Read the July 2020 Issue

July 2020 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Summer Fun! 20 Great Ideas for Family Time in SWFL

Make a COVID Time Capsule

Preserve Your Memories

Hurricane Prep Checklist

It’s Time to Get Ready

Racism & Kids NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

How to Talk to Your Kids & Help Them Take Action1 neafamily.com

NOW OPEN

BY ONLINE TICKET ONLY Naples Zoo is now open to the general public by timed online tickets.

The Zoo experience will be modified to fully provide for the safety of guests, Zoo staff and the animal collection and to comply with all federal, state and local requirements and recommendations for physical distancing.

The experience will be different, but we are still the same nationally accredited Zoo and garden offering a safe, outdoor experience for children and families in our community.

Safety Updates: Social Distancing Contactless Entry Limited Capacity Additional Cleaning & Sanitizing New Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Tickets Available Online ONLY

ADDITIONAL INFO & TIMED TICKETS AT

NAPLESZOO.ORG 2

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NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

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July 2020 TABLE OF CONTENTS 12 MOMentum Mom. Meet Sherry Bryant of GirlTalkTV, who talks to us about homeschooling during a pandemic and how she talks to her sons about the Black Lives Matter movement.

by Stacy Nicolau

in every issue . . .

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

08

YOUR COMMUNITY

16

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE

on the cover…

18 How to Prepare for a Hurricane. It’s the last thing we all want to think about right now, so we’ve put together a handy checklist to help minimize the pain of getting ready.

20 20 in 2020: Summer Fun. Here are 20 great ideas for enjoying family time this summer.

by Anna Snyder 24 Help Your Kids Take Action Against Racism. This article from the Girl Scouts provides tips on how to teach our children to recognize and challenge inequality.

Santos Ramon Smith is 4 years old and is a big brother to 7-month-old Reynaldo. Santos is named after his great grandfather, who was a World War II veteran and passed away before his birth. He enjoys playing soccer and t-ball, and is fascinated with trains and blocks, especially sorting them by shapes and colors.

Cover photo by Peggy Farren of Avant Garde Photography 239-263-7001 • naplesportraits.com

27 Life During a Pandemic. Preserve your memories of this unprecedented time with a COVID-19 time capsule.

28 Talking to Children About Racism. Advice on discussing racism from a behavioral health provider.

by Phara L. Morame

The Moorings Presbyterian Preschool A vibrant learning community with a highly qualified staff

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A Mission of Naples United Church of Christ 6

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Find Us on Facebook!

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from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com 2020

2020

2020

2020

THIS MONTH: Talking it Out

Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529 Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Feature Writers Anna Snyder Katherine Baron Cover Photographer Peggy Farren naplesportraits.com Field Photographer Lisette Morales lisettemoralesart@gmail.com Intern Katie Loudermilk Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials. Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information.

We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at more than 200 distribution points throughout Collier County as well as digitally at neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2020 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

I have come to realize that, as a parent, the single most important thing I can do is to talk to my daughter. I don’t always have the answers, and I certainly don’t always say the right things. The key, however, is simply that we talk – a lot. About everything from what is happening in the world to which Riverdale cast members are dating. Keeping these lines of communication open with my teenager is my proudest achievement, especially given that I really don’t care about Cole Sprouse’s relationships.

In the weeks following George Floyd’s death, my daughter and I have discussed racism often. After our conversations, though, I’m often left wondering if I truly am helping her gain a deeper understanding of racism and the scars it leaves on individuals and our society, as well as how we can contribute to the fight against racism.

To guide all parents who are uncertain about how to approach this vital topic, we have turned to the experts. Behavioral health professional Phara L. Morame with Healthcare Network of SWFL advises us on page 28 how to talk to our kids about racism. On page 24, an article reprinted with permission from the Girl Scouts of the United States of America teaches us how to help our kids take action against racism.

Often, talking about serious subjects with our kids is easier when we are relaxed. Writer and mom Anna Snyder offers 20 great ideas for having summer fun with your family on page 20. Spend time this summer building relationships and memories.

Keep talking—

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

CCPS Provides Free Meals for Children Through Summer

C

ollier County Public Schools is supplying free meals for children under the age of 18 this summer at 19 public schools throughout the country through Summer BreakSpot, which is part of the federal Summer Food Service program. Meal distribution sites are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Weekend meals are served on Friday. In addition, meals will be delivered to Everglades City School every Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

The

Ga rd e n S c hool o f Napl e s

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An environmentally-conscious academic preschool program for children aged 2-6.

Accepting applications for enrollment now!

www.gardenschoolnaples.com

info@gardenschoolnaples.com • (239) 424-9084 • 6051 bayshore drive, naples

Naples Avalon Elementary School Big Cypress Elementary School Cypress Palm Middle School East Naples Middle School Golden Gate Elementary School Golden Gate Middle School Golden Gate High School Manatee Middle School Naples Park Elementary School Palmetto Elementary School Palmetto Ridge High School Parkside Elementary School Poinciana Elementary School Shadowlawn Elementary School Immokalee Highlands Elementary School Immokalee High School Lake Trafford Elementary School Pinecrest Elementary School Village Oaks Elementary School For more information visit collierschools.com.

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Collier Child Care Resources Announces Name Change July 1

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ollier Child Care Resources (CCCR) is hosting a virtual launch party on Facebook to announce its new name at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.

The launch party will be hosted by Matt Devitt, WINK News meteorologist, who will be joined by other local celebrities to commemorate NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

this rebranding and acknowledge CCCR’s contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CCCR has partnered with the Early Learning Coalition to provide free childcare for first responders and essential health care workers for the next several months. Recently, CCCR began enrolling the children of people returning to work in addition to essential workers.

