Giggle Magazine April/May 2011

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happy family • happy community TM

APRIL/MAY 2011 • Volume 3 • Issue 2

Eco Friendly Products 5 Minute aMommy

Spring cleaning your finances

Makeovers

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2nd annual

Hottie Dad Contest Nicole Irving Publisher Shane Irving Vice President Alison Walker Managing Editor Julie Rezendes Art Director Amy Keene Visual Designer and Coordinator Dana Kamp Copy Editor Contributing Writers Wendy Joysen, Chris Wilson, Helen Kornblum, Dana Kamp, Janet Groene, Sondra Randon, Tamara Herchel, Christina Vila, Sarah Loftus, Daniel Griffin, LeAndra Valentine, Stephanie Thomas, Julia Macaluso, Allyson Fox, Lauren Zane, Sarah Gibson Contributing Photographers Laurel Housden Photography, Kelsey Lynn Photography, Lifeprints Photography

strong.

loving.

and hot!

Do you know a Dad who is the complete package?

Is he caring, present, cuddly and fun?

Can he change a diaper in the blink of an eye? Does he do dishes?

Laundry? Carpool? Is he the best Dad ever and last but not least....

Sales Tracey Hardin, Shane Irving Marketing Intern Stephanie Thomas, Kate NesSmith, Stuart Cardenas 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.

HOT? Yes, our second annual Hottie Dads contest is here!

If you know a Dad who deserves to be spotlighted, HURRY and submit their photo and a brief paragraph about who they are and why they should be chosen.

Mailing address 5745 SW 75th Street Unit 286 Gainesville, FL 32608

p. 352.505.5821 f. 352.240.6499 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. Š 2010

Members of

Please send submissions and contact info by Monday, APRIL 25, 2011 to

giggle@irvingpublications.com

Physical address 9127 SW 52nd Ave Suite D-102 Gainesville, FL 32608

ADDY AWARD WINNER 2009

happy family • happy community

TM

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every issue

features

columns

In the Kitchen 22 We Are Making Dirt Cakes!

Understanding Autism 10 A Father's Journey Through His Daughter's Life-Changing Diagnosis

Organized Solutions 48 Professional Organizer Helen Kornblum Shows Us How to Reduce, Recycle and Reuse to Get Organized!

For Dads. By Dads 27 Tips to Avoid a Mother's Day Mishap giggle stamp 51 Eco-Friendly Products

Family History 14 Tips for Researching Your Family History

giggle dollars 54 Spring Cleaning Your Finances

Favorite Teachers 16 Spotlight on Some of Alachua County's Favorite Teachers

Ladies' Night Out 57 Do Art

NEW! Conception to College Section 29

Lifesavers 58 5-Minute Mommy Makeovers

Emergency Car Kits 20 What Every Parent Should Have in Their Cars

Why I Love Living in Gainesville 61 The Rowe Family giggle trips 67 Tampa Bay

Berry Picking 42 Tips for Having Fresh Fruity Fun

Legal Side 50 Know the Laws When it Comes to Property Owner Liability All Kidding Aside 53 Stepmother/Daughter Relationship

on the cover

alachua

Family Spotlight 70 Michael Dupee - Two-time Jeopardy!

Champion Shares His Journey

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5 Minute Mommy Makeovers Your Favorite Alachua County Teachers Eco-Friendly Products Spring Cleaning Your Finances Our Exclusive Tampa Bay Vacation Giveaway county’s

PREMIER

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Spring Cleaning 44 Eco-Friendly Tips for Spring Cleaning

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APRIL/MAY 2011 • Volume 3 • Issue 2

Eco Friendly Products

Summer Camp 46 Summer Camp Options for Your Child with Special Needs

5 Minute a

Mommy

$ Spring cleaning your finances

Makeovers

Collections 64 This Issue's Cool Collection-Pugs!

Our

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Your favorite Alachua County teachers

Exclusive

Tampa Bay Vacation

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Cover, The Irving Boys Photo by Laurel Housden Photography

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 • april/may 2011

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Letter from the Publisher

S

pring has to be one of my favorite times of the year. The temperatures are cool enough that we can leave our windows open during the day, but warm enough that we can pack up our winter coats and gloves. Spring brings a flurry of garage sales, spring festivals and the need to “spring clean.” And of course, the pollen and endless trips to the car wash. Wow…who knew a car would almost be unrecognizable under a blanket of yellow dust?

This year, our April/May issue is packed with fun springinspired features. Our “In the Kitchen” feature says it all.

Who could resist making these yummy and cute dirt cakes?

They are just perfect for any garden party. We could not leave out spring cleaning tips for your home and finances, eco-friendly products and berry picking!

our cover!

There are no words to express my gratitude to our clients and readers for embracing us and welcoming us with open arms. I want to say a special thank you to all of those who have graced our pages. From the cuties on our covers to our family spotlights, we could not be more appreciative of your support.

Giggle would not be where it is if it weren't for all our "giggle family" members, both past and present, who have dedicated their time and talents to us. Within each page are hours spent away from children, take out dinners, missed car pools and times where aftercare replaced special mommy time in the car. Within these pages are talented people who have hearts of gold. I could not have done it without them. And for that, I will be forever grateful.

Thank you for welcoming us into your lives.

MeettheBoys!

These three bundles of energy are the inspiration for this magazine and the reason we love producing this publication. Tyler, age 6, is the oldest of the boys and enjoys chess, swimming and playing baseball.

Nicholas, age 5, loves gymnastics and rock n’ roll music! Joshua, age 3, is the Cars enthusiast and loves anything having to do with Lightning McQueen! Their fun-loving and distinct personalities keep us on our toes and giggling every moment! a Photo by Laurel Housden Photography a Hair cuts by Downtown Barber Shop

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aNicole Publisher

in other giggle

Photo by Laurel Housden Photography

One of the best parts of my job is sharing inspiring and true stories about families who are going through brave challenges that, with love and hope, bring them closer as a family. April is National Autism Awareness Month.

According to Autismspeaks.com, one in every 110 children is affected with autism. With that, a family’s life is forever changed. A dear friend of mine shares his personal story of how autism has affected his family. He shares his struggles that are overpowered with his hope, faith and love for his child who is autistic. His story will touch your hearts and souls. I hope that his journey informs and inspires you.

I created giggle for one reason. To inspire Alachua County parents to be the best parents they can be and embrace their community and all it has to offer for their families. If I have touched just one person and helped them in their journey as a parent, then I have succeeded in my mission. Two years ago, giggle made its debut, and WOW, what a two years it has been!

news

giggle magazine wins two silver ADDY Awards ®

®

Editorial Spread

Magazine Design

Oopsie Daisy... the Family Spotlight photos in the Feb/March issue were taken by Lifeprints Photography.

scoop

™

news and information to keep you informed

BY Christina Vila

Parenting: There’s an app for that

{ { When parents don’t have parents

Parenting is rough, especially when you don’t have the support system of your own parents. Allison Gilbert, author of “Parentless Parents” theorizes that losing one’s parents affects how you raise your children. Valuable information and advice are no longer available from the people who have been in your shoes. Although federal statistics indicate that life expectancy has increased, Gilbert argues that women are having children later, which may be a cause for the trend. (www.cnn.com)

Parenting has finally reached a new technological peak. Jessie Rosenblum recently launched hAPPy Family, an app that allows parents to track positive behaviors in children on their smartphones. When a child eats a serving of vegetables, or any other favorable action, parents can add a virtual object to their jar, rewarding the child as their collection grows. Rosenblum cites the convenience of virtual tools in helping her stay organized and consistent. These apps are just another way to take advantage of cell phones. Other parenting apps include dirty diaper logs and money handling tools. (www.clarionledger.com and www.happyfamilyapp.com)

The less-is-more approach to parenting Family counselor and author Kim John Payne views the “more” culture of the Western World as a detriment to childhood. If kids have too much stuff, they won’t know what they really want. Having a rhythm to follow, not a strict schedule but a sequence of events, gives children security and allows them to know what’s coming up next.

By simplifying the environment, food, meal times, schedules and information, parents create a routine everyone can follow. This will create a simpler, slower environment for children and will reduce their stress level. (Encinitas.patch.com and www.simplicityparenting.com)

Technology helps troops stay in touch with home

(www.nytimes.com) 8

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According to a recent study from UCLA, college freshmen are more stressed than ever before. When asked to rate their emotional health, only 52 percent stated it was above average, down 12 percent from 1985. Stress can start affecting children as early as preschool. The key to managing it, and preventing depression, is to recognize the signs and teach children how to handle frustrating situations. Teach preschoolers how to breathe to help them ease tension. School-aged children benefit from counting to ten inside their heads.

Music, calming mantras and even yoga can help teenagers deal with the pressure. (www.today.com)

Photos coutesy of istockphoto.com

After years of struggling to contact home, troops now have all the options the Internet can give them.

A few clicks on instant messaging, texting, social media sites and web chatting overcome thousands of miles. Although it has kept morale up for those fighting overseas, officials worry that day-to-day concerns may seep their way into battalions.

Soldiers are now faced with fighting two wars: the one wherever they are stationed and the fight against unpaid bills and broken appliances.

How to get your child to stop stressing

Understanding Autism: One father's journey through the diagnosis that changed his family's life forever

by Greg Brostowicz

We sat by Lake Alice, falling in love, and dreaming about how great our lives would be together. We talked about getting married, having kids and growing old together. Like most people in their 20s, we were blinded to what the world outside the swamps of Gainesville truly held and ignorant to the six-letter word that would manipulate our lives in ways that were incomprehensible at that time.

Our plans were falling brilliantly into place. We graduated from the University of Florida, got engaged, started our careers, got married and went on an amazing honeymoon. Sure the five years we said we’d wait to grow our family turned into one month, but that was fine with us both. A flawless pregnancy and textbook delivery continued the fairytale. Of course, being new parents was tough. We managed to take the sleepless nights in stride and struggled and survived like parents have for generations. But that was all about to change.

Our journey was about to become a battle: one that would each day test our patience, hope and marriage.

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My wife transformed from a schoolteacher into a student of everything related to development disorders. We were grasping for answers. We also started comparing our daughter’s actions to others in her age group. That Halloween was devastating.

While other toddlers were dragged around the neighborhood in their ghoul and goblin outfits, out daughter sat in the front walkway pouring rocks on her head over and over while her torn Snow White costume lay shredded around her.

Did our daughter simply have development delays? Or, was it something more rare such as selective mutism? We surfed the Internet and read

newspaper articles while we waited for another evaluation with specialists. This appointment would be led by a pediatric neurologist and would be able to carry a diagnosis with it. While labels are just words, they can open doors for insurance dollars, therapy and research. They also can

Photos provided by the Brostowicz family

Our pediatrician tried to gently give us a hint that something wasn’t matching up with her expectations when our daughter was a little over a year old. She felt that something just wasn’t right and that some testing by specialists was needed. Despite our daughter’s increasing meltdowns, we thought the good doctor had no idea what she was talking about. While we waited months for the appointment with the specialists, our daughter had a series of immunizations and abruptly lost any speech that had developed. We now began to wonder if the doctor was right. We didn’t have to wonder too much longer as

the developmental specialists confirmed that things were not going as planned.

Though they didn’t have the credentials to officially provide a diagnosis, they were able to immediately start some therapy such as occupational and speech.

"Our journey was about to become a battle: one that would each day test our patience, hope and marriage." provide a forum for physicians to try to get their own piece of medical history published. Unfortunately, this is what happened to our family. The doctor, who we unquestionably trusted, provided a diagnosis of multi-spectrum disorder. For those of you who don’t know what this is, and that pretty much is anyone except the many families who brought their children to this doctor, it’s a combination of autism, Tourette’s Syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and sensory issues. We were baffled how a child who lost her speech could have Tourette’s, but this was a well-regarded physician so who were we to question him. Looking back, we held the only thing needed to raise a question: being the parents of our young child.

This unusual diagnosis, while bizarre, brought autism into our lives in some official capacity for the first time. I’ll never forget being in the kitchen that afternoon and uncontrollably breaking down. Autism. Autism? All I knew was what I had seen in “Rain Man.” I didn’t know what was so awful about this word, but it scared me really deeply.

Therapy sessions became a part of our daily routine. We developed a

new vocabulary of terms from PECS (picture exchange card system) to DTI (discrete trial instruction), read both sides of the debate on whether vaccinations were a cause of autism, and learned that while one in 150 are diagnosed with autism, only a quarter of these are girls. We also started trying a little more unusual options: using weighted vests, building a platform swing, hourly full-body brushing, deep-pressure massages, chewy tubes and modulated music therapy. We saw varying results, but like any parent knows, there is not anything that you will not try for your child.

Those dreams in Gainesville just six years earlier now could not be more of a distant memory. We made some big changes in our lives. My wife stopped teaching to focus on what our daughter needed. A few months later, we decided to leave the Sunshine State and head to New England. The opportunity that existed for my career and the enticement of one of the nation’s best health systems paved the way. My wife and daughter joined me on the weekend after our daughter’s third birthday, once the Early

Continues on page 12

April is National Autism Awareness Month!

Autism Speaks™ is the nation’s largest

autism science and advocacy organization.

Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism, founded the organization in February 2005. According to the organization’s website, their goal and mission “is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. We are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals. Autism Speaks aims to bring the autism community together as one strong voice to urge the government and private sector to listen to our concerns and take action to address this urgent global health crisis.

It is our firm belief that, working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle.” For more information about Autism Speaks™, visit their website at www.autismspeaks.org.

