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8
Some of my fondest memories of growing up in New York are from the fall season. The leaves changing and the crisp air paired with caramel apples and pumpkin carving — nothing could beat it. Well, maybe the holidays sprinkled with snowflakes and hot chocolate, but, the fall was colorful and full of so many fun times.
When my brother celebrated his nuptials in New York during the month of October, I was so excited for a chance to show my children a glimpse into what the fall season up North was all about. We ventured into an apple orchard, picked pumpkins and even saw snowflakes as we shopped at a famous antique market.
To savor our fall adventures, we brought our pumpkin findings back to Florida and opted
not to carve but sit them atop our dining room table next to our Halloween decor. And, later, they made their way to under the Christmas Tree, adorned with a bow. And then, they even made an appearance at my birthday celebration in January, and then again at Easter. That’s right, these pumpkins, we handpicked at a patch in Long Island were still going strong (no mold or decomposing) at Easter time. We eventually gave them to the squirrels and birds outside, but it wasn’t without noting that somehow, that fall season and the memories we made had lasted a pumpkins lifetime.
This fall, as you savor your spiced lattes and pick out the perfect pumpkin and Halloween costume, I hope that you too gather memories of a lifetime with your
children and families and are able to soak all the fun and reflect on the wonders of the past seasons and all that is to come!
Happy fall, y'all!
We all know that the hardest job you can have is being a parent! The days are definitely long and the years are astonishingly short. Some days you might feel like you’re going through the struggles alone. But, we are here to share some tips and tricks from local parents that can make being a mom or dad a little less stressful!
I turn off their internet!
- ELAINE ALMOND
Clean up? What’s that? Kidding, even my 2-year old puts his clothes in the washing machine!
- MERISSA MAIMOAt 7 p.m. every night, I have the Alexa scheduled to announce that it is time for Clean Routine. Clean Routine means everyone has to get anything that is theirs out of the family room/ kitchen/drop-off zone and put it where it belongs. They are supposed to also make sure their room is clean but that doesn’t always happen.
- JENN GARRATT
I pull out a trash bag and tell them whatever doesn't get picked up gets thrown out!
- ALEX HENRY
Being a half Cuban household, I have to stay true to my roots and say you don’t want to see the
I bribe mine with treats. If they refuse to pick up their room, I send the shark robot into their room and listen for the screams or march in there with a trash bag.
- TANYA CONSAULWe do a lot of token economy in our home. If you wash the dishes, you can have 30 minutes of screen time. If you take out the trash, you can have a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you do your homework, clean your room and maintain your chores all week, they get a $10 allowance.
- ARIANA JONES
I set a timer and say anything on the floor when the timer is up is being thrown away or donated.
- BRITTANY LEE
BY EMELY ARANGO
Most of us have grown accustomed to using the date printed on food labels as the ultimate arbiter of whether or not our food is still safe to eat.
In the US, with the exception of baby formula, these labels are not regulated by any federal agency. “Food date labels are really like the Wild West – there are no standards,” stated Jeffrey Costantino from ReFed, an organization advocating against food waste, meaning grocers and manufacturers can label the dates however they’d like. The dates on food labels are not meant to be used as a measure of safety, but rather as a measure of optimum quality, according to the Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Before additives and preservatives weren’t as common in our foods as they are today, people would gauge the safety of food by their sense of sight, touch and smell. Since the boom of ultra-processed foods in the 1950s began, most manufacturers and grocers have been motivated to stock the shelves with food dates earlier than the food’s actual expiration date. This ensures consumers will buy more than you need to.
According to FeedingAmerica.org, 39% of US food waste comes from individual households (about 42 billion pounds of food per year). An additional 20% (8.4 billion pounds of food per year) is due to confusion on the interpretation of the dates our food is labeled with. In a 2019 survey of over 1000 Americans, over 70% said they only gauged food safety by the expiration dates, and over 60% ended up tossing food that was still safe to eat, according to ReFed. Grocers and restaurants tend to do the same.
To reduce the amount of food waste in the country, many experts are advocating for stricter regulations that can make significant changes to how date labels are used. US researchers state that by having an extra means of regulation, we can prevent close to 400,000 tons of food waste annually. Other experts have asked for policies to motivate grocers and restaurants to donate their unsold food, but the confusion regarding expiration dates prohibits over 20 US states from donating foods past their expiration dates. Some grocers in many different countries such as the UK, Norway and Denmark are facing the problem by removing expiration dates altogether, and allowing people to use their own judgment when it comes to produce.
Canned goods, unless bloated or rusted, are known to stay safe for years after their expiration date, as well as sealed frozen foods. Shelf stable foods such as cereals, cookies, pastas and chips may taste stale, but this does not mean they are a food hazard. Refrigerated eggs can stay good for up to 5 weeks, or until your nose alerts you of any possible spoilage, and the safety of produce can always be measured by bad odors, slimy exteriors and molding. Meats are susceptible to pathogenic bacteria that is more difficult to gauge, and the US Department of Agriculture suggests eating or freezing meats within days of purchase, as well as unpasteurized cheeses, deli meats and prepackaged salads.
BY JULIA BAUER
Are you tired of pumpkin bread and cherry pie but craving something sweet? Stuffed apples are the solution. This fallthemed treat is soft and delectable and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are two recipes for baking the best stuffed apples.
If you have a hankering for something sweet, a brown sugar stuffed apple will do the trick. This recipe is simple, but the payoff is delicious, especially if you serve these apples alongside some vanilla ice cream. Although it doesn’t get too chilly during Florida fall, this dessert will help you imagine crisp air, a cool breeze and orange autumn leaves.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 large Fuji apples
• Chocolate chips
• Ice cream (optional)
Yield: 4
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Then, melt your butter until it’s soft. In a small mixing bowl, add the raisins, pecans, brown sugar, butter, ginger, nutmeg and apple pie spice and whisk until evenly combined.
Then, cut the tops off the apples and use a spoon to scoop out as much of the inside as you can.
Place the apples on a baking sheet and fill them with the mixture. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the apples are soft. Once they are done, top with chocolate chips and allow them to melt just a little bit.
Serve and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream!
Yes... apple-stuffed-apples! These apples are essentially stuffed full of homemade apple pie filling! Luckily, the recipe isn’t too complicated and you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. This dessert will not only make your mouth water, but the presentation will impress your friends and family. If you love everything autumn, you’ll love this recipe.
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 6 Gala apples
• Ice cream (optional)
• Chocolate chips (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
Yield: 4
Instructions
To start, preheat the oven to 375 F. While you’re waiting for the oven to preheat, start mixing the ingredients for the topping. First, soften your butter in the microwave. Then, in a large mixing bowl, add the butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg and whisk them together until evenly combined.
Then, cut the tops off four of the apples and use a spoon to scoop out as much of the inside as you can. Save the insides for the next step!
To make the filling, chop up the leftover apple insides, and peel and chop the remaining two apples. Put them in a pan over medium heat, and add the butter, brown sugar and apple pie spice. Cook until it is soft like apple pie filling.
Finally, scoop the filling into the four cored apples and sprinkle (or heap) on the topping. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the topping is crispy.
Last but not least, top with ice cream or chocolate chips — or both — and serve and enjoy!
In recent years, bone broth has gained popularity as a health-conscious culinary trend. While it may seem like just another food fad, bone broth is anything but. This age-old elixir, often touted as a superfood, has a rich history and an impressive list of health benefits.
