Family News FREE
SEPTEMBER 2020
&Kid Events NEW at the
eme h t Parks!
Awesome
Activities For KIDS!
Virtual
Learning
“Help!”
29!
We turned
New Fall Classes!
2 - September 2020
Family News
Family News
September 2020 - 3
CONTENTS September 2020
FEATURES Virtual learning help
6
Fall classes
8 17
Netflix for Kids
16
Trending Books
18
Things to do
20 18
Gidgets & Gadgets
24
Health & Wellness
26
Arts & Entertainment
28
... But Wait
30
How to reach us: Publisher/Owner Kathy M. Kuser
On The Cover
Editor/Owner Jamie K. Kuser
Sales/Marketing Lisa Doyle Mitchell
P.O. Box 9285 Fort Myers, FL 33902 239-278-5236 e-mail us at
leefamilynews@earthlink.net
Lee County Family News is published 12 times a year.
Š 2020 by KMK Publishing Inc. 4 - September 2020
30
www.leefamilynews.net
Payton LeNae Logan, 8, daughter of Jordon & Denae Jones of Punta Gorda Photo provided by
Making MemoriesPortraits.com Family News
Cultural Park Theater
FALL CLASSES
in Theater Arts
We offer a full range of classes for students interested in pursuits in acting, musical theater, theatrical design or technical theater.
Broadway Babies (ages 4 - 7) Postponed until winter session
Musical Theater (ages 7 - 16) Postponed until winter session Broadway Song & Dance (10 & up)
Thursdays for 8 wks - $75 - starts Oct. 8
Technical Theater (16 & up)
Tuesdays for 10 wks - $75 - starts Oct. 6
Adult Acting
Mondays for 8 wks - $75 - starts Oct. 5
Advanced Adult Acting
Thursdays for 10 wks - $85 - starts Oct. 8
LIMITED CLASS SIZES TO INSURE SOCIAL DISTANCING DUE TO COVID 19.
Register TODAY
Family News
239-772-5862
www.CulturalParkTheater.com
528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral
September 2020 - 5
Socially Distanced Learning Program
IMAG History & Science Center at the forefront of educational change locally In response to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community and the changing needs of families, students and schools, the IMAG is expanding non-traditional program offerings through virtual and onsite programs including reimagined homeschool programs, STEM enrichment programs, Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs, workshops, and IMAG@HOME. We hope to provide much needed educational and enrichment opportunities in a safe and appropriate manner. IMAG SOS (Students On Site) SociallyDistanced Learning Program is one of the new offerings designed for third to eighth grade students. IMAG SOS provides students a safe, supervised environment for socially-distanced learning for their online schooling programs including Florida Virtual School, Lee Virtual School, Lee Home Connect and others. Moreover, students enjoy educational support and scaffolding, assistance and encouragement, and tips for doing their work with IMAG education staff as well as organized and structured interactivity and fun, along with STEM challenges, games, and projects. 6 - September 2020
In addition, the IMAG is further expanding virtual and onsite programming with IMAG Homeschool Programs, Boy Scout and Girl Scout Programs and Merit Badge Workshops, IMAG@HOME Programs , IMAG Field Trips and Special Events, IMAG Birthday Parties, IMAG Member Events, and more. “Many parents and families have recently expressed an increased interest for more opportunities and better programs to ensure their kids can safely continue their education, pursue their interests, improve their learning, develop, and grow,” said Matt Johnson, executive director of IMAG. “As part of our mission, the IMAG is devoted to serving the needs of our communities through these reimagined offerings.” Due to the expansion of targeted programs and events and to ensure the safest environment, general daily admission to the IMAG History and Science Center will be limited effective Sept. 1. IMAG suggests checking in advance for times when the museum is open and to register for these new opportunities. For more information, visit www.theIMAG.org or call 239-243-0043.
