Neapolitan Family June 2017

June 2017 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY

105 Gift Ideas For Father’s Day Dads on Duty Taking Flight With Autism Make Your Own Baby Food Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Happy Father’s Day! neafamily.com

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YMCA SUMMER CAMP PRICING There is no place like the YMCA Summer Camp – A home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow in the outdoors, while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime.

Kids discover not just the wonders of day camp but the joy of exploring their unique traits, talents and interests and the power of sharing their strengths and skills to benefit the group. That’s why more than 700 kids in Collier County attended the Y’s summer camp last year; to belong, achieve and build relationships.

In addition to weekly themes, campers will enjoy: • Weekly Field Trips • Themed Activities • Large Group Games • Small Group Activities • Team Building Activities • Snack and Lunch • Swimming • Sports • Fun Ceremonies • Arts and Crafts • Environmental Education • Performing Arts • Sports Camps* • Swim Team*

WHEN YOU SIGN UP & PAY FOR THE ENTIRE SUMMER!

Find the registration forms online at: www.GreaterNaplesYMCA.org

SUMMER CAMP STARTS JUNE 2nd!

Visit www.GreaterNaplesYMCA.org to sign up today! *Visit www.greaternaplesymca.org for details!

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Now Taking Booth Reservations!

BACK TO SCHOOL EXPO ’17

Saturday, Aug. 12 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples • Free school supplies!

• Games and arts & crafts • Face painting • Over 60 vendors with the information Collier County parents need to kick off the new school year.

FREE admission!

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Cover Kids Contest at the Expo!

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We’ll have a professional photographer on hand to take your child’s photo AND you’ll get to keep the digital file. Our staff will pick our 12 favorites to appear on our cover. Stay tuned for r Kids r You o f n more details this summer! ion Fu Elect ily.com

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Booths sell out quickly! Call 239-370-5333 or email info@neafamily.com to reserve yours today.

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

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June 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS

in every issue . . .

07

FROM THE PUBLISHER

08

PARENT PREVIEWS Movie reviews for the entire family

10

CITY CONNECTION City of Naples Parks News and Events

11

COLLIER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE

12

COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Community safety

17

FAMILY LAW Guidance from legal experts

23

THE OUTNUMBERED MOTHER Advice from Amy Hunter

on the cover…

Elize, 11, is the daughter of Dr. Marilyn Sandor of Naples Pediatric Dentistry.

She just finished 5th grade at The Village School and enjoys art, dance, singing, and playing the drums.

18 Dads on Duty. Three local fathers share how their lives revolve around their children.

by Leigh Tahirovic 20 105 Gift Ideas for Dad. Be original this year, and give a gift that is as unique as the man you are honoring.

by Christina Katz 21 Celebrate Father’s Day. Choose from 10 local events to make his day extra special.

40 Taking Flight With Autism.

Learn what resources are available to help your family’s travel plans reach new heights this summer.

by Anna Snyder 42 Destination: Blue Ridge Parkway. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway in the mountains of North Carolina.

by Karen T. Bartlett 44 Make Your Own Baby Food. It’s easier than you think.

by Anna Snyder

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

Students Pursuing Advanced Reasoning & Knowledge • small group classes for homeschooled students

• math, science, language arts, social studies • experienced teachers • ability grouping

www.sparkofswfl.com • 239-989-4155 4

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

SUMMERDANCE 2017 This summer we will offer weekly thematic five day dance camps for children Ages 3-8. Our structured, fun-filled camps will include multiple styles of dance, arts & crafts and other fun dance activities that will keep your dancer focused and leave them with happy memories and a wonderful summer experience. Crafts and a camp T-shirt are included. Each week will conclude with an In-Studio demonstration, so plan to bring your cameras!

er Summ c n Da e begins

2th

June 1

5385 Jaeger Rd Naples, FL 34109

Start the Fun at www.NaplesSummerCamp.com

239.566.3535

Investing in the Future of Our Community.

child development

after school care

summer day camp

1 to 5 years old Monday through Friday 7:30 am - 6:00 pm (239) 417-2315 Maria Covarrubias

6 to 14 years old Monday through Friday after school - 6:30 pm (239) 210-4019 Paul Conklin

6 to 14 years old Monday through Friday 7:30 am - 5:30 pm (239) 210-4019 Paul Conklin

Child Development Center Director

Fran Cohen Youth Center Coordinator

Fran Cohen Youth Center Coordinator

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

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Hours: 7AM-6PM Begins: June 5th 2017 Free Enrollment!

Call 239-261-7442 Weekly field trips including Sun & Fun Lagoon, Seagate Park, the Movie Theater, the Children’s Museum, The Imaginarium, and more! Small group sizes for one on one instruction and activities. Summer review and curriculum to keep minds active, exploring, and learning while having fun. Join us this summer for adventure, excitement, and making memories that last. Certified teachers, private facility with cameras, gated entry, and snacks included.

Precious Cargo Academy 5200 Crayton Road Naples, FL 34103 6

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman graphic design, accounting, editorial lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529 Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau advertising, marketing, social media, editorial snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Feature Writers Anna Snyder Leigh Tahirovic Cover Photographer Peggy Farren Intern Rebecca Barton 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 which 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 ©2017 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

THIS MONTH: Father’s Day & Summer

Take a deep breath -- we made it! Another school year is in the books. We’ve been looking forward to leaving behind homework, car line, and finding forgotten permission slips crumpled at the bottom of backpacks. But even as we celebrate the end of this school year, we’re looking forward to the next, because we are excited to announce the date of our Back to School Expo at the Greater Naples YMCA. Keep Saturday, August 12 open in your calendar. This year, we’re adding our Cover Kids contest to the mix. We’ll have a professional photographer on hand to capture an image of your adorable child, and our staff will choose our 12 favorites to appear on our cover. Stand by for more details over the summer in the magazine, on our website, and on our Facebook page.

During June, we are celebrating dads. We have 105 unique gift ideas on page 20, along with a roundup of local Father’s Day events on page 21. On page 18, three fathers shared with writer Leigh Tahirovic how their lives revolve around caring for their children.

If you haven’t finalized summer vacation plans yet, you may want to consider the North Carolina mountains after reading Karen Bartlett’s article about the Blue Ridge Parkway on page 42. For families with children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory disorders, Anna Snyder provides resources and advice on page 40 to help your family take flight this year.

We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Barton to the magazine as our summer intern. She is a graduate of Naples High School and currently is a student at Florida State University, and already is a valuable member of our team.

Happy Summer!

Leigh Ann neafamily.com

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MOVIE REVIEWS

By Parent Previews

Family Movie Reviews from Publisher’s note: We welcome Parent Previews this month, which is replacing the retiring Reel Life With Jane column. We hope you continue to use the information provided to decide which movies to enjoy with your family.

New movies for kids and teens in June include Wonder Woman and Captain Underpants, as well as new installments for Cars, Despicable Me, and Transformers. Here’s a sneak peek at all the new movies for kids and teens this month. Note that release dates are subject to change.

THE MUMMY (2017) MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, action and scary images, some suggestive content and partial nudity.

In Theaters June 9 Universal Pictures

Photo © Warner Brothers

WONDER WOMAN MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of violence and action, and some suggestive content.

In Theaters June 2 Warner Brothers Leaving her sheltered home in the Amazon, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) discovers a wider world in need of a hero – and that is when Wonder Woman is born. Violent depictions and weapons use will be frequent in this superhero plot.

by Kevin Hart and Thomas Middleditch) do in this animated movie. Then they turn the administrator (voice of Ed Helms) into a comic superhero and call him Captain Underpants. Based on a book series by Dav Pilkey, you can expect some silly antics and lack of respect for authority in this kids’ movie.

No amount of time, dessert sand or bandages can keep this mummy (Sofia Boutella) under wraps! Full of frightening transformations, frequent violence, and some seductive moves, this ancient queen who feels she was treated unjustly in her own time, is quick to try to settle old grudges when she is accidentally awakened in the modern world.

MEGAN LEAVEY MPAA Rating: PG-13 for war violence, language, suggestive material, and thematic elements In Theaters June 9 Bleeker Street

MPAA Rating: PG for mild rude humor throughout In Theaters June 2 20th Century Fox If you can’t say anything nice about your school principal – hypnotize him! Or at least that is what two creative kids (voiced 8

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Photo © Twentieth Century Fox

CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

marine life around Mexico get trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean.

This thriller has a bit more bite than teen viewers may be bargaining on.

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST NIGHT MPAA Rating: Pending In Theaters June 21 Paramount Pictures The Transformers make a fifth return to the big screen for an even bigger action adventure. This time, as the humans and Transformers wage war, Optimus Prime discovers the only way to save the future is to find an artifact from the past. Not yet rated, this CGI-enhanced film will likely fall in the PG-13 range (as did all the others in the series) because of violent action and battle sequences.

Photo © Disney/Pixar

DESPICABLE ME 3 MPAA Rating: PG for action and rude humor In Theaters June 30 Universal Pictures Reformed bad guy Gru (voice of Steve Carell), super-spy Lucy (voice of Kristen Wiig) and the yellow minions (voiced by of Pierre Coffin) return in this third despicable adventure where they try to catch the bubble-gum-chewing villain Balthazar Bratt (voice of Trey Parker). As in the first two animations, slapstick violence and potty humor are sure to be part of the crazy caper.

CARS 3 MPAA Rating: G In Theaters June 16 Disney/Pixar Wanting to prove that he isn’t too old to still be in the game, Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) enters the Piston Cup and takes on a new generation of racers – with a little help from his old friends.

Fans of this franchise and youngster being introduced for the first time will find few content concerns in this animated view of car racing.

47 METERS DOWN MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences intense peril, bloody images, and brief strong language In Theaters June 16 Dimension Films

Photo © Universal Pictures

Megan Leavey (Kate Mara) is a Marine assigned to work with a military combat dog.

Based on a true story, the movie follows the pair who face many dangerous missions during their deployment in Iraq. This tale of canine courage includes war violence, injury and some sexual content.

A fight for survival ensues after two sisters (Mandy Moore, Claire Holt) exploring

MONTHLY SENSORY FRIENDLY SCREENINGS Lights are Up, Sound is Down, and You are Totally Free to Move Around!

VIEW THE LINEUP AND PURCHASE TICKETS AT PARAGONTHEATERS.COM

833 VANDERBILT BEACH RD, NAPLES 239.596.0008

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

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CITY CONNECTION PARKS DEPT. By Laura Tichy-Smith

Summer Set to Sizzle With Fun at Naples City Parks School is almost out, so enroll your children in Naples City Parks’ exciting themed specialty camps, and mark your calendar for free special events offered by the City of Naples Community Services Department.

Frog Call Adventure Field Trip Ages 8 to 98 Meet at the Naples Preserve to caravan out to the wilds of Collier County to listen to the frogs call and learn more about these amazing amphibians. Each participating family will receive a frog call CD. $10 per family. Thursday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 239-261-4290.

(1690 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples, at the corner of U.S. 41 & Fleischmann Blvd.)

Summer Camps for Children Ages 3 to 18 With an astonishing variety of themes offered at nine park locations, you’re sure to find a day camp to please every child in your household. While the camps are educational, your kids will be having so much hands-on fun they won’t even realize they are really learning. The weekday camps run while school is out from June to August, and include offerings for children interested in nature and junior naturalist research; arts and crafts; theater, stage magic, dance, and performance; scientific exploration; computer skills for web

design, movie, and video game design; aquatics and snorkeling; and nearly any sport or outdoor recreation interest you can imagine. For a brochure about the summer camps with dates and registration information, call 239-213-3020, or visit ww.naplesgov.com, click on “Parks and Recreation” under the Departments tab, and click on the summer program guide.

Come On In, The Water’s Free!

