Th ai cuisine for its spicy heat and citrus-like fl avor. It’s available in many Asian grocery stores, but if you can’t fi nd it, you can omit it and double the amount of chopped fresh ginger.
Heat the oil in a 12- to 14-inch wok or 12-inch skillet over
medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Add the ginger,
galangal, lemongrass, chile, and garlic and cook, stirring
constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp and
cook, stirring, until opaque on the outside and partially cooked,
about 2 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk, lime juice, and fi sh
sauce and cook, stirring, until the shrimp are just opaque in the
center, about 1 minute more.
Spoon the shrimp onto 6 dinner plates, and top with any sauce
remaining in the wok. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Serve over white jasmine or basmati rice.
Recipe adapted from Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking
Soirée Everyday!wi� Es� er EdwardsHoliday Menu Recipes
Sage and Sausage Stuffi ngServes 8
12 slices (1 1/2 packages) New York Brand® Texas Garlic Toast
1 pkg Johnsonville Italian Mild Sausage Links, casings removed
1/2 cup butter
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
1 cup green pepper, chopped
1 tsp. rubbed sage
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups chicken broth
Salt & pepper
Bake Garlic Toast in a 425°F oven for 10 minutes; cool and
cut into 1 1/2” pieces. Transfer pieces to a bowl; lower oven
to 325°F. In a large skillet, brown and cook crumbled sausage
until no longer pink. Drain. Remove from skillet; set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and saute onion, celery and
green pepper until tender. In a large mixing bowl, combine
sausage, vegetable mixture, Garlic Toast and sage. Add eggs
and broth; toss gently. Salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon into a buttered 3 to 4 quart baking dish. Cover with foil
and bake at 325°F for 60 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes
longer or until lightly browned. Check internal temperature with a
meat thermometer; it should read 165°F when done.
Cranberry SauceServings vary; approximately 8-10
1 lb. fresh cranberries, washed and dried
2 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 orange, zested and juiced
In a medium pot, combine the cranberries, sugar and water. Stir
to blend. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce
to a simmer and add the cinnamon stick, allspice and nutmeg.
Stir to blend and simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Some
of the cranberries will burst and some will remain whole. Add
the orange juice and zest, stir and allow to cool before serving.
TIP: Use various martini, margarita or any other fancy glasses you have handy to serve this out of. Not only does it give elevation to the table by sitting up higher – it’s pretty so showcase this menu item in a way it will be noticed.
Holiday Issue 201327
Bloody Mary Soup Shots with Seared Steak Skewers and Bleu Cheese Stuff ed OlivesMakes approximately 16 servings
8 oz of your favorite cut of steak
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
Bleu cheese stuff ed olives
1-28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes in juice
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup (or more) low-salt chicken broth
2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbs. vodka (optional)
1 Tbs. prepared horseradish
1/2 tsp. celery salt
Season steak with salt and pepper and cook to a medium temperature;
let it sit and come to room temperature without cutting. Cover and
refrigerate until ready to serve.
Place tomatoes with juice, green onions, 1/2 cup broth, Worcestershire
sauce, vodka, horseradish, celery salt, and lemon juice in blender.
Cover; blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick, thin with addi-
tional broth by tablespoonfuls. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Transfer to pitcher.
TIP: Skewers and soup can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
Pour Bloody Mary mixture into shot glasses or small glasses.
Garnish each with a small cube of steak and olive on a toothpick or skewer.
Black Pepper Raspberry Sorbetwith Prosecco CocktailServes 8
1-750 mL bottle Prosecco, chilled
1 Tbs. freshly ground cracked pepper
1 pint raspberry sorbet, softened slightly
Fresh raspberries and/or mint leaf for garnish
In a large bowl, sprinkle the pepper all over the sorbet and fold
it in with a rubber spatula. Cover and freeze for about 3 hours,
until fi rm.
Chill 8 champagne glasses. Using a 1/2-ounce ice cream scoop,
place 2 scoops of sorbet in each glass. Pour about 1/3 cup of
Prosecco into each saucer.
Garnish with fresh raspberries or mint leaf.
TIP: Th e Black Pepper Raspberry Sorbets can be frozen for up to 3 days.