The IMAG History & Science Center announces its new IMAG SOS (Students On Site) Socially-Distanced Learning Program designed especially for 3rd through 8th grade students began Aug. 31. With individual work areas for your student, the IMAG is offering students a safe, supervised environment for socially-distanced learning for their online schooling programs including Florida Virtual School, Lee Virtual School, Lee Home Connect, and others. With the IMAG SOS Socially-Distanced Learning Program, IMAG Educational Staff provides your student with educational support and scaffolding, assistance and encouragement, and tips for planning, doing, and accomplishing their work. In addition, IMAG Educational Staff provides students with brain breaks, lunch breaks, and indoor and outdoor activities; organized and structured interactivity and fun; as well as additional STEM challenges, games, and projects. What’s more, hot, tasty, and nutritious lunches and snack packs are also available for purchase. During the summer, IMAG carefully and successfully hosted 8 weeks of Camp IMAG with groups of campers limited in size minimizing risks of exposure and viral spread and enhancing camper and staff safety with preventative measures. IMAG is using the same Camp IMAG practices and safety protocols for the IMAG SOS SociallyDistanced Learning Program. To that end, IMAG continues to take extensive steps to help ensure a clean, safe experience for all students and staff in a clean, safe environment with best practices for promoting good hygiene, encouraging social distancing, wearing protective face coverings when appropriate, providing safety information, and performing daily, hourly cleaning, disinfecting, and deep-cleaning protocols using hospital-grade, ionized, hydrogen peroxide fogging technology. Students bring their Chromebooks or laptops (with earbuds or headphones) to IMAG SOS Learning sessions and log into their online schooling programs. Students are also expected to bring any necessary supplies needed for their studies as well. IMAG SOS Learning sessions are open Monday through Friday with earliest drop-off and latest pick-up hours from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. in an effort to accommodate working families. Hot lunches and snack packs can be purchased or, if you prefer, students can bring their lunch and snacks. Weekly fees for IMAG members are $100 and $115 for non-members. Family News
School district offers grab & go meals for students in Lee Home Connect The School District of Lee County will make Grab & Go breakfast and lunch meals available to students using the Lee Home Connect instructional model beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Middle and high schools will be used as the main distribution sites for these meals. Five breakfasts and five lunches, all meeting USDA nutritional requirements, will be picked up once a week. Families will have the option of either Tuesday or Thursday morning. Middle school sites will distribute meals from 7:15 to 8 a.m. and high school sites from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. Four schools distributing meals to only their students have set unique times. Students will only be allowed to pick up meals on one of those days, not both. Families will drive through their assigned school’s distribution line to pick each week’s meals. Schools will pass out a form for parents to fill out that must be visible through their car’s front windshield for proper identification. Parents will need to add their student’s
last name, student’s ID number and the school they are enrolled in to be compared with the roster of Lee Home Connect students assigned to each school’s meal distribution. The list of schools and their distribution sites is available on the district’s website at www.leeschools.net/parent_portal/back_to_school/lee_home_connect/grab_and_go_meals Breakfast and lunch are free of charge at all 80 traditional Lee County public schools and four special centers through the Food and Nutrition Services Department Community Eligibility Program (CEP). Parents do not need to apply and "Free and Reduced" meal applications will not need to be completed or processed for this benefit. The Community Eligibility Provision is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas. CEP allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications.
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Family News
September 2020 - 7
FALL C L A S S E S
8 - September 2020
Family News
Cape Coral Parks & Recreation
Are you looking for an activity your child will enjoy? Wm. Bill Austen Youth Center is offering fall clubs that will stimulate your child and offer creative and meaningful experiences. NOW offering Cheer Club, Mad Science Club, Little Stichers Club, Rocket Club, Bey Blade Club, Video Gaming Club, Archery and Skate Lessons at our Skate Park. Please call for details on dates, times, pricing, and description of clubs. Wm. Bill Austen Youth Center 315 SW 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, located North of Sun Splash 239-242-3950
Coast Elite Gymnastics
Parent & Child Classes for walking -2 years! Sign up for our recreational gymnastics program, ninja classes, parent and child and many more we offer! We have classes for all ages Monday- Saturday! All new members get a FREE trial class and can sign up at anytime! Gymnastics benefits all ages of children in many many including fitness, flexibility, coordination, building new friendships, raise self-esteem, skills translate to other sports, and of course builds muscle! Give us a call today! Coast Elite Gymnastics Academy 6360 Arc Way, Fort Myers 239-936-8467 www.coastelite.com
Sky Zone Family News
September 2020 - 9
FallClasses Cultural Park Theater
Cultural Park has provided some of the best theater classes the region for over 30 years. They know a class experience should be much more than just filling time and having fun. They stress education in the performing arts for each class and each level of each of our classes whether you are here for the first time or returning to continue to develop your skills. Register soon as they have limited class sizes to insure social distanced classes due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Broadway Song & Dance (for ages 10 and up) begins Oct. 8 and runs for eight weeks on Thursdays. Cost is $75. Other classes include adult acting class for ages 17 and up (starts Oct. 5), advanced adult acting for ages 17 and up (starts Oct. 8), and technical theater (starts Oct. 6). Broadway Babies (ages 4 – 7) and Musical Theater (ages 7 - 16) will return in the winter session. 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral 239-772-5862 www.CulturalParkTheater.com
10 - September 2020
Family News
Family News
September 2020 - 11
FallClasses Davis School of Music
Fort Myers Tennis
