summer camp guide - Orlando Family Magazine

DOWNTOWN • COLLEGE PARK• BALDWIN PARK • WINTER PARK • CONWAY • MAITLANDSummer Camp GuideGet Out & GrowCreating a Family GardenVirtual VacationsAPRIL 2011OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com

table of CONTENTS8241028features12152436family fun7810Creating Your Own GardenSummer Camp GuideBird WatchingEaster HappeningsBagel with SeedsA Fun Family CraftEpcot International Flower & Garden FestivalAn Outing for the Whole FamilyEggCellent Easter Bon Bonshealth & wellness2628Tanning MythsCreating a Healthy Easter BasketIN EVERYissue112329303233343538Kids KornerBest April Fools’ Day JokesFamily Tech TalkVirtual VacationsThe Parent BlogA Little Flusher’s CuriosityMaking a DifferenceCamp Boggy CreekBook BuzzReel Life with JaneFamily Movie ReviewsFeatured EventUCF Book FestivalApril Family EventsFun Activities for the MonthFamily Resource GuideCOVER:Photograph of Ansley Elizabeth Byrne, Age 2,Photo taken at Mead GardensPlease send all Editorial Correspondence for consideration to editorial@OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com or mail to 212 Pasadena Place, Suite B, Orlando, FL 32803. All such correspondence is sent on a non-confidential basisand Orlando Family Magazine, LLC shall be free to reproduce, publish, edit, and/or use the content of any such communications, including any ideas, inventions, concepts, techniques or know-how disclosed therein, forany purpose, including developing, and/or marketing of the magazine and/or goods or services identified in the magazine, without compensation to, or acknowledgement of the author. Orlando Family Magazine assumesno liability for any unsolicited materials, including, but not limited to, manuscripts, photographs or artwork. All submitted materials become the property of Orlando Family Magazine, LLC and will not be returned. Pleaseinclude a daytime telephone number for verification purposes.1512234ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

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Editor’s NOTEI just love this timeof year… gorgeous weather,our stunning yellow and pinktrumpet trees, and the scentof orange blossoms in the air.Thoughts turn to getting outside,working in the yard, and maybeattending one of our community’sfabulous spring events. If youhaven’t attended Epcot’s AnnualFlower and Garden Festival,you can read all about it in thisissue and pencil it in on yourfun-things-to-do calendar. If youare more inclined to get your owngarden growing, then don’t miss Laura Winn’s suggestions on how to create a family gardenfull of veggies and herbs that the kids will love to grow and harvest themselves. Also, sincewe are outside in the sun more, Kathy Sena clears up some of the myths that persist relatedto tanning…don’t forget to apply your sunscreen!Creative Director, Shannon Danford, enjoying Disney Live at the UCF Arena withniece Taylor (left), friend Maggie (middle) and daughter Madison (right).Want to attract birds to your backyard? As I sit at my office window, I count eightbirdfeeders including two bagel and seed feeders that Bonnie Banda shows us how to make.The acrobatic birds love to hang upside down while pulling the seeds off the bagel…verydistracting when I should be working.We’ve introduced a new column, The Parent Blog, that’s open to parents who like towrite about the good, the bad, and the funny foibles of parenting. Mom and Dad, feel freeto send us your thoughts in 600 words or less and you just might make it into print. Ourfirst bloggin’ mom will have you “flushed” with giggles.You probably already know that Boggy Creek Camp is a special place for seriously illkids in need of fun and friendship. A local family shares with us what the camp meant tothem as their six-year-old daughter battled brain cancer.Mother’s Day is coming…have you found the perfect gift for your fabulous Momyet? Boys and girls, here’s a chance to win the gift that your Mom will always cherish…relaxation and time spent with you. Orlando Family has teamed up with Serenity Spa byWestgate to offer a delicious day of delightful pampering for you and your mom and all youhave to do is tell us why she is so special. Check out page (29) for the details.In the meantime, enjoy our spring weather before the heat and humidity descend uponus. Pour yourself a tall lemonade, grab your copy of Orlando Family Magazine, and sit onthe porch for a few minutes of down time. You deserve it!Happy Reading,Margie SloaneevaKELSOPublisher / OwnermargieSLOANEEditormariaFosterAssociate EditorshannonDANFORDCreative Directorsocial mediaCOORDINATOR:Rebecca CoecontributingWRITERS:Bonnie BandaJane Louise BoursawDawn HenthornBarbara IannoneCarolyn JabsKathy SenaLaura WinnsalesREPRESENTATIVES:Anna BurgessDonna ColonaGlenda MorganTamara WilsoncontributingPHOTOGRAPHER:Erika Hopkins407.648.7002www.OrlandoFamilyMagazine.comOrlando Family Magazine is published monthly by Orlando Family Magazine, LLC, 212 Pasadena Place, Suite B, Orlando, Florida 32803. Telephone (407) 648-7002; Fax (407) 641-8777. Orlando Magazine does notassume liability for products or services advertised herein. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of Orlando Family Magazine, LLC and while every attempt will be made to assure the accuracy andauthenticity of information appearing in the magazine, Orlando Family Magazine, LLC accepts no liability for damages caused by misinterpretation of information, expressed or implied, within the magazine. No representationis made or warranty given as to the completeness or accuracy of such information. The content of Orlando Family Magazine is copyrighted by Orlando Family Magazine, LLC. It is strictly prohibited to reproduce ortransmit, in whole or in part, any part of our print or on-line magazine without the express written consent of Orlando Family Magazine.6ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

