Giggle Magazine Aug/Sept 2018

ALACHUA

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AUG/SEPT 2018 Volume 10 • Issue 4 www.gigglemagazine.com

A LUNCH TIME

classic gets a new twist!

THIS LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL is cooking up success!

OUR

25

MUST HAVES TO ACE THIS SCHOOL YEAR IN STYLE!

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moms need

too! back to school

accessories

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicole Irving ASSOCIATE EDITOR Colleen McTiernan MANAGING EDITOR Natalie Richoux GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Elle Tomaszewski, Megan Sapelak VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Shane Irving ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Betsy Langan, April Tisher EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Sayeh Farah EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER Kara Winslow CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jimmy Ho Photography CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jessica Franklin, Nicole Irving, Jennifer Jensen, Crystal Ladwig, Colleen McTiernan, Christy Piña, Natalie Richoux, Isabella Sorresso, Danielle Spano, April Tisher, Tracy Wright EDITORIAL INTERNS Isabella Sorresso, Brooke Avedon

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publisher's letter

decisions, decisions MEET OUR

I think the easiest decision I have ever made as a parent was deciding to actually have babies.

Now I feel as though I have made 1.5 million decisions regarding their well-being, and that has only been since Tuesday! From choosing what pediatrician to trust and what kind of diapers to use, to figuring out what pre-school to enroll in and what sports they should play and everything in between, the job of deciding someone else’s life, at least for 18 years, is not for the faint of heart.

COVER CUTIE

As our kiddos head back to school, it seems the decision making process will only get more complex. What lunches do I pack for them (that they will actually eat)? What activities do I sign them up for? Do we do an after school program or hire a nanny? Should they be in AP, IB, honors or regular classes? There are so many choices that my head spins just thinking about it!

And, just when you think you have made all the right decisions, life will throw a wrench in the game — your nanny will move, or your kid will decide he hates soccer and wants to try being a ninja, or his usual ham sandwich lunch will be dumped because it is “just so yesterday.”

That is just what life does, and it always seems to happen right when you get it all figured out and already have two pounds of ham in the fridge!

How old are you?

6 What is your favorite book?

The Book With No Pictures What would your superhero name and power be?

Happy school year, parents!

You got this!

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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Super Girl with magic super markers that could draw a cage around a bad guy.

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Cover photo by Jimmy Ho Photography.

There is no real way to ensure you are always making the right decisions, and we certainly cannot avoid making them entirely. But, I will say that my game plan this school year is to listen to my kids, have fun and not sweat the small stuff. On top of that, for my own parental sanity, I am going to attempt to keep it simple this year. So, yes, if you see my kid eating the same lunch all year, it is Nicole Irving, Publisher because this momma made nicole@irvingpublications.com the decision to serve one set meal, for once!

Isabella

AUG ● SEPT 2018

happy family • happy community™

conception 2 college™ 76 EXPECTING

50

That Tingly Feeling 78 INFANT

Snuggle Buddy

80 TODDLER

Messy, Messy!

82 EARLY YEARS

Tablet Time 84 KIDS

Listen Up!

86 TWEENS

The HPV Vaccine

88 TEENS

66

11 A DAY IN THE LIFE

Antoinette Oesterlin Best Family-Friendly Vehicles The Kocher Family 22 THE PARENT LIFE

Age in Place

forks & spoons

Back to School Photo by Jimmy Ho Photography.

24 DELISH Dinner For Two

36 GET HEALTHY All Natural Remedies 38 GET HEALTHY Saying Bye-Bye to Tonsils 40 GET HEALTHY Itchy Head?

42 GET PRETTY The Highlight of Your Life

happy home

28 IN THE KITCHEN Frying the Competition

45 MAKE IT

30 LUNCHBOX It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

48 CLEAN IT

Pecking Order Up! Battle of the Germs

giggle stamp 32 Trunk Show

fe a tu res 50 66 90

Cooking Up Culinary Masters Top of the Class Cyberbullying

56 FAMILY LEARNING

Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling of STEM 58 HOMESCHOOL CORNER

What You Need to Know About the Newest Homeschool Law 60 FEATURED TEACHER Jennifer Ebbeling

ALACHUA

COUNTY’S

PREMIER

PARENTING

MAGAZINE

AUG/SEPT 2018 Volume 10 • Issue 4 www.gigglemagazine.c om

LUNCH TIME

classic

gets a new twist!

THIS LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL is cooking up success!

| EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

19 OUR UNIQUE FAMILY

34 GET HEALTHY Delicious and Nutritious

learn

BACK TO SCHOOL | CYBERBULLYING

15 LIFESAVERS

health

GIGGLE MAGAZINE

life

90

Empty Nest, Full Heart

OUR

25

MUST HAVES TO ACE THIS SCHOOL YEAR IN STYLE!

62 IN THE CLASSROOM AP, IB or Dual Enrollment

happy community 98 CALENDAR August/September

Find our cover stories!

Top of the Class PAGE 66 It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

PAGE 30 Cooking Up Culinary Masters PAGE 50

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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life | a day in the life

A D AY I N T H E L I F E O F :

Antoinette Oesterlin Antoinette Oesterlin is a curriculum designer for an online college. She and her husband, Fabian, have two children, Kennedy (4) and Adrian (15 months).

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

11

MORNING

5:30 a.m.

I am not a morning person in any sense, but in order to maximize my day and keep things running, it is best for me to wake at this time. Waking up at 5:30 a.m. allows me to get a jump on my day before the rest of the house wakes and I find I am more productive. I usually creep out of our bedroom so as not to wake my husband.

Then I head upstairs into my office, just down the hall from both kids’ rooms.

6 a.m. In my office, the first thing I

try to do is take time to read something devotional or inspirational in nature. I have daily devotional books, my Bible and a daily mantra book that I can read a quick snippet from before I start my day. I prep the day’s to-do lists in my planner, log in to work, check emails and start setting some intentions for the rest of the day.

7 a.m. The kids begin waking up and

our house usually starts getting noisier.

My son is 15 months old, and he will often make noises and funny sounds from his crib that range anywhere from cries to raspberries. My daughter usually waits in her room until my husband or I come to get her.

8 a.m. By this time, my husband

is awake and can take over duties with the kids, allowing me to focus on work without distractions. Most of my meetings and calls take place after 8 a.m.

9 a.m. I begin hearing from co-workers in other time zones on my primary job as a curriculum designer for an online college. Sometimes it is meetings, sometimes it is project emergencies

and sometimes it is quiet. Curriculum design online is still an emerging field and each day is a toss-up as to what to expect in terms of my workload for the day. That is part of why I love it.

AFTERNOON 1:30 p.m. My husband leaves for work.

Kitchen management requires a lot of nights and weekends. I stopped being sad about his work schedule after about five years with him, but it took us growing as a family for me to learn not to take his schedule personally. If he could, he would be at home with the kids and me every day. Missing him has made the times we do spend together much sweeter.

2:30 p.m. If I am lucky, both kids

are napping as I sign out of work and I transition over to my personal projects.

Some of these projects include writing and editing episodes for my weekly podcast, The Midday Reset; producing guest content for other blogs or websites geared toward moms, families and entrepreneurs; assisting students on papers, theses or dissertations; or working on my books. I try to do this regardless of if the kids are sleeping or running around as it helps me maintain consistency, though my level of focus wanes quite a bit from sounds of their play or if my daughter lures me into coloring with her for a while.

3 p.m. I take an afternoon break to do

at least 30 minutes of yoga if I haven’t squeezed it in during the morning.

Sometimes it is a serene and quiet session on the back patio while other times it is in the living room with earbuds pumping ambient music into my ears as the kids eat snacks and watch a show.

Both are fine, and both serve me well.

4:25 p.m. We are typically heading

out the door for gymnastics or other extracurricular activities. My daughter is a dynamic little girl; she loves dance, gymnastics, art, the library and gardening.

I support all of her aspirations.

EVENING 6 p.m. We arrive back home for dinner

and bath time. If I am lucky, my daughter eats all of her dinner. My son, on the other hand, is a bottomless pit. He always eats everything! Shortly after eating dinner, it is time to get the kids bathed and begin winding down for the evening.

7:30 p.m. My daughter will either sit

at the table and color, practice writing letters, numbers, and her name, or watch a show while I put my son to bed. I always read a story to my kids before putting them to bed and sometimes we combine story time. In the same way he eats everything, my son is also extremely easy to put to bed (most nights). I consider this a nice gift from the universe at the end of a long day because I am usually running out of gas around this time.

8 p.m. I try to spend some focused

time with my daughter. She has done well stepping into the big sister role since her brother was born, but because her brother is still pretty young, he takes a lot of our attention away from her. I use this time slot to just focus on her. Lately, we have been using the time to watch Bob Ross paint.

8:30 p.m. My daughter goes to

bed and I am able to adult again. If I have podcast episodes written, now is generally the time I record them, as the house is quiet. I also take this time to get more writing done.

10:30 p.m.

I retire to bed, but I don’t always go right to sleep. I tend to rest easier when my husband walks through the door around 11 p.m.

Each day is filled with so much, but I wouldn’t trade it. I love my life and my family, and as long as I have talent and am able, I will always run in several directions with it.

Want to submit a friend (or yourself!) to be featured in A Day in the Life? Send your information to Natalie@irvingpublications.com

12

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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life | lifesavers

Best Family-Friendly Vehicles

BY JENNIFER JENSEN

Buying a car can be daunting — there are just so many different types of vehicles to choose from these days. When choosing a car, you need to determine what the most important features are for your family. Do you want the safest car? One with the latest technology? One that gets the best gas mileage? To help you navigate through the many car dealerships you may venture out to, we combed through several “Best of” lists to compile our own top picks for family-friendly vehicles. select. All models come with tri-zone climate control, an 8-inch center touch screen equipped with Chevy MyLink, available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus plenty of USB and power points to ensure that everyone is plugged in and happy. You can also opt for a rear seat entertainment system and hands-free power liftgate, both of which are great for families with little ones. One innovative feature is a rear seat reminder that prompts drivers to check to see if a small child or pet is left in the rear seat when the vehicle is parked.

1 Compact SUV: Honda CR-V Named Kelley Blue Book’s Compact SUV Best Buy of 2018, The CR-V offers plenty of interior access features, including a trunk hatch that opens wide, allowing for lots of room to store groceries in the rear. A major safety feature parents will like is Honda Sensing, which is included in all but the base model. Honda Sensing is a package that has a number of safety features built in to help keep you and your family safe while in the car. Some of the safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking; lane-departure warning; lane-keeping assist; and blind spot monitoring. For the tech savvy family, the CR-V comes with an infotainment system featuring a high-resolution 7-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. More convenient and innovative technology abounds in this compact SUV such as a parking reminder function that allows you to locate your CR-V in a crowded lot.

2 Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander One of Kelley Blue Book’s finalists for Best Buy SUV, families wanting a little more space should look at the Toyota Highlander. With enough interior space for up to eight and five USB charging ports, you will have plenty of room in the Highlander and enough USB ports to keep your little ones' tablets charged on long road trips. Furthermore, the Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense – P, which includes pedestrian and vehicle detection combined with automatic braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, blind spot monitoring and a bird’s-eye view reverse camera. The latest car technology, innovative features and roomy interior make the Highlander the perfect SUV for a growing family!

3 Large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe Named J.D Power’s Most Dependable SUV, the Tahoe seats seven to nine passengers, depending on the version you

Another great feature on the Tahoe for parents of teenagers is the Teen Driver technology that tracks and sends updates on your teen’s driving habits. With this feature turned on, the audio system is disabled until the front passengers are buckled up. Other safety features include limited sound volume while driving, front end collision alert and driver seat safety alert.

4 Luxury SUV: Audi Q5 The Audi Q5 was completely redesigned for the 2018 model with a quick acceleration, large cabin and long list of standard features.

The Q5 features Audi's “Virtual Cockpit,” a 12.3-inch display that can show a traditional gauge set or a full-width map.

Also offered is a full-color head's-up display that keeps key info in the driver's line of sight without being intrusive. Audi connect allows you to get weather info, stream internet radio, and helps if you need roadside assistance. On the entertainment side, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

15

life | lifesavers

1

Compact SUV: Honda CR-V

2

Midsize SUV: Toyoya Highlander

3

Large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe

4

Luxury SUV: Audi Q5

5

6

Eco-Friendly: Chevrolet Bolt EV

16

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

5 Minivan: Toyota Sienna The first striking feature of the Toyota Sienna is that it is the only minivan sold in the U.S. that gives the option of all-wheel drive, a great feature in these rainy Florida summers to give you extra traction on slick roads and keep your family safe! Additionally, for a large family who needs space, the Toyota Sienna comfortably seats eight people. The Sienna’s features include powered-sliding doors, powered seats, and additional sets of heating and air-conditioning controls for those riding in the back!

The 2018 Toyota Sienna model features 296 horsepower and a new eight-speed automatic transmission to help you efficiently get your little ones to all their activities. Just like the Toyota Highlander, the Toyota Sienna comes with the Toyota Safety Sense – P. The Toyota Sienna’s standard entertainment package includes the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, navigation, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, five USB ports and a 360-degree bird’s-eye view. With all this funtainment, getting your kiddos’ attention could be difficult but Toyota has created a solution: Driver Easy Speak, which amplifies the driver’s voice through the rear speakers. One of the newest and more innovative features is the on-board vacuum to help clean up the mess your little ones leave behind!

6 Eco-Friendly: Chevrolet Bolt EV The Chevrolet Bolt EV is an affordable, all electric car than can travel up to 238 miles on a single charge.

Compared to a standard MPG gauge, the Bolt EV gets 128 miles per gallon in the city and 110 on the highway.

It also gets a 90 minute charge in 30 minutes. Family cars are already filled with the sounds of children, so the Chevy Bolt EV has a welcome near-silent cabin that minimizes the extra sounds of a car to lessen driving distractions. To help entertain your kids so you can focus on driving safely, the base model is equipped with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that enables you to connect up to seven devices at once.

A huge feature for families of teenagers (or kids approaching their driving years) is the Teen Driver feature. With this feature, you can configure a key fob specifically for your teen that disables certain features and functions, automatically enables certain safety features, and sends a “driving report card” to you when they exit the car.

Vehicle Photos courtesy of Manufacturers.

Minivan: Toyota Sienna

One of Audi’s key safety features is their Audi PreSense, which can determine if there is an impending collision and prepare the vehicle by beginning to close the windows and sunroof, pretensioning safety belts, and preparing the brake system. Additionally, Pre-Sense will detect cornering and stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians.

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life | our unique family

Photos courtesy of Kocher Family

THE KOCHER FAMILY

OUR

BLENDED FAMILY

Fostering a Loving Home Like many other new couples, Gary and Brianne went on their first date to get to know a little more about each other.

Unlike many, this meant talking about fostering children in the future. Gary had taken care of a non-biological daughter before dating Brianne and was interested in fostering. Brianne was unsure of children of her own, but liked the thought of fostering as well. Fast-forward to 2014 when Gary and Brianne married and their first step as a married couple was beginning fostering classes in the Orlando area.

However, Gary went through a career change and the couple felt it was the wrong time to begin fostering children.

But they would not feel this way for long.

Brianne got pregnant with their daughter, Abigail, and the two decided to move to Alachua, Florida to be close to family.

Once settled in, they began attending

First Baptist Church High Springs where they met several families who fostered.

Having found a community of people following what they felt they had been called to do sealed the deal on fostering for the couple.

Since 2016, the Kocher’s have fostered 11 children, with six permanent placements (meaning the children will remain in the foster care system until adulthood).

