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Page 1: 2012 Back to School Issue
Page 2: 2012 Back to School Issue
Page 3: 2012 Back to School Issue
Page 4: 2012 Back to School Issue

8 - 11 Good News

12 - 13 Good Products

The Good Stuff

Features

18 - 19At Home Spa Day

by Noelle Katai

23Every Child an Athlete for Life

by Pamela Settle

29Quality Early Learning

is Key to Success in School by Benjamin J. Kirby

30A Letter to Pinellas County

by David Lawrence

33 Make Your Fitness Goals SMART

by Christie Bruner

36 - 37Leading Our Schools to Greatness: Part 2

by Pamela Settle

38My Story

by Rennie Curran

About the CoverRennie Curran, #45 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers contacted GoodLiving magazine because he likes our positi ve content. He is a huge supporter of kids, so we asked him to help us with our message that as a community we all need to come together to lift our kids up for success. Thank you to Calvary Christi an High School for the use of your fi eld and to Corey Conroy Photography for the gorgeous photo.See more at CoreyConroyPhotography.com

TBWOA.com

I am a

Like us on Facebookfor contests, giveaways,events and news

Search GoodLivingMag

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GoodLivingMagazine.com

Be a Woman of Action

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15 - 17 Good People

26 - 27 Good Eating

Page 5: 2012 Back to School Issue

A few days ago, my son, entering fi rst grade this year, started asking why he had to go to

school. “To learn,” I replied. To which he retorted, “Why do I need to learn?”

Well, that’s a really good question and I had stop myself from fl ippantly saying things like

“because I said so,” “because it’s the law,” or “to get a good job someday.”

Yes, education is a path to obtaining a good job so you can buy things like food.

Yes, the government has laws saying you must go to school until you’re old enough to

drop out.

And yes, parents need their kids in school so they can work to buy things like food.

Th ose reasons, however, don’t really get to the core of why we pursue learning as humans

and so I decided to make it a teachable moment about the value of school.

My answer to him was this, “Son. Learning is a most precious gift. God gave us the ability

to think, to create, to build, to question, to explore and to experience the mystery and

beauty of this Earth, its creatures and other people. It’s our duty and responsibility to use

our brains to the best of our abilities and that means going to school to learn how to use

that brain.”

When he’s older, I’ll elaborate more on how important it is to soak in literature, music, art,

nature, science and history for the purpose of bringing joy and meaning to his life.

Later, we’ll talk about how without deeper life goals, education can become a repetitive

series of tests, report cards and annual attendance calendars. Sort of like climbing stairs in a

crowd without really paying attention to where you are going.

I’ll want him to understand that he has an inner desire to be on the stairs in the fi rst place;

that he can connect spiritually to his drive to learn. To realize that knowledge is not just the

means to an end, but a way to fi ll his heart, his soul and his mind.

As a parent I realize that inspiring his inner desire to learn is only half the battle. Th e other

half is being involved in the school system that is in control of a big part of the journey

called education. Federal and state law makers, school boards, district staff , unions, text-

book companies and research entities are making important, life-altering decisions that

impact our children.

Are you there? Do you know what they are doing? Are you engaged? Are you a member

of PTA or do you attend school board meetings? Are you registered to vote and are you

identifying the candidates who support education?

Our kids get one life, and one shot at their developmental years. Th is is about as important

as it gets for their future, and the cumulative futures of all our children.

Th roughout this Back-to School issue, you will read about people working to improve our

community for kids from 0 – 18. Agencies and programs are in place to advocate for our

children’s future. Whether you are a parent or not, you are needed to get in the game and be

a part of lifting our children up for success!

Until next time, be good!

Letter from the Editor

Pamela Settle

Here’s to a healthy and happy school year for teachers, students and parents!

PublisherLight Shine Media Group, LLC

Editor-in-ChiefPamela Sett le

Contributi ng WritersChristi e BrunerRennie CurranNoelle KataiBenjamin J. KirbyDavid Lawrence

Design and LayoutMarcie Kelliher

Account ManagerTory Perfetti

Data ManagerTom Eckert

WebsiteWP by Design

GoodLiving™ Magazine &GoodLivingMagazine.comP.O. Box 1795Oldsmar, Florida 34677(727) [email protected]

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATIONadverti [email protected]

GoodLiving™ magazine is a publicati on of Light Shine Media Group, LLC and and is available to readers by a paid annual subscripti on available at www.tampabaygoodliving.com. Promoti onal copies are distributed through establishments as a courtesy to their customers and clients. Additi onal copies are donated to local schools as a community service. To request copies, contact [email protected]. All photographs, artwork, design and editorial are the sole property of GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC. No porti on of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without writt en permission.

GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC are not responsible for statements made by adverti sers and writers for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Readers should verify the adverti sing informati on of the adverti sers and all specials are valid to the expirati on date set by the adverti ser. GoodLiving™ magazine and Light Shine Media Group, LLC reserve the right to refuse any adverti sing for any reason. The views expressed in the publicati on are not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights reserved.

FALL 2012 back to school

TM

Page 6: 2012 Back to School Issue
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GoodLiving back to school8

news

Box Car RallyAchieva Credit Union is celebrating old-fashioned fun

at their annual Box Car Rally, October 6th in downtown

Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District. Proceeds benefi t

Pinellas County Classrooms. Th e event is free to attend.

Th ere will be food, drinks, balloons, music, kid’s events,

50/50 raffl es, local merchant tables and more.

If you ever wanted to build and race a box car, here is your

chance! Entries are only $50 per team. Get registration

information, rules and links to fi nd box car kits at

AchievaCU.com. Search Box Car Rally.

Photos by Lynzie Hiers Photography

Dames Gone WildTwo women from Pinellas County are on an adventure of a life-

time. After being let go from her mortgage job in January 2012,

Carol Hasbrouck came to the realization that after 23 years of

earning a paycheck to get a two-week vacation, it was time for

her to let go. To really let go and stretch beyond where she was

to see what else life could hold. With her friend, Joyce Clafl in,

the 12-month journey across the United States has begun. Th eir

mission: to learn about themselves by doing service work for free

at a variety of diff erent non-profi t organizations. Th eir itinerary

is posted on their website, but more important are the blog posts

of their experiences. It’s really quite inspiring and a good read for

anyone looking for ways to add depth and meaning to their lives.

Th ey stay with host families and rely on their GPS to help them

“recalculate” when plans change.

Carol and Joyce are unoffi cial ambassadors to the country from

St. Petersburg, appearing in local media and making a stir in the

communities where they serve. Th ey are inspiring people who have

lost jobs from coast to coast with a story that says “We are not our

jobs; we have more to give.” Th ey are currently learning how to

receive from others as their funds have run low and they need to

ask for donations to help them continue their journey. Follow them

at DamesGoneWild.com and fi nd them on Facebook, too.

Flip Flops for HeroesA Clearwater woman heard that wounded soldiers were entering the

military hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan, often times with their

boots cut off , leaving them with no shoes. A veteran herself, Cristine

Kreplick, answered this very specifi c call for help by asking members

of the community to donate fl ip fl ops through a page on Facebook.

“I have a past colleague who works at this hospital and in addition to

prayers, she said she needed fl ip fl ops for the patients,” says Cristine.

Th e eff ort worked and they now have more fl ip fl ops than they

need for the short term. What they need now are plain t-shirts,

shorts, sweatpants, shoes and toiletries.

Donations can be sent directly to the hospital in Kandahar,

Afghanistan by using this military address: USN LT Danielle

Jarvis, NATO Role 3 MMU, APO AE, 09355

Keep up with the eff ort on the Flip Flops for Heroes Facebook page.

Page 9: 2012 Back to School Issue

9GoodLiving back to school

news

Helping a Friend in NeedFor anyone who has tried to arrange meals for a friend who is sick,

had a baby or experienced a death in the family, the process can be

a little challenging.

A website has come along to make it more manageable. Th eir basic

service is free, so it’s a great option for anyone. MealTrain.comincludes a real-time meal calendar that has the ability to customize

dates, times and meal preferences. Invitations can be sent via e-mail

or Facebook. It even sends reminders.

Reading PalsTh anks to a generous contribution from the owners of Publix,

United Way of Florida and Th e Children’s Movement of Florida are

launching a new program called Reading Pals.

Locally, the program will match volunteer mentor readers with

PreK to 3rd grade students in Pinellas County who need help

right now with reading. Approximately 40% of children who enter

Kindergarten are not ready to read. If they stay behind through 3rd

grade, they run a greater risk of eventually dropping out of school.

Early intervention can reverse the situation, and that’s where

volunteers come to play. Reading Pals needs 200 volunteers by

October 1 to donate one hour per week for the rest of the school

year. Volunteers will receive training and the program is approved

for Bright Futures volunteer hours.

Research shows that children who get extra help before third grade

can get and stay caught up, so this volunteer time can measurably

change a child’s life for the better. And cumulatively, it can improve

an entire community. To fi nd out more on how to volunteer, go to

unitedwaysuncoast.org/readingpals.

For Families with Special Needs ChildrenFamily Network on Disabilities is hosting the 6th Annual Heart

and Hope Statewide Family Conference at Dunedin Highland

Middle School on August 25, 2012.