CCCR’s board of directors initiated the rebrand last October to better reflect the organization’s current mission to break the cycle of poverty for at-risk and underserved children by providing scholarships for high-quality early education and care.

For more information call 239-643-3908 or visit www. collierchildcare.org/cccr-is-changing-its-name. To attend the virtual launch party, go to facebook.com/collierchildcare.

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Daily hours from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.

Broadway Palm Reopens with “The Sound of Music”

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roadway Palm Dinner Theatre is reopening on July 8 with a new production of The Sound of Music, and has implemented several adjustments to protect guests during the current pandemic. The show will run through Aug. 8.

The theater is operating at 50 percent of capacity, with tables spaced appropriately. Currently all meals are plated. In addition, temperature checks will be performed, and anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be admitted to the building. Employees and cast members went through an extensive evaluation before being able to return to work, and employees are required to wear protective gear and practice frequent hand washing.

“We are thrilled to be able to raise our curtain again and welcome our employees and customers back to the theatre,” said William T. Prather, owner and executive producer. “My team and I have been working hard to ensure that even with the modifications to our operation, our customers will still get the same great experience they have come to expect at Broadway Palm.”

The Sound of Music is playing through Aug. 8. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Tickets are $48 to $73, with group discounts available.

For ages 18 and younger, summer special tickets are $20. Call 239-278-4422 or visit BroadwayPalm.com for tickets.

NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS 6:30 a.m. on Friday mornings in July, PBS favorites Arthur, Peg+Cat, and Clifford all appear in episodes with people who have special needs.

For older children and their families, WGCU offers several documentaries on select Fridays in July at 9 p.m.: America Reframed: Perfectly Normal for Me on July 10; Hearts of Glass on July 24; and The Life Autistic on July 31.

For additional information visit wgcu.org

WGCU Honors ADA Anniversary with Inclusive Programming

W

GCU is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act in July by participating in the Move to Include initiative, introducing programming for children and adults that focuses on abilities, rather than disabilities.

In Hero Elementary (which airs twice a day on PBS Kids), A.J. Gadget is a budding superhero, as are his classmates. But unlike the others, Gadget is on the autism spectrum. A.J. In addition, at

Photos, left: Hero Elementary features A.J. Gadget, who is on the autism spectrum. Above: In Hearts of Glass, Mycah Miller participates in a food growing program that employs people with disabilities. Photo by Joelle Lazzareschi.

we changed our name NOT OUR MISSION Collier Child Care Resources (CCCR) is now Child's Path

While updating our Strategic Plan last October, the Board of Directors realized we needed a new name to reflect our current mission and how we have grown. Thus, CCCR was named Child’s Path on July 1, 2020. Child’s Path creates brighter futures for Collier County children and families by providing partial scholarships for high-quality early learning and care.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

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Top Rated VPK

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Gulfshore Playhouse Education Teen Conservatory Les Miserables 2019 production. Photo by Matthew Schipper.

Gulfshore Playhouse Greenlights STAR Academy Production

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ulfshore Playhouse will proceed with its STAR Academy production of The Addams Family performed by students ages 13 to 18. The show will run from July 31 to Aug. 8.

Due to COVID-19, most of Gulfshore’s summer programming was canceled. The City of Naples, however, determined that The Addams Family could move forward as part of the Phase 2 reopening. Precautionary measures will be put in place, including temperature checks, rehearsing in groups of 10 or fewer and utilizing outdoor space as much as possible, wearing masks whenever possible, and more. In addition, house capacity will remain at 50 percent for all performances.

The production is directed by associate artistic director and professional actor Jeffrey Binder, and Broadway actor Becky Timms choreographed the show.

Performances are scheduled for July 30 and 31 and Aug. 1, 5, 6, and 8 at 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 2 at 3 p.m.; and Aug. 7 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Ticket are available for $20 at gulfshoreplayhouse.org.

COMING SOON

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Family • Dental • Women Children • Senior • Pharmacy Integrated Behavioral Health 239.658.3000 | HealthcareSWFL.org

Supporting Your Healthcare Journey LOCATED AT 12655 COLLIER BLVD., NAPLES

Covenant Church of Naples Mom’s Morning Out Providing a loving environment for children while offering parents and caregivers a needed break

Fall Classes Start August 18 – Register Now! One-, Two-, and Three-Day Options Available Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Ages 2-4 years by Aug. 1

6926 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL

239.597.3464

C H U R C H o f N A P L E S | P CA

For more information, email sherry.kendrick@covenantnaples.com.

NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

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11

MOMentum Moms

By Stacy Nicolau

T

alking to July’s MOMentum Mom, Sherry Bryant, we realized that we have a lot in common. We both are raising teenagers. We both like helping our community. We both got college degrees in helping professions. We both just survived remote learning and working from home while quarantining with our families.

How we got to this point in our lives couldn’t be more different. I was raised in the south as a daughter of white Jewish Americans. Sherry was raised in South Florida as a daughter of Black Haitian immigrants. I have followed a life path that was very much expected of me: college, career, family, and achieve a lifestyle similar to or better than my parents’. The same was expected of Sherry.

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She considers herself blessed that, with her parents guidance, she has managed to be the first in her family to reach these goals.

Sherry met her high school sweetheart Stanley Bryant in 2000 while they were both students at Naples High School. They married in 2002 and started building a family while both studied at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. They returned to Naples in 2006 to move closer to family after having their second child and so that Stanley could accept the position offer as a Naples High School teacher and coach.