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones and connective tissues, along with herbs, vegetables, and sometimes vinegar, in water for an extended period — typically 12 or more hours. This slow-cooking process allows the bones to release their healthy nutrients. Collagen, for instance, is one of the key components of bone broth that helps promote healthy skin and bones.
The origin of bone broth can, in fact, be traced back over two millennia. Approximately 2,500 years ago, ancient Chinese communities regularly consumed bone broth to help nourish the body. They believed the broth would support their vital essence, or Qi, as well as nourish the kidneys and build blood.
Sip It Hot: One of the simplest and most traditional ways to enjoy bone broth is by sipping it hot in a mug. It's a comforting and nourishing alternative to your morning coffee or tea.
Use It as a Base: Bone broth serves as an excellent base for soups, stews and sauces. Its rich flavor enhances the taste of a wide range of dishes.
Cooking With Grains: Instead of using plain water, try cooking rice, quinoa or other grains in bone broth. This infuses them with extra flavor and nutrition.
Marinades and Gravies: Use bone broth as a base for marinades or gravies for roasted meats and vegetables. It adds depth and complexity to your dishes.
Freeze It: Freeze bone broth for convenient portioning and use at a future time. You can easily add frozen broth to dishes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Rich Source of Collagen: Collagen is an essential protein for skin, hair, nails, and joint health. Bone broth is loaded with collagen, making it a natural beauty and joint-care elixir.
Amino Acids: Bone broth contains various amino acids, including proline and glycine, which play crucial roles in maintaining healthy connective tissues and promoting gut health.
Minerals Galore: The long simmering process allows bone broth to extract an array of minerals from the bones, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, all of which are essential for overall health.
Gut Health: The gelatin in bone broth can help soothe and heal the digestive tract, making it an excellent choice for individuals with digestive issues like leaky gut syndrome.
Immune Support: The amino acids and minerals in bone broth support the immune system, helping the body fend off illnesses and infections.
Anti-Inflammatory: Bone broth's nutrient profile can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially offering relief to those with inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse that offers a wide range of health benefits. Whether you choose to sip it as a warm beverage or incorporate it into your favorite recipes, bone broth can be a delicious and convenient way to boost your overall well-being.
Its rich collagen content, amino acids, minerals and anti-inflammatory properties help make it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. So, the next time you're looking for a comforting and nutritious meal, consider giving bone broth a try — your body will thank you!
BY NICOLE IRVING
This past May, our oldest son Tyler graduated from high school. This past May, he also hit another milestone. It was his five-year “dia-versary,” the anniversary of the first day of his Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis. And while we didn’t throw a party or blow out candles to celebrate, as I would have rather not welcome this day at all, it is a reminder of how far we have come and how far we are going to go.
Through the years we have managed his diagnosis with as much positivity and grace as we could. We have welcomed faulty devices, climbing insulin prices, a minor “almost emergency” event, educating family and friends on the difference between Type 1 and Type 2, and just about everything in between (insert pandemic and teen hormones here).
The hardest part for me when Tyler was diagnosed was understanding that there was no clear-cut answer to why my son’s pancreas decided to stop producing insulin one random day in 2018, resulting in his Type 1 diagnosis. Researchers still don’t know exactly what causes it. While the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) lists a series of factors that are considered to be linked to acquiring Type 1, such as hereditary conditions, environmental factors and viral infections, there is still not a 100% cause as to why Type 1 happens.
Today, this is still hard to wrap my head around, especially as we hope to protect his two younger brothers from getting it, but no answer exists. I live with the knowledge that
According to JDRF, T1D is identified in children and adults as they show signs of the following symptoms:
Frequent Urination
this too could affect them at any time. To this day, I live with that fear.
But, as we have grown to understand and accept this hand that Tyler was unfairly dealt, we know sadly that he is not alone. According to the organization Beyond Type 1, 64,000 people are diagnosed with Type 1 each year in the United States. In addition, the disease is unfortunately growing at a rate of 2.9% per year. While one might not be able to prevent the onset of Type 1, education is key. Knowing the signs and symptoms of Type 1 and being able to act fast and get help, is important to saving lives and living a long and happy life.
Today, Tyler is onto the next phase of life as a college student. A college student living with Type 1. And while there are new hurdles and worries for us as parents that come with watching our son grow up and become more independent with this disease, I couldn’t be prouder of how he has accepted his health and continues to educate those around him about Type 1, while living out his dreams and his full potential.
Extreme Thirst
Dry mouth
Fatigue and Weakness
Increased Appetite
Unexplained Weight Loss
Slow-Healing Cuts
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, please see your doctor right away! Without proper diagnosis and treatment, Type 1 diabetes can be fatal.
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Whether you are an indoor cycling pro or entirely new to the experience, CycleBar offers energizing rides tailored to all fitness levels CycleBar will inspire, motivate and invigorate you so that you can face your day.
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BY NICOLE IRVING
It’s almost sweater weather and that means shades of nudes and brown are going to be the shining stars of your fall wardrobe. But, why stop there? This is the perfect time to change out those summer beauty palettes and welcome new hues of warm greens, soft creams and lucious caramels to your makeup collection.
$35 | charlottetilbury.com
Chocolate Veil
Flawless Beige
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat $25 | charlottetilbury.com
Foxy Brown
Iconic Nude
Nails.INC Cappuccino To Go Nail Polish Duo Set $15 | nailsinc.com
Dashing Diva GLAZE Semi-Cured Gel Nail Strips – Falling Into French Collection $14 | DashingDiva.com
Chai All About It
Thanksgiving brings everyone around the table. Food and laughter are at an abundance, and there is one constant ask that rings across the nation that day… “Please pass the salt and pepper!” And just like that, while the turkey is the ultimate star of the show, this dynamic duo becomes the heroes of the hour. No matter how you like your meal seasoned, having a beautiful and functional salt and pepper set is key to a well-served meal.
$27.99 | Amazon
During a time when kids rule the night as pint-sized superheroes, a subtle transition is taking place as our growing food consciousness continues to poke in like a mischievous ghost. The age of indiscriminate candy dealing is under siege by brow raising parents, and it’s time to share the spotlight with a cast of contenders that are sure to keep the toilet paper bandits away.
Whether it's bracelets, necklaces or stickers for the ubiquitous plastic pumpkins, if it glows in the dark, kids will want them! As an added measure, it provides better visibility of your kids in the dark, making it safer to walk between houses in your neighborhood and avoid possible injuries.
Every parent knows that slime has made a huge comeback. Kids love the texture and flexibility of the slime, and it can provide endless wonder and entertainment (until the next best thing hits the market). For some added family fun, you can make your own slime at home with just a few ingredients from countless recipes that can be found online.
Provide kids with crayon boxes and mini coloring books of popular princesses and superheroes for some fun at any time. Coloring fosters creativity and refinement while giving kids the opportunity to think cognitively and express themselves with art.
An adaptation of their already favorite games, mini board games are a portable source of fun that include Tic-Tac-Toe, Operation, Monopoly and more. These classic games can also promote strategic thinking and help foster a good sense of sportsmanship.
Sidewalk chalk is also a known favorite as it encourages children to spend time outdoors using their own creativity to explore endless possibilities. If they are growing tired of drawing, you can have them draw a hopscotch for some active play time instead.