FamilyFUNBy Bonnie Banda7

8FamilyFUNWant to get your kids excitedabout gardening this spring?“No way” you say, that is unlessyou plan to visit the Epcot InternationalFlower & Garden Festival, where specialgardens, events, and children’s playareas engage young gardeners-to-be inimaginative activities designed to makea lasting impression. This popular event,now in its 18th year, is not only a great wayfor the family to spend time together, butMom and Dad will come away with usefulinformation and tips for the home gardenas well.When asked about the Festival’spotential impact on future gardeners, EricDarden, Festival Horticulture Manager,comments that their goal was to createa 75-day Festival that would appeal toguests of all ages. “With multiple play andhands-on activities daily, we feel there isplenty to keep kids happy and engaged,” hesays. “More importantly, we provide manyvenues where children can learn about theimportance of nature and better understandthat, through responsible gardening, theycan help improve their environment in afun and rewarding way.”ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011Children “Dig” theEpcot International Flower & Garden FestivalYour children’s adventure begins as soonas they step inside Epcot’s turnstiles. Thisyear, their favorite Disney-Pixar characterscome to life as playful topiaries – In thefront entrance flower bed, Woody, Buzz,and Lotso from “Toy Story” play amid asand castle, a strawberry-scented field, andplayground toys. The elaborate topiarydisplay is a great memory-making photoop, but certainly not the only one. TheFestival showcases nearly one hundredexpertly crafted topiaries and millionsof colorful blooms, including a “Cars2” display at the World Showcase plaza,featuring Mater and Lightning McQueen,parked beneath a black-and-whitecheckered arch. Completing the scene isfloral flags representing Japan, France, Italy,and the United Kingdom – all destinationsof the car characters in the movie sequeldue in theaters June 24th.Epcot aficionado, Samantha McNesby,says that she and her husband took theirthree young children to the Festival becauseBy: Dawn Henthornthe Living with the Land boat ride is a hugehit with their family. “Visiting all of thedifferent areas at the Flower and GardenFestival really appeals to us. My husbandparticularly enjoys the bonsai display inJapan, and I love picking up somethingnew for the garden each year,” she says.“Our kids love the butterfly pavilion areaand the Tinker Bell topiaries. We were ableto spot both butterflies and caterpillars, andeven caught a few glimpses of Monarchbutterflies coming out of their cocoons.I think we took more pictures here thananywhere else in Disney World!”The 18th Annual Epcot InternationalFlower & Garden Festival continuesthrough May 15, 2011. The festival,including all gardening programs andexhibits, is included in the regular Epcotadmission. For more informationcall 407-W-DISNEY or visitwww.disneyworld.com/flower.


10FamilyFUNBy Bonnie Banda


GrowBy Laura WinnCreating a Family Garden – Education and fun in the great outdoorsGET OUT ANDHow many times have you begged your kids to gooutside and play, only to have them whine, “But,Moooomm, there’s nothing to do…” With Xbox,Wii, and iPods, we can’t deny that our kids are living in a mindnumbingworld of digital sensory overload. Are you looking for away to unplug them from their Zombie status? Why not suggestthat everyone go outside and grow something? Tell them they canget their hands “really dirty,” and they just might buy into theidea!Countless studies show that kids who participate in growingplants have a greater appreciation for the food we eat, the flowerswe love, and their role as caretakers of our planet. Local momand garden enthusiast, Emily Johnson-Tuitt, likes the impact thatgardening has had on her daughter. “I think it has expanded herpalate. She absolutely loves to pick a tomato off the vine and eatit like an apple. Not to mention, she doesn’t put up a fuss whentrying new foods,” says Truitt.So where do you begin? One of the best ways to help ensurea successful gardening experience for both you and your child isto seek inspiration. Central Florida is loaded with farms you canvisit to pick and eat fresh-from-the-earth strawberries, blueberries,and broccoli. With a little Internet research, you can find sitessuch as www.pickyourown.com, that provide comprehensivelistings for local u-pick farms, including directions, hours, andservices offered. Many not only provide the opportunity to havesome hands-on gardening experiences, but may also have theirown unique activities or merchandise. There are several in LakeCounty, for example, that sell fresh produce, pies, preserves,soaps, plants, and even have picnic areas and seasonal hayrides.Fun and educational…Who’d have thought the two conceptscould be found in the great outdoors?Locally and nationally recognized gardening guru, RobertVincent Sims (AKA the Garden Rebel) is passionate aboutinvolving kids as much as possible. “It’s important to start outsmall and give them a bit of ground to call their own.” He addsthat working the soil is a good teaching tool and that kids needto see how their food is grown. “It shows them that veggiesdon’t just come in a metal can. Not to mention, in this age of allthings green, it’s important to show them how to grow thingsorganically.”12ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

In addition to the food and flowers that plants produce, there canalso be a few unexpected benefits. Imagine the fun of planting an entiregarden just to attract butterflies, or the cool factor of watching a giantsunflower bloom. Try experimenting with fragrance by planting thingslike gardenias and jasmine. One expert recommends planting flowersthat bloom at night for a fun after-dark family adventure. Create your owntheme, discover the unique attributes of each plant, and explore unlimited possibilitiesof the world of plants beyond simply flowers and food.As every parent knows, the real challenge is to keep the kids involved on a daily basis intheir personal garden’s care and maintenance. The last thing a busy mom and dad need isanother thing to take care of, so teaching your young gardener to tend his/her garden regularlyis an important part of the process. That being said, gardening need not be a chore. Be mindfulof your children’s limitations. Work side-by-side, and let them get some dirt under their nails.Garden Rebel Sims says he tapped his kids’ curiosity when it came to getting down and dirty.“We always referred to the trees in our yard as ‘our trees’. We would take the kids with us topick fruit and it always sparked questions about things like bugs and leaves. The more weincluded them, the more they wanted to learn.”“As a mom, there is a sense of fulfillment when passing along a love of the outdoors andgardening,” says Tuitt, who describes what it means to share a love of gardening with herdaughter. “This experience has established a special bond between us. I hope she will pass thisalong to her own children someday.”There is no guarantee that your children will turn off their gaming devices and develop alifelong wonder for growing things. However, you just might create some really good memoriesand generate a lasting awareness of the food we eat and the plants that delight our senses.For more information about growing a garden with your kids, the National GardeningAssociation has developed a terrific website, www.kidsgardening.org, loaded with ideas and tipsto get you started. Also, check out the Garden Rebel’s site, www.gardenrebel.com, for a list ofplants that do well in our area.13


SUMMER CAMP GUIDEALL AROUND INTERESTEnrollingApril 11thOur exciting summer camp offers wacky andadventurous summer fun for infants through rising firstgraders! A typical camp week includes cooking, artprojects, outdoor play, water play, sensory play galore,story time and of course lots of playtime with friends.Join us as we explore fun summer themes such as:Pirates, Sea life, Camping and much more.We offer a three week session in June and a three week session in July.Extended Hoursavailable!Sibling discounts!407.644.1737 * 338 East Lyman Avenue * Winter Park, FL 32789 * www.allsaintsschoolwp.comSummer Camp AdventureJune 13-August 5$100 per week / $25 per dayPre K-Grade 5SwimmingDanceArts & CraftsMoviesReading & Math EnrichmentParksBrain Gym407-894-5121 . 2300 Ridge Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 . www.BeemanParkPrep.comSummer Camp Session 1 CIRCUS! June 20-July 1Summer Camp Session 2 STORYBOOK FUN! July 11-July 22Ages:18 mo.- 6 yearsHours: 9am-1pm M-FCost: $200 per 2 wk sessionWater Play, Crafts, Face Painting,Art, Cooking and more!!Register by May 20cece@fpcmaitland.org or407-628-1966341 N. Orlando Ave,Maitland16ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