After spending several years as a social worker, Sherry chose to take a step back and do both paid and volunteer work for local nonprofits so she could spend more time raising her sons. Her first volunteer

opportunity was with Project Help Naples, followed by NCH, and then Hope for Haiti after she lost family members in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

Sherry and Stanley (now a Collier County Public Schools assistant principal) live in Naples with their sons, Stanley III (16) and Isaiah (14), along with their Maltese dog Chanel. The boys currently attend their parent’s alma mater, Naples High School.

She laughs that they have been blessed with another son, due to be born in October.

Sherry also has started her own digital lifestyle platform called GirlTalkTV and the nonprofit Girl Talk Project, currently awaiting 501(c)(3) status.

We met up with the Bryant family on Father’s Day weekend between a fishing NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

excursion and a family golf outing. Even though the weekend was all about Dad, the men dutifully dressed in coordinating outfits for the photos, no doubt out of respect for their mother’s wishes. They teased her about their upcoming golf game and whether she would be able to swing a golf club with her growing baby belly bump, now 24 weeks along. They waited patiently while we took photos of Sherry alone and while she talked to us. Obviously proud of her family, Sherry was beaming.

Tell us about growing up in Florida.

I was born and raised in the harder parts of Broward County. Both parents are immigrants from Haiti, who each worked two jobs. My father worked in construction and my mother worked service jobs. Their work ethic continues to inspire my younger brother and me. In 1996, my freshman year of high school, my father got a promotion within his job and purchased a home in Naples. This was a monumental point in our lives. We went from living in the ghetto, moving from apartment to apartment every few months, to Golden Gate City in Naples.

Tell us about your experience growing up in South Florida compared to SWFL. Growing up in the ghetto of South Florida our neighborhood was tough, filled with gang violence and poverty. There was a constant struggle for my parents to provide, but my neighborhood also consisted of strong Caribbean men and women with a strong sense of culture, pride, and community. My parents often reminded us where they came from, their struggles to get to America and to provide for us, and their dreams for us to break the cycle of poverty and obtain a higher education. We were also reminded how some white people viewed us or treated us because of the color of our skin, and not to allow that treatment to deter us from achieving success.

Tell us about your community involvement and GirlTalkTV. I majored in social work because I wanted to help people overcome difficult challenges in their life.

My first volunteer job was with Hope for Haiti after I lost family members in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. I started GirlTalkTV as a lifestyle brand to not only talk about fashion, beauty, health, etc., but also to curate fun local events, partnering with local charities to fundraise for important community causes.

In the past I’ve curated events benefiting local nonprofits such as Make-a-Wish SWFL, NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

Left: July MOMentum Mom Sherry Bryant is six months pregnant, and due with her third son in October. Above: The Bryant Family (L-R), Stanley Jr., Sherry, Stanley III, and Isaiah. Photos by Lisette Morales.

Bosom Buddies, Dress for Success, PACE, and most recently created a scholarship for a deserving Naples High School student, through my soon-to-be nonprofit The GirlTalk Project.

Tell us about quarantine in the Bryant home. Before quarantine I was planning a fashion show with local partners to showcase local businesses and to raise funds for a scholarship to benefit a Naples High student.

We canceled the event due to COVID-19 so I spent the first half of my quarantine issuing refunds while still fundraising. My boys are competitive by nature so naturally when e-learning began they were eager to outdo one another. Most days my oldest son got the best of my youngest by getting up by 7 a.m. The toughest part of their quarantine was not doing their team sports. We also run a tight ship, even more so now with Principal Bryant at home. The rule was no video games until school, chores, and at-home physical workouts were done.

What is it like being pregnant during a pandemic? It’s scary. I’m very much quarantined and cringe when I have to go out, especially to the grocery store. My husband does much of the shopping and errands.

As far as cleanliness, I’ve always had a strict hand-washing and shoes-off routine in my home. No germs or viruses allowed in the Bryant household.

How have you talked to your children about racism and what has been happening since George Floyd’s death? Most Black parents have race discussions with their children starting at a young age to prepare them for the realities of the world we live in today.

Black parents have to prepare their kids for possibilities such as that they may have to behave differently than a white person when pulled over by a police officer, that they may be treated differently in schools, that they may be bullied because of the color of their skin, or may be discriminated against. Black parents have to prepare their children to deal with social settings such as schools and jobs differently. The conversation is ongoing in many Black homes probably more so now with what is happening, and my teenage boys are fully aware.

How did your parents talk to your brother and you about racism when you were growing up? My parents educated us on racism through their life experiences and Continued on page 14 neafamily.com

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Continued from page 13

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always answered whatever questions we had growing up. They taught us to stay focused on the bigger picture when dealing with racism. For our home, that bigger picture – ingrained in me daily as the oldest child – was getting a higher education. There was a time my mother sent me to a public Catholic school because then she believed that it was the best education, and I was bullied for being darker, Haitian, and having an accent. When incidents occurred, my mom would respond by asking me: “Do you still have your teeth; did you learn anything today?” Or “What prayers did you learn today? If you can take the punch and it doesn’t kill you, fight back a better way.”

What conversation did you have with your oldest son when he got his driver’s license? To be respectful to law enforcement if pulled over, call us instantly, pin drop your location, and then start to record with your phone. Video recording has been a key factor in exposing racist or otherwise inappropriate law enforcement behavior. There are many wonderful police officers in the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, some that I have the honor of calling friends. But history has also shown there are police officers that do not demonstrate proper police ethics.

Explain how you have supported the BLM movement. The Black Lives Matter organization was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman, an adult white male who was on trial for killing Trayvon Martin, a Black teenage boy. The organization’s purpose is to fight for equality and justice. While I’m not an official member of the organization, I share the mission. The hashtag and phrase “Black Lives Matter” was created to help further the purpose and bring awareness to racial injustices and to make the point that the lives of Black people are just as valuable as other races.