Early Steps is Florida's early intervention system that offers services to eligible infants and toddlers (birth to thirty-six months) with significant delays or a condition likely to result in a developmental delay. Eligibility for the program is based on a screening process. According to the program’s website, early intervention is provided to support families and caregivers in developing the competence and confidence to help their child learn and develop.

For more information about Florida’s Early Steps program, visit their website at http://www.cmskids. com/families/early_steps/early_steps.html.

Understanding Autism| Continued from page 11

Though my wife spent two weeks in a different state training with the dog and regardless of the fact that he could do more things than any dog I’d ever seen, he lasted less than two years with us. His unmatched training to lay on our daughter during her tantrums was no match for our daughter’s aggression.

He did what we all wanted to do during an outburst instead of getting kicked…go into the other room and ignore what was happening and happening loudly. We got our bumps and bruises through the years. But, when our daughter was 7, things escalated to a point beyond what we were capable of handling. Our baby girl kept throwing herself down the stairs and attempted to jump out the second floor window while she said she couldn’t control the thoughts from her brain. We admitted her to an amazing hospital two states away, which was for autistic kids that also had other issues.

After incorporating some medicine changes, adding a label of bipolar disorder and teaching our daughter some coping skills, she came home just in time for Thanksgiving. It really

gave new meaning to the holiday.

Steps services had concluded. (See box for more information on Florida’s Early Steps Program.)

The quaint town we moved to had an amazing educational department. The town’s head of the Special Education Department quickly called in some favors and got one of the world’s leading autism diagnosticians to spend a day observing our daughter, interviewing us and giving a clear diagnosis of autism. This time though, the doctor meticulously set up an intricate program with the school to help her development. He recognized our daughter’s love for animals and used this as a way to get her to reconnect with us verbally.

It wasn’t long after that our daughter “mooed.” Yep, my wife and I cried over that darn cow sound. And, it was an even more significant step than we imagined. Soon we did away with the sign language and PECS and really started seeing progress with her verbalization. This was, and continued to be, a long challenging road. Ironically, six years later, the doctors called her hyper verbal, though I equate it to living on the set of Jeopardy since nearly everything comes in the form of a question.

Cognitively, and for lack of a better way to put it academically, in the years to follow, our daughter progressed somewhat behind that of her peers, but at least in the right direction.

Behaviorally, well that has been a battle in its own right. From the early years when a pediatric psychologist told us to take everything out of her room and turn the lock around to the later years when holes were kicked through the dry wall on a daily basis, this was ground zero. It’s hard to fathom that a child at 4 years old could throw dining room chairs across the room, but we saw this. We also saw the self-abusive behaviors that encompassed hair pulling, biting, scraping and flailing. We even tried something that was pretty unusual: adding a 90-pound autism service dog named Doppler to our family to help.

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Our roller coaster ride and its regular twists and turns took another one shortly after that new year started when we added yet another diagnosis. Celiac’s Disease was added to our daughter’s already full plate. This meant that our family moved to a gluten-free diet and a whole new array of terminology and lifestyle restrictions. This change though has been amazingly welcome as behaviors have since improved some and the meals made now (after a lot of trial and error) are pretty tasty. Everything seemed to taste better several months later, when we moved back to Florida and near our extended families again.

Others in different situations would call us crazy for thinking this, but we actually are in a pretty good spot for our family right now. We’ve adjusted

to the looks we get in public, accepted that our daughter will always live with us, and realized that our family is like few others. Those plans we made by Lake Alice are nothing like our lives are today. Nearly everything is different. But, how many people can say they knew years ago exactly what their futures would hold. That’s what keeps life from being boring.

Though a lot of nights, boring doesn’t sound so bad! I am sure ALL parents can agree with that. a

Family

History Because the Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree

by Christina Vila

Who are you? For most people, this is an

easy question. They classify themselves as mothers or fathers, sons or daughters, painters, teachers or doctors. But for others, it raises a burning question that runs deeper than occupation or social position. It raises a question of the past, of roots and ancestry.

And questions are meant to be answered.

Getting started in the quest to discover your family tree can seem like a daunting task.

But by following a few easy steps and using all the resources available to you in the community and on the Internet, discovering the past can turn into a real adventure.

{

{

“Learning the history of your family makes them more real,” Powell says.

“It’s more about their stories than it is about their names.”

Of all the free resources available, local libraries have plenty of information.

Powell stresses the importance of knowing the history of the period as well. History affects the decisions people made about where to live, when to resettle, and even how to deal with illnesses. You can’t separate history from family history.

Bobby Powell, a librarian at the Alachua County Library and a genealogical expert, suggests starting your search by filling out a pedigree chart. This allows you to trace back your biological family, including facts like when and where they were born and died and to whom they were married. Anything you can’t fill out becomes a question that will fuel the discovery process.

Particularly important to the history of families is the availability of census records.

Taken every 10 years since 1790, the Census can reveal things like family structures and household statistics. Alachua County Libraries have all Florida Census records until 1930. On April 1, 2012, the US Census Bureau will release the 1940 Census, but only in online format. For privacy purposes, 72 years must pass between collection and the release of the information.

A small but powerful genealogy section in the downtown library carries the history of Alachua County and its residents.

After filling out the pedigree chart, you can also fill out a family group sheet. Both forms can be found at your local library or through an internet search. This will help focus the questions you’ve already come up with. This sheet also allows you to trace non-biological family members.

Continue the Search

Here are some other useful websites to help you on the search for your family.

a Visit the Family History and Genealogy Page at www.usa.gov. a Genealogy.com offers tips on how to get started on your search and county resources available to aid the process.

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a Familytreemaker.com is a great site for beginners who are willing to pay for genealogy software.

a The National Archives also has plenty of information in their records available at www.archives.gov.

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Powell suggests looking up different kinds of records as well. Things like baptismal records, church records and even slave schedules can provide information.

Search Your Family Tree, a resource guide published by the Alachua County Library District, encourages budding genealogists to conduct research on surnames. Surnames could indicate one of four things: occupation, place of residence within a region or town, father’s name or nicknames. Discovery of a family name, although difficult because of changes in spelling in some cases, can lead to greater knowledge of the region you came from.

Other important resources include immigration and ethnic records.

Historical entry points like Ellis Island can help trace back families of millions of immigrants who entered the country. In 1907 alone there were 1.3 million immigrants, and the numbers have grown immensely since then. Ships’ passenger lists may provide information on the country they set sail from and the demographics of the passengers.

There are also many searchable records through ethnic groups, including African American, Hispanic, Jewish and Native American groups.

“You’d be surprised how many interesting people can be in your past. And that’s what most people want, to know the great variety of people you come from,” Powell said.

Most importantly, you’ll finally know who you really are. a

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

{

At the library you can also use free databases. Heritage Quest and Ancestry Library Edition are great launching points.

Although limited in the amount of free information you can receive, these databases can still provide many different types of

records, including voter lists, newspaper publications, wills and existing family trees.

Ancestry.com also offers a free 14-day trial period if you prefer to work from home.

Your

{favorite} Teachers

Nominated by our readers, here are some of Alachua County's finest teachers

I am 10 and I have a cochlear implant. So I need to be in a class that helps me listen and speak well, to help me with that I need my favorite teacher Tina. She is very patient with all of us. Tina is very funny and loves teaching me and my friends. She needs and deserves to be the teacher of the year.

Shanie P.,current student

Ms. Tina Kercheval Deaf and hard of hearing teacher Norton Elementary, Pre-k through 5th grade (teaching for 32 years and at Norton for 3 years)

What inspires you?

The daily challenges of teaching deaf children. It is truly inspiring to watch deaf children learn how to communicate and read through the use of audition, speech and sign language.

The UF advisor who encouraged me to become a deaf educator was Peg Nattress. She is still living in Gainesville and after her work at UF became a member of the Alachua County School Board.

She is known by many here in town.

Do you have any Pets?

I have 3 dogs (Tebow, Izzie and Woody) and 2 cats (Hailey and Millie). All were adopted as rescue pets.

Who are your heroes?

I have several wonderful heroes: Lori Lazarus (speech/language pathologist) for 30 years of partnership in the deaf/hard of hearing program, Kathy Black (director of ESE) and Marvin Nelson (former principal at Lake Forest) for their tremendous support of me and our program, and Janet Thomas and Martha Olvera for teaching me compassion.

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Ms. Danielle Glass 3rd grade teacher at Hidden Oak Elementary (3 years)

Why did you become a teacher?

I never liked homework as a child and I struggled with it. To make it more fun, I would set up my stuffed animals and “teach them� as I did my work. In the 5th grade, I had a very challenging year with a discouraging teacher. It was at that point that I knew I wanted to become a teacher to ensure that no child had an experience like I did and to develop confidence and a love of learning that they need to succeed.

Who are your heroes?

My parents are my heroes for their continued support and encouragement from elementary school to succeeding as a teacher.

What inspires you?

My Godmother is my hero. She is also a teacher and her dedication to education inspires me.

Hobbies: Scrapbooking, working out, cycling and going to the beach

Photos by Lifeprints Photography

Miss Danielle Glass is without a doubt one of the most caring, intelligent, energetic, creative and skilled teachers I have ever met. We feel so blessed to have her as our son's third grade teacher at Hidden Oak Elementary. Her level of professionalism combined with a kindness that seems endless, has made this year a wonderful experience for our family. She continually talks about how privileged she feels to be a part of the children's lives and how she receives so much joy from watching them succeed. It is heartwarming. {excerpt from letter} Jennifer Denault, Mom

Karen Whipple is more than just a teacher. She is a cheerleader, a motivator, a mentor and most importantly an inspiration to her students. Mrs. Whipple has been at Gainesville Country Day School for over 25 years and has the same excitement and passion for her students like that of a new teacher.

Mrs. Whipple does more than teach second grade, she runs the afterschool program, summer-fun program and spends many of her school holidays at school running the No-School at School days raising money for charities like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, March of Dimes, Relay for Life...just to name a few. {excerpt from letter} Alisha Bowen, Mom

Our daughter started 3rd grade and was surprised to find she had her first male teacher, Mr. Lathem.

Peyton immediately came home excitedly spouting the same sentence daily, "Mr. Lathem says... insert interesting science/math/ language fact here...” At a time when 8 and 9 year olds are forced to start the real "school world" Mr. Lathem has a way to make it fun and exciting, and memorable in their ever-shaping minds. He is a very funny (I bear witness) teacher who makes kids laugh and puts them at ease with both themselves and himself. {excerpt from letter} Amanda Pemberton, Mom

Mrs. Karen Whipple 2nd grade teacher Gainesville Country Day School for 28 years

Who is your hero?

When my parents married, my mom had cystic fibrosis. She had already outlived the median age of 5 at the time, she was 19. Three months later, she found out she was pregnant. Her doctors told her not to have a baby; her body would not be able to handle it. No one with CF had ever carried a baby full term (1958). She told my dad she knew her life expectancy was not good, and she wanted to leave him a piece of her. She had me (premature) and died six weeks later (she never left the hospital). She's my hero!

Who inspires you?

My students inspire me. They are full of energy and have a desire to learn. They are so interested in what is going on around them and why.

Why did you become a teacher?

I became a teacher because I love children. I have known that I wanted to teach from the time I was in high school.

Family: I have a wonderful husband of nearly 30 years, Richard. We have two beautiful daughters. Ashley, 24, a Registered Nurse on the pediatric floor at Shands and Brittany, 22 , a graduate of UF. I am extremely lucky to have such a fantastic family.

Pets: We have three cats, Charm (given to me by a former student),

Tebow and Quazi.

Mr. Daniel Lathem 3rd grade teacher at Hidden Oak Elementary (9 years)

Why did you become a teacher?

I had to do volunteer hours and I was put in the classroom. I really liked it.

Who are your heroes?

My parents What inspires you?

When the “light turns on” for a child. The moment that it becomes clear and they get it.

Do you have any pets?

3 cats, 1 dog and 2 salt water aquariums Family: I am married to my wife Erica and I have three daughters, Emily (6), Katelyn (3) and Hailey (4 months).

Hobbies: Woodworking and camping

giggle

magazine •april/may 2011

17

A Backup Backpack:

This car emergency kit is full of everything you need while on the go

BY Julia Macaluso

You might consider humans the super parents of the animal world. After all, many animals carry their young, but how many have to tote the accessories found in the average diaper bag or purse? We take to parenting like ants take to working—carrying much more than would seem possible, or even desirable, to stay in control of every situation.

But it happens to everyone - you forget the diaper cream or finish up your stock of tissues. Sometimes, you plan perfectly and things go awry - you peek down into the stroller and find your little one has lost her pacifier, probably chucking it out of the stroller like a new fun game. She’s okay without it for now, but later on, she’ll want it back…immediately!

You can avoid hassle by keeping a backup backpack in the car, for when you’re far from home or simply too busy to go back and replenish the inventory. It should be large enough to contain extras of everyday items and, if necessary, act as a parenting trunk monkey - handy in case of emergencies.

Keeping it clean

While felines are good about keeping their kittens clean, we humans may not consider it worth the hairballs. Instead, you can prepare for everyday hygiene needs by packing an extra packet of tissues, lip balm, hand sanitizer and lotion. For babies, a couple of diapers, wipes, diaper cream and a change of clothes with a plastic bag (in case of spit-ups) should suffice. Allow yourself space for a small assortment of feminine products in a zipper bag, just in case!

A foul-weather friend

It’s a good idea to keep a change of clothes for your older children as well, in case you get a call from the school’s front office. And with Florida summers any duck would love, you don’t want to be caught in a rainstorm without an umbrella,

Flashlight Water bottle Paper towels Car phone charger First-aid kit Jumper cables Umbrella Insurance card Wipes Baby bag essentials Hand sanitizer Emergency cash

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Bulking up for the winter

Speaking of the blue skin blues, it’s not likely you’ll get caught driving in a blizzard, but there’s no telling when a harmless Florida cold front is going to turn serious. As my snowbird father taught us - you can always take off what you don’t need, but you can’t put on what you don’t have.