Th e event is free and is designed to bring together families who

have children with disabilities and subject matter professionals

who can help them learn their options and rights in regards to

the school system and beyond. Free lunch and childcare will be

provided. Th e keynote speaker will be Monica Verra-Tirado,

Ed.D., the new Bureau Chief for Florida’s ESE Division.

Additional presentations include RTI, Restraint and Seclusion,

Self-Determination, Learning Styles, Understanding the Health

Care System, Welcome to ESE, IEP, IDEA, and much more.

Visit fndusa.org/heartandhope to register.

Recognizing RecoverySeptember 2012 is the 23rd Annual National Recovery Month

sponsored by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration. It is a celebration of people who have or are now

seeking recovery from addictions and the treatment professionals

who dedicate their careers to the cause.

In recognition of this month, LiveFree! in partnership with

Nar-Anon and Operation PAR will host a Day of Serenity for

Friends and Family in Recovery on Saturday, September 8, 2012

from 12pm – 4pm. Th e event will be at Operation PAR’s Beverly

and CW Bill Young Center for Research and Recovery at 13800

66th St. N. in Largo. Th e Day of Serenity will include a special

Newcomers Meeting at 1pm. Nar-Anon is a 12-step program for

those aff ected by another’s addiction. For more information on

Nar-Anon, please visit www.naranonfl .org or call (888)947-8885.

For more information on the day of Serenity, contact livefree@

operpar.org. For more information on Recovery Month, please

visit www.samhsa.gov.

Share your good news.Send stories to [email protected]

Page 10: 2012 Back to School Issue

Good Works Pinellas

comes to GoodLivingMagazine .com!

The GiversYou’re sitting with some friends, neighbors or your family and the

conversation comes up that you want to give some time and volunteer to

do something good for someone. Maybe you have a free Saturday coming

up or perhaps your group wants to do something on a regular basis.

Maybe you have material goods instead of time. Th ere is furniture to

donate or your company is willing to collect blankets, food or toiletries.

How do you fi nd who needs help?

The Needs Every day local charities and ministries have needs that range from

small one-person jobs to large-scale events. Some are long term and

others pop up as a need arises. Th ey also have needs for donated goods

on a regular basis and some charities have urgent needs.

Th ese organizations rely upon people in the community to help them.

Beyond their usual volunteers, how do they connect on a regular basis

to the community at large?

The LinkTh e key to linking hundreds of thousands of potential givers to

the multitude of needs in Pinellas County is a common database.

A Tampa organization called Meet the Need has developed

database software that can do this job and more. Th e vision of

its founder and president, Jim Morgan, was to mobilize entire

communities by sharing up-to-date information on a common

platform accessed by an unlimited number of organizations. It

took nearly ten years to develop, but the Meet the Need software

product has taken off quickly and is being used by churches and

ministries in over 100 cities nationwide. Any church or ministry

can be a part of the network.

To join, go to MeetTh eNeed.org.

In 2012, a commercial version of the software is being released

so that non-profi t organizations and corporations can join the

network and expand the reach of the community. Th is software

product is called ServingLynk. For more information, send an

email to [email protected].

news

Page 11: 2012 Back to School Issue

What is Good Works Pinellas?Good Works Pinellas at GoodLivingMagazine.com will serve

as the hub of activity for Pinellas County.

Individuals and groups who do not belong to a church or an

organization utilizing Meet the Need software can access the

database at GoodLivingMagazine.com. Searchers can narrow

the fi elds to meet their specifi c desires. If you are looking for

something on a particular date, search by date. If you prefer

to volunteer to help a senior citizen or serve at a food bank,

search by type of organization.

Th e database is fl exible and easy to use. No long-term

commitments are required. By being able to see the full range

of needs in the county, it will open the door for people to have

multiple giving experiences – something that is benefi cial for

teaching kids to have compassion for diff erent situations.

Th e real beauty of this database is that it empowers YOU

to be your own leader. You are no longer dependent on

someone else to tell you what is planned. Th e information

comes to you as fast as you can click your mouse.

Good Works Pinellas will help you fi nd the right project. Any

day. Any time. So You Can Be Empowered to Lead the Way!

newsClick on this graphic at GoodLivingMagazine.com

How to use GoodWorks Pinellas1. Access the Good Works Page through GoodLivingMagazine.com

2. Search the local database for opportuniti es to serve or donate material goods

3. Select where you want to help

4. Register to be a volunteer

5. Fulfi ll your service in the community

6. Repeat!

Page 12: 2012 Back to School Issue

Schoolbags for Kids With their One Here. One Th ere™ mission,

two entrepreneurs who used to market luxury

products in New York City started their

own company to make a diff erence around

the world. While on a journey, one of the

founders was passing out pencils to children

in Tanzania when he had a vision to give

children the tools necessary for learning.

Th at moment led to a company called

Schoolbags for Kids that sells high-quality,

fi tted backpacks for students. With every

sale, they send a backpack of supplies to

schools and orphanages in several countries.

Th eir inspiring story is on their website, as

are pictures of their well-designed backpacks

for big and little kids. Backpacks have a

horizontal design to make things easier to

fi nd, plus they have external pockets, padded

shoulder straps and a chest strap to keep the

bag in place. Th e large size can carry a 13”

laptop and the small size can fi t a sweater or

a blanket. Find eight diff erent colors/designs

plus three Fuzzy Flyers that come with detach-

able wings. Price range $49 to $59. You can also

purchase backpacks to be donated for $10 each.

Schoolbagsforkids.com

This company is a Certi fi ed B Corporati on, a new type of corporati on rati ng that certi fi es a company meets comprehensive and transparent social and environmental performance standards; meets higher legal accountability standards; and builds business consti tuencies for public policies that support sustainable business.

GoodLiving back to school12

products

Sparx candyTh ese little candies come in a convenient cylinder pack, just the

right size for a backpack. Th ey are a sweet treat actually for oral

health. Sparx candies are made with Xylitol, a white crystalline

substance that looks and tastes like sugar. It is a naturally occurring

5-carbon sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables. It has

the same sweetness as sugar (sucrose) but with 40% fewer calories

and none of the negative tooth decay or insulin release eff ects of

sugar. Xylitol also has a low glycemic index (7) and has little eff ect

on blood sugar levels. Xylitol is recommended by dentists world-

wide as a sweetener for anyone concerned with dental health, upper

respiratory health, and sugar consumption, in general. Sparx candies

can be found at health food stores and online.

Just for girls When sports practice, marching band rehearsals or gym

class take their toll, girls can freshen up with these

convenient wipes that don’t contain any fragrances or

harmful chemicals like parabens or sulfates. Moms can

help their daughters protect delicate skin with healthy

hoohoo® products, a gentle line formulated to balance

pH, freshen and gently cleanse. Convenient packaging stores easily

in backpacks or gym bags.

Th e inspiration for the product came when founder Stacy Lyons studied the

dangers of parabens after a friend’s breast cancer tumor biopsy came back with

an alarmingly high concentration of the harsh preservative. “I believe that less is

more and that harsh chemicals belong nowhere near a woman’s sensitive areas,”

states Stacy.

Pick your favorite: Gentle Feminine Wash ($12.99), feminine wipes (single .95/10-pack $4.79) or Gentle Feminine Foaming Cleanser ($13.99). Buy online at drugstore.com and healthyhoohoo.com

Early Lingo DVDsKids can learn the basics of a new foreign language or keep

their existing language skills sharp during the school year. Th e

award-winning Early Lingo DVD Series gives children ages 6

months to 9 years a solid foundation in a second language through an

animated and live-action adventure series. Great gift idea, too! DVDs

are sold individually for $19.99 or in a pack of six for $99.99. Choose

from English, French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin and German.

Learn more at Earlylingo.com

for Kids sion,

purchase backpacks t

Schoolbagsforkids.com

ThisB Coof cocerticom

transpenvironmental performahigher legal

Page 13: 2012 Back to School Issue

13GoodLiving back to school

products

Good BellyStart each morning with a shot of Good Belly to gain digestive

health, which can improve immunity during the upcoming cold

and fl u season. Peel the plastic liner off the top to reveal a smiley

face that will wish you a good morning before drinking your shot

of certifi ed organic, dairy- and soy-free probiotic juice. Each

serving of Good Belly contains 20 billion live and active cultures

of Lp299v for maintaining a healthy balance of good bacteria.

GoodBelly comes in a wide selection of fruit juice fl avors like

Mango, Tropical Orange, Pomegranate Blackberry, Blueberry

Acai, and Strawberry, and they make a delicious, healthy swap for

a traditional glass of juice for breakfast! Buy them in packs of four

for under $4 at Earth Origins. Like them on Facebook, too. Th ey

have great posts!

Goodbelly.com

Flings® Pop-Up Recycle BinsWhen entertaining indoors or out, you can now help

guests recycle cans and bottles with the effi cient and

innovative Flings® Pop-Up Recycle Bins.

No more fl opped-over trash bags or cans stacked on

tables. Th ese portable containers open accordion style to

form a stable, decorative bin for up to 60 cans or bottles at

a time. Use several of them around your party and reuse

them by dumping contents into a larger recycling tote.

Find 13 gallon bins for under $4 at iParty in Clearwater.