Esther is the host of Soirée Everyday! with Esther Edwards, an interac ve television show that takes you on a culinary experience through cooking and entertaining. She is also the author of Soirée Everyday! Cooking and Entertaining Guide. Her passion and inspira on come from growing up in the kitchen next to the ul mate party planner – her father. His legendary baked goods and crea ve theme par es sparked her desire to make these happy moments possible for the culinary-challenged, as well as those who simply believe they have no me. A er working several years as a Sous-Chef de Cuisine, Personal Chef and Event Planner, she has developed a system that teaches home cooks of every background and skill level simple, crea ve and uncomplicated ways to add a li le soirée to their everyday life. You can reach her at soireeeveryday.com as well as at facebook.com/soireeeverydaywithestheredwards.
To keep herself fi t, Esther is trained Mike Labua, owner of Elite Body Personal Training and Fitness in Palm Harbor. See their ad on page 23.
photos by Stacia Kelly Photography
Holiday Issue 201329
Sweet Truths about Holiday FoodsBy BRENDA WATSON
Th e holidays are here and with them come the temptations
of candied sweet potatoes, fl akey rolls, cornbread stuffi ng
and sugary cookies! Remember, starchy carbohydrates found
in pastas, cereals, grains and pastries convert to sugar in the
digestive tract, putting a sugar load on our systems that can
cause weight gain, digestive upsets and even chronic disease.
You see, overall good health is dependent on good digestive
health, which is achieved when you cultivate an internal
community of “good” bacteria, or probiotics, in the gut. It’s
the food you choose that provides the environment for your
“good” gut bacteria to grow and crowd out the “bad” pathogenic
bacteria that are linked to chronic conditions associated with
obesity—beginning with silent infl ammation and leaky gut.
Indicators of silent infl ammation are high blood pressure,
high blood sugar, high cholesterol/triglycerides and more.
But silent infl ammation may also be present when gut
microbes are out of balance, which you may not even feel.
So you may ask, “What should I eat in order to cultivate a
healthy gut”? Here are 3 simple rules:
Track teaspoons of sugar Carbohydrates (minus) Fiber (divided by) 5 = the number of
teaspoons of sugar (in a serving of food)
Eat between 6-8 teaspoons of sugar daily if you have posi-
tive markers for silent infl ammation (less than 12 otherwise)
Eat lean protein throughout the dayAdditionally, be sure to eat plenty of non-starchy vegeta-
bles, low-sugar fruits and high fi ber foods. Th e Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends a healthy diet,
including 20-35 grams of fi ber per day. And remember, it’s
okay to enjoy healthy fats, which make foods taste delicious.
So this holiday season, watch out for starchy carbohydrates
and sugars, and also treat yourself to one of your favorite
holiday foods, but remember, if you eat it every day—it’s
not a treat!
Brenda Watson, C.N.C.For over 20 years, Brenda Watson has dedicated her career to helping people achieve vibrant, las ng health through improved diges ve func on. A dynamic health advocate, author, speaker and celebrated PBS-TV health educator, she is among the foremost authori es in America on op mum nutri on and diges on, natural detoxifi ca on methods, and herbal internal cleansing. Brenda recognized a growing need within the natural products industry for a line of safe and eff ec ve diges ve care products during her exten-sive clinical work, and in 1999 she accepted the challenge herself. The result is the ReNew Life line of superior-quality diges ve health supplements based in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Holiday Issue 2013 30
Nothing can ruin a Merry Christmas like an unplanned injury,
so AFC Doctors Express has compiled these tips to keep
everyone healthy and happy throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Safety ChecklistAvoid Packaging ProblemsSometimes, people become so frustrated with hard plastic wrapping
around toys and electronics that they cut themselves on the sharp
edged packaging or with scissors, tools and knives when trying to
pry the packages open. An average 6,000 people a year go to the
emergency room due to packaging-related injuries (Consumer
Product Safety Commission, CPSC). Immediately discard plastic
wrappings or other packaging before they become dangerous
playthings.
Deck the Halls Without FallsSanta looks festive on your roof, but don’t hurt yourself
getting him up there. Th e CPSC estimates that during
November and December more than 13,000 people will need
medical help from decorating-related injuries, such as falls,
burns and lacerations. Stay safe by keeping ladders on level
ground, keep kids away, clear debris, extend ladder three feet
beyond the edge of the roof and do not stand on the top two
rungs of the ladder.
Button Batteries are a HAZARDA 2012 study by the Journal Pediatrics reports that every three
hours, a child under age 18 goes to an emergency room due to
button battery ingestion. Th ese small batteries are often used to
power toys, watches, remote controls and other electronic devices.
