Giggle Magazine October/November 2010

al achua

count y’s

PREMIER

F A M I LY

MAGAZINE

®

happy family • happy community TM

OCT/NOV 2010 • Volume 2 • Issue 5

do-it-yourself Halloween crafts

celebrating life + hope with

breast cancer

awareness month

Thanksgiving tablescape

plus! a our pie contest winner!

the 411 on

organic interview

with c

elebr

it

Tylery chef Flore nce

gigglemag.com

Nicole Irving Publisher Shane Irving Vice President Chris Wilson Managing Editor Leslie Vega Art Director Amy Keene Visual Designer and Coordinator

ScareMeNots are a very special kind of monster. They will hang out all night so to protect from any bedtime scary moments.

They will protect your little one as they sleep comfortably all night long.

Being in the dark never felt so safe!

Enter now at gigglemag.com

through November 15th for your chance to win a ScareMeNot of your choice!

Contributing Writers Wendy Joysen, Alison Walker, Helen Kornblum, Dana Kamp, Janet Groene, Sondra Randon, Kelsey McNiel, Tamara Herchel, Madison McNary, Ashley Hoover, Dan Griffin Editorial assistant: Christina Vila Contributing Photographers Laurel Housden Photography, Kelsey Lynn Photography Sales Tracey Hardin, Shane Irving Web Master Julie Rezendes Mission Statement giggle magazine is a modern and refreshing magazine for the families and communities of Alachua County, Florida. With our sole purpose of keeping families and communities connected, giggle magazine will keep readers intrigued, informed and inspired, with up to date information and heartwarming stories.

Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Irving Publications is not responsible for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Nothing that appears in giggle magazine may be reproduced in any way, without written permission. Opinions expressed by giggle writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion. giggle magazine will consider all never before published outside editorial submissions. Irving Publications, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates.

irvingpublications 5745 SW 75th Street #286 Gainesville, FL 32608 p. 352.505.5821 f. 352.240.6499 www.gigglemag.com advertise@irvingpublications.com giggle magazine is registered trademark property of Irving Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. giggle magazine is published by Irving Publications, LLC. © 2010 al ac hua

coun t y’s

PREM I ER

FaM I ly

dd

M aGaZI n E

®

happy family • happy community

f

delic ayd holid kies! ious

coo

TM

DEC/JAN 2010 • Volume 1 • Issue 6

the peace akeeping with the family during the holidays it’s potty training time! creative gift

wrapping ideas!

www.gigglemag.com

ADDY AWARD WINNER 2010

Members of

4

giggle

happy family • happy community

14

28

every month

40

features

10 Charity of the Month

8 Parents’ Glossary for Texting

22 In The Kitchen

14 Halloween Crafts

Susan G. Komen For the Cure giggle’s first Pie Contest

26 Health & Wellness Healthy holiday eating

32 Why I Love Raising My Family in Gainesville 36 Giggle Stamp Holiday gifts

45 For Dads. By Dads.

TM

19 Taming Your Child’s Fear of the Dark 21 Say “Thank You” Worldwide 28 A giggle Thanksgiving

columns 20 All Kidding Aside

Tough questions answered about kids, family, school, parenting, and everything in between

30 The Legal Side

Informing families of the important legal issues that affect them

53 Organized Solutions

Professional organizer Helen Kornblum helps us find easy ways to keep our busy family lives organized.

33 Thank You Note Etiquette

40 411 On Organic Interview with Tyler Florence

Carving the turkey

46 Local Lifesavers

Safe Web sites for the kids

50 Family Spotlight

UF basketball assistant coach Darren Hertz starts a family

55 Ladies’ Night Out

A night of pampering at Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center

57 Giggle Dollars Tips for a successful garage sale

61 giggle Trips

E

REC

YC L E T H

IS ISS

UE • PLEA

S

giggle Trips takes you to Tallahassee

UE • PLEA

ISS

on the cover Breast Cancer Halloween Crafts Pie Contest Winner Thanksgiving Tablescape 411 On Organic

10 14 22 28 40

al achua

count y’s

PREMIER

FaMIly

MaGaZInE

®

happy family • happy community TM

OCT/NOV 2010 • Volume 2 • Issue 5

do-it-yourself Halloween crafts

celebrating life + hope with

breast cancer

awareness month

Thanksgiving tablescape

plus! a our pie contest winner!

the 411 on

organic interview

with cel

ebrity

chef

Tyler Floren ce

gigglemag.com

Cover model, Liam of Gainesville Photo courtesy Laurel Housden Photography

S

If you live in Alachua County and are interested in receiving giggle magazine for free, visit our web site at gigglemag.com to subscribe now! giggle

magazine • oct/nov 2010

5

E

REC

YC L E T H

IS

Letter from the Publisher

I

moved to Florida when I was 10 years old. Aside from missing my friends and family that I had just left in New York, there was something else that I missed: the well defined seasons.

Winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each beginning to a season was clearly marked as my mother would get together our different wardrobes. Leaves changing in the fall, blizzards with snow as high as I was, and the smell of fresh cut grass in the summer are what I remember most.

However, my life in South Florida was marked by none of this…Shorts and bathing suits were year-round attire and the weather was occasionally crisp enough for a V-neck sweater. To me, there was something very wrong with swimming on Christmas and carving pumpkins in tank tops.

So, join me in welcoming the new season. Make it feel at home with caramel apples, cinnamon spice candles, and a tall Pumpkin Spice latte.

Can you imagine my excitement when I experienced my first “Florida” seasonal changes in Gainesville? Spring and summer were lovely, but my favorite, fall and winter were the best. The crisp fall air, pumpkin patches galore, and frost on my car in the morning made me feel right at home.

Gainesville has so many great things to offer families year round, but there is something special in the air during the fall. And no, I am not talking about the Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks, although those are very good indeed.

I am talking about the array of festivals, pumpkin patches and charity events that seem to come alive with the new season. Behind every corner, there is something fun and exciting to do as a whole family.

our cover cutie! Meet

Liam

Publisher’s Checklist For this Fall

k Find the perfect pumpkin k Costume contest with kids k Make caramel apples k Roast pumpkin seeds k Get involved with a charity k Do a family friendly craft k Go on a hayride k Set up my lawn scarecrows k Stock up on candy corn k Take our traditional photo of my boys in the pumpkins

aNicole Publisher

Photo above, Nicole with oldest son, Tyler

in other giggle

news

Our cover cutie is Liam of Gainesville. k Liam is 9 years old k His favorite sport is golf k He’s planning on being a zombie for Halloween this year! k His favorite movie is “Star Wars” k Liam is the first mate of his dad’s boat, The Turdship Enterprise. He is also a world traveler.

6

giggle

bund le of

joy Meet Baby Amelia

Congratulations to giggle writer Tammy & her husband Mike Amelia Rose Herchel was born September 2, 2010 at 4:24pm at 7lbs 4oz, and 20.5 inches long!

Photo by Sweet Serendipity Photography

parents’

glossary for

Texting

idk

Find out what all those codes really mean ave you checked your teen’s mobile phone bill to see how many text messages he sends and receives each month? Chances are those numbers are in the thousands. Today’s teens have ways to communicate that only seemed possible in science fiction movies 20 years ago. If you know a teenager, chances are you’ve seen them two-handing their telephone keyboard with thumbs blazing as they text friends, relatives and acquaintances all at the same time.

lol

And, if you’ve ever tried to read one of those messages, it can sometimes look like nothing more than a mishmash of letters, numbers and symbols. Maybe your son has sent you one of these cryptic messages, leaving you worried for hours only to find out later that he was just studying at his girlfriend’s house? Here are some of the more popular translations to help you interpret these conversations:

2MOR tomorrow 411 meaning “information” 511 too much information (more than 411) asap as soon as possible b4 before BF boyfriend bff best friend forever btw by the way cos because cya see ya cyt see you tomorrow

fyi for your information GF girlfriend gtg got to go idk I don’t know jk just kidding l8r later lol Laugh out loud omg oh my god oxox hugs and kisses rofl roll on floor laughing RUOK are you OK? s2r send to receive (pictures) sup what’s up thx thanks tmi too much information ttyl talk to you later w/ with w/e whatever zzzz sleeping or bored

Symbols/Emotions happy :-) Sad :-( laughing :-D Surprised :-o

pare

nt

s b e awa re

}

4Q lmfao wtf

*profanity*

Be EXTRA cautious if you see these text codes: 420 let’s get high

(meaning marijuana) 6Y sexy fyeo for your eyes only paw parents are watching

(or prw)

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

H

By chris wilson

A Perfect Date Night.

Where every moment is a memory in the making.

HIPPODROME THEATRE

352.375.HIPP thehipp.org Find us on Facebook!

25 SE 2nd Place, Downtown Gainesville

DRACULA on stage October 15 - November 7 THIS WONDERFUL LIFE on stage November 26 - December 19 A CHRISTMAS CAROL on stage November 27 - December 19

by tamara herchel Photos by Laurel Housden Photography

10 giggle

charity spotlight p One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime...

and Susan Goodman Komen, inspiration for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, was one of them. Susan learned she had breast cancer in 1977, at age 33. Her sister Nancy was by her side for the duration of her 3-year battle with the disease, and as Susan’s struggle came to an end, one of the last conversations the sisters shared was about ways to help other women diagnosed with breast cancer. Nancy has done everything in her power to fight breast cancer since founding Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 1982, proving that one person really can make a difference.

Breast Cancer Facts

There are different types of breast cancer. Non-invasive, which is sometimes referred to as Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), occurs when cancer cells are confined to milk ducts.

Invasive breast cancer takes place when abnormal cells break out into nearby breast tissue, allowing the cancer cells to spread to the lymph nodes and eventually metastasize in vital organs like the liver, lungs and bones.

In either case, tumors in the breast can grow very slowly.

A lump can sometimes take up to 10 years to detect by the touch, emphasizing the importance of regular mammograms.

According to Tamara Krause, the executive director for Susan G. Komen for the Cure North Florida, approximately 193,000 women and 1,900 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010; 40,000 women and 450 men will lose their lives to the disease. Although many risk factors, such as genetics, are beyond control, research shows some lifestyle factors can contribute to reducing risk. With the help of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, advances in research have brought us closer than ever to understanding this complicated disease.

Breast Cancer Here at Home

Alachua County is home to some breast cancer superstars, whose stories truly stand out. First, meet Sue Morrison. An avid runner since 2007, Sue was age 43 and literally in the best shape of her life. She had completed several 5K’s, 15K’s, and even a half marathon and she’d registered for her first full marathon just one month prior to her diagnosis in September 2009.

Having been blessed with an early detection thanks to her annual mammogram, her doctor recommended surgery to remove the tumor. Subsequent questionable spots appeared on her MRI that also had to be removed. Sue underwent surgery on September 24, two weeks after her first diagnosis. Her physicians were able to preserve her breasts and conduct only lumpectomies, removing the growths. Even better news was when Sue’s breast cancer tested negative for having a genetic component, which was such a relief for the mother of three. Sue and her husband Craig had great concerns for their youngest daughter Emily, who will still need to begin yearly mammograms at age 33.