For more than 400 years Black people have not been treated equally.

The BLM movement is the result of today’s generation of young people standing together and exclaiming that “enough is enough.”

I’ve been extremely proud of people of different races who have joined the movement to help with changing how Black people are treated in America. To be a part of the movement, I’ve used my GirlTalkTV platform for social media activism, including social media posts and hosting live interactive conversations. The response has been tremendously supportive. One of the most important things that this has done is allow people from various backgrounds to have a conversation and listen to one another in a nonjudgmental environment.

How do you respond after seeing your social media friends and followers post racist or anti-BLM comments? The beauty of social media is the ability to hit the unfollow button. That’s what I’ve done in many cases when I have come across social media friends who post racist comments or anti-BLM comments. Those whom I consider to be my closest friends, I have initiated talking with them about understanding racism, BLM, and the protests.

Are you hopeful that things will change in regard to racism, inequality, and social justice? Yes, I’m extremely hopeful. Back people in America are not asking for the impossible. We’re all taught at a young age to do what is right, treat others as you want to be treated, respect your peers, and to be fair. We’re beginning to see significant change in policy, which is a major factor for sustaining change. Hopefully we’ll continue to see change. More white people are listening, learning, and uniting in the fight for equality. We want our boys to be given the same opportunities, and as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, to “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

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COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Jennifer Kupiec

CCPS Tax-Neutral Referendum on August Primary Ballot

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e are nearing the primary election Aug. 18, and voters this year have the opportunity to affect the education of our community’s children for years to come. On the ballot, voters will notice a Collier County Public Schools’ (CCPS) tax-neutral referendum.

Although it will not result in any tax increase, the referendum will help maintain and improve our status as an academically high-performing district.

Historically, state funding has not covered the costs of education. Twenty Florida counties have passed tax-increase referendums to help with the funding crisis.

These 20 districts represent 65% of all the students in Florida, which is now the third most populous state behind California and Texas. To be clear, the August referendum will be tax-neutral, meaning it will not result in a tax increase.

Public school districts utilize two types of funds: capital and operating. Think of them as buckets, if you will. Local, state, and federal taxes fund both buckets, with laws restricting how the money is used.

Capital funds pay for projects like facilities, equipment, and debt payments. Operating dollars allow us to recruit and retain a high-quality staff, and pay for student transportation, athletics, supplies, utilities, and more. Funds from the capital “bucket” cannot be used to support the operating “bucket” without approval from the public.

A vote is required through a referendum in order to provide this flexibility.

In 2008, CCPS proposed its first tax-neutral referendum, which was approved by voters, allowing the district flexibility to utilize capital funding to support operations. In 2012, voters renewed the referendum, which ended in 2016. For the past four years, CCPS has been able to utilize a reserve budget for shortfalls, but that reserve will soon run out.

With funding flexibility during the last 12 years, student achievement at CCPS has soared. The Florida Department of Educa16

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tion named CCPS an “A” school district for three straight years, making us one of only 11 of the 67 districts in the state to earn that distinction. CCPS now ranks fifth in the state – up from 33rd in 2011 – and our high school graduation rate is the highest it ever has been, at 91.9%.

To maintain CCPS as a highperforming school district and meet the needs of students, we need flexibility to use capital dollars for operating expenses.

The referendum, if approved, will span up to four years, beginning July 2021. It will

E

reduce ad valorem taxes up to .35 mills for capital funding and shift ad valorem taxes up to .35 mills for operating expenses. It also will provide charter schools with their proportionate share, as required by law, and allow us to maintain high-quality staff and programs, all without increasing taxes.

With the community’s support, CCPS can continue its positive momentum to ensure the children of Collier County are college, career, and life ready. For more information, visit www.collierschools.com/ referendum.

Get Out and Vote on Aug. 18

lection Day is approaching, and if you are new to Collier County or a newly turned 18-year-old, be sure to register to vote by July 20. Once registered, you can participate in the regular election on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To accommodate busy schedules, early voting will be held Aug. 8-15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Locations are listed below.

Mail-in ballots also are offered, and a request must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Aug. 8 at colliervotes.com/Vote-by-Mail/Vote-byMail-Ballot-Request-Form or call 239-252VOTE (8683) Vote-by-mail ballots must be returned to the supervisor of elections office at 3750 Enterprise Ave. in Naples by 7 p.m. on Aug. 18; or by 6 p.m. at the North Collier Government Service Center, 2335 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples.

Completed ballots also can be dropped off at early voting sites Aug. 8-15.

Early voting locations: • Collier County Government Complex, 3311 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples • Everglades City Hall, 102 Copeland Ave. N., Everglades City • Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples • Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. First St., Immokalee • Collier County Library Headquarters, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples • Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island • Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples • North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples • Supervisor of Elections Office, 3750 Enterprise Ave., Naples For a complete list of candidates go to CollierVotes.com.

NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

VOTE JIM 2020

for

Collier County Clerk of Courts

Jim Molenaar, Esq., MBA Strong Leadership in Times of Change

NNN As a former Law Enforcement Officer, Asst. State Attorney, and Sr. Legal Counsel for the Collier Clerk of Courts.

I have vast experience investigating fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayers’ dollars. I am the most qualified candidate to guard Collier County’s $1.4 billion budget.

NNN

VoteJim2020.com Facebook.com/VoteJim2020 Shorturl.at/cnuBE

Twitter.com/real_molenaar Instagram.com/voteforjim2020

Paid for by James D. Molenaar (R) Candidate for Collier County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller.