Beyond being able to help displaced children, Gary and Brianne have felt they have gained significantly from the experience. “Through fostering, we have met some amazing people, amazing kids and have learned about amazing programs most people don’t even know about,” Gary said. For Brianne, the way her family has grown and come together has been incredible. “It’s been a wonderful blessing to us all,” she said. “Abigail has blossomed over the last year, built

confidence in herself and Gary and I [are] closer together because we truly have to rely on each other to make our daily lives flow well.”

The Kocher family now includes Damon (12), their foster son; Abigail (4), their biological daughter, and Shane (15 months), their adopted son whom they met through the fostering program when he was just 7 weeks old. While there were some concerns on how Abigail would adjust to suddenly having a house full of siblings, Gary and Brianne have been pleased with just how well their children all get along. Damon, Abigail and Shane have a deep love for one another, and they have loved the different children that have been temporarily placed with the family.

“Children are full of love and through hard times that love comes out in full force,” Gary said.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

19

life | our unique family Gary and Brianne have had such a wonderful experience fostering children and they highly recommend it to other families considering it. “Just do it!” Brianne said. “It seems scary while preparing and going through the classes, but ultimately it’s so rewarding when you get your first placement.” Fostering certainly comes with hardships, but the Kocher’s have not let that stop them in their goal to provide children in need with a loving family able to care for them.

"Through fostering, we have met some amazing people, amazing kids and have learned about amazing programs most people don’t even know about."

Photos courtesy of Kocher Family.

20

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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DEC. 8th

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Children under 10 free with new, unwrapped toy or book (while supplies last) Show will interpreted in American Sign Language

life | the parent life

Age in Place Making the Decision for Assisted Living for Elderly Family Members

BY TRACY WRIGHT

As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, the United States will see an unprecedented number of older Americans who will require long-term care needs. Many children and loved ones of aging family members wish for an independent, healthy and stress-free life for their parents, but at some point or another, a level of care will be needed.

While it can be difficult to decide when is the right time to begin exploring assisted living care for parents, there are signs that caregivers can look for to recognize when it is the right time for assisted living, but those signs may appear in different ways.

“Some evidence that may suggest it’s a right time to consider assisted living would be signs that the house or apartment is not being kept up, bills are not being paid on time, or suggestions that an older person is not bathing regularly as well as physical limitations,” said Stephen Golant, a gerontologist with the University of Florida and author of the book “Aging in the Right Place.”

Once these types of signs begin to present themselves, there are other factors that children or family members need to consider such as the type of care available for their aging family members. Depending on the health challenges presented — whether physical, cognitive or both — adult children may find themselves at a loss. Factors such as the desire for independence for parents, how much family caregiving is available, and how much private care the older person and/or family can afford also play a role.

Parents may choose to move family members into their homes, but the stress of caregiving and the abilities of family members to provide care may be limited. According to A Place for Mom, a senior care referral service, caregivers often find themselves unable to bear the burden of providing home health

22

care without suffering from illness and stress themselves.

“Caregiver stress is very real and can have a negative effect on people’s lives,” said Tamiria Jones, director of resident care at Harbor Chase Assisted Living Facility, a national organization with a location in Gainesville. “I often equate the restlessness associated with caregiving for an elderly parent or loved one to the exhaustion a mother may experience when her child is an infant. Lack of sleep, stress and imbalance of life’s obligations can have a detrimental effect on caregivers.” But before determining that home care by family members is not an option and assisted living is the better route, there are some aspects of assisted living to consider.

Consumer Reports recommends considering four key things when choosing an assisted living facility: the kind of help your loved one needs, quality of care, all forms of costs and expenses, and discharge terms for residents. “I definitely recommend that family members get to know the assisted living community before making a selection. Cleanliness and the look of a place are important, but so is the community that surrounds it, the activities, level of care and resources available,” said Audrey Williams, director of sales at Harbor Chase.

Before selecting an assisted living development, try to schedule a few visits and interact with the current residents to see what they think about living there.

“Most certainly, try to find ‘word of mouth’

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Some evidence that may suggest it's a right time to consider assisted living would be signs that the house or apartment is not being kept up, bills are not being paid on time, or suggestions that an older person is not bathing regularly as well as physical limitations.

- Stephen Golant

endorsements of the place for assurances that the quality of care, accommodations, and food is adequate,” Golant said.

Beyond selecting the perfect location for an elderly family member, quality of life for both the elderly family member and their loved ones need to be considered. “Consider the quality of life for your family member.

They may be physically or cognitively impaired, but they probably still have a need for socialization with their peers,” Jones said. “Similarly think about your level of involvement and how this type of care can take so much off your shoulders. Many times, the first thing caregivers say to me is 'Tamiria I slept through the night for the first time in three years!’ It’s okay to admit you cannot handle it all.”

Choosing to make the move to assisted living for an elderly family member can be difficult, and at times daunting, but remember to take your time and explore all of your options to find the perfect fit. Once you find this fit, you and your elderly loved one will find that you are both much more cared for and at peace.

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forks and spoons | delish

Dinner for Two!

RECIPES AND MEAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE INSTITUTE OF CULINARY ARTS AT EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

Stay in for date night with this delicious two-course dinner. These recipes, courtesy of the Institute of Culinary Arts at Eastside High School, took the school’s team to second place in the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition of the 2018 ProStart Culinary Team Competition. Bon appetit!

Seared Scallop Starter Seared scallops served over avocado cream sauce and topped with jicama, carrot and green apple slaw make for a decadent first course!

Jicama, Carrot, Green Apple Slaw Servings: 2

• 2 ounces jicama

• 2 ounces rainbow carrots

• 2 ounces Granny Smith apple

• 1 tablespoon Thai basil

• 1 ounce white balsamic dressing* Wash the jicama, rainbow carrots and Granny Smith apple thoroughly. Julienne the produce once washed, then thinly slice the Thai basil.

Once your ingredients are sliced, combine jicama, rainbow carrots, Granny Smith apple and Thai basil in a metal bowl.

Toss the mixture with the white balsamic dressing, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

*White Balsamic Dressing Servings: 4

• 4 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 K tablespoons honey Whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil and honey in a metal bowl.

Seared Scallop Starter Cont.

Avocado Cream Sauce Servings: 4

• 1 whole avocado

• N teaspoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

• K cup half and half

• Kosher salt to taste

• Granulated garlic to taste Wash avocado, cut in half from end to end and remove seed.

Scoop flesh out of both halves and place in mortar with lemon juice. Mash with pestle until smooth.

Whisk together the yogurt, half and half, salt and granulated garlic in a separate bowl.

Seared Scallops Servings: 2

• 6 sea scallops

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Kosher salt to taste

• Ground white pepper to taste

• Granulated garlic to taste Clean scallops by removing the side muscle and remove excess moisture with paper towel.

Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat. While the pan is heating, season scallops on both sides with salt, ground white pepper and granulated garlic.

Remove avocado mixture from the mortar and add to the yogurt mixture. Mix to combine thoroughly.

Add scallops to the saute pan and sear until they are cooked half way. Using a fish spatula, turn the scallops over and continue to sear until the scallops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145 F.

Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a saute pan and heat sauce over medium-low heat.

Remove the scallops from the pan and serve immediately over the avocado cream sauce and topped with the slaw.

Seared Lamb Chomp forks and spoons | delish Entree With sauteed asparagus, polenta and a pomegranate fennel sauce, this lamb chomp main course is sure to delight your taste buds.

Seared Lamb Chops Servings: 2

• 22 ounces rack of lamb

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic Begin by trimming fat and silver skin from lamb. French* the lamb, making sure to clean the bone completely. Once you have completed Frenching the lamb, cut the rack into six to eight, ½-inch chops (amount of chops is dependent on how many ribs you have).

After preparing the lamb, place the olive oil in a large saute pan and heat over medium-high heat.

Season the lamb chops on both sides with kosher salt, ground black pepper and granulated garlic.

Add the seasoned lamb to the hot pan and sear for 2 minutes.

Once you have seared the chop, turn over and continue cooking until the lamb reaches an internal temperature of 145 F. Remove from pan, let rest and serve with pomegranate fennel sauce. *This technique is used to create the exposed bone look of a typical rack of lamb.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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Seared Lamb Chop Entree Cont.

Pomegranate Fennel Sauce Servings: 2

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 ounces yellow onion, diced

• 2 ounces fennel, diced

• M cup pomegranate juice

• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

• 4 teaspoons brown sugar

• 1 K teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns

Sauteed Asparagus with Brunoise Red Bell Pepper Servings: 2

• 6 ounces asparagus

• Water

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 teaspoons brunoise* red bell pepper

• Ground black pepper to taste

• Kosher salt to taste

Heat olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Once olive oil is heated, add onions and fennel and saute until translucent.

Once the water is boiling, blanch asparagus for approximately 3 minutes and remove from water.

Deglaze the pan with pomegranate juice (add the pomegranate juice to hot pan and scrape the pan). Once you have finished deglazing with pomegranate juice, add the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, fennel seeds, salt and peppercorns.

Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until the mixture is thick enough to coat the food.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer (preferably a chinoise) and serve with lamb chops.

Parmesan Thyme Polenta Servings: 2

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon shallot, minced

• 7 ounces water

• 9 ounces milk

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• N teaspoon ground white pepper

• 4 ounces yellow corn meal

• 1 ounce unsalted butter

• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and add the garlic and shallot. Saute until caramelized.

Once caramelized, add water, milk, bay leaf, thyme, kosher salt and white pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Boil and gradually whisk in the yellow corn meal and continue cooking over low heat, whisking constantly until the corn meal is thick and creamy.

Once the corn meal is thick and creamy, immediately remove the pan from the heat, add butter and Parmesan, and stir until all ingredients are completely combined.

Serve immediately alongside lamb chops and asparagus.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Trim asparagus to remove woody ends. In a medium saucepan, add enough water to blanch asparagus and the kosher salt.

Heat olive oil in a small saute pan. Once heated, add asparagus and season with black pepper and salt. Cook until al dente and immediately remove from pan.

Add red bell pepper, black pepper and salt to the pan and cook until al dente. Remove from pan and serve immediately with asparagus. *Brunoise is a basic knife cut that yields small, uniform cubes

(352) 380-0901 545 SW 34th Street Suite A Gainesville, FL 32608 www.embersofflorida.com

forks and spoons | in the kitchen

Frying the Competition The Newest Kitchen Appliance Trend

BY NATALIE RICHOUX

Air fryers are more compact than conventional fryers because their convection-like operation eliminates the need for an oil basket. Instead of needing a large machine that takes up an entire cabinet to itself, an air fryer can (generally) fit in a small cabinet in your kitchen corner. Additionally, to free up more space, many air fryers go beyond just frying! A variety of popular household brands such as Black & Decker and Phillips allow you to use your fryer in a multitude of ways to fry, grill, roast, or even bake foods using your favorite recipes or new, air fryer-specific recipes.

The cooking method utilized by air fryers is similar to convection ovens in that instead of the air remaining still in the space, there are fans that are used to circulate the air throughout the machine that allows for a more even method of cooking. As the air swirls with the oil added to the basket, food will gain a light brown crisp on the outside and a moist, flavorful inside.

Aside from the convenience of the air fryer, this appliance also offers a healthier method of cooking over a conventional oil fryer. Fried foods often conjure thoughts of grease, calories and fat, but air fryers can help eliminate some of these diet worries. According to nutrition facts from Under Armour’s MyFitnessPal, oil fried potatoes have over three times more calories clocking in at 319 calories per 100 gram serving versus 100 calories per 100 gram serving of air fried potatoes. Additionally, according to Professor Charles Ophardt of the Elmhurst College Department of Chemistry, frying foods in oil converts many unsaturated fats into saturated fats. However air frying eliminates this aspect. While oil fried potatoes have 17 grams of saturated fat per 100 gram serving, the same amount of air fried potatoes have 0 grams of saturated fats. This is good news as, according to the American Heart Association, saturated fats raise your LDL cholesterol, something you want to avoid.

But that does not mean you can start frying everything! While air frying is a much healthier alternative to oil frying, it is still frying food. If you are looking to splurge though, get the taste and texture with far fewer calories and bad fats from air frying rather than oil frying your food!

A variety of popular household brands such as Black & Decker and Phillips allow you to use your fryer in a multitude of ways to fry, grill, roast or even bake foods.

Philips Air Fryer VivaTurbo Star $199.99, Bed, Bath & Beyond

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Air Fryer Photo Courtesy of Manufacturer

Soaring in popularity for many household kitchens, the air fryer has become the newest must-have item in the world of multi-use cooking appliances. While fried foods are delicious, using a conventional oil fryer has several drawbacks, such as the lengthy warm-up time, lingering smell after use, and difficult cleaning and upkeep. Enter air fryers! Due to their enclosed nature and minimal oil use, there is hardly any smell in the air during or after cooking your favorite foods. Many models are ready for you to start cooking in less than a minute after turning them on, and air fryers are easy to clean and maintain.

forks and spoons | lunchbox

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

BY NATALIE RICHOUX

At one point or another in our lives, we have all probably had a delicious peanut butter and jelly sandwich. According to the National Peanut Butter Board, the first written recipe of this timeless classic popped up in 1901 by Julia Davis Chandler in the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics. Today, this lunchbox favorite makes its way into kiddos' lunches daily! So, it is time to shake things up and create a modern twist on a classic sandwich. Here are some fun new ways to serve up a PB&J that are sure to excite your kiddo this school year.

PB&J (&W)

Whether you want to create a fun, new breakfast or excite your little one with a surprise lunch sandwich, this fun twist is certainly tasty. This snack takes two staples for children — waffles and PB&Js — and combines them for a delicious result!

INGREDIENTS • 2 waffles • Jelly • Peanut butter Toast your waffles until golden. Spread peanut butter over one waffle, and jelly over the other. Close the two waffles together and cut in half or quarters to make this updated sandwich easier to grasp for little hands.

Apple Pie Twist

This one may be a bit more of a dessert than a lunchbox staple. Ramp up the classic PB&J with some fun additions to make a new creation from two American classics.

INGREDIENTS • 2 slices of bread • Peanut butter • Nutella

• •

1 apple (we recommend Granny Smith) K teaspoon of cinnamon

Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread and Nutella on the second slice. Thinly slice your apples and then place them on the bread. Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon on the apples. Close the two slices together and serve!

No, we are not asking you to combine fish and jelly, but rather putting a creative new spin on both of these foods!

INGREDIENTS • 4 slices of bread • Jelly • Peanut butter Cut the crusts off the bread and using a rolling pin, roll out the bread into thin sheets. Spread your jelly and peanut butter onto the bread and roll tightly. Slice up and there you have it, PB&J sushi!

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

PB&J Photo by Jimmy Ho Photography

PB&J Sushi Rolls

We’re not only here for you to dine in, we can make your next meeting a great success with our catering options.

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giggle stamp | trunk show Divinity LA Ella Bracelet

Trunk Show

BY NATALIE RICHOUX

Mark your calendars! Aug. 12 is World Elephant Day, which was launched three years ago in an attempt to bring attention and awareness to the threat that Asian and African elephants face. The Asian elephant has officially been listed on the endangered species list while the African elephant has been listed on the threatened species list, signaling a need for conservation of these great animals. You can help in a creative way, though!

$20, Divinityla.com All of Divinity LA’s jewelry is handmade in the USA from semi-precious stones, including their Ella bracelet. This bracelet goes beyond being a great accessory; it also donates 10 percent of its proceeds to the International Elephant Foundation.

There are numerous organizations that sell items that are fun and trendy but also donate to various elephant conservation organizations! With these elephantinspired products, you can wear your love for this great pachyderm and donate to save them while you are at it!

Elephant & Co Elephant Backpack

Ivory Ella Red and Navy Surprise Beach Tote Ivory Ella Tees $32, Ivoryella.com An Ivory Ella favorite, these adorable and fashionable tees come in a variety of styles and colors. With so much variety, you can be a part of more conscious consumerism and not only show your love and support for elephants but do something to help save this incredible species of animal!