SUMMER CAMP GUIDEALL AROUND INTERESTCamp goes all summer.The memories last a lifetime.Summer camp at Bright Horizons is not your same old camp! Experience aworld of exploration, hands-on activities, exciting weekly themes and traditionalsummer camp fun.• Get “Wet ‘N Wild” with waterslides and tons of water fun• Prepare crazy food combinations during “Cooking Impossible”• Experience “All things Gross” during our “Gross Out” week.....And Much MoreCome Experience an X-Treme Summer at Bright HorizonsBright Horizons at Winter Garden407-654-9693Bright Horizons at Baldwin Park407-895-8339Mention this ad and receive a FREE GIFTwww.BrightHorizions.com/OFMSummerCampmpJoin the Adventure .....“Survive the summer at LFPS.”Our Star Camp students will have the opportunity to explore many different activities thissummer. Enjoy weekly field trips, roller skating, swimming, and different themes each week.Activities include: Zip-lining at the Central Florida Zoo, a swashbuckling time at thePirates Dinner Theater, ice skating, LFPS Idol, Gatorland Zoo,Sign up for full or part-time.rock-climbing, waterslides, and more!$100-$185 per week.Pick and choose the weeks you want.Lunch options available.Visitwww.lakeforrestprep.comfor more info andto register online.www.OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com 17

SUMMER CAMP GUIDEALL AROUND INTERESTJoin the St. Charles Borromeo School Bulldogs for a“Bad to the Bone”Summer Camp!Outstanding teachers and cool kids will gather at St. CharlesSession 1: Enrichment CampJune 8 - June 24 Preschool – 5th GradeRegistration Fee $75Enrichment Camp $375Camp hours: 9am – 3pmExtended Hours7:30am – 6pmadditional $50/wkCatholic School located in College Park for two sessions:www.stcharles-orlando.orgSession 2: Summer CampJune 27 - August 5 Preschool - 5th GradeRegistration Fee $50Summer Camp$135/wkCamp hours: 9am-3pmJunior Camp Counselor (6th -8th grades)Sessions 1 and 2:$80/wkRedeemer Lutheran ChurchSummer Camp with Music, Crafts, Games, Learning, Daily Special EventsJune 6 - July 29, 2011 from 9:00am-3:00pm (Before/Aftercare available)3 years-3rd gradeAffordableDo to others as you would have them do to youSnacks, Drinks, and Lunch Provided! Rates! 3377 Aloma Avenue Winter Park, FL 32792Inquire about autistic children.407-671-4300 | www.redeemerwp.orgPCCA Summer SpectacularAn exciting array of summer offeringsfor all grades and interests!Pine Castle Christian Academy is offering High Schoolclasses, Sports, Drama, Science, Worship Arts, WritingWorkshop, Band, Art and a full-time elementary summercare program. Classes and camps are being offered atvarious dates and times and are available to students inthe greater Orlando area. Come join our summer full oflearning, enrichment and fun!Register Today (407) 313-72227101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando 32809PCCAeagles.org18ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

SUMMER CAMP GUIDEALL AROUND INTEREST** Ages Birth through 3 Years**Register Today (407)514-4320or ELC@FirstOrlando.com3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando, FLpresents...Summer Camp 2011!Come experience our weekly themed events as we embark on a varietyof classroom journeys! Each child is given the opportunity to flourishsocially, emotionally, developmentally and spiritually in afun-filled, nurturing environment.Come spend some time this summer with us or check us out for thenext school year! Choose from our weekly 2-day or 3-day classes from7:30am-4pm or 9am-3pm during the month of June and July!ART INSTRUCTIONLocal Color Art StudioLocated in College Park, certified art instructors have providedclasses and summer camps for over a decade. Local Color ArtStudio is dedicated to providing children and teenagers theopportunity to experience the joy of creating art.Now Registering!1309 Edgewater Drive, Orlando • (407) 841-9996 • localcolorartstudio.comOVERNIGHTOVERNIGHT and Specialty Day CAMP at...At Camp Wewa, you can be assured that your child is in anexciting, safe place exploring the outdoors, building selfesteem,developing interpersonal skills and making lastingfriendships and memories. Wewa offers resident (sleepaway)and specialty day camps, teen leadership camps, andadventure camp weekends. Wewa has air-conditioned cabins;water sports and swimming, climbing wall, ropes course; balland field sports, archery & riflery, campfire, canoeing, and alarge dining hall.YMCA Camp Wewa Outdoor Center221 S. Binion Road | Apopka | 407-886-1240ymcawewa.orgwww.OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com21

EDUCATIONALSUMMER CAMP GUIDEKidz Place Summer CampsLooking for more than just a place to have yourchild play all Summer?Want an enriching Summer Camp at affordable prices?We have it @ Kidz Place Summer Camps! Using Kidz Lit and Kidz Math learning through playand fun group activities. Your child will keep school skills fresh while enjoying a fun filled summer.741 S. Pennsylvania Ave.4680 Lake Underhill Road626 Lake Dot CircleWinter Park, FL 32789Orlando, FL 32807Orlando, FL 32801407-647-0505 407-277-1942 407-422-5291Call for more information or stop by and visit one of our sites.SPECIAL NEEDSEaster Seals Camp ChallengePeace of mind for you, and a summer adventure to remember!Weeklong fully-accessible overnight camp for kids and adults with disabilities, ages 6+.Exciting activities including: zip lining, swimming, archery, dancing, sports, music & drama.Easter Seals Florida – providing summer memories for individuals with disabilities for 50 years.Check out our website at www.fl .easterseals.com/campchallenge20ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011


SPECIAL NEEDSSUMMER CAMP GUIDECamp BoGgy CreekWe are a year round camp for seriously ill children and offerweeklong summer sessions for the children and family retreatweekends for the whole family. There is no charge to the childrenor families who come to Boggy Creek. We invite you to explorethis site and open your hearts to the magic of serving these bravechildren. Once you do, we hope you’ll join us.The Mission of Camp Boggy Creek is to enrich the lives of childrenwho have chronic or life threatening illnesses by creating campingexperiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering,physically safe and medically sound.Camp Boggy Creek is a proud member of The Association ofHole In The Wall Camps. To learn more about them visitwww.holeinthewallcamps.orgBoggy Creek Gang Camp Inc30500 Brantley Branch Road Eustis, FL 32736www.BoggyCreek.org866.GO.BOGGYSPORTSFort Gatlin Tennis Fun & Sun407-254-9878 • fortgatlintennis.com/fun&sunThe Goal of our summer camp is to provide students with the opportunity tolearn and enjoy the lifetime sport of tennis while focusing on the right skillsprogression and fitness requirements of the game.June 13, 2011 • August 19, 2011Camp hours: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PMEarly Registration until April 30, 5% discount• Tennis Activities for every skill level• Personalized on-court instruction• Quickstart tennis activities• Make new friends while having funplaying the sport of a lifetime!22ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