To save space in your backup backpack, you might want to shed the heavy winter coat and just fold a compact wool poncho into the mix. Supplement it with a pair of gloves, a scarf and a beanie, or for little ones, pack booties and a fleece cap and blanket so your cub can hibernate peacefully in the stroller while you’re out and about.

No huffing and puffing here!

In case of sudden wolf-like hunger, you’ll need to keep your child’s howling down a notch. But food isn’t always available for the hunt, so you may want to take to gathering.

A vacuum-sealed pack of nuts or an unopened bag of dried cranberries can last ages, as well as a jar of mashed carrots.

(Yummy tip: Go gourmet by adding a small single-serving packet of olive oil). To wash it down, keep an extra bottle and formula handy, or for larger cubs, a juice box or sippy cup to fill as desired. While you’re at it, throw in your favorite nutrition or protein bar for yourself, to keep you on your paws!

Trunk Monkey time

In case of emergency, this pack’s got your back. Just whip out the first aid kit for full access to bandages, disinfectant spray, antibiotic ointment, itch cream, burn cream, a thermometer and, if needed, an EpiPen. Throw a twenty dollar bill in there too, just in case.

If only we, like snails, could carry our houses with us wherever we went, we’d be…at the chiropractor’s! Instead, take a load off, mentally and physically, knowing your backup backpack’s got you covered.

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

 Check List

but if it happens, be prepared. After all, the rainy day blues should never refer to your child’s skin color! A dry pair of shorts, t-shirt, underwear and socks still toasty from the trunk will work wonders in warmer months, to get them quacking instead of chattering. It would be wise to pack an extra toothbrush, too, in case you get stranded on a daytrip and need to stay overnight.

p in the kitchen

Dirt Cake Submitted by Leslie Weinberger

Ingredients: 1 new 8 1/2 inch plastic flower pot 2 packages of Oreos (finely crushed) 1/2 stick butter 8 oz. cream cheese (softened) 1 cup powdered sugar 3 1/2 cups milk 2 small boxes INSTANT vanilla pudding (french vanilla adds more richness) 12 oz. cool whip Directions: Bowl 1 - Mix cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar together and set aside.

Bowl 2 - In a large bowl, mix milk, dry pudding and cool whip.

Gradually add bowl 1 to bowl 2 and mix well.

Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Place crushed cookies on bottom of plastic flower pot.

Alternate layers of mixture and cookies until you reach the top.

Add gummy worms and clean plastic flowers for effect.

e ok strang I know I lo right in; but are fake The t is cake. but the dir eed water I do not n ; or tender y Just eat m is bare. t o until my p

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]

Your dirt pie will only keep in the refrigerator for a couple days.

]

Make individual small cups instead of the big pot.

Photos by Laurel Houden Photography

giggle tips

Oaks Pet Resort & Grooming!

Recently Remodeled

Oaks Pet Resort is located inside Oaks Veterinary Hospital For those who need a safe haven for their pet while away or those visiting the Gainesville area and would like peace of mind, Oaks Pet Resort is here to give compassionate and professional care.

We provide the added comfort of having a veterinarian close at hand to monitor your pet and address any problems which may arise.

We also offer daily on-site grooming for your dog or cat.

229 NW 75th St • (352) 332-PETS w w w. o a k s v e t . c o m 5331 NW 34th St • ( 352) 373-PETS www.nwoaksvet.com

agazine & Sweat L ife Fitness present... giggle M

working toward success!

by Daniel griffin Photos by Sweat Life Fitness

The BIG Weight Loss Challenge has almost reached the halfway point. A lot has occurred since you last read about our seven awesome contestants. They have been challenged physically and mentally. They have been educated on proper exercise form, intensity and progression. They have changed the way they shop for, prepare and eat food. Most importantly, they have made health, longevity and well-being a priority in their lives, the lives of their families and in the lives of those around them. And we are not even half way done!

Some of the physical challenges our contestants have faced include: stadium workouts, outdoor boot camps, group circuit training and cardiovascular interval training.

Recently, they competed in and completed a 5K – which is a big deal for most of them since they have never participated in a race before. They have been pushed beyond their comfort zones; and barriers are being broken.

Nutritionally, they approach eating and fueling their bodies from a totally new perspective.

Eating is no longer about quickly shoveling down the most convenient and easy-to-find foods. Instead, it is about giving their body the nutrients it needs to grow, repair, replenish and operate optimally. Menus are now being made in advance and meals are prepared the night before. Vegetables, fruits, lean meats, whole grains, water and healthy fats have replaced cereals, processed/fried foods, sodas and nutritionally void foods. They all feel great, have more energy, and are sleeping better.

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I am a firm believer that when it comes to weight loss, half (at least) of the battle is mental and/or behavioral. Therefore, we have invested a substantial amount of time into making them mentally strong. Each one of them wrote a 16-week decree – a detailed description of what they will accomplish and how they will look, feel and behave 16 weeks from now. They read their decrees daily. It is their mission statement.

In addition, they each have identified at least one goal object (a picture, pair of jeans, dress, bathing suit, etc.) and placed it in a location where they will see it every day.

They envision how it will feel to be happy and healthy again. They use www.fitgoal. com to keep a detailed journal of their food, feelings, mood, energy and workouts. This keeps them accountable and on track during the times that they are not in the fitness studio.

As a result of reaching their four week goals, all of the ladies were treated to a surprise Prize Bag loaded with goodies from local businesses. Shannon Crowley of Silpada Designs donated beautiful earrings to all seven contestants (just in time for their Valentine’s Day dates). Monica Albert at Sister’s Restaurant in the Haile Village treated each of the ladies to a healthy gourmet meal. Mariah Spengler of Go Gator Green topped it off with a variety of handmade organic scented soaps.

As you can see, these ladies have come a long way in a short amount of time. Even though they are competing against one another, they have grown into a supportive team – pushing, motivating and cheering each other on to be the best they can be. The sky is the limit for these ladies. Stay tuned to see how far they go! a

These are the body weight loss totals for each contestant over the first four weeks.

Name

Body Weight

loss (lbs.)

Betty Jo 10 lbs.

April 5 lbs.

Daphne 8 lbs.

Elaine 13 lbs.

Elissa 7 lbs.

Laura 10 lbs.

Danielle 7.5 lbs.

Follow their progress, see pictures, get updates and read blogs at www.sweatlifefitness. com or log on to Facebook and become a fan of giggle magazine and Sweat Life Fitness to see more.

Sponsors

Dad’s{Five-Step} Plan for Avoiding a

for dads. by dads. p

Mother's Day Mishap

By chris wilson

The old adage about less is more doesn’t apply to everything. Mother’s Day is usually one of those times when that advice gets tossed out the window. There is a lot of pressure on dads to deliver the goods and, in all honesty, Mother’s Day can easily turn into another one of those days that men dread because they have to dream up some elaborate gift to show the women in their lives how much they’re loved.

And those women are loved.

But rather than dream up some ridiculously lavish and complicated plan, it’s better to keep it simple. The elaborate gifts can do more harm than good. Here is a five-step plan to make the day special for the mothers in your life, while keeping both your wallet and your sanity intact - at least for now.

1. Involve the children. In fact, they can do most of the work, no matter what age they are. Get together to plan things ahead of time, because the children may have a great idea to contribute (in fact, later it might look like it was your idea all along and nobody would be the wiser). If there are infants involved, don’t forget how cute their little foot and hand prints can be.

2. Leave no Mom unrepresented. Remember grandmothers, in-laws and, of course, the mother of your children. Be extra nice by working in a boss, secretary, coworker or child’s schoolteacher.

3. Keep it simple. Homemade cards with a special message of appreciation inside usually say a lot more than anything ever written by Hallmark. Try to think of some of the favorite things in a mother’s life, such as her favorite bottle of wine, her favorite meal that you can make or her favorite weekend leisure activity. Be sure to include those things in your plan.

If she likes to read, take the kids to the park so Mom can have a few moments of precious quiet time.

4. Make sure you do all of the work and supervise all of the children’s activities. If a dinner or picnic is part of the plan, paper plates make for an easy clean-up and Mom won’t even have a chance to do any dishes. If cooking is not a forté, go to a restaurant or make something easy. Hot dogs and hamburgers taste great when they’re hot off the grill. As long as Mom is not the chef or the busboy, she’ll appreciate the effort. Dessert also has to be part of the plan for a sweet ending, so plan accordingly. But, most importantly, make sure the women around you can relax without lifting a finger.

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

5. Don’t forget to say, “I love you.” A hug, an offer of encouragement, a gift and plenty of love are important things for any mother. But the three magic words will make the day better for everybody. a

Happy Mother’s Day. giggle

magazine • april/may 2011

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Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

From conception

to college

a pregnancy

a infant/toddler

a early years

a tweens

a teens

Welcome to Pregnancy page 30

White Noise page 32

Sneezes and Wheezes and Hives... Oh My! page 34

Make a Difference this Summer by Volunteering page 38

No Snooze, You Lose page 40

p pregnancy

Welcome to

Pregnancy

By DANA KAMP

P

regnancy is a beautiful thing. There will probably be a moment in the coming months when you see yourself in the mirror, and can’t help but chuckle at the swollen ankles, the brown line down your enormous belly and the large support band wrapped around your hips. That may not feel like such a beautiful moment.

But, the fact that you are carrying a living, breathing, tiny human inside you is breathtakingly beautiful.

So what happens first in this magnificent journey? It’s hard not to get overwhelmed at the thought of all that will happen, in your body and in your life, in a 40-week time span. Just take a deep breath and try to focus on one trimester at a time.

Prenatal Care

Healthy Mama, Healthy Baby You may only be a few weeks pregnant, but it’s never too early to start making some healthier choices for your baby. Cutting out alcohol, drugs and cigarettes is the first step. Also, taking a daily prenatal vitamin

is a great way to begin a healthy pregnancy routine. Switching to decaffeinated coffee, or cutting back on the amount of regular coffee you consume, is another way to create a friendly baby-growing environment in your body. Adding dark green vegetables, oranges and melon to your diet will give you more folic acid. Beans, whole grains, nuts and raisins can provide your body added iron. Both folic acid and iron are essential nutrients for pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife should provide you with a full list of the things you should avoid, along with tips on how to add wholesome foods to your menu.

Tummy Trouble

You may not feel like eating anything wholesome, or anything at all for that

Recommended Pregnancy Books For the Mom-to-Be:

“What to Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff.

“The Mother of All Pregnancy Books” by Ann Douglas.

“Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth” by Jenny McCarthy.

“The Modern Girl’s Guide to Pregnancy” by Vicki Iovine.

“Frankly Pregnant” by Stacy Quarty and Miriam Greene, M.D.

For the Dad-to-Be:

“What to Expect When Your Wife is Expanding” by Thomas Hill.

“The Expectant Father: Facts, Tips, and Advice for Dads-to-Be” by Armin A. Brott.

“The Guy’s Guide to Surviving Pregnancy, Childbirth and the First Year of Fatherhood” by Michael Crider.

“Mack Daddy: Mastering Fatherhood without Losing Your Style, Your Cool, or Your Mind” by Larry Bleidner.

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Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

a From conception

to college

If you’ve taken a pregnancy test (or two or three) and have a positive result, you are officially welcomed into the Prego Club.

The first important decisions you need to make are whether you would prefer a doctor or midwife and if you want to deliver at a hospital or a birthing center.

Once you have chosen your practitioner, they will guide you through the pregnancy.

Depending on the practice, you will have one or two appointments during your first trimester. Sometimes the first visit is simply a medical history review with the nurse.

Your first appointment with the physician or midwife will include a physical exam, confirmation of the pregnancy and a discussion about your pregnancy plan. They will give you an idea of what will happen and when, what tests are offered, how often you will have prenatal appointments and how best to contact them with any concerns.

matter. A very common symptom during the first trimester is morning sickness. You may feel sick to your tummy, and not just in the morning. There are numerous tips to ease the nausea: eating before drinking anything, light snacking throughout the day to keep your stomach from feeling empty, and eating or drinking something lemon or gingerflavored are a few tricks. Just remember that the nausea and food aversions will pass, and you will soon wake up craving an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet!

Wellness tea is an organic herbal tea that helps curb nausea.

The Natural Stretch Oil and Earth Mama Body Butter moisturize your growing belly. For a natural pick-me-up, she suggests Happy Mama Spray. Another tip from Simmons is to buy a Bella Band before you wake up one morning and can’t button your pants. This is a seamless, comfortable band of fabric that allows you to wear your own clothing for a bit longer, and helps in the transition when maternity pieces don’t fit quite right.

Information Galore

Preserving the Moment

One of the most helpful things you can do at this stage is to buy a pregnancy book. There are so many questions you will have, and rather than calling your doctor’s office at 1 am, having the book on your nightstand can be a lifesaver.

Also, signing up for weekly newsletters from www. babycenter.com, www.parents.com or a similar site, will give you a regular update on what is happening that week.

Get the daddy-to-be involved by directing him to www. theFunkyStork.com. Downloading the babycenter app is another way to see the progression of your baby and how your body changes to accommodate him.

First Maternity Purchases

While you probably won’t need maternity wear until the second trimester, you may want to invest in a few early pregnancy products. Carrie Simmons, owner of Miracles Maternity & Children’s Boutique, suggests several of the Earth Mama Angel Baby all natural products. The Morning

There are other fun things you can do now, even before you have that noticeable baby bump. You can start a journal or blog and share how you’re feeling and what is going on in your life and in your mind as this journey unfolds. Taking a picture of your belly every few weeks is another way to capture this amazing time in your life. Starting the pictures in the first trimester will show the changes that were happening before anyone else could really tell.