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

$75, Ivoryella.com More than just a stylish tote, this purchase comes with four surprise extras (anything from tops to jewelry). Beyond the adorable items you get by purchasing this bag, you also donate to a great cause! In Ivory Ella’s three-year history, they have donated $1 million to Save the Elephants, a nonprofit whose goal is to ensure a future for elephants.

Photos courtesy of manufacturers

$46, Elephantand.co With a large zippered opening, padded lining and adjustable shoulder straps, this adorable elephant backpack is perfect for your little one and you can feel good about the purchase!

Elephant & Co. is a nonprofit and 100 percent of their proceeds go to the International Elephant Foundation, a nonprofit that is working to save elephants through their conservation, education and research efforts.

health | get healthy

Delicious and Nutritious Simple Swaps for Your Favorite Recipes

BY LAUREN FISCHER

From mid-week meals to holiday treats, cooking and baking for our families provides tradition and nutrition. Unfortunately, these do not always go hand in hand. Many of our favorite recipes include refined sugars and oils that are nutrient poor and harmful to health.

With a few unnoticed sugar and oil substitutions these recipes can be transformed into healthier, more nourishing meals and treats.

When preparing to bake, the first ingredient we reach for is refined white sugar. The snow-white crystals are the result of a multi-step process that strips away fiber, nutrients and color from sugar cane or sugar beets resulting in an isolated, super concentrated sugar that is not so sweet for our health.

The body requires B vitamins and minerals like chromium to metabolize sugar. However, through the refining process, all nutrients are stripped from the sugar. As a result, refined sugars require vitamins and minerals to be pulled from the body’s nutrient stores to process the sugar. Over time or with over consumption of refined sugar, vitamins and minerals become depleted, blood sugar regulation is compromised, the immune system becomes suppressed and inflammation increases.

Luckily, nature provides whole food sources of sugar that are packed with the B vitamins and minerals necessary to process and digest sugar. Raw honey*, maple syrup, coconut sugar and dates are healthy sugar substitutes for cooking and baking.

Raw honey and organic, grade B maple syrup are antioxidant-rich additions to baked goods, dressings and sauces. Honey is a great sweetener for cooking and baking but keep in mind that it is sweeter than refined sugar.

When baking with honey, Bee Maid Honey,

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a company owned by Canadian beekeepers, recommends using about ⅔ cup honey and ½ teaspoon of baking soda to replace 1 cup of refined sugar. You should also reduce liquid in the recipe by ¼ cup and decrease the baking temperature by 25 F. When swapping maple syrup for refined sugar in a baking recipe, Joanne Chang, owner of Flour Bakery + Café and author of “Baking with Less Sugar” recommends substituting 1 cup of maple syrup for every 1 cup of sugar and reducing liquid in the recipe by 3 tablespoons for every 1 cup substitution.

Coconut sugar is made from the nectar of the coconut palm tree flower and is lower on the glycemic index than refined sugar. It can be used 1:1 to replace white sugar.

Dates are an iron-rich natural sweetener.

Just two to three Medjool dates add a subtle sweetness when blended into smoothies, dressing and sauces. Soaking dates in warm water prior to blending softens the tough outer skin making for a smoother finished product.

Sugars are not the only refined ingredient used in cooking that can cause health issues.

Many oils are refined oils. Refined vegetable

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

and seed oils like canola, soy and corn are classified as polyunsaturated fats because of their chemical structure. Polyunsaturates “tend to become oxidized or rancid when subject to heat, oxygen and moisture as in cooking and baking,” according to “Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon.

Oxidized or rancid oils release free radicals that can cause tissue damage throughout the body. For example, free radical damage of the skin causes wrinkles and free radical damage to blood vessels sets the stage for cardiovascular disease. Consider choosing grass-fed butter, ghee, coconut oil or avocado oil instead of refined vegetable or seed oils.

Cooking does not have to be bland to be nutritious. With a few smart swaps, you can nourish your family with the recipes you love without compromising the scrumptious tastes you have come to know and love! *The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children younger than 12 months avoid honey.

Nature provides whole food sources of sugar that are packed with necessary B vitamins and minerals.

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health | get healthy

All Natural Remedies

Homeopathic Solutions for Common Ailments

BY APRIL TISHER

Is it a cold, the flu or just allergies?

It can be hard to tell this time of year living in Gainesville. The kids are bringing germs home from school, we are spending a lot of time outdoors and cold and flu season is arriving. We may not want to automatically reach for pharmaceuticals to prevent or cure every little sniffle, so trying natural or homeopathic remedies for help is a popular solution. There are a plethora of choices for natural over-the-counter options as well as some old-fashioned ones your grandmother probably used. So, what is good for what ails you?

Sore throats and stuffy noses

One concoction you may be familiar with is good old warm salt water. Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 8 ounces of warm, distilled water. Use a bulb syringe or nasal irrigation kit to squirt water into the nose to clear nasal cavities.

This is not only supposed to remove bacteria from the nasal passages, but also clear out any congestion. Personally, I gargle this to help alleviate a sore throat.

You can also buy saline nasal spray or saline packets to use with a Neti pot.

For a sore throat or stuffy nose, one of my personal favorite home remedies is to rub menthol, eucalyptus and camphor salve underneath the nostrils to aid in clear breathing. If you are not a fan of salves, there are also sachets containing eucalyptus you can place under your nose.

Rebecca Raysin, media specialist by day, but lifelong health enthusiast, said her go-to when she feels a sore throat coming on is a tea she was given while on vacation in Costa Rica when she was experiencing laryngitis symptoms. A local resident

36

made the concoction for her consisting of fresh ginger root, mint leaves, honey (she uses organic wildflower) and fresh lemon or lime juice. Raysin said she also likes to keep the fresh ginger on hand chopped into small pieces for an anytime snack as it is believed to help with digestion.

Preventative measures

Danielle McGriff, mom of two, said her fit family is very particular about what they put into their bodies. She said they use several natural remedies on a regular basis to help keep themselves healthy and their immune systems strong. Some of their daily supplements include garlic (supports the immune system), coconut oil (supports detoxing) and saline rinses (to keep their sinuses clear). The family also uses organic apple cider vinegar because it contains mother strands of proteins, enzymes and colonies of “good” bacteria that provide healthful benefits, including reducing heartburn and blood sugar levels, as well as killing harmful bacteria.

A few other at-home natural remedies include drinking cranberry juice for urinary health, eating yogurt for its probiotic effects of immune defense in the digestive tract and using zinc lozenges or vitamin

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

C supplements to help ward off colds and shorten their duration or severity.

Are they safe?

Natural and homeopathic supplements are not studied and governed by the Food and Drug Administration the way over-the-counter and prescription medicines are regulated. For that reason, Tanya Banks, a physician’s assistant with Gainesville Pediatrics said that she does not recommend many homeopathic remedies to patients. However, she did say there are a few that she has found helpful, like a natural remedy for the prevention of swimmer’s ear that contains equal parts of rubbing alcohol and peroxide.

The old saying still rings true — an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

However, as with any health-related matters, ensure you know what exactly is in the product you are using and please be sure to check with your doctor before trying any new therapies and seek medical advice for worsening symptoms. *Before you try any new remedies, please consult with your physician.

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health | get healthy

Saying Bye-Bye to Tonsils The Lowdown on Tonsillectomies

BY CHRISTY PIÑA

Approximately 500,000 to 600,000 children, typically between the ages of 3 and 8, will require a tonsillectomy every year in the United States, according to local otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) Dr. Jeff Phillips. The idea of your child undergoing a major surgery to remove their tonsils before the age of 8 can be scary, but knowing what to expect before going into it can help to ease your worries — at least a little bit!

While 600,000 may seem like a lot of children, Dr. Phillips said that tonsillectomies are actually less common now than they were in the 1990s because the American Academy of Otolaryngology and other academies created guidelines for general indications of tonsillitis. “In the past, surgeons would take out tonsils just because they were large or irregular appearing,” he said. “Now, we have clear guidelines as to which patients benefit most, that is patients who have a certain number of recurrent tonsillar infections per year or have obstructive upper airway symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea.”

Tonsillectomies are recommended for patients with recurrent tonsillitis over the course of a year. These patients are constantly on and off antibiotics to help cure the infections. “It is the frequency of the tonsillitis, and the concern over the continued need for being on one antibiotic after the next, that makes tonsillectomy indicated,” Dr. Phillips said. “So, there is nothing that can be done to ‘catch’

38

tonsillitis, early enough to prevent a tonsillectomy.”

While there is no way to stop tonsillitis from occurring, there are certain warning signs that a parent can be on the lookout for. “Common warning signs include snoring at night and gasping or choking arousals at night,” Dr. Phillips said.

“Parents may notice pauses in breathing at night, called apnea.” In addition to sleep apnea, tonsillitis is accompanied by frequent tonsil infections, tonsil stones (small, white or yellow debris in the tonsils) and sore throats. Tonsil stones vary in size; the smaller ones may not show any symptoms, but the larger ones might result in bad breath, a sore throat and/or trouble swallowing.

A tonsillectomy is considered major surgery, so general anesthesia is needed, meaning your child will be asleep for the entire 30- to 45-minute procedure. “We use careful dissection to remove the tonsils to minimize pain and post-operative

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

bleeding,” Dr. Phillips said. After the surgery, children will remain at the hospital for several hours for observation to ensure there are no post-surgery complications. Depending on how young the child is, the severity of their sleep apnea, and whether or not there were any complications with the surgery, the child may be admitted into the hospital overnight for close monitoring.

The majority of patients who undergo this routine surgery have no problems during or after the procedure. “Usually, kids will have a sore throat for 1–2 weeks after the surgery and will need to drink liquids or eat very soft foods for 1–2 weeks after the surgery,” Dr. Phillips said.

While the patient may be uncomfortable for the couple of weeks following the surgery, in the long run a tonsillectomy has a much more positive impact on the patient’s life due to the reduction in upper airway obstruction and number of throat infections, as well as improved sleep.

health | get healthy

Itchy Head?

Lice May be the Culprit

BY JENNIFER JENSEN

Finding out if a child has lice can be difficult because louse (singular for lice) are small and move quickly. Parents may need to pull out a magnifying lens and a fine-toothed comb to find live lice. If you discover that your child does have a lice infestation, you should immediately inform your child’s friends' parents, your child’s school, and any activities your child participates in, such as softball or baseball where the infestation can spread through helmet sharing. Additionally, Primosch said you need to ensure everyone in the household is checked for lice as it can quickly turn into a major problem.

To treat a lice infestation, invest in a quality metal lice comb and carefully comb the entire hair shaft. Primosch said parents can also use essential oils (peppermint, tea tree or rosemary), over-the-counter products or a mineral product like the one Lice Authority uses, which has a high pH level that kills live bugs and eggs. If a parent chooses to use an over-the-counter method, Primosch recommends buying a separate comb from the one included and continuing to comb meticulously every day or every three days after treatment because many products only kill live lice and not eggs.

“If you miss any eggs, it’s going to start all over again,” Primosch said. Lice lay five to 10 eggs a day, eggs take 10 days to mature, and the life cycle of an adult is 30 days. Such a quick life cycle means that a case of lice can escalate quickly if not caught early.

Unfortunately, at some point during a child’s life, a parent will more than likely have to deal with the dreaded lice infestation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lice infestations are most common among children ages 3–11, with an estimated 6–12 million infestations each year.

Jamie Primosch, owner of Lice Authority, a lice removal company that treats and screens for lice in a client’s home, said they commonly see infestations in young girls because there is more hair in which the lice can thrive. However, there are a few ways to prevent head lice in children.

Most important in the battle against lice is ensuring that your children do not have head-to-head contact with other children.

That means they should be taught to avoid sharing hats, scarves, hair accessories, helmets, combs or brushes with their friends.

Children with long hair should try to wear their hair pulled back, preferably in a bun, when possible. Primosch suggested the use of hairspray as a preventive measure against lice. Hairspray can cause the hair to stick together, making it harder for lice to cling to the hair. You may also try using certain essential oils, such as tea tree or peppermint. Although there is little scientific evidence that essential oils truly work, Primosch said that when she sprays them during treatments, she sees the lice run away from the oils.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Once a child and everyone in the family has been checked and treated, the next step is to clean other items that have been in contact with an infested person. Primosch said all bedding should be washed and dried on high heat (at least 120 F) to kill possible live bugs. Car seats, furniture and floors should be thoroughly vacuumed, and stuffed animals, pillows and hair accessories should be put away in a bag and isolated for two days.

According to the Alachua County Public Schools Parent Guide, children found to have live head lice will be sent home with instructions for treatment. A student may return to school following treatment and after all lice and eggs have been treated and removed.

Finding and treating lice can be a daunting task, but by being vigilant with prevention, inspection and treatment, you can rid yourself and your family of this pesky infestation.

Giggle Tip:

BEWARE OF SELFIES! LICE CAN SPREAD FROM HEAD TO HEAD WHEN YOU LEAN IN CLOSE FOR A PICTURE!

In-home Lice Removal Experts Don’t let your kids bring home more than their new friends this year.

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health | get pretty

Liquid

BY ISABELLA SORRESSO

Liquid highlighter does essentially the same thing as cream highlight, except often the color is more intense, giving you a more vibrant shine. Furthermore, with a liquid highlighter, you have the option to mix it in with your foundation to create an all-over luminous look right off the bat.

If you have stepped into an Ulta or Sephora in the last few years, then you know that the most recent beauty trend is highlighter, and we are not talking about school supplies.

Highlighters can be found just about anywhere makeup is sold and in every color imaginable. But what is highlighter and what does it do?

Highlighters come in many shapes, forms and colors. It is primarily used to attract light to certain portions of your face in order to accentuate the high points of the face and create a luminous look that many people refer to as “a glow.” Often highlighter is predominantly applied to the tops of your cheekbones, but the bridge of your nose, your Cupid’s bow, the center of your forehead and your brow bones can also be highlighted to accentuate those strong facial features.

While you will want to show off your highlight, it should only be noticeable when light hits the areas of your face with the product. Once you have applied the correct shade of highlighter, you should get just a glimpse of light bouncing off the product as you turn your head to the side. If you can see stripes of color on your face when you look at yourself straight on in the mirror, this means the highlighter color is too dark for you. The ideal highlighter should be one to two shades lighter than your skin tone. Choosing the right color for your complexion is important when it comes to highlighter. You want a beautiful, healthy glow rather than a glittery mess!

Cream

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector $41, Nordstrom.com

Cream highlighters come in either a compact or stick form.

Choosing a cream highlighter will give you a more dewy finish and eliminate the possibility of your makeup looking cakey because it blends with your foundation and powder rather than sitting on top of them.

Powder

Powder highlighters are a classic style that can offer you either a natural radiance or a blinding glow depending on the brand and color you choose.

Beyond choosing the right color, you have to determine which type of highlighter is right for you. Highlighters come in different formulas and styles, so whether you prefer a natural or a full-glam look will determine which type of highlighter you use.

Choosing the right highlighter can be difficult, but to create a flawless, glowing complexion, it is worth finding the perfect one for you!

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Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight $23, Nordstrom.com

Huda Beauty Golden Sands 3D Highlighter Palette $45, Shophudabeauty.com and Sephora.com Mehron Highlight-Pro 3 Color Palette in Cool $25, Mehron.com and Amazon.com

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Photos courtesy of manufacturers

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Pecking Order Up!

BY ISABELLA SORRESSO PHOTOS BY JIMMY HO PHOTOGRAPHY

Living in Florida has many advantages, one of which is that there is an abundance of wildlife right outside your door, like lizards, squirrels, deer and a variety of birds. You can get an even closer look at the house finches, eastern towhees and common starlings flying around your neighborhood by making DIY bird feeders with your own little chicks!