Virtual VacationsTravel the World with the Click of a MouseBy Carolyn Jabsouldn’t you love to show your kids the wonders of the world? The reality is thatWmost of us don’t get the chance because travel is expensive and vacation schedules are short. Still, it’s arare parent who doesn’t fantasize about holding a child’s hand while standing on the edge of the GrandCanyon, or pointing out the marvels in a museum such as the Smithsonian.Family TECH TALKHappily, you can take a dream trip by simply logging on and visiting the right websites. Obviously, a virtual vacationisn’t the same as the real thing, but if your goal is to awaken in your kids a curiosity about their natural and culturalheritage, these websites are a terrific option. If you are really lucky and you can experience your virtual trip on amammoth-screen, high definition TV, it’s almost like being there! The only thing missing will be the smell of the zoodooand the aching tootsies from hours of walking!Here’s a few virtual trips to get you started:Tour the Smithsonian Museum.If you’ve actually visited the Smithsonian, you know howoverwhelming “America’s attic” can be. Start with the Museum ofNatural History, where your tax dollars have been put to good usecreating a 360 degree virtual tour that makes you feel like you arewandering around the museum (www.mnh.si.edu/panoramas/).When your child spots something intriguing, he or she can ask for aclose-up view of everything from dinosaurs, fossils, and mammals, toplants, insects, and gems. Younger children will also enjoy the LiveCams at the National Zoo (www.nationalzoo.si.edu).Visit a National Park.The National Park Service (www.nature.nps.gov/views/index.cfm)website is rich with visuals, as well as information about the ecologyand history of the parks. In addition to famous parks like the GrandCanyon and the Mall in Washington, D.C., you and your kidscan hang out in more remote spots such as the Badlands of SouthDakota, Petroglyph Park in New Mexico, or the Timpanogos Cave inUtah. The pages on the site load quickly, in part because they don’tinclude music or narration. Read the short, but intriguing, captionsaloud; it’s a good way for kids to keep classroom skills sharp. Yourlittle adventurers will love the occasional game that pops up on somesites. If real travel is in your budget, use the website to plan a visit to apark—or to remember past trips.Hike in the Woods.UPM, a multi-national forest products company, sponsors anextraordinary website that makes you feel as though you’re trompingthrough a forest. To access the site, go to (www.upm.com) and clickon UPM Forest Life. Suddenly, bird calls fill the air. Is that a streamburbling in the background? A guide will appear and offer to showyou around, but you can also explore on your own by clicking hotspots that explain everything from fungi to forestry management.Explore Earth.Planet in Action (www.planetinaction.com) enhances mapsavailable at Google Earth to create vivid interactive tours of landmarksites. Check out the “Places” section of the website for tours of MountSt. Helens, Manhattan, and Paris Disneyland. With a twitch of themouse, you can zoom in at points of interest for a closer look. The sitealso includes flight simulation games for kids who find a simple tour“boooooring.” You can also go straight to the source by downloadingGoogle Earth 5 (www.earth.google.com/intl/en/), a richer versionof GoogleMaps that allows investigation of almost any place onthe planet, sometimes in amazing 3-D format. Start by looking forfamiliar landmarks in your own community - your child’s school, theplayground, or your own backyard. Then branch out to the exotic,such as Tokyo, a Caribbean island, or the Serengeti.Take a Moon Walk.If exploring earth seems a bit mundane, try a virtual vacationthat is, quite literally, out of this world. On the toolbar at the top ofGoogle 5, there’s a tiny image of Saturn. Click on it, and you get achoice of studying the night sky, exploring Mars, or traveling to themoon. On the lunar surface, Apollo astronauts offer a personal tour,explaining the craft they used for their historic flight, and pointing outtheir famous footprints.A parent as the guide makes a virtual tour more enjoyablefor younger children. Older kids can conduct their own expeditions.Point them toward one of these sites and suggest they put on theirtravel guide hats and lead the family on a tour of an exciting new land.Share a virtual trip to a place you’ve always wanted to visit and youhave created your own mini, but memorable, vacation.23www.OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com

Bird Watching – Connecting with Nature is a HootParents, take advantage of your toddler and tween chickadees’ natural curiosity. Turn your family on to thefascinating world of birds and watch them develop great observation skillsBy Margie SloaneCan you name a recreational activity that can be enjoyedwhether standing in your backyard, riding in the car, ortrekking through a rain forest on the other side of the planet?If you guessed bird watching, you’d be correct. According to the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service, there are over 51 million birders in the US. That’sa lot of people gazing out their windows or standing around peering atthe sky and the treetops! Allan Jahner, co-owner of Wild Birds UnlimitedNature Shop in Winter Springs, believes that the increased interest he’sseen in birding may be related to the economy. “With the price of gas andairfares so high, more and more people are staying closer to home,” hesays. “Birding gives them something inexpensive they can do as a family intheir own backyard or in a nearby park.”For the uninitiated, watching birds might seem like a snooze fest. Butthe reality is, avid birdwatchers tend to be excitable fanatics. I confess topulling over to the side of the road on more than one occasion, getting outof my car, and spending 30 minutes staring up at the trees, convinced I’dseen a flock of cedar waxwings or a great horned owl swooping into thebranches. It’s a real thrill for both adult and child to be able to focus on abird, and identify the species based on field markings, such as size, color, beakshape, song, flight pattern, etc.Getting kids interested in the joys of watching our feathered friendsis easy because kids’ natural curiosity make them eager learners when itcomes to looking for a cute burrowing owl, or hearing a tiny Carolinawren’s impressively loud “tea-kettle, tea-kettle” call. So, gently pry themaway from their electronic devices, get them out of the nest, and introducethem to the wonders of nature. Here are a few tips to get your familystarted:~Introduce little ones to birds by reading picture books together withstories about adventuresome birds.~Visit a pet store where caged birds can be observed up close. Point outcolor markings on the body, the color of the legs, or the shape of the beak.Listen to the different sounds they make.~Start birding in your own backyard. Hang a feeder where kids can watchbirds come and go. Put out a bird bath and have the kids change the waterdaily. Birds need access to water, especially during the hot summer.24ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