Discover a skill for life with our #TennisFam at Fort Myers Tennis. We are a community of dedicated parents, coaches, players & friends, among whom you can be sure your child will learn to love the game of tennis! Now offering private & semi-private lessons - with classes to be announced soon! Full schedule and registration available online now. See you on the courts! 239-653-7773 www.fortmyerstennis.com
Healthy Eating Playshops
The Food Healing Oracle Deck announces its online healthy eating playshops for kids ages 3-17. Starting Sept. 28, online virtual classes will teach kids, the wonders of Mother Nature’s natural goodness for fruits and vegetables. Learning to understand food’s colors and cravings, textures, geography, smoothies, nutrition and so much more will provide a whole new way to eating. Taught by Shelly Sager, Certified Florida Teacher, Reader, BS in Child Development & Psychology. www.foodhealingdeck.com 724-554-3399
The Davis School of Music offers piano, harp, violin, voice, DJ mixing and songwriting. The incredibly talented music instructors are beginning enrollment now for the fall semester. Suzuki violin instructor Kara Walker Griffith is currently available to teach students via Zoom as we get through this pandemic. Inperson lessons will resume when safe to do so. Griffith has a BM degree from Indiana University where she studied with internationally renowned string pedagogue Mimi Zweig. Piano instructor Sabrina Gruber is a graduate of Florida State University, where she received her Bachelor of Music degree specializing in Music Therapy. Harp instructor Barbara Fischer holds a BA in Communication and an MA in English. DJ instructor Tommy Giaime is a New York born DJ / producer who currently resides in SW Florida. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First St., Fort Myers 239-333-1933 www.sbdac.com
Saddlewood Horse Club
Saddlewood Horse Club offers year round riding lessons in our covered riding arena with lights and rubber footing. All of our lessons and events are rain or shine and our instructors are certified in English, Western, and jumping. Students ages range from as young as 3 years up to 81 years (and counting). You have the choice of private or group lessons. All lessons are one hour long on our well trained schooling horses and ponies. We encourage horse interaction and develop not just riders but the love of horses. 16111 Saddlewood Lane, Cape Coral 239-738-9300 www.CapeHorses.com 12 - September 2020
Family News
Family News
September 2020 - 13
FallClasses Sky Zone Home School PE
We offer a special 2 hour session before opening to the public every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-Noon. Homeschool PE is a discounted jump experience specifically for home school students and virtual learners. Cost: $12.99 for 2-Hour Jump Pass, $8.99 for 60 minutes or buy our Season Homeschool Pass here for $199.99 Sky Zone 14181 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers 239-313-5448 skyzone.com/fortmyers/programs/home-school-pe
Southern Starz
Jump into fall at Southern Starz Gymnastics. Our Little Starz gymnastics program is geared toward gymnasts 1-5 years. These Starz will focus on beginning gymnastics skills while having fun in our 11,000 square foot facility. We offer gymnastic classes, tumbling classes, boys gymnastics and competitive gymnastics. 915 SE 11th Place, Cape Coral 239-574-0034 www.southernstarzgymnastics.org
USA Taekwondo Center
Usa Taekwondo Center offers high-energy programs that combine physical conditioning with mental discipline for adults and kids of all ages. Tae Kwon Do is an energetic workout with an added benefit of self-defense. You see improvements in flexibility, coordination, focus and self control. Come in for a free tryout class. 6251 Commerce Park Drive, Fort Myers 239-561-9470 www.usataekwondocenter.com
14 - September 2020
Family News
Family News
September 2020 - 15
s ’ t a Wh Shaun the Sheep: Adventures from Mossy Bottom
on
7
For Kids
4
Clever sheep Shaun, loyal dog Bitzer and the rest of the Mossy Bottom gang cook up oodles of fun and mischief on the farm.
1
Ask The Storybots
Five inquisitive little creatures track down the answers to kids' biggest questions, like how night happens or why we need to brush our teeth.
True and The Rainbow Kingdom
When something's wrong in the Rainbow Kingdom, big-hearted guardian True and her best friend, Bartleby, are there to grant wishes and save the day.
World Party
Meet Bailey, Franny, Kip and Lulu. They're adorable baby animals, and they want you to join the party and help them learn! The Jim Henson Company created this show to help toddlers learn social skills and increase their vocabulary.
3
Bill Nye Saves The World
Emmy-winning host Bill Nye brings experts and famous guests to his lab for a talk show exploring scientific issues that touch our lives.
5 2
Wanda Sykes, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more guest star in this Emmy-winning series based on the popular apps & website. All 3 Seasons Now on Netflix
Kazoops!
Music meets imagination in this inventive animated series about thinking outside the box and having fun.
8 6
Luna Petunia
With help from her magic toy chest, fun-loving Luna Petunia enters the fantastic land of Amazia, where adventures, friendship and learning await. All 3 Seasons Now on Netflix.
Cat In The Hat Knows About That
The Cat in the Hat is back -- and this time, he's teaching Sally and her friend Nick some awfully nifty things to think about! Martin Short lends his voice to this animated series based on one of Dr. Seuss's most beloved characters.
s ’ t a Wh Shaun the Sheep: Adventures from Mossy Bottom
on
7
For Kids
4
Clever sheep Shaun, loyal dog Bitzer and the rest of the Mossy Bottom gang cook up oodles of fun and mischief on the farm.
1
Ask The Storybots
Five inquisitive little creatures track down the answers to kids' biggest questions, like how night happens or why we need to brush our teeth.
True and The Rainbow Kingdom
When something's wrong in the Rainbow Kingdom, big-hearted guardian True and her best friend, Bartleby, are there to grant wishes and save the day.
World Party
Meet Bailey, Franny, Kip and Lulu. They're adorable baby animals, and they want you to join the party and help them learn! The Jim Henson Company created this show to help toddlers learn social skills and increase their vocabulary.
3
Bill Nye Saves The World
Emmy-winning host Bill Nye brings experts and famous guests to his lab for a talk show exploring scientific issues that touch our lives.
5 2
Wanda Sykes, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more guest star in this Emmy-winning series based on the popular apps & website. All 3 Seasons Now on Netflix
Kazoops!
Music meets imagination in this inventive animated series about thinking outside the box and having fun.
8 6
Luna Petunia
With help from her magic toy chest, fun-loving Luna Petunia enters the fantastic land of Amazia, where adventures, friendship and learning await. All 3 Seasons Now on Netflix.