Although Sue’s surgery removed the tumors, her doctors recommended an aggressive round of chemotherapy due to the size and severity of the growths. “Dense dose chemotherapy,” as it is called, reduces the chance of recurrence. In Sue’s case, she was prescribed eight doses of chemotherapy over 16 weeks.

Throughout the ordeal, Sue remained dedicated to her running and participated in her first post-diagnosis run over Thanksgiving weekend 2009. She and her family joined together for the Outback Classic half-marathon in Jacksonville. Sue, in a T-shirt proclaiming her a “Rock Star on Chemo,” and her family proudly sporting complementary shirts emblazoned with “I’m With the Rock Star on Chemo!,” will never forget that race.

Sue

How does Susan G. Komen for the CureHelp?

Nearly every advancement in breast cancer research has been assisted by Komen funding. In fact, the charity has invested nearly $1.5 billion in the fight against breast cancer and it is the world’s largest network of activists and survivors.

There are more than 120 regional Susan G Komen for the Cure affiliates worldwide, and for each affiliate, 75 percent of funds raised go to local services and resources.

The Jacksonville-based North Florida affiliate conducts regular assessments to pinpoint where their efforts will be most useful, such as breast cancer education, diagnostic procedures, and support services. The remaining 25 percent of locally generated funds go toward national breast cancer research. Thus, every fundraising effort really does count, for the most part in your own community.

giggle

magazine • oct/nov 2010

11

Her next few chemo sessions became more challenging, but Sue’s focus was on a bigger goal than recovery- her upcoming race! With her husband, daughter, and friend at her side, she headed to Orlando for the January 2010 Disney Marathon, feeling the best she had since beginning her treatment. At 5:45 a.m., the race began with fanfare and fireworks. Sue boasted tears of awe and gratitude that she’d actually made it. The seven-hour adventure was an amazing experience that fulfilled one of Sue’s biggest dreams and she’d done it while on chemo.

Since her chemotherapy, Sue has completed radiation treatment and her passion for running is stronger than ever, having completed another milestone race called the Gate River Run in Jacksonville.

Sue said her dedication to God and His constant support and presence in her life, especially during this trying time, helped her to pull through the tougher times- one of her favorite verses during this ordeal has been Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Sue also has been blessed with such an incredible support system of loved ones -- her family, including her husband Craig, and her dear friend Robin, a breast cancer survivor herself, have been invaluable to Sue’s recovery.

remember for a lifetime

Carrie

Although fitness has always been an important component of her habits, Sue has dedicated more time to making healthy food choices and she shops organic when possible. She also stays involved with the American Cancer Society, participating in walks and runs.

“My heart’s desire is to let ladies know that there is hope,” said Sue. “A breast cancer diagnosis is not the

end of the world, and does not have to destroy your life. I have grown spiritually and physically through this process and look forward to helping others walk through it. Just knowing someone had been there before me made a huge impact on my emotional well-being.”

While Sue’s story has a happy, uplifting ending, not all who are touched by breast cancer share in her good fortune. For Carrie Simmons, her experience with breast cancer is one of love and loss. The youngest of three children and the only girl, Carrie was only 9 when her mother Shirlee, then 31, was first diagnosed with breast cancer. Carrie recalls her mother’s frequent absences in fifth grade, which became more frequent for longer bouts of time. It was then that Carrie learned her mother was in the hospital, although she was unclear as to why. Her family, including her mother, father, stepfather and grandparents, felt it was best to protect the children from the disease, shielding them from the severity of her mother’s illness. Carrie’s mother underwent chemotherapy and radiation because her breast cancer was at an aggressive stage and Shirlee ended up losing her right breast at the age 31. Carrie later learned that her mother knew something was wrong for almost a year before seeking treatment.

12 giggle

a

After Shirlee’s treatment, Carrie felt that she looked and felt great, although still the family avoided discussions about her mother’s health. Carrie noticed her mother embracing life, purchasing new cars, spending time with her girlfriends, even buying a Harley-Davidson motorcycle! Shirlee’s dedication to her family really shined through at this time, throwing extravagant parties for no reason; holidays, according to Carrie, were over the top, to “remember for a lifetime.”

pink!

think

Shirlee became more involved with the children, giving advice and teaching life lessons that Carrie, now as an adult, has come to appreciate more and more.

Unbeknownst to Carrie, her mother’s battle with breast cancer had continued through all of this time. Two weeks prior to Carrie’s 16th birthday, her mother finally lost her battle and left Carrie and her family for good. Not understanding the severity of her mother’s disease made the impact that much more of a challenge for Carrie.

Carrie has learned from this experience to teach her children everything she can and to express her love for them, because she knows better than anyone that tomorrow she might not be here.

She also has learned the importance of being open and honest with her children, as she wishes she’d been given the opportunity to cope with the knowledge about her mother’s disease.

“Children are amazing and understand more than we give them credit for,” said Carrie.

Today, Carrie donates to breast cancer fund raisers to show her support. She also celebrated her mother’s life on the 20th anniversary of her passing by participating in the Avon twoday walk, raising more than $14,000 with her team, “Shirlee’s Girlies.” The amazing experience left her with a sense of pride, especially knowing that her mother would have been proud as well.

think pink!

Sonia Kashuk Travel Make-up brushes Target

Fiskar® Scissors Michael’s Craft Stores

Nail Tek Crystal Nail File Spa Royale

(352) 333-5800

Wilson Hope Players Golf Balls

Target

Pandora Bracelet Lang Jewelers (352) 672-6299

Pink Ribbon Jibits Mini Maggie in Rose Coach stores

Get Involved!

Interested in contributing to breast cancer research and fundraising efforts? Consider some of these opportunities!

• The 16th Annual Komen North Florida Race for the Cure® takes place Saturday, October 23, at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. In conjunction with the annual race, the North Florida affiliate will also host a Health & Fitness Expo, October 21-22, 2010. Please visit www. komennorthflorida.org/Race2010.

• The 2010 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Gainesville, benefiting the American Cancer Society, also takes place Saturday, October 23. This event kicksoff at 9 a.m., with registration opening at 7:30 a.m. in downtown Gainesville. Please visit www.makingstrides. acsevents.org • Shop for your support on www.shopkomen.com where you can purchase a variety of items from apparel, accessories, and gifts with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen for a Cure foundation.

• Host your own fundraiser! Passionately Pink for the Cure allows participants to set the own date, time, and theme for a breast cancer fundraiser. For some great event ideas and tips, such as Passionately Pink Bake Sales, Pajama Parties, and more, visit www.passionatelypink.org

Breast cancer has taken many lives and, unfortunately, it will take many more. By helping in any way, anybody can impact the fight against this dreadful disease.

giggle

magazine • oct/nov 2010

13

easydiy

Halloween Crafts!

Photos by Laurel Housden Photography

Halloween is the perfect time to get “crafty� with your children.

Here are some fun and easy crafts that you can do together.

classic ghost pops These classic ghosts are the perfect addition to any party.

Supplies

Blow Pops Tissues (actual tissues, not tissue paper) Ribbon

Wrap each lollipop in tissue.

Tie bottoms with ribbon and display in jar or hang for decoration.

w

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

Directions

spooky house

Perfect for children 6 and up, this is the perfect addition to any spooky decor.

make your own

frame

Easy and fun to make, this frame is the perfect place for all those Halloween or fall photos.

Supplies: Orange paint Black buttons Plain Wood frame Paint brush All purpose glue

Directions:

w

Paint wood frame with two coats of orange paint. Let dry completely.

When dry, layout black buttons to desired layout on frame. Carefully glue each button where they were laid out. OR, glue buttons on in a random pattern!

Lay flat to dry completely.

Once dry, place favorite photo in center.

Supplies:

• Cardboard craft house • Halloween erasers • Creepy cloth • Construction paper • Tape

• Spider web • Halloween rings • Craft sticks • Glue • Acrylic paint

Directions:

1. Apply two coats black paint (allowing drying time in between coats)

2. After the black paint has dried, take a dry paint brush and dip it in silver paint and dab off any excess.

Then brush the silver all over the house leaving a weathered effect (re-apply the silver paint to your brush as many times as needed to create the effect all over the house.)

3. Cut yellow construction paper into strips that are big enough to cover the inside of the windows.

4. Cover the strips of paper with creepy cloth and tape them to the inside of the house, covering all of the windows.

5. Take construction paper or any type of cardboard and cut it to fit the doorway. Tape it to the inside of the house (for this house I used a piece of cardboard from the packaging of one of the supplies that had a black cat on it.)

6. Cover the roof of the house with “spider web” and place a few “spiders” in it. If using spider rings, simply cut off the part that goes around your finger.

7. Take one of the Halloween erasers and glue it above the front door.

9. Take the craft sticks and break them, leaving jagged edges. Then cut all of the bottoms off to leave you with a smooth edge.

10. Using white paint, apply two coats to the craft sticks (allowing drying time in between coats)

Photos by Laurel Housden Photography

11. After the white paint has dried, take a dry paint brush and dip it in black paint and dab off any excess.

Then brush the black all over the sticks leaving a weathered effect (re-apply the black paint to your brush as many times as needed to create the effect on every stick)

12. Using unbroken sticks as your back and base, first glue the broken sticks on to the back support about 1/4 inch apart and once the glue has dried, glue each section onto a base, creating a fence. (The front fences for this house were created using a 1/2 craft stick for the back & base and the side fences were created using a whole craft stick for the back and base) 13. Glue your fences around the house

14. Taking four bat rings, cut the part off that goes around your finger and glue them to various parts of the fence.

w special thanks to The Plant Shoppe and Kristy Cardozo giggle

magazine • aug/sept 2010

15

It is time for your child to put on the best costume and pick out the largest pillowcase in the house to fill with goodies.

As you prepare your child for trick-or-treating, it is important that you educate them about how to have safe fun and how to stay away from harm.

don’t!

do’s &

don’ts of

trick-or-treating

by Madison McNary

Candy

Getting too caught up in the gobs of candy can put your child at risk. It is recommended that parents keep in mind what candy or food children should not eat after trick-or-treating, so there is no confusion later. Tell your children not to eat any of their candy until you have inspected it.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, any candy or treats that are homemade, unwrapped, or appearing to have been tampered with should be thrown away immediately.

Location

Halloween brings great family activities each year. From pumpkin carving to haunted houses and, best of all, trickor-treating, these are just a few fun aspects that mark the season. But, remember that a fun Halloween is a safe Halloween.

Location is also important when trick-or-treating. Always trick-ortreat in well-lit areas and, if you are going to trick-or-treat after dark, the Sheriff’s Office suggests carrying a flashlight or glow stick. The Sheriff’s Office also suggests that trick-ortreating be done in neighborhoods that children and parents know well and shortcuts across backyards and alleys should always be avoided.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office also suggests that you check for the presence of sexual offenders or

predators in the neighborhood where your children will be trick-or treating. Offenders are listed by zip code on the web at www.fdle.state.fl.us.

Costume

As you select your child’s costume make sure it is trick-ortreat-friendly. Avoid costumes that could cause the child to trip or costumes that cannot be seen in the dark. You want your child to be comfortable and enjoy trick-or-treating, without having to worry about wardrobe malfunctions.