Batteries that become lodged in the throat or intestine can generate
and release hydroxide, resulting in dangerous chemical burns. To
protect your kids, install batteries in toys before wrapping them to
keep them out of the hands of curious kids.
Encourage Helmet HeadSome of the most hazardous holiday gifts have wheels –
including scooters, skateboards, inline skates, bikes and motor-
cycles. Broken bones, sprains, head and spinal injuries are
common around the holidays, especially when excited adults
and kids want to try out their new wheels. According to the
CPSC, non-motorized scooters was the toy category associ-
ated with the most injuries (15 and younger) in 2011.
To stay safe, all wheeled gifts should come with a helmet. For
scooters, skateboards and inline skates, the CPSC also recommends
wrist guards, elbow and knee pads. All safety gear should be
sized to fi t.
Make Sure Chestnuts - Not Christmas Trees -
Local Doctors Warn of Holiday Health Hazards
Roast on an Open Fire
Each holiday, around 230 home fi res start with Christmas
trees. Th ese fi res cause an average of four deaths, 21 injuries
and $17.3 million in direct property damage.
Make sure live trees are fresh (deep green, not brown);
trunk should be sticky and wet with resin; and make sure a
large number of needles don’t come loose when you tap the
tree trunk on the ground. Artifi cial trees should have a “fi re
resistant” label.
Also keep all trees away from heat sources like fi replaces and
candles, use lights tested for safety by nationally recognized
testing labs and do not burn wrapping paper in the fi replace. It
could cause a fl ash fi re.
Carve the Turkey, Not Your FingersCarving accidents are prevalent during the holidays
because hosts are often rushing, talking and drinking when
cutting up the turkey, ham or roast. Stay cut free by:
• Never cutting toward yourself. Your free hand should be
placed opposite the side you’re carving.
• Keep knives dry because a wet handle is slippery and
could cause your hand to slip on to the blade, resulting in a
nasty cut.
• Keep all utensils sharp so you don’t have to force the
cutting or carving.
• Make sure the carving station is a NO KID zone.
*Sources for informa on include Consumer Product Safety Commission, Centers for Disease Control and Preven on, Na onal Capital Poison Center and Na onal Highway Transporta on Safety Administra on.
AFC Doctors Express Urgent Care offi ces are located in Clearwater and St. Petersburg. doctorsexpress.com
Holiday Issue 201331
Guest Columnist Barb Hennessey
Th is column is dedicated to my older brother, Steve, and to his wife, Susan. She died at age 65 on September 24, 2013, after years of struggling with brain cancer that recurred after being treated aggressively several times. Susan and Steve decided to stop treatment in May. Steve was able to keep her comfortable at home surrounded by pets, friends and family. Susan was a registered nurse and a US Air Force veteran. She retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years of service.
Th e spirit moved me to speak at Susan’s memorial service. Th e
following is the message that I gave to my family, friends, and
neighbors that day as a way to thank all them for their caring
support to Susan and Steve during her illness.
“First, honor your pain and the jumble of emotions
surrounding the loss. You are now beginning the second
phase of life after death. Grief is the INSIDE feelings and
emotions you experience from a trauma or loss. Mourning is
the OUTSIDE expression of what is inside.
Help each other to move through your grief. Be supportive of
each other’s need to listen, cry, laugh, and share the memories
of Susan. Th e playwright, Robert Anderson, wisely noted,
‘Death ends a life, it does not end a relationship.’
You are now on a journey with grief. Th e journey is diff erent
for everyone, and it is the same for everyone in that grief
always involves intense emotions. Th ere is no right or wrong
way to do this, but trying to avoid it altogether is useless and
can be self-defeating.
Louise Hay said, “Tears are the
river of life, shed in joy as well
as sadness and fear.”
Tears are a sign of healing…
let them fl ow whenever and
wherever they come.
Th e journey can include
a range of intense emotions
from denial, anxiety,
frustration, through
disorientation and
disorganization, to anger,
guilt, depression, relief, and
gratitude. Grief is unpredictable,
circular, messy and ongoing.
Continue to support each other as
you create the “new normal” in your
life without Susan…”
FAST FORWARD THREE MONTHS LATER: My family
and I are preparing for the fi rst holiday season since Susan’s death.
Th ese are my suggestions for getting through grief that can be triggered
any time there is a holiday, anniversary, or other special occasion.