(Visit www.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/bird-watching-for-kids) forsome great backyard bird crafts and activities for families.~Pick the right time of day and the right season to watch for birds.The early morning hours are best for observing bird activity. Duringthe Spring and Fall, you are likely to see many birds passing throughyour yard on their migration journey.~Invest in the best binoculars you can afford, ideally a pair for eachmember of the family. Toddlers can use toy binoculars that lookjust like Mom and Dad’s real ones. For older kids, look for the rightsize binocs, preferably ones with a wide field of vision for easier birdspotting, and lower zoom capability to make them lighter to carry.Consult a good optics dealer such as Wild Bird Unlimited in WinterSprings.~Buy a birding field guide for the region where you will be birding.The library and local bookstore have many books for children, as wellas adults.~Practice good birding etiquette. Be respectful of our birds’ dwindlinghabitats; speak in a low voice and stay a distance away from nestingsites. Never bird on private property without the permission of theowner.~The Internet is packed with websites, such as the Florida AudubonSociety (http://fl.audubon.org/) and The Great Florida Birding Trail(http://floridabirdingtrail.com), that offer families good locationswhere to look for birds, what to look for, and when guided field tripsfor birders are planned. Pathways to Nature for Kids(www.wbu.com/pathwaysforkids), a national initiative whose goal is to“Leave No Child Inside”, also offers bird activities for the kids and tipsto help families get the most out of their birding experience.~Encourage kids to journal their sightings. Many birders keep ajournal to record their observations, along with a life list to track birdsthey’ve seen wherever they go in their lifetime.~A camera is good to take along on a bird walk in case you see a birdyou can’t identify. Take a photo and look it up on the Internet at theCornell Lab of Ornithology (the study of birds) at(http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search).~Contact local birding groups, such as the Orange Audubon Society(http://www.orangeaudubonfl.org/) and the Audubon Center forBirds of Prey in Maitland (http://fl.audubon.org/who_centers_CBOP.html),to learn about upcoming education programs and field trips.~Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, water, and a few snacks when youventure out on your family field trips.Through some type of avian osmosis, my children were drawn into myhusband’s and my fascination with birds, and much to my surprise,developed an appreciation for all things with feathers which lasted intotheir adult lives. Best of all, we now have a whole flock of grandkidsjust waiting to be introduced to the thrill of bird watching!www.OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com 25

Health & WELLNESSTanning MythsCan you Pass the Test?By Kathy SenaOMG--Prom season and bathing suitweather are fast approaching...Let thetanning begin! Studies show that it’sbecome trendy for winter-white teenagegirls to start making appointments to climbonto tanning beds in pursuit of the perfectbronzed look to go with formal attire andbikinis. Research cites one in four fairskinned females between the ages of 13 and19 years has visited a tanning salon at leastonce. Many more are sunbathing or usinga self-tanner to acquire that golden glow. Soladies, you may be lookin’ good, but do youknow the risks?Of the different types of skin cancer,melanoma, which is likely to spread toother areas of the body, is potentially fatal.Risk factors for melanoma include (are youlistening, girls?) sun exposure and sunburn,blistering sunburns during childhood orteen years, fair skin, freckles, moles, andfamily history of melanoma. Very deadly,but treatable if caught early. Sun exposure isalso the culprit in most non-melanoma skincancers, the ones that rarely spread and havean excellent survival rate.According to the Environmental WorkingGroup (EWG), studies suggest that increasedultraviolet (UV) exposure may be the cause ofthe marked increase in melanoma incidenceobserved among women born after 1965.Tanning salons deliver 15 times more UVradiation to exposed skin than the sun.EWG reports that many of the chemicals inself-tanning products have not been testedfor safety; the major self-tanning chemical,dihydroxyacetone, is not approved by FDAfor use in cosmetics around the eyes.When it comes to protecting yourself fromskin cancer, can you separate fact from fiction?A new survey by the American Academyof Dermatology sets the record straight onsome of the most common myths. The onlinesurvey polled more than 7,000 people todetermine their knowledge, attitudes andbehaviors toward tanning, sun protection, andskin-cancer detection. “Our survey showedthat, despite our repeated warnings about thedangers of UV exposure and the importance ofproper sun protection, many people could notcorrectly answer true/false statements on thesubject,” says dermatologist Zoe D. Draelos,M.D., FAAD, consulting professor at DukeUniversity School of Medicine in Durham,NC.True or False? A Lifesaving Quiz for TeensMyth #1: Some types of UV rays are safe foryour skin.Fact: The survey found that only about 35percent of respondents correctly answered falseto this question. Sunlight consists of two typesof harmful rays: ultraviolet A (UVA) rays andultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays (which passthrough window glass) penetrate deeper into thedermis, the thickest layer of the skin. UVA rayscan suppress the immune system, interferringwith its ability to protect a person against thedevelopment and spread of skin cancer. UVBrays are the sun’s burning rays (which areblocked by window glass) and are the primarycause of sunburn. “Quite simply, all forms ofUV exposure, whether from natural sunlightor artificial light sources, are unsafe and are thenumber-one preventable risk factor for skincancer,” says Draelos.Myth #2: Getting a base tan is a healthy wayto protect skin from sun damage.Fact: Only 48 percent of respondents knew thisstatement was false. (Admit it Mom, when youwere a teenager, you thought this was true. Butthat was back in the dark ages, right?) A tan is asign of damage to the skin from UV radiation.Every time a person tans, the skin becomesdamaged, and this damage accumulates overtime. This accumulated damage, in additionto accelerating the aging process, also increasesa person’s risk for all types of skin cancer. “Abase does very little to protect your skin. Sincetanning damages the skin, getting a base tancould do more harm than good,” says Draelos.“The only way to prevent sunburn is to protectyour skin by using sunscreen, wearing protectiveclothing, and seeking shade.”Myth #3: It is smarter to tan indoors using atanning bed.Fact: Just 63 percent of respondents knew thatthis statement was false. The U.S. Departmentof Health and Human Services has declaredUV radiation from the sun and artificiallight sources, such as tanning beds and sunlamps, as a known carcinogen. Indoor tanningequipment, which includes all artificial lightsources, emits UVA and UVB radiation. Ithas been shown that the amount of radiationexposure during indoor tanning is similar tothat produced by sun exposure, and in somecases might be stronger. Currently, Floridarequires children between 14 and 18 years tohave parental permission for a tanning session soit is up to the parents to establish the limits fortheir teen.Teens, how did you do?Still need some help?:• Make sunscreen a habit for teens, bothgirls and boys, at every outdooractivity, using and re-applying sunscreenwhenever exposed to UV rays.• Find sun-protective clothing, hats, andsunglasses that you like to wear.• To parents of teens: Be good role models–let your teen see you protecting yourselffrom the sun.• American Cancer Society recommendsavoiding sunlight between 10am and4pm.• Avoid tanning devices and sunlamps26ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011