Home Safety

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office also suggests making your home and property safe for trick-or-treaters by removing any obstacles on the path to your door and restraining dogs and other pets. Keep your home well-lit and if you provide candy, make sure it is individually wrapped. The Sheriff’s Office also promotes using artificial lights rather than candles.

do!

So, embrace all that Halloween has to offer this year and enjoy the excitement of trickor-treating with your young ones. And, most of all, have a safe and happy Halloween.

NUMBERS TO KNOW Power Outages, Emergencies and Downed Power Lines (352) 334-2871 Natural Gas Service Emergencies (352) 334-2550 Water and Wastewater Service Emergencies (352) 334-2711 GRU Customer Service (352) 334-3434 Internet Help Desk for Gator.Net and GRU.Net (352) 334-3000 Visit Storm Central at www.gru.com to download hurricane guide and safety information 18 giggle

Taming Your Child’s Fear of the Dark

A guide to thwarting the monsters in the closet and the shadows of the night

By Christina Vila

Daytime is full of adventures for children. They become pirates and princesses, superheroes and schoolteachers, conquerors of anything and everything.

Then the night comes, and bravery subsides to a child’s biggest fear: the dark. The dragons slain during playtime suddenly have become the monsters in the corner of the room; the tree branches climbed all day turn into shadowed claws. The dark can be scary, especially for young children with amazing imaginations.

The key to helping children conquer this fear is learning to understand where this fear is coming from.

According to Dr. Trina Webb, MD, chief fellow at the University of Florida’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, a previous trauma can trigger thoughts that lead to a generalized hyper-vigilance and fearfulness. If this traumatic event can be traced back to a parent, as in cases of abuse or neglect, continued contact with the parent can produce fearful thoughts. Yet, the fear can also appear in kids without any history of trauma.

“Even the most caring, adept parents can have children who are afraid of the dark,” Webb said.

from parents. If a nightlight will help keep their fears at bay, install one in the room. Make a routine of checking the room before tucking them in. Help ease their fears by making sure the children know they can still call on you in the middle of the night, if things get a little too scary.

Webb suggests using “monster spray” to help comfort children. Parents can walk around the room spraying any harmless substance and checking all the spots where scary things would lurk, spraying away the monsters while the child looks on. This popular technique used by parents helps the child feel “empowered and protected against the unknown dangers lurking in the darkness.”

Webb reminds parents to be patient with children. Every child is an individual. What works to ease one child’s fears may not necessarily work for another child. The key to helping kids overcome fears is support and an endless supply of reassurance and patience.

Register to

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

According to an article on AllProDad.com, children begin to dream between the ages of 1 and 3. The images they see can seem scary to them since they are inexperienced and cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy.

“The dark can represent a multitude of fantasy fears,” Webb said. “Fear of the dark is very common in young children, but usually dissipates by 10 years of age.”

Another trigger for this type of fear may come from the media. If children are exposed to violent or scary television shows or movies inappropriate for their developmental age, especially if this occurs right before bedtime, they may transform these images into dreams.

Bedtime stories, on the other hand, can sometimes alleviate instead of enhance fears. Parents should choose stories that do not contain ominous characters to help children relax before bed instead of stirring up their emotions.

Children will eventually outgrow this common fear, assures Webb. They just need reassurance and a little help

Details at gigglemag.com giggle

magazine • oct/nov 2010

19

p all kidding aside Retired elementary school counselor, Wendy Joysen, answers tough questions about kids, schools, parenting, & everything in between.

M

y son was recently diagnosed with diabetes. With Halloween approaching, how do I handle the risk of candy collecting and trick-or-treating?

Although gorging on all of the Halloween candy that your son can collect while trick-or-treating is definitely not an option, with proper monitoring and the “OK” from your doctor, he can enjoy the occasional treat by integrating the treat into his meal plan. This will minimize the disruption of his blood glucose and allow him to enjoy a piece of candy that he earned while trick-or-treating. To help you develop your son’s diet plan you can visit the website www.childrenwithdiabetes. com to see a break down of carbohydrate values for common candies.

You can also make a plan with your son to sit down with the family after trick or treating to exchange some of his candy for something else.

Younger children might enjoy exchanging candy for a small toy and older children might appreciate exchanging candy for money.

There are also several charitable organizations that would love the donation of Halloween candy. Plan with your son ahead of time which charities can receive his donated candy. Some options might include homeless shelters, hospital organizations for families, family members who are in the military or any military support group. There is a military program called Operation Gratitude that sends candy to U.S. Military who are deployed in harm’s way.

Several dental offices in our area also

20 giggle

collect Halloween candy and exchange it for toothbrushes, coupons to local eateries, etc. You can bring your son to Progressive Orthodontics Associates in Gainesville or Tioga Dental Associates in Jonesville for their Halloween candy exchange. Tioga Dental will be exchanging unwrapped Halloween candy for a dollar a pound on November 1. This will allow your son to turn in his candy for something that not only keeps his body healthy but keeps his teeth healthy too!

If candy collection is something that you must stay away from, offer to host a Halloween party for your family and friends.

With a little planning, this could be a wonderful and safe way to celebrate Halloween with everyone! Have a costume contest for the children and the adults. This allows the parents to enjoy the fun of dressing up as well. Instead of using traditional candy dishes, use fruits and vegetables to decorate around the house!

Continued on page 23

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

You have every reason to be concerned! According to the American Diabetes Association, about one in every 400-600 children and adolescents have Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes. This creates quite a challenge when Halloween, and all of the fun it brings, approaches each year. But, there are many activities that you and your family can do that will continue the fun you can have with Halloween and help increase the health of your son... and possibly, his friends too!

say thank you languages! in all of these

One of the first things we teach our children when they learn to talk is the word “thank you.” “Pank ooo” as my son says as he takes his sippy cup from my hands. The first time I heard it done on his own, I was SO happy.

HE REMEMBERED! Showing thanks, being thankful, and saying it are so important. Not only is it proper manners to “thank” but it makes others feel good that you appreciate what they did for you, what they gave you and what they gave UP for you. In a time where resources are tight, the simplest words of “thank you” go longer than you can imagine.

Merci

french Giggle magazine salutes the word

thank you

“thank you”

sign language

hebrew

Danke

german

Photos by Laurel Housden Photography, stock photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

with a showcase of the word in different languages…..

grazie italian

obrigado

chinese

gracias spanish

portuguese giggle

magazine • oct/nov 2010

21

our pie contest

Winner!

meet our winner! Oreo Peanut Butter Pie Kathy Hastings

ingredients: 9” Oreo Cookie pie crust

1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 cup peanut butter 1 small package instant vanilla pudding pie filling 1 ½ cup milk 10-12 Oreo cookies crumbled 1 8 ounce container Cool Whip

directions: 1. In small bowl add sugar and peanut butter. “Crumble” together

kathy Hastings

Married to David Hastings (a Gainesville native!)

Kathy has one daughter - Abby, age 8 - in third grade at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy.

Kathy has been a physical therapist and educator for 24 years, and she is currently employed at North Florida Regional Medical Center. “I feel blessed to have a career that I enjoy so much,” she said.

Kathy’s hobbies are cooking and baking, as well as gardening, travel, reading. Her grandmother was a great inspiration to her as a baker. “ I have so many childhood memories of her baking wonderful pies, cakes, brownies. Her mom is a really good cook, and she taught me a lot of the basics while I was growing up ,” Kathy said.

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notes: You can use creamy or chunky peanut butter.

To lighten calories, you can use sugar free pudding mix, skim milk, light Cool Whip, and low fat Oreos.

For a “non-chocolate” option, use graham cracker crust and omit Oreos.

For a “more chocolate” option, use chocolate pudding pie filling.

a big thank you to our judges Claire Browning of Yum Cupcakery Darleen Randall of Take Away Gourmet Frank Mari and Mike Rothfeldt

Photos by Laurel Housden Photography

k

with fork.

2. Put half of mixture in pie crust.

3. Combine pudding mix and milk. Whisk for 1- 2 minutes, until thickened. Pour over crust.

4. Top with half crumbled Oreos and half remaining peanut butter crumbles.

5. Top with Cool Whip.

6. Top with remaining Oreo and peanut butter crumbs.

7. Freeze for 1 hour to set.

8. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Continued from page 20

You would be amazed at how a head of cauliflower can look like a brain with the right accessories! Have games such as bobbing for apples and pin the tail on the black cat for the children to play. You can even have a fire pit in the yard to sit around and tell ghost stories! Your Halloween party may be such a hit that it will become an annual event for years to come!

Halloween doesn’t have to be a holiday that your son cannot partake in because he has been diagnosed with diabetes. You just have to be more conscientious and creative and it will be a holiday that he looks forward to every year!

Halloween candy alternatives:

• Inexpensive toys (fast food toys, Oriental Trading toys, balloons, etc.)

• Healthy snacks (sugar-free snacks, raisins, pretzels, etc.)

• School supplies (pencils, erasers, crayons) • Food certificates (fast food restaurants sometimes have $1 certificates) • Stickers or temporary tattoos • Money • Glow-sticks • Bubbles • Play-Doh • False teeth

Featuring the music of

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Thursday, October 21 • 6 - 10 PM

Canterbury Equestrian Showplace • Newberry, Florida • Tickets: $75.00 Dust off your boots, put on your jeans and join us for our signature fundraiser — an evening of Live Music, Line Dancing, Texas Hold ‘Em, and a great Silent Auction.

All of this and a good Old Fashioned Bar-B-Que to benefit the abused children served by the Child Advocacy Center.

For more information call: 352-376-9161 or visit www.GainesvilleGoneNashville.com

Sponsored By: outlines - pls do not delete

CANTERBURY Showplace, Inc. Newberry, Florida

p teens

First-Time Jobbers

When Should Teens Go to Work?

By ashley hoover

F

or a teen, first-time job hunting can be considered an essential life task. A few key factors should be taken into consideration before a teen embarks upon the mission of finding work.

Before beginning a job search, decide if enough time is allotted for a part-time job and if a balance can be made between school and work. School is obviously an essential part of future success. A job is a responsibility that has an effect, in most cases, upon a business and should be taken seriously.

“I usually recommend for 16-year-old teens to pursue parttime jobs if they are not involved in extracurricular activities that require significant commitment” Mercer says.

Here are a few ways from About.com to start looking for a first job: • Check with the high school guidance office for job postings • Check newspaper help wanted ads • Check around town or at the mall and look for help wanted signs in store windows • Search teen job sites for openings • Ask at a place of specific interest. Many first jobs grow from hobbies.

Here are some of the most popular jobs according to About.com: • • • • • •

Camp counselor Cashier Child care assistant Fast food or restaurant Lifeguard Resort jobs - beach resorts, vacation resorts, amusement parks • Retail Mercer said he usually recommends students work 10-15 hours per week. He also recommends to have teens finish working before 10 p.m. on weeknights. There are also laws that regulate the wages and hours worked by minors.

24 giggle

The basic laws according to Myfloridalicense.com state that: • Minimum wage is $7.25 and is increased annually and when public school is in session.

• Minors ages 14 and 15 may work a maximum of 3 hours per day on school days and up to 8 hours per day on Saturday, Sunday and non-school days, but only when a school day does not follow.