Flingsbins.com

Soap Time®Back to school means exposure to more

germs. Keep your kids healthy and save

your sick days by encouraging proper

hand washing. A fun new product called

Soap Time® is a patented hand washing

system that plays music and teaches

facts for at least 20 seconds (the time period recommended by the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). A child pushes the

dispenser and activates the battery-powered base to start its show

based on the theme: Learning ABCs, Nature or Wild Kingdom.

A set sells for $16.97 and the base lasts for over 2,500 wash cycles.

Soap refi lls available.

MySoapTime.com

Power Brain KidsPower Brain Kids: 12 Easy Lessons to Ignite Your Child’s Potential is an easy-to-use book that can help parents

access and support the rich potential in their children.

Author Ilchi Lee created a child-appropriate guide

for developing concentration, improving memory

skills and instilling self-discipline. Each chapter

focuses on a particular aspect of mental ability,

including concentration, creativity, memory and emotional control.

Parents and children can follow lessons, exercises and games with

colorful design and photography. For ages 6 – 12.

$16.95 at Amazon.com

Emergency ID JeweleryA former jewelry designer, Shelly Hope Fisher, set out to design

emergency jewelry that kids, teens and adults would want to wear.

Th e result is her company, Medical ID Marketplace, and now

wearing the emergency medical symbol to alert others of a medical

condition has never looked cooler or more fashionable. Practical

too as hikers and kayakers will appreciate the I.C.E. (In Case of

Emergency) silicone bracelets. A Text ID program stores additional

information and has an annual fee.

Bracelets run the gamut from ultra hip to elegant, using rubber, leather,

braided rope, nylon, beads, crystals, stainless steel mesh, titanium and

even recycled aluminum. Th ere are also gold necklaces, key fobs,

sticker tattoos, backpack/luggage tags and traditional dog tags in a

variety of styles. Prices vary and many are aff ordable for the quality.

Th e STATKids line for kids with allergies feature red rubber Mediband

bracelets that can be written on to personalize

for only $9.95. Also fi nd food allergy stickers

and a red lunch bag with warning.

Hopepaige.com

SafetyTat™SafetyTat™ specializes in temporary custom or write-on tattoos

that are worn by children while they are on fi eld trips, at the beach

or at a theme park – anywhere they can be separated from their

parent, teacher or caregiver. SafetyTat uses medical-grade, hypo-

allergenic, latex-free adhesive on all products and can last for days

with proper care. Founder Michele Welsh, mom of three, is proud

to be called a “Mompreneur” and has personally designed, patented

and marketed this line of super convenient child safety products.

Get a set of six for $9.99 at Safetytat.com

Page 14: 2012 Back to School Issue
Page 15: 2012 Back to School Issue

15GoodLiving back to school

Larry Ahern & Tom Spencer

Despite a busy schedule, Larry Ahern makes times to be a mentor.

“I knew it was the right thing to do. And I knew there was a real

need for more men to be Big Brothers and to serve as mentors in

our community.”

If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Larry Ahern is a long-time

business owner in the St. Petersburg area and since 2010, the

elected state representative for District 51, serving his neighbors

from Largo to South Pasadena.

In 2009, he answered the call to be a mentor and began providing

leadership and friendship to a seventh-grader named Quinton.

Together, they exercise at the YMCA, check out books at the public

library and enjoy ice cream at the local Dairy Queen. Th is positive

male attention is critical to the success of boys who lack stable male

role models at home. “It’s important for men – and women – to

answer this call to service. Th ese Big/Little relationships can have a

direct and measurable impact on children’s lives.”

Indeed they do. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) research shows

that 46 percent of youth who are mentored are less likely to begin

using illegal drugs; 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol;

and 52 percent less likely to skip school. Th at’s a measurable way to

change the world we live in.

Mr. Ahern says he encourages other men to volunteer their time

and become Big Brothers so they too can make a diff erence in

someone else’s life.

Th eir research also shows that “littles” believe their “big” gave them

hope and motivation to pursue their dreams.

people

Big Brother Rep. Larry Ahern and his Litt le Brother Quinton Tisdale at the Memorial Day service at Bay Pines V.A. Medical Center in May

Some of those dreams are big, as was the case with Tyshawn Taylor

who at age 7, told his new Big Brother in 1999 that he wanted to

play professional basketball. His Big Brother, Tom Spencer, told him

to hold on to his dream but realize that the odds were against him.

He encouraged him to have a backup plan which included getting

his college degree and fi nding a good job, but he also signed him

up to play basketball in the Clearwater for Youth League. For years,

Tyshawn played basketball at Tom’s house while continuing to play

in youth leagues. Th roughout this time, Tom instilled in Tyshawn the

importance of fi nishing school and attaining good grades.

And fi nish he did. Tyshawn went on to graduate from the University

of Kansas and is now an NBA player with the Brooklyn Nets.

Tyshawn has achieved his dream of playing for the NBA, a dream

that was fi rst set into motion at the age of 9 when his Big Brother

began mentoring him. “My proudest day was May 13th of this year

when Tyshawn graduated from the University of Kansas. My wife

and I went to his graduation. On June 28th, Tyshawn fulfi lled his

dream and was drafted into the NBA as the 41st overall pick. I am

so proud of him for all the hard work and dedication he invested in

overcoming many obstacles to achieve his dream.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County believe that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. They invite other men like Larry and Tom to sign up to be Big Brothers as part of their “100 Men in 100 Days” campaign. There are hundreds of boys hoping for mentors in Pinellas County. bbbspc.org

Tom and Tyshawn celebrate his graduati on

Page 16: 2012 Back to School Issue

GoodLiving back to school16

Dawn Lambert gave birth to her eldest

son on August 9, 2005. Th is article is being

written exactly seven years later. Today Gavin

is at Disneyworld celebrating his seventh birthday,

and he will have a memorable day, as most seven year olds do. His

mom, however, knows in the back of her mind that while walking

through a theme park is diffi cult for her son today, someday soon it

may be impossible.

Dawn and her husband Kevin noticed around age two that Gavin

was constantly falling. At fi rst teachers and doctors thought perhaps

it was that he walked too early or due to chronic ear infections.

Gavin underwent countless tests for nearly three years. Th ey found

nothing. It took a seizure in November 2010 to get Gavin admitted

for a full battery of tests including very expensive genetic testing. Th e

seizure was from a high fever. But the inherited genetic condition that

was eventually found was shocking because neither parent knew

they were carriers.

“Th e geneticist gave us three options and for six weeks we did lots

of Google searches. When it came time for the results to come in,

we were pretty sure we knew what it was going to be.”

Th e confi rmation that Gavin has Friedreich’s Ataxia, or FA, left Dawn

in a state of emotion for two months. “I couldn’t concentrate on

anything and to make matters worse, we had a six-month old baby.”

Th e description for FA is complex, but according to the Friedreich’s

Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) website, FA is a genetic disorder

that causes patients to have gene mutations that limit the production

of a protein called frataxin. Frataxin is known to be an important

protein that functions in the mitochondria.

What this means for Gavin is that progressive damage to his

nervous system will impact his arms and legs. Chances exist that

he will develop scoliosis, diabetes, heart disorders and a decrease

in speech and hearing abilities. He will need a wheelchair. His life

expectancy is shortened.

peopleDawn Lambert

Th at is what Dawn and Kevin saw and read on the Internet while

they got ready for Christmas that year. Shortly after the New Year,

they met with the geneticist. At the conclusion of that appointment,

the doctor handed them a fl yer about what to expect and sent them

on their way. In January 2011 they had no hope for their son.

Th at changed weeks later when their own version of “six degrees

of separation” connected them with Paul Avery, the former COO

of OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC (Outback Steakhouse, Carraba’s

Italian Grill and Bonefi sh Grill).

“Paul and his wife Suzanne chair the FARA Energy Ball every year

and raise millions of dollars for research,” said Dawn. “Th ey are

so full of hope. As a board member with FARA, Paul is meeting

with researchers around the world and is personally committed to

fi nding treatments and a cure.”

Th e news she heard from those on the inside of FARA sparked a

hope that only a mother can truly comprehend. And so her journey

to be a part of fi nding a treatment that could delay symptoms, or

perhaps a cure, began.

She calls her eff ort Kickin’ FA. It started with a golf tournament

in the spring of 2011 that raised $10,000. Th en a Bingo night that

raised $2,500. Also in that year’s time she held a TCBY night,

a hair extension night, a kids walk and was one of four charities

involved in GetFit4Charity in June 2011 where athletes assembled

to break world records in the name of charity.

All in all, Dawn Lambert, a regular mom, has raised more than $22,000

on her own for FARA in the 18 months following Gavin’s diagnosis.

“I’m not a scientist, a doctor or a millionaire. But I can do this to help

my child. And one day when there’s a cure I can know that I was a

part of it and that I didn’t sit home just waiting for it to happen.”

Sitting at home would not describe Dawn at all. When she’s not

working, being a wife and caring for the routine needs of her two

boys, she is driving Gavin 40 minutes to his therapy sessions four

times every week. “Th e therapists at Foundation’s Th erapy are

worth the drive,” she says.

Right now he fatigues easily and loses his balance frequently.

Th at has caused his classmates to tease him, so Dawn spoke to

his Kindergarten classmates in person to explain that Gavin has a

medical condition that aff ects his muscles. She hopes that kind of

communication will keep kids from being mean to him.

