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Palm Harbor Firefighters flew to Wales, UK in July for a once in a lifetime opportunity to compete against 32 teams from 16 countries in the World Extrication Competition. After a weeklong competition Palm Harbor came in 3rd place in the rapid evolution and 5th place overall.

The competition, which was hosted by the South Wales Fire Rescue Service, contained three evolutions or drills: the unlimited challenge, limited challenge, and rapid challenge.

The unlimited challenge allowed firefighters to use all types of rescue tools/equipment.

The limited challenge put emphasis on small hand tools and didn’t allow for the use of hydraulic equipment.

The rapid challenge had teams perform a rescue of a casualty whose condition had rapidly deteriorated.

Dan Zinge, team captain, said, “As a team and a department we would like to thank the South Wales Fire Rescue Service for all of their support and for hosting such an extraordinary event. Also, we would like to extend our gratitude to SWFRS Station 24 Manager, Steve Logan and the rest of the Caerphilly Fire Station for their kindness and friendship.”

The final standings of the completion are as follows:

1st place: Hampshire Fire and Rescue, Service England, UK

2nd place: Royal Berkshire, England, UK

3rd Place: Crescent Link, North Ireland, UK

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue is headquartered at 250 West Lake Rd., Palm Harbor. Call 727-784-0454 or visit palmharborfd.com

American Stage Theatre Company has extended by one week the run of the hit off-Broadway musical comedy, "Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins" through Sunday, Aug. 17.

For more than half a century before “American Idol,” the name Florence Foster Jenkins was guaranteed to produce explosions of derisive laughter. Not unreasonably so, as this wealthy society eccentric suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano when she was in fact incapable of producing two consecutive notes in tune. Nevertheless, her annual recitals in the ballroom of the Ritz Carlton hotel, where she resided, brought her extraordinary fame. As news of her terrible singing spread, so did her celebrity.

'Souvenir,' by turn hilarious and poignant, tells her story through the eyes of her accompanist, Cosme McMoon. A talented musician, he regards her at first as little more than an easy way to pay the rent, but, as he gets to know her, his initial contempt gives way to reluctant admiration, then friendship and affection. Faced with her boundless certainty, Cosme comes to revise his attitudes, not only towards her singing but to the very meaning of music itself. A true musical odd-couple for the ages.

Performances are: 7:30 p.m. Tues., Wed. and Thurs.; 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat.; 3 p.m. Sat. and Sun.

Tickets prices are $22-$35 depending on date and time of performance. Students Rush tickets are $10, 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Call the American Stage box office at 727-823-PLAY (7529) or go to www.americanstage.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

American Stage Theatre Company is located at 211 3rd St. S., downtown St. Petersburg.

Palm Harbor Montessori Academy will mark 25 years of service during the 2008-09 school year. More than 2,000 families have been part of the school during that time.

The milestone event will be celebrated at an open house 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6 at the campus located at 2355 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor, one block west of U.S. 19.

The public is invited to tour the campus, learn about Montessori Enrichment programs and meet the school's dedicated staff. Refreshments will be served.

For more information or to schedule a tour contact Carol Mercier, director of admissions, at 727-786-1854.

by Michael Hlady

The North Pinellas YMCA at 4550 Village Center Drive in Palm Harbor is offering free classes (no membership required) for the entire family beginning Tuesday, July 29. Everyone is welcome to attend any of the Healthy Family Home classes that are designed with the whole family in mind. Each class incorporates at least 30 minutes of activity and an opportunity to meet other families in the community.

“The class is great,” said Sue Carr, Get Fit Family class instructor, “We get the kids, parents, and even grandparents having fun together through games and activities.” Her class meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Another Healthy Family Home class, Zumba, a Latin-flavored class designed to get you moving, is offered on Monday and Friday evenings and again on Sunday afternoons. Additional classes will be added to the schedule throughout the fall. Other local YMCA of the Suncoast branches have additional classes offered, call for details.

The YMCA of the Suncoast is one of hundreds of YMCA’s nationally that are concerned about the rising rate of obesity among the children within our communities. Responding to this crisis, the YMCA of the USA and Eli Lilly have partnered to create a program called Healthy Family Home to help the entire family work together at home to make healthier choices and live healthier lives.

Beyond offering free classes, educational programming, and special events focused on active and healthy lifestyles for our families, the YMCA offers an informative and beneficial resource called the Healthy Family Home kit. Each kit provides families with practical, flexible tools and support for making lasting changes for a healthier, happier life. Actions aimed at the whole family that lead to small, sustained changes – like eating better, getting exercise and connecting family – are proven to have a long-term impact. Additional information about this program is available at www.healthyfamilyhome.org.

The North Pinellas YMCA invites families to join these free classes and to pick up a copy of the Healthy Family Home kit. To learn more about these programs and others at your YMCA, please visit www.ymcasuncoast.org or call 727-772-9622.

Michael D. Hlady is Membership Director of the North Pinellas Branch of the YMCA of the Suncoast