• Minors ages 16 and 17 may not work before 6:30 a.m. or after 11 p.m. or for more than 8 hours per day, when school is scheduled the following day, nor during the hours that school is in session.

for e mor

info!

For more information on this topic, visit www.dol.gov or speak with a guidance counselor at your school.

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

Gainesville High guidance counselor Ken Mercer said most teenage students require about an hour each night to do homework, so usually there is plenty of time to work a few hours and then complete school work.

healthy holiday eating

Laws to Live By

(Especially During the Holidays) by dan griffin, bs, cscs

“Choice, not circumstances, determines your success.”

- Anonymous This is one of my favorite quotes and one that I use with my clients often. With the holidays approaching – and all of the traveling, parties, food and drink that are a custom this time of year – this seemed like a great quote to share with giggle readers. What it says is simple: YOU HAVE A CHOICE. You can choose to eat highly caloric foods with little to no nutritional value or you can choose to eat healthy, nutrientdense fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. You can choose to blow off exercise over the holidays, or you can choose to make time for it.

The holidays are wonderful. I love the celebrations, the gift giving, the family time – and the food! We all do. But, be aware, it is easy to lose focus and fall victim to the abundance that is around us. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a client tell me, “I was traveling and just couldn’t find time to exercise.” Or, “There wasn’t anything healthy to eat at my company party.” Although these statements may be true, they are not valid. Ultimately, success or failure is a choice, but we should not allow these circumstances to dictate our lives.

That being said, I will acknowledge that this time of year we are infiltrated with excess – excess food, drinks, gifts, parties.

Our society seems to not only accept this, but to encourage it. So, eating properly and exercising regularly can be more difficult during November and December.

To stay on track and steadily progress toward goals, I have compiled a list of “Laws.” These laws can (and should) be followed all year, not just during the holidays: Make a plan. Plan your meals and your exercise ahead of time. It must be realistic and sustainable.

1. Stick to your plan. Use the 80-20 rule. You must stick to your plan 80 percent of the time.

2. Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast.

3. Eat small meals every two to three hours. Eat until you are satisfied, not full.

4. Eat balanced meals. Half of your plate should be vegetables and/or fruits; the rest is lean protein and whole grains.

26 giggle

5. Eat low glycemic foods. Avoid starchy and sugary foods.

6. Drink water. Water has no calories and is needed in every bodily function.

7. Limit alcohol consumption.

8. Exercise at least 20-30 minutes, three to five times per week.

9. Read. Educate yourself on nutrition, health, and fitness.

By incorporating these laws into your life, I guarantee you will be more productive, feel better and keep from gaining that extra layer of holiday dessert around your midsection.

Remember: you have a choice.

Make the right one.

the

food

Get creative!

BY AMY KEENE AND NICOLE IRVING Photos by Laurel Housden Photography Special thanks to Martha Samborski

Thanks, fall, harvest, food, table, family and friends. These are all things we think about when Thanksgiving comes around every year. Once the food is cooked and the table is set, there is something else keeping the warmth in the room. It’s the people around you.

Thanksgiving is a great time to teach your teenager how to cook the turkey, or let one of the younger children help make the pie this year. Everyone coming together to take part in cooking the meal can remind you what you’re thankful for before the turkey is out of the oven. Have everyone go around the table to say what they’re thankful for or allow the children to set the table.

Invite the neighbors who may not have family nearby to share in the festivities. As we all fill the seats at the table this year, take a moment and look around at not only ‘what’ we have to be thankful for but ‘who.’ Each year can be a new memory of ‘thanks.’

28 giggle

Giggle magazine has a few ideas on how to get the whole family involved with the holiday season.

the family

menu

Share the menu preparation this year. Have older children actually prepare a side dish or even the turkey.

Supervise and be around to help answer questions, but allow them the freedom of creating their own dish.

Showcase dishes on a handmade menu board.

handmade menu board Supplies:

Photo frame or mirror with frame Chalk board paint Chalk

Directions:

With adult supervision/assistance, take glass/mirror out of frame. Spray in a ventilated area, at least two coats of paint. Let dry and place in frame. Secure in place.

Use chalk to write out menu.

Display on easel or hang on wall in dining room.

a giggle

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving blessings Being “thankful” is such an important part of the holiday season. One way to share what you’re thankful for this season is to create a “thank you” jar. Have everyone who comes to your celebration to write down what they are thankful for and put it in a jar. As you are sharing time at the table, share with one another your “thanks givings.”

extend the

blessings

be

thankful

Being together with your family is more than just eating a wonderful meal, but a time to teach your children to count their blessings and help others. Here are some ways to make somebody else’s holiday special and give back as a family.

• Go out of your way to visit a relative that can’t travel to the festivities. This can make it easier on grandparents and great aunts and uncles.

• Volunteer as a family at local charities that are serving meals.

• Host friends who don’t have any family in the area.

• Make gift baskets with gift cards, turkey basters, meat thermometers and all the pieces needed to create a thanksgiving for those who might need a little extra help this year.

giggle

magazine • aug/sept 2010

29

p the

legal side

Carand Seats

Unsupervised Children in Motor Vehicles By attorney ALISON WALKER, esq from Folds & Walker, LLC Editing and contributions from Sondra Randon, Esq. from Folds & Walker, LLC

T

he hefty cost, $60 plus points on your license, is what Florida drivers pay when a child is not properly restrained in a motor vehicle. Florida statute requires that all drivers are responsible for the protection of any passenger age 5 and younger who is traveling in a vehicle. Specifically, children age 3 and younger must be secured in a crash-tested, federally approved child-restraint infant car seat, convertible seat or manufacturer-integrated child seat. Children ages 4 and 5 must be secured by a crash-tested, federally approved child-restraint seat, convertible seat, manufacturer-integrated child seat or a safety belt.

Florida state law does not require children be placed in the rear seat of a vehicle; however, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that infants be placed in a rear-facing child safety seat until a minimum of age 1 or until the child is at least 20 lbs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants remain in their rearfacing seats until they reach age one and weigh 20 lbs. Both organizations also recommend keeping infants in the back seat, in rear-facing car seats as long as the child does not exceed the seat manufacturer’s height and weight limitations. The AAP further recommends that toddler and preschoolers remain in their forward-facing seat in a full harness as long as they fit.

The AAP also advocates that older children should move to a booster seat until they reach 4’-9” in height and are between ages 8-12.

Once you have selected the proper seat for your child, make sure to check the seat’s expiration date. There are many reasons why car seats expire, including changes in technology (for example, the Lower Anchor & Tethers for Children (LATCH) system did not exist before 2002), the materials (plastics and fabrics) may wear out, and manufacturers may no longer stock replacement parts and user manuals.

For purposes of regulations regarding car seats in “motor vehicles,” Florida law excludes the following vehicles from the term: a school bus, a bus used for the transportation of persons for compensation, a farm tractor or other farm equipment, a truck having a gross vehicle weight rating more than 26,000 pounds or a motorcycle, moped or bicycle.

Now that you know what’s legally required of drivers regarding car seat safety, it also bears mentioning that it is extremely dangerous for a child to be left unsupervised in a

30 giggle

motor vehicle. But, did you know that a driver who leaves a child unattended in a car can be guilty of a misdemeanor or even a felony, depending upon the circumstances?

All parents and caregivers know how time consuming it can be to unbuckle a child, run into a building to complete a quick errand, only to return to spend several minutes again fastening the child in the car seat and doing it all over again for the next errand. Repeating this several times a day can eat up a lot of time for a busy parent. However, parents should think twice before leaving children in a motor vehicle, as it is a violation of state law and particularly unsafe due to the heat in the Sunshine State.

Under Florida law, a parent or other person responsible for a child younger than 6 may not leave the child unsupervised in a motor vehicle for a period more than 15 minutes if the vehicle is turned off. If the motor of the vehicle is running or the health of the child is in danger, then it is against the law to leave a child unattended for any period of time.

Law enforcement officers who observe a child left unattended in a vehicle are authorized by Florida statute to use whatever means reasonably necessary to protect the child and to remove the child from the vehicle. If the parents or legal guardians of the child are unable to be located, the child will be placed in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.

Safe Kids of North Central Florida (Safe Kids) provides education, programming and awareness about preventable injuries in an effort to reduce unintentional childhood injury.

Among the offered programs, Safe Kids provides car seat check events. At your appointment, a certified technician will be available to teach you to install your car seat properly.

According to the Safe Kids Web site, it is the only agency that has certified car seat technicians, because police and fire rescue personnel are unable to assist the public with car seat safety instruction or installations. For information, visit www.shandssafekids.org or call 352-231-4636.

This information should not be used as a substitute for seeking needed advice from an attorney or other qualified advisor regarding your individual needs.

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why I love raising my family in

gainesville

a

The Ayers

Kiffin, Kristie, Kaela, Luke, AnnaGrace and Keagan Photos by Kelsey Lynn Photography

When Kiffin and I posed the question “Why do you like living in Gainesville?” to our children, we received a great blend of responses. Since their ages and interests vary, so do most of our weeks as we juggle the many activities that bring us enjoyment.

Our oldest children, Kaela (age 13) and Luke (11), enjoy bike riding and reading. Part of our moving here was to get away from Atlanta traffic, and we wanted our children to have a place they could traverse freely on their bikes. They love being able to ride to the library or bike down to the corner store for candy.

When their wheeled adventures have gone awry we have been thankful for the amazing medical community Gainesville has to offer.

AnnaGrace (2) and Keagan (1), our youngest, enjoy the plethora of climbing potential Gainesville has to offer. With the variety of parks, “the alligator” at the Oaks Mall and gymnastics or swimming at the YMCA, our girls are never at a loss for large muscle activity.

Kiffin is originally from Gainesville, but moved away…a few times. He always returned though, due in part to his nostalgic love for Gainesville. As a child his grandmother took him to the museum, state parks, and various shows when he would visit.

He always looked forward to, and now really enjoys, sharing these rich opportunities with our children.

I (Kristie) grew up in Atlanta. I like the small-but-nottoo-small feeling of Gainesville. Most anything is readily accessible and buying local is made easy. This is important to us, as we want to educate our children on the importance of good Earth stewardship.

Education is a huge component to our daily lives. Kiffin, who is a UF graduate, teaches at Idylwild Elementary, and I, an Elementary Education major at Saint Leo University, will intern there this fall. Luke will join Kaela in middle school this year. So, as you can tell, we have a vested interest in the learning community of Gainesville. We appreciate the array of educational opportunities here as well as the school options for our children.

Gainesville has so much to offer that we could spend all day going on about all we love. We’ll quote Dorothy though who sums it up best: “There’s no place like home.”

“You can’t put your finger on it sometimes

when something just feels like home”

k thyaon u

notes

{etiquette} th an k yo u

Send them quickly!

Be honest

If you didn’t like the gift, don’t lie! Be sincere and write something like, “Thank you for the thoughtful gift.

I will think of you whenever I use it.”

Short & Sweet

Don’t wait too long after the event or gesture to send out your thank you notes. Do it when It doesn’t have to be a chapter. it is fresh in their minds. Keep it within two to Keep your message short and three weeks. The longer you wait, the less sweet. impact the notes have.