Cat In The Hat Knows About That
The Cat in the Hat is back -- and this time, he's teaching Sally and her friend Nick some awfully nifty things to think about! Martin Short lends his voice to this animated series based on one of Dr. Seuss's most beloved characters.
TrendingBookstoGoogle Publisher’s top picks
Princess Cupcake Jones Series
Welcome to Princess Cupcake Jones' world!! Princess Cupcake Jones is a beautiful, spunky, natural-haired girl who happens to be a princess. As an added bonus in each book of the series, children will also have fun finding the hidden word in each inviting illustration.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
What happens when you give a mouse a cookie? Find out in this terrific read-aloud series of picture books about a young boy and his mouse. In the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series, we get to know Mouse, Pig, Moose, Dog and Cat and their favorite humans.
Giraffe Problems
Edward the giraffe has a problem with his neck-it's just too necky. The textured print continues throughout, visible in the hides of animals & the bark of trees. Profits from Kohl's Cares books and toys is given to various partners and nonprofits to support the health & wellness of families.
18 - September 2020
Bee Like Me
Bee Like Me is a children’s book that takes you on the journey of an introspective little bee that compares himself to birds in order to answer questions regarding his life goals and purpose.
Family News
Family News
September 2020 - 19
Family Friendly Activities for September Always call ahead!
Science on the Farm - Nature study Shaker's Acres South Bayshore & Slater, North Fort Myers Wednesdays 10 - 11:30 a.m. Nature Study Class (ages 6-10) $15 per student. We are excited to begin classes soon, and have some exciting news to share! Due to an overwhelming response to pre-registrations to this class, we are expanding our class size with a new co-teacher joining the team! 239-699-9987
Little Leapers with Peppa Pig: A toddler jump experience Sky Zone Fort Myers 14181 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Wednesday, September 2 • 9 a.m. Peppa Pig is coming to Little Leapers this week! Experience the fun of being active. The little ones will have a blast bouncing under the supervision of their parents, without interference from the big kids! In addition to jump time, they will have fun with themed crafts and story time. It's $12.99 per toddler plus one parent plays free; it's $5.99 for an additional parent to play on the trampolines. Ages 7 and under, if they can walk they can jump! Sky Socks $2.99 and up. 239-313-5448 20 - September 2020
Children's Ministry Drive-By Party Cypress Lake United Methodist Church 8570 Cypress Lake Dr, Fort Myers Wednesday, September 2 • 4 - 6 p.m. In celebration of school starting and our AWESOME new J.A.M. curriculum called "Celebrate Wonder," families are invited to the Children's Ministry Drive-By Party! Stop by any time between 4-6 pm to pick up your fall J.A.M. materials, get some fun goodies for the kids, and catch up with one another! Be sure to wear a mask, so we can have some safe fun! 239-482-1250
Virtual Take Home Crafts Chick-fil-A Pine Island Road 1790 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral Wednesday, Sept. 2 • 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Join us for our Woodland themed Virtual Take Home Crafts! Just stop by Chick-fil-A Pine Island Road on Wednesday, September 2 from 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and pick up a kid’s craft to do at home. This week your child will be able to make your own Owl. All of the craft bags are bagged individually for safety. While supplies last. Available for pickup in Drive Thru only! Craft kit FREE with any purchase. www.cfacapecoral.com
Fifth Annual “Flip This Kennel” Lee County Domestic Animal Services 5600 Banner Dr, Fort Myers Friday, September 4 •10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Animal Services along with various county agencies and area rescues will decorate kennels and catteries to showcase often overlooked shelter pets in the adoption center. This year’s “Flip This Kennel” is board game-themed and each will be decorated with a spin on favorite childhood games. The event was rescheduled from March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shelter’s adoption center remains open by appointment only. Visitors to the Animal Services Facebook Page can vote all day Friday, Sept. 4, by liking the picture of their favorite kennel or cattery. Visitors with appointments at the shelter during the event may also vote. Winners will be posted on the Facebook page on Saturday, Sept. 5. To make an appointment to visit the adoption center, call 239-533-7387. Available pets can be viewed at www.leelostpets.com.