MILK CARTON BIRD FEEDER MATERIALS •

Paper milk carton

•

Popsicle stick

•

Marker

•

Birdseed

•

Box cutter

•

String

•

Acrylic craft paint that

•

Extra decorations

is lead-free and non-toxic

DIRECTIONS To make this bird feeder, you first need to wash out the milk carton to make sure there is no milk left at the bottom. Then, use the marker to draw where you want the cutouts in your bird feeder to be. Though the final design is up to you, the cutouts should be high enough on the carton that the finished birdhouse can hold a significant amount of birdseed, and the opening should be big enough that birds can reach the seeds.

Using a box cutter carefully, an adult should cut along the marker lines. Once you have the desired cutouts, paint over the milk carton to create a nice blank canvas.

After painting, the fun part begins: decorating the bird feeder! You can use buttons, pom poms, glitter, stickers or paint to create your own designs.

Once you are finished decorating, leave the feeder to dry overnight. The following day, cut a small slit in the bottom of the carton for the popsicle stick to fit through. The popsicle stick will act as the bird’s perch to sit and eat from the feeder.

If you want the bird feeder to be able to hang, cut two holes into the top piece of the carton and loop the string through it.

Finally, add in your birdseed and hang your bird feeder in a tree for your feathered friends to enjoy!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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happy home | make it

COOKIE CUTTER BIRD FEEDER MATERIALS •

2 cups of birdseed

•

Cookie cutters (or other items to act

as molds)

•

1/2 ounce of gelatin

•

2/3 cup of water

•

Parchment paper

•

Non-stick cooking spray

•

Plastic straws

•

String or twine

DIRECTIONS In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and add in gelatin powder. Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.

Then slowly mix in two cups of birdseed until the mix starts clumping together and is slightly sticky to the touch.

Next, place parchment paper on a baking sheet and pick out your cookie cutters of choice. If you are using another type of mold, like a mini Bundt pan or cupcake tin, you do not need to use the parchment paper or baking sheet.

Use a light coat of non-stick cooking spray on the cookie cutters or molds, and begin filling them with your birdseed mixture.

Once you have filled the molds, use a plastic straw to poke a hole all the way through the bird feeder and place in the refrigerator overnight.

After the mixture has solidified, remove the feeders from the molds and take out the straws.

Loop a piece of string or twine through the straw hole and tie together so the bird feeders can hang from the tree branches.

Giggle Tip:

46

If you want your feeders to attract birds, but keep out pesky squirrels, try adding spices such as cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seed mix. Squirrels hate the taste of the spices, but they are harmless to birds!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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happy home | clean it

Battle of the Germs

Backpacks, Lunchboxes and Water Bottles

BY JESSICA FRANKLIN

“Simply setting a backpack down on a restroom floor exposes it to tens of thousands of individual bacteria and viruses.”

alarming amount of germs on them such as staph and Pseudomonas, according to a study published in the journal Germs. The final step to at-home prevention of lunchbox germs is ensuring there are two cold sources such as a gel pack and a frozen water bottle to prevent food from warming and spoiling.

WATER BOTTLES

Every person with a school-aged child knows that the back to school season is often shortly followed by the start of a new cold and flu season. Children are once again going to be in close quarters with 20–30 of their peers and all the germs they bring with them! But have you considered that they might just be carrying those germs to and from home with them compliments of their backpacks, lunchboxes and water bottles?

BACKPACKS

Consider a day in the life of a backpack.

Heading out the door, the backpack almost immediately gets set on the ground waiting for the bus in the morning. Once on the bus, it likely gets set down again, but on a floor that is routinely subjected to dirty shoes and all sorts of spills. Upon arrival at school, your child might make a stop in the restroom and set his backpack on the floor near the toilet, right in the splash zone! Once in the classroom, the backpack finally gets some relief and is hung, but right next to it is another backpack that has had a similar morning, and possibly came from a home already battling a virus!

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Simply setting a backpack down on a restroom floor exposes it to tens of thousands of individual bacteria and viruses, predominantly Staphylococcus bacteria and the herpes virus, according to a study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. I will admit that it does not occur to me to wash a bag or backpack unless I see a visible stain on it. However, it should be emptied out and added to your laundry on a weekly basis to rid it of the countless germs it picks up through the course of a week.

But what about the bag inside the bag? Your child’s lunchbox is another ideal place for germs to thrive!

LUNCHBOXES

If your child brings lunch from home, you need to consider the germs that can breed in his lunchbox, like staph and E. coli. While one of the most important things to remember is thoroughly cleaning the lunchbox at the end of the day using warm water and soap or vinegar and leaving it open to air-dry overnight, keeping a lunchbox safe from the threat of harmful germs and bacteria starts at home!

Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before packing a lunch. Additionally, avoid using your cellphone and other electronic devices while preparing a lunch as these contain an

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Water bottles are another battleground for germs, especially if the user is battling a contagious illness such as influenza or the common cold, but the good news is that they are the easiest with which to deal. If the water bottle is a reusable bottle, it should be washed daily by completely taking apart the various pieces and cleaning each one individually. If your bottle says it is BPA free, it generally is top rack safe in the dishwasher. However, if your water bottle does not specifically say BPA free, you will want to hand wash your bottle as constant exposure to high heat in a dishwasher could leech harmful chemicals out of the bottle and into your child’s water.

While commercial products come with a reasonable degree of certainty as to their effectiveness, if you prefer to stay away from chemicals you can wash your bottle in a solution of white vinegar and water! You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oils; there are many that have antibacterial properties such as cinnamon, thyme, oregano and tea tree.

Hopefully by following the above guidelines, you can help stop cold and flu germs in their tracks and keep your house a healthy one this season!

Giggle Tip: Be sure to refer to manufacturer guidelines for specific washing instructions!

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Cooking up

Culinary Masters A Look at Eastside High School's Award-Winning Culinary Institute

BY DANIELLE SPANO PHOTOS COURTESY OF EASTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

Florida is the Sunshine State, and with that sunshine comes tourism. According to Visit Florida, visitors to our state spent over $100 billion in 2017. With such a booming tourism industry, it is no wonder that the Florida hospitality industry, with nearly 1.5 million employees according to Visit Florida, is a staple of the state.

Gainesville’s Eastside High School is preparing students to serve up success in this very competitive field.

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Muhammed Saamed, a first-year student, prepares an omelet.

The award-winning Institute of Culinary Arts at Eastside High School began as a regular home economics classroom, when Mrs. Anna Elliott started the Hungry Ram Café as a way to teach students career skills. Chef Billie DeNunzio continued Mrs. Elliott’s work after her retirement, and a dedicated facility with a commercial kitchen, bakeshop and restaurant was built on campus in 1995. The next year, it developed into a magnet program and began its evolution to become a ProStart school.

ProStart, supported by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, is a two-year program taught in over 1,800 high schools nationwide, with 200 of those schools located in Florida. The ProStart curriculum teaches students every side of the business from food preparation to restaurant management.

Each year, approximately 100 students participate in Eastside High’s program, named one of the Elite 50 Culinary Arts Programs in the Nation by Sullivan University’s National Center for Hospitality Studies in 2014. While culinary experience is not required, students must apply to the program with an interest in the profession, meet a minimum grade point average and have availability in their academic schedule to allow for the two class periods a day required for the program. They must also pass a behavioral background check, as safety is a top priority.

With high heat equipment and sharp objects such as knives for chopping and chainsaws for ice carving, the environment must be safe for students and teachers.

Enrollment in the program counts for much more than credits toward a diploma. Students graduate with their ProStart National Certificate, which requires passing of two national exams and hundreds of mentored hours. The exams test on everything students have learned from management skills such as calculating food costs and restaurant design to cooking techniques and terminology. Half the mentored hours can come from participation in Eastside’s catering events and the other

half must come from a regular job in the industry. Certified students are eligible for scholarships and course credits for continuing education at leading hospitality and culinary arts schools. Graduates leave ready for the workforce, having obtained their ServSafe Certification, which is mandatory for all Florida restaurant managers, owners and operators. Current program director, Chef Pam Bedford, said she strives for the students to leave with so much more than just certifications and credits. “I want them to go out and realize that if they put in the work and the effort, anything is possible no matter what their dream,” she said. “This business is not an easy one, so they get to see firsthand how much work is involved but at the same time they see immediately the results of their hard work. If they can make that correlation for life in general, that is a good thing.”

One-third of Eastside High School’s culinary program students are first-year students. During their first year, students learn the basics. First and foremost, students learn about safety and sanitation — not only cleanliness but also how foods like chicken must be cooked to a certain temperature to avoid possible foodborne illnesses. They are trained on the equipment they will be using and begin learning classical French techniques, a region largely responsible for the creation of many world-renowned cuisines. These techniques include learning how to make the five mother sauces (béchamel, velouté, espagnole, tomato and hollandaise), the foundation for many recipes that every chef should have in their repertoire. Additional skills like deboning a chicken, cake decorating, fruit and vegetable carving, and even some ice carving are studied the first year.

After their first year, participants begin to get an idea of where they fit within the industry. Some like the flexibility of cooking more, and view a recipe as more of a guideline, allowing for creativity within the recipe. However, students grow within GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

51

From left to right: Mark Boner, Wesley Hill, Megan McDilda, Camryn Richey, and Megan MacDonald at the 2018 Prostart State Competition. the program in different ways. Typically, more patient pupils tend to lean toward baking, which is more precise and requires a higher degree of patience. The second year of the program, the curriculum also extends to more international types of cuisine. Eastside High School students in the advanced class get to shape their own program based on their interests and the latest food trends. For example, they learned to make the popular mirror glaze cake this year. The advanced class also gains hands-on experience in the Institute’s restaurant and catering facility.

While the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Education Foundation funds grants and scholarships for programs like this, the program requires many materials and funds to keep the pantry stocked. Eastside High School culinary students tend to an on-campus herb garden, and advanced students help raise funds by working the restaurant and catering facility.

First-year students study their coursework during the first two-hour block of each school day. Advanced students study the following two blocks, allowing for the restaurant and catering facility to operate

52

during that four-hour period. Hosting special events and luncheons not only gives students experience, but the revenue generated helps to support the program’s expenses. The Institute has catered events for many organizations, including the school board, Gainesville Woman’s Club, Gainesville Garden Club and the Rotary Club. Most events are catered on-site at the school. Chef Bedford explained that recent legislation changes now require students to ride in a different bus than equipment, and with only one bus for the program, this limits the ability for students to cater events off-site. Some organizations have desired the services of the Institute to such a high extent that they have assisted in transporting the equipment so that the students could arrive via bus and cater the event. Most events occur during school hours due to students’ schedules and during the advanced classes so that the more experienced students prepare and service the events.

The Institute of Culinary Arts at Eastside High School also faces strong local competition. The hospitality-focus in the state is reflected in the high level of competition in Florida ProStart schools, but

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Wesley Hill works with his teammates at the 2018 competition.

Megan McDilda adds ingredients to her dish.

A sincere thank you to everyone who attended and supported our 40th Anniversary Alumni Reunion Parties on Saturday, June 9. So many hugs and smiles, so much laughter and fond memories! Thank you for being a part of our MMS family! See more photos at millhopper.com/alumni

Celebratin Celebrating ZACK JERNIGAN PHOTO|VIDEO

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE

40 Years of Academic E 40 Excellence 2018 Excellence 8th Grade Graduating 40 Years Years of of Academic Academic

Left to Right: Analia Castellanos, Venumadhava Mirel, Madison Palmer, Maui Schw Sofia Vivas, Eduardo Santos, Nicole Brandt, Nikolai Gutierrez-Hernandez, A

2018 8th Grade Graduating Class 2018 8th Grade Graduating Class

Our graduating 8th Graders have been accepted to the f Middle school crucial time of development.

LeftistoaRight: Analia Castellanos, Venumadhava Mirel, Madison Palmer, Maui Schwartz, Arden Leedy, Nicholas Wilkie, Eastside High School’s Baccalaureate Program, Buchholz Hig Left to Right: Analia Castellanos, Venumadhava Mirel, Madison Palmer,International Maui Schwartz, Arden Leedy, Nicholas Wilkie, Sofia Vivas, Eduardo Santos, Nicole Brandt, Nikolai Gutierrez-Hernandez, Aviv Amdur, Shashank Pothu Millhopper Montessori’s unique methods allow Sofia Vivas, Eduardo Santos, Nicole Brandt, Nikolai Gutierrez-Hernandez, Avivof Amdur, Shashank Pothu Buchholz High School’s Academy Entrepreneurship, and Gainesville Hig each student to explore develop,8th while Speech, Drama and Debate are an Ourand graduating Graders have been accepted to the following programs: integral part of the Millhopper Way. Our graduating 8th Graders have been accepted to the following programs: the highly-credentialed teachers and STEAMStudents move from the steps Eastside High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, Buchholz High School’s Academy ofearly Finance, Accredited with of public speaking to advanced Eastside High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, Buchholz High School’s Academy of Finance, skills of researching, writing and enhanced curriculum to beof Entrepreneurship, and Gainesville High School’s Cambridge Program.

Buchholz Highprepare School’s them Academy delivering impactful speeches on Buchholz High School’s Cambridge Program. and crucial issues. In formal poised, compassionate, creativeAcademy leaders. of Entrepreneurship, and Gainesville High School’s current debates, theatrical recitations and Accredited with Accredited with

amarD ,hceepS Accredited by t fo trap largetni f evom stnedutS Affiliated with ikaeps cilbup fo Affiliated with Affiliated with hcraeser fo slliks apmi gnireviled curc dna tnerruc 352-375-6773 • millhopper.com irtaeht ,setabed 352-375-6773 • millhopper.com 8505 NW 39th Avenue amrofrep egats 8505 NW 39th Avenue erpxe dna ekam dna yltneuqole

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Light Bulb Moments at the Cade A-ha! Eureka! Great Scott!

Meet an inventor, create in the Creativity Lab and Fab Lab, learn about the invention of Gatorade in the Sweat Solution exhibit, and think outside the box in the Idea Atelier. Unlock your creative potential today at the Cade Museum!

811 S Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 www.cademuseum.org

Megan MacDonald works to create two identical three course meals.

The team celebrates theirsecond place win in the 2018 Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition.

Camryn Richey is the team manager for Eastside's competition team.

Eastside consistently places among the top five. To get to the National ProStart Invitational, schools must win their respective state competition.

Schools can compete in their choice of contest, nestled under the larger competition categories of management and culinary. For example, one of the culinary competitions is creating an edible centerpiece, which requires intricate fruit and vegetable carving. On the other hand, one of the management competitions requires students to design a restaurant and pitch it to potential investors (the judges). This year, Eastside High participated in the gourmet meal competition, where they had one hour and two butane burners to cook two, identical three-course meals (check out page 24 for some of their recipes!) and price the menu to showcase both their cooking and management capabilities.

Eastside’s Institute finished in second, an improvement from the previous year’s fourth place finish. The students are determined to improve even more next year and make it to nationals. “I have become a lot more confident in what I am doing and have gained many scholarships

from participating in the competitions we do,” said Eastside High student and 2018 state competitor Megan McDilda. Fifty schools participated in the 2018 state contest in Orlando and over $1 million in scholarships went to worthy students.

The five Eastside High School students who competed each won over $30,000 in culinary and hospitality school scholarships!

Mrs. Anna Elliott’s home economics class that took up two classrooms was just the first ingredient in the recipe that is inspiring students at Eastside High School. The program has evolved and the students are walking away with much more than skills in the culinary arts.