Pretty paper

It is OK to use simple or informal stationery for most notes, except for weddings. When sending wedding thank you notes, take the time to pick the right piece to match the formality of your wedding.

thank you

Keep it personal Steer clear of cards. If yo pre-printed u the time to didn’t take writ out, it show e the note s th gesture didn e gift or ’t mean something bi for you to ta g enough ke the time.

All about them

Use “You” more than “I”. The purpose of your note is to thank them and recognize them for their thoughtfulness. In doing so, address Need a little inspiration? If you’re what they did and how wonderful stumped, there are endless web they were in their act of kindness. It sites that can guide you in writing will bring a smile to their face when a note for any situation. But always their acts have been acknowledged. remember to keep it personal and make sure it always has your touch! te designs

Stumped?

nk you no m for cute tha eslievegadesign.co www.l

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Brand new to North America, the TOMICA toys are a long time favorite in Japan.

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38 giggle

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Eating Organic By kelsey mcniel and nicole irving

Organic.

It’s become akin to ‘sustainable,’ ‘green’ and

‘web savvy.’ Words that start out clever and catchy and turn into annoying and overused. Words that started very small and are now so broad they’ve lost meaning. And, though they’re mentioned more often than the President’s name in the news, do we ever really learn what they mean?

According to a report by the Food Marketing Institute and supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), organic refers to the state of the food, especially fruits, vegetables and meats, and how it is produced. In order for a product to be labeled as such, it must be grown and processed using organic farming methods, which recycle resources and promote biodiversity.

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Tyler Florence and daughter, Dorothy

It must also be grown without using synthetic pesticides, bio-engineered genes, petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers. In addition, organic livestock must have access to the outdoors and be given no antibiotics or growth hormones.

There has been an increase in organically produced food because consumers, 60 percent of whom see organic food as healthier for you, are more interested in eating it. Organic foods have made the migration from small farmers’ markets to big ones, and from organic-only produce sections in stores like Whole Foods to the more-bangfor-your-buck giants like Wal-Mart.

in February 2009, purchases large percentages of the company’s ingredients from a farm in United States that is certified organic and self-sustainable certified.

“Children consume more food for their body weight than adults, and it is fueling their tremendous growth and development at such a critical time,” said Florence, who’s been in the food business for more than 20 years and owns three restaurants in California. “You are helping reduce your child’s potential exposure to pesticides, and some safe limits have not even been established for children.”

t

star

! y l r a e

The USDA National Organic Standards Board, however, makes clear in its definition that, “Organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues; however, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water.”

According to an article in the NC. State University Technician, the higher cost of organic food can be attributed directly to the way it’s transported.

“Even though food sold in grocery stores is often shipped across the country, it can be less expensive because of the bulk in which it is grown, according to Mitch Renkow, professor of agricultural economics,” Jessica Neville wrote.

Though there are few studies that prove specific links, many have made conclusions that pesticides can lead to increased health risks, and possibly ADHD or cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s Web site (www.cancer.org), “pesticides and herbicides can be toxic when used improperly in industrial, agricultural, or other occupational settings.”

The organization encourages the public to wash all fruits and vegetable before consuming.

Tyler Florence photo provided by Sprout, Inc.

eating organic p

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Web site (www.epa.gov), “Children’s exposures to pesticide residues may be relatively higher than those of most adults.

Pound for pound, children generally eat more than adults, and they may be exposed more heavily to certain pesticides because they consume a diet different from that of adults.

For instance, children typically consume larger quantities of applesauce, milk, and orange juice per pound of body weight.”

“The impact of pesticide residue is something that we feel is detrimental to kids who are still developing,” said

Max Mackenzie, CEO and president of Sprout Foods, Inc. Mackenzie recently started a line of organic baby food with celebrity chef and father of three, Tyler Florence. Sprout is organic-chic. From the re-sealable pouches to recipes created by Tyler himself, Sprout, which officially launched

Children’s diets have become a focus of the organic food movement because of their size and the importance of their nutrition. From organic apple juice boxes to organic pop-tarts, mainstream food choices are now available in all organic options for children. Today, parents know more about the way their children’s food is processed and grown than ever before.

“Should it be organic or nothing?” If a parent can’t find or So the ultimate question is,

afford organic food, should they buy non-organic foods?

Some health officials are afraid that parents might choose to not buy non-organic foods. According to the American Cancer Society, “overwhelming scientific evidence supports the overall health benefits and cancer-protective effects of eating vegetables and fruits.”

Linda Bobroff , a professor in the family, youth and community sciences department at the University of Florida for 25 years, and Allison McAlhany, a nurse practitioner at Healthy Steps Pediatrics, are less concerned about the presence of pesticides on a child’s plate than they are about leaving out vegetables.

“There are deficiencies in children, even in our town, who aren’t getting enough Vitamin D and Vitamin C, because we’re a fast food society,” said McAlhany, who believes children must be offered healthy foods even if they don’t appear to be interested in eating it. “If you can afford organic, by all means, eat it.

But, I don’t want people to not buy fruits and vegetables because they’re not organic.”

If you are considering introducing organic into your life but not going “all the way,” try starting with the “Dirty Dozen” -- blueberries, apples, strawberries, peaches, celery, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, kale, cherries, potatoes and grapes. These are considered the most pesticide contaminated foods. When making the decision to try any new foods, especially for children, the most important thing is to make giggle

magazine • oct/nov 2010

41

Shop

it fun, simple and nutritious. (Always check with pediatrician before starting new dient)

Organic foods can be great for your diet, but sometimes rough on your wallet. To spend where it really counts, experts suggest following the

guidelines of the “Dirty Dozen,” a list that the Environ-

mental Working Group created to help shoppers. Any of the dozen fruits and vegetables on the list, should be purchased in the organic variety whenever possible.

Apples Bell Peppers Blueberries Celery Cherries Grapes (imported) Kale/Collard Greens Nectarines Peaches Potatoes Spinach Strawberries

ic n a g or aby b

! d o o f

“Some [fruits and vegetables] have less risk than others,” said Allison McAlhaney, a nurse practitioner at Healthy Steps Pediatrics. “Any (foods) that you have to take a peel off of, like a cantaloupe or orange or watermelon, will have less pesticide exposure.

Also, heavy washing and soaking can help as well.”

The EWG suggests buying fruits and vegetables from the “Clean Fifteen” non-organic list.

Asparagus Avocado Cabbage Cantaloupe Eggplant Grapefruit

Honeydew melon Kiwi Mango Onions Pineapple

According to EWG research, people who eat five fruits and vegetables each day from the “Dirty Dozen” list consume an average of 10 pesticides a day.

Those who eat from the “Clean 15” ingest fewer than two pesticides daily.

42 giggle

So, it may be a budget-busting move to buy more organically produced foods.

But, remember that a well-balanced diet, full of healthy options for our children is the most important, whether the food is organic or not.

Tyler + Max Co-Founders of Sprout Baby Food

Baby food might be the last thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Tyler Florence. Instead, The Wayfare Tavern in San Francisco and “The Great Food Truck Race” on Food Network might pop up.

But, the Johnson and Wales University graduate with 20 years in the food industry, father to three and entrepreneur took on a new venture with his long time friend Max Mackenzie.

“Tyler and I met at a mutual friends wedding and got along immediately,” said Mackenzie. “Tyler and I started speaking and a light bulb went off, in regards to food and impacting children’s lives.”

Together, the friends co-founded Sprout, an all-organic baby food line. “[We] put our heads together to try and create a new food product for babies that would help parents make easy and smart decisions for their children” said Florence.

Florence said that having children changed the way he looked at food. “I look at providing healthy food and cooking for my family as one of the most important things I can do for their well being,” he said. “Before, I was always passionate about my work. But now, my work has really taken on new meaning.”

Sprout organic baby food launched in February 2009 and can be found at chains, such as Publix and Wholefoods. Sealed in a pouch, its goal is also to reduce the product’s ecological footprint. Light weight and perfect for baby bags, the pouch is resalable and recyclable.

With stages 1 and 2 on the market and stage 3 currently launching, there is no end in sight for the organic and eco-friendly concept form Florence and Mackenzie.

And a little secret from Tyler… Vanilla ice cream tastes fantastic with Sprout’s Roasted Apples and Blueberries as a topping! Yummy!

Tyler and Max photo provided by Sprout, Inc., stock photo courtesy of Istockphoto.c

Smart

Making the choice to introduce organic options into your family’s menu may be just the motivation you need to start introducing more fruit and veggies into your children’s meals. One local parent said it has become a “game” of sorts, to see how many different things she can make with organic ingredients. Can you say 100 percent organic chocolate chip cookies and all organic stir fry?

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carving with dad By chris wilson

It’s the moment of truth and the meal everybody has been waiting for all year. You and your wife have spent days in the kitchen and your house has the aroma to prove it. This year, you want to host the perfect Thanksgiving for your entire family. With everybody seated at the table and all eyes on the beautiful bird before you, the pressure is now on Dad to carve this Thanksgiving turkey that was hours in the making.

The knife has been sharpened and everything is ready. So, when and where do you begin to slice and dice this beast?

If you’re nervous or fear making a huge mess at the table, carving your bird in the kitchen is an acceptable alternative. If you still feel like you need a traditional table carving, try carving off one of the breasts and finish your carving in the kitchen.

For this tutorial, I have culled from the methods of two chefs and a butcher, including Gordon Drysdale (owner of Gordon’s House of Fine Eats in San Francisco), celebrity chef Alton Brown (host of Food Network’s “Good Eats), and master butcher Ray Venezia (vice president of meats at Fairway Markets in New York). Here is how it’s done: 1

It is recommended you do not cut the bird for at least 15-20 minutes after it is done cooking, so that the meat retains its juices. Do not use a fork, because piercing the meat with a fork will cause the juices

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

to run. Use only your hands and a carving knife. Remove any strings or skewers. If your bird was stuffed before cooking, remove the stuffing before carving the carcass.

2 Set the turkey on a cutting board. You don’t want to damage your wife’s family heirloom platter with a sharp knife.

3 Remove the legs first. The dark meat will stay juicy longer than the white meat. Unless you are carving off a breast at the table, start with the legs.

When the ball of bone pulls out of the socket, separate the leg from the bird.

5 Separate the thigh from the drumstick by slicing through the joint. Cut around the thigh bone to remove it from the thigh. This is the most tricky part of carving. You should be left with a nice large piece of thigh meat that you can then slice up into smaller pieces.

6

Remove the meat from the drumstick by standing it up with the thicker side on the bottom. Slice downward on all sides of the bone to remove the meat and, if you need to, slice the meat up further after it is removed from the bone.

7 I actually prefer a less traditional method of slicing the breast. This method is not considered traditional for table carving, but it will leave you with more tender breast meat. Simply slice along the sternum of the turkey from end-to-end of the breast and remove the entire breast, including the skin. Then slice the breast into smaller pieces against the grain of the meat. It’s easier than the traditional slicing, which is done right from the body of the bird, and it makes for a more impressive presentation on the platter.

8 Remove the wings by pulling the entire wing away from the bird until you expose the bone socket. Slice, with force, through the socket to remove the wing.