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How to Prepare With so many other distractions in our lives right now, it is hard to comprehend that we are in the thick of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30. Hurricane Irma taught us how essential it is to be prepared, whether we decide to stay and weather the storm or leave town. The pandemic has presented us with even more challenges in our preparation. For example, some items such as disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer are difficult to track down, and not all hotels are open for those of us who evacuate. This year, more than ever, it pays to plan ahead. Here are some checklists to help you with preparations for your family and home.

Household Supplies o Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils o Large black garbage bags o Work gloves o Tarps o Cooler o Propane for your grill or a camping stove and extra fuel o Baby wipes o Extra diapers and pullups o Plastic bucket with a tight lid o Batteries o Battery-powered or hand-crank radio o Flashlights and lanterns o Extra toilet paper o Disinfecting wipes o Hand sanitizer o Bleach o Prescription medications (7-day supply) o Nonprescription medications, such as pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, allergy medication, antacid, and laxatives o Pet food, supplies, and medication

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Food and Water (at least 3 days’ worth) o Baby food and formula o Canned meat, vegetables, and fruit o Peanut butter o Bread and crackers o Nuts, dried fruit, and trail mixes o Granola bars o Instant noodles o At least 1 gallon of water per day for each person in your household (for both drinking and hygiene) o Instant coffee or tea bags o Powered or evaporated milk o Bottled or canned juices o Sports drinks Comfort Items o Battery-powered or rechargeable fans o Treats such as brownies, chips, etc. o Adult beverages Entertainment o Download movies ahead of time o Cards/games/toys o Books/magazines (charge your e-reader) o Simple crafts

NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

for a Hurricane Prepare Your House o Determine if you need hurricane shutters o If you have shutters, check that all roll-down shutters and screens are working properly, and if you have accordion shutters, ensure that you know how to install them and have all of the necessary hardware and tools o If you don’t have shutters, purchase plywood well in advance to board up your windows o Trim back trees o Move outdoor items, such as potted plants, lanai furniture, etc., indoors o Clean out gutters and drains o Top off your pool o Fill your bathtub with water to use to flush toilets if water is disconnected o Make room in your garage for vehicles o Wash all of your laundry o Use the food in your freezer

Prep Your Life o Gather essential documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, utility bills (to check on outages and help you gain access to your area after the storm), etc. to take with you if you evacuate, or protect in a waterproof container o Backup your computer hard drive to the cloud or an external drive that can be transported easily or protected in a waterproof container o Plan for your pets: Make sure you have the right crates for travel; reserve a boarding spot; or arrange for care in your home if you leave town o Keep your gas tank full o Create an evacuation plan with your family o Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes o Know where local shelters are located (check fema.gov/mobile-app) o If you plan to evacuate, make reservations for air travel and hotels as far ahead as possible

Useful Websites nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php (National Hurricane Center) redcross.org (American Red Cross) ready.gov/hurricanes (Department of Homeland Security) hurricanesafety.org/prepare/hurricane-safety-checklists (National Hurricane Survival Initiative) www.fema.gov (Federal Emergency Management Agency) noaa.gov (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

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floridarevenue.com/disasterprep (Florida Department of Revenue)

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20 in 2020 Great Ideas for Summer Fun

By Anna Snyder

After the year we’ve had so far, we all need some summer fun. Ordinarily, we visit family during the summer and often are away for several weeks. While we’re in town, I tend to “phone it in” – we laze around, watch TV, read, head to the beach here and there, and do crafts willy-nilly. This year, with no travel on my horizon, I get to step it up and create excitement for my little family. Care to join in our fun?

1. Visit a Collier County aquatic attraction. The Golden Gate Aquatic Center, the Immokalee Sports Complex, and the Eagle Lakes Community Aquatic Park Facility all are reopen with various time and capacity limits in place. Low-cost and family-oriented, these pools boast attentive lifeguards and water features geared toward children of all ages.

2. Establish a weekly beach date with a group of families.

Working within the Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines, create a fun tradition of going to the beach every Tuesday (or whatever day works best). Pick a different beach each week, and enjoy being outside. Go early to avoid the intense midday sun and the afternoon thunderstorms. Take pictures each week, and at the end of the summer, decide together which beach you enjoyed best.

3. Create a backyard water park. There are so many ideas online on how to create water features using giant plastic bags, a garden hose, sprinklers, and other items. Connecting inflatable pools and toddler slides can create hours of fun for a wide range of ages.

4. Purchase a Florida State Parks annual pass, and plan a variety of day trips around the state. Most of the Florida State Parks now are open in some capacity. There are dozens of state park beaches, historical sites, battlefields, mounds, and primitive islands that represent a variety of ecosystems, all within a few hours’ drive.

5. Work on your snorkel skills, and end the summer with a trip to Key Largo to try out your new talent. Purchase quality snorkel gear and practice at Wiggins Pass, Marco Island, or various beaches around Collier County. Plan an end-of-summer day trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located on Key Largo.

6. Sign up for the Collier County Library summer reading program, Imagine Your Story. Participants from preschool through high school can sign up, report the number of books they 20

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NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

read, and download activities – all online. Each week, a different librarian releases a short video that aligns with a weekly theme and includes a fun project using common household items. The library also offers downloadable weekly coloring and activity booklets.

7. Attend the Third Street Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. Go early, bring your masks, grab a cup of coffee and a pastry, and peruse the market. Then, walk to nearby Naples Pier to catch a glimpse of some dolphins and shore birds.

8. Try out “coffee shopping.” Pack up a craft backpack and take your kids to one of the many independent coffee shops around town for a morning treat. Sitting together and working on a coloring book or making beaded necklaces is a great way to connect with your child.