Welcome to pregnancy! Are you ready? It is going to be an unbelievable, awesome, surreal, beautiful voyage. This is just the beginning. Congratulations! a

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p infant/toddler ages 0 - 3

of their family members and pets in the background. She also decided to put a television in the boys’ room for them to watch movies and hasn’t regretted that decision. “Some people told me not to do it, but I have not seen any negative effect from having it in their room,” she said. Her second child, Logan, is diagnosed with autism. “When he was a baby, sometimes just hearing the familiar sound of the Little Einstein’s song was enough to lull him to sleep,” she said.

The Brothers’ family took clues from Dr. Harvey Karp, pediatrician, pioneer in child development and author of The Happiest Baby on the Block (Bantam 2003). His renowned best seller teaches his techniques for calming down colicky babies, helping them relax and sleep better. He believes that babies have a “calming reflex” that when triggered causes them to immediately relax because they feel as though they are safe inside the womb.

White

Noise

Is White Noise the Answer to Colic and Sleep Issues in Infants?

By Lauren Zane

White noise is often debated as a tool for calming colic and helping babies sleep by blocking out harsh or disruptive sounds. Some parents are skeptical and have

Parenting websites are filled with testimonials from parents who share their secrets to helping their babies sleep. Some parents run their vacuum cleaners, blow dryers, televisions or stereos while their babies are sleeping. Others use things like white noise machines or sound machines (sometimes hidden inside of a stuffed animal). If you search some parenting

and pregnancy websites, you can even find free white noise downloads and apps for your phone.

A lot of parents with multiple children do not even need white noise machines because their household has enough background noise naturally! Elizabeth Brothers, Gainesville native and mother of three, can attest to having a vibrant home full of natural sounds that helped her children get used to being heavy sleepers. Her three boys, Xavier, 7, Logan, 6, and Erik, 3, all got used to falling asleep with the sounds

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Karp says that fetuses are exposed to white noise very early on in their development. They can hear the loud “swooshing” sounds of their mother’s bloodstream and the beat of their mother’s heart constantly. According to

Karp, “inside the uterus, the baby is tightly confined and hears a constant sound that's a little louder than a vacuum cleaner.”

When a baby is born, there are a lot of new sounds to take in which can upset and over stimulate a baby. Hearing sounds similar to what they were familiar hearing within the womb could calm and settle the baby. Many white noise

machines and CDs recreate those continuous and abstract sounds.

With any recurring treatment, there is always concern for dependency and other health risks for using white noise machines on a regular basis. Today’s white noise machines are designed specifically for babies and are proven to be safe and cause no harm. According to www.sleepwellbaby.com, “white noise is safe because it is simply a noise covering the full range of pitches, which are audible by a human ear, so there is no brain interaction, just a sound masking solution.”

Parents have been sharing their techniques for calming down fussy or colicky babies for generations. Every baby

is different, however many respond similarly to these proven techniques. Modern parents utilize the conveniences of CDs, sound machines and even cell phone apps. These and other tools can help both infants and parents get some sleep during the tumultuous first year. a

Sleeping

Baby, Happy Mommy

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

a From conception

to college

concerns over the safety of this remedy for infants. Some studies claim that exposure to white noise may delay hearing and possibly language development. However, pediatricians often recommend white noise to parents with fussy or colicky babies.

His five-part technique (the “five S’s”) recreates the experience of being in the womb for the baby (side/stomach position, swaddling, shushing, swinging and jiggling, and sucking). The “shushing” step involves making a loud “ssh” sound in the baby’s ear.

p early childhood ages 3 - 7

Sneezes and Wheezes and Hives…

Oh My! Recognizing symptoms of food allergies

By LeAndra Valentine and Alison Walker

After your first strawberry-picking trip with your family, it’s only natural for your child to take a big, juicy bite of the red fruit. But what starts out as a child’s dream day could possibly end as a nightmare if your child has an allergy to the tasty treat. Your child sneezes, wheezes and may even have trouble breathing.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately 6 percent of the 50 million allergy-suffering Americans have a food or drug allergy as their primary allergy.

Although there are many types of food allergens, 90% of all food allergy reactions are caused by eight types of food: eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and wheat. Peanuts are the most common cause of death due to a food allergy.

a From conception

to college

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says up to 6 percent of children in the United States under the age of 3 have food allergies. But how do you know if your child is allergic to a food product? Unlike in older children and adults, infants and toddlers may not experience hives and asthma. Instead they may have poor growth or have symptoms that resemble colic or belly aches that often occur in infants.

Early identification of those at high risk for an allergy is important in preventing or modifying the development of a food allergy. According to the AAFA, some allergies may be apparent within days or months after birth depending on the mother’s diet or choice of formula. Although some children outgrow their food sensitivities, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish usually never go away.

Symptoms of food allergies in your children over the age of 3 are: • Nasal congestion and trouble breathing • Itching and hives • Tingling in the mouth • Swelling of the face and/or body • Dizziness • Vomiting and diarrhea

After noticing your child’s symptoms, your pediatrician will ask how often the allergic reaction occurs and whether anyone

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else in your family has allergies, or similar problems like asthma and eczema. Then the physician could administer a skin or blood test, and in some cases, a food challenge.

In these “challenges,” the physician gives your child an increasing amount of food allergen to see how he or she reacts to them.

Keep in mind that food allergies shouldn’t be confused with food intolerance. According to kidshealth.org, the symptoms of food intolerance can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, nervousness or a feeling of being "flushed." A food intolerance is very rarely dangerous, doesn’t involve the immune system and can be caused by the inability to digest some foods, as in lactose intolerance.

After determining that your child is indeed allergic to a specific food, your doctor can help you learn how to avoid that particular food item and come up with alternative options.

Make sure all family members, caregivers and schools are aware of your child’s allergy and provide them with specific instructions on what to do if your child accidentally eats the food and has an allergic reaction.

If your child is experiencing any abnormal symptoms after eating, see your child’s pediatrician immediately to possibly diagnose an allergy and set up a treatment plan. Only then will you know if you need to skip the strawberries and go to the orange groves instead. a

giggle

tip!

The AAFA suggests reading the ingredient lists on all prepared food for allergy-causing foods, even if you have had the product before, because ingredients may have changed!

p tweens

ages 8 - 12

Make a Difference this Summer:

By Sarah Loftus

Volunteer

“If you want to lift yourself up, lift someone else up.” Booker T. Washington Most of you reading this have probably experienced the joy of volunteering, but have your children? Have they ever had the opportunity to act completely selflessly and experience one of the greatest gifts - helping others? If they haven’t, don’t worry. Many children and teens haven’t volunteered due to the incredibly busy lives we all lead. So here are ways for your kids to experience the joy of volunteering without it monopolizing all of your free time.

If you and your kids are just too busy during the school year to make time for volunteering, summer programs provide your children the chance to give back. Teens 12 through 17 can head over to the Florida Museum of Natural History to partake in their junior volunteer program.

The volunteers work with museum staff, showing exhibits and programs to visitors, usually in three-and-a-half to four hour shifts. Volunteer coordinator, Julie Crosby, says that the program is not only a good volunteer opportunity, but an educational one as well. Crosby adds that the program is a “well-structured and stable program, and it provides some practical life experience, interacting with the public and serving the community.”

a From conception

Volunteering with is a way to spend time!

animatls grea your

38 giggle

Another summer volunteer opportunity is with the City of Gainesville Junior Naturalist Program, where volunteers help staff run their summer day camp program.

Seventh through 12th graders may apply. Hollie Greer, recreation leader at Morningside Nature Center, explains that “volunteers primarily help with summer activities monitoring the kids, feeding them and playing with them.” To apply for a volunteer position, visit natureoperations.org, click on the Earth Academy Day Camp link on the left side bar, and fill out the volunteer junior naturalist program application form. New volunteers are limited to participating only one week in the program during the summer.

The Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County is also a great place to volunteer. If your family is very busy, and you think your kids don’t have time to volunteer during the school year, you will be pleasantly surprised at how little time is required to be a part of the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County. The only things necessary to become a

Photocourtesy istockphoto.com

to college

There is an application process to become a volunteer at the Museum and not all are accepted due

to the program’s popularity. Students must turn 12 years old

by June 5th of the year they want to volunteer, and must have completed 6th grade. Applications are due by April 7th and can be found at their website, flmnh.ufl.edu/volunteers, or can be picked up at the museum beginning March 1st. Applicants must interview, and then they are notified if they are accepted by the second week of May.

volunteer is a desire to help younger children and one hour per week. Teens who volunteer here will work with younger children in a variety of ways including tutoring, mentoring and other structured activities. Volunteer sessions are between 3 and 4pm Monday through Thursday. For more information about this organization and contact information for becoming a volunteer, visit myboysandgirlsclub.com/volunteer.

But maybe your teen just isn’t that into the idea of tutoring and mentoring a young child. That’s okay because there are plenty of other ways to spend their time helping. Volunteering at the Alachua County Humane Society gives teens the chance to truly help and save the lives of many animals. There is a broad span of things for their volunteers. For example, volunteers can help with providing animal care, helping with community events the Alachua County Humane Society is involved in and helping run their thrift stores. Whether your child wants to be hands on with the animals or not, there will probably be something for them to do. They encourage teens to offer ideas about how to make Alachua County Humane Society a better place for you and everyone else. Volunteers can be as young as 13 if they are giving back with a parent or guardian, and 16 if they are volunteering alone. To find out more information and get the volunteer application, go to their website alachuahumane.org/home.

If your kids are too young to become volunteers in any of the organizations above, don’t worry; there are ways you can show your young children the gift of volunteering as well.

ConKerr Cancer is a world-wide organization that provides bright, cheery pillowcases to children in hospitals battling cancer. ConKerr Cancer is always looking for volunteers to sew pillowcases, which is an activity you can

do with your children regardless of their age. This can be an opportunity to teach your kids how to sew or just an activity that you can do as a family. Your kids can pick out the fabrics, and you can sew them. There are many other ways to be a part of ConKerr Cancer also, including helping with in-hospital sewing days and picking up sewn pillowcases from drop-off sites and preparing them for delivery to children. For the specifics on pillowcase construction, drop off sites and more, visit conkerrcancer.org.

Volunteering shows that one has the ability to act unselfishly and help others simply because they believe it is right. Even if you only sew one pillowcase for ConKerr Cancer, you are still making a huge impact on one child’s life and brightening her day. Your child will learn that what seems like a small act can make a huge impact on the lives of others. The lessons that can be learned from volunteering are priceless and really can change a child. It’s never too early to help your child give back and experience the benefits of volunteering! a

giggle

tips!

Hours earned may be used toward Bright Futures.

Check with school to make sure it is approved.

Always visit location and speak to staff to make sure your child is a right fit for any volunteering opportunity.

p teens

ages 13 -18

No Snooze You Lose: The Importance of Teens Taking a Time Out for Sleep

By Sarah Gibson

Between studying for Algebra II, picking out prom dresses and trying out for the baseball team, where does a teenager find the time to sleep? Can a teacher really blame a kid for snoozing during Spanish? Sleep deprivation is an ongoing struggle for many teenagers who put their busy schedules ahead of their much-needed snooze time.

The fact is teenagers need 9.25 hours of sleep a night to function at their best, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). Some teens may function adequately with 8.5 hours a night. The NSF reports that only 15 percent of teens actually get 8.5 hours of sleep on school nights, based off of a study.

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“Teens and young adults are probably the most sleep-deprived because of their school and social demands,” says Dylan Moquin, technical coordinator at Shands Sleep Disorders Center.

Compensating for Lack of Sleep Because of these demands, teens have to compensate for the sleep they are missing.

Caffeine is a major method of compensation for teens lacking sleep. Reliance on energy drinks, like Red Bull, is a popular substitute or supplement for sleep, Moquin says.

Moquin recommends that parents monitor their child’s caffeine intake in order to decrease their reliance on this popular stimulant. This not only includes coffee, tea and energy drinks, but also chocolate

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“The reality is if you are so tired that you are requiring these things, then there is something wrong,” Moquin says.

In addition to caffeine dependence, sleep-deprived teenagers struggle with their cognitive function, especially while in school. They have trouble retaining information, whether it’s from their parents, teachers or coaches. The NSF notes that sleep deprivation may also contribute to weight gain because teens tend to eat too much, or eat unhealthy foods, when they are not getting enough sleep. The foundation also says that lack of sleep can cause behavioral problems in teens, such as more aggressive behavior or impatience with people around them.

Establishing Good Habits

Preventing yourself from getting adequate sleep can be habit forming, Moquin says.

Teens can be affected by this bad habit in the future because of the stress they are causing on their systems, which impacts their overall well-being.

Moquin also recommends that parents limit their kids’ exposure to electronics, especially close to bedtime. He says with these machines, your eyes interpret the light as daylight, causing you to stay awake.

It is important to establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, especially for school nights. The NSF recommends this because it will lessen the chance of being

tired the next day by following a regular sleep pattern. Also, training your body to recognize when it is time to sleep can help you fall asleep. Have your teen try doing the same things every night before bedtime, such as showering or reading, and their body will learn its sleep signals.

Dangers of Drowsy Driving Teens that choose to drive while they are tired or haven’t had enough sleep are putting themselves and others at risk. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), sleepy drivers cause more than 100,000 crashes each year in the U.S. These crashes are most common among teens and young adults.