Like us on Facebook for Updates & Cancellations Family News
Bulls & Bands Bash Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo 2450 NE Roan St, Arcadia Saturday, September 5 • 4 p.m. Come on out for a fun-filled family day of free style bull fighting and bull riding at its finest. While you're here you can enjoy some food and listen to some great music. The bands include Pure Country, The Kollections and Slick Willy. www.arcadiarodeo.com
Parent's Night Out Sky Zone Fort Myers 14181 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Saturday, September 5 • 6 - 10 p.m. Drop off the kids at Sky Zone for a fun night of games and activities while you are out on the town! Kids get to participate in Open Jump, all our cool attractions like Warrior Course, Free Climb Rock Wall, Warped Wall & more, AND they get to jump during Glow! Parent's Night Out is every 1st Saturday of the month only $34.99. Includes 2 slices of pizza and a soft drink along with a Sky Camp shirt, and kids can hang out in a Sky Zone room when they're not jumping to do arts & crafts, play video games, or watch a movie! For children ages 713. register your child today! 239-313-5448
Family News
Vintage Fall Farm Sale 5500 Higginbotham Rd., Fort Myers Saturday, September 5 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. We are eagerly awaiting our first Fall Farm Sale at M&M Farms! Come out and experience a day of fun and shopping. Expect to see plenty of vendors from our local communities. There will be something for all ages! It wouldn’t be a fall festival without delicious sweets and savory treats, would it?! You will find homemade treats, strawberry lemonade, and boiled peanuts, and more! We will be serving up some farm fresh produce, as well. Parking & admission is FREE! 239-900-5425
Little Leapers: A toddler jump experience Sky Zone Fort Myers 14181 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Sunday, September 6 • 9 a.m. The little ones will have a blast bouncing under the supervision of their parents, without interference from the big kids! In addition to jump time, they will have fun crafts and story time. It's $12.99 per toddler plus one parent plays free; it's $5.99 for an additional parent to play on the trampolines. Ages 7 and under, if they can walk they can jump! 239-313-5448
Homeschool PE Sky Zone Fort Myers 14181 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Weekly, Tues. & Thurs. • 10 a.m. Enjoy a break from the books and join other local virtual learners for an action packed PE session! This is a special 2 hour session before we open to the public with a discounted price specifically for homeschool students and virtual learners. 239-313-5448
Science on the Farm - Kinder Nature Study Shaker's Acres South Bayshore & Slater, North Fort Myers September 8 & 22 • 9 a.m. Kinder Nature Study Class (ages 3-6) $12 per student. Covid 19 - Social Distancing is encouraged, and handwashing readily available. Classes are entirely outdoors. Explore everyday nature in this hands-on, science & art Nature Study class. The whole farm, gardens, and woods are our classroom for art and adventure! Each class will feature a nature topic to explore in depth at an age appropriate level, in a hands on experimental process. Class starts with a farm tour and animal feeding, then we head to the outdoor classroom for our Nature Study art class. 239-699-9987
September 2020 - 21
Things to do On Stage...Places Please! Cultural Park Theater 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral September 10 - 20
On Stage...Places Please! Is an original musical revue. It is the first show in our 2020-2021 season and features many of our talented youth performers as well as a few familiar faces. On Stage...Places Please showcases the journey of young performers from auditions, through a rehearsal process and finally to the opening night of the production. The show includes many current Broadway tunes with a few classics thrown in along the way. This season our schedules for productions are, Thursdays at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays at 3 p.m. Call the box office for more information. 239-772-5862.
dents for an outdoor art experience working with Clay! Elementary Clay class is often messy, sometimes silly, and always fun! Clay is a favorite for all ages, and we will dig into a range of projects in this exciting medium. Class starts with a farm tour and animal feeding, then we head to the outdoor classroom to get our hands in the clay and build something awesome! Clay projects are designed to satisfy the age range, and use handbuilding techniques such as coil, slab, sculpting, puzzling, and more. Clay projects will be glazed the same day, and be ready for pickup the following week. Class is entirely outdoors and around animals. 239-699-9987
At Farm & Flea, shop for handcrafted goods from local vendors. Located inside Edison Mall 239-939-5464
Little Leapers with Mickey & Minnie Sky Zone Fort Myers 14181 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers September 13 & 16 • 9 a.m.
22 - September 2020
Pathways Monthly Family Event: Mad Science Extravaganza Fort Myers Regional Library 2450 1st St, Fort Myers Saturday, September 19 • 2 p.m.
The Naples Players Drive-In Movies: Jurassic Park 300 8th street, Naples September 22 -23 • 8 p.m.
Mickey & Minnie time at Little Leapers this week! Experience the fun of being active. The little ones will have a blast bouncing under the supervision of their parents, without interference from the big kids! Plus crafts, storytime and more! It's $12.99 per toddler plus one parent plays free; it's $5.99 for an additional parent to play on the trampolines. Parents & grandparents are always welcome to watch - it's free! Ages 7 and under, if they can walk they can jump! Sky Socks $2.99 and up. 239-313-5448
Elementary Clay Class (ages 6-9) $15 per student. Covid 19 - Social Distancing is encouraged, and handwashing readily available. Classes are entirely outdoors. Bring your younger elementary aged stu-
It's National Dance Day, what better way to celebrate than at our Sky Zone GLOW Party. Lasers, music and blacklight transform the whole park into a crazy jumping dance club. This GLOW party will have tons of dance competitions in honor of National Dance Day. 239-313-5448
Join us for a fun-filled, open air event in Downtown Fort Myers. This interactive event will have you and your kiddos exploring the laws of energy and motion. Kinetics, physics, dynamics: we will be exploring energy and motion through all mediums. Align of Danger, a SWFL performance company, will be performing! 239-549-6262
Arts, Craft Fair at Edison Mall 4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers Saturday Sept. 12 • 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Art on the Farm Elementary Clay Class Shaker's Acres South Bayshore & Slater, North Fort Myers Monday, September 14 • 10 a.m.
Celebrate National Dance Day with GLOW Sky Zone Fort Myers 14181 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Saturday, September 19 • 7 p.m.