Health & WELLNESSCreate an Awesome, Treat-Filled Easter BasketParents, only you and the Easter Bunny will know it’s healthyButylated Hydroxytoluene, Blue #2, Isoamyl Acetate, Yellow #6, Tertiary Butylhydroquinone, Dimethyl Sulphide, and Red#40…Would you feed your children foods containing chemicals like these? That may be exactly what you’re doing if yougive them a typical Easter basket! Are you aware that certain dyes have been linked to many health problems in children,including hyperactivity and inattention?What Every Parent Should Know“Many parents do not realize that the pretty candies in theirchildren’s Easter baskets are often loaded with artificial additives likesynthetic dyes, which can actually harm your children,” says JaneHersey, National Director of the nonprofit Feingold Association,which helps special needs children. “If you notice that your childrenact up after eating brightly colored candies, synthetic dyes are mostlikely the culprit. Even the Easter Bunny would be bouncing off thewalls if he ate these sweets!” Hersey has first-hand experience with thishealth issue as her daughter was affected by these additives herself.Concerns over the adverse effects of synthetic food dyes onchildren’s behavior and attention has led the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) to schedule a public hearing about this topicon March 30-31, 2011. Hersey hopes that this meeting, which willinclude presentations by several prominent scientists, will be the firststep in the eventual banning of these additives from the Americanfood supply. “The FDA should prohibit these dyes and requirewarning labels in the meantime,” she says.The American Academy of Pediatrics has acknowledged in its journalthat “a trial of a preservative/food coloring-free diet is a reasonableintervention” for hyperactive children. The American Academyof Family Physicians has also added this statement to its web site:“Studies have shown that certain food colorings and preservatives maycause or worsen hyperactive behavior in some children.”Preparing a Healthy Easter BasketYou might think that avoiding the many synthetic dyes,preservatives, and other additives found in typical Easter candies isa daunting challenge. “Actually, parents have a wide range of Eastertreats they can use to prepare an Easter basket that most kids wouldlove to receive,” says Hersey. Many of these natural candies are listedin The Feingold Association’s Foodlist & Shopping Guide and MailOrder Guide. “The Feingold Association also shows parents how tofind low-additive versions of Easter candies (such as chocolate mintpatties, peanut butter kisses, jelly beans, and chocolate bunnies)at health food stores, healthy markets, specialty stores, and evensupermarkets.”To help the Easter Bunny put together a basket thatkids will love, Hersey recommends the following tips:Avoid buying Easter candies containing synthetic food dyes(such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1), artificial flavorings, or thepreservatives BHA, BHT, and TBHQ.Replace some of the candy with dried pineapples, figs, raisins,or dates, which are naturally sweet and much more nourishing.Add 100 percent fruit roll-ups or homemade trail mix.Put a stuffed animal, such as a bunny or chick, in the basket tohelp take the emphasis off sweets.Include educational toys, books, or disposable cameras inthe basket.Tuck a coupon from the Easter Bunny, good for an outing at atheatre or amusement park, in among the cellophane grass.Consider using brightly colored plastic Easter eggs, orcoloring your boiled eggs with natural dyes.Feed your children a healthy breakfast before letting themindulge in Easter sweets in order to reduce the amount of candythey eat.Plan an Easter egg hunt to help children work off excessenergy and get some exercise.28ORLANDO O FAMILY MAGAZINE AZIAPRIL 2011

The ParentBlogHow to Handle a Little Flusher’s CuriosityThe Do’s and Don’ts in a Potty PredicamentThe sound of a sudden flush gurglesoverhead. “Did you hear that?” Ilook at my husband. He looks at me.Another flush follows a few seconds later.Water begins dripping down the wall. Markand I race each other up the stairs. I get therefirst and throw open the bathroom door.Our son Ben squeals in delight. He flushesthe toilet again. Water gushes over the rimand down the bowl, dripping through theseam between the toilet and the floor—downinto my kitchen cupboard.I grab my wayward child and scoot himand his wet fingers over to the sink. Markgrabs the plunger and pushes and pulls at theclog. The water sinks below rim-level, butit seems the clog is too far down to plungeloose. That’s okay; I’ll just flush the clog away.I flush, and then wait while the tinkling waterfills up the tank. I flush, again, and wait.Ben sticks his nose close to the toilet rim,squealing again, as he watches the water swirlslowly down the drain.I pour a bottle of drain cleaner into thetoilet. Each glug-glug fills the air with a sharp,chemical stench. It seems to work; I get onegood flush. I flush again for good measureand the water swirls down the drain in slowmotion. OK, now it’s time for the “just-incase”heavy-duty drain cleaner. The bottlesays to wait a few hours and then flush withwarm water. So, I wait, keeping a watchfuleye to ensure my bathroom-restriction orderis obeyed. Two hours later, there’s a ratherbig popping sound, followed by more waterdown my kitchen cupboards, this time asmelly dribble.Wait! That’s not what I expected! I don’trace up to the bathroom. For some reason, Itip-toe, not sure what I’m going to find, butsure that I don’t want to find it. I slowly openthe bathroom door and take a peek: Well,the room is still there. That’s good. Hey, thetoilet’s still there! That’s good, too. But, thenI see it—a hairline fracture along two sides ofthe bowl. Wow! That drain chemical must bemore powerful than I thought.The cracks are above the water line. So,maybe it’s okay, right? I flush. I hold mybreath. The water slowly drains from thebowl. Oh, come on! How can that not beenough to clear a simple clog? It broke thetoilet!My husband and I finally admit theproblem is beyond our plumbing expertise.Some friends come over to do the manlything. A quick look reveals we need a newtoilet. Getting the new toilet in place, as itturns out, is easier than figuring out whatplugged up the old one. Whatever is in therewon’t go down, even with a snake pushing itfrom the top. The guys flip the old toilet overand push the clog out the top. And there itis…a simple plastic milk cap from a certainfast food joint my son loves. Too big to fitinto the pipe and too awkward to withdrawwith the plunger, it’s absolutely perfect fortrapping two caustic drain cleaners, makingthe toilet erupt!So, for all you do-it-yourselfers who, likeus, don’t really know what you’re doing, hereare a few tips:• Do NOT put drain cleaner into a toilet.The bottle says “not for toilets” for areason.• Do try plunging up anything that’s stuck.Better to pull it up rather than push itfurther down.• In case you ignore the bottle that saysdon’t put drain cleaner in a toilet, doNOT mix multiple kinds of drain cleanerin the same clogged toilet!• Do get a spare donut...that’s a wax ringthat fits the toilet to the pipe to preventleaks. Very important!• Do turn off the water to the toilet anddrain the toilet.• Do unhook the toilet properly, hopefullybefore it cracks.• Do turn the toilet over to push out theoffending clog.• Do use the new wax donut to seal thepipes and then replace the toilet.• Be happy you didn’t have to buy a newtoilet because you learned from ourmistakes!The Contest Winners’Package Includes:Classic ManicureNail soak, cuticle touch up, nailreshape and buff, hydration,and polish applicationBlow Dry or Updo /Boy’s hair cutSkin RefresherRelaxing Swedish Massagefull body massage uses Europeantechniques to help soothe and relaxtired muscles to promote a sense ofdeep relaxation and well-being.Contest Rules: Open to kids ages 6 to 17 years of ageBoys and girls welcome to enter, spa services areunisex Entry must be 100 words or less Contest entriesmust be received by April 15. Include name, address,phone number and email address Email entry tocontest@orlandofamilymagazine.com Winner to beselected and notified by May 2 Winning entry and photo ofMom and child will appear in the Orlando Family May issueand on Orlando Family website. Entries judged by OrlandoFamily and Serenity Spa staff.Sponsored by: Serenity Spa by Westgatewww.OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com 29