First, remember that the only way to the other side is through
the grief. Th ere is no way around it.
Allow yourself to create new traditions for the season and experiment
with ways to cope with your sadness and stress. Be aware of those
words OUGHT and SHOULD. Only you can decide what you
are capable of doing during the holidays – or any other emotion-
ally charged occasion.
Open your heart to spiritual support. Communicate with your
family and friends about what you feel like doing. At the same
time, be sensitive to their needs. Remember everyone is on their
own grief journey.
Tears will come…public or private…all is well. What would it
say about your loved one if you did not cry freely? Know that you
can laugh and have fun too. You may well be laughing and crying
together over a special memory or story. Encourage the sharing
of stories and use your loved one’s name!
Include your deceased loved one in the celebration in any way
that feels right to you. Let others know your plans in advance so
that they can participate.
Decorate their gravesite. Cook their favorite food. Give gifts in
their name. Donate to their favorite charity or cause. Assemble a
group memory book with family members and friends contributing
pictures or mementos along with a written remembrance. What
a priceless legacy.
Take gentle care of yourself physically and emotionally. Eat nutritious
food, rest, exercise. Both sugar and alcohol are depressants, enjoy
in moderation. Grief is circular. It ebbs and fl ows at will.
Grief transforms you. Nature does not know extinction. It only
knows transformation.
Barb Hennessy, MS, CRC is a Certifi ed Grief Mentor and a Somatic
Intuitive Practitioner, skillfully assisting her clients in resolving grief
and trauma. Barb is the founder of The Joy Within, a unique method
for helping clients to release emotions buried in the body. She speaks
to groups, facilitates Grief CafesSM and provides staff trainings on stress
management and healthy grief.
Information for this article was derived from materials provided by Grace
Terry at Grief Resolution Resources and Carole McLeod of Grief Matters.
Visit her website at thejoywithin.us or contact her at (727)409-7428.
Getting Through the Holiday Season Without...
33 Holiday Issue 2013
Kids love to dip just about everything they eat into ketchup,
Ranch dressing or some other type of condiment. In fact,
dipping makes eating vegetables way more fun, but unfortunately
many of the store-bought condiments contain high fructose corn
syrup, artifi cial fl avors, dyes and chemical preservatives. Reading
the ingredients on a bottle of Ranch dressing just about requires
a chemistry degree. Local mom Kellie Rae learned this the hard
way when she discovered her toddler’s face turning red every
time he ate Ranch. “He would wipe his mouth with the back of
his hand and the skin around his mouth would turn red for a
while. I went to Google and discovered that the chemicals in the
dressing were probably to blame.” She switched to a refrigerated
brand that advertised “no preservatives” and the redness went
away. But for Kellie and other moms, there are easy ways to make
dips that are free from the dangerous chemicals and dyes.
In her new cookbook, Homemade Condiments, Jessica Harlan
off ers 75 classic recipes and gourmet twists on your favorite
condiments using fresh, natural ingredients. Sauces and dips
can add fl avor, zing and variety to healthier dishes like grilled
chicken or steamed vegetables. Any level cook can follow her
step-by-step instructions to serve up healthier, tastier food.
Jessica has shared three of her recipes with GoodLiving® readers
that moms will love. Her beautiful hardcover book can be
purchased at Amazon.com.
Tomato-Based Barbecue SauceSweet and tangy, ketchup-based barbecue sauces that reign in Kansas
City, Memphis, and St. Louis are the quintessential barbecue sauce. This
version has a kick thanks to chipotle powder, but when it’s cooked with
meat, the spiciness tones down. If you don’t have chipotle powder, use 1
tablespoon smoked paprika plus 1 teaspoon ground chile in place of the
chipotle and regular paprika.
Makes about 12 ounces
Ingredients2 tablespoons butter
½ cup minced sweet onion (about 1 small)
1 cup ketchup
½ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup molasses
1 teaspoon chipotle powder
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon celery seeds
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the
onion and sweat it until softened and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add
the ketchup, vinegar, molasses, chipotle powder, paprika, celery seeds,
and salt. Stir to combine. Simmer for about 20 minutes, uncovered, stir-
ring occasionally, until thickened and darkened.
Honey MustardA classic, spicy-sweet condiment, honey mustard is a favorite for kids
and adults that tastes better when homemade. The fl owery fl avor
of the honey really comes through, more so than with store-bought
versions, which merely taste sweet. You can experiment with diff erent
honeys including local varieties with a pronounced fl avor.