In fact, according to a North Carolina state study, 55 percent of crashes caused by sleepy drivers involved people 25 years of age or younger.

The DHSMV also notes that if you drive at 60 mph and close your eyes for just a second, you will have moved 88 feet. One second could mean swerving off the road, hitting the car in front of you or running into a light pole. It only takes a second for a drowsy teen to change his life forever. Parents should monitor whether their teen is tired before he is allowed to drive. Some of the worst times to drive are at night and in the early morning.

With the help of parents, teens could establish healthy sleeping habits, which could affect their overall well-being as well as keep them safe while driving. If you are concerned that your teen may be suffering from sleep deprivation, talk to your primary care physician or visit your local sleep center. a

Photos courtesy istockphoto.com

a From conception

to college

teenagers need 9.25 hours of sleep a night

consumption. The Shands Sleep Disorders Center suggests stopping caffeine intake after lunch or at least four to six hours before it is time to go to bed. The NSF emphasizes that good sleep cannot be replaced with supplements like pills, drinks or vitamins.

Buzz on Berry Pickin’

The

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Sweet Treats of the Season

BY TAMARA HERCHEL

Psst…giggle’s got some juicy info for you. It’s almost berry-picking time! With the arrival of summer comes the promise of some tasty treats - and all, literally, at your fingertips. Local blueberries, strawberries and other produce abound in north central Florida, and many area farms offer periods for the general public to come experience berry picking for themselves. The weather is heating up, so here are a few things to consider before you head out for some fresh fruity fun.

What’s in Season?

According to www.pickyourown.org, strawberries are the first fruit to grow in the spring, with the beginning of the season starting in March. Raspberries are next, followed by blackberries and blueberries. In Florida, Memorial Day generally marks the beginning of U-pick blueberry season.

But, before you head out to your local farm, call ahead to make sure that their crop is ripe and ready for the pickin’.

Yummy!

Recipes

After a long day of berry picking, try one of these delish recipes! You’re sure to enjoy the, ahem, fruits of your labor. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)

Berries with sweet yogurt cream 1 small container plain Greek yogurt 1 cup whipping cream ½ cup dark brown sugar Fresh berries of your choice Fresh mint, for garnish

Combine Greek yogurt and whipping cream in a small bowl; sprinkle brown sugar over the yogurt cream mixture and refrigerate until sugar has been dissolved, about one hour. Whisk mixture until creamy and smooth; layer in a pretty parfait glass with fresh berries and garnish with fresh mint.

Organic v. Non-organic

Many local farms boast organic berry picking, but not all. So, make sure to check out the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm the availability of organic produce.

Photo on page 42 by Laurel Housden Photography and photo on page 43 from istockphoto.com

More Than Just Berries

Some farms specialize in fresh fruit and vegetables in a fun, family-oriented setting. This might be important if you have little ones who will have a limited attention span when it comes to the actual picking part. Some farms also offer baked goods that are ready to be consumed on the spot, so you don’t have to wait until you get home to enjoy a delicious treat. A trip to the local berry farm can be a fun summertime activity for the whole family, even if little to no berries are actually picked!

Available at Your Local Farmers Market

If you enjoy eating fresh berries throughout the summer, but you don’t have the time to spend picking your own harvest, many of the local farms bring their berries to local farmers markets for purchase.

Each farm will have different opening days, picking times, and harvest calendar, so make sure to call ahead. For more succulent summertime activities and berry good fun, check out www.gainesvillefarmfresh.com for information on local berry farms, vineyards, local farmers markets and restaurants that support local growers. Happy picking! a

Simple Berry Shortcake 6 frozen biscuits 1 tablespoon sugar 1 egg white 1 cup crushed berries 1 cup whole berries ½ cup of sugar 1 tablespoon flour 1 tablespoon water Fresh whipped cream or ice cream

Combine berries, 1/2 cup of sugar, flour, and water; refrigerate at least an hour, up to overnight, to allow sugar, water, and juices to form a syrup coating the berries. When it’s time to serve, arrange biscuits on cookie sheet and brush with egg white; sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over biscuits and bake according to package directions. Split biscuits and top with berry mixture and a dollop of fresh whipped cream or ice cream; serves 6.

giggle

magazine • april/may 2011

43

Spring cleaning

Eco-friendly tips to freshen up your home

BY Taylor Tofal

he air is getting warmer and the trees are beginning to bloom.

It must be time for spring cleaning! Instead of worrying about tearing through the house to clean every exposed inch, try these quick and simple, eco-friendly cleaning tips to keep your home fresh all year round.

T

kitchen

Clean your countertops (and make them smell good, too) by adding approximately five drops of either tea tree or lavender oil to a spray bottle of water, then spraying across the surface and wiping dry. The oils have anti-bacterial properties to keep your counters sanitary.

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}

Leave a piece of charcoal in your refrigerator to keep it smelling fresh and clean.

Use lemon juice to clean countertops and get buildup off of sink fixtures.

For a natural way to clean your wood cutting board, apply a mixture of lemon juice and salt, scrub with a clean cloth and then finish by applying a little olive oil to the wood.

living area

To get dust out of those hard-to-reach places, try dusting the area with a clean paintbrush.

To remove an oily stain from carpeted floors, sprinkle on some baking soda or cornstarch, let sit for six hours, and then vacuum for removal.

bathroom

To safely wash most stuffed animals, put the toy inside a pillowcase and then knot it before placing the stuffed animal in the washing machine.

Remove the soap scum from your washing machine by pouring in a cup of vinegar and then running an empty cold wash cycle.

miscellaneous

To eliminate dried candle wax from upholstery or carpeted floors, cover the wax with a brown paper bag and lightly move a hot iron over it. The wax will stick to the bag for easy removal.

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}

Looking for a way to clean dirty window screens? A nylon-covered sponge will do the trick!

To remove permanent marker from surfaces, just wipe with some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel.

laundry

Having trouble removing children’s stickers on hard surfaces? Try applying a small amount of WD-40 to get them off! a

Can't get the mildew smell out of clothes that were left wet? Don't worry! Just soak the clothes in a solution of one cup water to two tablespoons white vinegar for half an hour, then run through two cold wash cycles - the first without detergent, the second as you normally would run a load of laundry.

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Kristen Hadeed is the owner of Student Maid™, Inc. Taylor Tofal is an intern with Student Maid™, Inc.

Photos courtesty of istockphoto.com

For a quick and easy bathroom refresher, try placing a fabric softener sheet at the bottom of the wastebasket.

A Camp for

Every Child

Finding the right summer experience for your child with special needs

By Julia Macaluso

“Every summer millions of campers across the U.S. travel to camp and have the time of their lives,” says Rob Cage, director of Camp Thunderbird in Apopka, FL. “Often times they don’t actually gauge the amount of important life lessons and skills learned at camp. Building self-esteem, developing social skills, harnessing problem solving skills and gaining independence are all skills campers gain while having a great time at camp.”

This is so true. Yet, what if your child’s special needs always seem to exclude him or her from the traditional camp lifestyle? Well, with the variety of camps operating in the state of Florida, including Apopka’s Camp Thunderbird, you’re bound to find one that emphasizes what your child can do. The camps featured in this article offer summer sessions for children with physical, developmental and behavioral disabilities. Each one offers the complete camp experience with arts and crafts, horseback riding, encounters with nature, evening socials, as well as boating, canoeing or fishing.

Physical and life-threatening disabilities One of the most specialized camps in Florida is Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis. It is run on donations, meaning campers stay free. Boggy Creek offers week-long sessions for campers with like illnesses, such as heart disease, immune deficiency, asthma, arthritis, IBD, epilepsy, cancer and sickle cell. Camp doctors and nurses are equipped to handle medical procedures from administering chemotherapy to treating bee stings, and the camper-staff ratio is between 3:1 and 1:1, depending on the needs of the camper. All of this allows children ages 7-16 to make friendships with others fighting the same illness while taking part in activities such as archery, dance, singing and even animal hugging. In the words of co-founder Paul Newman, this $23 million facility was built to be a place kids could “kick back, relax and raise a little hell.”

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Learning and behavioral disabilities In addition to sessions for physical and developmental disabilities, Dream Oaks Camp of Bradenton offers a session for children ages 7-17 with learning disabilities, ADD and ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar and other related disorders. The camper-counselor ratio is low (3:1 or better, depending on the child’s condition) and the four- and five-day sessions include evening campfires, horseback riding, sports, themed activities and dancing. The staff is enthusiastic and undergoes a week of training with professionals prior to the session.

How to choose a camp Rob Cage’s Camp Thunderbird offers sessions specific to all three categories of special needs, with a 4:1 campercounselor ratio, and opportunities for camping, sports and games. Two inclusive sessions combine children with and without special needs, which helps keep siblings together.

As this is often the campers’ first time apart from their families, Cage knows how important it is to choose the right camp. He gives giggle magazine readers the following tips: 1. Tour the camp facilities. Camps that show care to their facilities often show care for their campers.

2. Meet the director. A dedicated, enthusiastic and interested professional often instills the same qualities in the staff that will care for your child.

3. Ask for a camper family referral. This goes deeper than brochure testimonials.

Of course, when choosing a camp for any child, always consider the time away that the child will be spending at the camp, whether their specific needs will be met, cost and most importantly, their safety. When all factors are considered, choose the camp that will ensure the most giggling opportunities for your child! a

Happycamping!

Photo courtesy of Istock.com

Developmental disabilities The Diocese of St. Augustine (DOSA) runs three summer camps in St. Johns County, accepting children with all kinds of special needs, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and hearing and vision impairment. The advantage of Camp I-Am-Special (7 days, ages 6-13) and Camp Care (5 days, ages 6+) is their 1:1 camper-buddy ratio, meaning buddies can take on the role of caregiver: feeding, clothing and bathing their camper, as well as gaining their trust. Campers take part in swimming, music therapy, sports, and this summer only, limo rides to a glitzy Hollywood gala. DOSA camps also encourage

spiritual growth, with non-denominational blessings at meals, an evening of candlelit prayer and reflection, and an optional camp mass.

organized

solutions

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

Spring into Green Organizing Nothing refreshes our energy after a long, cold winter like the bright green color of spring foliage. When we shed our jackets, we can also shed some old, cold habits that are out of sync with the new season. Let spring organizing lead you to green living, which involves simple and sustainable behaviors that are worthwhile in any season. The keys to green living begin with the new three “R’s:” reducing, recycling and reusing.

Reducing • Organizers deal with the effects of overconsumption and clutter. With sunlight streaming in through your windows, now is the time to inventory your possessions. Identify the things that you’re no longer using because they belonged to another stage of your life.

• Pull out all the duplicate items you have amassed over the years. Gather the leftovers from previous events, such as paper party goods scrunched in the back of a closet. Line up the kitchen appliances that have been hiding in the pantry, attic or garage. Give your wardrobe a red carpet review.

• Purge your papers. Can you finally admit that all the magazines with those formerly cutting edge articles are now outdated? Are you drowning in old receipts that have no tax relevance? Are you ready to consider online bill paying since it has been proven to be secure?

• Stem the flow of paper by resisting the urge to print e-mails and articles. Those, along with your documents, are better kept in your computer files, backed up on an external or off-site drive.

Recycling

• Use your imagination to find good homes for miscellaneous materials. Preschool and elementary school teachers love crafting supplies, as do local

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• Books can be recycled almost everywhere. Books for Prisons of Florida collects sci-fi, westerns, sports novels and Spanish language books. (Call 375-8198 for information about this program.)

• Electronics can go to Alachua County’s recycling centers or simply put them out with your regular trash for recycling.

• Why not sell special items on ebay, Craigslist, Gainesville4sale.com? Many people enjoy holding yard sales, although the effort required often outweighs the profits.

• For-profit consignment stores usually offer the consignor 40% of the sale price, which they set. They usually take clothing items only in season.

Reusing • Don’t spend a lot of money to revamp living or storage areas. You probably already have shoe boxes, plastic boxes, baskets and containers to hold your items. Search kitchen cabinets, too, for attractive and functional organizers.

You can revitalize your life through conscious awareness of your surroundings and attitudes during this season of rebirth and growth. Let the spring organizing begin! a

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

Photo courtesy of Istock.com

• Gainesville offers many outlets for recycling things that you may no longer need but still have a useful life.

Donations can go to non-profit thrift stores. You can join online communities for giving and receiving free stuff, such as freecycle.com or alachuaexchange.com

church groups. School supplies can be donated to the Tools for School program (www.toolsforschools. alachua.fl.us).

p the

legal side

Are you liable when someone gets injured on your property?

Well, it depends.

By attorney sondra randon, esq Folds & Walker, LLC

I

magine this. It’s a lovely Saturday afternoon and your child is having a play date in your home with his friend, Dylan. While the kids are running around in the front yard, you hear a thump and a child (not your own) screaming and crying. You find poor little Dylan on the ground next to the deep hole Fido dug up.

After a trip to the hospital, you find out that Dylan severely broke his ankle and will be in a cast and on crutches for a few months.

Are you liable for Dylan’s injuries? Well, it depends.

In general, there are three categories to classify certain people entering your property and the respective duty of care you owe to that person. Depending on the visitor’s reason or the existence of an invitation or permission, your duty to inspect, to warn of known dangers, or to make the property safe varies with each category. Below is an overview of these categories to help you answer the hypothetical.

As a property owner, you have a duty to an invitee to exercise reasonable care to prevent injuries to invitees and discover dangerous conditions on your property. You must also either make the conditions safe or warn invited visitors of the existence of dangerous conditions.

Can you guess what standard of care you would owe to poor little Dylan? If you guessed licensee, you are right!