TNP Drive-In Movie Nights sponsored by The Inn on Fifth - Naples, Florida presents: Jurassic Park Rated PG-13; 127 minutes Parking opens at 7 p.m. Movie begins promptly at 8 p.m. A classic must-see on the big screen! Genetically engineered dinosaurs run amok on a remote island. Based on Michael Crichton's bestseller. Limited availability. Tickets Required. 239-263-7990
24th Annual Fishing Derby Cape Coral Yacht Club 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral Sepember 26 - 27 • 7:30 am Sky Zone Sweet Sixteen Celebration Sky Zone Fort Myers 14181 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Friday, September 18 • 11 a.m. Sky Zone is turning 16! So, we are offering a Sweet Deal: All Day Jump Pass for $16 and it includes GLOW! Promotion ALL DAY on September 18 only. Come Celebrate with Us!! *Sky Socks not included. 239-313-5448
Kids ages 5-15 are invited to join in the Yacht Club's Annual Fishing Derby. To help ensure adequate social distance, this year's event will be held over two days, from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. each day, with a limited number of children assigned to each time slot. The cost is $8 per child and advanced registration is required. For information or to register, call 239-574-0806. Family News
Royal Party Four Freedoms Park 4818 Tarpon Ct, Cape Coral Saturday, Sept. 26 • 10 a.m. - Noon
Bricks On The Cape 2020 Gulf Middle School 1809 SW 36th Terrace, Cape Coral Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Children (2-6 yrs) are invited to attend Four Freedoms Park's annual Royal Party dressed in their favorite royal garments and make believe they are walking through a royal courtyard. Crafts, activities, music and dancing can be enjoyed by all. Parents can share in the fun and wear costumes too. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $20 per child with limited space available. Pre-registration is required by calling 239-574-0804. Please note: Face masks must be worn by participants and guests while maintaining social distancing.
Broke4Bricks Inc, a Non Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation, is hosting its second annual Bricks On The Cape Event 2020. The event entry will be FREE and will include interactive LEGO brick activities for all ages. Some attractions include: MOC "My Own Creation" Contest for all ages, a DUPLO play area and toddle race track for kids 2-5, a Vehicle Build & Race Event with a 32 ft. Track, Collectible Minifigure Trading, LEGO Raffle Give-a-ways and our NEW minifigure shooting gallery featuring NERF. 239-549-0606
Friendly Forest Fall Festival Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers Sept. 26 - 27 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Join us for our Friendly Forest Fall Festival where we celebrate all things Fall! We will have autumn-themed crafts and games as well as animal encounters, planetariums shows, photo opportunities, pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving/painting contest, and much more! This is a 2-day family friendly event with something for everyone! COVID - 19 safety precautions will be in place and we will be following all recommended CDC guidelines! $10 for adults $5 for kids 3-12. Half price admission for members! 239-275-3435
Family News
Little Leapers: Trolls! Sky Zone Fort Myers 14181 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers Sunday, September 27 • 9 a.m. Trolls time at Little Leapers this week! Experience the fun of being active. The little ones will have a blast bouncing under the supervision of their parents, without interference from the big kids! Plus crafts, story time and more! It's $12.99 per toddler plus one parent plays free; it's $5.99 for an additional parent to play on the trampolines. grandparents are always welcome to watch - it's free! Ages 7 and under, if they can walk they can jump! Sky Socks $2.99 and up. 239-313-5448
September 2020 - 23
Specially designed mini 8 with Minion graphics. Offers a stylish and fun look.. Silicone camera stand/cover offers additional protection and a Minion-like style. Its 1/60 shutter speed lets you capture spontaneous moments quickly, and its brightness adjustment dials automatically.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera www.newegg.com
GIDGETS, GADGETS AND GIZMOS!!
Whimsical projects for every season and any setting allows fun-seeking kids and their families to rediscover the yard as a place for inspired play.
Backyard Adventure 24 - September 2020
www.thriftbooks.com
Let the good times roll with our Roll With It! Giant Inflatable Colorful Wheel! Kids spin and roll in a soft, colorful wonderland. Climb inside and move it along by walking foot over foot, on all fours, or have a friend push you along.
HearthSong Roll with It! www.HearthSong.com
It’s an infant/toddler bath that converts to a storage bin with stackable lid. Store toys, games, clothes and more. Adopt all 5 Tubimals (dog, elephant, sheep, pig, and hippo) and give them a home in your playroom.
TUBIMAL Infant and Toddler Bath Tub www.google.com
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Bath time fun with kids favorite Crayola colors! Everything washes off quickly with water, making bathtub time awesome. Easy to clean; Non-toxic crayons for ages 3 years and up
Crayola Bath Crayons, Markers & Dropz www.shop.crayola.com
Marble Run is a MindWare favorite among youngsters and is the perfect introduction to marble runs with pieces that go together and pull apart with ease.
MindWare Marble Run www.amazon.com
Premium Quality Paint Pens For True Artists. Extra fine point nylon tip paint marker pens water based with smooth flow, quick-drying, weather resistant, high quality certificated ink and environmental friendly.
Acrylic Paint Pens for Rock Painting www.amazon.com
Watch your pod erupt into a colorful bubbling reaction to reveal one of 35 collectable Beaker Creatures!
Learning Resources Beaker Creatures Liquid Reactor Super Lab and Lab Gear Family News
www.walmart.com
Cupcake favorites and dessert classics from the pastry chef and creator of Sprinkles Cupcakes and judge on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.
The Sprinkles Baking Book www.barnesandnoble.com
September 2020 - 25
The Food Healing Oracle Deck Learning is Fun, Healthy & Delicious is ready for lift off. Let's teach our children, tweens & teens the wonders of food and how cool it can be to eat fruits and vegetables.