For a cute keepsake of their Halloween adventures, monster plush toys can be the perfect addition to any serious toy collection. Kids love to squeeze, hug and cuddle with their furry friends, and are
The best part of having a collective growing consciousness of food and nutrition is the new wave of healthier snacks that are now readily available. From a variety of dark chocolates with less added sugar to real fruit snacks, there is something in store for every kid to enjoy this season.
mini puzzle sets. They are easy but stimulating additions to their candy filled pillowcases, engaging their minds and giving them a lasting reminder of their adored holiday.
For kids who will enjoy a bit more of a challenge, the infamous paddle balls are sure to keep them busy and improve eye-hand coordination. See who can bounce the ball for the longest amount of time for some light-hearted competition.
Special thank you to Natalie and Abigail Rodriguez for their artistic talents and creativity.
Pumpkins, moss and a whimsical imagination is all you need to create these adorable pixie pumpkin playlands this fall. These pumpkin crafts are a great family activity and offer a new twist on the classic pumpkin carving craft. Let your kid’s imagination take over and have fun with them! Once done, add a little tea light and place in a wooded area for a magical display.
Pixie Cottage
• All-purpose moss matt (We found ours at Hobby Lobby)
• Acorns and mini pinecones
• Clay
• Wood skewers
• Fake flowers
• Miniature elements: tea set, broom, hay bale (We found ours at Hobby lobby)
• Wood circles
• Modeling clay
• Miniature elements: wood fence, windmill (We found ours at Hobby Lobby)
• Wood ladder
(We found ours at Hobby Lobby)
Pumpkins of different sizes and shapes
*We got our green gourd from Trader Joe's Knife Spoon Hot
To begin, start with a sketch of their vision! This helps determine where to cut your doors and windows.
Cut top of pumpkin off and scoop out insides. Dispose of insides and keep the seeds for roasting!
Once pumpkin is cleaned out it is time to get creative! Use ours for inspiration to get started on your own pixie houses!
Cut out windows and doors to your liking.
Create windowpanes with skewers and embellish with clay shutters.
Add a chimney and leaves out of clay if you’d like.
To decorate with moss and acorns, use hot glue to adhere them to the top of the pumpkin.
For added fun, use miniature elements around your house to create a magical pixie land.
Safety first: Never leave children alone with knives or glue gun. Parental supervision is required. Our children crafters were supervised at all times!
Never use real candles with children. Use battery operated tea lights.
If the weather is warm, keep pumpkins inside and decorate table scape with them.
Once done, remove all clay, craft supplies and non-perishable items, and dispose of pumpkin in compost bin.
These pumpkins can be done with no carving at all. Just have kids draw magical scenes on the outside and adorn with moss and set up with miniature elements for added fun.
Remember, there is no right or wrong, so have fun and let their imagination soar!
Interest rates, loans and credit card payments — oh my! No one is immune to the worries and woes associated with money, much less people who have or are planning to have children.
Even for people who are parents, financial planning often begins before their children are born. This is because — and what will come as no surprise to those who know childcare all too well — kids are expensive. As noted by The Washington Post, “from the day your baby is born until the day they turn 18, your family will spend about $310,605 — or about $17,000 a year, according to a new Brookings Institution analysis of data from the U.S. Agriculture Department.”
Although a family’s financial focus certainly varies pending how much they earn in a year, proactively planning for the monetary future can be beneficial for everyone, especially when debt is involved. Enter: debt consolidation.
In short, debt consolidation is a financial strategy that entails people combining the various debts they’ve acquired into one fixed payment plan. It refers to “taking out a new loan or credit card to pay off other existing loans or credit cards,” according to Investopedia. “By combining multiple debts into a single, larger loan, you may also be able to obtain more favorable payoff terms, such as a lower interest rate, lower monthly payments, or both.”
As noted by Nerd Wallet, “online lenders, banks and credit unions offer debt consolidation loans. If you qualify, the lender deposits the loan into your bank account, and you use that money to pay off your debts. Some lenders send loan proceeds directly to your creditors, saving you that step.”
Regardless if you have children or are planning to expand your family, consider how debt consolidation can help improve your financial situation. In combining your various debts into a single payment, it can be easier to manage and streamline finances. This can be particularly helpful for those focused on boosting their credit scores, as debt consolidation can help simplify the money management process and help avoid missing any payments.
As discussed by various financial experts, debt consolidation can also help lower monthly financial payments and reduce financerelated stressors. This is because it can give more flexibility to pay for more short-term expenses, like childcare. However, as noted by Capitol One, “in the short term, a debt consolidation loan might negatively impact your credit scores. One reason is because a debt consolidation loan requires a hard inquiry. Over the long term, however, making monthly payments on time can help your credit scores.”
The different types of debt that can be consolidated include credit cards, student lines, home equity loans and lines of credit; however, it’s ultimately up to the unique circumstances of a current or soon-to-be family to determine what’s the best course of financial action.
Although debt consolidation will not eliminate your debt, consider how this payment process can simplify your financial matters for your family.
BY KATIE OSTERHOUT
Ah, fall is in the air! For us in the South, we still have a while to go before we can pull out those flannels and scarves, but we can surely enjoy some pumpkin spice lattes and creative pumpkin home décor! Part of what makes the holiday season so special is enjoying it as a family, and creating art is at the top of our list of things to do together.
For this project you’ll need:
a. Freshly picked or fallen leaves (try to find whole leaves that are pretty fresh. If they are too old, they will be crunchy and won’t work)
b. Paper, cards, fabric (whatever you want to stamp leaves onto)
c. Paint (opt for a fall color palette)
1) Take a nature walk and collect several different shaped leaves.
2) Once at your art space, you want to apply paint to the back of the leaves where all the veins are located.
Play around with different color schemes that remind you of the season! This craft can be done many times using different colors, materials and leaves. Make some pieces using traditional fall oranges, browns, yellows and experiment with a unique leaf shape. Add some pinks and greens for a pop of color.
These crafts make great holiday cards or pieces to put in a frame for the season.
We’d love to see your book activities! Share with us and tag creative_household or post #creativehouseholdfl to show off your fun!
As Halloween festivities and trick-or-treating trickle to a stop, most kids start digging into the mounds of candy they collected. However, children with food allergies and intolerances must be more cautious when sorting through their treats from the night.
What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?
To protect kids with food allergies and make trick-or-treating more inclusive, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a non-profit organization, encourages participation in the Teal Pumpkin Project.
One in 13 children have food allergies, according to FARE. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep or in your window Halloween night lets trickor-treaters know that you offer treats besides candy that are fun and safe for children with allergies, intolerances and other conditions.
Who can participate?
People planning on having a teal pumpkin on their doorstep can add their home or event location to the Teal Pumpkin Project Map prior to Halloween. In 2022, over 16,000 homes and 100 events across all 50 states were displayed on the map, according to FARE.
CVS became FARE’s exclusive retail partner in 2022, and 4,500 CVS Pharmacy stores were marked on the map letting people know the stores had 50 allergy-safe food items for sale.
Where do I get a teal pumpkin?
If you plan on participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, feel free to paint your own pumpkin teal! Or, you can purchase foam teal pumpkins, signs, garden flags, lights and other yard decorations at CVS, Target or on Amazon. You can find a list of decorations for purchase on FARE’s website at foodallergy.org.
Many popular candies contain top food allergens, including milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy, according to FARE. In 2012, a local food allergy group in Tennessee launched the Teal Pumpkin Project to help keep kids with those allergies safe. In 2014, FARE expanded the project and is now a nationwide intiative.