Depending on your awareness of the hole, you may or may not be liable to Dylan for his injuries. Be careful; that nagging “honey-do” list on the fridge might subject you to more than just your spouse’s sighs. a

A “licensee” is a person who enters your property with your permission but not for a purpose that would benefit you or your business activities. For example, your relative, friend or doorto-door sales man could be considered a licensee.

Property owners must exercise reasonable care to warn licensees of a known dangerous condition which presents an unreasonable danger (i.e. hazardous fumes from pest control) and to protect licensees from injury arising from activities conducted by you or for you on your property.

A “trespasser” is a person who enters your property without your permission or invitation. There are three subcategories of trespassers: an unknown/undiscovered trespasser, a known/ discovered trespasser and a child trespasser.

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

Photo by Kelsey Lynn Photography

An “invitee” is a person who enters your property, by your invitation for a purpose related to your business or similar activities. Usually this applies to visitors of a business or a public place. A visitor can lose invitee status if he or she enters areas of your property that were known to be off limits or stays longer than contemplated by the invitation.

Among the three different categories of trespassers, a child trespasser is a child who enters property without invitation or permission because of an “attractive nuisance”. (Other categories include an unknown/undiscovered trespasser and known/discovered trespasser.) If a property owner has an attractive nuisance on their property (i.e. scaffolding on a building, dirt piles from construction, etc.) he or she has a duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent injury to child trespassers. A property owner could be liable for an injury arising from an attractive nuisance if: a. It is foreseeable that children would trespass; b. There is an unreasonable risk of death or serious bodily harm; c. The child is unaware of the condition or the risk; d. The risk of danger to children outweighs the risk of utility; e. The property owner fails to protect children from the danger; or f. The property owner entices the children to the dangerous condition.

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If we love it and would use it, we stamp it

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Kids' Satchel Love Bugs

Your children will love these adorable and 100% organic cotton reversible satchels. www.appleandbeeshop.com

These organic cotton “bugs” stroller toys are the perfect travel accessories for your little one. www.uncommongoods.com

Cast Iron Owl Parts Perfect for any nature themed party, these owl parts are just too adorable to pass up. www.kalalou.com

Rubbabu Bowling Set

Photos by Laurel Housden Photography

Perfect for hours of fun! This bowling set is made of 100% natural rubber foam. Eco friendly and Mom approved. www.rubbabu.com

The GO-EVERYWHERE drink bottle A must have for on-the-go parents and children. BPA free and eco-friendly. www.nathansports.com

Reusable bag just for kids!

Non-toxic and eco-friendly, these functional bags are so much fun and a perfect carry-all for their books and toys! www.envirosax.com

giggle

magazine • april/may 2011

51

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

all kidding aside p

I

am a step-mother to two beautiful 15-yearold twin girls. My husband and I have been married for five years and they spend 50% of their time with us. We have a good relationship with their mom. Over the years, I have built a strong bond with one of the girls; however, I have struggled to build a similar bond with her sister. She has put up a barrier and I know she harbors a lot of resentment toward me. I want nothing more than to be a part of her life, but our strained relationship is causing a lot of tension around our house and immense stress between my husband and me. I have tried to be her friend. I have even tried to give her space.

Nothing seems to be working. Is there anything else I can do to reach out to my step-daughter?

Your situation is not an uncommon problem in many of today's blended or step-parent families. However, each relationship is different and there are many ideas you may wish to consider before allowing the situation to cause a rift in your relationship with your husband. We will call the step-daughter you are having trouble with Jane and her sister, Janet.

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

I am happy to hear that you have a good relationship with the girls' mom. Your relationship with their mom should be one of the most important factors in the bond that you have, and will continue to develop, with your step-daughters. Having open communication with their mom will help you work through many different circumstances for the next several years. First, you should talk with their mom about your relationship with the girls and about their personalities with her at her home.

She may be experiencing similar personality differences. To ensure consistency in Jane’s life, make sure that your husband and their mom establish rules and guidelines that are to be followed at both homes.

As a teenager, Jane is not only going through a tremendous amount of personal changes at home but is trying to develop her own sense of self. Often, in times of family turmoil, teens will remove themselves from situations in their home in order to feel a sense of order in their own lives. No matter how difficult Jane may make it, she still needs to feel loved, secure and a part of the family. Develop a working partnership with Jane and her mom. Allow Jane to see that you and her mom are willing to build a strong relationship for the betterment of Jane and her personal life.

You do not want your strong relationship with Janet to interfere with your relationship with Jane. Some of her resentment could come from feeling second to your relationship with Janet. Jane may feel left out or liked less from the connection she sees you share with Janet. Try to share equal time with both girls. Take time for you and Janet to enjoy together but also take time for you and Jane to develop your relationship in a more positive way. Although the girls are twins, I am sure they have different things they enjoy and it gives you a great bonding opportunity to be with them alone.

You also need to focus on your relationship with your husband! The tension you feel around your house can be felt by everyone and if you and your husband cannot work through it together then everyone is going to be miserable.

Jane and Janet have already gone through a relationship that didn’t work out and they are bound to feel insecure when your relationship now seems tense. This insecurity can cause teenagers to misbehave and put up barriers. You and your husband need to devise a plan that shows the girls that you are working together, and will put forth great effort to develop a family unit that cares about one another and will work toward building a safe, secure and loving home.

If all of your efforts continue to take their toll on your family, it is time to consider asking for help. There are many wonderful Marriage and Family counselors that specialize in the topics of step-parenting and blended families. You can also seek help through church, support groups, school counselors and teachers. With help, you can continue to improve the open communication in your family and to have the mutual respect, love and patience that you want with your step-daughters. a

giggle

magazine • april/may 2011

53

p giggle dollars

$$

Clean

Spring Your Finances

By Stephanie Thomas

S

pring cleaning isn’t limited to just your linen closet and attic this time of year. Your finances are due for a little organizing and adjusting just in time for the anticipated tax season. Here are a few tips to make the most of your money.

Organize your daily transactions in a spreadsheet to

promote mindful spending. Regardless if you utilize paperless or mailed statements, it’s easy to lose track of how much you spend on a day-to-day basis. Software such as Quicken or online services such as Mint.com organize your transactions in one place. However, manually entering numbers in a spreadsheet after each purchase allows you to visually identify how much and where all of your money is going. It might make you think twice about that five dollar latte.

Plan weekly meetings with your family to ensure everyone is on the right track with spending. To encourage open communication, make sure to include children ages 7 and up. At such an impressionable age, they can be involved in the family’s long and short term financial goals and participate by earning a weekly allowance or saving for an upcoming vacation.

Create an organized spot in your home office

Prepare before the looming deadline of tax day.

Schedule a meeting with your accountant at least two months prior to ensure all receipts are in order. Make sure to bring a

File important receipts into an organized system.

Gather all your important documents and place them into categories. Suggested titles include monthly bills and bank statements, investment statements, tax returns and large purchases. Also, file all your community donations within the year for a smooth review with your tax preparer. Clean out receipts from wallets or purses each day or week to update files.

Protect your identity and shred all items you’ve

cleared for the trash. The Federal Trade Commission estimates up to nine million Americans experience a form of identity theft each year, when low-time crooks dumpster dive in order to retain your information and open a new credit card. Investing about $60 into a crosscut shredder washes away the risk of strangers finding your family. a

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

dedicated to paying bills and organizing accounts. Separate all pending bills from other mail and place in the office area.

You can avoid scrambling around to meet deadlines if you dedicate two to four days a month to pay bills, such as the first and fifteenth of each month, or every Friday. Immediately organize paid bills if there are discretions. Other supplies to keep on hand in your home office include the checkbook, envelopes, stamps, pens, calculator, stapler and return address labels.

folder with all items from last year’s tax return. Assess your financial health month in and month out each year to stay on top of accounts year round. To help organize, you are also free to toss outdated paperwork. In most cases, you only need to hold on to supporting documents from tax returns for up to three years. The actual returns should be filed indefinitely.

ladies’

night out Gainesville ladies take a break.

Getting in touch with our artsy side...

F

or this month’s LNO, our ladies went to Do Art and had a blast painting ceramics, chatting and expressing ourselves through “art”!

Nestled in their new location in the Westgate Regency Plaza on University Avenue, Do Art is a creative art studio perfect for anyone who wants to have fun with art! Their new studio is a lively open space filled with ceramics ready to paint, mosaic tiles, plenty of seating and even comfy couches and a fish tank. As an added bonus, they have a little nook just for little ones to sit and play.

Do Art offers do-it-yourself art projects in pottery and mosaics. Their concept works for anyone of any age. Come and pick out your favorite unfinished piece and add your creative touches with paint. They will glaze and fire the piece to perfection for you. Come back about a week later to pick up your masterpiece!

If it’s a mosaic that you are interested in making, again, you will choose an unfinished wood pattern (from clocks to tables they have it all) and add your tiles for that special look. They will grout the piece for you and you just have to pick it up when done! Simple and fun for the whole family.

If you are interested in having an “art party,” Do Art is available for birthday parties, bridal showers and even your own LNO. Do Art’s staff is warm and welcoming, ready to help pick that perfect color of paint or even spark your creative juices. ]

Photos by Lifeprints Photography

Perfect forevery creating specia gifts for occasion.

Teacher's gifts • Easter Baby Shower • Wedding Mother's Day • Birthday Westgate Regency Plaza 3429 W. University Ave Gainesville, FL 32607 352-337-0039 Visit their website for special offers www.doart.com

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

5 minute mommy makeovers

Lifesavers

BY DANA KAMP

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For your smile Many beverages (red wine, coffee, tea, soda) and foods (soy sauce and tomato sauce) can stain your teeth. An easy makeover for your smile is to whiten your teeth. The local drugstore has a variety of whitening kits and we found kitchen items such as baking soda and strawberries do the trick as well. Whether you choose an over-the-counter teeth whitening system or try a home remedy, the result can give you a younger, more confident smile!

For your hands A mommy’s hands work overtime and deserve some pampering every now and then. Getting to a salon for a manicure may not fit into the weekly agenda or the budget.

It is possible to give yourself a quick manicure and have the classic, polished look you love.

Photo courtesy of Istockphoto.com

I’ve done it. I’ve gotten in the car to get a few things from the grocery store, and, being in full mommy mode, did not bother to apply an ounce of makeup or change out of my amazingly comfortable velour tracksuit. The drops of pancake syrup on my leg and baby spit-up on my shoulder couldn’t even convince me. A few minutes later I wished I had reconsidered. My two young sons and I had paid for our groceries and were heading out the door and who did I ram my giant, green, race car shopping cart into? Tim Tebow.

I apologized, blushed like a 12-year-old girl, and quickly realized I did still care about my appearance. Just because you are a mom and are taking care of a family doesn’t mean you have to stop taking care of yourself. When you feel good you are better able to handle the sometimes-overwhelming task of running a household. Yet, the everyday life we live doesn’t always leave much time for Mommy.

These five-minutes-or-less tips can give you a well-deserved fresh start in your pursuit of Mama Happiness. Choose one, or spend 35 minutes and do all seven, and give yourself a Mother’s Day makeover treat!

For your face You probably have a drawer full of makeup, yet these days you’re lucky if you remember to swipe some chap stick on your lips before heading out the door. Just a few quick steps can give you a beautiful, bright glow, and remind you that you are still that radiant woman you were before bambino came along.

1. Use a tinted moisturizer with SPF-this will even your skin tone and cut out the extra steps of applying sunscreen, moisturizer and base separately.

2. Dot and blend concealer under eyes and on blemishes.

3. Apply blush across cheekbones with a large brush.

4. Sweep a light shade of shadow over your eyelids (or use your blush).

5. Curl lashes with an eyelash curler, line top eyelids only and apply mascara.

6. Finish with a pretty gloss on your lips.

1. File nails into a short, square shape.

2. Moisturize with a sweet-smelling lotion.

3. Push cuticles back with a cuticle stick or cotton swab.

4. Paint nails with a soft, neutral shade that goes with everything. If there is time, finish with a clear top coat.

For your hair So, you’re running in eight different directions and there just isn’t time to wash, blow-dry and style your hair. You could do the basic ponytail or don a baseball cap; both common “busy mom” looks. Jessica Schneider, hairstylist at BJ’s Hairbuilders and mommy of Braige, recommends other quick solutions for a more pulled-together appearance. Flipping your head over and blow-drying upside down for just a few seconds can revive your hair. Sprinkling a little bit of baby powder at the roots can freshen a greasy look. Also, pulling your hair back and wetting and blow-drying just your bangs can give you a finished, clean style.

For your attire We know it’s tempting. You’re just going to pick up the kids from school and run by the post office. No one will care that you’re wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt from Spring Break 1999. But, just putting on a flattering blouse and a great pair of jeans will change the way you feel. Now is the time to put the sweatpants in the pajama drawer and put fashionable, yet effortless, pieces such as 3/4 sleeve tops, khaki pants, solid color skirts and dresses in the front of your closet. This way they are easily accessible when you literally have five minutes to get dressed. Also, hanging accessories like scarves and necklaces in your closet, instead of tucked in drawers, will prompt you to use what you have to quickly complete an outfit. A simple black blouse and a funky necklace is an easy, but fun, substitution for the sweatpants. A belted shirtdress and a cute pair of sandals is another comfortable, yet stylish alternative. Dressing shouldn’t be a chore. We already have plenty of those.