“Since being in this program, my grades have gone up and I have become a nicer person and have learned to work with people more,” said Wesley Hill, 2018 culinary competition team member. The Institute of Culinary Arts at Eastside High School is giving budding chefs an advantage upon entering college in the culinary or hospitality fields. They have confidence and experience under their belts and graduate with certifications that make them eligible for restaurant positions right out of high school. Sounds like the perfect recipe for success!

Eastside High School’s restaurant seats 120, so support these award-winning chefs and consider them for your next daytime event!

FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL CHEF BEDFORD AT

Bedfordpa@gm.sbac.edu

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

55

learn | family learning

Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling of STEM

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG

The glass ceiling has been broken in many areas of society, but one prominent area remains. Males continue to dominate STEM careers.

Thankfully, resources encouraging girls to pursue their interests in these fields are extensive with many right here in the Gainesville area.

BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN

STEM programs include subjects and topics related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. You may also see it written STEAM instead to include the importance of the arts. While girls are just as capable as boys to perform STEM-related jobs, research has consistently shown that girls tend to shy away from STEM activities and subjects as early as elementary school years largely due to gender stereotypes and girls being encouraged to pursue traditionally feminine careers.

According to Mathnasium, a Gainesville business specializing in enhancing children’s math skills, STEM careers are growing nearly twice as fast as other professions and currently make up approximately 90 percent of the best-paying jobs for recent college graduates. “This exponential growth has created a situation in which the demand for qualified STEM professionals is high,

According to the U.S. Census Bureau women fill only 24 percent of STEM jobs despite comprising 48 percent of the U.S. workforce.

56

but the supply of STEM workers to fill the positions is low, especially among women,” said Mathnasium Center Director Jason Reeves.

The relatively low supply of highly qualified women in STEM careers has led to a plethora of training programs and educational opportunities designed specifically to encourage girls and young women to pursue their interests in STEM fields and eventually enter into STEM careers.

For instance, the Girl Scouts offer STEM badges in digital art, science and technology and outdoor exploration to promote problem solving, critical thinking, better grades and opportunities for lucrative career paths. NASA also offers an annual Girls in STEM program for middle school girls each summer. Attendees participate in tours, hands-on activities, a career showcase and the opportunity to meet with female scientists and engineers from NASA. The event culminates in an Engineering Design Challenge where participants work on real-world challenges as members of a team as they apply what they have learned to technical problems.

STEM programs abound in the Gainesville area, and many of these programs include specialized programs for girls. Engineering for Kids of North Central Florida, Master Builder Camp and Santa Fe College’s College for Kids all offer STEM classes, camps, and other activities to children and youth in our region. The University of Florida sponsors or participates in several female-oriented STEM programs including a UF Girls Tech Camp where participants learn coding, augmented reality, 3D printing and scanning, crafting and technology, and video production. Both UF and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention hold women in science events such as Girls Build

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

the World, a hands-on event including activities and introductions to STEM careers in electrical and computer engineering.

According to Ashley Bryant, the Cade Museum’s marketing and communications director, a goal of the museum is “to attract the underserved and underrepresented girls in Alachua County, in particular, those on the East side.”

If your schedule or finances prohibit your daughter from attending these local events on a regular basis or if your daughter simply wants more STEM, do not fret. PBS has partnered with several organizations including the National Science Foundation to create SciGirls, a website, television show and online community tasked with providing resources and opportunities for girls across the country to get involved with STEM activities. Online games and mobile apps are another resource you can use quickly and easily. Nancy Drew Codes & Clues, GoldieBlox and Tynker are among the most popular, each of which teaches at least one computer coding language.

If your daughter expresses an interest in STEM activities, encourage her. Take advantage of resources supporting that interest and build her self-confidence in her abilities to break through that glass ceiling.

You might just have the next Einstein on your hands!

learn | homeschool corner

What You Need to Know About the Newest Homeschool Law

BY CRYSTAL LADWIG

In 2016, well over a hundred homeschooling parents attended an Alachua County School Board meeting to protest proposed changes to paperwork required of parents intending to homeschool their children in Alachua County. The proposed changes included personal information about children and their caregivers beyond what state law required. Those changes were put on hold at the time, but similar events have occurred throughout the State of Florida in the past two years.

Attempts by Florida school districts to require more of local homeschooling families than what state law requires led to a groundswell of advocacy resulting in new homeschooling legislation and the passing of House Bill 731, signed into law by Governor Scott in March 2018. HB 731 makes three main changes to Florida Statutes 1002 and 1003 that affect homeschooling families as of July 1, 2018.

1 The law clarifies that home education programs are not school district programs and that registration with a school district is “only for the purpose of complying with the state’s attendance requirements.”

2 The law states that parents intending to homeschool their children need only provide the district with each child’s full legal name, address and date of birth. Districts must “accept this notice and immediately register the home education program upon receipt of the notice” without requiring any additional information unless the student also participates in a school district program or service, such as extracurricular sports or music programs.

3 The statutory changes state that, “a school district may not further regulate, exercise control over, or require documentation from parents of home education program students beyond the

58

requirements of this section unless the regulation, control, or documentation is necessary for participation in a school district program.”

These three key changes are lauded by homeschooling groups across the state, including the Florida Parent Educator’s Association (FPEA), which is Florida’s largest homeschool advocacy organization.

“The two most imperative things for us to recognize as homeschoolers is that we all need to be diligent to protect our own rights and freedoms,” said FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn. “One of the most important ways we can do that is submit only the information you’re legally required to submit.”

According to Nunn, prior to the passage of HB 731, districts across the state asked for more information when registering a child with a homeschool program than the law required. These include such things as the child’s social security number,

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

homeschool curriculum selected, and personal information about the child’s parents. Historically, many parents choosing to homeschool their children have faced additional scrutiny from school and social services. According to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, some parents have even faced criminal charges for truancy, neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Some in the homeschooling community have since come to view any attempt by districts to request additional information or perceived restrictions with skepticism. Therefore, the passage of HB 731 has been viewed positively by homeschooling advocacy organizations.

Dr. Crystal Ladwig is a veteran special education teacher, college instructor and researcher turned homeschool mom. Crystal specializes in working with children with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health issues as well as children considered 2e (gifted + a disability).

Dancenter

learn | featured teacher

Jennifer Ebbeling What subject do you teach?

All! Each day our students receive instruction in English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. But beyond that we teach our kiddos how to work cooperatively, love one another and be a part of a community.

Why were you inspired to teach?

AT WHAT SCHOOL DO YOU CURRENTLY WORK? Meadowbrook Elementary WHAT GRADE/AGE DO YOU TEACH? Kindergarten

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? I love British literature of all sorts, but “Pride and Prejudice�

by Jane Austen will always have a special place in my heart.

Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for his students? An administrator who is truly devoted to making her school a better place? Giggle Magazine wants to know!

Visit Gigglemagazine.com to submit your favorite educator for a chance for him or her to be featured in one of our upcoming issues.

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What advice would you give to parents of children starting in your class?

I would love to tell them that I know the first day of kindergarten is a day full of emotion for so many parents and that it is OK to let yourself feel those emotions. It is a big day! Do not forget to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of drop off and admire your little one as he or she starts the next chapter.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

The moment the students walk into the classroom. My students come from so many different types of homes and family dynamics, but they all come in excited to be in school with their friends. I always look forward to starting off the day with hugs and smiles from my favorite people.

How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?

I listen to music almost all day. However, when I drive home at the end of the day, I typically drive home in silence. It gives me time to unwind and reflect on my day.

What do you like to do outside of the classroom?

I love doing just about anything outside!

My favorite outdoor activities are hiking, kayaking and snorkeling.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

There have been so many times that I have cried because of laughing so hard with my students. Just recently I was asked if I know how gentlemen and ladies dance. I could not help but laugh and imply that I would like to learn more. The two students then proceeded to set up their hands as if they were going to waltz.

They spun, giggled, she was twirled and he lifted her as she posed. I was also offered the chance to be lifted and twirled.

These moments bring me so much joy.

What is your favorite activity you do with your students?

I get so excited to teach science and have too many favorite activities to choose just one. Any science activity that allows the students to explore with hands-on materials is a win by my standards.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ebbeling

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER? I just finished my fourth year and cannot wait to begin my fifth year!

I want to instill a love of learning and a desire to explore in each of my students each year. This is something that can (and hopefully will) follow them for the rest of their lives. The standards we teach our students only go so far; a love of learning is limitless!

What has been your funniest interaction with a student?

Enroll them in Kumon today.

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learn | in the classroom

AP, IB or Dual Enrollment?

Deciding on the best program for your teen

BY NATALIE RICHOUX

recognizes high achieving students and begins with 1.6 million entrants that is reduced to 7500 finalists who receive scholarships). In addition the AP teaching students to become well-rounded, high achieving students, one of the biggest benefits is getting a jump-start on college.

If you want your child to get a jump-start on college, AP might just be the path for them, but you may also want to consider dual enrollment.

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High school is no longer the simple, straightforward path to becoming an adult it once was. Now there are many programs your child could enroll in depending on their goals and aspirations in life. High schools offer students opportunities to excel through accelerated programs (AP), dual enrollment and international baccalaureate programs (IB). What are these programs, and are they right for your child?

enrolling in the course. AP courses are designed to allow students to take college level courses throughout high school, helping them develop skills, abilities and content knowledge they will need later in college. Once a student has completed their AP course, they complete an AP exam that is graded on a scale of one to five. Scores of three or higher are often counted as college credit at many higher learning institutions in the United States.

Beyond college credits, AP can open many doors for a student, just ask Rena Cohen.

AP is offered at all public Alachua County high schools and homeschool students can signup to take an AP exam.

In order for a student to be part of an AP program, there is no criterion that must be met and they are not required to get teacher or counselor approval before

Aside from being one of just three students across the globe to earn a perfect score on the Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics exam, the dedication and hard work Cohen learned through AP programs led her to being selected for the national choir and becoming a national merit scholarship finalist (a program that

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Dual enrollment is a joint effort of many schools, public and private, in Alachua County. Different schools have partnered with Santa Fe College and the University of Florida, but not both universities are a part of every dual enrollment program.

Dual enrollment is available to all 11th and 12th grade students, but unlike AP classes, students must apply and gain admission to the university. Acceptance varies by university, but is generally based on placement scores, grades, GPA, conduct, attendance and extracurricular activities.

The purpose of a dual enrollment program is to offer students the opportunity to take college courses on college campuses.

A student’s time is split between their high school and the university with the courses the student takes at the university counting toward both their high school diploma and their college diploma. The goal of dual enrollment is to prepare students for college while students and families take advantage of free tuition that helps them gain credit toward both their degrees, although the amount of credit towards a high school degree depends on the school (for example, public schools have an equal credit but Oak Hall only has a ½ credit).

While AP and dual enrollment focus on gaining college credits, IB programs differ in their approach. A student still earns college credits with IB, but the goal of IB

in the classroom | learn

is to teach, “students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic. Prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish long after they’ve left our programmes” according to the official IB website. There are two educational tracks a student can take in an IB program: IB diploma program (DP) and IB career program (CP). However, Eastside High School (the only Alachua county school that offers IB), only offers DP. The DP is focused on student education to assist them in their academic endeavors and to excel physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. The CP is focused on an education that has a variety of international components to assist students in being in engaging, career-related education to help them achieve their career goals and often incorporates apprenticeships or internships as a component of the program.

Graduating from middle school, a student must have completed Algebra I and maintain a minimum of a 3.2 cumulative GPA if they are interested in IB. All 9th and 10th grade students take the same advanced courses (often called pre-AP courses) but after completion of their 10th grade year, they determine whether they want to follow the AP track or the IB track. In addition to having an exemplary record, after 9th and 10th grade completion of pre-AP courses, the student must submit an application directly to the International Baccalaureate Office. With the application, they must complete a variety of exams that include a math and reading exam with a score of four or higher on a scale from one to five, as well as responses to essay questions found on the application form.

While all programs sound appealing, they do come with an added intellectual rigor, so be sure to choose the right program for your child if you decide to enroll. But it is an academic rigor Alachua County students standup well to, as Alachua County public school student consistently receive some of the highest standardized test grades in the nation, including PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP and IB exams, according to Jackie Johnson, the director of communications and community initiatives for Alachua County Public Schools.

It can be difficult to determine which will be the best fit, but take time to sit down and talk to your child about their future goals.

If college is a goal, then AP, dual enrollment or DP may be good options to pursue as many high school students can graduate with up to 60 possible college credit, meaning when they start their ‘freshman’ year they will actually be a junior. However, if they are looking to go into a career out of high school, CP may be in their best interest.

Helpful Tips 1 2

Talk to your child’s counselor.

Explore all the program options together! They have tons of information available and are there to assist in making decisions like this one.

Understand that your student is not committed to a program once they enroll.

Your student could realize the program is not for them, and they can un-enroll for the following school year and return to regular classes.

3

Make a checklist of goals to accomplish through the program for your student!

You can do a yearly goal, semester goal, study goal, test goal or knowledge goal.

4

Study how to take notes (seems odd, but highly effective).

5

Make sure your student stays on top of their work!

6

Ensure your student knows how to take diligent and thorough notes!

These advanced educational programs move extremely quickly, so falling behind by even a day can become detrimental overwhelming.

Advanced educational opportunities are 50 percent hard work and 50 percent mental.

If your student convinces themself that the program is a difficult and impossible task, it will be! If your student convinces themself that it is a challenging, but manageable, task, it will be!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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top of the

CLASS

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Photo by Jimmy Ho Photography

From backpacks and lunchboxes to pencil cases and planners, make sure your kiddo is ready with all the best supplies for this school year, no matter their age!

PRESCHOOL

Stephen Joseph Go Go Backpack Alligator $21.90, Little Jill & Co. Animal Packers Booski Bear $38, Animalpackers.com EGGKIDS Maja Backpack $40, Kiddlykids.com

Dabbawalla Trunk Show Elephant Lunch Bag $30, Dabbawallabags.com

Stephen Jopseph Flip and Sip Bottle in Zoo $9.99, Little Jill & Co.

Stephen Joseph Sidekicks Backpack Unicorn $25, Little Jill & Co.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Yummy Gum my Pom Pom Pen $5, The Bung alow

Dabbawalla Ditty Bag $6, Dabbawallabags.com

Nintendo Game Boy Backpack 18” $29.99, Target and Target.com

Arctic Zone Cat’s Meow Lunch Bag in Denim $9.99, Target and Target.com

Zak! Designs Jurassic World 2 Reusable Sandwich Container $4.99, Zak.com

So Young Raw Linen Blue Dinosaur Grade School Backpack $45, Little Jill & Co.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL Black JOGGO Purpose Backpack $79.99, Joggobag.com

Upright Navy and Red Floral Lunch Bag $12.99, Target and Target.com

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Pink Triangles Lunch Bag $19.99, Target and Target.com

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Yoobi Composition Books, College Ruled $2.29 each, Target and Target.com

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Vera Bradley Iconic Campus Backpack in Microfiber Classic Black $138, Verabradley.com

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Vera Bradley Laptop Organizer in Superbloom $48, Verabradley.com

Floral Writing Pencils $12, Riflepaperco.com

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A D V E R TO R I A L

PREPARING TODAY'S STUDENTS FOR TOMORROW'S SUCCESS “Creativity = Capital” is the proud motto of Oak Hall School’s Fine Arts Department.

Instilling the spirit of innovation and invention in our students is the primary goal of our program. Our school’s advanced and challenging academic curriculum is providing students the opportunity to become curious and successful scholars. Our Arts program is also designed to not only prepare students with the skills needed to be successful in the arts, but also instill in all of our students the inventive spirit that will allow them success in any field of study and in life. This is the challenge our educational community enthusiastically undertakes.