Makes about 6 ounces
Ingredients1/2 cup mustard powder
1/4 cup boiling water
6 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon honey
Place the mustard powder in a small bowl. Add the boiling water,
using a spoon or small spatula to stir the mustard and water into a
smooth paste. Stir in the vinegar. Switch to a small whisk and whisk
in the turmeric, salt, paprika, and garlic powder until the mixture is
smooth. Stir in the honey.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature to
allow the heat of the mustard to temper. Let mustard sit for up to 1 week
to reach the desired level of heat, checking after the fi rst 3 days. Transfer it
to a sterilized jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Dilly Ranch DressingButtermilk is the secret ingredient for creamy dressings — it is tangy,
thick, and relatively healthy. Use it either low-fat or full-fat. This is
an herby dressing with fresh herbs, but you can also make it with
dried if that’s what you have on hand. Since dried herbs have a more
concentrated fl avor than fresh, you’ll need about a teaspoon of each.
If you do use dried herbs, it’s a good idea to make the dressing an
hour or more before you plan to serve it and let it sit in the refrigerator
to allow the herby fl avor to permeate the mixture.
Makes 8 ounces
Ingredients¾ cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream (low-fat or full-fat)
2 teaspoons minced fresh dill
2 teaspoons minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, and sour
cream. Add the dill, chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and
salt and whisk to combine. Serve immediately if using fresh herbs or
refrigerate for an hour or more if using dried herbs. The dressing will
keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Healthy Homemade Dipping
eating
34Holiday Issue 2013
eatingCookbook Finds
Classic Snacks
Made from Scratch
Eating healthier should be the goal.
So when it comes to kids wanting
popular snack treats, they are almost
always made from the over-processed
and artifi cial ingredients that we are
trying to avoid. Classic Snacks Made from Scratch is a new cookbook
featuring full-color photos and
70-plus recipes for homemade
versions of your favorite brand-name
treats like Goldfi sh, Twinkies,
Oreos, Fruit Roll-Ups and or Pop-
Tarts. Why? Because making these treats from scratch means you
can leave out the harmful chemical additives and preservatives, and
you can control the quality of the ingredients that you use in your
own kitchen. Th ese tasty delights far surpass the originals in terms
of fl avor and nutrition. “As a nostalgia addict and DIY fanatic, repli-
cating classic snacks from my childhood has become an obsession ever
since I made my fi rst batch of marshmallow fl uff ,” says author Casey
Barber. “It’s a kick to pull a batch of oatmeal crème pies out of the oven
or see my friends’ surprised and gleeful reactions to the fi rst bite of a
homemade Dorito.”
$17.95 from Ulysses Press and available at Amazon.com.
Dining Out at Home Cookbook 2
Love Starbucks’s Pumpkin Spice Latte or
Olive Garden’s Baked Pasta Romana? Now
home cooks can make the same treats and
meals in their own kitchen and control
the quality of the ingredients that go into
them. CopyKat.com’s Dining Out at Home Cookbook 2 is the long-awaited sequel
to the original. Serve the most widely
loved dishes from your favorite restau-
rants at home without the hefty cost of
dining out, the extra salt and unnecessary
calories. You’ll be shocked how spot-on
these recipes really are! Author Stephanie Manley was inspired by
her love of restaurant quality food, but knew it wasn’t realistic or
healthy to eat out every night. Follow Stephanie online at CopyKat.com or on Twitter @CopyKatRecipes.
$14.95 by Ulysses Press and available at Amazon.com
No-Cook, No-Bake CookbookTurn up the fl avor—not the heat!
Th e No-Cook, No-Bake Cookbook is a
full-color recipe collection that will
keep your stress level and kitchen
temperature lower during our long,
hot summer. Featuring 101 fast
and fun oven-free meals (and over
80 photos), Th e No-Cook, No-Bake Cookbook has recipes for easy break-
fasts, entrees, and desserts, including
Breakfast Prosciutto Pear Sandwiches,
Salmon Mango Ceviche, Tex-Mex Chipotle Beans, Very Berry
Parfait Pudding, and Raspberry Mint Frozen Yogurt. “When the
heat is on, you can give your oven a welcome reprieve and instead
force your grater, blender, and food processor to work overtime
to outsmart the dog-day heat,” explains author Matt Kadey. “Far
from carrot sticks, lifeless salads, and PB&J sandwiches, creative
no-cook meals can provide a balance of convenience, nutrition,
and gourmet taste—especially if you’re willing to step outside of
your normal culinary repertoire.” Go ahead and master the art of
chilling out by making these no-cook dishes the focal point of
your summer menu.