For your eyes Taking just a few minutes to pamper your eyes will leave you feeling refreshed and looking like you got that full night of

]

5 minute makeover haves

must

] Manicure kit ] Ponytail holders ] Lip-gloss ] Lotion ] Bronzer or blush ] Nude nail polish

] Mascara ] Tweezers ] Great jeans ] Ballet flats ] Powder

sleep you’ve been craving. First, shape your eyebrows. Grab a pair of tweezers and pluck hairs under your brow line. A nice, clean arch gives an instant perk to your eyes. Next, apply an eye serum or place a slice of cucumber on each eye for a few minutes. The anti-inflammatory properties in cucumber will reduce puffiness and redness. If you have dry, irritated eyes, you can use moisturizing eye drops to help calm the irritation and redness in your eyes. Finally, when applying your makeup, don’t forget your eyes! A sweep of shimmery eye shadow and black mascara makes all the difference in the appearance of your eyes. No one has to know you were up all night finishing your 4th grader’s science project.

For your soul Perhaps the makeover all mommies need the most is the one that takes place when we are rejuvenated inside. Whether you choose meditation, yoga, prayer or a hot bath, giving yourself five minutes of quiet reflection can help you face the stress of each day with a fresh perspective. Other ideas are journaling or blogging. Anything you can do to feel a sense of calm and “recharge” your body will prove to be a refreshing makeover for your well-being. a

]

why I love raising my family in a

a

gainesville

The Rowe Family

David, Caren, Dylan (13), Bryan (11), Austin (8) and Caitlin (6)

W

e have been very fortunate to call Gainesville our home for the past 23 years. We moved here as college students and didn’t know what our future held. I am a military brat and have never lived anywhere longer than three years, so I was thrilled when my husband graduated and found a job right here in Gainesville.

I also found a job and we’ve had fun making the transition from college students, to a working couple, and finally a family of six.

We’ve found that Gainesville has so much to offer at all phases of life and we’ve made many memories in the process. One set of the kids' grandparents also lives here, so we’ve seen firsthand how much fun retirement can be and we enjoy spending time with them and look forward to the years ahead.

Photo by Lifeprints Photography

We love to travel and when we are gone, we always miss Gainesville; that’s why we know it as home now. There are so many things to love about Gainesville and we sometimes forget to see what’s right in front of us as we navigate a very busy schedule. Being away helps us to remember and we have come to appreciate the lush green trees, the beautiful surrounding lakes and springs and the awesome weather. And yes, we even like the heat of summer.

We are a very active family and it’s great that we can participate in so many outdoor events year round. We enjoy the many parks, the art festivals and Gator sporting events. All of our children play soccer, run in local races, play tennis and swim. As adults, we too can play and enjoy running, mountain biking and of course watching our kids participate in their sporting events. We like the many opportunities to do things as a family, while challenging ourselves in the process.

Gainesville is more than a place. It’s a group of people coming together who support one another and their community. We are proud to be a part of this community and it’s a great joy living here and raising our four children here. We are lucky to call Gainesville our home. a

happy2

nd

anniversary

a

April 2009

This is our debut issue.

We loved this little girl and thought that she just said “giggle”.

For the last two years, I have worked very hard with my wonderful “giggle family” to bring you the very best of what we had to offer.

Each issue is full of the most wonderful photographs, stories and people. We are so proud of what we have done and are so excited to see what the future holds.

We introduced giggle magazine to Alachua County with 48 pages of bright and colorful photos and inspiring stories. We couldn’t have been more proud!

This is just a glimpse of some of my personal favorites throughout the last two years.

Nicole

December/January2010 This is one of my favorite issues.

Not only is it a Gold ADDY awardwinning magazine, but the cookies on the cover are one of my father’s favorite cookies and his personal recipe. I was so excited that they made the cover and looked so perfect.

a

a

June/July 2010

The most precious baby shower…

I could not have been more excited about our first baby shower spread. The combined talents of the event coordinator and photographer captured my vision perfectly. From the colors to the flowers to the cake, it was a baby shower designed for the most deserving of expectant mommies.

August/September2010

I just loved this feature! What better way to show our love for our hometown UF Gators than with a family-friendly tailgating party. From the game to the food, we wanted to give families great tailgating tips for everyone of all ages. Go Gators!

August/September2009

62 giggle

For our very first back to school issue, I envisioned a young girl on the cover with the most perfect “Strawberry Shortcake” freckles and an apple atop a stack of books, and that is what I got. The perfect introduction to a new school year.

Treasures Await Discovery in Gainesville Thrift Shop

By LeAndra Valentine A yellow building sits on Main Street in Gainesville, awaiting families that need discounted clothing, barely used electronics, comfortable furniture and other hidden treasures. Family Treasures Thrift Shop, formerly known as the Tot Spot, is the place to go when families or individuals need quality items for less.

The store, which was originally created two years ago, offers the Gainesville community a place to do some bargain shopping while providing a revenue source for Children’s Home Society of Florida’s child abuse and neglect prevention, intervention and adoption programs. In addition, CHS clients have the opportunity to shop in the store for free.

Photos by Kelsey Lynn Photography

Among the stocked shelves and racks are freshly washed clothing, children’s toys, home décor and other community-donated items that are always sold at a fraction of their original retail prices. CHS Executive Director Jennifer Anchors says, “Even in these tough economic times, the pricing is still reasonable so people can still shop comfortably within their means.”

The spacious kid-friendly store operates on weekdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Without the help of the store’s employees and volunteers, Family Treasures could not provide such a valuable resource to the community.

One volunteer started her Family Treasures journey as a shopper. Kathy Barthleme, 58, was a client in CHS’s Family Partners program and received vouchers to use at the thrift shop. She fell in love with the shop, the safe environment and its warm people. Today, she volunteers 12 hours a week, on average, at Family Treasures. And on weekends, her 14-year-old twin daughters help out, too.

“I’m helping the organization as much as I’m getting help to better my own self esteem and confidence to find a job,” Barthleme says. “They appreciate me and I appreciate them.”

Open the doors of Family Treasures, located at 710 N. Main St., or give them a call at 352-293-2826 to donate, volunteer or search the shelves for a treasure that will fulfill your needs and wishes.

Barthleme, last January’s volunteer of the month, says, “I’m willing to give everything I’ve got, and know I’m getting the same thing back. I wish the whole world was like this place.”

www.CHSFamilyTreasures.com

Collecting

Pugs

Photos by Laurel Housden Photography

For the Love of the Pug

By Alison Walker

W

hat started as a Christmas present almost 25 years ago quickly turned into a passion for Gainesville resident Jackie Folds. She fell in love with her four-legged present, Angel, and has enjoyed collecting all things “pug” ever since. In addition to the four live ones that can be seen running around her home, Jackie has over 200 pugs; although, only about half of them are on display. Jackie admits that “My husband, Allison, spoils me with pugs,” as she shows off her antique-styled wrought iron table featuring a pug in the center.

She actually spotted one of her most prized pugs in a store window. After quickly calling the store to let them know that she would take it off their hands, she explained that it was a pug and not a bulldog as they thought. They declined her offer. After calling the local store and the company that manufactured the life-size pug for over a year, the store finally agreed to sell it to her and it is now proudly displayed on a book shelf in her home.

Jackie enjoys her 28 different collections, each of which she started for various reasons. Some of her crown and tiara collection can actually be spotted adorning a few of the pugs, like the one pictured on the left. But, she fondly says that “by far, my largest collection is of my beloved pugs.”

Jackie proudly poses with Isabelle and Teddy Bear in her study where many of the pugs are on display.

Unfortunately, the day after this picture was taken, Teddy Bear passed away. His memory will live on in Jackie's incredible collection a

JackiewithIsabelleandTeddyBear

®

takes you to

Tampa

BY JANET GROENE

O

ne of the best things about living in Gainesville is leaving Gainesville for a quickie vacation that doesn’t cost a fortune for fuel. In one to two hours, you can be on an Atlantic beach, swimming in pristine springs or riding a roller coaster in a world-class theme park.

Photos courtesy of Visit Tampa and Busch Gardens

Before the kids can ask “Are we there yet?” - you’re in Tampa Bay, home of the largest children’s science center in the Southeast, an aquarium ranked in the top 10 in the country by TripAdvisor.com, a zoo ranked #1 for family fun by a national parenting magazine and Busch Gardens Florida, one of the world’s premier theme parks.

At today’s prices for both fuel and tickets, any trip needs careful planning. Give each major attraction two or more days. Most of them issue an annual pass for about the same price as two or three separate visits. So, it makes sense to do the math, and then pace yourself. At Busch Gardens, for example, a Fun Ticket for Florida residents costs $77.99 for adults and $69.99 for ages 3 to 9, and it gets you into the park all year. An annual pass to Lowry Park Zoo costs $125 for a family of two adults and up to four children.

Each attraction has its own festivals such as the zoo’s Orangutan Egg Hunt on April 22. You can also schedule a birthday party in any of the major attractions or book with one of the hotels that offer a package with tickets plus accommodations. The more planning, the more fun you can have for the least money. It pays to visit each attraction’s website and sign up for any free “hot deal” or “newsletter” notifications. Also watch for last-minute “Florida Residents” specials on tickets or accommodations.

What’s New at The Big Five

Florida Aquarium. Learn about Florida’s wetlands, bays and beaches. Visit a coral reef where you simulate a 60foot dive in the deep, and Ocean Commotion to learn about the awesome power that is in, above and under the seven seas. There’s much more at the Aquarium, not counting special programs and events and, because it’s composed of living creatures, it’s a different show every day. In the Swim with the Fishes program, children as young as age 6 who are comfortable in the water can get into the tank with the fish. Children under age 9 must be accompanied by a paying parent.

It’s stroller friendly, has two restaurants and has something for everyone in the family. (For more information, visit FloridaAquarium.org.)

Lowry Park Zoo. At the zoo, known for its white rhinos, the African Safari habitat features up-close views of elephants, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, meerkats, cheetahs, pygmy hippos and much more! Newborns in the past year include a baby Indian rhino, two zebra foals and a rare African shoebill stork. The hatchling survived and is now flying in the aviary.

Have an Australian adventure in Wallaroo Station, see birds flying free at Lorikeet Landing and see real tigers and leopards in the giggle

magazine • april/may 2011

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p giggle

trips MOSI. Tampa’s Museum of Science and Industry is a place to touch, think and solve problems while having too much fun. The IMAX movies are always awesome, and a place for parents to rest tired feet, but it’s the Kids in Charge children’s center that wows families most. Ride a high wire bicycle 30 feet over the ground, safely strapped in, of course. See free-flying butterflies. Stare into a starry night sky in the Planetarium.

Get bugged at Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World!

Visitors take a unique journey through the habitats, sights, sounds and social structures of some of the bug world’s smallest, yet most important, contributors. On weekends there’s even an insect petting zoo. Every hour and a 1/2, see a 3D movie about a T. Rex named Sue. Check out too the many special events, programs and camps. (For more information, visit mosi.org.) a

Asian Gardens. Spend hours watching the antics of chimps and orangutans in the Primate Jungle. There’s a big Florida section where kids can touch a stingray and learn about manatees and Florida panthers. (For more information, visit lowryparkzoo.com.)

Busch Gardens Tampa. At this famous theme park Gwazi has reopened faster and scarier than ever before thanks to its new Millennium Flyer roller coaster cars. Older kids who want to ride coasters all day will want to be the first to try Cheetah Hunt, the newest ride with a 130-foot drop and speeds up to 60 mph. For the rest of the family this is a trip to Africa complete with music, animals, birds, hands-on attractions, rides both tame and terrorizing, gifts, food and lots of pleasant spots to hang out.

New this year for younger children is the Sesame Street Safari with its pint-size rides, playthings galore and costumed characters. Meet Elmo and the gang at breakfast or lunch too. (Adults $18-$22 or $13-$15 for children ages 3 to 9. Reservations are required.)

Take your time when strolling through the animal exhibits because you never know when an animal will appear, disappear or do something unexpected. When entering the Gardens, get a brochure and note times of shows and feeding times at various animal exhibits. (For more information, visit buschgardens.com.)

Glazer Children’s Museum. This museum has enough hands-on learning to keep kids entertained all day every day. Become a pilot, design and build a home, learn to be a doctor or a veterinarian, or run a cruise ship to your own, private island. Tug Boat Tots is just for ages three and under, offering plenty of tactile experiences for little hands.

Programs and storytelling are offered daily. Note age groups and budget your time to take in as many as possible. The gift shop is filled with educational books, toys and puzzles.

Enjoy the morning, take time out for lunch at Tasty Bites, then spend the afternoon in programs or trying on-your-own activities. (For more information, visit glazermuseum.org.)

68 giggle

Janet Groene is an award-winning travel writer who lives near Live Oak. Visit her at (www.) Janetgroene.blogspot.com

u f yo i Don't Miss...

go!

Henry B. Plant Museum –When you’re building a railroad to nowhere,

how do you make the journey worthwhile? If you’re railroad magnate Henry Bradley Plant, in the midst of the sand swamps that would be Tampa, you construct the most astonishingly magnificent hotel of its day, then fill it with treasures from around the world. With its splendid Moorish architecture, opulent furnishings, and spectacular tropical gardens, Plant’s Tampa Bay Hotel attracted a host of celebrated guests, from Teddy Roosevelt to Sarah Bernhardt to Babe Ruth. A visit to the Henry B. Plant Museum and the authentically restored rooms of the Tampa Bay Hotel will transport you back to a time of indulgent 8-course meals, waltzing on the verandah and alligator hunting by moonlight.The journey is still worthwhile.

At the Henry B. Plant Museum, come experience the grandeur of an extravagant Victorian palace that opened in 1891 as the Tampa Bay Hotel and is now a National Historic Landmark.

Stroll the grand hallway and enter magnificent rooms adorned with European furniture and art treasures of the Gilded Age. Experience the elegance of the Victorian lifestyle as a tourist in turn-of-the-century Florida.

p family spotlight “I didn’t get a lot of those questions,” he said. “I was the youngest. But I was great at the baseball categories.”