“As a school we are preparing students to be successful in careers which don't yet exist,” Dr. James Hutchins said. “Creative problem solvers will be well equipped to find success in the future” With this challenge in mind, Oak Hall’s Fine Arts Department established the Arts Conservatory Program (ACP) in 2010.

This is an advanced track program that allows students to concentrate in theater, music, or visual arts. The ACP is designed to enhance students’ problem-solving skills, global/cultural awareness, and critical thinking skills through intensive creative study.

What do the Arts have to do with being successful in other fields? The answer lays in the creative process. Students in music, theater, and the visual arts are constantly asked to fully engage in the creative process as they work to reach their artistic potential. The creative process requires hard work, discipline, collaboration, risk taking, problem solving, and analysis. Students are constantly pushed out of their comfort zones via critique and required to find solutions to difficult creative problems.

“When we say Creativity=Capital, we are talking about value,” Oak Hall Music

Director Jason Stahl said. “There is value in being the type of person who has the confidence and creativity to solve any of life’s challenges."

“The Artistic process is very much like the scientific process,” Sarah Boon, recent Oak Hall graduate, said. Sarah was an honors student and member of the ACP. Sarah’s recent work examines both art and science.

Referring to her paintings as experiments, Sarah’s work examines the various forces of the universe on both a micro and macro level.

As a scientist she understands the nature of these forces, but as an artist she has become fascinated by their beauty. Sarah shared these concepts and her art with our fifth grade students at the Cofrin Gallery and had them participate in a creative project that examines motion, gravity, and chance. Sarah has also been accepted into NC State’s top ranked College of Design and has undertaken an internship at Gainesville’s own entrepreneurial powerhouse, Starter Space, with which Oak Hall has a growing relationship. “We are very excited about Oak Hall's new Innovation Program. Our partnership with the Co. Accelerator program from Collective and Co. at UF's Innovation HUB will provide many exciting opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Hutchins.

“The Arts at Oak Hall truly turn our STEM program into STEAM,” Art Department Chair Robert Ponzio said. “We are very excited to integrate the arts and engineering into classes like Creative Design, which focuses on bridge design as well as blacksmithing and metal work. With our coming new STEM center we are also excited to illustrate for our students how anything is possible if you have the curiosity, enthusiasm, and creative mindset to make your vision a reality.”

Robert Ponzio, Chair of Fine Arts and a Founder of the Arts Conservatory Program Robert Ponzio is the Chair of Fine Arts at Oak Hall School and is one of the founders of the Arts Conservatory Program. He earned a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in Painting from the University of Florida, is co-coordinator of the Cofrin Gallery, and teaches AP Studio Art, Upper School Drawing and Painting classes, and Creative Design. As an artist and educator, Mr. Ponzio has spearheaded global initiatives and fostered relationships with schools and arts organizations around the world.

He has also shared and celebrated these relationships with the Gainesville community through a variety of public exhibitions at the Cofrin Gallery, through public art projects, and a variety of other activities throughout Gainesville.

Beginning in 2018, he will be Oak Hall’s faculty liaison for the new Innovation Program, an opportunity for students with an interest in business, marketing, technology, and design to engage in hands-on experiences. This non-traditional class aims to inspire collaboration, creative thinking, professionalism, inquisitiveness, leadership, and responsibility. Business mentors from the Co. Accelerator program will guide our student team in the development of a collective business venture with Collective and Co. at UF's Innovation HUB.

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2009). Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8: Position Statement. Retrieved March 19, 2018: https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/PSDAP.pdf

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EXPECTING That Tingly Feeling

INFANT | 0-1 Snuggle Buddy

TODDLER | 2-3 Messy, Messy!

EARLY YEARS | 4-5 Photo by Jimmy Ho Photography

Tablet Time

KIDS | 6-9 Listen Up!

TWEENS | 10-13 The HPV Vaccine

TEENS | 14-18 Empty Nest, Full Heart

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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c2c | expecting

{PREGNANCY}

That Tingly Feeling

Unexpected effect of numbness after a C-section

BY JENNIFER JENSEN

In 2016, the cesarean (C-section) delivery rate for births in the U.S. was 31.9 percent, meaning approximately one in three women gave birth via C-section, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many women prepare for side effects of labor and delivery, but women who give birth via C-section can expect different side effects than those associated with a vaginal birth.

Dr. Joseph Iobst from All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology said women who deliver their babies via C-section will have a longer hospital stay, intense abdominal pain for the first week, a longer recovery time and a higher risk for infection. While many women have prepared for these better-known side effects of a C-section, there is a side effect that is not as known and is therefore often less prepared for.

Numbness near the incision site is a side effect that many women do not expect after a C-section and is a common side effect for many women, according to Dr. Iobst. Numbness occurs because, “small nerves get transected during surgery for the C-section,” he said. Due to the nerves being transected (completely severed), women will experience numbness near the incision site because the nerves are no longer functional, and some women may also experience itching near the site. To calm itchy skin, you can hold an ice pack (or ice) wrapped in a towel to the area for about five to 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to prevent the numbness women will experience following a C-section birth, Dr. Iobst said. Fortunately, the feeling will return as the nerves regrow, usually within several months, but recovery time varies and is dependent on each individual patient.

Justine Pearson, Gainesville mother of two, had both of her children via C-section and experienced numbness after each delivery, but said feeling did eventually return each time. For her, feeling near the incision site after the birth of her first child did not return until shortly before the birth of her second child, a little more than two and a half years later.

Gainesville mother of four, Joni Hubbard, also experienced numbness at the incision site following her C-sections with all four of her sons, but said feeling never returned. The whole area was numb for six weeks after surgery and then it was just the incision site, Hubbard said. “There is just no sensation there ... it doesn't bother me,” she said.

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Due to the nerves being transected (completely severed), women will experience numbness near the incision site because the nerves are no longer functional, and some women may also experience itching near the site.

To calm itchy skin, you can hold an ice pack (or ice) wrapped in a towel to the area for about five to 10 minutes.

Many women may be concerned about lifting their infant and the pain it could potentially cause after a C-section, but there are ways to do it safely. The Harvard School of Medicine recommends what they call a “football hold” where the baby’s body is under your arm and the head near your chest, which helps keep the baby’s weight off of your C-section incision. Once you are able, try walking to help ease some of the post-cesarean pains and discomfort. According to Nemours Hospital, walking helps blood circulation and promotes cell regeneration and growth to help the incision site to heal faster as well as prevent blood clots and constipation.

As with any type of surgery, remember your body needs time to heal completely. Before you know it, you will be running around and life will return to normal — well, as normal as life can be with a newborn!

c2c | infant

{ 0 -1 Y E A R }

Snuggle Buddy The benefits of cuddling your baby

BY JENNIFER JENSEN

There is nothing quite like snuggling with your baby.

From that oh-so-soft skin to that soothing baby smell, what is not to love about holding an infant?

But beyond those superficial benefits, cuddling actually has many health advantages for both babies and caregivers.

Cuddling can, and should, start directly after birth. Dr. Steadmon suggests a caregiver spend an uninterrupted hour of cuddle time with an infant right after they are born. Infants who are cuddled often feel soothed and calmed, which leads to decreases in their stress response. “This means babies will cry less and have improved blood glucose control, better temperature regulation and have improved outcomes all around,” she said.

The most beneficial type of cuddling involves skin-to-skin contact, which is when a caregiver lays the infant belly-down on their chest, both unobstructed with clothes so that their skin is touching.

According to an article published in the Journal of Perinatal Education, oxytocin increases significantly during skin-to-skin contact, which promotes maternal/newborn attachment, reduces maternal and newborn stress, and helps the newborn transition to postnatal life.

The close contact that both caregiver and infant experience during cuddling and skin-to-skin has numerous health benefits for the infant. Compared with newborns who did not have skin-to-skin care, newborns who experienced skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth showed enhanced cardio-respiratory stability, more stable blood glucose level, better body temperature regulation and more success in continued breastfeeding, according to an article published in the Journal of Perinatal Education.

Caregivers can also benefit through increased skin-to-skin time.

Cuddling baby decreases stress levels, which leads to improved mother-infant bonding and a lower risk of postpartum depression in the first month, according to Steadmon. “Skin-to-skin care is a win-win for everyone,” she said.

Skin-to-skin contact is not just for mothers and babies. All parents and other family members who will be primary caregivers for the infant should do skin-to-skin as well. “I recommend all caregivers bring a button down or zip-up shirt so they can snuggle their baby against their chest,” Steadmon said. “This also gives mom a chance to catch up on some much-needed rest.”

“Cuddling helps to improve bonding between the caregiver and baby, and makes a baby feel safe, loved, comforted and protected,” said Dr. Kendall Steadmon, pediatrician at UF Health Pediatrics Gerold L. Schiebler CMS Center and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “Babies are enclosed tightly in the womb, and they want to feel this same way following delivery.” Cuddling achieves this enclosed feeling and helps provide the infant with a sense of security and comfort.

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Whether the baby was just born or has been home for a few weeks, individuals with infants should be sure to add lots of cuddling and skin-to-skin time with the infant during their day-to-day lives to take advantage of all the natural health benefits from this form of contact.

Giggle Tip:

Never fall asleep with a newborn on your chest while cuddling.

c2c | toddler

{2-3 YEARS}

Messy, Messy!

Should you embrace or reduce messy eating habits?

Wooden Mushroom Bowl with Base and Cap $28.99, Amazon.com

BY CHRISTY PIÑA

As your little one leaves the baby stage and grows into a toddler, the days of enticing them to “open up wide for the airplane” as you spoon feed them mushy peas will eventually be replaced by their attempts to feed themselves. And when this phase begins, avoiding a messy kitchen or child is nearly impossible. However, there are ways to not only improve the journey of selffeeding and minimize the mess, but also to embrace this stage in your little one’s growing experience.

Use Plates with Suction Cups

Allowing toddlers to feed themselves is a battle of clean versus mess, with mess almost always coming out on top (at least in the early self-feeding phase). Part of the struggle is when your little one is done with food and decides they are done with the plate, too! Enter plates with suction cups. By using plates with suctions underneath, it is more difficult for your little tike to throw their plate. With these plates, all you have to worry about is your toddler dumping a spoonful of food on the floor, which is a little bit more manageable!

Plate Smaller Portions

It is simple. Less food equals less mess! This does not mean you should limit your toddler’s food intake, though. Simply break their meal up into smaller portions and add more food to their plate as needed. This way, when they decides they are done, there will be fewer leftovers with which they can play.

Keep Mealtimes Short

If your toddler is given more time with their food, the chances of them making a mess throughout the kitchen and dining room are much higher than if you kept mealtime short. Be sure to have the meal ready before your toddler is seated and make sure they are hungry! Doing so encourages them to eat at the table instead of playing at the table.

Serve Neater Foods

If you are in a rush with little time for after-meal cleanup, consider plating up something that naturally tends to be a bit neater to eat. For instance, you may want to give your kiddo a plate of pre-cut chicken and softened veggies instead of a bowl of messy spaghetti or all-too-easy-to-spill soup.

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DID KNOW?

If your toddler is given more time with their food, the chances of them making a mess throughout the kitchen and dining room are much higher than if you kept mealtime short.

Keep Calm and Parent On

From changing diapers to cleaning paint projects and everything in between, a parent’s job is a messy one. But life does not have to be neat to be fulfilling. While your first instinct when your toddler makes a mess may be to become frustrated, remember that self-feeding is an important step in building up their confidence and sense of independence. The messy eating phase certainly will not last forever, so embrace it and let your little one explore the different tastes and textures their food has to offer them.

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c2c | early years

{4-5 YEARS}

Tablet Time The pros and cons of kids using tablets

BY JESSICA FRANKLIN

Some parenting debates have been around for decades, such as co-sleeping or disciplining, but one of the newest debates is technologically centered. I have found myself extremely torn with regard to the hot button issue of tablets for children.

When my oldest was a toddler, our family made an overseas move and we had a period of several weeks without his books and toys.

With limited time and activities outside, and no books or toys, the only real option was the tablet. I filled it with learning games and PBS Kids videos, and I actually began to defend tablet use due to the results I was seeing! After only a few weeks of tablet use, my 2-year-old already knew the alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors!

However, the problem that I have seen is that the screen time habit is a hard one to break. That 2-year-old is almost a 4-year-old now and he would sit in front of his tablet all day if I would let him (I don’t). I have worked hard to get him to play with blocks or color a picture instead of perusing YouTube to watch adults play with toys.

My circle of parent friends fall all across the spectrum with regard to how much tablet time they allow their children. My niece carries hers with her everywhere and is on it a good majority of the day, while my neighbor’s children have never touched a tablet. The American Academy of Pediatrics has had a lot to say on the subject of digital media. Their most recent statement in 2016 cautions against allowing tablet use to replace physical activity and face-toface interaction, as these are important aspects of a child’s development.

There is certainly some value in carefully selected digital media use. Children have a variety of learning opportunities at their fingertips thanks to advances in technology. Tablets such as the LeapFrog LeapPad Platinum, Amazon Kindle Fire 7 Kids Edition, and VTech InnoTab Max are specifically designed for children and are educationally oriented with a variety of pre-loaded math, science, technology and arts applications. As an added bonus, these kid-friendly tablets also offer parental control options, so you can closely monitor what your child has access to and prevent any surprise purchases from Amazon! If you want to be able to reuse your old tablet for your little one, there are apps that you can download and use that are educational in nature, such as Seek, an

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app you use on a nature walk to learn about different plants and animals you see. My son’s favorite is the Talking ABC app, which makes learning the alphabet an interactive experience for children.

Additionally, there are educational shows your little one can watch that introduce different cultures that children might not otherwise encounter. If you are unsure of what to download, check out Commonsensemedia.org for reviews of different apps based on age group.

With some planning and restrictions in place, your family can enjoy the positive impact a little tablet time can have while minimizing the risks. In today’s digital age, it is unreasonable to shun the use of digital media altogether. Parents and caregivers should make a concerted effort to balance it with real-life experiences and social interaction to build individual skills that cannot be learned through a digital platform.

!

If you are unsure of what to download, check out Commonsensemedia.org for reviews of different apps based on age group.

c2c | kids {6-9 YEARS}

Listen Up! 6 podcasts designed just for kids

BY ISABELLA SORRESSO

Podcasts have been growing in popularity among all age groups in the last few years, and kids are no exception.

Though there are fewer podcasts for kids than there are for adults, they still exist and they are here to save your kids from staring at screens 24/7, even if just for a little while. Podcasts are ideal for small children as they keep them occupied while letting their imaginations run wild!

Whether they are staring out the window on long car rides or sitting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office for a few minutes, podcasts are an excellent way to entertain your children. Here are a few of our top picks if you want a new podcast to listen to with your little one.

WOW THE WORLD (Best for ages 6–10) It seems Wow in the World is the first podcast to pop up anywhere on the internet when searching for kids podcasts — and for a good reason. According to their website, Wow in the World attempts to, “inspire families to put down their screen and look up at the world together.” Only one year old, Wow in the World is the first child-centered podcast on NPR. The show is packed full of interesting topics such as black holes, superbugs and the benefits of fish oil that are discussed by co-hosts Guy Roz and Mindy Thomas in a way that makes it an enjoyable listen for kids and parents alike.

WHAT IF WORLD (Best for ages 4–9) This podcast explores the “what if?” questions running through just about every kid’s mind. Children seem to ask questions about anything and everything, and sometimes you just do not have the answers. That is where host Eric O’Keefe comes in. He turns kid-submitted crazy questions like “What if houses could fly and butterflies could walk and talk and cheetahs could jump into the sky and never fall down?” into entertaining podcasts that allow kids to continue asking those “what if?” questions.