9

Plate up all the meat and dig in!

4 Pull the leg away from turkey and slice through the skin.

Pull the leg all the way down until it’s almost lying flat on the cutting board and until the hip socket is exposed. giggle

magazine • oct/nov 2010

45

Websites

for kids

BY DANA KAMP

It doesn’t matter if your child is age 3, 10 or 17. We, as parents or caregivers, are always looking for ways to help him succeed. We start reading to him in the womb, buy educational activity books and DVDs, enroll him in extracurricular activities, help with homework and projects, and even hire tutoring services when needed. We do all this so that our child feels like he has the best chance possible of being “successful” in school, whatever that may mean to him.

In this modern age of technology, even our preschoolers are learning basic computer skills. So, we have to think about how we can use this to our advantage. I have found, through careful testing, some great free websites that will not only assist your child in a variety of subjects, but will make the process entertaining and enjoyable!

Preschool

• sesamestreet.org — Beloved characters catch your little one’s attention, while teaching numerous skills such as counting, rhyming and early word recognition.

• starfall.com — an early elementary-level site, but the first category is great for giving your preschooler a head start on kindergarten reading skills.

• pbskids.org/island — One of my favorite sites for my young child! When you log in, the site tells you what each game is teaching, tracks your child’s progress, and allows your child to earn tickets upon

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completion of each game, which he then can trade in for “prizes” that are added to his island tree house.

• lil-fingers.com — Original storybooks and games, printable coloring pages, and a “daily toddler tip” make this a definite site to bookmark.

• nickjr.com — A plethora of preschool games, activities and crafts, including a great “family life” link for ideas and support with age-appropriate milestones, kids’ health, and participation in your child’s education.

Elementary

• coolmath4kids.com — Created by a fun-loving math teacher; tons of games, lessons and puzzles designed to show kids that math can be fun!

• funbrain.com — Search the games by grade level or just explore; Madlibs, Math Baseball and Grammar Gorillas are just a few fun favorites.

• starfall.com — Best for Kindergarten-second grade; a cheerful, entertaining site for strengthening reading skills.

• spellingcity.com — Your child can enter her spelling words and the site creates games for practice with spelling and using the words correctly.

• brainpopjr.com — Super fun site for K-third grade; there is also a free app for the iPhone and iPad, which makes it great for on-the-go entertainment.

• fcatexplorer.com — A site by the Florida Dept. of Education; Reading, Math, and Science lessons and practice tests for the FCAT.

Middle and High School

• brainpop.com — Big brother site to brainpopjr.com; the site features all subjects, including arts and music and technology and engineering.

• coolmath.com —“An amusement park of math and more,” this fun site covers all math topics from pre-algebra to finances.

• homeworkspot.com — informational site on everything from writing a bibliography to step-by-step physics lessons; check out the “Homework Tip of the Week” on the homeroom page.

• liftminds.com — This education hub has tutorials, e-tutors, homework help and an academic social network called “Huddle.”

• fcatexplorer.com — Practice tests help you and your child prepare for taking the FCAT. • collegeboard.com — Informative site for SAT practice tests and questions; check out this site regularly for its SAT question of the day!

• fastweb.com — Great site for assistance in finding scholarships and financial aid for college-bound students.

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our community’s life-saving answers for every age!

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magazine • aug/sept 2010

47

Noche de Gala Annual Fundraising Event Benefitting the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation

Children are the world’s most precious visionaries.

They view the world with purity and promise. Their imaginations know no limitations, allowing them to dream big and dream bold. The Sebastian Ferrero Foundation seeks to match our children’s bold dreams with one of its own.

The Foundation is committed to advocating and fundraising for a facility that will serve as a beacon of pediatric healthcare in the State, one that will support the countless needs in our communities and house the best and brightest pediatric doctors and researchers our country has to offer.

It’s an investment for Gainesville’s future and the future of children for generations to come. A dedicated children’s hospital will set a new standard for pediatric safety while offering a holistic

approach to treating the whole child- recognizing that children are not “little adults” but unique patients that need comfort as much as medical care.

For a child, a hospital can be an unwelcoming place, a source of confusion and fear. The Sebastian Ferrero Foundation is committed to advocating for a fullservice, state-of-the-art hospital with design elements customized to children, including bright colors and interactive play and study areas so patients and their families not only feel welcome, but at home.

We envision a hospital designed and operated exclusively for children and their families, with separate treatment rooms on every floor to maintain family privacy and private patient rooms with ample space for patient and family members. A fully integrated facility and environment will attract and retain leading pediatricians to conduct world-class research in children’s diseases, pediatric medicine and will foster innovative treatments.

A goal this great cannot be achieved alone. Since the inception of the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation in 2007, more than 150 pediatricians, pediatric specialists, community leaders and parents have united to support this mission. The foundation’s signature fundraiser is Noche De Gala, an event that unites the various sponsors and supporters of the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation. This year’s gala is set for Saturday, October 23, 2010.

“We are honored to have strong support for our third annual Noche De Gala fundraiser from our Gainesville community and across the state,” said Horst Ferrero, founder of the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation. “As we consider the progress

that has been made, we are extremely thankful to those across the region who have partnered with us in our mission.”

Noche De Gala isn’t just a fundraiser. It isn’t just a party. It’s a union: a union of like-minded professionals and parents who believe whole-heartedly that the only way to ensure children in this community have the best healthcare is to create a full-service children’s hospital.

Micanopy, Florida. Dr. Jim Duke, who spent 14 years at the University of Florida College of Medicine is the Ocala co-chair along with his wife Pam. Mr. Ron Sachs and Gay Webster-Sachs will serve as the Tallahassee cochairs and Mr. Robert and Linda Eadie will serve as the Lake City co-chairs.

Mark and Deborah Minck are the Gainesville co-chairs for this year’s Noche De Gala. In addition to helping spread the word about the Foundation, they are also close family friends of the Ferreros. Their influence in the foundation runs deep and their scope of Gainesville’s need comes from a love of this community.

“Whenever you speak about a need, there is a perception that we’re speaking poorly about what we already have,” said Deborah Minck. “We have a phenomenal group of professionals working in pediatric medicine, world-class pediatricians and healthcare professionals that deserve a facility that matches their skill set.”

Other parents in the community feel the same way, like head basketball coach for the University of Florida Billy Donovan.

“As a dad, there is nothing more important to me than the care and safety of my children,” Donovan said. “I am honored to be a part of this year’s Noche De Gala fundraiser and to help advance the mission to bring a full-service children’s hospital to Gainesville.”

The support, which used to be locally centralized, is expanding to other parts of the state as well. North Florida native and UF Board of Trustee Cynthia F. O’Connell, the event chair for this year’s Noche De Gala believes the children’s hospital will benefit the entire region. Silvia and Benjamin Leon Jr. are the honorary chairs and will host the event for the second year at their spectacular 642-acre Besilu Collection in Join our growing list of Noche de Gala 2010 sponsors:

Some needs just shouldn’t wait. The time has come to create a dedicated children’s hospital in Gainesville.

A place designed, built, equipped and staffed just for kids and their families. Join the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation in this movement to transform pediatric care in our region and support the upcoming annual Noche De Gala event.

Noche de Gala 2010

Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Besilu Collection, Micanopy, Florida For gala details, sponsorship, volunteer and silent auction opportunities, please visit:

NochedeGala.org

p family spotlight It wasn’t basketball that drew Julie to Darren, but football. And Darren wasn’t playing; he was injured, standing on the sidelines, chatting with Julie.

“He asked for my number on Sunday. He called me Tuesday, we went out Wednesday and that was it,” said Julie, who just celebrated her fourth wedding anniversary. “So, it was great. It was right away, I had that feeling.”

Perhaps it was the Gators, the graduate program in her dream career of speech pathology or a serious relationship at her doorstep, but Julie’s plan to return home to New York for graduate school suddenly turned South.

“I never thought I would live here. I thought I would go back to New York for graduate school, and then I met him my junior year,” Julie said. “And, it took me a couple years, but now it would take a lot for me to want to move.”

After being the first couple to be married at the then newly constructed Hillel at the University of Florida in 2006, the Hertzes both found happiness in the workplace and at home. Julie began

Gator hoops assistant begins a family

Darren Hertz and Family

By Kelsey McNiel Photo by Kelsey Lynn Photography

As a child, it’s likely that Darren Hertz looked up to his father’s athleticism. It’s probable that he thought he’d follow in the family tradition of thick bats, starch white bases and tightly wound leather balls. And, it’s almost certain that Hertz never thought he would surpass his father in athletic success; in 1964, the elder Steve Hertz became the youngest person ever to break spring training with a Major League Baseball club.

But, Hertz also got a glance at athletic excellence as the assistant to Billy Donovan during the Florida Gators men’s basketball team’s two NCAA basketball championships.

“It was really rewarding to be involved not just in those two years, but all the years leading up to it,” said Hertz, 35, who has been on Donovan’s staff for 15 years. “They talk about the journey being the best part of it -- it was.”

Working with the team in every capacity from volunteer to video coordinator, Hertz has learned about commitment and investing time -- skills that will come in handy on his newest journey: fatherhood.

“Darren is so protective of him, gentle with him, affectionate, and just as proud as can be,” said Julie Hertz, Darren’s wife and the mother to seven-and-a-half-month-old Brandon.

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her career as a speech pathologist at a nursing home and later at Suwannee Bend Services, where she treats speech disorders in children.

Darren believes the key to having a successful home and work life is balance -- and efficiency.

“It’s a business that requires a lot of time, but I think you have to be efficient in the office and I don’t think it’s necessarily about how many hours you’re in the office, but what you’re getting done,” said Darren, adding that Donovan is the perfect boss for that kind of attitude. “He lets you do your thing. He’s not going to micro-manage. You’re going to have flexibility to try to figure out the way.”

Darren likens himself to an athlete: incredibly focused on the court, so he can put work behind him when he’s off.

“We all feel stress, we all want to win and we all want to do it the right way,” Darren said. “If you’re able to come home and not bring it all home with you -- that’s my goal, that’s what I try to do.”

“He usually let’s go,” Julie added.

From October through March, Darren can be expected to be working 10-hour days and traveling most weekends. At one time, that meant a lot of dateless weddings and dinners for Julie; now it means not saying goodnight to his son.

“I think I’m as supportive as most women can be. I think he tries hard to balance, but it’s not an easy career to balance,” Julie said. “The con is really the time commitment for wanting to have a normal life. Now that we have a baby who goes to sleep sometimes before he gets home at night, that’s a big adjustment.”

“Your priorities start to change. I think of things maybe a little differently, but I don’t think I’m incapable of balancing the two,” Darren said. “If anything, I’m more motivated when I see I my baby and I want him to have a good future.

“You can’t put your finger on it sometimes

when something just feels like home” I’m more motivated, but I know I have to work that much harder to balance it, too.”

But neither Julie nor Darren can overlook how fortunate he is in his position.

“It’s awesome to be a part of something you love; he’s loves his job, so he feels fulfilled coming home,” Julie said.