Online healthy eating
playshops for kids ages 3 - 17
The Food Healing Oracle Deck announces its online healthy eating playshops for kids ages 3 - 17. Starting Sept. 28, online virtual classes will teach kids, the wonders of Mother Nature’s natural goodness for fruits and vegetables. Learning to understand food’s colors and cravings, textures, geography, smoothies, nutrition and so much more will provide a whole new way to eating. Taught by Shelly Sager, the series runs six weeks from Sept. 28 through Nov. 2. Shelly Sager is a Florida teacher, certified Food Healing Oracle Deck reader and certified kids yoga teacher for Kidding around Yoga. With a strong background with kids of all ages and implementing classroom programs over the last 5 years, The Food Healing 26 - September 2020
Oracle Deck is excited to have Shelly helm the Learning in Nourishing Food Healing Oracle Deck series of classes for children ages 3-17. Shelly holds a bachelor’s of science degree in child development and psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and lives in Southwest Florida. Shelly is absolutely passionate about her work with our future generations as much as we are passionate about the deeper meaning of foods for mind, body and spirit. The series is broken into age groups and includes Yummy for my Tummy (3 - 6 year olds), Fun with Foods (7 – 11 year olds) and Foods for the Moods (12 - 17 year olds). To find out more, visit online at www.foodhealingdeck.com or call 724-554-3399. Family News
Free walk-up COVID testing offered throughout Lee County in September The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee), in partnership with Lee County government, will be providing free walk-up COVID-19 testing throughout Lee County during the month of September. Staff will have 300 tests available at each site for anyone 4 years of age or older. Testing is scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning at 9 a.m. and will continue, weather permitting, until 12:30 p.m. Children under 4 will be referred for testing to DOHLee. There is no fee for the test, and no appointment or doctor’s order is necessary. Parking is limited at some sites. These are not drive-thru sites; attendees are asked to walk up to the testing area. Locations on the schedule are at municipal parks, with Lee County EMS and Florida DOH-Lee staff conducting the tests and accompanying paperwork. Selected sites are spread throughout the county.
Testing sites & dates
Tuesday, Sept. 1 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Harlem Heights Park, 7340 Concourse Drive, Fort Myers Thursday, Sept. 3 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Rutenberg Park, 6500 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers
Tuesday, Sept. 8 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Schandler Hall Park, 419 Royal Palm Park Road, Fort Myers Thursday, Sept. 10 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. North Fort Myers Community Pool 5170 Orange Grove Blvd. Tuesday, Sept. 15 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Charleston Park, 2541 Charleston Park Drive, Alva Thursday, Sept. 17 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Yawkey Park, 2291 Jackson St., Fort Myers Tuesday, Sept. 22 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Karl Drews Park 18412 Lee Road, Fort Myers Thursday, Sept. 24 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Veteran’s Park, 55 Homestead Road South, Lehigh Acres Tuesday, Sept. 29 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kurt Donaldson Park, 180 Hunter Blvd., Cape Coral www.FloridaHealth.gov.
Free autism screening for young children Sept. 18
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to five years of age. The next screening will be held on Sept. 18 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Pediatric Specialist Office, 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers. It is estimated that one in every 59 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. Medical consultants for the projFamily News
ect stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families. They say early intensive behavioral intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well. The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders. A physician referral is not required. To schedule a screening, call 239-343-6838. September 2020 - 27
Arts&Entertainment
Thomas & Friends starts new season Sept. 1 on Netflix
Thomas & Friends Season 24 will be available on Netflix in the U.S. beginning on Sept. 1. Adventures abound for Thomas and the Steam Team on the Island of Sodor and beyond. During Season 24, Thomas and his friends visit a variety of countries and meet new characters along the way – including an American inventor, an electric train from Japan and a car made of locomotive parts. Thomas & Friends Season 24, which features 20 episodes, follows the iconic blue engine and his friends, including Emily, Percy, Gordon, Rebecca, Nia and James, as they travel through Sodor and around the world. Thomas was created 75 years ago by Rev. W. Awdry in stories for his son, Christopher.