MakingA DIFFERENCEWHERE SERIOUSLY ILL KIDS CANSIMPLY BE KIDSWhat do a famous movie star, patchwork quilts, silly dancing,and giggling kids have in common? The answer: Camp BoggyCreek, a place just north of Orlando where seriously ill kidscan go to “forget they have what they have.” It’s a place where life iscelebrated on 232 acres of land covered with winding nature trails toexplore, horses to ride, and exciting fishing holes to reel in the “bigone.”Famous Founder and a Far-Reaching MissionActor Paul Newman played an integral role in establishingCamp Boggy Creek, one of an international family of free campsand programs, known as Hole in the Wall Camp, that provide lifechangingexperiences for children with chronic or life-threateningillnesses. Camp Boggy Creek, the only Hole in the Wall Camp inFlorida, strives to help seriously ill kids have fun, create memories, andget away from the reality of their condition for a brief period, all in aphysically and medically safe environment. Since the camp openedin 1996, more than 50,000 campers and their families have foundempathy, acceptance, and recreation at this oasis for kids with medicalchallenges.Fitting In and Having FunGracie Arnold’s mom will tell you that having cancer is not muchfun. “Because of the ordeals associated with our daughter’s cancer,sometimes Gracie didn’t know exactly where she fit in, except whenshe went to Boggy Creek,” states Lauren Finn Arnold. At the age ofsix, Gracie was diagnosed with a type of brain cancer found mostlyin children under the age of seven. While receiving treatments atUniversity of Florida’s Shands Pediatric Clinic, Gracie’s doctor toldthem about Camp Boggy Creek and its twenty disease-specificfamily retreats offered throughout the year. “It was such an incredibleexperience to know that we weren’t alone,” Gracie’s mom recalls.“Camp Boggy Creek gave our family the opportunity to connect witheach other, as well as with others just like us.”When Gracie was ten years old, she joined approximately 150 kidsduring the summer for a weeklong camp session, during which theywere able to forget the challenges associated with their disease and justbe kids. They enjoyed traditional camp activities, such as swimming,horseback riding, arts and crafts, and making friends—activities oftentaken for granted by many of us, but made possible for these childrenby the caring staff at Camp Boggy Creek.Today, Gracie is back in school and her recovery is considered bymany to be miraculous! She and her family will never forget the timethey spent at Camp Boggy Creek.The Function Behind the FunBy Barbara IannoneCamp Boggy Creek boasts a complete medical facility, dubbed ThePatch, supported by on-staff medical professionals, as well as volunteerphysicians and nurses. Children can receive treatment ranging from aBand-Aid for a scraped knee, to dialysis or chemotherapy.30

Over 1,800 volunteers are needed to run this high energy campeach year. “People come from all over the world to volunteer,”states Marian Jakubiak, a Volunteer Coordinator for the Camp.“Many of the camp counselors and family pals are college students,but we have volunteers from all walks of life and all ages. Oncepeople spend a little time here, they always want more of themagic.”UCF Engineering graduate Brian Keirnan says that his timeat the Camp was a life-changing experience. He learned of CampBoggy Creek through his fraternity and spent two summersserving, first as a camp counselor and later in the wood shop. Hisenthusiasm is palpable as he reflects on his experiences. “At theCamp, the kids have a voice and they are empowered. They growas individuals and become more independent,” he notes. “Goingthere just re-centers you. The look on the kids’ faces draws you in,and you just want to keep coming back. For many, the experiencebegins a lifelong cycle of helping.” Brian adds that the mostrewarding aspect of working at the Camp is the knowledge that heis making a difference.Like the many colorful quilts adorning the buildings at the facility,the campers, volunteers, and staff members’ lives are stitchedtogether at Camp Boggy Creek to create lasting bonds that enrichthe lives of all.To find out more about getting involved, go to www.BoggyCreek.org orcall toll free 866.GO.BOGGY, ext.293.Do You Have What it Takes?• Volunteers needed, age 19 and upfrom all walks of life and with avariety of skill sets.• Volunteer for a day, or for weeks—itis up to you!• Counselors needed, along with helpin the kitchen, on the grounds, withthe horses or a variety of other jobs.• Volunteers go through acomprehensive background checkand interview.Support the Camp by hosting orparticipating in fundraisers in yourcommunity, making individualdonations, or by providing items from theNeeds List appearing on the website.www.OrlandoFamilyMagazine.comwwamilyMagaom