June is a great time to enjoy the River Park Aquatic Center. Featuring fun for everyone from tiny tot to serious swimmer, pool admission is free to residents of Collier County. The kids will love the beach-like shallow end with play fountains, dump buckets, and water slide, while the grown-ups will enjoy the lap swimming, exercise lanes, and sunbathing deck. Parents will rest assured their children are in good hands with the Red Cross certified lifeguards on watchful duty. The new Aquatic Center also offers a range of options for ages 3 to adult to learn how to swim, including group classes and private lessons. New classes starting in June. Cur-

rent hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For additional information, call 239-213-3040. (451 11th St. N., Naples) Summer Late Night Bike Come to The Edge Skate Park at Fleischmann Park for some exciting latenight BMX action along with pizza and sodas. $10 on Monday, June 26 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information, call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Ave., Naples) Sixth Annual International “Go Skateboarding Day” Celebration Bring your kids to the Naples edition of this global event encouraging healthy, active lifestyles and community investment in philanthropic organizations.

Event is free and includes skating for non-members, t-shirt for members, prizes, food, music, and fun. Wednesday, June 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Ave., Naples)

Kindergarten – 8th Grade • Christian School • Classical Teaching

www.GraceClassicalFlorida.com • FB @GraceClassicalAcademy 3971 Via Del Ray, Bonita Springs • (239) 247-2479 • graceclassicalswfl@gmail.com Grace Classical Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, financial assistance and loan programs, athletic programs, and other school administered programs and activities.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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By Amanda Jackson, Communications & Community Engagement

Growing Great Leaders at Highlands Elementary

t Highlands Elementary School (HLE), they don’t just nurture great learners, they grow great leaders, too. As part of the “Leader in Me” program, students participate in leadership teams and classroom roles throughout the year. HLE’s goal is to give students the opportunity to meet others, synergize on community projects, and strengthen their natural leadership skills in an area of passion. This leads to the school’s culminating event of the year, Leadership Day, where students show off their leadership skills in the classroom and beyond.

“This is a day we’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” said HLE Principal Laura Mendicino. “Every day our students practice their eight habits.

They’re learning how to lead in new ways, and maximize their full potential. For them

to shine today is huge.”

HLE is one of three “Leader in Me” schools in Collier County. As part of the program, students follow the “8 Habits for Success”: be proactive; begin with the end in mind; put first things first; think win-win; seek first to understand, then to be understood; synergize; sharpen the saw; and find your voice.

“They’re really habits of successful people,” Mendicino said. “We’re teaching our students things they need to learn so they can go out in the world and be successful. Our kids transition to middle and high school, and they need this set of skills as a foundation to be successful.”

One way students develop these skills is through their student leadership teams.

The teams, made up of students in third through fifth grade, meet once or twice a

month during the school day. Each team creates a mission statement, decides on a way to give back to support the school or community, and develops the skills needed to put the plan into action. There are 28 teams focusing on a wide variety of interests, such as fitness, arts and crafts, recycling, speech and debate, campus beautification, board games, Latin music, and golf. After the opening ceremonies, Leadership Day guests were invited on a campus tour to see leadership in action in the classroom.

“We want to teach our guests as much as they teach us,” said fifth-grader Orlando, one of the tour guides for the day. “If they’re going to teach us, we want to give something back to them. Teach them something that they might not have known before.”

SummerCAMPS2017 hAPPY cAMPERS All of our camps include snack, free explore time, FREE early drop off (8am) and late pick up (5pm) a free t-shirt, and participation in our Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Challenge Badge program which is designed to keep kids engaged, curious, and always learning more.

Makers and tinkerers Emerging Engineers LOVE our STEAM Camp, 3D Printing and Engineering Camps, the Robotics camps, and the Coding and Game Design camps. Build greatness this summer!

Artists and Musicians Creative kids adore our STEAM Camp, Electric Arts, Smart Art and Exploring Artists camp.

There’s no better way to express themselves, learn new skills, and experiment with new technologies and new ideas this summer!

Schedule

Visit www.fullsteamaheadFL.com for complete pricing, descriptions, ages and enrollment info.

June 6 - 10 June 13 - 17 June 20 - 24 June 26 - 30

STEAM Camp v1.0 Electric Arts || Minecraft Builders || Minecraft Advanced STEAM Camp v2.0 Exploring Artists || Smart Art || Robotics || Coding & Game Design

July 3 - 7 July 10 - 14 July 17 - 21 July 24 - 28

STEAM Camp v3.0 3D Printing || Engineering STEAM Camp v4.0 Electric Arts || Advanced Robotics || Coding & Game Design

July 31 - Aug 4 Aug 7 - 11

STEAM Camp v5.0 Advanced 3D Printing

All camps held @ St. John the Evangelist (625 111th Ave N. Naples, FL)

www.fullsteamaheadFL.com

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

(239) 451-3142

info@fullsteamaheadFL.com

d oar ) 0 ndb Sou (Age 1 0 0 n 0 er 3 Lando e 9) x i xM by (Ag Che ented Evan and -Inv

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COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE By Kristine Gill

Hot Summer Nights

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ummer approaches and so does the unfathomable yet enviable plight of children suddenly free from school obligations: boredom. To combat it, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has a litany of summer activities aimed at keeping young kids busy and engaged with a wealth of fun camps and events through Summerfest. The whole lineup is available at www.colliersheriff.org. Kids can learn how to build a boat or a chair and even go fishing alongside deputies at the Naples Pier. CCSO also hosts open gyms at various schools and the Teen Driver Challenge, a two-day event that teaches new drivers the rules of the road. And don’t forget the D.E.P.U.T.Y. Club. It’s already booked for this year, so keep it in mind for 2018!

The best of these events might be Hot Summer Nights because not only are they free, they’re also family friendly. Hot Summer Nights begin the first week of June, right after the kiddos finish the school year. Each Friday in June and July, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.,

deputies will hold an event in a different community throughout the county. Chances are, there’s one near your home this summer, but you’re welcome to travel to any location. The evening includes free food and snacks from popcorn and snow cones to Boar’s Head hotdogs, at most locations.

Deputies set up the climbing rock wall and a human foosball arena and take part in the fun right alongside the kids. There’s also a police-car-shaped bounce house and Wii games on a big screen outdoors. Parents will enjoy the music and dancing and maybe even the karaoke machine.

It’s a free, fun evening that helps the Collier County Sheriff’s Office build rapport with kids and their families in the community.

Deputies visit various parts of the county throughout the tour with events in Immokalee, Everglades City, Marco Island, and the greater Naples area. See the schedule below for a full listing of dates and locations.

Come and have some fun this summer!

All ages welcome, no registration required June 9 through July 29, 2017 Fridays, 6 to 9 p.m.

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MUSIC, DANCING, GAMES, SPORTS, ROCK WALL & BOUNCE HOUSE Friday, June 9 - Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, North Naples Regional Park,15000 Livingston Rd. Friday, June 16 - Corkscrew Middle School, 1165 Oil Well Rd. Friday, June 23 - Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail East LI

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Friday, July 7 - Mackle Park, 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island

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Friday, June 30 - Boy & Girls Club 1155 Roberts Ave., Immokalee

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Collier County Sheriff’s Office

Friday, July 28 - Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Blvd.

Collier County Sheriff’s Office | SHERIFF KEVIN RAMBOSK | Emergency 9-1-1 | Non Emergency 239-252-9300 | www.colliersheriff.org

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS A New Montessori Preschool Opening Fall 2017 in East Naples.

The

G a rd e n School of Napl e s

Conservancy President Rob Moher with daughter Amaya and Gordon B. Eagle at the recent Conservancy’s Earth Day Festival.

Conservancy’s Earth Day Festival Draws More Than 1,000 Visitors

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ore than 1,000 people came out to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Earth Day Festival recently to celebrate Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife, and

future.

While families enjoyed the live animal shows, fossil digs, music, and food, the event also provided “an opportunity for us to share the importance of preserving our region’s natural resources, celebrating its unique qualities, and making efforts to protect it for future generations,” said Rob Moher, president and CEO of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. “This year’s event was a great success, and we thoroughly enjoyed celebrating Earth Day with our friends and neighbors.”

For more information, visit conservancy.org.

M o nte sso r i E a r ly E d u c a ti o n

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

Miguel Argumosa, DMD., Erin M. Taylor, DMD, Nicole Eastham, DMD Board Certified Pediatric Dentists

Three Locations to Serve You. BONITA SPRINGS

9510 Bonita Beach Rd. Ste. 101

239.333.2990

CAPE CORAL

1508 S.E. 12th Terrace

239.322.5222

PORT CHARLOTTE

3872 Tamiami Trail, Unit D&E

941.391.8090

Israeli Scouts Set to Perform at Temple Shalom, New Hope

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he Israeli Scouts Friendship Caravan will sing, dance, and tell stories at Temple Shalom and New Hope Ministries this month.

The free events will be held on Monday, June 19 at 7 p.m. at New Hope Ministries, 7675 Davis Blvd., Naples, and on Tuesday, June 20 at 7 p.m. at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples.

The Caravan is made up of five girls, five boys, and two leaders from all over Israel. The 16- and 17-year-old Scouts were selected based on their maturity, fluency in English, and performance skills.

They spend 10 weeks in the summer performing in synagogues, churches, schools, summer camps, and nursing homes. More than 600,000 students participate in scouting in Israel.

For details, visit www.jewishnaples.org/israel-scouts.

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Most Insurances Accepted neafamily.com

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

SUMMER FUN STARTS HERE A

DLC Launches New Children’s Partial Hospitalization Program

May 30 - August 11, 2017

Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs

Ages 4-18 There is always something fun and new for budding artists, actors, chefs, musicians and dancers at the Centers for the Arts Summer Camps!

We want summer fun and learning to be affordable for your family through our generous discounts and scholarships.

Our many opportunities include painting, drawing, cartooning, clay, wheel throwing, cooking, dance, music, theater and more!

Registration now open!

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

10150 BONITA BEACH RD. BONITA SPRINGS, FL

239- 495-8989 www.artcenterbonita.org 14

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new children’s program has been introduced by the David Lawrence Center, aimed at filling the gap in service between emergency care and weekly therapy sessions.

The Children’s Partial Hospital Program (PHP) is a voluntary, intensive therapeutic day program consisting of individual and family intervention and support that allows children to spend evenings at home.

The Children’s PHP is run by a multidisciplinary team including a pediatric psychiatrist, licensed clinicians, and a nurse.

Adolescents learn healthy coping skills without the need for 24hour inpatient or residential support. They participate in daily therapeutic, educational, wellness, and expressive therapy groups.

PHP can function as a step-down for ages 13-17 discharged from the Center’s inpatient Crisis Stabilization Unit or as a prevention measure to avoid the need for inpatient emergency treatment or residential placement.

“Until now, a gap existed between our 24-hour emergency level of care and the once- or twice-weekly therapy sessions minors typically have after leaving our crisis unit,” said Natalie Garcia, director of admission and outpatient therapy services. “Although they’re no longer in crisis, many still need more intensive treatment. At the PHP level of care, they benefit from daily therapeutic services and support for themselves and their family. Our hope is that the Children’s PHP can prevent crises from happening.”

The new program is part of the center’s comprehensive children’s services expansion plans that began in 2016 and included the addition of a new Children’s Outpatient Building and doubling the capacity of the Children’s Crisis Unit.

For additional information, call 239-455-8500 or visit www.

DavidLawrenceCenter.org.

Marco Island Y Offering Summer Camps on Marco, in East Naples

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he Greater Marco Family YMCA is offering day and specialty summer camps at Manatee and Parkside Elementary Schools in East Naples and at the Marco Y campus for grades K-5, and at Marco Island Charter Middle School for grades 6-8. There also are specialty camps offered during different weeks of the summer: theater, Mandarin, tennis & splash, soccer, t-ball, basketball, and swim and competitive swim camps. To ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the Greater Marco Family YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need.

The Marco Y also is offering three swimming lessons in July for just $10 for all ages, including adults. The classes book quickly, so register early.

For more information, visit www.marcoymca.org or contact the Membership Desk at 239-394-YMCA (9622).