9. Create a “random acts of kindness day” each week. Designate a day to serve another person or family. Have your children brainstorm ways to show kindness and care for other people in the community. Making cookies for a neighbor, writing thank you notes to doctors and nurses, or washing someone’s car are great ways to serve and demonstrate love while maintaining a social distance.

10. Pick a chapter book to read aloud to your family during meal times. All children, regardless of age, typically are attentive while eating, so meals represent the ideal setting for reading aloud.

After you’ve finished, watch the movie. Great options include: The Chronicles of Narnia, Because of Winn Dixie, Charlotte’s Web, The Hobbit, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, The BFG, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Stuart Little, and Bridge to Terabithia.

11. Set a mileage goal for your family bike rides or nightly walks. If your family enjoys biking together, create a plan to ride a certain amount of miles during Summer 2020. When you reach your goal, buy or make matching T-shirts.

Photo by Peggy Farren

12. Decorate T-shirts or tote bags. There are so many methods for decorating clothing – puffy paints, iron-on designs using fine-grain sand paper and crayons, computer-generated iron transfers, stick-on letters, sew-on patches, embroidery, and tie dye, to name a few.

13. Create a summer journal. Print out pictures every time you do something fun and have your children put it in their summer journal alongside a few sentences about what you did. Be sure to record the date.

14. Go bowling. Beacon Bowl and Head Pinz are open with increased sanitation measures and social distancing guidelines in place.

15. Choose a bird of the week to learn about, draw, and spot this summer. Check out the helpful resource The Living Gulf Coast: A Nature Guide to Southwest Florida. Pick a common bird, read about it, and then spend the next week looking for it around your neighborhood. Ibises, cardinals, blue jays, red-bellied woodpeckers, wood storks, anhingas, and swallow-tailed kites all are great options.

16. Schedule your very own Season 1 of The Great [insert your last name here] Bake Off. Come up with a theme, and have children create baked goods over the course of a day. Designate judges, and offer prizes in several categories.

Continued on page 22 NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

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Continued from page 21 17. Create a weekly art project day. Gather supplies, and pick a day each week to designate as “Cool Craft Day.” Paintable sidewalk chalk, pulled string art, melted/blended crayon ideas, bleeding tissue paper, friendship bracelets, permanent marker crafts – so many quick, easy, inexpensive ideas are just a Google away.

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18. Hide several Emergency Boredom Bags in your closet for challenging days. Gather age-appropriate items from the dollar store and create a bunch of brown paper lunch bag kits for each of your kids. Having some tricks up your sleeve is always a good idea for changing the narrative.

19. Go through the alphabet this summer. Tell your kids tomorrow is “A” day, and have them brainstorm activities, food, shows, movies, and games that begin with the letter A (and so on).

Use items you already have on hand, and pick an animal, bird, plant, or sea creature that begins with the letter of the day to research as a family – you get the idea.

20. Visit one of Southwest Florida’s family-friendly farms.

Southern Fresh Farms in Fort Myers has a variety of animals that visitors can feed, along with a play area for children. The Adventure Park at Springtime Plant Farm in Fort Myers has a massive petting zoo, playground, aviaries, and a jumping pillow. In Alva, 31 Produce has opportunities for children to mine for rocks and fossils, as well as visit their petting zoo to fee animals. There are lots more around town, and it is always interesting to learn about the ways in which farming contributes to our local ecosystems.

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PARENTING

Help Your Kids Take Action Against Racism

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henever we see injustice, we all have a responsibility to confront it. Every day, no matter our background or our age, every single one of us has a role to play in taking on an unfair system while working to build a new one that truly works for all. Guiding our children in learning to recognize and challenge structures and practices that fuel inequality and cause harm helps them play an active role in creating the positive change our society needs.

While we should be having conversations about race and racism regularly, checking in with your child is crucial when racist violence claims lives and sparks widespread protest, grief, and unrest around the nation. Kids of all ages, backgrounds, and skin tones are feeling a range of emotions in response. They’re sad, scared, angry, and confused.

What’s the number-one thing that can help your child process these feelings?

Talking with an adult she trusts and loves – you – and then finding ways to take positive action.

It may be tempting to avoid the topic of race and racism altogether – especially

for those who were taught it’s something that isn’t polite to discuss – but statistics show that justice, health, and education systems aren’t fair in basic ways that can negatively affect a child’s life on a foundational level. A child’s family, education, safety, and well-being make these conversations a must for those who support a just and equal world for all children.

• In every state, black girls are twice as likely to be suspended from school as white girls even though they don’t misbehave more frequently, according to a 2019 study by the National Women’s Law Center. These suspensions impact educational attainment and career prospects.

• Children raised in Black, Latinx, and Native American households are more likely to live in homes with higher unemployment and lower incomes than white children. These inequities increase their risk for health problems and make it more likely they will receive less, and lower quality, education, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Youth of color are more likely to be incarcerated than white youth, disrupting their education, impacting their health

and emotional well-being, and limiting their options for the future.

Having honest discussions about race is important for all families, and it’s vital to have them on a regular basis, even if you find it uncomfortable or you think your kids already know about racism and understand right from wrong. Yet while discussion is great, it’s only one part of it. It’s also important to look at how your child’s life is structured and lived every day. Who does she see in her neighborhood, at school, and in positions of power around her?

So, how do you begin?

Be straightforward, ask questions, and listen For starters, don’t avoid the topic.

Pressing mute can make your children think that talking about race and racism is off-limits or that the status quo is acceptable, when real conversation on these topics is actually what they need most and what will help you all be part of the solution.