$15.95 by Ulysses Press and available at Amazon.com
The Edible Garden:
How to Have Your Garden and Eat it TooWhether you are a hardy homesteader or just getting started
with a few herb pots on your windowsill, Th e Edible Garden
off ers food for thought on creating your very own urban haven
that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Master gardener and BBC
personality Alys Fowler has devoted her life to teaching people
how to grow their own food and edible landscaping. Here,
Fowler shares her trademark wisdom and inventive tips to help
your garden grow abundantly—from saving and sowing your
own seeds, to mixing the world’s best compost, to brewing
your own herb teas and growing such a bounty of veggies
that you will have to learn how to pickle and preserve them!
Good for the pocket, good for the environment and hugely
rewarding for the soul, Th e Edible Garden provides a taste of
the good life to anyone willing to pick up a trowel.
Learn How To:
• Mix trees, edibles and fl owers in the same plot
• Sustainably forage for wild food
• Plant the prettiest vegetables for container gardening
• Cook deliciously hearty harvest dishes
• Make gifts from the garden: canned jams, chutneys and fruit
liqueurs
Holiday Issue 2013 36
Digging Deeper to Change Eating Behaviors and Keep Boys in School By KIP CURTIS, PHDFounder and Executive Director of the Edible Peace Patch Project
One of the great of joys of running an organization like the
Edible Peace Patch Project is the opportunity to collaborate on
really cool projects that make a huge diff erence in kids’ lives.
Last month, for example, we launched our Wellness Kitchen
Program, a partnership with All Children’s Hospital’s Fit4All
Kids initiative. Th eir expert nutritionists developed a series of
recipes based on the food we grow in our school yard Peace Patch
Gardens. Th is new program takes it a step further. First we learn
to grow the food and then we learn how to prepare it to eat.
We started at Campbell Park Elementary School, home to a
garden installed by volunteers earlier this year on the Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. Students in eight diff erent
classes participated in the Wellness Kitchen Program. It was fun
to watch them fi le into their science lab, a little confused about
the new set up, and then listen intently as we talked to them
about food choices and trying new things.
Th e classrooms have mini-kitchen stations where college students
volunteer alongside staff . Together they help students fi gure out
the recipes in order to prepare the food items and plate their
dishes. On this day, we made a vegetable plate with chickpea dip.
Something happens when kids prepare their own food. Th eir pride
in a job well done is seen in their faces as the fi nal product was
served up for everyone to enjoy. And then they sat quietly consuming
healthy food they had just prepared, including the vegetables.
Of course, not every student liked everything that was served, but
everyone participated, and everyone at least tried all the food items.
After the cooking lesson, we took our vegetable scraps back to the
Peace Patch Garden. Th ese scraps became part of our compost pile
where they will they would decompose into dirt for next year.
Campbell Park Elementary is of special interest. We know that
in south St. Petersburg, a signifi cant number of boys do not
graduate from high school. Th e number is controversial because
calculating the number is diffi cult. Estimates from 2009 indicate
that around 70 percent of boys were not graduating.
After speaking with Principal Robert Ovalle, we identifi ed a
group of fourth and fi fth grade boys and created an intensive
program for students most at risk for dropping out.
It’s an unfair and structurally challenging set of circumstances.
Th ese are boys whose behavior has gotten them in trouble, set
them back academically, and in many cases set them up for series
of school-based failures. Th e problem is not their intelligence,
we work with these boys twice a week and they are some of the
The Edible Peace Patch Project
smartest kids any of us have every met. Th e problem is they have
been rejected by a system that has no other way of integrating
them, and they are slowly being driven away from school.
For their assignment, they were given an $80 investment to use
for plants and seeds to get the garden started. Th ey tend to the
garden twice a week by doing a variety of chores to keep the
garden healthy and robust.
As the garden grew, so did the students. During the fi rst few
weeks, focus was an issue and they often found ways to distract
each other and cause trouble instead of working. I can’t count
how many time I was “accidentally” sprayed with a hose.
As the weeks progressed, they came to us to ask what work has
to be done. Th ey started saying things like, “I wish we could
come out here every day,” or “Th is is the best part of my day.”