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

LITTLE PEOPLE’S SCHOOL • For 2-5 year olds 868 94th Ave. N, Naples 239-597-5064

• Top Rated VPK • Preschool Classes • Summer Camp LittlePeoplesSchool.info

Boys & Girls Club Celebrates Graduates, Awards Scholarships

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he Boys & Girls Club of Collier County celebrated the graduation of 10 high school seniors from Golden Gate High School, Lely High School, and Naples High School last month. All graduates from the Nichols Campus in Naples will be attending college or joining the military in the fall of 2017.

The graduates include: Mirna Bernardez, Roberto Burgos, Daniela Cardenas, 2017 Youth of the Year winner Javier Camargo, Josue Charles, Jamillia Dervil, Jason Francoeur, Kathyana Fortune, Mitheley “Abraham” Lafrance, and Wilkenson Laventure.

The club also awarded $1,500 scholarships renewable for four years to Cardenas, Charles, Nicole Gutierre, and America Gutierrez. The recipients were recognized for their exemplary academic success, leadership, and community service.

The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County serves more than 3,000 children and teens, ages 6 to 18, through clubs and afterschool programs. The nonprofit organization provides a safe place for young people to learn, grow, and develop ongoing relationships with adult professionals.

For more information, visit bgccc.com or call 239-325-1700.

4630 Pine Ridge Rd

239.455.3227

Naples Music Club Awards Over $42K in Scholarships

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he first place winners of the Naples Music Club’s 2017 Scholarship Competition performed the pieces that won the judges’ favor during a recent recital at First United Methodist Church in Naples.

Judges selected first, second, and third place winners in junior (middle school) and senior (high school) divisions based on auditions of two prepared pieces. Each place winner received a cash prize to be used for music lessons, instruments, or music camps, with more than $42,000 awarded on the day. Several special awards also were presented, including the $3,000 Turiel Award won by Melissa Leone, flute, based on audition scores, the recital performance, grade point average, an essay, and personal interview.

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Camp begins June 5th Early pick-up available Flexible camp hours

Also recognized at the recital were the recipients of The Haegg Family awards, which pay for private instrument lessons for up to three years as well as the LEAP (Learning from Elementary to Advanced Piano) award, which pays for private piano instruction for up to three years, for promising music students with a demonstrated need. neafamily.com

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EDUCATION

By Mary Ann Green

PATCH Encourages Parental Involvement in School

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un Time Early Childhood Academy recently developed and implemented its own integrative program called PATCH – Parents Actively Teaching Children at Home. The new PATCH program is an effort to integrate a child’s academic experiences with life at home. Fun Time Academy provides safe, quality, affordable education and care for children of low-income working families to ensure they enter kindergarten ready to read and ready to learn.

Through PATCH, Fun Time Academy helps parents understand the importance of their role as their children’s first teacher through sessions on early literacy, developmental milestones, behavior management, health, and nutrition, according to Barbara Tyrrell, executive director of Fun Time Academy. PATCH also assists parents in gaining the skills required to secure more gainful employment.

Program offerings range from interactive opportunities like Gardening Night to informative sessions such as How to Handle Challenging Behaviors. Each directly involves mothers, fathers, and/or grandpar-

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ents in the child’s development. There are also celebratory experiences, including the end-of-year violin performances for parents and parent-teacher conferences.

An average of 50 parents have attended the monthly sessions this spring, culminating in a “summer intensive” designed to prepare 4 and 5 year olds for kindergarten.

The program’s phased-in approach: • Raises the awareness of the important role parents play as their child’s first teacher.

• Teaches parents developmental milestones and activities to help children

reach these milestones.

• Educates parents “how to teach” the lesson plans and provides materials for the parents and children to work on together at home.

• Provides a book a week with a log to track the dates and number of books the parents are reading to the child to improve early literacy.

• Teaches parents about the STEAM curriculum – a learning model that teaches children to ask probing questions, deductive reasoning, and cause and effect while engaging in hands-on activity.

• Assists women and families working toward maintaining self-sufficiency by educating the parents on life skills needed to secure gainful employment and become more independent.

“It’s exciting to see the parents, like their children, develop new skills and greater confidence,” said Tyrrell. “But what’s really encouraging is seeing how all these pieces truly do fit together to enrich the lives of everyone involved.”

Call 239-261-8284 or visit www.

FunTimeAcademy.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

FAMILY LAW

By Dale Klaus and Reuben Doupé

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

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if there is a custody dispute, y far, the most common which can occur for a number of question asked by new reasons, then the parent leaving clients is whether they the home may get cut-off or lose should stay or leave the marital access to the children. In these home. This issue has far reachcircumstances, it is best to get ing practical implications for the timesharing schedule solidithe spouses, but is not very fied before the parents separate, complicated legally. at least on an temporary basis.

At the outset, note that Those are essentially the two Florida law allows every permajor issues that play a role in son the right to continue their whether one party should stay residence. That means that the or go. Certainly, there are other filing of a divorce does not aufactors that will come into the tomatically require one spouse fray – available housing and the to leave the home. That being cost of moving and replacing furniture – but those issues are ususaid, the reality is that by the time a divorce is complete, one or ally resolved efficiently. In any event, the separation of spouses both parties will have to find a new residence. The steps for getcan be a major life event, and like any other major life event, it ting from one stage to the other are where difficulties sometimes should be done with plenty of forethought and counsel. arise. These are the questions we ask our clients to help them determine the best way to handle the situation.

First, is it your goal to keep the home? Typically, a client is concerned about whether moving out of the house could be considered abandoning the home and therefore losing any right to the value of the home as a marital asset. This is a myth and is not legally accurate. A spouse’s right to a portion of the value of a home does not depend on whether or not that spouse is living in the home. Legally, that spouse could still ask the court to keep the home themselves, but practically, once you leave the home voluntarily, there is only a small chance that you will get back in. So if you do not wish to be the one with the home at the end of the case, then it may make sense to move out before the case is over; and in doing so, you do not lose any right to share in the DALE KLAUS and REUBEN DOUPÉ are partners at value of the home.

Klaus Doupé, a leading law firm in Naples focusing solely Second, is there a timesharing schedule already in place for on marital and family law. Visit www.Marital-FamilyLaw. your children? If there is already an agreement, then we try to com or call 239-403-9800. place that agreement in writing to make it enforceable.

However, CEDR 1003 NeaFamily 1-4 pg Horiz.4_Layout 1 2/18/13 9:45 AM Page 1

I love my

Empowering and inspiring children to reach their potential with: - Programs for 6 months to 6 years of age with full or parttime days - Florida VPK programs & Private chef’s delicious full meal program - Residential campus setting with 2-large play yards and much more

Call today for a campus tour: 239-597-7190 www.cedarmontessori.org e-mail: office@cedarmontessori.org

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

the things he sees are not just remembered, they form a part of his soul.

Maria Montessori

inspiring the love of learning since 1984 neafamily.com

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FATHER’S DAY

By Leigh Tahirovic

Dads on Duty

Three Local Fathers Share How Their Lives Revolve Around Their Children

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oday’s fathers are more involved with their children’s lives than ever before, so to celebrate Father’s Day, Neapolitan Family spoke to three dads about their experiences as hands-on parents, and the wisdom they’d like to pass on.

room, but he reveled in it. “We had babies in common. Some of my closest friends are females.” Once his son entered preschool, John started volunteering, serving on the PTO of every school Michael attended.

“One of my biggest [joys] is being able to

player and a AP student. “We gave our son a solid foundation, a great study and work ethic that I hope he carries on to his wife and family.” And John firmly believes that his son is not spoiled. “My son really earns the life he enjoys today.”

While John’s John Moll path to fatherhood John Moll is a is somewhat unique, self-proclaimed “Mr. he said the decision Mom.” But at age 61, must be a family one, his story is not typical; with each spouse ashe had been retired sessing the situation. two years from a ca“It can’t be one doing reer in banking when it all, with one just Michael came along. skating along,” John Now his 17-year-old said. “Communicason, a junior at Naples tion is what makes it High School, is prework in our house, paring for college. what’s best for our “We never family, our son.” thought we’d have Now that Michildren,” Moll said, chael can drive, of having Michael later John’s duties have in life with his wife, shifted back to the Gerri. “It’s been the activity he enjoyed best thing that’s ever early in his retirehappened to the both ment: playing golf. of us.” Once Michael He also has added was born, John said playing competitive The Gomez Family, from left to right: Carlos, Austin, Christian, Julie, and Evelyn. he had to come out of softball to his roster. retirement to care for But sitting in car line a newborn, giving up his near-daily trips spend my time and volunteer at his school, is one daily duty that he doesn’t miss. His to the golf course. “My new career became to help teachers and administration in any advice to other dads is to enjoy every day. being a stay-at-home dad. It’s been very way that I can to make it a better environ“Before you blink an eye, they will be gone rewarding.” If he can name a regret, it’s ment,” John said. “We are very blessed with and off to college.” not having more children. “I really have the schools and the school system here.” nothing I would trade but maybe having He calls fatherhood a “great experiAustin Gomez another child,” John added. “It’s been ence,” but admits his age influenced his Austin Gomez, 40, is used to swapping memories of a lifetime.” outlook. “I had a few more life experiences caregiver duty for his three children, Carlos, John’s used to being the only dad … but I expect my son to be very focused.”

6; Evelyn, 4; and Christian, 3 months, with around. When Michael was a toddler, Part of his Type A personality rubbed off his wife Julie. Austin, the assistant band diJohn was typically the only male/dad in the on Michael, who is a competitive tennis rector for Gulf Coast High School, shuttles

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

his three kids to school and other activities several days a week. The family’s schedule revolves around Austin’s busy band calendar, and Julie works part-time as a jewelry consultant and high school math tutor.

“I’m not resentful. I’m glad that I’ve been there for them,” Austin said, of caring for his children when his wife is working.

“We made the choice for Julie to stay home, to raise the kids, but [her working part time] is the only way to make ends meet.”

There are new challenges, he said, since Christian was born. “I don’t want to put him down, and the [older] kids have had to be a little more self-serving,” Austin said.

But he realizes the time is fleeting and tells other dads to embrace it. “Don’t lose sight of what’s at the end of the tunnel,” he said, “That the kids will become elementary age and they won’t need as much hands on.”

Part of his fatherly satisfaction comes from surviving the chaos each evening, of getting his kids fed and put to bed. “The evenings, from 7:30 to 9:30, are pretty chaotic,” Austin said. “It’s hard to juggle them.” One of his favorite times is eating dinner together. “I enjoy picking my kids’ brains when we talk at dinner, hearing about their day,” Austin added.

His own father was a “working dad,” busy running the family business while Austin was growing up, so having this experience is different from his upbringing.

“I try to make a concerted effort to turn off work when I get home. I am fortunate that I don’t have to do much paper grading.”

He suggests that other dads strike a balance between work and home, to stay engaged with their kids.

Austin recognizes that his situation is not unique, noting that most dads nowa-

man’s dad raised him. “[My dad] was a traditional guy, like all guys back then,” said Foreman, noting that if his mother was out of town, dinner consisted of delivery pizza. “What it takes to run a family [now] is different than it was in the ‘50s and ‘60s,” he added.

One of his greatest pleasures is making Sunday breakfast for the family, calling it a smorgasbord. “I love to cook. There’s always a reward at the end,” said Foreman.

But some of his struggles have been in the fluff-and-fold department, citing a history of shrinking clothes. “My least favorite part is laundry, to fold it and put it away. I can’t make a deal with anyone to put away the laundry.”

Foreman said his dad duties are “like running a business, where you have a budget, and someone is responsible for the house.” There is a lot of planning that goes into his duties and he’s good at prioritizing, and because he was always independent, it’s not a struggle. “I grew up in the latchkey generation, always taking care of myself.”

Now that’s he’s added four more people to care for, he’s up to the task. “I love my family, so I want to take care of them,” he said.

His advice to other dads is to “find happiness” in whatever you do. And for someone who was living the single life just a short while ago, Foreman thinks his insight into fatherhood gives him a unique outlook. “They call me their Dad … that’s who I am.”

days must help around the house. That insight has led to a better appreciation of what his wife does every day. “It’s easier when we are all together,” Austin said, “For the majority of the middle class, it’s a rarity if a dad doesn’t have to do this.”