Photos provided by the Hertz Family

“One of the differences for me maybe than someone else is that not [am I] doing a job I like, in the profession I like. But, it’s at the highest level at not only mine but her alma mater; it’s pretty special,” Darren said.

Darren does dream of one day being a head coach. But for now, he and Julie are happy with where they are.

“You can’t put your finger on it sometimes when something just feels like home,” said Darren, who just completed his seventh summer as camp director for Billy Donovan’s basketball camps.

“We know how blessed we are right now and we’re very appreciative of the fact that we have good jobs, we have a roof over our head and we’re all healthy,” Julie said. “I thank God every night for that.” b giggle

magazine • oct/nov 2010

51

organized

solutions

Professional organizer Helen Kornblum helps us find easy ways to keep our busy family lives organized.

Do you have any

homework?

Homework is a fact of life for our children. As parents, we can make this activity fun and productive by creating supportive routines based on how our children learn. Use these ideas to keep the children’s focus on doing their homework before, during, and after the winter holidays.

• Priorities should determine which assignment your child tackles first. Review the various assignments and due dates with him. Make a simple chart to illustrate this information. If he can’t identify the highest priorities, you have some remedial work to do with him and his teacher.

• Sequencing is an important skill, too. In a multi-layered assignment, what has to be done first? Ask your child questions to help her see the big picture. Write a simple flow chart together to confirm her understanding of how she will approach the task. Make sure she understands the directions for completing each step of the assignment.

• An analog clock in the homework area helps your child develop a sense of how long tasks take. Several products are available to demonstrate the concept of passing time. The Time Timer (timetimer.com) has a 60-minute clock face with a red wedge that shrinks as time passes. It also has an optional audible signal.

• Discover your child’s learning style. Most of us favor one mode of learning — visual, auditory, or kinesthetic/tactile.

The visual learner absorbs information by seeing it, so colorful charts, written notes and flash cards help him. The auditory learner likes to read aloud, is comfortable giving oral reports, is good at explaining things, and might even have a dramatic flair. Kinesthetic/tactile learners enjoy experiencing or doing things. This learner likes to move, may want to hear music when studying and is good at lab work. Successful teachers use a variety of learning style techniques to engage all of their students. Teach your child to use the techniques that work best for him.

• Create a paper management system. Younger children need simple folders or pockets for incoming and outgoing work, and notes they bring home. Older students can rely on color coded folders for various subjects or binders with tabbed sections. A desktop file box is useful for all students, but the organization of the files depends on their age.

Helen Kornblum is a professional organizer in Gainesville, FL. She owns NaturalOrderOrganizing.com.

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night out ladies’ gainesville moms take a break.

Photos by Laurel Housden Photography

This month, giggle staff and friends visited Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center

for a Night of Beauty

It is always nice to be pampered and the staff at Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center made us all feel at home. The cozy waiting area was full of service information, products and cozy seating. Their staff is beyond professional and answered all our questions with a smile.

Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center offers a variety of services, including tattoo removal, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and acne treatment to name a few. The center also carries a variety of sunscreens, beauty products, and the highly sought after Latisse line of beauty products. Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center is your one stop spot for skin care.

After answering all of our questions, we were whisked away to private rooms for a complete consultation. From laser hair removal to microdermabrasion, there was not a unhappy lady in the group.

a littlePampering Latisse Microdermabrasion Laser hair removal Obagi Sclerotherapy Care for broken blood vessels Laser tattoo removal Botox Back skin care treatments Soothing eye masks

sig

prondature & se ucts rvice

Our experiences at Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center were amazing and we will all be going back! Thank you!!

The lovely ladies of Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center

s

Your kitchen may look like its from the past...

before...

...after

...but your lifestyle isn’t!

P: (352) 332-2234 www.arkremodelingandconstruction.com

the gainesville builder

CBC1256087

A Surefire Successful

Yard Sale By nancy twigg

O

ver the years, I have been to plenty of successful yard sales. By successful, I mean the buyers found good bargains, the seller made a sizeable chunk of cash, and everyone had a pleasant experience. I’ve also been to some real “browser” sales -- the buyers found few bargains, the seller barely covered his costs, and everyone could have found a better way to spend his or her morning.

What separates the good, profitable sales from those that make you wish you’d stayed in bed? A successful sale is a win-win situation for both the buyer and the seller. In most cases, this involves preparation on the part of the seller. Here are some surefire steps to ensure your next sale is a success:

Let Them Know Where You Are

If shoppers have to make more than one turn off the main street, use multiple signs to clearly lead the way to your sale. Place the signs strategically so shoppers know exactly where to turn to get to the sale. Just be sure to keep the signs simple. Some of the best simply say “sale” with arrows clearly pointing in the direction the shopper should turn.

Small signs with lots of writing are ineffective because they can’t be read.

Planning the Finances

If multiple sellers are involved in the sale, decide in advance who will be in charge of the money. She may need a helper to help add prices or make change, but she should be solely responsible for making sure all participants get credit for their sales.

Money That Jingles

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

Always have more change on hand than you expect to need.

Don’t be in a position where a $20 bill would totally wipe out your supply of change. And, decide in advance how much you want for your items and then price them a little higher. For example, if you really don’t want to sell an item for less than $5, price it at $7 so you have room for negotiation without going lower than what you are comfortable.

And, be sure to put a price tag or sign on each item -- there is nothing more annoying for a shopper than having to ask 15 different times how much something is.

Running the Sale

Remove things that not for sale from the sale area (lawnmowers, hoses, etc.). If that’s not possible, cover them with an old sheet or dropcloth or use masking tape to rope off areas that are not part of the sale. And, set up your sale area for good traffic flow. Leave space between the tables, don’t block the entryway, and make it easy for customers to see and reach any item they are interested in. And always put your high profile items -- especially those that you specifically advertised -- near the front to attract shoppers.

$

giggle dollars$ p Open Arms

Be sure to make shoppers feel welcome. There’s nothing worse for a shopper than to feel that she is an annoyance to the proprietor. If you’re not good at talking with strangers, enlist the help of an outgoing friend. Consider giving inexpensive freebies, such as coffee in the winter or cold water or Kool-aid when it’s hot. This small act of kindness makes for a friendlier, more pleasant (and usually more profitable) yard sale experience.

Selling Your Stuff

Keep only your coins and small bills outside with you. Every so often, take any large bills into the house, so that if by the unfortunate chance your money was stolen, the thief would only get small bills. Organize your space so that the checkout area is near the front exit of the sale and clearly marked. You may want to put expensive items near the checkout area so you can keep an eye on them.

Haggling Is OK

Don’t be afraid to bargain with people to make a sale. Unless you are selling something that is particularly valuable, the goal is usually to get rid of things you don’t need than to necessarily get the full asking price for each item. The last thing you want to do is have to haul everything back into the house at the end of the day. Have a “free” box for those items you’re not sure anyone would want. You’ll be surprised at how many of those things find new homes.

Having a Contingency Plan

If rain or some other unforeseen event cancels the sale, clearly post a sign stating that the sale has been cancelled. You might even state in your ad that your sale will be cancelled in event of rain. But, be sure to include a date when you plan to reschedule the sale if that happens – die-hard yard sale shoppers are usually willing to come back on another day.

Have a Plan

Also know ahead of time what you will do with any leftover items from your sale. Either schedule a local charity to come and pick up anything that doesn’t sell or plan to haul it off for donation yourself. Or you can avoid having too many leftovers by offering a “late-in-the-day” sale -- after noon, everything is half price. Remember, the goal is to clear your house of the clutter -- and that only happens if your belongings actually leave your property!

Content provided by OnlineOrganizing.com -- offering “a world of organizing solutions!” Visit www. onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business.

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magazine • oct/nov 2010

57

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trips

giggle takes you to...

Tallahassee!

By Janet Groene

B

eaches are an hour away and there are no razzmatazz thrill rides, so why take the family to Tallahassee, Florida?

FSU football games are a huge draw, of course, but let’s go back to the swashbuckling era when Florida belonged to Spain.

At Mission San Luis, kids can handle a Spanish helmet, learn how to run a blacksmith’s bellows and see the chief’s “throne” in the enormous grass hut that was the Indians’ council house 400 years ago. Of more than 100 missions built by the Spanish in Florida, this is the only survivor.

Thanks to archaeologists’ detective work, the village has been rebuilt on original sites and according to authentic plans. Visiting here, it’s easy to envision life at a time when St. Augustine was a mighty fort and the agrarian Apalachee Indians in northwest Florida supplied the garrison with vegetables.

Photos provided by Janet Groene

Today’s visitors see a sprawling village, re-created on the original, hilltop site.

You’ll see a fort with barracks, a lodge large enough to shelter a tribe of 1,000 people, the Indians’ church and the governor’s residence. Costumed characters take you back to a time when Indians hunted with bows and arrows so powerful they could penetrate two layers of Spanish armor.

The Spanish added their muskets to the defense of the village against hostile Creeks from Georgia.

Families enjoy the Mary Brohan Museum of Art & Science (aka The Brogan) with its lively programs and special events.

Kids are fascinated by a living bee colony exhibit that has an opening to the outdoors and a transparent hive within the museum. Worker bees come and go while the queen and her court are on full view.

One of state’s most eye-popping museums is called the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum but it’s much more. Two stories of outstanding collections show rare and antique autos, model trains and rail memorabilia, pianos, bicycles, baseball collectibles, antique golf equipment, toys including an enormous collection of pedal cars, knives, dolls and rarities galore.

Lodgings and Dining Rates for Tallahassee accommodations aren’t linked to seasons as much as to legislative sessions and to FSU home games so reservations are always recommended. The city is small, easily navigated and surrounded by economical chain hotels. All are family friendly, some have suites or residences, and many are also pet friendly. Hotels in the inner city include the upscale Governor’s Inn and the sophisticated Hotel Duval. Both can accommodate families and they also provide services such as bellmen and valet parking.

u f yo i For more info...

go!

VisitTallahassee.com Toll Free (800) 628-2866 Local (850) 606-2305

Only in recent years has the village been excavated and turned into one of Florida’s most significant attractions. Arrive early in the day to see the grounds and outbuildings, then see the air-conditioned museum and shop. Most of the site is wheelchair and stroller friendly thanks to pathways developed by Disney to look ancient yet provide a durable surface.

getting there:

School children by the dozens are brought to Tallahassee to see Mission San Luis and also the Old Capitol, restored to its appearance in 1902. Staffed by volunteer docents in period dress, it merits a couple of hours. History can be deadly dull, but here it comes alive thanks to skilled guides.

Janet Groene is a Florida-based travel writer and author. An avid camper, she creates healthful, homemade snack recipes for CreateAGorp.blogspot.com.

Tallahassee is approximately 2 1/2 hours (145 miles) by car from Gainesville.

About the Author

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Mo

ter rningside Nature Cen

Has your family discovered the beauty of Morningside Nature Center, where more than six miles of trails wind through sandhill, flatwoods and cypress dome ecological lands. Morningside also boasts a spectacular wildflower display and an opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife.