Th rough it all, friendships have grown and we could visibly see
the fruits of our labor take shape.
Our fi rst Wellness Kitchen class included many of our garden boys.
Th eir faces lit up during the discussion, but the best part was watching
them glow as they showed off their work to their classmates during
our visit to the garden. Th ey had clearly developed a proprietary
attachment to the landscape. We saw how powerfully it had
become theirs.
Th ey walked their peers through the garden, and told them
which plants were which. Th ey shared recent lessons about
bugs and explained the value of coff ee grounds as a fertilizer
and bragged about the irrigation system that had recently been
donated to them.
On the way back, some of the girls from the same class
wondered out loud why they weren’t being allowed to partici-
pate. “We want to do the garden, too,” one of them exclaimed.
She sidled up next to me and negotiated. “If they do Monday
and Th ursday, why don’t you talk to my teacher about letting the
girls do it Tuesday and Wednesday. How about that?” I told her I
would look into it. And I will.
Holiday Issue 2013 38
My daughter Lexi was 14 years old and going through those
diffi cult teenage years when she knew everything and her parents
knew nothing. We could not connect at all. In Lexi’s mind, my
sole function in life was to provide a roof over her head and
$10 allowance a week. We had not gotten along well for years. I
fi gured that was life with a teenager.
It hadn’t always been that way. We had always been a family of
volunteers. We worked in the Metropolitan Ministries holiday
tent, picked up trash with Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, and
helped out at church with any project they had. We started
giving to needy causes when Lexi was a toddler. It was our fun
family activity. However, as my daughter entered adolescence
and joined the “Me Generation,” she stopped volunteering. She
would rather hang out with her friends.
One day, Lexi wanted an $80 concert ticket and asked me for
the money. I told her she needed to save her allowance. She told
me she only had $50 and pleaded for my assistance. I off ered to
help. I agreed to give her fi fty cents for every can or box of food
she collected from neighbors for the Metropolitan Ministries
food drive. She got mad and stormed off , saying she could never
collect that much food. She needed the money to buy that ticket
the next week!
Th en a funny thing happened. Lexi collected her 60 cans of food
in just one day. As agreed, I gave her $30. She handed it back to
me. She also gave me the $50 she saved from her own allowance.
Lexi said, “Dad, poor people need to eat more than I need to go
to the concert.”
I cried tears of joy that day. I am crying now as I write these
words to you. My daughter remembered the lesson I taught her
while she was growing up. It really is better to give than to receive.
Lexi is now a sophomore at USF, where she volunteers on
campus with several organizations. Every holiday season, we still
make it a point to spend four or fi ve days volunteering to help
the needy. It puts us in the holiday spirit.
Th is year, there are more than 20,000 Tampa Bay families struggling to
make ends meet. Th ey can’t even think about buying Christmas gifts,
because they have to pay rent and buy food. Th ere are thousands of
elderly shut-ins and nursing home patients who have no one to
wish them a Merry Christmas. Th ere are families with children
in the hospital, whose only holiday wish is good health. Th ere
are military veterans, who served our country gallantly, who will
sleep beneath a cold highway overpass on Christmas Eve.
If you want your family to have the best holiday it has ever had,
I recommend spending a day helping people less fortunate than
we are. Hold a neighborhood food drive. Spend an afternoon
visiting a nursing home and hand out Christmas cards. Work a
shift at the Metropolitan
Ministries holiday tent.
Cook a meal for Ronald
McDonald House
guests who are spending
Christmas nursing a sick
child back to health. Help
your children learn what
my daughter learned: It
really is better to give
than receive.
My Storyby DON GERMAISE
Ronald McDonald House: rmhctampabay.com Metropolitan Ministries: metromin.orgSalva on Army: salva onarmytampabay.orgNeighborly Care Network: neighborly.orgThe Kind Mouse: TheKindMouse.org
Local CharitiesDon Germaise was an award-winning television reporter for ABC Ac on News, in Tampa, for 19 years before re ring in 2012 to devote his me to community service. He is most remembered for his hurricane
coverage, popularizing the phrase “hunker down” in 2004.
In re rement, Don volunteers at Metropolitan Ministries, Ronald McDonald House, The Crisis Center, Keep Tampa Bay Beau ful, People For Hai , Partners For Life, Hands Across The Bay, and Our Daily Bread. He also reads to kindergartners in Hillsborough County Schools one day a week.