“I love my family, so I want to take care of them.”

—Tom Foreman Tom Foreman Tom Foreman, 40, became a dad three years ago when he married Laquisha.

Nowadays, the new dad is busy taking care of Talayia, 15; Jada, 14; and Savion, 7 (Thomas, 20, is out of the family home).

Gone are his bachelor days, but he is happy to be in his new role.

“I cook breakfast, prepare lunches and snacks for after school,” said Foreman, of his daily dad duties. “I make sure [the kids] have what they need. I do most of the shopping and the laundry, keep the house clean, and make sure homework is done.”

But his main job, he said, is to “do anything that I can do to make my wife’s life a little easier.” And she’s a busy mom, working 40-plus hours each week traveling for her job in marketing.

Fatherhood has changed since Fore-

LEIGH TAHIROVIC is a wife and mother who loves traveling and Civil War History.

She moved to Naples in 2001 and began a career in journalism. She is a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers in South Florida.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

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FATHER’S DAY

By Christina Katz

Beyond Golf Balls and Coffee Mugs: 105 Father’s Day Gift Ideas Dad is an original. So why does he always get the same old gifts for Father’s Day? Maybe it’s time to think outside the gift box and come up with some original Father’s Day presents. Here are 105 ideas to help you brainstorm a unique gift, or gift combination, perfect for the man of your house. This list of suggestions is organized

by Dad types, because, after all, most dads have specific passions and attitudes that make them who they are.

Athletic Dad q Running store gift card q Sporty headphones q Cushioned ankle socks q Smart phone armband q Polarized sunglasses Urban Dad q Vinyl record frames q Gift certificate for Urban Outfitters q Giant glass jar for ticket stubs q Bike bags and helmet mirrors q Public radio membership Yard Conqueror Dad q Weed whacker q Heavy-duty work gloves q Hand mallet q Large insulated drink cup q Electronic fly swatter Writer Dad q Stack of yellow legal pads q Fancy pen or assortment of pens q Hip laptop bag q Subscription to a writing magazine q Registration at a writing seminar Road Warrior Dad q Carry-on rolling bag 20

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q Electronics accessory charging dock q Bureau-top valet q Leather toiletries kit q Custom luggage tags Voracious Reader Dad q E-Reader q E-Reader cover q Bookseller gift card q Original edition of favorite childhood book q Set of bookplates Film Buff Dad q Popcorn maker or microwave popcorn assortment q Favorite movie theater drink assortment q Superman Motion Picture Anthology, 1978-2006 q Pre-purchased movie tickets q Entertainment magazine subscription Youthful Dad q Favorite comic book collection q Assortment of plastic moustaches q Tickets to a summer action movie q Deluxe magic trick kit q DVD of favorite humorous movie or TV show

Outdoorsy Dad q Pocket multi-tool q LED Solar Lightcap for water bottle q Crank radio q Survival skills book q Combo compass-watch Sports Fan Dad q Vintage look favorite team t-shirt q Portable snack/drink cooler q Tickets to a game q Bleacher seat cushion q License plate holder with name of favorite team Guy’s Guy Dad q Steak house gift card q Six pack of WD-40 q Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, or John Wayne DVDs q Hot sauce assortment q Beer-making kit Handy Man Dad q Electric screwdriver q Tool caddy/organizer q Nail sorter drawers q Folding stepladder q Binder with page protectors

for instruction manuals and warranties Digital Dad q E-Tablet q Music, books, or apps gift card q Smart phone portable keyboard q Gadget sleeves or cases q Sound-canceling headphones Top Chef Dad q Wooden carving board q Knife set q High-powered mixer q Cooking store gift card q BBQ cookbooks Caffeinated Dad q Single-cup coffee maker q Coffee shop gift card q Flavored coffee syrups q Snazzy travel mug q Instant coffee selection Coachy Dad q Baseball cap with favorite team name q Custom whistle lanyard q Set of large net bags NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

q Stack of small orange cones q Portable whiteboard with markers

Celebrate Your Dad at These Local Events Free Cruise for Dads with Pure Florida June 16-18 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples purefl.com • 239-263-4949 Pure Florida’s Naples and Fort Myers locations will celebrate Father’s Day weekend June 16-18 by offering dads free cruises aboard all sightseeing, river and sunset cruises when accompanied by full paid adult or child admission.

p.m. Bring your own fishing gear! Dads and granddads receive free admission on June 18.

Tinkerer Dad q Hobby models q Model display case q Build your own radio kit Basic hobby tool set Cutting mat with knives

Father’s Day at the Conservancy June 15-17 Conservancy of SW Florida 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples conservancy.org • 239-262-0304 Free admission for Dad when accompanied by another paid adult and child. Closed Sunday.

Orange Jeep Tours During June 5076 Annunciation Circle #104, Ave Maria 239-434-JEEP (5337) • orangejeeptours.com

Homebody Dad q Gift card to his favorite pizza delivery service q Comfortable pajama bottoms q Slippers q Robe q Remote caddy

Father’s Day Storytime June 17 Barnes & Noble 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples barnesandnoble.com • 239-598-5200 Enjoy a special story about fathers and an activity.

Cultured Dad q Theater tickets q Biography of favorite artist q Tickets to a gallery exhibit q Fine arts class registration q Desktop kinetic sculpture

Global Dad q National Geographic DVD set q Scratch-Off Global Map q GPS system q Travel guidebooks q Gift card for fair-trade items

Father’s Day at the Naples Zoo June 18 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd. Naples napleszoo.org • 239-262-5409 Along with a paid child (or adult) ticket, dads just need to bring a new or partially used bottle of cologne to the zoo on Father’s Day. Enjoy cruising through islands of monkeys, seeing the new cheetahs, feeding the giraffes, and more.

Hippie Dad q Frisbee q Save the [something] t-shirt q Skateboard q Gift certificate to vegetarian restaurant q Set of foot bags

Father’s Day Fishing in the Botanical Garden June 17-18 Naples Botanical Garden 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples naplesgarden.org • 239-433-7275 Fishing takes place all weekend, 10 a.m. – 2

Father/Son/Grandson Look-alike Contest June 17 Miromar Outlets, Estero • 239-948-3766 How much do you look like your dad? Fathers, sons, and grandsons compete together for prizes.

Buy one full-priced Jeep tour, get one free for dad, grandpa, or uncle.

Father’s Day Special at Alamo Naples Indoor Gun Range Now through June 18 2390 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples 239-593-0232 Receive 10% off of Father’s Day gift card purchases of $100 or more.

Dad’s Eat Free at GameTime June 18 Gulfcoast Town Center, Fort Myers gametimeplayers.com • 239-204-5964 Dad will receive an entrée or appetizer free with purchase of an entrée or appetizer of equal or lesser value, or an appetizer or entrée of maximum $10 value with purchase of a kid’s meal.

Free $25 Gift Card at Ruth’s Chris Steak House June 18 Coconut Point Mall, Estero ruthschris.com • 239-948-8888 Dads receive a $25 gift card to use on a future purchase when dining on Father’s Day.

225 Banyan Blvd · Naples, FL 239·403·9800

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

www.Marital-FamilyLaw.com Dale Klaus

Reuben Doupé neafamily.com

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THIS SUMMER, MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

ASK THE OUTNUMBERED MOTHER

By Amy Hunter

Advice on Catering Less to Kids at Mealtimes, and Letting Go of Messes Amy Hunter grew up in the suburbs of Long Island singing Barbara Streisand hits into her hairbrush. When she’s not writing her hilarity-fueled parenting memoir as The Outnumbered Mother, she’s a Naples-living, butt-wiping, soccer-team carting, gourmet-chef attempting, tennis-skirt wearing, non-tennis playing, self-proclaimed bad mamma jamma to three sons and a very understanding husband.

You can find Amy online at the Theoutnumberedmother.com.

Q. Anyone who knows me knows I pretty much will do anything for my kids, but making four different dinners every night? Is it normal? Does anyone else seriously make, minimum two, mostly three to four different meals for dinner? It’s not the cooking part that irritates me, but I have to clean up as well. More pots, prep dishes, and utensils equal more time in the kitchen resulting in later bedtimes for everyone, and more exhaustion for me.

Then, if I only make one meal, suddenly I’m the mean mother who doesn’t care about them. I wasn’t aware of my name being DINER; I thought it was MOM. Amy. Four dinners? A day? Resulting in a separate meal for each child? Gurl, have you lost the plot? Listen, no, the average house has one dinner per family. That dinner might be broken down into it’s most basic parts for a toddler to eat or if you are feeding a baby that same meal can usually be made into some sort of puree, or they can be fed store-bought baby food. Just because you love your kids and will do anything for them doesn’t mean you have to or you should. Actually, I feel like you might even be doing them a pretty huge disservice by catering to them like they are dining at a restaurant every night. Yes, all kids have preferences when it comes to food, but that doesn’t mean they get to scream, “Dance, Monkey, Dance!” at mealtimes and insist you do the Macarena.

The Macarena is for parties. The Macarena has its special occasion place, and that place is definitely not in the middle of your kitchen

on a random Tuesday night. Having a family meeting on Sunday evening and including the children in meal planning for the week is probably the only way you’re going to be able to dig yourself out of the short-order-cook hole you’ve gotten yourself into. Let them choose their favorites and balance them out over seven days. Make sure to include one piece of every meal that at least one kid likes. It might take the kids a week or two to get used to the idea, but making one dinner a night doesn’t mean you don’t care about them; it means you care about yourself as well. And that’s more than okay.

Q. Having the kids home for the summer means my house is never clean. What are your tricks for keeping a clean house while the kids are underfoot?

Amy. When it comes to keeping the house tidy I’m probably not the best person to give advice on the subject, just ask anyone who knows me. But, as the saying goes, “Those who can’t, teach.” so I’ll feel free to dole out some sage advice I can’t personally stick to. When it comes to housekeeping, I have three different types of mom friends: Ones who can afford a cleaning service, ones who are meticulous and drive themselves crazy cleaning all the time, and ones who just say, “Meh” and shrug their shoulders and walk away while the toddler spills potting soil all over the living room floor.

That last category is me, by the way. What I’m saying is that you can have a clean house while the kids are “making memories,” i.e., “making messes” in it, but you’re gonna have to stay on top of it to the point of compulsion, and personally, I have enough things to worry about. I try to clean up the disgusting stuff as it happens and pick up the clutter if I’m not too tired after finishing the things that have to happen each day: cooking, dishes, laundry. My vote is that you worry less about how the house looks and more about how the house feels. I think you’ll have a more enjoyable summer for the whole family with that attitude.

Covenant Church of Naples Vacation Bible School Register online!

June 19-23, 2017 • 8:45 a.m. - 12 noon Free Vacation Bible School for children 3 years old to completed 5th grade.

Register online at:

covenantnaples.com 6926 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL 34108 • 239-597-3464 NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

11:00 a.m. Honor Our Collier Fire Heroes Fundraiser.

Music, dancing, car show, family activities, water ski show, raffles, give-aways, vendor booth, cornhole tournament, food trucks and Smokey the Bear. Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Dr., Naples. Call 239-793-4414.

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with goats, laughter, and pictures, followed by one hour of alignment yoga. Good Fortune Farm, 1810 Desoto Ave., Lehigh Acres.

Call 239-297-2175 or check barnyardyogainc. com.

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2:00 p.m. Scarf Juggling Workshop.

Learn basic juggling techniques. Ages 9-12 years.

Registration required.

Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check public.collier-lib.org.

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11:00 a.m. Needlework Makerspace.

Learn many forms of needlework from crochet to sewing. All ages. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib. org.

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6:00 p.m. Barnyard Yoga. Join us for fun

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8:30 a.m. Open Gym for Middle and High School Students. Tuesday-Friday, through July 28. Middle school students, 8:30 a.m.

– 12 p.m. High school students, 1– 4 p.m. Located at Immokalee High School, 701 Immokalee Dr., Immokalee.