Ultimately, the Teal Pumpkin Project aims to protect children with food intolerances and make Halloween just as fun for the kids who can’t — or don’t want to — eat candy. Display a teal pumpkin this Halloween to make the holiday inclusive for all children.
BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D.
People are sometimes surprised when they learn the history of words we hear daily. Did you know that words like “idiot,” “imbecile,” and “moron” were once official terms used to describe people with intellectual disabilities? Over time, those terms were replaced by others, such as “retarded” or “mentally handicapped.” As terms gain use as insults, those in the disability community routinely change the terminology. These changes can be confusing, especially when different terms are used in schools, doctors’ offices and legislation. So, how do we talk about our children with disabilities as we advocate and support them?
The way people talk about disabilities matters. This includes the labels used to describe disabilities (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, learning disability, etc.) as well as words associated with access and ability. If people repeatedly hear others using words as insults that their teachers, family and doctors use to describe them, they naturally begin to feel like there is something wrong with them or with who they are. This is especially true of children. Consider the sensitivities of saying that someone is “confined to a wheelchair” or is “wheelchair bound” when it is the wheelchair itself that supports the person’s mobility. Instead, we can choose to focus on the person and not mention the wheelchair at all. If a child asks about the chair, we can explain that the person uses the wheelchair to help them move around better, just as many people use glass to help them see better.
A general rule of thumb is to avoid using words that you hear others use as insults or jokes. That seems like common sense, but we hear words describing disabilities and disorders used like this every day. Consider what it is like for the parent of a child diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to see memes about people who thrive on structure and routine being called “so OCD” when their child spends ten hours a day ritualizing, obsessing and worrying. And what about that parent struggling in the grocery store with a teenager who seems to be having a temper tantrum? Many of us have heard the whispers and comments about the “bad parent” or the “spoiled child” without knowing that our children have disabilities that others cannot see.
Instead, let’s focus on the person. Someone may have Down Syndrome, autism or dyslexia. Someone may use a wheelchair, wear hearing aids or have a service dog. Those terms may describe what a person has and how that shapes their human experience, but they do not define who that person is.
Because of the legal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other civil rights legislation, specific terms are used and defined to describe disabilities in schools. These terms, like Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Physical Disabilities and Visual Impairments, are used only to determine service eligibility.
Once again, we are seeing a shift in the language used to talk about people with disabilities. One in particular is gaining traction: neurodivergent. Simply put, it means a person’s brain works differently than others. Still confused? Don’t worry. People with disabilities and those who love and work with them know that the language changes frequently. If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing, just ask. If you have a disability or are the parent of a child with a disability, consider how you want others talking about you and your child.
If any of these causes your eyes to water or your skin to itch, we can help.
SIMED 1
Providing evaluations and treatments for allergy, asthma & immunologic conditions:
• Adult & Pediatric
• Fast Access
• Food Allergies
• Rhinitis
• Recurrent Sinus Congestion
• Insect Allergies
• Medication Allergies
• Pet Allergies
• Immunodeficiencies
4343 Newberry Road, Suite 1 Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 331-3502
SIMEDHealth.com
A common question among those considering homeschooling is “what to do I do when my children enter high school?” Parents may worry about academic demands, transcripts and college admission. Colleges and universities nationwide not only accept homeschooled students, but many of them recruit homeschoolers.
Four primary tests are offered for college bound students. Although students can take these tests at other times, the PSAT is typically given to students in 10th and 11th grades, while the SAT and ACT are typically administered in 11th and 12th grades. PSAT scores can qualify students for scholarships, most notably a National Merit Scholarship. The SAT and ACT are administered for college admission and scholarships. These tests focus on students’ math and language arts skills. Notably, the ACT also includes a science portion.
All colleges accept the SAT and the ACT as they review admissions applications. Admissions websites and advisors often share the average test scores of the most recently admitted cohort of students. It is recommended that high schoolers research the scores for the colleges they’re interested in and use that information to decide if they should retake a test.
The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is the newcomer. Commonly accepted at private and faith-based colleges, it is gaining traction in public colleges and universities. In fact, the Florida Board of Governors recently approved the CLT for admissions in all Florida public colleges and universities. This comes after the school voucher expansion law included provisions for the CLT to be accepted for students seeking the Bright Futures scholarship.
Consider each child’s unique skills and strengths when helping determine which tests they should take. Homeschool students can take any of these tests, but how they are administered varies. Public schools typically offer the PSAT, ACT and SAT for free, but students must register through their zoned high school. Although schools typically offer these tests once annually, they can be taken at other times throughout the year for a fee. These testing opportunities often include smaller groups that may be more comfortable for some homeschoolers. The CLT is the only college admissions test students can complete online at home. Specific guidelines are available to ensure the security and validity of the test.
If you want your child to take one of these tests at a public school, call your zoned high school and connect with school counselor or testing coordinator. They can give you the relevant dates and times. For all other testing opportunities, Google the test and register directly from their websites.
Historically, colleges required standardized tests like the SAT and ACT for
Crafting the perfect Jack-O-Lantern for Halloween is a fun and exciting activity for the whole family. First, visualizing its face, then opening the top, scooping out all the mush, separating the seeds from the gooey orange insides, then getting to the fun part — giving your Jack-O-Lantern its own personality. From spooky to sweet, the ideas are endless! More importantly, this is an amazing time to gather kids of all ages together and have fun with one another during the busy fall season of practices and homework.
Whether or not you’re sharing one pumpkin, or have a whole family of gourds, we have collected our top picks for must-need tools for creating your Jack-O-Lantern this Halloween season!
Can
indoor or outdoor to stack pumpkins! Complete with Lights
Hyde & EEK Boutique® 5pc
Halloween Pumpkin Carving Kit
$5.00 | Target
Halloween Moments
Pumpkin Scraper Glove
$19.40 | Amazon
The Stack-OLantern Pumpkin Stacking Kit
$24.99 | Amazon
Hearth & Hand®
Halloween
Pumpkin Carving
5pc Set
$19.99 | Target
26pc Pumpkin Carving Set
Thank you to our Giggle readers who shared their first-day-of-school photos with us! We hope you all have a great school year!
Photos submitted by local families.
PRESENTED BY
WHERE DO YOU TEACH?
Talbot Elementary
WHAT GRADE DO YOU TEACH??
First Grade
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER?
10 Years
WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH?
All Subjects
Julie Griffis was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. She went to college at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and graduated with her degree in Elementary Education. She and her husband have been married for 18 years and have 2 daughters who are 10 and 13 years old. They also have two cute guinea pigs.
Why were you inspired to teach?
I didn’t know I wanted to be a teacher until my 2nd year of college. When I was a child, I told everyone I wanted to be a waitress. In high school and college, I was interested in the health field. Later in college, I decided to go down the teaching route. I am so glad I took that leap. I honestly feel like this is what I was meant to do. Even on the really tough days, I still love what I do.
What is your favorite part of the school day?
My favorite part of the school day is Morning Meeting. This is a special time where we come together on the carpet at the start of the school day. It's a safe space where we feel comfortable to share. We talk about our goals, dreams, concerns, exciting news and our favorite things. It creates that classroom family environment, and I look forward to it everyday!
Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for his students? An administrator who is truly devoted to making her school a better place? Giggle Magazine wants to know!
Do you have a favorite assignment/ project that you typically assign your students?
How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?