In fact, “choosing” whether to talk to your kids about racism and its consequences is not a decision every family

2017

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NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

gets to make. It’s often a necessary, even life-saving, conversation from the earliest ages, especially for Black families and other families of color.

Trish Tchume, who works on racial justice issues across communities, remembers her mom initiating a conversation with her when she was just 5 or 6 years old about how, as a black girl, she would be treated differently than her white friends.

“She was telling me that when I was with my mostly white friends at the mall or out at the pool, they’d come up with ideas of ways to test boundaries that might be harmless for them, but that would not be harmless for me. She was telling me to think and be more careful because black kids – and adults, too – are treated differently than white kids when they talk back to authority figures or break the rules” like all kids do at some point.

“My mom wasn’t trying to hurt my feelings; she was trying to keep me safe,” she adds.

You don’t need a big speech. Ask what she’s seen and heard, and listen to what she says. Let her know that whatever she’s feeling is okay, including if she’s scared, uncomfortable, or angry.

“You might think she’ll feel more afraid if you admit you don’t have all the answers, but in my experience with kids, and in fact all humans, people feel comforted and better supported when they’re met with honesty and emotion,” says Tchume.

Teach kids to identify racism To make discussion about race and

Saying everyone is the same implies that everyone has the same experiences and is treated the same in our society – which statistics and the everyday discrimination faced by Black people and other people of color show isn’t the case.

racism a part of “normal” conversation in your home, start when your kids are young. According to Erin N. Winkler, Ph.D., who studies talking with children about race, it’s never too early to start.

Young children start to reflect the bias prevalent in their society. In the United States that often means a bias toward whiteness.

“If you look at the media they are consuming and what comes out of that – the princess or character they want to be for Halloween for example – you can see that it starts early,” says Winkler.

So, what can you do? It’s important to pay attention to what’s in your home.

Having toys, books, and shows you watch that feature diverse characters in a variety of roles can help balance a narrative from society that often places only white characters at the center.

Talking about who’s left out and who’s included, and how they’re treated when they are included, is important.

When you read a book or watch TV with your kids, are there any diverse characters at all? If there are, how are they portrayed?

Are they in a lead role? Do they reflect stereotypes or do they have dimension?

Beyond characters in books and movies, when they are in school and learning about history, whose history are they learning about?

Whenever you’re met with exclusion based on race, ask if they think that’s fair, how it makes them feel, and how your family might work together to fight these everyday types of racism.

“Fairness is a really great way into this topic with kids. It’s a concept they understand,” says Winkler.

Teach kids the value of diversity and inclusion, and to embrace our differences Saying “we’re all the same” or “I don’t see color” might be well-intentioned, but it perpetuates racism because it disregards part of people’s identities. Plus, saying everyone is the same implies that everyone has the same experiences and is treated the same in our society – which statistics and the everyday discrimination faced by Black people and other people of color show isn’t the case.

Instead, talk with your kids about how we can honor and celebrate our Continued on page 26

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Continued from page 25 differences, and about how we all, with our unique backgrounds and experiences, bring beauty to the world in so many different ways.

“I’m proud and excited to be Black.

Anything that causes another person to erase a part of who they are to fit in, to be seen, to be loved? That’s not good or helpful,” says Tchume.

Empower kids to challenge racism when they see it Racism isn’t always violent or overt.

It appears in many forms, and it is rooted in the false belief that the white experience is standard and that white people are superior to others.

Your community and what your children see every day in their world counts.

“It’s not just what you say; it’s also what you do and what [they see] and the way everyday life is set up for [them].

What [do they] hear at school? Who [do they] see in your neighborhood? Kids take all of that in and learn by seeing what’s

can’t explain systemic racism to other adults, it might be hard to explain it to young children in a way that feels right to you.”

Tchume suggests being open and talking with your children about the fact that you’re learning at the same time they are. Seeing that grownups don’t have all the answers either, and that you often have to do some work to find out the best ways to help, will show them that making meaningful change takes patience and dedication.

You also can talk with them about actions you’re taking for positive change as an adult, including voting. Let them know about things they can do or that you can do together as a family. Writing letters to your elected representatives urging them to support anti-racist policies (and holding them accountable for their actions), and connecting with groups in your community Learn and take action together Although families of different back- that are working for equality are just a few grounds come to these conversations from of the many ways you and your children different places, one thing that can help can help build a just world for all. many parents and caregivers is educating themselves to increase their understanding Reprinted with permission from the Girl and comfort level, says Winkler. “If you Scouts of the United States of America. around them. It influences how they see race,” says Winkler.

Also, some parents approach racism as a “settled issue,” when it’s still very much an issue in the everyday lives of many families.

Racism didn’t end with the Civil Rights movement. Showing kids that people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, as well as everyday people who’ve taken action against injustice, had roles in making change can help them understand we all have a role to play and that they can help make things better, says Winkler. It empowers them. “Teaching them to look for the people in the community who are helping, and showing them that there are people out there committed to making change now is also a great way” to engage kids.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

LIFE DURING COVID-19

Preserving Memories with a

COVID TIME CAPSULE

M

ajor news events like 9/11, the Challenger explosion, the 2008 economic recession, and now, a pandemic mark our lives. It’s a crazy time!

COVID-19 is affecting almost every part of our daily life. Years from now, our children will tell their grandchildren about living through the 2020 pandemic. Eventually it will be a distant memory even if that day seems far off.

An inexpensive and fun family project that will help us remember this moment in time is building a COVID Family Time Capsule. Yes, you will have digital memories: photos and videos you’ve recorded from the past several months. But having a tangible reminder of this time is a different experience than looking at pictures or videos on your phone or iPad. The process is simple: Gather items of significance to your family that will remind you of this point in time to be safely buried or stored away. Then, choose a time in the future to open the capsule as a family.