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5:00 p.m. Summer Reading Kick-Off. Enjoy contests, challenging games, crafts, popcorn, face painting, playful robots, and more. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239252-7542 or check public. collier-lib.org.

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Times Vary. Open Gyms for High School Students.

Tuesday-Friday. Oakridge and East Naples Middle Schools, 1–4 p.m.; Corkscrew Middle School, 1–3 p.m.; Lely High School, 12–4 p.m. Check www. colliersheriff.org.

5:00 p.m. Kids Night at Il Primo.

Dress like your favorite Disney character. 25% of $5 kids night sales will be donated to Caleb’s Crusade against Childhood Cancer. Different theme each Wednesday in June. At all Il Primo locations in SWFL. Check ilprimopizza.com.

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4:00 p.m. Build a Tower Speed Stacking. Learn the art of speed stacking, then enjoy some fun competition. Ages 8-12 years. Registration required.

Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public.collier-lib. org.

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9:00 a.m. World Oceans Day BOGO. Buy one, get one free admission at Rookery Bay. Higher price prevails. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must pay at door.

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples.

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10:30 a.m. Castaway with the Nutty Scientist. Join this interactive crowd favorite event as children explore science. Ages 4-6. Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples.

Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org.

10:00 a.m. Art Smarts. A new storytime focusing on process art. We’ll read a story, sing some songs, and then have some creative fun through art experiences.

Ages 2-5. Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239593-0870 or visit public. collier-lib.org.

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10:00 a.m. Sensory Friendly Movie: Cars 3. Lights are up, sound is down and you are totally free to move around.

Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-0008 or check paragontheaters. com.

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11:00 a.m. Cinema Saturdays. Watch a Disneynature film. Included with admission. Also showing at 2:00 p.m. Conservancy of SW Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

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12:00 p.m. Baby Care Classes. Covers a variety of topics, from newborn screenings to diapering and circumcision to car seat safety. Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org.

9:00 a.m. Watermelon Festival. Speed eating and seed spitting competitions, entertainment, games, stilt walker, balloon animals, watermelon. Free. Fleamasters Fleamarket, 4135 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-334-7001.

4:00 p.m. Minecraft Group. All players work cooperatively, and the more experienced players are always happy to help new players. $10 per player.

Ventana Services, 1660 Trade Center Way, Suite 5, Naples. Call 239-810-3498 or visit ventanaservices. com.

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9:30 a.m. Free Boardwalk Tours. A unique opportunity to experience Corkscrew Swamp with a guide. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Rd. W., Naples.

Call 239-348-9151 or check corkscrew.audubon. org.

2:00 p.m. Cloth Diaper Q & A Session.

Join us for this free class as we explore the different brands, styles, laundering, and storage of dirty diapers.

Located at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store, 4172 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Visit www. twinkletwinklelittlestoreofnaples.com.

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3:00 p.m. Build a Better Cardboard Challenge. Building relay activity using cardboard boxes of varied size, shape, and color. Prizes will be awarded. Ages 6-11 years.

Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or visit public.collier-lib. org.

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1:00 p.m. Family Science Lab: Getting Buggy With It. Learn why we need insects, why they are different from arachnids, and what likes to eat them. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon.org.

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5:00 p.m. Sensory Night. For children on the autism spectrum and or with other sensory integration disorders. Limited participation, so registration is required. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239514-0084 or check www. cmon.org.

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5:00 p.m. Lego Engineers: Star Wars.

Snapology needs all Jedi Masters to engineer strong and powerful lightsabers to be used in a top secret mission. Grades 1-5. Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org.

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5:30 p.m. A Parrot’s Life. See a parrot up close and learn what parrots eat, how long they live, and how we can help them live better lives. All ages. Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee.

Call 239-657-2882 or visit public.collier-lib.org.

10:00 a.m. Free Kids Movies at Paragon Theaters: Rio 2. First come, first served.

Located at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-0008 or check www.paragontheaters.com.

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4:30 p.m. Table Manners for Teens.

Learn how to set a proper table, then enjoy a meal from soup to dessert while practicing newly refined table manners. Entering grades 6-12. Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239455-8088 or visit public. collier-lib.org.

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2:00 p.m. All About Beekeeping. Learn all about bees and their critical role in our community.

Ages 6-10. Registration required. South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or visit public.collier-lib.org.

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6:00 p.m. Hot Summer Nights. Music, dancing, games, sports, movies, bounce house and karaoke. Free popcorn, snow cones, and hot dogs.

Located at Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, 7500 Davis Blvd., Naples.

Check colliersheriff.org.

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3:00 p.m. Amazing Air with the Nutty Scientist. Learn about the science of air. Ages 6-11 years. Registration required. Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239593-0870 or check public. collier-lib.org.

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9:00 a.m. Chess Club K-12. For students K-12. For all playing levels, beginner to advanced. Registration is recommended.

Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org.

YOUR COMMUNITY June EVENTS CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS: To submit your event for both our online and print calendars, go to the Calendar at neafamily.com and follow the instructions for inputting event information.

The deadline for print calendar events is the 12th of the month preceding publication. You can submit events anytime for the online calendar.

Note: Please check dates and times before attending events. As Neapolitan Family staff does not enter all calendar data, we cannot guarantee its accuracy.

City of Naples

1 THURSDAY Call for times. Build-a-Quilt. We will supply fabric and fabric markers for you to create a quilt block. Your block will be added to others to create quilts. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Breakfast with the Birds: Migration.

Learn about birds at this new summer lecture series.

Adam DiNuovo has been working with shorebirds and seabirds across the US and beyond for more than 15 years. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples.

9:00 a.m. Summer Art Show. Free admission during gallery hours. Locatfied at Fort Myers Beach Art Association, 3030 Shell Mound, Fort Myers Beach. For more information, call 239-463-3909 or visit www. fortmyersbeachart.com 10:00 a.m. Little Explorers Program at Conservancy. Explore nature and discover amazing animals through multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and animal-themed crafts. No registration is required to join in the fun. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org.

4:00 p.m. Minecraft Group. Minecraft is a great way to build creativity, improve problem solving, and develop cooperation and communication skills. $10 per player. Located at Ventana Services, 1660 Trade Center Way, Suite 5, Naples. Call 239-810-3498.

Summer 2017 Theater Camps Sports Camps Beach Camps Art & Science Camps Adult Programs

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6:00 p.m. Mercato Music Series. Variety of music genres. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Pl., Naples.

Call 239-594-9400 or check www.mercatoshops.com for details.

6:00 p.m. Play Pokemon. From creative play and craft activities to the official Pokemon League Card Game.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own cards and collectibles. Pokemon encourages strategic thinking and reading and math skills in fun and engaging ways. $10. Located at Ventana Services, 1660 Trade Center Way, Suite 5, Naples. Call 239-810-3498 or check www.ventanaservices.com for additional information.

6:30 p.m. Barnyard Yoga. Join us for 30 minutes of goat fun, pictures, and laughter followed by an hour of alignment yoga. Located at Good Fortune Farm, 1810 Desoto Ave., Lehigh Acres. Call 239-297-2175 or check barnyardyogainc.com for details.

2 FRIDAY Call for times. Rapunzel. Select dates through June 23. Call for times and tickets. $19 for kids of all ages includes lunch and show. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check www.BroadwayPalm.com for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Watermelon Festival. Through Sunday.

Highlights include: speed eating and seed spitting competitions, community showcase exhibition area, live entertainment, skill games, stilt walker, balloon animals, delicious locally grown watermelon. Free. Located at

Check us out on Facebook

Registration for City of Naples Residents Begins April 3rd Registration for Non-City Residents Begins April 17th For more information contact Fleischmann Park at 239-213-3020

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Fleamasters Fleamarket, 4135 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-334-7001 for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Find it Fridays. Kids enjoy a scavenger hunt all day. Ask for more details at the ticket counter. Located at Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-2591 or check www.evergladeswondergardens.com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Drop In Baby Fitness Mommy and Me. Instill healthy habits for life in your toddler by attending the drop-in class every Friday. $5 per child. Located at Fleischmann Park, 1600 Fleischmann Dr., Naples. Call 239-213-3020 for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Scoops and Hoops. The Naples Police Department and Rita’s Italian Ice will host a start of summer “Scoops & Hoops” event. Enjoy a game of basketball and some free Rita’s Italian Ice. Free. Located at River Park Community Center, 301 11th St. N., Naples. Call 239-213-3037 or check www.naplesgov.com for additional information.

5:00 p.m. First Friday’s Art for Art Lovers. Gourmet food, fine wine, and art demonstrations. Located at Shoppes of Old Marco, 258 Royal Palm Dr, Marco Island.

Call 239-394-2787 for additional information.

3 SATURDAY 7:30 a.m. Third Street South Farmer’s Market. Parking lot behind Tommy Bahama’s. Located at Third Street South, Naples. Call 239-434-6533 or check www. napleschamber.org for additional information.

8:00 a.m. Farmer’s Market. Every Saturday. Fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, honey, prepared foods, wears, specialty foods, and more. Located at Shoppes at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-273-2350 or check Facebook for additional information.

8:00 a.m. Community Yard Sale. Find yard sale bargains with the convenience of having all the sales in one location. Call to reserve a spot to sell used items. Located at Immokalee Community Park, 321 North 1st St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-4449 for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Eagle Lakes Summer Color Blast. Eagle Lakes will be hosting a kick-off to summer with a Color Run. Located at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-3527 or check colliergov.net for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Greenmarket. Join us on our 10-acre campus every Saturday to find an exclusive selection of locally grown, caught, and cultivated foods and other products available to sample and purchase. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check www.artinlee.org for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Chess Club K-12 at Marco Island Branch Library. Join the chess club for students K-12. For all playing levels, beginner to advanced. Registration is recommended. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

9:30 a.m. WONDER Kids. Drop in anytime before 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to the Smith Children’s Garden for fun activities. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or check www.naplesgarden.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at Vanderbilt Beach Library. Join the library and our special neighbors: Collier County Fire Department, Collier County Sheriff’s Department, and Domestic Animal Services for a special event celebrating our community. Food, crafts, games, and activities. All ages. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Little Explorers Program. Little Explorer Play Zone provides the youngest visitors the opportunity to explore nature and discover amazing animals through multisensory activities, stories, and crafts. No registration required. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Artists@Work at GreenMarket. Free, family friendly demo day that takes place during our weekly GreenMarket. Located at Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-939-2787 or check www.artinlee.org for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Barnes and Noble Storytime. Every Saturday. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information.

12:00 p.m. KidzAct Auditions for Sister Act, Jr. To audition, sing 32 bars of a song you have prepared. An accompanist will be provided to play for you. Please bring

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sheet music. You may bring a recording without vocals if you have no sheet music.

Located at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples.

12:00 p.m. Baby Care Classes. Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida’s comprehensive baby care class covers a variety of topics, from newborn screenings to diapering and circumcision to car seat safety. Cost is $25, which includes a course book. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples.

Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Alligator Fishing. Every Saturday. For $5 plus admission, you get a cane pool with a hot dog on the end of it to feed our 37 gators. Located at Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-9922591 or check www.evergladeswondergardens.com for additional information.

2:30 p.m. The Kids’ Comedy Show. This group of teen actors will present original comedy sketches and improvisational scenes that will delight audiences of all ages. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples.

Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Improv Cafe. Bring your family out to “Little Shop of Improv” on the first Saturday of every month. Located at Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org for additional information.

8:00 p.m. Improv Tonight. Be as involved in the show as you’d like; whether you’re just setting a scene with your suggestions, or whether you’re on stage as a player. Beer and wine available. Located at Centers for Performing Arts-Moe Auditorium, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org for additional information.

4 SUNDAY

naturalist on the beach near the pass to view birds through a scope and ask questions. Look for your guide in the orange vest near the pass on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Located at Clam Pass Beach Park, 410 Seagate Dr., Naples.

10:00 a.m. Historical Tours at Koreshan State Park. Walk the grounds of the utopian community that helped establish Estero. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check www. floridastateparks.org for additional information.