I like to wind down by taking a nice, relaxing bath.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy exploring new places, running, reading, playing board games, spending time with my family and friends, and going to Gator events.
Share a funny teaching moment/day. There is never a dull moment in First Grade! We like laughing together when we dance or play silly games.
If you were a superhero, who would you be?
Katniss Everdeen. I know she is not the traditional superhero. I loved reading Hunger Games when I was younger. I liked how she was brave, gave hope to people and overcame adversity. I feel I am strong like her and can handle a lot of difficult things thrown my way.
What is your favorite book?
Scan code or visit giggle magazine to submit your favorite teacher!
It would have to be the Turkey Disguise Project. I read a book called “Turkey Trouble” in November. It's one of my favorite books. It is about a turkey who does not want to get eaten on Thanksgiving. So, he dresses up like different animals that won’t get eaten. At home, the students have to disguise their turkey with materials from their house. They share them with the class. The students are so creative! Some examples are: a flamingo, Elsa and Iron Man with eyes that light up.
I love reading funny books to the class to make them laugh. One book they like is “The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors.” At the end of the school year, all of the first grade classes get together to have a rock, paper, scissors battle.
For my own personal reading, I make goals for myself to read so many books every year. My favorites are fiction. Two that come to mind are “Redeeming Love” and “The Nightingale.”
What is your favorite thing about fall? Everything! It is my favorite season. I love the energy that is all around, fall leaves, pumpkin patches, football, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the weather is nice!
If you could share 3 pieces of advice to parents about how to keep kids engaged with learning, what would you tell them?
1. Make learning fun! They can practice their spelling words or math problems in the dirt with a stick or doing jumping jacks saying each letter or fact.
2. Have a time limit on electronics so they have more time for learning, conversations and outside time. Connect with them one on one.
3. Have your child involved in the learning process by giving them choices. Would you rather start your math or reading homework first? Where do you feel more comfortable learning, in your room, outside or in the kitchen? Have them set goals for themselves.
Most importantly, you are your child’s biggest cheerleader. Praise them and let them know how awesome they are! Even the smallest of victories deserve praise.
What is your favorite Halloween candy? Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving food or tradition?
My favorite Halloween candy is anything chocolate! Crunch, Hershey’s and Kit Kats to name a few. For Thanksgiving, I love my carbs! Rolls, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, stuffing. Yumm!
EXPECTING
Nurse Midwives and Doulas: What’s the Difference?
INFANT | 0-1
Navigating Newborn Visits: What Family and Friends Should Know
TODDLER | 2-3
Tell the ‘Tooth’: Teeth Decay in Toddlers
EARLY YEARS | 4-5
Why Boosting Self-Esteem is Vital for Our Preschoolers
KIDS | 6-9
How to Teach Your Child to Have a Charitable Heart
TWEENS | 10-13
Trick or Treat? Letting your Tween Go Out on Halloween Without You!
TEENS | 14-18
Conquering your FAFSA Fears
More and more American parents are opting for more natural routes to childbirth, including home births, and the use of doulas and nurse midwives, but people may be confused as to the specific duties pertaining to each role. The main difference is that doulas cannot practice medicine or provide clinical care.
“Doulas and birth coaching are likely to become increasingly popular as midwives and obstetricians continue to stress teamwork, which results in a steady increase in the percentage of births attended by midwives,” as noted by Future Market Research.
Certified nurse midwives (CNM) are advanced practice nurses educated and licensed to help pregnant people with childbirth, as well as provide care before and after pregnancy. CNMs can work in a variety of settings, like healthcare clinics, private practices, maternity wards or birth centers.
“Generally, if someone chooses a midwife as their healthcare provider for pregnancy and birth, the midwife is the only obstetrical provider they need so they can opt for a midwife over a physician,” Healthline said.
Doulas can work by helping women before or during the birth of their babies. As a postpartum doula, their main focus is on care after the child is born, according to Nurse Journal.
“Both midwives and doulas can lead to better health outcomes for pregnant people and their babies. People who receive their prenatal and birth care from midwives have fewer medical interventions, less chance of preterm birth, and higher chances of a vaginal birth than those who have physicians as their care providers.
Similarly, expectant women who use a doula have better outcomes and greater satisfaction with their birth experiences than those without a doula,” Nurse Journal said.
The birth doula offers techniques during labor such as breathing, massage and helping you move into different body positions. They can also be a source of emotional support, according to Healthline.
All CNMs who want to practice in the United States must be certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board, after completing a master’s degree, meeting other specific requirements, and passing a certification exam. The CNM certification is recognized in all 50 states. Doulas are not required to be certified since they do not provide medical care, but there is a certification process that they can opt for certification through the International Childbirth Education Association, Doulas of North America, or Childbirth International.
Since nurse midwives typically practice medicine as part of a practice or birth center, finding one would be the same process as choosing any health care provider. Doulas may be harder to find, but thankfully there are more resources now to select one that you feel comfortable with.
“There are lots of ways to find a doula, including peer referrals, online directories, or asking your prenatal health care provider for recommendations,” said Jessalyn Ballerano, certified childbirth educator and doula. “Many cities have regional or even neighborhoodspecific doula groups, and doula agencies are companies that match expectant families with a doula or team of doulas.”
Ballerano advises that "once you've identified some potential doula matches, you’ll want to review any materials they provide and arrange for a phone call or interview. Confirm they are available and local during the weeks surrounding your estimated due dates, as well as other details of their service, including fees and billing.”
For more information about doulas, visit: and for more information about nurse midwives, visit:
At UF Health, delivering your baby is our labor of love. In cozy, beautifully decorated labor and delivery rooms, our UF Health Women’s Center team will nurture the best experience possible for the special delivery you’ve been waiting for. You’ll have the option to choose between an obstetrician or a nurse midwife with the peace of mind that comes from knowing UF Health offers the highest level of advanced care in North Florida for both you and your baby. After delivery, new parents will have access to a full range of specialists — from neonatologists to lactation consultants — focused on supporting you as you care for your little one. Make plans to share your special day with us. From bump to bundle and everything in between, UF Health delivers so much more for you and your family.
Visit UFHealth.org/pregnancy for more information about what to expect for you and your family.
UF Health Shands Hospital
{ 0-1 YEARS }
Bringing a newborn baby into the world is one of the most joyous occasions! Amid the crying and pooping, even the mere sight or smell of a tiny tot can be enough to inspire the happiest moments in a parent’s life. With the abundant of gratitude and exciting anticipation that often comes with having a baby, so too follows the great many questions and concerns that are associated with helping them navigate the world they’ve entered.
One common question that many new parents may face is when to introduce their new bundle of joy to people outside of the safety net of the house or hospital. Is there a “correct” time?
As with seemingly everything in life, there is no one-size-fits-all answer as to when a baby should be introduced to people outside of their immediate caretakers. However, there are some best practices to consider for when planning your kiddo’s big debut.
First and foremost, center your baby’s health and safety within every decision. As noted by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, new parents should limit the number of visitors their babies interact with, as their immune systems are less strong than the adult hands trying to hold them. Johns Hopkins also recommends that family and friends wait two to three months until visitation plans are made. This time gap allows for babies to build up their immune systems and help fight off infections that new people might introduce. This also helps establish precautions and boundaries to support the overall early development of a child’s life.
Baystate Health further explains that limiting time to outside visitors can also better facilitate parents getting to know their newborn babies. This can help streamline the feeding, sleeping and playing schedules that children, as well as their parents, depend on.