THE ALIEN ADVENTURES OF FINN CASPIAN (Best for ages 4–12) Kids of every age will enjoy listening to 8-year-old Finn Caspian on his adventures as he travels through space solving mysteries with his friends. Described as a “serialized, sci-fi podcast for kids,” this podcast differs from the others due to its narrative style. If you are ready for a change from the talk-show style podcasts, the audio book format of "The Alien Adventures" may be the right choice for you and your little one.

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BUT WHY: A PODCAST FOR CURIOUS KIDS (Best for ages 6–10) In a similar style to “What if World,” this podcast uses kid-submitted questions to tackle seemingly simple questions with complicated answers. Focusing more on science and less on the silly, host Jane Lindholm brings in experts to explain the things mom and dad cannot. Show topics range from discussing what the biggest number is to how human hearts work to why tape is sticky.

LITTLE STORIES FOR TINY PEOPLE (Best for ages 4–9) Just as parents do not have the attention or desire to sit and watch C-SPAN for hours, many kids do not have the attention or desire to sit and listen to a two-hour podcast.

Each podcast on "Little Stories for Tiny People" is approximately 10 minutes long and perfect for little ones with imaginative and creative stories. According to the podcast’s website, “each story is lovingly written and performed with attention to the whimsical senses of humor children often possess.”

THE RADIO ADVENTURES OF DR. FLOYD (Best for ages 6–10) An oldie but a goodie, "The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd" began its run in 2004 and while it is officially over now, the website for the podcast has eight seasons of downloadable files for audiences to enjoy. In each five-minute episode, scientist Dr. Floyd travels through history to learn how to defeat his nemesis Dr. Steve. If you find yourself thoroughly enjoying this series but run out of episodes, the creator of Dr. Floyd has another podcast being produced called “Saturday Morning Theatre.” According to their website, “Saturday Morning Theatre” is a podcast where listeners, “travel back to the glory days of old time radio with these daring, and often funny, adventures that will capture the imagination."

You can find these podcasts on both websites and apps such as the Apple Podcast app, Spotify and SoundCloud. There are also apps made specifically for podcasts such as Stitcher, Castbox and Podbean, which have streamlined the process of listening and storing your podcasts all in one place. All of these apps are free in the app store or Google Play store and can be played on phones, tablets and computers.

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c2c | tweens { 1 0 -1 3 Y E A R S }

The HPV Vaccine

What parents of tweens need to know

BY TRACY WRIGHT

If your children are approaching their adolescent years, your pediatrician may have already discussed the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine with you. The vaccine protects against the virus that can cause health problems such as cancer and genital warts. Since 2006, more than 90 million doses of HPV vaccines have been administered nationally in the United States.

HPV is a virus that is spread by sexual contact, and nearly one in four individuals contract it at one point in their lives. While some HPV strains will clear naturally, others can lead to cancer or genital warts. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly more than 17,000 women and 9,000 men get cancer caused by HPV infections each year.

Many of these cancers do not cause symptoms until they have become serious.

Most pediatricians recommend that both females and males receive the first vaccination before they turn 15 and receive their second vaccination six months after the first. On average, pediatricians are now recommending that children receive their first dose at their 11- or 12-year checkup.

“As with any vaccine, early protection is key to prevention of the illness itself. We also now know that pre-teens who receive the vaccine before turning 15 years old only need two doses of the vaccine for long-term protection,” said Melissa Fitzgerald, a pediatrician at University of Florida Health who practices at UF Health Tioga Pediatrics. “The most commonly given vaccine is the 9-valent vaccine, which protects against nine strains of HPV.”

The two-dose vaccine series is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, and that is why we recommend it for tweens and adolesents.

- Dr. Mas

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Although children can receive the vaccination after they turn 15, they will need three doses of the vaccine rather than two and the schedule is different. Children will receive the second dose one to two months after the first dose and the third dose six months after the first dose. It is still optimal that a child receives the two-dose vaccination before 15, said Olga Mas, a pediatrician at Alliance Pediatrics in Gainesville.

“The two-dose vaccine series is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, and that is why we recommend it for tweens and adolescents,” Dr. Mas said. “It has been shown to work extremely well in protecting against HPV related cancers and genital warts. The vaccine is made from one protein from the virus, and it does not cause infection or cancer. There does not appear to be evidence that the vaccine loses ability to provide protection over time.”

However, Dr. Fitzgerald discussed limitations of the vaccine and individuals who are not candidates to receive the HPV vaccine, such as individuals with specific allergies and individuals over the age of 26. “People who have had an immediate allergic reaction to yeast should not receive the HPV vaccine. As with any vaccine, individuals with a moderate or severe illness should wait until the illness has improved before getting vaccinated,” Dr. Fitzgerald said. “The HPV vaccine is safe and recommended for individuals who have immune compromising conditions, although they may need three doses of the vaccine regardless of their age to be fully protected.”

Talk to your physician if you are considering the vaccine for your family or visit Cdc.gov for more information.

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c2c | teens { 1 4 -1 8 Y E A R S }

Empty Nest, Full Heart

Staying in contact with your teen during the college years

BY APRIL TISHER

You spend the first 18 years of a child’s life loving and nurturing them. Every day you share meals, snuggles and chores. You know when they come and go, where and with whom. But now, after helping them grow into a young adult, it is time for your baby to leave home to attend college. Everything is going to change.

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When we were young adults leaving for college, it was a more drastic departure from home due to the limitations of being able to stay in touch with our loved ones back home. This is no longer the case. The technology of today affords us a variety of options to stay in touch with friends and family, both near and far. Part of keeping in touch with your new college student is deciding on your method(s) of contact and how often you will reach out to your child. Leaving home for college is an exciting and scary adventure for your children, and it is their time to begin figuring out who they are as they grow into their own individual. A parent’s responsibility is learning a new balancing act: allowing your children the freedom to explore, but also letting them know you are still there for them.

them into calling or visiting more. Toney said she utilizes both technology through texting and old-fashioned care packages to stay in touch.

Having already sent two daughters to college, local mom Donna Jo Toney knows a little about how to manage that balancing act.

Her first cautionary tale is to remember that your children are individuals, and what works for one child might not work for the next one. “Keeping in mind your child’s individual personality traits and putting those ahead of your own needs is essential,” Toney said. What you may want or what one of their siblings wanted may be different from what this child wants for their first adventure outside of the home. It can be hard to learn that, as a parent, you have to give them their own space.

Care packages are good ways to stay connected and show you are thinking of your children without getting too emotional — baked goods, gas cards, grocery cards, short notes or funny cards are all great options. Toney also says she shares inspirational quotes with them on social media when she knows they have something big coming up, like a final exam, and sends “checking in” texts every few days to let them know she is still there and supporting them.

Other than that, she takes her cues from her daughters on how frequently they want to reach out and stay in touch to allow them room to become their own individuals.

Toney admits that, as a “clingy mom,” it was hard to adjust to not being close to her children. She learned in her first parent orientation that you have to back off and give your child room to grow, especially their first semester. Giving your children room to grow means not asking them to come home constantly, not calling and texting every day and not making them checkin on a daily basis. It is important here to let them set the tone for how often you make contact and when you do make contact, she advises to keep the communication light and not guilting

Toney’s final piece of advice was a caution against trying to be in control of the communication between other family members and the college student. Let siblings, grandparents and other parents take their own lead in how and when they talk. Your young one is on the path of maturing and growing, and with that they have to learn for themselves the value of family and how to keep in touch.

It is never easy seeing your child leave your home and begin to become an adult, but with the advances in technology, staying in touch with your child is a breeze!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

A parent's responsibility is learning a new balancing act: allowing your children the freedom to explore, but also letting them know you are still there for them.

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STUPID

ANNOYING

UGLY

LOSER

CYBERBULLYING

BY TRACY WRIGHT

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GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

35 PERCENT

Most parents of tweens and teenagers will inevitably have to navigate the wars of social media. Over the last decade there has been a significant increase in technology and social media apps in our day-to-day lives.

While beneficial in many ways, there has also been a large drawback: a steep rise in cyberbullying through intimidation and humiliation.

With every passing day, parents are subjected to news headlines detailing a teenager’s suicide at the hands of cyberbullying. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year. Bully victims are two to nine times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University.

These untimely deaths leave parents scrambling for answers and friends riddled with guilt. According to a 2016 report from the Cyberbullying Research Center, a representative sample revealed that approximately 35 percent of children surveyed, aged 12–17, had been a victim of cyberbullying, with 16 percent admitting to having bullied someone else.

“Cyberbullying is the electronic version of traditional or in-person bullying, which has been defined as ‘unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.’ The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time,” said Jeff Temple, Ph.D. and director of Behavioral Health and Research at the University of Texas Medical Branch. “Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious, lasting problems.”

OF CHILDREN SURVEYED, AGED 12–17, HAD BEEN A VICTIM OF CYBERBULLYING, WITH 16 PERCENT ADMITTING TO HAVING BULLIED SOMEONE ELSE.

oversleeps or has trouble sleeping, feels angry and/or depressed after being online or seems depressed all the time,” said Ross Ellis, founder and CEO of STOMP Out Bullying ™. “They may lose interest in things they have always enjoyed, become secretive about online activities or withdraw from friends and family.”

If a parent finds out their child is a victim of cyberbullying, parents should work to ensure that their child feels safe, talk to their child and be sure to listen as well, Ellis said. “Do not contact the parents of the child doing the cyberbullying. Instead, work with the school, report the cyberbullying to the content provider and obtain counseling for your child. I would advise parents to save, copy and print evidence that their child is cyberbullied. If physical threats are involved, contact law enforcement.”

Parents need to be aware of not only bullying behaviors for those being bullied, but also those either doing the bullying or bystanders of bullying. One of the major problems associated with this is the psychological syndrome of moral disengagement, said Holly T. Moses, Ph.D., lecturer in the Department of Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida. “Moral disengagement is the process by which a person who would normally not take an action, because it is considered immoral, disengages that impulse. What cyberbullying adolescents and teens do not see is someone’s reaction to their online comment so that moral compass is temporarily lost,” Moses said.

However, parents can be proactive in helping to end a child’s cyberbullying by recognizing certain patterns. “Often those who cyberbully may have positive views towards violence and may be aggressive towards parents, teachers and other adults,” Ellis said.

“They feel a need to control and dominate others and situations and may be hot tempered, impulsive and easily frustrated. They may test

When it comes to your kids, what should you look for to identify that your child is being cyberbullied? “Some signs that your child may be a victim of cyberbullying include [when] your child unexpectedly stops using their devices or is nervous when using their digital devices, is afraid to go to school or outside, GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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limits, boundaries and breaks rules and may show little sympathy towards others who are bullied.” Cyberbullying has become a prolific problem in society, which is why it is important to recognize signs that a child is either being bullied or is a bully.

16-year-old Texan native, David Molak, fell victim to cyberbulling by classmates who mocked his appearance and threatened physical violence against him. After months of cyberbullying, Molak took his own life in January 2016. His parents created David’s Legacy, a foundation aimed at raising awareness about cyberbullying and suicide. The family worked with state politicians on a bill, David’s Law, to make cyberbullying a crime in Texas when it leads to injury or suicide and the victim is a minor. The law was passed and fully enacted in September of 2017.

Currently, Florida law does not have a separate statute outlawing cyberbullying, but its stalking law covers “cyberstalking” as well. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor crime if he or she willfully, maliciously and repeatedly harasses or cyberstalks another person.

However, cyberbullying is a felony crime if the person engaging in it also makes a credible threat to the victim. While legislation has been slow to criminalize cyberbullying in its various forms, many states are now taking initiatives to pass new legislation to deter individuals from becoming cyberbullies.

“We are not doing enough to educate and prevent all types of cyberbullying,” Moses said.

“We need more parental education and more interventions in the schools with partnerships between school counselors, health coordinators and community psychologists. Parents also

need to be aware of psychological, developmental and legal ramifications if their child is both a bully or a bystander.”

Josh Ochs of Smartsocial.com, a website designed to educate parents, children and educators about being a safe online citizen, advises that parents do not give children access to cellphones or any other kind of social media until they are 14 and then do everything they can to safeguard the device.

“You wouldn’t allow your child to drive away in a car and never look in that car or make sure they are driving it safely and responsibly,” Ochs said. “The same should be true of devices and social media. You are not invading your child’s privacy — you are simply protecting them.

Your child should not be on any social media of which you are not and can’t have access to. Their password should be shared with their parents and parents should be free to search through it. Constant dialogue about being a safe citizen online should always happen.”

For parents and children, there are websites like Stopbullying.gov, Stompoutbullying.com and Smartsocial.com that offer many free or low-cost resources for both parents and educators. Locally, the Alachua County Public School District has a specific statute that has a no-tolerance policy on cyberbullying if a student is found to be bullying others and could lead to behavioral interventions, suspension or expulsion for the bully. Most experts would agree to reach out to the local police department or sheriff’s office if your child is a victim of cyberbullying with physical threats against them or others and working closely with school counselors to address other forms of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying Resources • Stopbullying.gov • Stompoutbullying.com • Smartsocial.com 92

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

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community | calendar

aug | sept AUGUST 1

AUGUST 2

i.Baby & Me Class

i.Baby & Me Class

10:45–11:30 a.m.

IndepenDance Studio Independancestudio.com

AUGUST 3

Summer Heatwave Pool Party

5:45–6:30 p.m.

IndepenDance Studio Independancestudio.com

2-6 p.m.

Andrew R. Mickle Sr. Pool Cityofgainesville.org

Moms, dads and grandparents are welcomed to join their little ones between the ages of 18 months and 2 K years in a dance and movement class. Classes cost $10, but the first one is free!

Event repeats every Wednesday.

Moms, dads and grandparents are welcomed to join their little ones between the ages of 18 months and 2 K years in a dance and movement class. Classes cost $10, but the first one is free! Event repeats every Thursday.

Kids can cool off in the pool and enjoy dancing, music and food at this free event.

AUGUST 1

AUGUST 3

AUGUST 3

Gym Jam 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com Children 5 years and older will participate in a coach-led warmup, receive instruction on each gym apparatus and have open workout time during this two hour program. Prices range from $18 for members to $20 for nonmembers. Repeats every Wednesday.

Stay and Play 9-11 a.m.

Sun Country Sports - West Suncountrysports.com Kiddos 5 years and younger will develop basic motor skills as they participate in obstacle courses and bounce around in the Bounce Room before ending with Circle Time and a snack. Prices range from $11 for members to $13.25 for non-members. Repeats every Friday.

Splash Jam 5–6 p.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com Swimmers of all skill levels can join in for 30 minutes of mixed group instructional time, followed by 30 minutes of open swim time.

Prices range from $15.75 for members to $19 for non-members. Event repeats every Friday.

AUGUST 3

AUGUST 2

Broadway Babies 9:15–10 a.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com This parent-toddler program will help your little one explore music and dance through props, costumes and fun-filled activities. Admission ranges from $10 for members to $12 for nonmembers. Event repeats every Thursday.

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AUGUST 3

Tot Times: Looking at Line 11 a.m.

Harn Museum of Art Harn.ufl.edu Tour the Harn with your little ones with this program designed for children ages 2–5. Space is limited, so arrive 15 minutes early to register.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Gym Jam Jr. 5–6 p.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com Children between the ages of 3 K and 5 will participate in a coach-led warmup, receive instruction on each gym apparatus and have open workout time during this one-hour program. Prices range from $12 for members to $15 for non-members.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | JUNE/JULY 2018

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AUGUST 3

AUGUST 4

AUGUST 7

Gym Jam

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Guided Walk

Annual National Night Out Against Crime

10 a.m.–Noon Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Kanapaha.org

5–7 p.m.

High Springs Civic Center

5–7 p.m.

Sun Country Sports - West Suncountrysports.com Children 5 years and older will participate in a coach-led warmup, receive instruction on each gym apparatus and have open workout time during this two hour program. Prices range from $18 for members to $20 for non-members.