Page 17: 2012 Back to School Issue

17GoodLiving back to school

people

Butterfl ies in Pinellas CountyThe butterfl y effect is a theory that the fl apping of a butterfl y’s wings

could set into motion a chain of events that will alter a large-scale event in the future.

On July 26th, Figueroa-Rivera Family moved into their new home, a large-scale event that was most defi nitely set into motion by a lot of

butterfl ies right here in Pinellas County!

The family who had hit hard times, recently graduated from the Homeless Emergency Project (HEP) to be helped by Habitat for Humanity Pinellas. This is the fi rst time these two agencies have partnered like this, and we are proud to say that both organizations

are Community Partners with Lokey Charities.

Because of this natural connection, Lokey Charities sponsored this home and were blessed to be there

when this beautiful family got their keys.

Our work doesn’t end there. We continue to meet good people who serve the Tampa Bay community and we encourage you to support their upcoming events. You just never know what will

happen when you fl ap your wings!

September 22nd “Mat’s Cup Charity Golf Tournament”in St. Petersburg recognizing

National Childhood Cancer Awareness Monthwww.PaulsProject.org

September 29thFashion Show benefi ting First Touch Mission & Hope House

in Clearwater; for tickets or information, email bastepfl @aol.com

October 6thFamily Abilities Information Rally

(a free disabilities awareness event) in Tampa www.thefair.info

October 12thSammy Sullivan Memorial Golf Tournament

(with Kids Charity of Tampa Bay to provide a safe haven for children)www.sammysullivancharities.org

A serious medical condition like this puts some major stress on a

family. “Kevin and I have always had a very strong relationship and

we support each other. If he’s having a bad day, I can pick him up.

If I’m having a bad day, he can pick me up. So far we’ve never had

bad days on the same day.”

Th eir friends at FARA are there for them too. Dawn and Kevin

will be active participants in the upcoming Research Symposium on

September 6th at the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical

Learning and Simulation in Tampa. Th is annual symposium gathers

the medical, scientifi c, advocacy and patient communities from

around the world to share insights into energizing the cure for FA.

Two nights later Dawn will dress in a formal gown to volunteer at

the FARA Energy Ball, a glamorous fundraising event that generates

over a million dollars for FA research. “It’s a fun event. Th ere’s live

music and the auction items are really interesting. Last year, they

auctioned off a week at Jimmy Buff et’s house.”

Gavin’s pediatrician’s offi ce couldn’t attend this year, so they bought a

table for Gavin’s entire family to go and have a good time. Th ey will

enjoy all the glitz and glamour, auction prizes and entertainment.

However for this family, they will have only one thing on their

minds: hope for Gavin’s future.

For more informati on about the FARA Energy Ball, go to CureFA.org. To contact Dawn about helping her with local fundraising eff orts, go to KickinFA.com

Are you a Woman of Action?

Find out more atTampaBayWomenofAction.com

Page 18: 2012 Back to School Issue

GoodLiving back to school18

Back to school. Th ree words that signal growth, change, a new

phase and…shopping!

Th e ritual plays out every August as moms and their daughters hit

the stores for school supplies, but more importantly, new, trendy

clothes. Girls always want to look their best starting a new year in

school, whether it is middle or high school or college. School shop-

ping gives moms an opportunity to bond with their daughters, and

casually talk about the upcoming year and what she sees for herself

next.

While trips to the mall can be quality time together, and result in

a new outfi t, perhaps a new back-to-school ritual to start would

be an “At Home Spa Day,” complete with a homemade face mask.

Since girls want to look their best, but may not have the budget

for the spa, a natural face mask you can make in the kitchen is a

perfect option no matter what your skin type. Many women are

surprised to know just how eff ective face masks made from mostly

food ingredients and aromatherapy can be. Nature provides “prod-

ucts” that are powerful, potent and much more aff ordable. Adding a

few drops of essential oil to the blend makes it just like a treatment

at the spa.

Set a date with your daughter and put on your robes and slippers,

wrap your hair in a towel, brew some lovely tea, light some candles

and you are good to go. You can make the aromatherapeutic face

mask a day ahead if you wish, but since it is natural, it won’t keep

longer than that in the refrigerator.

If face masks aren’t a part of your normal skin regimen, consider

adding it in. Masks cleanse and detox the skin, remove dead skin,

and improve the texture and coloring. Essential oils help to treat

problem skin, balance and restore tone and maintain normal skin.

Th is recipe is one of my favorites, and uses bananas as the base.

Using fruit as a base for a mask will also help maintain the natural

acid balance of the skin, and bananas are nourishing and gentle and

Spa At Home – A New Back to School Ritual

By Noelle C. Katai

contain a high concentration of magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc,

iodine and Vitamins A, B (folic acid) E and F.

Eggs contain lecithin and cholesterol in the yolks, which is great

for your skin as it serves as a moisturizer and helps to regenerate

and rebuild cell tissue. Th e egg whites provide a fi rming action to

the pores, and will shrink them and tighten the skin.

Honey is one of those miracles of nature as it is highly nutritive

and amazing for skin care preparations. Plus, it is a humectant – a

substance that helps attract and retain moisture. It is best to use

only naturally pure, unheated honey to get the highest benefi t from

the nutrients.

Used for centuries for cosmetic use, clay clears the skin, stimulates

circulation and is anti-infl ammatory. Th ere are many types of clay

and each has the ability to absorb toxins from the skin, but they

diff er in their levels of absorption, so a particular clay may be better

for your skin type.

Dead Sea clay is good for all skin types except the most sensitive.

Green and red clays are primarily suited for oily and combination

skin. White and Pink clays are the most gentle, and are suitable for

normal and sensitive skin.

Heavy cream contains lactic acid, a natural acid that gently exfoli-

ates as well as being very nourishing to the skin due to the fat

content.

For the essential oils in this blend, there are many options to

choose based on your skin type:

For normal skin: Lavender, Geranium

For dry and/or sensitive skin: Lavender, Neroli (Bitter Orange

Blossom), Rose, Roman Chamomile

For combination skin: Lavender, Palmarosa, Eucalyptus

For troubled skin, including acne: Lavender, Tea Tree, Cedarwood

As you can see, you can’t go wrong with Lavender. So if it is the

fi rst time making a mask like this, you can just make it simple and

use Lavender.

AT HOME SPA DAYfor Mothers and Daughters by NOELLE KATAI

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19GoodLiving back to school

Noelle’s Easy, Nourishing Face Mask Makes enough for two masks – you can split the recipe in two

so you can customize it.

2 ripe bananas

1 egg, beaten

2 Tb honey (best to use raw honey)

Dead sea clay, or other cosmetic clay

A splash of heavy cream

10 drops total essential oil, choose for skin type

DirectionsMixing the mask:In a non-metallic mixing bowl or food processor, blend all

ingredients except the essential oils.

You can divide the mixture into 2 non-metallic bowls at this

point if you want diff erent blends.

Add the essential oils (10 drops for full recipe, or 5 drops for ½

recipe) into the bowl(s), and gently mix.

Applying the mask:First, make sure your face and neck are clean and dry. Apply

the mask with your fi ngertips – it can go on thick, and that is

ok. Have fun with it and slather it on!

Put your feet up with your tea and relax for about 15-20

minutes.

Rinse the mask off with luke warm water and fi nish with a

cool splash. Take a look at your refreshed face, and feel your

dewy soft skin.

Complete the treatment with your favorite toner (or try apple

cider vinegar) and moisturizer.

Top Ten Tween TalksBy DANNAH GRESHAuthor of Six Ways To Keep The Litt le In Your Girl

There are ten really essential conversations that you need to start having as your daughter approaches middle school. Asking her these questions might get the ball rolling for the next, well, ten years or so.

10. What would you do if you felt attacked

by a mean girl?

9. Are you ready for your body to turn from

girl to woman?

8. Do you know that even models on the covers

of magazines don’t actually look like that?

7. How will you stay off the boy-crazy train?

6. When do you think a girl is old enough to date?

5. Is being a size 0 healthy?

4. You know it’s ok to take your time to

grow up, right?

3. What kinds of friends do you think are

worth having?

2. Do you know that sex is great and worth the wait?

1. Who is God to you?

Dannah Gresh is the author of many best-selling books and the creator and lead teacher of Pure Freedom, a touring event which brings moms and teen daughters together to talk about modesty, true beauty, and purity. Using interacti ve games, worship, and deep Bible teaching you and your daughter will grow closer in just a couple of hours. Pure Freedom will be in Clearwater on November 3rd at Countryside Christi an Church. Call (727)799-1618 for ti ckets.

Noelle Katai is the host of “Everybody Nose” a series seen on Veria Living TV (Channel 162 on Verizon Fios). Her shows feature aromatherapy and essenti al oils for health and well being. Noelle is a certi fi ed aromatherapist from the Pacifi c Insti tute of Aromatherapy, a member of the Nati onal Associati on of Holisti c Aromatherapy and has been practi cing for over 15 years. She lives in San Diego.

Page 20: 2012 Back to School Issue

CONVENIENT NORTH COUNTYLOCATION IN DUNEDIN

OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM

MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO ATTENDJoin us Saturday, September 22nd for a day where we celebrate you, and all that is good about raising healthy and happy families in Pinellas County. (Dads and grandparents welcome, too.)