If you plan on welcoming new people early on in your baby’s life, Baystate Health recommends the following guidelines:
• Visit only when invited and call ahead before the meetand-greet.
• Wash your hands before, during and after the visit.
• Consider wearing a mask when meeting the baby and how being vaccinated against illnesses like the flu or other diseases could support your visit.
• Know when it’s time to leave by being mindful of the parents’ and baby’s behaviors.
• Support the family by bringing meals, helping out with household chores or doing other activities that could make their lives easier.
It’s important to remember that social interactions are also important to your baby’s health and development. The latter should always be the greatest focus of any visitation. New parents should find confidence in knowing that their baby, and their immune system, will grow stronger as they age, which makes meeting family and friends even more joyful and safe.
Although it’s ultimately up to the parents’ decision, they too should also pay attention to their baby’s queues of feeling sick, overstimulated or simply ready for another nap. Be sure to respond accordingly, knowing your loved ones ultimately share in what is best for your little one.
{ 2-3 YEARS }
It’s so exciting when those first few teeth appear in our babies’ mouths, but decay can develop as soon as our children sprout baby teeth. Typically caused when bacteria and other materials are left on teeth, common culprits of decay usually include sugary snacks and liquids that our toddlers enjoy. Common foods that may cause decay include milk, soda, raisins, candy, cake, fruit juices, cereals and bread, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
“Bacteria that normally live in the mouth change these foods, making acids. The combination of bacteria, food, acid and saliva form a substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities,” according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Children who are at a higher risk of tooth decay include those who have a diet high in sugars and starches, water without fluoride and poor oral hygiene habits. Since baby teeth will eventually fall out, it may seem counterintuitive to care for them, but “your child's first teeth are essential to the health of their permanent teeth— and the foundation for lifelong health,” as noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
“Even though primary teeth start falling out when kids are around six years old, what happens before then will influence your child's dental health over the long term. Research shows that diet and dental hygiene habits during a child's infant and toddler years reduces the risk of tooth decay as they become older,” the AAP said.
Cavities in baby teeth will most likely need to be filled, which can be a scary or painful procedure for toddlers. Therefore, it’s vitally important to begin good oral hygiene as soon as your child gets their first teeth. Proper brushing habits should begin shortly after and a visit to the dentist as well. Children younger than 3 do not need a large amount of toothpaste; pea sized works fine.
• Don’t give your toddler a bottle before bed especially with milk or formula which can stay on your child’s enamel.
• Limit sugary snacks especially candy, cakes, chips or cookies.
• Besides milk or formula, make sure your toddler’s drink of choice is water and not juice.
• If your home’s water is not fluoridated, discuss using a fluoride supplement with your dentist. In addition, ask the dentist about sealants that can be placed on your child’s teeth to protect them.
• Make sure you are making regular visits to your dentists for routine cleanings.
“Set a positive example by letting little ones watch while you brush and floss,” said the AAP. “Explain that this is something we do twice a day, morning and night, even when we're away from home. Encourage good habits by adding fun to your child's routine. Toddlers and preschoolers may enjoy brushing to music or marking their progress on a tooth care calendar.”
For preschoolers, developing positive self-esteem traits can make a huge impact in their lives, improving attitude, behavior and mental health. Self-esteem is defined as “confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect,” according to PositivePsychology.com.
“Self-esteem can start as early as babyhood. It develops slowly over time. It can start just because a child feels safe, loved and accepted,” said Nemours Health. “As babies become toddlers and young children, they're able to do some things all by themselves. They feel good about themselves when they can use their new skills. Their self-esteem grows when parents pay attention, let a child try, give smiles and show they're proud.”
On the contrary, negative self-esteem can contribute to an “I can’t attitude,” feeling embarrassed, lacking confidence, and avoiding people or situations, according to Sanford Health.
“Every child is different. Self-esteem may come easier to some kids than others. And some kids face things that can lower their self-esteem. But even if a child's self-esteem is low, it can be raised,” said Nemours Health.
Just like the physical body, a child’s self-esteem grows over time and can be fostered with appropriate strategies from parents and family.
These include:
• Helping your child try new things to help them gain confidence. This could be a sports or physical activity or by doing a chore, completing a task or reaching a learning milestone.
• Offer praise, but not too much. Offer most of your praise for effort, progress and attitude so that it seems sincere to your child.
• Let your child lead when they pursue new tasks. Allow them to have a modicum of control when it comes to choices.
• Focus on positives and let them know you are proud.
• Be a positive role model for your child when accomplishing chores and tasks.
“When your child has positive self-esteem, they feel confident and accepted for who they are. It is a quality that remains strong and stable over the course of a lifetime. Boosting self-esteem at a young age will provide the best outcome for their future,” said Sanford Health.
It is never too early to start teaching your children the importance of empathy and charitability. Between the ages of 7 to 9, children can begin to understand their place in the world and the importance of helping others. In a society that can be veiled by self interest, the values of having a charitable heart may help foster an influence to make the world a better place.
Sometimes, especially for children, it can be hard to understand others’ misfortunes. Leading by example and showing them how to listen to their friends when something bad has happened or when they are in pain is a beginning point for them to understand how to show how they care.
Encourage them to offer sympathy to their friends by inviting them over to play or to eat some ice cream when they may be going through a tough time, such as their parents’ divorce or a family pet dying. If your children are being bullied, teaching them to
question the root of their bully’s anger may help in building a broader range of compassion and empathy, as well.
It’s easy to get comfortable with what we have, and even easier to long for more than what we’ve got. Children are much the same. Often the best way to teach them how to be thankful is to have them engage in giving thanks. Before the holidays, give your children their very own set of thank you cards and, 24 hours after opening gifts, have them sit and write thank you’s to everyone who gave them a gift.
At a young age, it is hard sometimes to fully understand how fortunate one might be. Taking part in charitable organizations, mission trips and community efforts to help families who may be going through hard times is a wonderful way to teach children to be thankful for what they have and show how to give back in a bigger way. Let them know it is ok to ask you questions and share feelings and thoughts.
How many times have you turned around and the playroom looks like a mini Target store? Discarded stuffed animals that were once loved are now face down on the floor, and the clutter is seemingly infinite. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather the children and teach them the practice of giving.
Generosity can be fundamental for cultivating a selfless and charitable life. Ask and encourage your children to donate unused toys, clothing that no longer fits or books they no longer want to others in need. Another simple and easy way to give back is to have your children write or draw on cards to their teachers or residents of nursing homes in the area, or have them put together care packages for members of the military during the holidays. rage you to embrace the opportunities to teach your children what it means to have charitable hearts, and contribute to a more compassionate future.
{ 10-13 YEARS }
Halloween can be a spooky and exciting time for children and parents alike. As kiddies grow into teenagers, it is almost a guarantee that they will want more independence than ever before. When they reach those prime tween-age years, they may get choosier with their costume or no longer want to go trick-or-treating with mom, dad and younger siblings. But, as a parent, how do you know when it is safe for them to trick-ortreat without you?
Even though Halloween night is a holiday full of planned frights, we all know the world can be scary 365 days a year. There is no reason Halloween should not be fun and exciting for all, but there are some measures that you can take to make sure your tweens stay safe when venturing out without you this year.
With a simple online search, you can see the exact addresses of all convicted felons and sexual offenders in your neighborhood. With this information, you can forewarn your tween and their friends to avoid these houses.