The park offers a number of community and family-friendly events and programs, including free weekly ongoing programs from September through May. At the Barnyard Buddies program, children of all ages will discover that Morningside Nature Center has a farm, ee—i—ee—i—oh! On this farm, youngsters with an adult can meet and greet animals and help the staff with afternoon feeding. With a sheep here—and a cow there—learning about heritage breeds has never been more fun. Another monthly program offers

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an opportunity for children to learn and help feed the reptiles and amphibians residing at the Education Building.

On Living History Saturdays, visitors can step back to a time when the roosters’ crow and the rising sun welcomed a new day. Morningside Nature Center’s Living History Farm comes to life, offering visitors a slice of life from 1870. See how Florida Cracker farm is interpreted through daily chores and crafts.

The park also offers a large variety of environmental science and cultural history curriculum programs for schools and organizations. If transportation is an issue, perhaps one of our outreach programs will meet your needs.

Morningside Nature Center has the farm and six miles worth of various length loop trails, boardwalks, and a bird blind.

Whether you enjoy nature or history— Morningside Nature Center offers familyfun for everyone!

For a complete list of our programs and events, visit www.natureoperations. org and navigate to the Events & Programs links.

Become a fan on Facebook at Nature Operations, Gainesville.

The park is located at 3540 E. University Ave. Call 352-334-3326.

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Calendar of Events

Pumpkin Patches and More

October 1 - October 31 Alachua Pumpkin Patch Open every day during daytime hours Family fun; hayrides, games and a hay maze are the major attractions.

The First United Methodist Church of Alachua Rt. 441 in Alachua 1 mile south of I-75 October 4 – October 31 Trinity UMC Pumpkin Patch Noon -8 p.m.

Pumpkins, hayrides, bounce houses, displays for picture taking, cotton candy and snow cones Trinity United Methodist Church 4000 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville October 3- November Roger’s Farm MAiZE Fridays: 4p.m. – Midnight / Saturdays: 9a.m. - Midnight /Sundays: Noon – 9 p.m.

Attractions Only: $8 / Add Maze for $4 Farm animals, Corn Cannon, Cow Train, Mini-Mazes, Hay Ride, Pumpkin Launcher, Pumpkin Patch and more., Roger’s Farm: 3831 NW 156th Ave. www.rogers-farm.com October 2 – October 31 Hodge Farm Corn Maze Friday and Saturday nights: 3 p.m.– 11 p.m./Sundays: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Adults: $7 / Children 10 and under: $5 / Hay Rides: $5 Activities at the maze include the Haunted Maze, a pumpkin patch, a barnyard, hay-rides (which will be haunted at night), a mini Maze for kids,

and much more.

SR 26 and SW 202nd St. in Newberry (On Newberry Rd.) www.newberrycornfieldmaze.com October 8 – November 7 Coon Hollo Corn Maze Fridays: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m / Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. / Sundays: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Adults: $8 / Seniors (65 and up): $7 / Children 4-12: $6 / Children 3 and under: FREE Fall Family Fun on the Farm! Admission Includes: Corn Maze , Hayride , Farm Train , Pedal Cart Races (NEW), Hay Fort/Corn Cribs/Buckin’ Barrels/ Tire swing, Farmyard Obstacle Course (NEW), Antique Farm Equipment, Agricultural Educational Displays. Also enjoy our Pumpkin Patch, Concessions, Old Country Store, Paintball Gallery and Haunted Halloween Hay Rides Coon Hollo Farm: 22480 N. Hwy. 441, Micanopy www.coonhollocornmaze.com

October 23 7 p.m.-8:30p.m.

Family Friendly Ghost Walk One non-perishable food item per visitor.

Come with family and friends for a night hike to the Morningside Living History Farm where you will meet ghosts from 1870 and hear about their lives in rural Florida. The admission gate will close when the program begins so be sure to arrive on time. Bring insect repellent and a flashlight.

Morningside Nature Center: 3540 E. University Ave., Gainesville www.natureoperations.org

October

Halloween Fun October 2 Screaming for Safety at Kiwanis Safety City Screaming for Safety provides a safe place for kids to trick-or-treat and it is a ‘one- stop- shop’ for safety information.

Kids visit each safety station to win door prizes.

Kiwanis Safety City 1025 NE 13th St., Gainesville

November

Over 1,000 listings for kids’

Activities Around Alachua County

October 23 6 p.m. -10 p.m O2B Kids Spooktacular Costume Contest, Carnival, Eerie Art, Rock Wall, Face Painting, Haunted House and more! CANDY, CANDY, AND MORE CANDY!!!!!

02B Kids Supercenter on Newberry Rd., Gainesville www.o2bkids.com October 24 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Sun Country Halloween Carnival Activities at this fund-raiser include Kidquest, hay rides, train rides, haunted house, bounce houses, rock climbing, goodie bags Sun Country Sports Center in Jonesville www.suncountrysports.com October 28 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Celebration United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat FREE and open to the public Wear your costume and bring your pumpkin for a night of trick-or-treating fun! Everyone is welcome!

9501 SW Archer Rd., Gainesville www.celebrationgnv.org October 30 7p.m-9 p.m.

Trick or Treat on Main Street / FREE Children can go trick or treating a safe environment, courtesy of businesses in downtown Alachua. www.alachua.com October 30 Halloween Contest The Little Shop Haile Village www.thelittleshopgnv.com October 31 Halloween at The Little Shop Haile Village www.thelittleshopgnv.com October 31 3 p.m. – 7:30p.m Boo at the Zoo Cost is one canned food per visitor Boo at the Zoo brings together people

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tou yoby

of all ages for a fun, safe, and generous Halloween adventure. The zoo’s 10acre forest will glow with lights strung along its trails. The entire zoo will be decorated in “spooktacular” Halloween themes.

SFC Zoo: 3000 NW 83rd St. Gainesville www.sfcollege.edu/zoo October 31 Ghouls, Goblins and Greeks Come join the ladies of the Greek community at the University of Florida for a night of Halloween Fun! Trick-or-Treat at 16 themed houses, enjoy live entertainment, play games with Panhellenic women, and participate in a costume contest for both children and adults.

Fun for the WHOLE family!

Sorority Row, located on East and West Panhellenic Dr., between 8th and 9th Ave., just east of 13th St. Gainesville October 31 Publix Trick-or-Treating Kids can trick-or-treat at all area Publix stores. Last year held on Halloween.

Fall Festivals & Other Events October 2-3 10 a.m-5p.m.

Peanut Festival - FREE Enjoy arts & craft vendors, an assortment of great food vendors, entertainment on both ends of the park. There will be rides and games for children as well as a petting zoo.

Linear Park, Williston www.willistonfl.com/peanutfest.html October 2 10a.m.-Noon Family Literacy Festival This year’s event will feature local performance groups, vendor displays, literacy awards, free books, and much, much more. Keep an eye out for special guests Publixaurus, Smokey the Bear, Max City Dog, Smokey Bear, Super Why and Waste Watcher.

Alachua County Headquarters Library and The Matheson Museum 410 E. University Ave. and 513 E. University Ave. www.aclib.us/press/annual-literacyfestival-october-2nd October 2 - 3 10a.m.-5p.m.

Thornebrook Art Festival The Art Festival at Thornebrook is a two-day festival of juried fine arts and fine crafts under the covered walkways and on the grassy areas and plaza of Thornebrook Village. There are 140 premium spaces available for the artists’ booths, and additional space for entertainment and children’s activities, including face painting and live music.

Thornebrook Village: NW 43rd St. in Gainesville www.thornebrookart.org October 5-6 Sesame Street Live 1-2-3 Imagine Stephen C. O’Connell Center www.ticketmaster.com October 9 9a.m.-5p.m.

Hawthorne Hogfest The Hog Fest features include: Arts & Crafts, a variety of food, kid activities, softball tournament, BBQ cook off, fireworks and the infamous Hog Chase.

Followed by fireworks show / FREE www.hawthornehogfest.com October 12 7:30 p.m.

The Little Shop Book Club Haile Village www.thelittleshopgnv.com October 15th Noon UF Homecoming Parade – University Ave. between Gale Lemerand Dr. and Main St. in Gainesville www.ufhomecoming.org/parade October 16th 2 ½ hours before kickoff UF Homecoming BBQ and Carnival The Barbecue includes a variety of

tailgate food including a delicious vegetarian option and kid friendly meals.

This year there will also be plenty of games to entertain the entire family with a children’s arts and crafts section.

Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville October 17 11a.m-5p.m.

Alachua Harvest Festival The Festival encourages artisans to display their hand crafted items. Local service organizations provide childfriendly free activities such as giant pinball, bounce house, bungee swings and lots more as they dispense their educational and informational materials.

Downtown Alachua www.alachuabusiness.com October 21 6p.m.-10p.m.

Gainesville Gone Nashville / Kountry for Kids Benefit the children served by the Child Advocacy Center.

Canterbury Equestrian Showplace: 23100 W. Newberry Rd. Newberry www.gainesvillegonenashville.com October 22 5:00 p.m.-11:00p.m.

Oktoberfest Haile Village October 23 9a.m.-4p.m.

Newberry Fall Market Festival There will be vendors, food, and family friendly activities. Also the annual BBQ cook off.

Newberry www.newberrymainstreet.org October 23 Noche de Gala Benefitting the Sebastian Ferrero Foundation Besilu Collection, Micanopy www.NochedeGala.org October 23 and 24 10a.m-5p.m.

Ocala Arts Festival The Ocala Arts Festival is a fine arts

show. The festival is free to the public and attracts hundreds of artists from around the country. The annual two day event also showcases local children’s art and entertainment groups as well as children’s art classes and professional entertainment.

Free Childrens’ activities and workshops.

Check website for details.

McPherson Government Complex: 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala www.fafo.org October 23-24 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Butterflyfest - FREE Join the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville for a weekend of exciting new experiences. You have landed in the right place to learn more about what’s in store for this year’s ButterflyFest Florida Museum of Natural History: SW 34th St. and Hull Rd. Gainesville www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflyfest October 31 Trinity UMC Fall Festival-Free 5:30 p.m. -8 p.m Trinity United Methodist Church: 4000 NW 53rd Ave., Gainesville (352) 376-6615 www.trinitygnv.org

acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and stunning photography.

Lots of things for the kids to do. www.gvlculturalaffairs.org November 13 10 a.m-4 p.m.

Lubee Bat Festival–FREE See Fruit Bats up close and learn about their critical role as pollinators and seed dispersers of flowering plants.

Lubee Bat Conservancy 1309 NW 192nd Ave., Gainesville www.lubee.org November 14 9:30 a.m.

O2BKids Animal Day FREE for members / $8 for nonmembers/ Adults are free with child admission Come see the animals at O2BKids Supercenter! Pet a rabbit, goat, dog, cat, sheep and feed a zebra.

Supercenter: 6680 W. Newberry Rd., Gainesville (352) 332-5500 www.o2bkids.com

October 31 Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Micanopy Fall Harvest Festival Micanopy is a scenic location for a fall arts and crafts festival. www.micanopyfallfestival.org

November 6-7 10a.m.-5p.m.

Downtown Festival & Art Show An outdoor street festival, the art show attracts more than 100,000 people annually to view the works of over 250 of the nation’s most talented artists as they display their original oils and

Happy Fall!

Over 1,000 listings for kids’

Activities Around Alachua County

Life is a precious gift

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