Admission is

FREE

TM

magazine’s

HEALTHYHEALTHY

FAMILY2012

HAPPY

AT THE HEALTHY HAPPY FAMILY EXPO YOU WILL: Discover our Community’s Best Local ResourcesMeet and Talk to Local Experts Visit Exhibitor Tables and Gain Valuable InformationHear Guest Speakers that Will Motivate and Inspire YouParticipate in Fitness Demos to Meet Local TrainersTake Home Giveaways and Win Prizes

Admission is free with a food donation for the RCS Food Bank or a children’s clothing donation for Clothes to Kids.

Page 21: 2012 Back to School Issue

A SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS FROM THE PUBLISHER:In today’s busy world, we are all running from here to there trying to do the best with what we have. In all honesty, we have good seasons and not-so-good seasons as we progress through our time as parents. There are issues out there that threaten our kids and we need to stay informed. We have personal circumstances that challenge the balance of our families and we need support. We have a general need to know the local experts and resources for families. We want to know how we can be engaged and involved in our community. And sometimes we just need to know we are appreci-ated and not alone.

In this craziness we call modern life in Pinellas County, there are people who truly care about you and your well being. They also care about your role as a parent, your kids and the well being of your entire family.

GoodLiving magazine has assembled a group of these caring individuals, companies and organizations to spend a day celebrating all that is good about raising a healthy and happy family. They are coming to share their infor-mation with you. To see how they can help you with nutrition, fitness, health, finances, education, child develop-ment and more.

We invite you to take a few hours out of your day and join us for a positive, uplifting and informative event. Wear your athletic shoes to join in some fitness demos. You might just meet a trainer who can inspire you! Bring your friends because we’ll have something for just about everyone.

In particular I want to mention that we will have experts on hand to talk with you about some serious issues that demand our attention: the drug abuse epidemic, eating disorders, learning challenges, teenage suicide, depression and risky behaviors.

On the flip side, we will also have opportunities for you and your kids to get involved in a variety of activities that can enrich your lives and get you more connected.

The event is free. Please consider bringing a donation so we can use this event to help others as well. Thank you and we really hope to see you there!

Pamela SettlePublisher

YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We believe it takes a village to raise a healthy and happy family. The Healthy Happy Family Expo brings together businesses, organizations and experts who can help you along your personal and parenting journeys.

AMONG THE MANY TOPICS AT THE EXPO, FIND INFORMATION ABOUT: • Natural health options for you and your family • Where to eat healthy and find nutritional food • A wide variety of local fitness options • Local ways for your kids to be physically active • How to lose weight of any amount • Mom’s clubs and support services • Counseling services and support groups • Medical and dental practices • Educational resources and schools • Enrichment opportunities for kids • Professional services for home and finance • Work from home opportunities

• Edu• Enrichmen• Professional serv• Work from home oppo

1:00 Hear from Jenny Hodges, the woman who inspired this expo with her weight loss story that ran in the last issue. No drugs, no surgeries. Just sheer determination to lose more than 200 pounds in two years. By doing so, she changed her life and the life of her family forever. Learn how she changed her mindset, made her own health her number one priority, and then successfully arranged her husband, three kids and full-time job around her fitness routine. Today she is training for a 100-mile race. Her message is that any woman can change her life. Don’t miss it and bring your friends who need some encouragement!

2:00 Be more than motivated by Forbes Riley, National Fitness Hall of Fame inductee, award-winning TV host, author, motivational keynote speaker, and life coach to celebrities and CEOs. She has helped millions take positive action in their own lives by sharing her story and philosophies. At the expo, she will bring her very special brand of motivation to women of all ages and stages of fitness. After her presentation, she will host a fitness demo of the Spin Gym®, a product she invented and sells on HSN. Check healthyhappyfamilyexpo.com for more speakers and announcements.

Page 22: 2012 Back to School Issue
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23GoodLiving back to school 23

Th e training program has 12 Fundamental Movement Skills.

Children spend their workout time on mastering these skills as part

of their games, which according to Blevins is preferred physical

activity over picking one sport at the age of six. “If a child picks

one sport too early, they will over develop the muscles used for

the sport and leave other muscles weak and prone to injury.” For

instance, if a child spends time playing only golf, his muscles for

rotation will be strong. Muscles, ligaments and tendons needed

for jumping, like in basketball, will be weak. Combine360 training

trains the whole body and gets it ready to play multiple sports as a

high school athlete.

Th e second age group takes those movement skills and applies them

to specifi c sports. Th is is called the base phase. For example, a child

will take striking skills learned in the movement phase and start

learning how to strike a tennis ball or strike a hockey puck in the

base phase.

Th e high school group then moves into a training phase. Each

client has a specially designed program based on the sport or sports

he or she is pursuing.

Coach Blevins adds that children who develop into athletes in this

way are less prone to burn out, as is seen frequently with kids who

focus to heavily on just one sport. With the “athlete for life” mindset,

a child will continue to pursue multiple activities when the football

or baseball career ends with high school or college graduation.

“We all have an athletic engine. Some have four cylinders and some

have 12. So no matter who you are you should see yourself as an

athlete. Moms chasing a toddler or unloading groceries up a fl ight

of stairs are doing athletic movements. Th ey need to train to prevent

injury and maintain fl exibility. It’s what will keep them young.”

And so you don’t mistake Coach Blevins as just a trainer for your

children, he has a training partner, Coach Tuck, who has a program

called the Beast Revolution. He can work you out before or after

your kids do their training time.

To learn more about their BEAST360 approach to athletic

development, weight loss and training, visit Vivalafi t.net.

Coach Adrian “AC” Blevins is a former United States Marine, NASM-CPT, IYCA High School Strength and Conditi oning Specialist, Certi fi ed Combine360 Level 3 Trainer, and an acti ve FHSAA basketball offi cial. He has over 15 years of experience coaching and working with youth sports in Pinellas County. Coach AC brings passion, energy, Marine moti vati on, and professionalism to every training session. He believes we should always strive to be our best, and he believes in leadership by example.

Adrian Blevins believes every child can develop into an athlete for

life. It starts at a young age and consists of physical training that is

fun, comprehensive and progressive. It also involves generating a

mind set that is about “being an athlete” and not revolving around

a set of skills needed for one particular sport.

Blevins is the only trainer in Pinellas County certifi ed in

Combine360 who is using the Athlete Development Model for

kids ages 6 to 18. Combine360 is the training program developed

and used at the elite IMG Academies in Bradenton.

He calls his gym Viva la Fit and his training program BEAST360.

Located in Clearwater, Coach Blevins trains three diff erent age

groups: 6 to 9, 10 to 13 and high school. Th eir age isn’t as important

as their abilities. Each child undergoes a physical assessment to test

strength, speed, agility, fl exibility, balance and coordination and is

assigned a level. Similar to martial arts, children are given rubber

bracelets based on a color system from white to black. Th ey test to

ascend levels based on abilities.

“We start the younger age group in the fundamental movement

skills where they work to master skills,” said Coach Blevins. “What

we do is have fun, so it’s not like exercise. You’ll see kids making

up their rules and playing games.” His belief is that activity for any

age should be fun, and it starts with a solid foundation that is built

during the development years.

Meet Coach Blevins at the Healthy Happy Expo on September 22nd!

EVERY CHILD AN EVERY CHILD AN ATHLETE FOR LIFEATHLETE FOR LIFEby PAMELA SETTLE

Page 24: 2012 Back to School Issue
Page 25: 2012 Back to School Issue

25GoodLiving back to school

More today than ever before, many patients face health issues that

are a mix of oral disease and disease in general. Th at is why in our

practice we address our patient’s total health. We know gum disease

and cavities aff ect cardiovascular disease, some cancers, obesity,

diabetes, arthritis and other infl ammatory diseases. Likewise, we

know those diseases and medications aff ect gum disease and cavities.

With that said, we think it makes perfect sense to treat our patients

with a holistic approach to attain optimal health.

In fact, that’s the key to our practice because we take value in the

fact that each patient is a unique divine creation with diff erent

needs and situations. To the best of our ability, we consider

anything that leads to your health and success.

As a dental practitioner, my natural inclination is to treat disease

as holistic and natural as possible. My interests have expanded to

explore other “wellness” modalities that can impact the root cause

of disease. While some have been around for thousands of years,

others are more recent. I’m looking for what works because our

overall health outlook is frightening. Th erefore it is imperative that

each of us be responsible and accountable to the very current trends

regarding the human condition, many of which are not good.

Obesity is pandemic. It is the single greatest threat to human beings

world wide and unfortunately, we are leading the world! Th e real

causes of obesity are known to the industries which profi t, but not

the common public. It is not primarily excessive caloric intake... how

about that? It is not the lack of discipline... how about that? And it

is not the fault of your deceased fat ancestor... how about that? Ask

about my free community health seminars schedule to learn more.

Dental Healthand Infl ammatory

Diseaseby DR. ANTHONY J. ADAMS

We are not winning the battle against obesity, but we could.

Cardiovascular disease is way too common. Cancer is everywhere.