Plan their route
Make sure that you and your tween are on the same page with the trick-or-treating route they are going to take. Get a map of your neighborhood and sit down with them before the festivities begin. Trace the path that they need to take and emphasize the importance of sticking to it. This way, if anything happens, you know where they should be.
Check in regularly
Most tweens can hardly be separated from their cellphones for even a minute. This becomes especially useful on nights like Halloween. Set a scheduled check-in time for every 2030 minutes to see how they are doing and where they are in the neighborhood. Make sure to get the phone numbers of the children they will be with.
If your child is not the best about texting back, all iPhones have an app called “Find Friends.” With this app, your child can go to the text message feed and click the “I” in the upper right-hand corner. Then, they can click “share my location” and select the time period for which they want to share their location with you. With this, you can go to your “Find Friends” app and see their real-time location in your neighborhood. This is sure way to give you some peace of mind!
Ultimately, you know your child better than anyone else. You know how mature they are and how much trouble they can get themselves into. You also know how safe your neighborhood is on any given day. If you feel that your child is old enough to be responsible and make smart choices, then they should be fine. Do not forget to remind them to never go inside a stranger’s home and always use the buddy system. Also encourage him to not eat any candy until they’re home safe and you can check every piece to make sure it has not been tampered with.
BY COLE PURVIS
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a tedious yet essential form that opens a variety of financial support opportunities for students as they navigate the ups and downs of college life. Each year, over a million students who file the FAFSA receive more than $100 billion in grants, work study and low interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education. However, this year’s form is changing.
The following is a guide to help you understand the ins and outs of the new FAFSA form, so you or the student in your life are equipped with the support needed to pursue your goals.
Who should apply?
Any college student is generally eligible for a FAFSA loan given they meet its most basic requirements—you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; you are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at your college or career school; and you have a financial need.
What’s different about this year’s FAFSA?
The FAFSA Simplification Act has made dramatic changes to the ordinary FAFSA application process. Of the most notable changes is the replacement of the formula to measure a student’s need for financial aid. The new need analysis formula removes the number of family members in college from the calculation.
The FAFSA Simplification Act will also expand the Federal Pell Grant to more students and will link eligibility to family size and the federal poverty level. Furthermore, incarcerated students in federal and state penal facilities will regain the ability to receive such grants.
When is this year’s FAFSA?
The FAFSA typically opens on October 1st of each year. However, due to major restructuring and changes, the 20242025 FAFSA will not be open until sometime in December of this year.
Where can I find the FAFSA form?
Students, parents and guardians can find and fill out the FAFSA form on the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website: https://studentaid.gov. By navigating this site, people can not only find their FAFSA form, but can brush up on additional information regarding federal student aid.
studentaid.gov
Why are all these changes happening?
The changes to the FAFSA form all stem from a matter of convenience and efficiency. This new form aims to simplify an often-critiqued process. It remains to be seen how effective this new form will be, but students can rest assured knowing the FAFSA is not going anywhere. Despite seemingly dramatic changes on the horizon, the FAFSA remains one of the most important tools for financial planning in college.
BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29 AND NOVEMBER 5
Hollow Oaks Corn Maze
Fridays 6 - 11 p.m. | Saturdays 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sundays 2 - 6 p.m. 18005 NW 190th Ave High Springs, FL 32643 hollowoakscornmaze.com
Join the Hollow Oaks Corn Maze for some fall season fun with additional hayrides, photo ops, pumpkin bowling, bean bag toss, duck racing and more.
This event repeats every weekend between
BETWEEN OCTOBER 6 AND NOVEMBER 5
Fall Festival
Coon Hollo | coonhollo.com/fall-festival
Join the Coon Hollo Fall Festival for over 15 different fall activities including a crop maze, archery, Karson’s Wild West Show, cowfeeding hayrides and more!
This event repeats every weekend
Stay and Play
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Fridays | 3:15 - 5:15 p.m. Saturdays
Sun Country Sports Center | suncountrysports.com
Stay and Play is a safe and fun environment for kids 5 and under and their parents. Kids will enjoy open play and obstacle courses. This preschool gym offers equipment especially designed for your little ones. This event repeats weekly.
Chalk the Walk
10 - 11 a.m. | Depot Park
Chalk the Walk is for children ages 2-5 and their parents. Enjoy the outdoors while your child expresses themselves through sidewalk chalk art. This event repeats the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
8:30 a.m. - Noon
5213 SW 91st Terrace
hailefarmersmarket.com
Head out to Haile to enjoy fresh, local produce, meats, honey and more! This event repeats every Saturday.
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Amber Brooke Farms (both locations)
amberbrookefarms.com/fall-festival
Join Amber Brooke Farms for their crop maze, pumpkin, flower and vegetable picking, petting zoo, live music, entertainment and more. This event repeats every Saturday and Sunday.
7-10 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza
This event repeats every Friday until October 21.
Splash Jam
11:30 a.m. - Noon | Sun Country Sports Center
suncountrysports.com/splashjam
Enjoy some extra time in the pool to improve your swimming skills! Available for children ages 3 and up. (West location only). This event repeats every Saturday.
Ninja Jam
12:15 - 1:10 p.m. | Sun Country Sports Center
suncountrysports.com/ninjajam/
Learn the ways of the Ninja. Available for children ages 3 and up. (West location only). This event repeats every Saturday.
Cade Museum | cademuseum.org
10:15 a.m. Thursdays and Saturdays
Little Sparks and Story Time (ages 0-5)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1
Octoberfest
Noon - 4 p.m.
Abiding Savoir
Join for food, music and fun for the whole family.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5
12th Annual Movie on the Lawn
6 - 9 p.m.
Empower Park (Campus USA Credit Union Headquarters)
facebook.com/events/1449830985862468/?ref= newsfeed
Campus USA Credit Union presents the 12th Annual Movie on the Lawn! Bring your family and enjoy The Super Mario Bros. Movie under the stars for fun, free popcorn, refreshments, and cool giveaways while supplies last.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5
Dough Bowl Candle Making
Experience
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Pinspiration Gainesville gainesville.pinspiration.com/events/dough-bowlcandle-making-experience/
Just in time for fall, join Pinspiration and make your own 3-wick dough bowl candle, scented and designed by you! $60 per person, including everything you’ll need.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5
Gator Growl
7 p.m. | Stephen C. O’Connell Center gatorgrowl.org
The Gator Growls again! Join the annual student pep rally homecoming activities and let the gator growl!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6
Gator Gallop
10 a.m.
Plaza of The Americas gatorgrowl.org/gallop
Gator Gallop welcomes Gator fans of all ages and athletic abilities to walk, skip, jog or roll to experience UF’s commitment to tradition and to celebrate one of our favorite homecoming events.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6
UF Homecoming Parade
Noon - 2 p.m.