11:15 a.m. Spanish Church Service. Every Sunday. Located at St. Monica’s Church, 7070 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Call 239-591-4550 or check www.stmonicasnaples.org for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Barnyard Yoga. Join us for fun with goats, laughter, and pictures, followed by one hour of alignment yoga with our awesome Instructor. Please bring a yoga mat with you. Located at Good Fortune Farm, 1810 Desoto Ave., Lehigh Acres. Call 239-297-2175 or check barnyardyogainc.com for additional information.

5 MONDAY 8:30 a.m. Summer Institute for Marine Science. Discover our unique coastal environment with Rookery Bay staff and local researchers. Experience concepts in ecology, marine biology, sustainability, and citizen science. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples.

9:00 a.m. The Naples Players KidzAct Summer Classes. Great theater classes for ages 4 and up. Begin with the basics and work toward a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of theatrical skills. Located at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples.

9:30 a.m. Free Boardwalk Tours. A Corkscrew environmental educator will conduct the guided walks. Located at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Rd. W., Naples. Call 239-348-9151 or check corkscrew.audubon.org for details.

11:00 a.m. Needlework Makerspace. Come learn many forms of needlework from crochet to sewing. Instructors in various needle arts will be available each week. Bring a friend, your mom, dad or grandparent and learn a new skill together.

All ages. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples.

8:00 a.m. Koreshan Sunday Farmer’s Market. Local and organic produce, fresh seafood and dips, unique crafts, local honey, native plants, handcrafted jewelry, hot crepes and BBQ, beautiful art, and cool gifts. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check www.floridastateparks.org.

9:00 a.m. Sunday Birding at the Conservancy. Join a Conservancy volunteer BE_ads_multiple sizes_2.qxp_be_half_page_7.25x4.5 2/6/17 11:41 AM Page 1

Some say that, aerodynamically, it is impossible for bumble bees to fly because their wings are too small for their bodies.

Resources, support & information for kids & families with unique abilities.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at Immokalee Branch Library.

Get a coupon for your favorite local ice cream, then create something you can take home. Entering grades K-12. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public.collier-lib.org.

3:00 p.m. Leggo My Magic Show. Joey, Alexandra, and Sydney the Parrot are back for another award-winning comedy, magic, and music show. Ages 5+.

Registration required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public.collier-lib.org for details.

5:00 p.m. Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at Headquarters Library. School’s out and summer is here. Let’s celebrate. Join the Headquarters staff for an evening of activities, balloon animals, snacks, refreshments, raffle prizes, and fun. Sign up for the summer reading program and more. All ages. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public. collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:30 p.m. Art Classes for Kids. Every Monday. Kids will explore and work with different techniques and media. Acrylics on canvases, watercolor, collages, mixed media, etc. Lots of fun and creativity for kids ages 4 to 12. Located at Etudes de Ballet, 3285 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples.

NAPLES PREMIER YOUTH THEATRE AGES 4-18

SUMMER 2017 PERFORMANCES

THEATRE CLASSES

6 TUESDAY

AGES 13-18

7:00 a.m. CCSO Summerfest: Gone Fishing. Tuesdays through Fridays every week until August 4. Walk-ups welcome with adult supervision. Located at Naples Pier, 25 12th Ave., Naples. Call 239-213-3062 or check www.naplesgov.com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Free Tuesday Morning Nature Talk. Bring your children and learn together how nature can flourish in urban and suburban areas, with the proper care. Located at Naples Preserve, 1690 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-2614290 for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Moms and Tots Storytime with Miss Jessica and Miss Mary Ellen. A toddler favorite, the girls read, sing, dance, and color, creating a fun atmosphere of learning and lots of laughter. Ask about the little green frog song.

All ages are welcome. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples.

Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com for additional information.

3:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile Food Pantry. In the YMCA parking every Tuesday until 5:30 p.m. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca. org for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at South Regional Library. See what’s happening this summer at the library. Sign-up for the Summer Reading Program, then enjoy some fun with contests, challenging games, crafts, popcorn, face painting, playful robots, and intriguing demonstrations. All ages family event.

Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org.

6:00 p.m. Chess Club K-12 at Headquarters Library. Join Antonio as he shares his skills at chess with students entering K-12, beginner to advanced. Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples.

Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

Dr. Jennifer B. Hughes, DMD Pediatric Dentist

AUDITIONS JUNE 3

AGES 9-14

AUDITIONS JULY 8 & 9

ADVANCED CONSERVATORY MIDDLE-HIGH SCHOOL

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• Over 15 years experience.

• In-network provider for Cigna, Delta Dental, FL Healthy Kids, MetLife, Principal and more.

REGISTER NOW @ NAPLESPLAYERS.ORG! 239-260-7672

1879 Veterans Park Dr., Suite 1203, Naples, FL 34109

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

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5/12/17 12:00 PM

Our 21s t year!

Coed 8-16 Design and create a one-of-a-kind video game Platform Style Adventure Style with Kodu Modding, Networking & Hosting with Minecraft

www.activelearningcamps.com

June 26 - June 30, 2017 The Community School of Naples • Naples FL 888-652-4377

We buy & sell gently used kids stuff • Clothing (newborn to size 16), toys, baby furniture, equipment and more.

• We pay cash on the spot.

• No appointment necessary, clothes must be freshly laundered and brought in a plastic container.

13560 Tamiami Trail N #4, Naples,

239-596-6096

Also in: Fort Myers at 239-274-0039 Port Charlotte at 941-764-8121

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7 WEDNESDAY 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Crafts at Miromar Outlets. Kids from toddlers to 12 are invited to participate in fun activities. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-948-3766 or check www.miromaroutlets.com.

10:00 a.m. Family Story Time at South County Regional Library. Your whole family is invited to this enjoyable, all-ages storytime that encourages the development of pre-reading skills through songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and stories. All children attending must be registered. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239-479-4636 for additional information.

3:00 p.m. Board-Um Busters. Looking for something to do? Want to make new friends? Spend the afternoon playing board games in the children’s room. Ages 5-13 years. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org.

5:00 p.m. Kids Night at Il Primo. A different theme every Wednesday in June.

Dress like your favorite Disney character. 25% of $5 kids night sales will be donated to Caleb’s Crusade against Childhood Cancer. Located at all Il Primo locations in Naples and Fort Myers. Check www.ilprimopizza.com for additional information.

5:30 p.m. Parent/Teen/Child Mental Health Support Group. For parents/caregivers and children ages 6+ with a mental illness. Opportunity for diagnosed youth ages 6-18 to socialize, receive support, and enjoy refreshments. Parents and youth meet jointly and then break up into groups according to age. Located at NAMI of Collier County, 6324 Trail Blvd., Bldg. C, Naples. Call 239-434-6726 or check namicollier. org for additional information.

5:30 p.m. Sewing Classes for Kids. Every Wednesday. Sew both by hand and machine. Please bring your own machine, but if you don’t have one, we will provide you with one. Be prepared to sew awesome and cool stuff. Ages 5-13. Located at Etudes de Ballet, 3285 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples.

8 THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. World Oceans Day BOGO. In celebration of International Migratory Bird Day, the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center offers buy one, get one free admission. Higher price prevails. Cannot be combined with other offers. Must pay at door. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples.

9:30 a.m. Toddler-ific Thursday: Busy Bugs. Explore the difference between bugs and insects and enjoy some creepy crawly fun. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon. org for additional information.!

4:00 p.m. Build a Better Rainbow. Nothing can duplicate a true rainbow, but we’re going to try. Join us as we build our own rainbows both with crafts and food. Ages 6-12 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at East Naples Library. Balloon animals, popcorn, contests, and other fun. Sign up for summer reading and get a scoop of Royal Scoop ice cream. Entering grades K-12. Registration not required.

Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public.collier-lib.org for more information.

9 FRIDAY 10:00 a.m. Art Smarts. Join us for a new storytime focusing on process art. We’ll read a story, sing songs, and then wear some old clothes to have some creative fun through developmentally appropriate art experiences. Ages 2-5. Registration required.

Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-5930870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Friday Movies at Immokalee Library. All Ages. Registration not required.

Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-6572882 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Hot Summer Nights 2017. Free family fun night. Music, dancing, games, sports, movies, bounce house, and karaoke. Free popcorn, snow cones, and hotdogs at most locations. Located at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples.

Check www.colliersheriff.org for additional information.

7:00 p.m. Youth Chamber Festival Concert. Free event. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1111 or check artisnaples.org for additional information.

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Children’s Montessori School SUMMER CAMP

Animal Discoveries Campers Ages 18 months to Pre-K/K 239-593-6668 childmont101@gmail.com

Protect your family from the toxic chemicals in your drinking water!

Let Us Purify Your Water The All Natural Way Try Allini Organic Water FREE @Food & Thought Water Cooler @Oakes Farms Market Water Cooler @Genesis Non-GMO Vitamin Store Smoother Skin • Softer, Shinier Hair Delicious Drinking Water No Cartridge Replacements No Chemicals or Salt • No Reverse Osmosis No Monthly Maintenance Fees NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Summer VPK www.childmont.com

Municipal water can contain more chlorine than a swimming pool

Allini Water Filters

239-451-4393

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10 SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. SWFL Space Con. A one-day convention with science fiction writers, comic book artists, illustrators, actors, actresses, vendors, presentations, game demos, drop-in gaming, game tournaments, cosplayers, dance performance, and Klingons.

Located at Crowne Plaza at the Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr., Fort Myers.

11:00 a.m. Cinema Saturdays. Watch a Disneynature film. All movies reinforce the Conservancy’s mission to protect our water, land, wildlife, and future. Included with admission. Also at 2 p.m. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org for additional information.

11 SUNDAY 11:00 a.m. Honor Our Collier Fire Heroes Fundraiser. This fundraising event will feature family entertainment, music, dancing, a car show, family activities, water-ski show, chinese auction, raffles, give-aways, vendor booth, cornhole tournament, food trucks ,and Smokey the Bear. Located at Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Dr., Naples. Call 239-793-4414 for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Super Hero Summer Family Concert. It’s a world full of super heroes and super villains. Come dressed as your favorite hero or villain and try out the instruments of the orchestra in the Musical Discovery Zone. Concert at 2 p.m. All tickets $10. Located at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Pkwy., Fort Myers. Call 239-481-4849 or check www.bbmannpah.com for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Baby Wearing Q & A. In this free class, we will go through different types, brands, benefits, and drawbacks to each of different kinds of carriers, and everything in between. You will be able to try on the carriers to get a feel for what you and your baby need. Located at Twinkle Twinkle Little Store, 4172 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Check www.twinkletwinklelittlestorenaples.com.

12 MONDAY

FREE registration when you bring in this ad!

• Serving ages 1-5 • Licensed quality early care & education • Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy with a daily focus on the arts & music • Safe learning environment with credentialed teachers • High-quality, experiential, child-centered curriculum • Scholarships available • School Readiness & VPK vouchers accepted • Open Monday-Friday, 7 am–5:30 pm

Now Enrolling! Call 239.980.9021

Located in Emmanuel Lutheran 777 Mooring Line Dr., Naples, FL Visit www.collierchildcare.org 32

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9:30 a.m. Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop. Learn how to get the best pictures possible, and truly understand your camera’s features. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples.

2:00 p.m. Fire and Ice at South Regional Library. Experience the effects of very hot and very cold temperatures You may get a chance to taste Mad Science “burp” potion, take a Mad Science bubble bath or star in a scary movie scene. Ages 7-10 years.

Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-2527542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Scarf Juggling Workshop. Learn basic juggling techniques to get you started. Ages 9-12 years. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check public.collier-lib.org.

3:00 p.m. Reading with My Ears. Funny and interactive stories that charge up the imagination and nurture a love of reading. Theme-related craft. Ages 6-11 years.

Registration required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public.collier-lib.org for details.

4:00 p.m. Makerspace. Where kids of all ages can have fun while they create, construct, code, learn and share. Experience robots, electricity, Lego bricks, and more.

Ages 4-14 years. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Fire and Ice at Headquarters Library. Experience the effects of very hot and very cold temperatures in this show-stopping exothermic reaction program.