Our life expectancy is decreasing to the point that our grandchildren

are not expected to live as long as ourselves. Diabetes is increasing

13.8% per year. Th e cost of diabetes on the current trend could

bankrupt this country on its own in just a few years.

Compared to other countries, we do not experience as much life

threatening infectious disease. Instead, we suff er and die from

uncontrolled infl ammatory disease. As much as 70% of Americans

experience periodontal disease, much of it silently and undiagnosed.

It is known to worsen heart disease and diabetes. Similarly,

arthritis, osteoporosis and some cancers are all implicated in

infl ammatory disease. Oral health is implicated in them all and

so we must consider those diseases when we see symptoms of the

infl ammatory disease process.

Th at is why health care providers must communicate and coordinate

collectively on your behalf to be eff ective. It is more work, but I

think it is right.

My wonderful staff and I are dedicated to educating and helping

people before their well is dry. In the early 1980’s, insulin resistance

was 10% in the adult population. Today it is 80%. Insulin resistance

increases as we are closer to a diagnosis of diabetes. My passion

is defeating diabetes and its eff ect on health in general as well as

in the mouth. Obesity leads to diabetes. Help me turn the trend

around so our grandchildren can have long healthy lives.

My duty is to help you obtain optimum health. Th is applies to your

dental health, too. It is just a matter of taking that fi rst step.

I hope you know how divine and blessed you truly are.

Anthony J. Adams, D.D.S.

A word about our practi ceAllow me to share with you the story of me and my wonderful staff . We are incredibly grateful to be able to do what we do and love doing it. We are very blessed to have had so many people trust us with their health over the years. As dental professionals, we are good at restoring the oral health, well being, and confi dence of our pati ents, regardless how they are when we initi ally see them. If you seek dental care with us, we will off er you a plan that leads to a healthy and beauti ful smile that you can maintain and aff ord.

ADVERTORIAL

Page 26: 2012 Back to School Issue

eating

Bars: Bars can be breakfast replacements or healthy high-energy snacks. Th ey can also be high calorie if you’re not careful so be sure to read the labels.

Corozonas makes delicious whole-grain Oatmeal Squares that

are infused with plant sterols, which the company says are proven

to lower bad cholesterol and fi ght heart disease. Oatmeal Squares

are available in fl avors like Chocolate Chip, Blueberry, Peanut

Butter and Banana Walnut. Corazonas.com

Rickland Orchard Greek Yogurt Bars are the fi rst shelf-stable

Greek yogurt product, combining all-natural granola, fruit, nuts and

Greek yogurt. Th ese bars got big thumbs up from the testers for their

taste. Available fl avors are Blueberry Acai, Apples & Honey, Toasted

Coconut, Orchard Peach, Cranberry Almond and Cherry Almond. Th ey

contain probiotics, 5g of fi ber and 7g of protein. RicklandOrchards.com

CLIF® Kit’s Organic™ snack bars are made with 100 percent organic

fruit and nuts. Th ey are gluten-, soy- and dairy-free and each bar is just

under 200 calories. Like all food from Clif Bar & Company, they are

free of trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup,

artifi cial sweeteners, artifi cial fl avors, preservatives and ingredients

sourced from GMOs. Th e fl avor was fresh and the texture was just

right. Enjoy Berry Almond, Cashew, Chocolate Almond Coconut and

Peanut Butter. Kit’s Organic is available nationwide at natural food

stores and in the natural aisle of select grocery store.

Rise Bars are a new line of Breakfast, Energy and Protein nutrition

bars that are 100% all-natural, vegetarian, kosher, and free of gluten,

GMOs, preservatives, peanuts and soy. Each Rise Bar is made with

10 whole-food ingredients or less, and blends naturally-sweet fruit

and superfruits with hearty nuts and seeds to deliver an all-natural

energy boost any time of day. A wide variety of fl avors are available

and each of them scored high points for taste and texture. Find at

Earth Origins or at Risebar.com

WELCOME TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR. The time of year when parents face the reality that they will be packing lunches for 180 days. Will that be 180 PB & J sandwiches? Or will this year be different? Will you join the bento box craze and spend an hour cutting vegetables into cartoon characters? Or are you looking for as much as convenience as possible?

If speed and convenience are critical to the success of your mornings, then unfortunately most of the packaged drop-in-the-lunch box foods at the grocery stores are high-fat, high-sugar and highly processed.

There just has to be a better way, so this summer, we set out on a taste-test adventure to fi nd some healthier alternatives to convenience-- that taste good, too. Some can be found at local stores and some need to be ordered online. It may be a little extra effort and even a little more money, but the long-term benefi ts are worth it!

Crunch Snacks: Th e chip habit may be hard to break, but these healthier alternatives will satisfy the need to crunch something during lunch.

Corazonas Tortilla Chips are lighter and healthier than your typical

chip, and they are simply delicious. Th ey also contain the plant sterols

which help lower cholesterol. Great for dipping in a healthy bean dip

or fresh salsa. Th ey come in Lightly Salted, Squeeze of Lime and Black

Bean & Cheese. Corazonas.com

Plentils are lentil-based chips with 40% less fat than the leading

potato chip. Plentils are vegan, gluten-free, and free of the eight

common allergens (also Kosher and Halal-certifi ed). Th ey come in four

dairy-free fl avors: Sea Salt, Sour Cream & Dill, Margherita Pizza, and

Garlic & Parmesan. Th ey also come with the benefi t of the fi ber and

protein found in legumes. Th eir texture is light and airy with a crisp

crunch. Some of the fl avors were fairly strong, so the Sea Salt may

appeal more to little kids. plentils.com

Pretzel Crisps are fl at-baked pretzel crackers perfect for the lunch

box and after school snacks. Th ey only have 110 calories per serving (11

crisps), 0-2g of fat (depending on the fl avor) and are made without any

trans fat, saturated fat or cholesterol. A terrifi c partner with cheese, deli

meats, hummus and fruit. Found in the deli section of grocery stores.

Our Favorites

Page 27: 2012 Back to School Issue

27GoodLiving back to school

eatingFruit Snacks: Fresh fruit is an ideal snack, but not always possible or practical. But beware. If you reach for some little bags called fruit snacks, you may be getting candy masquerading as fruit. Th ese fruit snacks on the other hand, are closer to the real deal.

Peeled Snacks are small bags of gently dried organic fruit pieces

with no sugar or preservatives added. Th ey are a nourishing, natural

source of vitamins and full of healthy fi ber. We like the size of the

pieces and that they came in small 1.23 ounce bags, just right for

a child’s lunch. A little on the pricy side, but a good quality choice

for when fresh fruit isn’t available. PeeledSnacks.com

Convenience to go: Th ese food items are clever solutions for packing lunches or eating breakfast on the run.

Plum Kids Organics Morning Mashups are a whole-grain

way to start off the day when a fresh breakfast isn’t happening.

Served in ready-to-eat, BPA-free pouches and require no spoon, no

stirring and no heat. Kids get 100% whole grains including Quinoa

for an extra boost of protein that is combined with fruit to make a

blended cereal. Th e taste is fruity and the smooth texture isn’t gritty

or grainy. Raspberry Swirl, Maple Banana and Oatmeal Raisin.

Sold as a box of four for $4.99 at Target.

Plum Kids All Greek Yogurt Mashups are a new sweet n’

tangy pouched food combining the natural sweet of organic fruits

with creamy nutrition of Greek yogurt in fl avors Cherry Vanilla,

Orange Cream, and Strawberry Lemonade. Sold in boxes of four

single-serving pouches for $4.99 at Target.

Jif To Go makes it easy to carry high-protein peanut butter that

can be eaten with crackers, celery, apple slices or rice cakes. Sold

in 8-packs and ready to drop in a lunch box. New Jif Hazelnut

spreads also come in convenient sizing and taste great for lunch or

snack. Look for them at your grocery store.

Crispy Greens freeze-dried fruit snacks totally rock. Th e fl avors

are intense and they are simply a lot of fun to eat. Choose from

pineapple, pear, cantaloupe, apple or banana. Th eir other product

called FruitziO adds a little cane sugar, and you can get peaches,

kiwi and strawberries. Th ey use 100% real fruit with no preserva-

tives (including sulfi des). Crispy Fruit comes in single-serving bags

for $1.49 each. FruitziO is packaged in travel-friendly, resealable

pouches for $3.49. Find them at Fresh Market in Clearwater.

crispygreen.com

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Page 28: 2012 Back to School Issue

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Page 29: 2012 Back to School Issue

29GoodLiving back to school

Quality Early Learningis Key to Success in SchoolBy BENJAMIN J. KIRBY

Every year, more than 2,000 Pinellas County children enter

kindergarten classrooms not ready to learn. At fi ve years old, they

are already signifi cantly behind their peers – and odds are, they

will stay that way throughout their school career. A key reason

for this is that many of these children come from child care

environments which simply do not prepare them for success in the

classroom – which means they are unprepared for success later in life.

Research tells us that providing high quality early learning experiences

for children has the ability to change the trajectory of their education

and beyond. Th e gains – or defi cits – of the fi rst fi ve years reverberate

through a child’s academic career, aff ecting everything from reading

profi ciency to high school graduation.

What questions should parents be asking about early child care for

their children? At JWB, we start with the Eight Components of Quality Early Learning:

1. Are you a facility that has been licensed by the Pinellas County License Board?

2. Do you have national accreditation from the National Association for Education of Young Children, Gold Seal or other nationally recognized accrediting body?