Gulf Coast Symphony to open
Music & Arts Community Center
cational space. Advanced theatrical lighting, The Gulf Coast Symphony announced robotic cameras, a video recording suite, the next great venture in its mission to and modern audio equipment are being Create Community Through Music—the installed to reshape the sanctuary into a opening of a new Music & Arts Community 400-seat theatrical venue. Additional renoCenter (MACC) in Fort Myers. vations and technical upgrades are planned The MACC will be a creative hub for the existing classrooms, large social hall, where people of all ages and abilities can and outdoor enclosed patio to create better share music and arts as common ground, learning and performance spaces. and where diversity, expression and selfRenovations are expected to be comtransformation is the very air we breathe. plete in fall 2020 so that virtual or limited The community center has been a dream capacity programming can begin. A key 26 years in the making according to music & adjustment due to the pandemic is the live executive director Andrew Kurtz: “A physiThe sanctuary will be converted into a performance space. streaming of our programs, allowing for cal space of our own has been a goal since small (or empty) audiences, while providing the symphony was founded—we will now a way for our devoted fans, many who are be able to provide so many more opportuniolder, to safely enjoy our programs. The new on site video recording suite will ties for our community to experience music and the arts in one central location.” allow for performance recordings and live streams, as well as distance learning The mission of the new MACC is to transform lives throughout Southwest instruction opportunities. Florida by providing equitable access to excellent music education and arts experiInitial offerings at the MACC ences. “Our vision is to build a civic culture that values lifelong involvement in the include the creation of a new profesarts, where all can participate actively in music making and arts experiences. We sional chamber orchestra, also want every youngster in Southwest Florida to have access to music instruction MusicWorks! after-school orchestral both during the day and after school,” adds Kurtz. education program, a new ArtsWorks! The new MACC is on the 12.5 acre campus of the Unitarian Universalist visual arts education program, yearChurch of Fort Myers, off of Daniels Parkway on Shire Lane. round classes for all ages, and robust A truly collaborative effort between the two organizations, renovations are musical performance programming. already underway to transform the campus into a world-class performing and edu28 - September 2020
Family News
Broadway Palm children’s theatre for 2020-21
The Broadway Palm in Fort Myers has announced its children’s theatre season for 2020-21:
The Snow Queen Nov. 27 – Dec. 24
Be swept away by this new musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fantastical coming-of-age adventure that inspired the hit Disney movie Frozen. Join Gerda on a dangerous and whimsical quest to save her best friend Kai before he is trapped forever in the Snow Queen’s palace. Enter a world where flowers sing, animals talk, and riddles yearn to be solved.
Robin Hood the musical April 23 – May 21
The merry musical adventure about Robin Hood, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest who does all the wrong things for all the right
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reasons. When Robin Hood’s childhood sweetheart Maid Marian is forced to marry the evil Prince John, it’s up to Robin to stop the marriage, defeat the mean sheriff and secure Nottingham.
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs July 9 – Aug. 13
There are two sides to every story and when the Big, Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century, his voice is finally heard. Will the pigs’ splashy puppet show make a puppet out of justice or is the wolf’s catchy song and dance about a sneeze gone wrong all razzle-dazzle? Lunch and show are only $19. The theatre is located at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers. For tickets call 239-278-4422 or visit online at www.broadwaypalm.com
September 2020 - 29
...But Wait, There’s More! Projects, Pinterest and Random Factoids
Asking For A Friend... What is that small black dot between the lens and flash on an iPhone? If you are an avid iPhone user, you may have noticed the tiny black dot between the lens and flash on the back of your iPhone. The black dot is really a third microphone. It provides superior sound quality by eliminating background noise.
Slushie: Breakfast Sips & Bites 10 frozen strawberries 1 cup Hint of Vanilla almond milk 1 cup sliced frozen banana 3/4 cup Coconut Blend almond milk 1/2 cup orange juice 1/8 teaspoon sugar 16-20 ice cubes 1. Blend the frozen strawberries with 3/4 cup Vanilla almond milk. (set aside) 2. Blend the banana, 8 ice cubes and 1/2 cup Coconut almond milk (set aside) 3. Blend 1/2 cup orange juice with 1/4 cup almond milk and 10 ice cubes. (set aside) 4. Layer 5. Blend the remaining 1/4 cup Coconut Blend almond milk with the sugar and 8 ice cubes - pour on top 6. Sip & Enjoy
Taco Pancakes
#MommaHacks Show me the money! All chores are not created equal. One of the most important life skills that we can teach our children is that money comes from work. The more difficult the task, the greater the rewards! So rather than freely giving a weekly allowance for random tasks, (a participation trophey) put a higher dollar amount on tasks that require different skill levels and learning curves.
Prepare your favorite pancake recipe. Just add your fruit of choice along with whipped cream & syrup.
Daytrippin’ Big Cat Habitat Big Cat Habitat is home to over 150 exotic and domestic animals in need of a safe, permanent home. Come see lions, tigers, ligers, leopards, cougars, bears, monkeys, ponies, camels, alpaca, bison, birds and more! We do not allow interaction with the exotic animals, but the guests and the animals share wonderful experiences together in the charming petting zoo. 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota Open Friday - Sunday • noon to 4 pm www.bigcathabitat.org
30 - September 2020
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What’s New at the Parks?
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Using cutting-edge technologies to transform classic 2-D cartoons into immersive 3-D adventures, it’s your ticket to entering the worlds of Mickey and Minnie’s beloved animated films. There’s no telling where this train is heading! This is an adventure for Mickey and Minnie fans of all ages. Disney's Hollywood Studios, 51 S Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL https://disneyworld.disney.go.com
The Bourne Stuntacular
THE CHASE IS ON.This stunt show leaves audiences marveling, “How on earth did they do that?” Through a cutting-edge fusion of stagecraft and film, you follow our hero Jason Bourne across three continents as sinister characters pursue him, hoping to bring him in. There are fistfights, shootouts and danger at every turn. You don’t just watch it. You feel it. Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL https://www.universalorlando.com
Ice Breaker - Coming Soon!
The Ice Breaker will feature four airtime filled launches, both backwards and forwards, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida - a 93 feet tall spike with 100 degree angle. The thrills continue as riders fly over a near vertical tophat maneuver into a series of exciting twists, turns and airtime hills. SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL https://seaworld.com/orlando
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September 2020 - 31