13th Street and Museum Road gatorgrowl.org/parade
Watch the annual parade and celebrate school spirit as UF takes on Vanderbilt for Homecoming.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6
Gainesville Mom Prom
7 - 10 p.m. | Valley View in Alachua
facebook.com/events
Join the Better Beginnings Foundation for a night of dancing, drinks, photo booths, desserts and a silent auction to support a local cause.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
UF vs. Vanderbilt Homecoming
Football Game
4 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15
Pumpkin Festival
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | The Bryer Patch facebook.com/events/292557523471684/?ref=ne wsfeed
Join The Bryer Patch for its first annual Pumpkin Festival and enjoy their hayrides, petting zoos, crop maze, photo ops, games, vendors and more.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19
Story Time at Depot Park
10:30 - 11 a.m. | Depot Park
Join some of the Alachua Library staff outside at Depot Park for stories and songs!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19SATURDAY OCTOBER 21
The Hope Weekend
tylershope.org/the-hope-weekend.html
Tyler’s Hope Foundation was established to advance research for a cure, discover effective treatments and to promote awareness and education of DYT1 Dystonia.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9
Columbus Day / Indigenous People's Day
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
Oktoberfest Celebration
Noon - 8 p.m. | World of Beer Newberry-Tioga
facebook.com/events
Celebrate Oktoberfest at WOB for lots of German beers in all different styles, as well as food and drink specials all day.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13
Friday the 13th Night Market
4 - 9 p.m. | Shoppes at Thornebrook
facebook.com/events/983822019491426
Get spooky with Thornebrook on Friday the 13th! Stroll their well-lit sidewalks for trick or treating from participating shops and vendors. Local artisans will be showcasing their best spooky goods as you gear up for Halloween.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
Third Annual International Car Show
9 a.m. - Noon | The Cheesecake Factory facebook.com/events/623921056336531?utm_ campaign=mall-events&utm_medium=web&utm_ source=shopatbutler.com
Butler Enterprises is excited to bring back its inaugural International Car show. The show will feature cars and motorcycles from Mercedes to Audi, Ferraris to Lamborghinis. From vintage to modern models, all International brands are encouraged to come! Proceeds benefit the United Way of North Central Florida.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 - OCTOBER 22
Tom Petty Weekend
3 - 10 p.m. | Heartwood Soundstage
facebook.com/events/1445639086284226
Heartwood Soundstage and The Tom Petty nation are proud to present Tom’s hometown birthday celebration. Featuring over 30 performers, tours, memorabilia and storytellers, this is the authorized festival of the official fan club.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
Toyota’s Bootiful Truck and Car Meet Noon - 2 p.m. | Gatorland Toyota facebook.com/events/s/spectacular-rides-candysides-/673470924717220/
This family friendly event will have a Toyota car show with delectable treats, food trucks, prizes, giveaways and more. Trunk or treating will also be included for kids of all ages.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
5th Annual Oktoberfest
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Audi Gainesville
facebook.com/events/1005321137352388
Enjoy a day filled with authentic German food, craft beer, and live music. Families welcomed.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 AND OCTOBER 22
Gainesville Orchids Society Show
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
facebook.com/events/996696108341996
Join the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens for Gainesville’s Orchid Society Show where hundreds of plants will be available.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21
9 a.m. | Trinity United Methodist Church act.alz.org/gainesville
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is committed to raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. The walk is about 2 miles.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 21
8:30 a.m. - Noon
Alachua County Farmers’ Market on NW 13 Street facebook.com/events/1350000032526519
Join local farmers for the Harvest Festival with harvests from farmers and growers, sunflowers, fall photo ops, and an activity corner for all ages in addition to artists and makers.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26
Gainesville Gone Wild West
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Santa Fe River Ranch childadvocacycentergainesville.org/ gainesville-gone-wild-west/ Look forward to gathering with friends and supporters of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) for their 15th Annual Signature Fundraiser - Gainesville Gone Wild West. This will be an amazing night of country glam fringe and lace, sit-down dinner, signature drinks, live music, and debut of the newest video to celebrate the CAC.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Trick or Treat Halloween
Virtual Race
runsignup.com
Run your own 5K, 10K or half-marathon this Halloween! Race packets include different options with race bibs, medals, shirts, candy and more!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31
Halloween
SATURDAY OCTOBER 22
Howl-A-Palooza
3 - 6 p.m. | Sun Country Sports suncountrysports.com/howlapalooza/
Join in for a thrilling experience at the 33rd Annual Sunny's Howl-A-Palooza, hosted by the Sunny Cares Foundation. This Halloween carnival of over 1,000 people promises carnival games, bounce houses, rock climbing, a kiddie haunted house, train
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
Spooktakular
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. | O2B Super Center o2bkids.com/special-events/ Join O2B for a Spooktacular event! There will be trick or treating for all ages, costume contests with prices, performances, kiddie carnivals, spooky science, eerie art, and a haunted house for children 6 years and older. Members are free to join and non members will be charged at $15 per child. This will not be a drop off event.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
Molecular Mania
11 - 4 p.m. | Belk Food Court facebook.com/molecularmania
Join UF chemists for a frightfully fun-filled day
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28
Boo at the Roo, a Hoggy Walloween Event
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
Join the Rooterville Animal Sanctuary for their anti bullying campaign, with a celebration of being kind and spooky! Prizes for best Halloween costume will be offered.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Woofstock
6 - 10 p.m. | Santa Fe River Ranch humanesocietyncfl.org
Join the fundraiser for the Humane Society of North Central Florida at this 8th annual event! This event has raised over $300,000 towards ending needless euthanasia of healthy and treatable pets across North Central Florida.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
GCM Food Festival
5:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Celebration Pointe allevents.in/gainesville/food-truck-festivals Fall is here and it’s time to get outdoors and get your food on! Savor food from 30+ great restaurants, listen to live music and have fun while playing a game of cornhole.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
UF vs. Arkansas Football Game
Time: TBA | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5
4 p.m. | Valley View Ranch
.rmhcncf.org/event/beyond-bourbon-gainesville
Join the RMHC North Central Florida Advisory Council for their annual Beyond Bourbon Gainesville event. Enjoy an evening of fun, friends and bourbon! This year there will be a live auction, silent auction, tasting experience, competition of various bourbons, fun, food, live music and a tantalizing experience for all.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Tom Walker Half Marathon and 5K
8 a.m. | Gainesville Hawthorne State Trail runsignup.com
The iconic and always popular Tom Walker Half Marathon and 5K will return to its usual location on the GNV/Hawthorne Trail!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Main Street Lights: Community Christmas Tree Lighting
6 p.m. | City Hall newberrychristmas.com
Experience the joy of the start to the holiday with this very berry Christmas event. There will be holiday music performed by Newberry school choirs, a special message from the Mayor and the traditional countdown to light the town!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
42nd Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Downtown Gainesville gainesvilledowntownartfest.net
Join the community of Gainesville for the largest free celebration of art and culture in North Florida. This event will transform the streets of our historic downtown with over 200 artists, live music, performing arts, and delicious culinary art experiences.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Light Up Ocala
4 - 9 p.m. | Downtown Ocala | ocalafl.org
This year marks the 39th anniversary of this holiday merry making event! There will be over 100 vendors, live entertainment, an interactive kids zone and the Junior Sunshine holiday parade with a special appearance by Santa all leading up to the main event: lighting up downtown Ocala!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19
The Cupcake Race - 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon
Time: TBA | Hawthorne Trail | Enjoy a run through the beautiful Hawthorne Trail. After the race, cool off with some refreshments and gourmet cupcakes. This event is for all ages, so bring your kids!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Thanksgiving
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25
UF vs. Florida State Football Game
Time: TBA | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 -
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Krawl’n for the Fallen
The FIRM, Stark | eventbrite.com
The 9th annual Krawl’n for the Fallen is an off-road event to remember, honor and respect those who lost their lives in the line of duty. On average, 140-160 officers lose their lives in the line of duty each year.