3. What are your staff qualifi cations? Is each classroom or group of children led by a Bachelor’s Degree level staff person and supported by assistants who hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) or equivalent certifi cation? Both lead teacher and assistants should have specifi c coursework in

child development and/or emerging literacy.

4. What are your staff to children ratios and group sizes? Th e following

are recommendations for children through the age of four from the

National Association for the Education of Young Children:

Infants 1:3 rati o • max. group size of 6Toddlers 1:4 rati o • max. group size of 82-year-olds 1:5 rati o • max. group size of 103-year-olds 1:8 • max. group size of 164-year-olds 1:9 • max. group size of 18

5. How do you engage the families to build a positive working relationship between parents and staff ? Research studies have

indicated when parents become eff ective partners in their child’s

education, performance in school improves.

6. Do you utilize evidence-based curriculum? Quality programs

implement an evidence-based curriculum that is thoughtfully

planned, challenging, engaging, developmentally appropriate,

comprehensive and likely to promote positive outcomes for chil-

dren and youth.

7. How do you provide a quality environment? An eff ectively

designed classroom and/or setting (including an outside learning

environment) has the potential to positively infl uence all areas of

child development: physical, social/emotional and cognitive. Th e

environment can support the development of behaviors that are

valued in our society, such as cooperation and persistence.

8. Is your staff trained in cultural competence? Look for facilities that

use the basic principles of self-awareness, respect for diversity and

sensitivity in communication as a premise for cultural competency.

Th is past July, JWB began working on a Quality Early Learning

Initiative to raise the bar for Pinellas County’s children. Th e overall

initiative will serve children from birth to age fi ve throughout

Pinellas County.

Early education is more than just the right thing to do for our

children – it makes good economic sense, too. For every dollar we

invest in Pre-K, the estimated return is $7.16. Investing in a child’s

early education turns out to be smart policy and smart money.

To read more about the initi ati ve,go to our website at jwbqualityearlylearning.org

Benjamin J. Kirby is the Communicati ons Manager for the Juvenile Welfare Board.

Important Facts to Know About Early LearningResearch shows that by age fi ve, 90% of a child’s brain structure has developed.

Florida ranks 34th among 38 states in per pupil fundingfor Pre-K.

In Florida, the annual expenditure per prisoner is $19,375. The annual expenditure per public school pupil is $7,812.

Currently, the allocati on for Pre-K is $2,383 for the school year. The nati onal average for Pre-K is $4,831 per child.

If 100 children at the end of fi rst grade are poor readers, then 88 of those children remain poor readers by the end of fourth grade.

For every dollar the state invests into Pre-K the esti mated return is $7.16. Investment in early educati on nati onally could yield returns of up to $13 per every $1 spent.

For more facts and to see data sources, go to jwbqualityearlylearning.org/facts-about-early-learning

Page 30: 2012 Back to School Issue

GoodLiving back to school30

A Lett er toPinellas CountyBy DAVID LAWRENCE JR.Chair of The Children’s Movement of Florida

Pinellas County is close to my heart. It’s where two of my fi ve

children were born. It’s where my wife and I began our now

48-year marriage. It’s where I started my 35 years in the newspaper

business as a reporter, then news editor, for the St. Petersburg (now

Tampa Bay) Times.

Yours is a community that understands and values its children.

You were the fi rst in Florida to vote to create a dedicated funding

source for children – the Juvenile Welfare Board – and now seven

other similar children’s services councils exist across Florida.

When we launched Th e Children’s Movement more than a year

and a half ago, more than 1,200 people of Pinellas County packed

into a local church to show their support for real change in how

decisions are made in Tallahassee. While I have no doubt that all of

the folks in my county, Miami-Dade, and yours “love” children, we

are still a state where more than a half-million children are living

without even basic health insurance; more than half of our public

school 10th graders cannot read at grade level; and one in four

children lives in the full federal defi nition of poverty.

So, what does such “love” really mean? If we really loved children,

everyone’s child in God’s world, we would do so much better and

so much more. Do not tell me to wait… that times are tough…

that children will have their turn. I don’t believe it. Children were

never enough of a priority in even fl ush times.

Do not tell me we cannot aff ord to do right by children. How

shortsighted. How foolish for the future of America. Do not tell

me that we don’t have the money. To quote the New York Times

columnist David Brooks: “Th e problem is not that America lacks

resources. Th e problem is that they are misallocated.”

To do better, we must build a real movement for children – a

movement defi ned as being about everyone’s child. We must build

the parental awareness so parents know what their children need to

reach their highest potential. We must build the parent, public and

political will. Today, I’m proud to tell you that we now have more

than 325,000 followers from every corner of Florida (more than

20,000 in Pinellas County alone).

Our aim: To build something enduring and sustainable – and

create real political power for all children. In a state of wisdom,

in a country of wisdom, children would be the highest priority of

elected leaders – higher than roads, higher than prisons, higher than

anything. Why should we settle for anything less than aff ordable,

high-quality basics for all children (the same quality basics any

of us would want for our own children and grandchildren)? Why

would we not want this for all children?

Th is is simply the “American dream.” Are we not good enough to

make sure every child has the quality basics? So, how, for example,

can it possibly make sense that we get just $2,383 for a slot in the

state’s pre-kindergarten program… yet pay upwards of $51,000 to

incarcerate a juvenile?

So, how can you become involved in Pinellas County?

Join The Movement Insist that children, all children, become our state’s fi rst and highest

priority. You can learn more about Th e Children’s Movement of

Florida by visiting our website at childrensmovementfl orida.org.

Sign up for our weekly email, and learn more about the regional

leadership in your own community.

Th rough your voice we can help to give every child the chance to

succeed in school and in life.

Become an early literacy volunteer in our

ReadingPals program

Th e Children’s Movement, in conjunction with numerous local and

statewide partners and the generous and public-spirited Carol and

Barney Barnett, is in the process of launching a three-year initiative

focused on engaging, training and deploying volunteer “reading

pals” in 10 Florida communities to increase the number of students

who are reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

In your community we are working closely with United Way

Suncoast, the local school district, Early Learning Coalition and

the Juvenile Welfare Board. Our focus: to work with students (in

VPK through grade three) in the lower-performing schools to

encourage and enhance early literacy.

We are asking for volunteers to give an hour each week for 25

weeks to read with a child – ages 4 to 8 – in their community.

To learn even more about the program or to sign up, please visit

childrensmovementfl orida.org/action/literacy.

I hope you will join us as we seek to make a diff erence in the lives

of all of Florida’s children.

Get involved! Childrensmovementfl orida.org

Page 31: 2012 Back to School Issue

TM

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Page 32: 2012 Back to School Issue
Page 33: 2012 Back to School Issue

33GoodLiving back to school

parenting

Isn’t it amazing how much a child can change in six months? Th e

younger they are the more changes and developments that occur in

a six-month period. A newborn will go from being totally unaware

of their surroundings to recognizing mom and dad, reaching for

objects, eating new foods and starting movement patterns. Even a

grade school child will see marked improvements in reading, writing,

cognition and motor skill development in six months.

But how about the parents? If parents aren’t setting their own

personal development goals, six months will turn into a year, a year

will turn into two years and before you know it, you have a ten-year

old. And if you’ve neglected fi tness goals for yourself, you may have

really packed on the pounds.

I am not a huge proponent of setting so-called “New Years

Resolutions” but it is important to be consistently setting goals

and looking back to see if results have been acquired. Statistics

show that by this time of the year, resolutions are basically out the

window, especially fi tness goals. Back-to-school time is a good time

to renew your fi tness goals and spend a little eff ort on you.

Even new moms, or parents of young children in general, should

stop to evaluate where they want to be in six months. It is easy to

lose track of yourself, your life and your goals as day-to-day events

start to revolve around the children. Weight loss and body image

are huge obstacles to overcome, but they can be cut down to size

by setting the correct type of goals.

Goals should be S.M.A.R.T.S = specifi cM = measurableA = att ainableR = reasonableT = ti mely

Trying to lose baby weight? First of all, don’t worry about the past!

If you did not accomplish what you wanted, do not chastise yourself

for this. A major obstacle in goal setting is refl ecting on failures.

Th e resulting loss in self-esteem can make it hard to move forward.

Remember each day is a new day and spend some time thinking

about some of your accomplishments, even the small ones. Th at will

get you ready to set new SMART goals for your fi tness.

First, the goal has to be very specifi c. Answer who, what, where, when and why at the beginning. Th is will help you stick to your

plan. Second, to be measurable, establish concrete criteria to

track your progress in increments. Next, make sure you can actually

attain your goal by keeping it realistic to your individual needs and

abilities. Th is is where the goal becomes very personal- you must

feel comfortable with the parameters of the goal to be successful.

Also, you must be at a point in your life where you are both willing

and able to work towards the goal. Setting unrealistic goals that are

vague will only set you up for failure. Th e last principle, timely, is

imperative to create urgency and set the plan in motion. Also, make

your timeline short so you can celebrate successes along the way and

feel pride in your accomplishments. Th at’s the time reevaluate the

parameters to create even more success the next time.