Repeats every Friday.

AUGUST 3

Friday First in Downtown High Springs 5–8 p.m.

Downtown High Springs Highsprings.us With special sales and music, downtown High Springs is the place to be the first Friday of every month.

Take your family out for a guided tour of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ 24 major collections. This tour is $8 for adults, $4 for children (5-13) and free for children under 5 as well as members.

AUGUST 4

Community Capoeira Class 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Capoeiraacademyofgainesville.weebly.com Apex Martial Arts offers this free AfroBrazilian martial arts class for all ages. Event repeats every Saturday.

AUGUST 4

AUGUST 3

Parent Night Out 6–10 p.m. o2b Kids! Gainesville Supercenter O2bkids.com

Splash Jam Noon–1 p.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com

Five- to 13-year-olds will enjoy group games and other fun activities as well as a pizza dinner.

Prices range from $15 for O2B members and $25 for non-members.

Swimmers of all skill levels can join in for 30 minutes of mixed group instructional time, followed by 30 minutes of open swim time.

Prices range from $15.75 for members to $19 for non-members. Event repeats every Saturday.

AUGUST 3

AUGUST 5

Free Fridays Concert Series: Bridget Kelly

Splash Jam

8-10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Gnvculturalseries.org Enjoy blues music under the stars at this free, family-friendly concert.

AUGUST 3-5

Florida Back-toSchool Sales Tax Holiday During this sales tax holiday, tax does not apply to bags, clothing, footwear and wallets with a sales price of $60 or less, as well as school supplies with a sales price of $15 or less.

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12:15–1:15 p.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com Swimmers of all skill levels can join in for 30 minutes of mixed group instructional time, followed by 30 minutes of open swim time. Prices range from $15.75 for members to $19 for nonmembers. Event repeats every Sunday.

AUGUST 7

Stay and Play 9–11 a.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com Kiddos 5 years and younger will develop basic motor skills as they participate in obstacle courses and bounce around in the Bounce Room before ending with Circle Time and a snack. Prices range from $11 for members to $13.25 for nonmembers. Repeats every Tuesday.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

This free, family-friendly community event features food and drinks, face painting, bounce houses, K-9 demonstrations and more to help promote police-community partnerships.

AUGUST 7

University of Florida Summer Symphony Concert 7:30–9:30 p.m.

University of Florida School of Music Arts.ufl.edu Come out and enjoy a free concert by the University of Florida’s School of Music.

AUGUST 8

Story Time at the Zoo 10–10:30 a.m.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Bring the kids out for a free story time hosted by Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library.

AUGUST 9

Museum Nights: Time for Art 6–9 p.m.

Harn Museum Harn.ufl.edu Enjoy the art of the past, present and future at this free, family-friendly event.

AUGUST 10

Free Fridays Concert Series: The Duppies 8–10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Gnvculturalseries.org Enjoy ska and reggae music under the stars at this free, family-friendly concert.

AUGUST 17

AUGUST 13

First Day of Classes for: Alachua County Public Schools Millhopper Montessori School Healthy Learning Academy P.K. Yonge Brentwood School

AUGUST 14

First Day of Classes for: Queen of Peace Catholic Academy Saint Francis Catholic Academy Cornerstone Academy

AUGUST 15

First Day of Classes for: Oak Hall School Gainesville Country Day School The Rock School

AUGUST 11

UF Health Shands Childbirth Education Class 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

UF Health Shands Hospital Room 2147 Ufhealth.org This expansive course covers the birthing process, pain management options, and postpartum care. It includes a tour of the labor and delivery and mother/baby units. The class costs $50.

Sunny’s Showcase Open House 6:45–9 p.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com Enjoy open exhibitions, free play, swimming, free food, enrollment discounts and more at this open house event.

AUGUST 17

Free Fridays Concert Series: Heavy Petty/Hedges 8–10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Gnvculturalseries.org

Enjoy this tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers under the stars at this free, family-friendly concert.

AUGUST 18

Family Fishing Day: Back to School Bonanza 8 a.m.–Noon UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds Sfrc.ufl.edu

Take the family fishing in one of the six UF/ IFAS catching ponds. You can bring your own gear or use the provided loaner poles and bait.

The event is free and open to the public, but donations of aluminum cans and used printer toner cartridges are appreciated.

Ninja Jam 2:15–3:30 p.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com Designed for boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 13, this class includes 30 minutes of mixed group instruction and 45 minutes of open ninja time. Prices range from $15.75 for members to $19 for non-members.

AUGUST 16

Third Thursday on Main 5–9 p.m.

Main Street, Alachua Cityofalachua.com The whole family can enjoy music, food and shopping in Alachua’s Downtown area at this monthly event.

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Ninja Jam 9:30–10:45 a.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com Designed for boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 13, this class includes 30 minutes of mixed group instruction and 45 minutes of open ninja time. Prices range from $15.75 for members to $19 for non-members.

AUGUST 19

High Springs Music in the Park & Concert Series: Abe Partridge with Kyle Keller 2–4 p.m.

High Springs Museum Santa Fe Listening Room Highspringsmusicinthepark.com Enjoy this “listening” style event, sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, the City of High Springs, the High Springs CRA and more.

AUGUST 19

Florida Football Fan Day 2–4 p.m.

Gators Indoor Practice Facility Floridagators.com Your kiddos will be able to get autographs from Head Coach Dan Mullen while enjoying food and music at this free event.

AUGUST 18

Free Wellness Weekends 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

North Central Florida YMCA Ncfymca.org Head to the North Central Florida YMCA for open swim yoga, fitness demonstrations, healthy living presentations and more, all for free!

AUGUST 18

AUGUST 15

AUGUST 18

Sensory Storytime 11–11:35 a.m.

Alachua County Library Headquarters Branch Attend.aclib.us This special sensory storytelling time is hosted in collaboration by the Alachua County library system and Center for Autism Related Disorders (CARD). Admission is free.

AUGUST 18

Family Friendly Bike Ride 9 a.m.

Depot Park Gccfla.org Come out to Depot Park with your bikes for a fun family bike ride through the trails at the park. Event is free and hosted by the Gainesville Cycling Club. Helmets are required.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

AUGUST 21

UF Health Shands Newborn Care Class 7–9:30 p.m.

UF Health Shands Room 2147 Ufhealth.org This class is designed to help new parents learn to care for their newborn and covers topics such as diapering, soothing and infant safety. The class is $15 to attend.

AUGUST 24

Free Fridays Concert Series: Mark Miale, Tony McMahon and Friends 8–10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Gnvculturalseries.org Enjoy this tribute to the music of Buffalo Springfield under the stars at this free, familyfriendly concert.

Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano presents THE THIRD ANNUAL BENEFIT EVENT FOR THE ALACHUA COUNT Y HUMANE SOCIET Y AND THEIR COMMUNIT Y PART NERS

Thursday, november 8th, 2018 | 6 PM – 10 PM The Barn at Rembert Farms in Alachua, Florida

November 8, 2018 Save the Date!

T HA N KS T O OU R E AR LY S P ON S OR S :

For sponsorship information and further details, visit our website or call Margot DeConna at 352-415-2460.

woofstock2018.com

Florida Museum of Natural History

October 13•10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Butterfly Releases Live Animals & Entertainment Food/Merchandise Vendors Plant Sale Oct. 12-14 FREE Activities For All Ages

2018

www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/butterflyfest

#ButterflyFest Butterfly Rainforest admission is $13 adults ($11 Fla. residents and seniors), $6 ages 3-17.

3215 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL 32611 352-846-2000

•

AUGUST 28

SEPTEMBER 7

SEPTEMBER 8

UF Health Shands Breastfeeding Class

Tot Times: Faces & Places

Florida Gators vs. Kentucky Wildcats

7–9 p.m.

UF Health Shands Hospital Room 2147 Ufhealth.org Perfect for expecting mothers, this class teaches you the benefits of breastfeeding, optimal latch positions, how to store pumped milk and more. The class costs $15 to attend.

AUGUST 31

Free Fridays Concert Series: The Progressive Rock Experience 8–10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Gnvculturalseries.org Enjoy this tribute to ‘70s progressive rock under the stars at this free, family-friendly concert.

SEPTEMBER 1

Arts & Crafts Show & BBQ Cook-Off 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Fort White Community Center Fortwhitechamber.org Enjoy a fun outing with over 100 vendors, live music, food vendors and a BBQ cookoff. The event is free to attend.

SEPTEMBER 1

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Guided Walk 10 a.m.–Noon Kanapaha Botanical Gardens Kanapaha.org Take your family out for a guided tour of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens’ 24 major collections. This tour is $8 for adults, $4 for children (5-13) and free for children under 5 as well as members.

SEPTEMBER 1

Florida Gators vs. Charleston Southern Buccaneers

11 a.m.

Harn Museum of Art Harn.ufl.edu Tour the Harn with your little ones with this program designed for children ages 2–5. Space is limited, so arrive 15 minutes early to register.

SEPTEMBER 7

Gym Jam Jr. 5–6 p.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com

Children between the ages of 3 K and 5 will participate in a coach-led warmup, receive instruction on each gym apparatus and have open workout time during this one hour program. Prices range from $12 for members to $15 for non-members.

SEPTEMBER 7

Friday First in Downtown High Springs 5–8 p.m.

Downtown High Springs Highsprings.us

With special sales and music, downtown High Springs is the place to be the first Friday of every month.

SEPTEMBER 7

Parent Night Out 6–10 p.m. o2b Kids! Gainesville Supercenter O2bkids.com

Five- to 13-year-olds will enjoy group games and other fun activities as well as a pizza dinner.

Prices range from $15 for O2B members and $25 for non-members.

SEPTEMBER 7

Free Fridays Concert Series: The Shambles 8–10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Gnvculturalseries.org

Enjoy classic rock music under the stars at this free, family-friendly concert.

7:30 p.m.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Floridagators.com

SEPTEMBER 8

Bring the family out to The Swamp to cheer on the Gators in their first game of the season!

9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

UF Health Shands Hospital Room 2147 Ufhealth.org

SEPTEMBER 3

Labor Day - Schools Closed

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UF Health Shands Childbirth Education Class

This expansive course covers the birthing process, pain management options, and postpartum care. It includes a tour of the labor and delivery and mother/baby units. The class costs $50.

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

7:30 p.m.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Floridagators.com Bring the family out to The Swamp to cheer on the Gators against the Wildcats in this SEC faceoff.

SEPTEMBER 9

National Grandparents Day SEPTEMBER 12

Story Time at the Zoo 10–10:30 a.m.

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo Bring the kids out for a free story time hosted

by Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library.

SEPTEMBER 13

Museum Nights 6–9 p.m.

Harn Museum Harn.ufl.edu Bring the family out for a night of fun that will engage the whole family with through fun activities and performers. Free admission.

SEPTEMBER 14

Lemon Ball of Gainesville 6–9 p.m.

Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention Alexslemonade.org Enjoy an evening of music, food and drinks while raising money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s efforts to find a cure for childhood cancer.

SEPTEMBER 14

Movie Night: “Sherlock Gnomes” 8–10 p.m.

Tioga Town Center Tiogatowncenter.com Bring the kiddos out to Tioga Town Center for a free, family-friendly movie under the stars.

Be sure to pack lawn chairs or a blanket.

SEPTEMBER 14

Free Fridays Concert Series: The Imposters 8–10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Gnvculturalseries.org Enjoy this tribute to The Beatles under the stars at this free, family-friendly concert.

SEPTEMBER 15

SEPTEMBER 16

Family Fishing Day: Aquatic Education Day

Folk in the Springs

8 a.m.–Noon UF/IFAS Fishing Ponds Sfrc.ufl.edu Take the family fishing in one of the six UF/ IFAS catching ponds. You can bring your own gear or use the provided loaner poles and bait.

The event is free and open to the public, but donations of aluminum cans and used printer toner cartridges are appreciated.

SEPTEMBER 15

Free Wellness Weekends 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

North Central Florida YMCA Ncfymca.org Head to the North Central Florida YMCA for open swim yoga, fitness demonstrations, healthy living presentations and more, all for free!

2–4 p.m.

Downtown High Springs Highspringsmusicinthepark.com

Family Friendly Bike Ride 9 a.m.

Depot Park Gccfla.org Come out to Depot Park with your bikes for a fun family bike ride through the trails at the park. Event is free and hosted by the Gainesville Cycling Club. Helmets are required.

SEPTEMBER 18

SEPTEMBER 22

UF Health Shands Newborn Care Class 7–9:30 p.m.

UF Health Shands Room 2147 Ufhealth.org This class is designed to help new parents learn to care for their newborn and covers topics such as diapering, soothing and infant safety.

The class is $15 to attend.

SEPTEMBER 19

2:15–3:30 p.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com Designed for boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 13, this class includes 30 minutes of mixed group instruction and 45 minutes of open ninja time. Prices range from $15.75 for members to $19 for non-members.

SEPTEMBER 15

Third Thursday on Main

Ninja Jam

5–9 p.m.

Main Street, Alachua Cityofalachua.com

Designed for boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 13, this class includes 30 minutes of mixed group instruction and 45 minutes of open ninja time. Prices range from $15.75 for members to $19 for non-members.

SEPTEMBER 15

Florida Gators vs.

Colorado State Rams 4 p.m.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Floridagators.com Bring the family out to The Swamp to cheer on the Gators against the Rams!

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8–11 a.m.

University of Florida Gale Lemerand Drive Kids4kidsflorida.org Children ages 4–18 will swim and bike on the University of Florida campus and run through the Ben Hill Griffin Football Stadium to help raise money for local children’s charities.

SEPTEMBER 20

9:30–10:45 a.m.

Sun Country Sports – West Suncountrysports.com

Kids4Kids Triathlon

Enjoy the music of acoustic artists from across the state during a walking tour of the historic downtown district. This community event is free and open to the public.

Ninja Jam

SEPTEMBER 15

SEPTEMBER 22

The whole family can enjoy music, food and shopping in Alachua’s Downtown area at this monthly event.

SEPTEMBER 21

Free Fridays Concert Series: Michael Claytor & His Friends 8–10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Gnvculturalseries.org Enjoy fold and pop music under the stars at this free, family-friendly concert.

SEPTEMBER 22

Public Lands Day Get free admission to any of the 400 national parks in the country!

GIGGLEMAGAZINE.COM | AUGUST/SEP TEMBER 2018

Fun4Gator Kids Touch-A-Truck 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Santa Fe College North Field Gatortouchatruck.com Kids and parents will be able to come out and touch and sit in big trucks you often see around town. For families with smaller kids, there is a quiet hour from 9– 10 a.m. where the vehicles will not be using their horns, sirens, PA systems or bullhorns. Admission is free.

SEPTEMBER 22

GatorLAN 10 a.m.–Midnight UF J. Wayne Reitz Union GatorLAN is a large gaming event at the University of Florida where you can bring kids to play a variety of video games. There will also be a free art corner, prizes and giveaways.

Admission is free.

SEPTEMBER 25

UF Health Shands Breastfeeding Class 7–9 p.m.

UF Health Shands Hospital Room 2147 Ufhealth.org Perfect for expecting mothers, this class teaches you the benefits of breastfeeding, optimal latch positions, how to store pumped milk and more. The class costs $15 to attend.

SEPTEMBER 28

Free Fridays Concert Series: Gilberto De Paz & Tropix 8–10 p.m.

Bo Diddley Plaza Gnvculturalseries.org Enjoy Latin fusion music under the stars at this free, family-friendly concert.

SEPTEMBER 30

Acton Children’s Business Fair 1–4 p.m.

Childrensbusinessfair.org Little ones have the opportunity to create their very own startup business at this one-day marketplace. Applications are due August 31.