BOOK BUZZ!-So many delicious books, but choosing the right book to whet your child’s appetite can be achallenge. Orlando Family Magazine consulted the area experts, our Orange County Librarians.We asked them for their top selections in the world of children’s books. Pick one from the listand prepare to open your imagination. We guarantee you and your child hours of page turningfun and adventure.TODDLERS (AGES 1-3)Raindrop, Plop! by Wendy Cheyette LewisonCount the raindrops with the little girl in the red raincoat, as dayturns to night and back to day, in this rhythmic counting book forearly learners.PICTURE BOOKS (PRE K-K)Cock-a-Moo-Moo by Juliet Dallas-ConteHelp the rooster remember how to crow when he mimics the callsof his other farm friends in this playful picture book.EARLY READERS (GRADES 1-3)Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold LobelHop along with amphibious friends Frog and Toad, as they hopthrough five enchanting stories to be shared with your closest pals.CHILDREN’S FICTION (GRADES 4-6)Highway Cats by Janet Taylor LisleOld Shredder, Murray-the-Claw, and the scarred Siamese, Kahlia Koo,join forces with a special batch of kittens to prevent the destruction oftheir roadside forest home.TEEN FICTION (AGES 12 & UP)A Kiss in Time by Alex FlinnIn this creative retelling of Sleeping Beauty, a modern American boyawakens a princess who has been slumbering for 300 years to thebustling of the 21st century.32Visit your local Orange County Librarywww.ocls.info

REEL life with JaneMovie reviews for you and your familyBy Jane Louise BoursawCute bunnies, a determined surfer, African cats, and romanticbirds are just a few of the characters heading to theaters andDVDs this month. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new for April.HOPRated PG for some mild rude humor. In theaters 4/01. Ok for kids 7+Think all those holiday mascots are geeked about their job? Not so. A youngbunny (voiced by Russell Brand) is about to be crowned the new EasterBunny, but he’s not so sure he wants the job. He’s content to just hangout, play his drums, and kick back with some tunes. So he heads off toHollywood to find fame and fortune and, hopefully, land a gig playing in aband. But those plans go awry when he’s hit by a car driven by Fred (JamesMarsden), who agrees to take him in. Blending live action with computeranimation, this movie looks really cute, and also stars Kaley Cuoco, DavidHasselhoff, and Chelsea Handler. It’s directed by Tim Hill, who also helmed2007’s ‘Alvin and the ‘Chipmunks.’ Look for bits of crude humor here andthere, like the bunny pooping jelly beans and rebelling at having to sleepamong his poo.SOUL SURFERRated PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material. Intheaters 4/08. Ok for kids 12+Just watching the trailer for ‘Soul Surfer’ gives me goosebumps! It’s a greatstory that signals the return of AnnaSophia Robb to theaters after a shorthiatus. She plays Bethany Hamilton, the real-life teenage surfer who madeheadlines after losing her arm in a shark attack. Bethany is ready to throwin the towel, but decides to surf again after receiving tons of mail from kidsall over the country. Directed by Sean McNamara (‘Raise Your Voice’), thismovie also stars Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid as her parents, and CarrieUnderwood as her youth group leader.BORN TO BE WILDRated G. In theaters 4/08. Ok for kids 7+This 3-D documentary follows the story of orphaned orangutans andelephants, and the people who rescue them, raise them, and then return themto the wild. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this film is not only inspiring, butalso takes us into some gorgeous places around the globe. We journey intothe lush rainforests of Borneo with world-renowned primatologist Dr. BiruteGaldikas, and across the rugged Kenyan savannah with elephant authorityDame Daphne Sheldrick.ATLAS SHRUGGED,PART 1Rated PG-13 for some sexuality.In theaters 04/15. Ok for kids12+Based on Ayn Rand’s 1956 novel,this film stars Taylor Schillingas Dagny Taggart, a woman whoruns the largest railroad company inAmerica with integrity, despite a fewlabor issues. She’s drawn to industrialistHenry Rearden (Grant Bowler); hissuper-strong metal alloy might help torebuild Taggart’s company. It’s a storyabout thinkers, industrialists, scientists,artists, and other innovators during anintriguing time in history. It’s exciting to seehow director Paul Johansson brings the bookto the screen.RIORated PG for mild off color humor. In theaters04/15. Ok for kids 7+I love the tagline for this movie: “One out of every 8Americans is afraid of flying. Most of them don’t havefeathers.” That sums up this cute family movie about Blu(voiced by Jesse Eisenberg), a domesticated macaw fromsmall-town Minnesota who meets the fiercely independentJewel (Anne Hathaway) and takes off to Rio de Janeiro tobe with the bird of his dreams. Of course, it’s not love at firstsight – Blu can’t even fly, for crying out loud! But the twobirds are thrown together in an adventure about friendship,love, courage, and being open to life’s many wonders. Colorfulbackdrops, vivid characters, a heartwarming story, and coolLatin and contemporary music make this a winner.AFRICAN CATSRated G. In theaters 04/15. Ok for kids 7+DisneyNature continues its trend of releasing lovely Earth Daymovies with ‘African Cats,’ a real-life tale of love, humor anddetermination. The story features Mara, an endearing lioncub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit,and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mom to fivemischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of thepride who must defend his family from a once banishedlion. It’s directed by Alastair Fothergill, who also helmedDisneyNature’s ‘Earth’ and ‘Deep Blue.’Movie REVIEWS33

FeaturedEVENTUCF BOOK FESTIVALParents, do your kids sneak a book anda flashlight under the covers after thegoodnight kisses? In your quiet moments(remember those?), do you like to escape andimmerse yourself in a good book? Well, you arein luck. On Saturday, April 16, sixty renownedauthors and poets will be on hand in an arenafilled with thousands of books.Book-themed children’s activities are planned during theUCF Book Festival in association with the Morgridge InternationalReading Center at the University of Central Florida. New YorkTimes best-selling author, Maxine Paetro, co-author (with JamesPatterson) of the Women’s Club Series, is the keynote speaker.Authors will be signing their books, children will enjoy arts andcrafts, the Orlando Repertory Theater will be performing for thekids, and attendees just might get to meet and greet their favoriteStar Wars characters. Free book appraisals will be offered. Engagein storytelling and folk singing, and maybe even become anastronaut for a day! Meet local authors Col. Joe Kittinger, ScottJoseph, Florida Senator Bob Graham, andPulitzer Prize winner Leonard Pitts, Jr.Admission and parking are free.For more info on programs go towww.bookfestival.ucf.eduUCF Book FestivalSaturday, April 16, 2011UCF ArenaTime: 8:59 AM - 4:30 PMMap: http://campusmap.ucf.edu34ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011

EVENTSAPRILCalendar OF EVENTSwww.OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com 35

36ORLANDO FAMILY MAGAZINE APRIL 2011


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