Choose your container based on how you will store your time capsule. If you want to go all in, purchase a waterproof, stainless steel capsule that can be buried safely for many years (available from Amazon.com). If your capsule will reside in the attic or a storage closet, a sturdy box will

NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

suffice. You can exercise your creativity and decorate the container itself or simply label it “COVID-19 Time Capsule” with the date to be opened.

Things you could include: • A “porch photo.” These photos of families assembled on their front porch or near their front door have become quite popular while we shelter at home. You can set up your phone on a timer or enlist a friend or neighbor to take the photo from a safe distance.

• A newspaper or magazine. A great addition would be a copy of the Naples Daily News from mid-March onward or the May issue of Neapolitan Family, when our cover was a porch photo. Or print a few of the important stories from the pandemic from a publication’s website.

• Journal entries or a written record of time sheltering. Ask the kids to write a short essay about what it’s been like to be at home with family 24/7. For those too young to write, ask them leading questions, and write the answers for them.

Make sure Mom and Dad get into the act with essays of their own. Be honest – talk about the good and the bad.

• Have the kids draw a map of the house. Where are they doing their school

work? Which room has become the office for Mom or Dad? Where are you gathering to play games and read?

• Family letters. Ask each family member to write a letter to their future self at the age they will be when the capsule is opened. Where do you hope to be, and what do you expect to be doing?

• A scorecard from a game you played as a family.

• Handprint tracing of each family member.

• A list of the TV shows you watched.

• A list of things you are looking forward to when all restrictions are lifted.

• A mask, a 6-foot piece of string (a reminder of socially distancing), a square of toilet paper, or other tangible symbols of time sheltering in place.

• Homeschooling schedule.

• Food delivery order sheet.

A COVID time capsule is a great way to capture memories during this unprecedented time. It also serves as a useful exercise in exploring feelings and creating a space for your family members to discuss what sheltering in place has been like for each of you.

Reprinted with permission from Monterey Bay Parent magazine. neafamily.com

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YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH

By Phara L. Morame, behavioral health provider, Healthcare Network

Talking to Children About Racism

F

or many adults, the murder of George Floyd is like an open wound into which salt and vinegar have been poured. With images of protests over racism and police brutality all over the media, many children may experience similar emotions as adults, including sadness, anger, confusion, and (in some cases) guilt. It is normal to feel these emotions when our well-being seems threatened, and when we feel unstable, uncertain, or helpless. Children are curious and yearn for knowledge. Unfortunately, many adults are uncomfortable discussing difficult topics with children. Racism and violence are subjects that must not be ignored, and it is more important than ever to talk to children about these topics.

Tips for talking with children about racism and violence: 1. Acknowledge. Children may want to talk about racism and violence. Denial can create more confusion. Your response or lack of response can make a world of difference.

2. Actively observe and listen. Check in with your child and engage by asking for their opinion. (What do you think about the riots? How do you feel? What do you think would help?) Pay attention to changes in behavior and allow space when needed.

Giving children space to process their emotions helps to shape and build autonomy while providing reassurance that you are available.

Validate their feelings by letting them know that it is normal to feel

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NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020

worried right now and that you are worried, too. By empathizing with them, they may not feel so alone.

3. Educate without suggestions. Ask them what they already know about racism and violence and build on that. It also is important to discuss the history of racism in the United States. Racism and violence cannot be a one-time only conversation – ongoing dialogues and learning are needed.

4. Avoid disruption of relationships. Be careful to not disrupt already formed and healthy relationships. Allow kids to be kids.

They need normalcy. For teens, discourage posting racist thoughts on Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or other social media.

This is a form of violence and can be very damaging. Remember, racism is a learned behavior. No one is born a racist.

5. Address the whys. “Why are the protests/riots happening?”

Be honest and open. Let them know that people are exercising their First Amendment right to free speech by telling the world they are not being treated equally. If you don’t have an answer, it is okay to say you don’t know and commit to helping them find the answers. Do not try to rationalize or justify violence or racist behavior. Discuss the difference between protest and riot. Peaceful protest is okay. Rioting involves destruction of property, and it is a form of disorderly conduct. It is not okay.

6. Talk to biracial children. Parents of biracial children can find themselves at a loss when it comes to answering questions.

Biracial children may feel rejected. They may experience anxiety and guilt, and internalize events. Remind the child that it is not their fault and that they are not responsible. Parents are encouraged to focus on justice rather than taking a side.

7. Support yourself. To help children process their emotions, parents must first get their own emotions under control without concealing or avoiding them. Reach out to your support system.

8. Support children. After giving the child space to sort through their emotions, you may want to reach out to professionals to minimize the number of people they must speak to in order to process their emotions. To help reduce their stress, start a journal if the child is of age, pretend play-practicing being in a safe place, encourage self-expression through art, and encourage mindfulness practice. All can help teach the child to pause. Parental modeling of emotional regulation also is important.

For a list of children’s books that support conversations on race, racism, and resistance, visit www.embracerace.org/ resources/26-childrens-books-to-support-conversations-on-raceracism-resistance.

PHARA L. MORAME, LCSW, MCAP, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in social work, and is a Certified Master’s Level Addiction Professional. She is part of Healthcare Network’s integrated behavioral and mental health team and is fluent in Haitian Creole, French, and English. For information about Healthcare Network, visit healthcareswfl.org.

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FIRST-CLA

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1495 Smith Preserve Way Naples, Florida 34102 NEAPOLITANfamily • July 2020 239.262.0304