Dupee was an avid baseball player and a teammate told him about the Quiz Bowl team when he was in high school.

Dupee joined and loved the game. When he was an undergraduate at Emory University, he accepted another level of challenge by playing on the school’s College Bowl team. His team lost the national title to a North Carolina State squad.

But even after graduating from college and the University of Florida Law School, where he met his wife Zana, Dupee loved competing in trivia.

“I worked for the biggest law firm in southeast Florida after I graduated law school and I hated it,” he said. “So, I decided I’d go back and start where most lawyers do, as a law clerk. I loved it and I’ve done it ever since.”

He was a clerk in Gainesville and then moved to Cleveland to work in an appeals court, where he said he helped make laws for an entire region of the country.

WhoisaJeopardy!five-timechampand TournamentofChampionswinner?

Michael Dupee

By Chris Wilson

Michael Dupee, a University of Florida law school graduate, Gainesville law clerk and family man, returned from a trip to his then-home in Cleveland around 7:15 one night in 1995. He dropped his suitcase and before even taking off his jacket, he grabbed the remote and tuned in to his favorite television show - Jeopardy! Within seconds, he heard show host Alex Trebek announce that the quiz show would be holding tryouts in the Cleveland area.

A Trivial Pursuit?

Dupee said Jeopardy was a constant throughout his childhood. He lived in Japan and New England and went to high school in Winter Garden, FL. But the one thing that never changed in the Dupee house was the after-dinner treat of gathering around the tube with his mother, father, two older sisters and his grandmother to see who could answer the most questions on Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.

70 giggle

For that reason, Dupee had put off trying out for the show.

But, as a man in his early 30s when he heard Trebek’s announcement for Cleveland tryouts, he was finally ready for the opportunity.

The Tryout Process

Dupee, hoping to be one of the 600 people chosen by a local radio station for the audition, sent in exactly 219 postcards for the drawing. He drove all over town, sending postcards from different neighborhoods and hoping to increase his chances. He was finally among the last names announced by the radio station to try out for the show.

Dupee said he was among a large group of potential contestants.

“They hand you a sheet with 50 blank spaces on it for your answers,” Dupee said. “There are two TVs on each side of you and Alex comes on and reads the questions. You didn’t

Photo courtesy of Jeopardy Productions, Inc.

Now more than a decade removed from that first tryout, Dupee can boast that he was a five-time winner and Tournament of Champions victor on the show. His prizes and cash-winnings totaled more than $200,000.

“When I was younger, my mom had told me that if I was going to be on Jeopardy, she would pay for my flight and expenses,” said Dupee. “I was young then and I didn’t know a lot about current events or pop culture, so I never did well in those categories. I expected that by the time I was 30 or 31, I would be more ready for it.”

have to write your answers in question form. People started getting up and leaving.”

After waiting for what seemed like a long time, the coordinators announced the names of the potential contestants. Dupee’s name was the last one called.

“When you win, you have to come up with five quick anecdotes about yourself,” said Dupee. “These are the same anecdotes that Alex uses to introduce the contestant on the show.”

Dupee said after earning a spot, the potential contestants played a game with the buzzer to demonstrate their understanding of the rules and to show that they can play the game with composure.

After the tryout in April 1995, Dupee was told that he might get called to be on the show. In November of that year, he got the call requesting that he be at the Jeopardy studio in California in three weeks.

“They guarantee you a prize that’s worth at least the cost of a plane ticket,” he explained.

He finally had an excuse to take his mother up on her offer to fund his trip to Jeopardy.

Jeopardy! Secrets Revealed

According to Dupee, Jeopardy tapes five shows per day for two days, which gives CBS its two weeks of shows. The contestants have to show up at the studio with five different outfits to make it appear as though the winners are competing on the next day’s show.

The anecdotes that he was asked to supply after the tryouts were used as icebreakers between contestants waiting in the green room at the studio. He said a show employee reviews the stories aloud with each contestant prior to the taping of the show to make sure everyone is ready.

Jeopardy. Both were invited back for the next show and Dupee won.

He then won the next three shows and went home with a check for $66,000.

After that win, he and his wife Zana decided it was time to move back to Gainesville, where they had always wanted to raise their family.

“We had $66,000 and we were debt-free,” he said. “I went back to my original clerkship for the same judge I had worked for in Gainesville.”

He was invited back for the Season 13 Tournament of Champions to compete against other five-time Jeopardy winners. And he won again.

This time he took home more than $100,000.

“I bought the best bed because I figure we spend a third of our lives sleeping,” he said. “We also went on some cruises and we used the rest to buy our house.”

And, Dupee found that Jeopardy fans were recognizing him as he walked through airports or down the street.

“It was nice to be famous for a little while,” said Dupee. “But, I wouldn’t want it to be like that all the time.”

Dupee was invited back for the “Ultimate Tournament of Champions” in 2005, where he won an additional $32,500. He competed against 110 of the best Jeopardy players of all time. He won a game and that was his final performance.

Dupee said he would drop everything at the chance to be on the show again. But for now, he’s happy raising his three children and he is enjoying his job and life in Gainesville.

Dupee is listed in the “Hall of Fame” section of the Jeopardy! web site at www.jeopardy.com. He also is the author of “How to Get on Jeopardy! and Win: Valuable Information from a Champion.” a

According to Jeopardy rules, you are not allowed to buzz in to answer a clue until Trebek has finished reading it. Dupee said that contestants who buzz in early are penalized by having their buzzer lose functionality for a fraction of a second. When Trebek is finished reading the clue, a person not visible to the TV audience turns on the buzzers for the contestants to buzz in.

“Really, the game is decided by who can time it perfectly,” said Dupee. “That’s why the computer did so well when they tried it out against Ken Jennings.”

Photo courtesy of Dupee family

After the show, Jeopardy swears all contestants, especially winners, to secrecy about the results until the show airs, with the exception of family. Dupee’s run of shows aired five months after being taped.

Jeopardy rules have changed, too. When Dupee played in the 1990s, champions were only allowed to be on for a maximum of five shows so he did not have a chance to go for the 74-win record that was later set by Ken Jennings, who is the all-time record holder for winnings in any game show.

Crowning of a Champion

Dupee actually tied with another contestant on his first show on

The Dupee Family giggle

magazine • april/may 2011

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Calendar of Events April April Fools’ Day! NoHouseworkDay! Tower Road Library www.elcalachua.org

April 1

April 1 - 3

Antique Tractor and Engine Show 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FREE admission with paid park admission.

Farm machinery representing 200 years of American history. Vintage farm equipment, tractor pulls and races for adults. Children’s games and races, demonstrations of wheat threshing and shingle milling and food concessions.

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center 386-397-7005 www.floridastateparks.org

April 7

April 9

Orange & Blue game

Noon Support your Florida Gators as they debut the 2011 football team in a scrimmage game.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium www.gatorzone.com April 9 & 10

Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival

High Springs was incorporated in 1892.

Those pioneering families, some of whose descendents still live here today, will be honored during this celebration. There will be a shoot-out re-enactment, a Heritage Village with demonstrations and antique tractors. While celebrating heritage, there will also be aspects of a present-day spring festival so we’ll have food vendors, kids’ activities and rides, and fine art and craft vendors.

High Springs, FL www.highsprings.com

Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday noon - 5:30 p.m.

FREE The Santa Fe Spring Arts Festival, one of the three largest annual events in Gainesville, is known for its high quality artwork and unique setting. The festival is held in the downtown historic district, nestled amid restored turn-of-the century homes, stately palms and abundant azaleas. More than 130,000 visitors are anticipated each year.

There's lots of festival activity at the Thomas Center, where young artists sell their work and families make art projects at the Kids' Art Jungle.

Downtown Gainesville, FL www.springartsfestival.com

April 3

April 10

2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

FREE Join us for a fun filled afternoon to kick off Children's Week, Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month and Voluntary PreKindergarten enrollment. There will be plenty of activities for children and families.

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FREE This is always an all-around great family Sunday afternoon! A leisurely spring Sunday afternoon full of music, children’s activities, food and fun.

Downtown Alachua, FL www.alachuabusiness.com

April 2 & 3

Pioneer Days

Celebrate the Child and VPK Enrollment

Alachua Spring Festival

April 10

Puttin’ on the Ritz

Annual fundraising event benefitting the Children’s Home Society of Florida.

Florida Museum of Natural History 352-334-0955 www.CHSRitz.com April 10

Pleasantly Puzzled

1 – 4 p.m.

FREE Pleasantly Puzzled is an afternoon celebrating the popular pastime of puzzles.

Word and jigsaw puzzles were common activities during the Gilded Age, and continue to entertain people of all ages today.

Pleasantly Puzzled will be free to the public and take place on the veranda of the Henry B. Plant Museum, formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel. Crossword constructor Merl Reagle will create seven thematic word puzzles about The Tampa Bay Hotel and the history of Tampa. The Museum will provide multiple jigsaw puzzles for those puzzlers who prefer a hands-on experience.

April May

Over 1,000 listings for kids’

Activities Around Alachua County

Henry B. Plant Museum 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 813-258-7302 www.plantmuseum.com April 16

Can You Dig It?

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Dig into geology and discover the ground beneath your feet. Enjoy hands-on activities and watch demonstrations of volcanic eruptions. Join the UF Department of Geological Science and the Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society for activities of geologic proportion!

Florida Museum of Natural History 352-846-2000 www.flmnh.ufl.edu/education/events.htm April 16 - 20

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Monday noon – 8 p.m.

Tuesday noon – 8 p.m. (1/2 price day) Wednesday noon- 6 p.m. (10 cent day) Their large building houses a huge volume of books and welcomes volunteers of all ages! Donations are accepted year-round and they have many volunteers who sort, price and arrange these books for the semi-annual book sales, which are open to the public. The money made during the book sales is used for budgeted library support, scholarships for library staff, special projects and county literacy projects.

430-B North Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 352-375-1676 www.folacld.org April 22

Earth Day Easter Egg Hunt Egg-stravaganza at Trinity UMC 10 am -Noon The Easter Egg hunt begins at 10:00 am, don't forget your Easter basket! There will be crafts, bounce houses, pony rides and a petting zoo. Hamburgers, hot dogs and snacks will be available for sale. Children up to 5th grade.

Trinity United Methodist Church Info: (352) 376-6615 www.trinitygnv.org

O2BKids Eggstravaganza

April 27

Kindergarten Roundup

2 pm REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR KINDERGARTEN Any child who will be 5 on or before September 1 may report to your zoned school with: Birth certificate, immunization record, proof of physical exam, Social Security Card, Two different proofs of residence in parent's name, such as a Property Tax Statement; Homestead Exemption Lease Agreement; Declaration of Domicile Utility Bill.

If you are unable to attend Round-Up, you may register your child for kindergarten any time after April 27, 2011 Where: Public Elementary Schools in Alachua County May 1

O2b A Kid Again 2011

5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

A FUNdraiser for Alachua County Teachers and Classrooms! Benefitting the Alachua County Public Schools Foundation, Inc. O2B Kids Supercenter, Newberry Road 352-955-7003 www.acpsf May 5

Cinco de Mayo May 8

April 23

April 23

10 a.m.

Petting zoo, bounce house, carnival games, TONS of candy, separate egg hunts by age, cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones!

Members: FREE / Non-Members: $10 / Adults are FREE O2B Kids Supercenter, Newberry Road 352-332-5500 www.O2BKids.com

Mother’s Day May 8

Henry B. Plant Museum

Noon – 5 p.m.

FREE Admission As a gift to all mothers, the Museum will be offering free admission on Mother's Day! Bring your mother to the Museum and let her escape to Victorian splendor at the former Tampa Bay Hotel.

401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 813-258-7302 www.plantmuseum.com May 14

Windsor Zucchini Festival

9 a.m. - 4:30pm FREE An annual event celebrating the zucchini!

This event features tons of activities and is fun for the whole family! Kids’ activities include: Space Walk, Moon Walk and inflatable slides, plus pony rides and a rock climbing wall. Some of the many family activities and attractions include: Duke of Zuke & Zuqueenie Pageant, Zion Hunt, games, hay rides, fried zucchini, zucchini ice cream, live band providing music, B-Magic Show, and MORE! Windsor, FL www.afn.org/~windsor/activities.htm May 21

Newberry Watermelon Festival

The watermelons are always provided from a local grower and given to the festival goers for FREE. Some of the favorite festival activities started many years ago and still continue today. These Saturday activities include contests for watermelon eating, seed spitting, hog calling, pie/cake baking and of course the "Big Melon."

We have beauty pageants for ages 0-22 years.

FREE concert on Saturday night of the festival.

Canterbury Equestrian Center 352-472-6758 May 21

Sweet Dreams Touch a Truck Event

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

FREE Among the 35+ vehicles which will be at the event are: a crane, tow truck, Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle, Blood Mobile, hearse, city bus, school bus, ambulance, GPD patrol car, Army Hummer, Harley Davidson and bear cat. In addition, there will be lots of cool kids’ activities and food! A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the SW Gainesville Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society FUNdraiser!!

Alachua County Fairgrounds 352-378-0532 www.gainesvilleicecream.com May 27 - May 30

Blue Crab Festival

Admission, parking and entertainment are FREE Bumper Cars, Climbing Wall, Petting Zoo, Kids' Train Ride, Mechanical bull! Plus food, rides, a parade and lots of blue crabs!

Take Hwy 20 East to Downtown Palatka www.bluecrabfestival.com May 31

Memorial Day

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showersbring Maymud pies."

Emma and Abby Ferrell May 2010 photo by Amber Ferrell, mom