An example of a SMART goal My goal in the next two months is to jog around my neighborhood or

do a strength workout at my home for 45 minutes a day for at least

six days a week. When I workout, my Rate of Perceived Exertion

should be at least between heavy and very heavy.

So, before you start wallowing in despair about lost time and found

pounds, make the back-to-school time of year the time of year you

start your fi rst SMART fi tness goal.

Christi e Bruner is the Nati onal Director of Fitness Programming for Baby Boot Camp and operates her own franchise in St. Petersburg. She has more than 10 years of experience with sports and fi tness for children and adults. As mom to two young girls, Christi e is thrilled to combine parenti ng with her passion for moti vati ng and educati ng others. Her Baby Boot Camp classes are off ered at several locati ons throughout St. Petersburg including Vinoy Park and Sunken Gardens. She has a B.S. in Exercise Science and is an AFAA certi fi ed personal trainer. Email her at christi [email protected].

...from GoodLiving’s featured local blogger

Christie BrunerMake Your FitnessGoals SMART

Page 34: 2012 Back to School Issue
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GoodLiving back to school36

Leading our Schools to GreatnessBy PAMELA SETTLE

Th ere was a clear sense of urgency and determination around the table at the Pinellas Education Foundation (PEF) as I sat with their CEO Terry Boehm, board president Craig Sher, CEO of Th e Sembler Company and incoming board president James Myers, President and COO of Crown Automotive Group. A separate interview was conducted with board member Gary Regoli,President and CEO of Achieva Credit Union. Th is is Part II of a very candid and honest discussion about education in Pinellas County. Since then, Mr. Myers has assumed the role of board president.

One of the key themes in the conversati on was how community leaders, as part of the PEF, could help to create a culture at the school district that incorporated more business principles. They agreed that any organizati on with a budget of $1.3 Billion and four ti mes as many employees as any other business in the county should be accountable to its customers. So who are the customers of the school district and school board? Not the students; they are the benefi ciaries. The customers are the taxpayers, the people who pay for this organizati on to provide a quality educati on to its young people.

Academies of Pinellas

Among the customers/taxpayers are the businesses in Pinellas County. Business that need to hire qualifi ed employees in order to keep going. Business that hold a huge stake in how others judge the quality of our educati on system because it has a direct impact on whether or not a new company will locate here to bring high-wage jobs or whether or not qualifi ed employees will be willing to move here and raise their families.

“Career educati on will be the focus of my ti me on the board,” said Myers who parents were both career educators here in Pinellas County. “We are failing our kids. We are falling behind in our county because school has lost relevance.”

“In order to thrive as a county, we need a skilled and educated workforce and we need to grow them here,” added Boehm.

He went on to say that 80% of the fasti ng growing job markets require some kind of industry certi fi cati on and only half of those need actual college degrees. So in order to prepare for those jobs, students need specialized training for their certi fi cates, which is something traditi onal high school doesn’t provide. They believe that career academies are the way of the future.

In 2011, Pinellas County received a presti gious $200,000 planning grant from the Ford Motor Company Fund aimed at advancing career academy learning throughout Pinellas County schools. They call the initi ati ve, Academies of Pinellas.

part two

Pinellas was chosen in part because of its existi ng network of Centers of Excellence; its strong district experience in developing quality career academies; its goal of expanding the percentage of students enrolling in academies from 17% to 50%; and the fact that the Pinellas Educati on Foundati on is ready to engage the larger community in support of this expansion.

One such Center of Excellence is the Northeast High School Academy of Finance in St. Petersburg. Students are introduced to the fi nancial services industry with college-preparatory course work in computers, economics, fi nance, accounti ng, banking and fi nancial planning. Students also work with mentors in job-shadowing and internships. Real-world experience is gained by working in the on-campus Viking Branch, a real credit union sponsored by Achieva Credit Union.

“This center has been recognized nati onally for its excellence, so the program is working,” said Regoli. “Our 4th Street branch assistant manager started at the Northeast High Finance Academy. That is relevance in educati on.”

The planning grant is for a fi ve-year term, during which the foundati on will conti nue to work on shaping and building Academies of Pinellas for the near future. They urge businesses to get involved now because all businesses have a vested interest in the quality of the workforce.

Parents4Pinellas Students

Parents whose children are the benefi ciaries of the educati on system represent a major part of the taxpayer/customer consti tuency. Does this group feel they are a part of the decision-making process? According to a March 2012 survey, 35% of the respondents say they have no voice with the district and 45% say they somewhat have a voice.

“There is a level of urgency here. The educati on foundati on and the PTA have joined forces to do surveys that can speak for parents,” said Myers.

business

Pictured L to R: James Myers, Terry Boehm and Craig Sher.

Page 37: 2012 Back to School Issue

“We needed a vehicle for parents to proacti vely speak their minds,” added Boehm. The resulti ng eff ort is called Parents 4 Pinellas Students or P4PS. To date, two surveys have gone out by email and the results show strong opinions.

March 2012 • 76% plan to vote yes on the November referendum to renew the additi onal property for schools • 76% agreed their child att ends a school with high academic expectati ons • 77% agreed that the schools value parents as partners in educati on

July 2012 • 56% of respondents want to abolish early release Wednesday • 65% want to decrease money spent on non-classroom operati ons to increase teacher salaries • 61% say the district is not doing enough to remove underperforming teachers • 79% think parents should pay for transportati on when they elect a school out of their zoned area • 78% want the school board to receive a lett er grade (A-F) for their performance

The surveys are part of an eff ort to engage parents as partners to improve public educati on, starti ng with giving them a voice. The P4PS committ ee will conti nue to send out surveys at least once a semester and share the results with the community, the superintendent and the school board.

“Parental involvement is a key indicator to success for the student and the schools,” said Boehm.

A hopeful byproduct of the surveys is that more parents will join their PTA because they’ll see their parti cipati on working and advocati ng for them and their children. Only about one fi ft h of the county’s students have a parent parti cipati ng in PTA.

PTA membership is not required to take the surveys and every resident of Pinellas County is urged to sign up for the emailed surveys. Do it easily at VoiceofP4PS.org.

The acti ons of the Pinellas Educati on Foundati on and their partners at PCCPTA are based on the belief that major decisions made in Pinellas County public educati on should include the voices of parents and taxpayers.

Learn more about how to get involved at PinellasEducati on.org.

business

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GoodLiving back to school38

Q: What is your personal

philosophy about life?If you work hard, have the right attitude, and

make the most of your opportunities you will

be successful. You must also be persistent in

whatever it is that you hope to achieve or

accomplish. I was born the son of Liberian

immigrants who showed me from a young

age the importance of a hard work ethic and

remembering where you come from.

Also, I believe that the achievements we

accomplish are a result of our environment

and the people that help us along the way.

Th ere is not one person in this world who is

self-made and didn’t have someone give them

a chance or opportunity, whether big or small.

My philosophies or outlooks on life have

shaped me into the man I am today. I am

looking to make the best of my time and

I’m always looking for ways to improve

myself and those around me. Because of the

examples shown by my parents I try to be

as smart and as frugal as I can be with my

money. I love being able to reward myself

for my hard work, but at the same time I try

to live well within my means.

Q: How do your philosophies

and football mix together?Because of my faith and my upbringing, I

never let my status as an NFL player get

to my head and cause me to see myself as

better than anyone. I realize that my athletic

abilities are a privilege and can be taken

away at any second.

It’s important to me to use my platform as

a tool for good, helping nonprofi ts with my

time or money in order to help their cause.

Some of these nonprofi ts include Th e Boys

and Girls Clubs, UNICEF, MAPP, Big

Brothers and Big Sisters, Young Life, Th e

American Cancer Society, and Face Africa to

name a few. I have a strong passion for public

speaking and love to encourage youth by

using my story as an example of how to live

your dreams and be persistent in whatever

it is that you want to accomplish. And once

you achieve your goal, it’s about using your

platform to infl uence others in a positive way.

Once you do that, you transcend your title or

position and become much more powerful

because you’re involved in something that’s

bigger than just yourself.

Q: It’s time for school to start again.

What do you say to kids headed

back to class?I was like many young kids growing up, full

of hope, dreams and aspirations.

Among my many dreams was to one day

become a football star and I can say without a

doubt that I would not have been able to make

it a reality without having a strong education.

I had to work just as hard on the football

fi eld as I did in the classroom even though

I didn’t always enjoy being in school. As I

grew older and worked a few jobs, I realized

the importance of having an education.

From those real life experiences I began to

take school a lot more seriously.

One of the biggest lessons I had to learn

early on my path to reaching my dreams

was how to manage my time. Everyone is

given the same amount of time in a day,

but not everyone makes the most of each

day. I had to learn to prioritize my time

and not procrastinate. Also, I really had to

learn to sacrifi ce and sometimes do things I

didn’t feel like doing in order to get future

rewards. Now that I’m older these lessons

still continue to help me today as a profes-

sional athlete.

Having an education can be the diff erence

between being able to provide for your family

and struggling to provide for your family.

You must invest in yourself today so that

you will be given future returns on your

investment.

Rennie Curran, #45 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was signed early in 2012. He took ti me just before training camp to share his thoughts about life and success, in hopes of inspiring young people to achieve their goals and do well in school.

MyMyStoryStoryby Rennie Curran

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