Watch the “Mad Scientist” in action. Ages 5+. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

13 TUESDAY Times Vary. Open Gyms for High School Students. Tuesday through Friday.

Oakridge and East Naples Middle Schools, 1-4 p.m.; Corkscrew Middle School, 1-3 p.m.; Lely High School, 12-4 p.m. Check www.colliersheriff.org for additional information.

8:30 a.m. Open Gym. Tuesday through Friday, through July 28. Middle school students 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. High school students, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Located at Immokalee High School, 701 Immokalee Dr., Immokalee.

10:00 a.m. Free Kids Movies at Paragon Theaters: The Peanuts Movie. First

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

come, first served. Located at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-0008 or check www.paragontheaters.com.

1:00 p.m. Build a Story at Naples Regional Library. Hear a story by professional storyteller Kaye Byrnes and then choose your own characters, settings, challenges, and outcome to create your own story on the spot. Entering grades 1-5. Registration required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239262-6853 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Summer Film Series: La La Land. Seating is available on first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open 30 minutes before presentation. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Bluebird Houses. Learn about the wildlife that lives in the South Naples area and then build a bluebird house to be shared with the community around the South Regional Branch Library. Ages 6-10 years. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

3:00 p.m. Layered Imagery. Artist Marjorie Pesek will share her unique collage art technique of Layered Imagery. Participants will be given a sketch of an alligator.

Using magazine clippings, you will create your own masterpiece. Ages 7-11 years.

Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples.

Call 239-252-4542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:30 p.m. Build a Story at Estates Branch Library. Hear a story by professional storyteller Kaye Byrnes and then choose your own characters, settings, challenges and outcome to create your own story on the spot. Entering grades 1-5. Registration required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

NAPLES ART

14 WEDNESDAY 3:30 p.m. Lego Club at South Regional Library. Join the club and share ideas, be creative, make new friends, and have fun. Bricks will be provided. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Lego Club at Estates Branch Library. Share ideas, be creative, make new friends, and have fun. Bricks will be provided and your creation will be put on display at the library. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Kids Night at Il Primo. A different theme every Wednesday in June. Dress like your favorite superhero or princess. 25% of $5 kids night sales will be donated to Caleb’s Crusade against Childhood Cancer. Located at all Il Primo locations in Naples and Fort Myers. Check www.ilprimopizza.com for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Sierra Club Monthly Meeting. Sierra Club Calusa Group organizes and participates in outdoor adventures, environmental education, public outreach, and local environmental activities. We also lobby our local and state government for pro-environmental policy and legislation. Located at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-275-3435 or check calusanature. org for additional information.

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Dance Arts by Maria

15 THURSDAY 10:00 a.m. Little Explorers Program. Little Explorer Play Zone provides the youngest visitors the opportunity to explore nature and discover amazing animals through multi-sensory activities, stories, and crafts. No registration required. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Introduction to the iPad. Basic introductory class. iPads provided to use during the program. Demonstration of a 3-D Printer. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information.

3:00 p.m. Speed Stacking at Golden Gate Library. Watch a demonstration of speed stacking and then have fun trying to do it yourself. Ages 8-12 years. Registration required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-2524542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Build a Story at Headquarters Library. Professional storyteller Kaye Byrnes will share stories and lead an entertaining, interactive session on creating stories of your own. An enjoyable, cooperative program that builds reading and writing skills. A themed craft will be included. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Teaching love and appreciation for the art of dance.

Offering classes for ages 2-18 in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Pointe, Technique and Improv

NaplesDanceArts.com

239-513-6999

naplesdancearts@hotmail.com Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @naplesdancearts

SWFL READERS CHOICE “BEST DANCE STUDIO” 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014

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KRISTEN COURY, Producing Artistic Director

NAPLES’ PREMIERE PROFESSIONAL THEATRE

Fun, Fascinating Fun and Fantastic theatre programs

all summer long!

GOINE L ONFOR S! L TAI DE

JUNE-AUG • ALL AGES For more info, call (239) 261-7529 or

email Hester Kamin at HKamin@gulfshoreplayhouse.org

www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org

Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

4:00 p.m. Speed Stacking at East Naples Library. Meet Dalton, a speed stacking champion. Learn the art of speed stacking, then enjoy some fun competition. How fast can you stack? Ages 8-12 years. Registration required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check public.collier-lib. org for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Third Thursday on Third Street South. Live music in the Fleischmann Courtyard. Located at Third Street South, Naples. Call 239-434-6533 or check napleschamber.org for additional information.

7:00 p.m. PFLAG Support Group Meeting. The Naples chapter of PFLAG (Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Call 513-4568 for location.

16 FRIDAY Call for times. Laser Light Show. Shows for adults and children throughout June. Matinees and evenings. For a complete listing of each show’s musical offering, see the show schedule at calusanature.org. Located at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-275-3435 or check calusanature.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Kids Free Fridays – Sharks. Free admission for children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by a paying adult. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples.

10:30 a.m. Castaway with the Nutty Scientist. Come join this interactive crowd favorite event as children explore science. Ages 4-6 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples.

Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Hot Summer Nights 2017. Free family fun night. Music, dancing, games, sports, movies, bounce house, and karaoke. Free popcorn, snow cones, and hotdogs at most locations. Located at Corkscrew Middle School, 1065 County Rd., Naples. Visit www.colliersheriff.org for more information.

6:30 p.m. Buddy Break Respite Program for Kids With Special Needs.

Three-hour monthly session of free respite care for children with special needs and their siblings. Advanced registration required. Located at Naples Seventhday Adventist Church, 5050 Davis Blvd., Naples. To volunteer or to register, call 239-213-3351 or check www.naplessdachurch.org for additional information.

17 SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. Father’s Day at the Conservancy. Free admission for Dad when accompanied by another paid adult and child. Closed Sunday. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org for additional information.

8:00 a.m. Community Yard Sale. Find yard sale bargains with the convenience of having all the sales in one location. If you are interested in reserving a spot to sell used items please call the respective park location to reserve a spot. Located at Max A. Hasse Jr. Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-348-7500 or check colliergov.net for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Family Fun Days. Summer at the Conservancy will include family fun days with family-friendly activities to celebrate our water, land and wildlife.

Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.

Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Sensory Friendly Movie: Cars 3. Lights are up, sound is down, and you are totally free to move around. Located at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-0008 or check www.paragontheaters. com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Junior Ranger Program: Critters in the Park. Explore the nature trail with a ranger and discover plants, animals, and other secrets of the park. Ages 6-12. Parental presence required. Located at Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-992-0311 or check www.floridastateparks.org.

10:00 a.m. Little Explorers Program. Little Explorer Play Zone provides the youngest visitors the opportunity to explore nature and discover amazing animals through multi-sensory activities, stories, and crafts. No registration required.

Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.

Call 239-262-0304 or check www.conservancy.org for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Father’s Day Storytime. Celebrate Father’s Day with a reading of When Dads Don’t Grow Up by Marjorie Blain Parker. Activities to follow.

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Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-597-2040 or check bn.com.

1:30 p.m. Pups ‘N’ Books. Stop by to read to a dog or just to pet one. Dogs are provided by PAWS Assistance and Therapy Dogs. All ages. Registration is not required.

Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-5930870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

6:30 p.m. SummerJazz on the Gulf Free Concert. This free outdoor event takes place once a month and combines a diverse selection of live jazz entertainment with picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico, gorgeous sunsets, and refreshing breezes.

Located at Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples. Call 239-261-2222 or check www.naplesbeachhotel.com for additional information.

18 SUNDAY Call for Times. Pure Florida’s Father’s Day Cruise Free. Pure Florida’s Naples and Fort Myers locations will celebrate Father’s Day weekend June 16-18 by offering dads free cruises aboard all sightseeing, river, and sunset cruises when accompanied by full paid adult or child admission. Located at Tin City, 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-262-4200 or check www.tin-city.com for additional information.

9:00 a.m. Father’s Day at the Naples Zoo. Along with a paid child or adult ticket, dads just need to bring a new or partially used bottle of cologne to the zoo on Father’s Day. Why does the zoo want aftershave? For the animals, of course. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check www.caribbeangardens.com for additional information.

10:00 a.m. Father’s Day in the Garden: Free Admission for Dads and Granddads and Fishing. Fishing takes place all weekend, June 17-18; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bring your own fishing gear. Dads and granddads receive free admission on June 18.

Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or check www.naplesgarden.org for additional information.

1:00 p.m. Family Science Lab: Getting Buggy With It. Learn why we need insects, why they are different from arachnids, and what likes to eat them. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon.org for additional information.

19 MONDAY 3:00 p.m. Build a Better Cardboard Challenge. A building relay activity using cardboard boxes. Ages 6-11 years. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check public.collier-lib.org.

5:30 p.m. Construct Your Own Smoothies. Love smoothies? Want to learn some great recipes and make your own?. All supplies will be provided. Entering grades 6 through 12. Registration required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 North First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public.collier-lib.org.

20 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Movies at Paragon Theaters: Trolls. First come, first served.

Located at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-

GUIDING HEARTS x INSPIRING MINDS x SHAPING LIVES

Over the last 43 years, it has been our mission to partner with Christian families in the education and discipleship of their children. We fulfill our mission through biblical integration in all aspects of our programs to teach children to love God, think biblically, and serve others.

The PreK - eighth grade program holds dual accreditation from Advanced Ed/SACS and ACSI. Students at NCA are afforded an unparalleled experience through: • Invested, compassionate faculty • Integrated curriculum • Interactive classrooms • Remarkable fine arts and athletic programs Call us today for your personal tour of our campus to watch our students in action and see for yourself why we say at NCA:

“We are more than a school; we’re family!”

For more information, please contact Kayla Walling at 239-455-1080 or walling@ncanaples.com.

Happy kids. Sparkly smiles.

Try it at our office.

ZOOBY

Exclusively marketed by Denticator™

Dr. Marilyn C. Sandor, DDS, MS, PA NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Naples Pediatric Dentistry goodcheckup.com

239.592.0800 neafamily.com

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Tir Na Nog Academy of Irish Dance

Our mission is to promote the heritage and culture of Irish Dance.

Visit us online at tirnanogdance.com or call 239-455-7225 Call Us to Schedule Your First Class FREE.

596-0008 or check www.paragontheaters.com for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Let’s Make Something to Eat. Bring your taste buds and watch Chef Kristofer from Delicious By Design Catering as he creates some delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Ages 10-17 years. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org.

5:00 p.m. Lego Engineers: Star Wars. Calling all Jedi Masters. Snapology needs your help in engineering strong and powerful lightsabers to be used in a top secret mission. Entering grades 1-5. Registration required and limited. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

7:00 p.m. Mercato Movies on the Lawn. Outdoor movies are on the third Tuesday of the month beginning at dusk. Customers are invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and well-behaved pets for movies under the stars shown on a giant inflatable screen. Located at Mercato, 9128 Strada Place, Naples. Call 239-594-9400 or check www.mercatoshops.com for additional information.

21 WEDNESDAY 2:00 p.m. All About Beekeeping. Learn all about bees and their critical role in our community. Ages 6-10 years. Registration required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org.

3:00 p.m. Build a Better Lego Contest. Back by popular demand, participate in a group building relay activity using Lego bricks. Prizes will be awarded. Ages 6-12 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org.

5:00 p.m. Kids Night at Il Primo. A different theme every Wednesday in June. Dress like your favorite Hogwarts character. 25% of $5 kids night sales will be donated to Caleb’s Crusade against Childhood Cancer. Located at all Il Primo locations in Naples and Fort Myers. Check www.ilprimopizza.com for additional information.

22 THURSDAY 2:00 p.m. Snapology at Marco Island Branch Library. Enter Snapology’s creative construction zone as we use Lego bricks to help “Build a Better World”. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-3943272 or check public.collier-lib.org.

3:00 p.m. Build a Better Cup of Coffee Painting. Create a masterpiece using coffee paint. All ages welcome. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-262-6853 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

4:30 p.m. Table Manners for Teens. Learn how to set a proper table, then enjoy a meal from soup to dessert while practicing newly refined table manners. Entering grades 6-12. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples.

Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:30 p.m. John Storm’s World of Reptiles. Ages 5+. Registration required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

23 FRIDAY 10:00 a.m. Kids Free Fridays – Manatees. Free admission for children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by a paying adult. We recommend a ratio of no more than three kids per adult to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples.

3:00 p.m. Amazing Air with the Nutty Scientist. Come learn about the science of air in this one-hour workshop that’s sure to inform and entertain. Ages 6-11 years.

Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

6:00 p.m. Hot Summer Nights 2017. Free family fun night. Music, dancing, games, sports, movies, bounce house, and karaoke. Free popcorn, snow cones, and hotdogs at most locations. Located at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail East, Naples. Call 239-252-4414 or check www.colliersheriff.org.

25 SUNDAY 2:00 p.m. Cloth Diaper Q & A Session. Join us for this free class as we explore the different brands, styles, laundering, and storage of dirty diapers. Located at Twinkle

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Twinkle Little Store, 4172 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Visit www.twinkletwinklelittlestoreofnaples.com for additional information.

26 MONDAY 6:30 p.m. Feathery Friends. What makes a bird a bird? Who are some of our backyard feathery friends? Prizes and fun activities. Ages 6-12 years. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0870 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

27 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Movies at Paragon Theaters: Rio 2. First come, first served.

Located at Paragon Pavilion Theaters, 833 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239596-0008 or check www.paragontheaters.com for additional information.

2:00 p.m. Snapology at South Regional Library. Enter Snapology’s creative construction zone as we use Lego bricks to help “Build a Better World”. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

3:00 p.m. Build a Better Marble Run. Work as a family to create a marble run out of cardboard, tubes, and other items, then we’ll join all the family boards together to turn the library wall into a giant marble run. Ages 4+. Registration required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

5:00 p.m. Sensory Night at C’mon. For children on the autism spectrum and/or with other sensory integration disorders. Limited participation in order to minimize crowds, and registration is required. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check www.cmon.org for additional information.

Now Enrolling for Summer 2017 and School Year 2017-2018 INFANT * TODDLER * CHILDREN’S HOUSE VPK * ELEMENTARY * ADOLESCENT

28 WEDNESDAY 3:00 p.m. Snapology at Golden Gate Library. Enter Snapology’s creative construction zone as we use Lego bricks to help “Build A Better World”. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check public.collierlib.org for more information.

5:00 p.m. Kids Night at Il Primo. A different theme every Wednesday in June. Dress like your favorite Star Wars character. 25% of $5 kids night sales will be donated to Caleb’s Crusade against Childhood Cancer. Located at all Il Primo locations in Naples and Fort Myers. Check www.ilprimopizza.com for additional information.

29 THURSDAY

Join us for Open House Saturday, June 10, 2017 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon

or Call to schedule a private tour

239-597-2255

More information can be found on our website

10:00 a.m. Little Explorers Program. Explore nature and discover amazing animals through multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and animal-themed crafts. No registration is required to join in the fun. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check www. conservancy.org for additional information.

www.naplesmontessori.org

2659 Professional Circle, Suite 1118, Naples, Florida 34119 License #C20CO0026

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

www.reedorthodonticsnaples.com

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

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June Picks in Lee County

Rapunzel

Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers June 2 - July 23

This all-new musical tells the classic story about a long-haired princess who is locked high in a castle tower. Her only hope of being rescued is a climbing suitor. Will he be able to save her from the witch so they can have their happily ever after? 239-278-4422

Revolution Aqua Park Grand Opening Revolution Cable Park, 17590 East Street, North Fort Myers June 2 - 4

Healthy Water Wibit Activity! Fun for all ages! 941-444-9989

Kids Fishing Tournament Salty Sam's Marina, Fort Myers Beach Saturday, June 10 • 10 a.m.

Youngsters will spend time learning, hooking and catching different types of fish. Lunch & a magic show with Ronald McDonald will follow at 11:30 a.m. 239-437-0202

Father/Son & Father/Son/Grandson Look-alike Contest Miromar Outlets, Estero Saturday, June 17• 11 a.m.

How much do you look like your dad? Fathers, sons and grandsons compete together for prizes in this annual family event 239-948-3766

Junior Ranger Program: Critters in the Park!

Koreshan State Historic Site, 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero Saturday, June 17 • 10 a.m.

Join a park ranger to discover the exciting world of critters.

We will explore the Nature Trail with a Ranger and discover plants, animals, and other secrets of the park!

For kids 6 and up. 239-463-4588

Lee County’s Original Family Publication

FOR 26 YEARS!!

www.leefamilynews.net 38

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

2:00 p.m. Makerspace. Join us for a place where kids can have fun while they create, construct, learn, and share. Experience Lego bricks, Keva planks, crafts, coloring, puzzles, and games. Entering grades K-5. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

3:00 p.m. Speed Stacking at Naples Regional Library. Use our official Speed Stacking cups to build a pyramid. How fast can you stack when seconds count? All ages welcome. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-262-6853 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

3:00 p.m. Build Your Own Candy Bar. Melt your chocolate, choose your add-ins and design your own label. It all adds up to yum. Entering grades 6-12. Registration required. Located at Estates Branch Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

3:30 p.m. Lego Club at Marco Island Branch Library. Join the club and share ideas, be creative, make new friends, and have fun. Bricks will be provided. Ages 5-11 years. Registration is not required. Located at Marco Island Branch Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check public.collier-lib.org.

5:30 p.m. A Parrot’s Life. See a parrot up close and learn more about The Bird Gardens of Naples, a nonprofit bird sanctuary. Find out what parrots eat, how long they live, and how we can help them live better lives. All ages. Registration required.

Located at Immokalee Branch Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-6572882 or check public.collier-lib.org for additional information.

30 FRIDAY 10:00 a.m. Kids Free Fridays – Birds. Free admission for children ages 12 and younger who are accompanied by a paying adult. Located at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Rd., Naples.

6:00 p.m. Hot Summer Nights 2017. Free family fun night. Music, dancing, games, sports, movies, bounce house, and karaoke. Free popcorn, snow cones, and hotdogs at most locations. Located at Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, 7500 Davis Blvd., Naples. Call 239-325-1700 or go to www.colliersheriff.org.

June 12th - July 21st 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Our Educated and Dedicated Staff Encourages Creative, Expressive, Hands on Learning Your child will receive quality interaction with our low student-teacher ratios and will enjoy our spacious, shaded, fun-filled play area.

Serving children Infant - age 5 VPK Certified

Full-day, Half-day and partial week schedules available Where your child’s needs are our only priority.

727 108th Ave., Naples • 597-5748 License #C20C07416 smallworldelc@embarqmail.com • smallworldnaples.com

Early Drop off and Late Pick up Available

Ages3to13 5:1 CAMPER TO STAFF RATIO Baseball...Theater...Ceramics...Basketball ...

Science...Cooking...Tennis...Nature..

Karaoke...Sports Leagues...Photography...

Swimming...Woodwork...Archery...Flag Football...Music...Sculpture ...Soccer...

Waterslides ...Super Sports ... Bungee Trampoline... Lego.. Dance...Rocketry...

Arts & Crafts ...Rock Climbing Wall...Magic...

Fashion Design...lnternational Sports ...Gaga...and more!

For more information or to enroll, call (239) 213-8001 or visit us online at

www.southbreezedaycamp.com NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

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SPECIAL NEEDS

By Anna Snyder

Taking Flight With Sensory Issues

F

amily air travel involves challenges, particularly flying with young children. For many families in our area, summer vacations include air travel to destinations all over the world.

However, for some families with children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory disorders, air travel isn’t an option. Some avoid flying altogether because of the very real fear of the unknown – what if they plan a trip, pay for airline tickets, and then everything goes wrong once they get to the airport, are going through security, or in the middle of a flight? Not being able to fly can severely limit time with families and vacation or even medical care options.

How can families with children on the autism spectrum alleviate the stresses involved with air travel and make it possible and more manageable?

Organizations such as Autism Speaks and The Arc have teamed up with airlines to provide programs to help families take flight. In partnership with Autism Speaks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families, JetBlue Airways hosts Blue Horizons for Autism events across the country. These events provide families with the opportunity to walk through the airport experience in a realistic setting to prepare them for travel. While the program has been offered in just a few cities so far, JetBlue and Autism Speaks are working to expand their offerings. For more information about future events, visit the Autism Speaks Facebook page: www.facebook.com/autismspeaks. Autism Speaks offers a helpful bibliography of travel tips and resources on their website as well. Visit www.autismspeaks.org and search “traveling tips” for a list of books and websites.

United, American, Delta, and Southwest also have dedicated assistance teams to provide any necessary accommodations. All

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recommend families contact the airline directly well in advance of any scheduled flight.

The Arc, a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of individuals and families affected by developmental disabilities, sponsors the Wings for Autism/Wings for All program across the country.

Like JetBlue, Wings for Autism provides airport “rehearsals” for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and intellectual/ development disabilities. Families are able to practice the entire process, from checking in to navigating through security to actually boarding the airplane. Currently, there are no events within driving distance of Southwest Florida on The Arc’s calendar, but families interested in bringing the program closer to home are encouraged to contact The Arc at wingsforautism@thearc.org.

LARC, Inc. is the local chapter of The Arc, and serves Lee County and northern Collier County. LARC’s Hope Zapata offers tips to parents traveling with children on the autism spectrum.

“Notify the airline to request specific seats, and contact TSA Cares, a helpline that provides support for the security screening process, as soon as possible. Consider the possibility of taking some type of practice run by contacting the airport to find out if there is an access program in place for families with children who have special needs.” Though the local chapter of The Arc does not regularly offer air travel events or opportunities for families with children on the autism spectrum, “new opportunities always arise,” said Zapata.

“Stay in touch by checking our website www.larcleecounty.org and signing up for our newsletter.”

Wings for Autism/Wings for All’s website provides a wealth of information for families traveling this summer. Visit www.thearc. org/wingsforautism.

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

RESOURCES LARC Inc. larcleecounty.org

The Arc’s Wings for Autism thearc.org/wingsforautism

Autism Speaks 888-288-4762 autismspeaks.org/air-travel-resources

Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism flutiefoundation.org

Advice Lee Cosentino of Naples has two sons, Nicholas and Christopher, with whom she travels regularly. Her oldest, Nicholas, is in first grade and was diagnosed with ASD at a young age. “I was nervous the first time we traveled, but that was because Nicholas was only seven weeks when we adopted him,” she explained. “He and I traveled every couple of months his first two years. Because he grew up used to traveling so often, he grew accustomed to it and felt more comfortable than if we hadn’t traveled so often.”

“When Nicholas was about 18 months old, the sensory disorder was apparent to us, though we didn’t have an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis for another year. We were working with an occupational therapist to help him manage his environment. There we were prescribed a therapeutic listening program (specially designed headphones and music) to relax him, which we brought on all of our plane trips. We were taught a skin brushing protocol as well, and we took his special little brush with us everywhere. It was very calming and grounding for him. And of course, we brought along special items from home, such as a stuffed animal or special toy. These types of items are helpful for any child, but especially for children who may need these items to feel like they can cope with the stress.”

Lee’s son happens to enjoy air travel and airplanes in general. “As for air travel,” she said, “we have really lucked out there. Not only has Nicholas been traveling often since he was a baby, but he also developed an obsession with airplanes, which has helped him cope with the logistics of air travel. Because he became hyper-focused on getting to the plane, he was able to overcome his anxiety and all the challenges related to his sensory disorder.”

Another local mom, Kristi, shared her air travel experience.

“My son, Andrew, is 13 years old. He has autism and various developmental disabilities. He also has anxiety which makes it extremely difficult for him to communicate with anyone he doesn’t know very well.” Traveling was – and is – a daunting proposition for Kristi and

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Be prepared Preparation is key to flying for any family, and especially so when you are traveling with a kid with ASD. “Many children benefit from a little preparation,” said Charlene Westman, owner of Building Blocks, Inc. in Naples. “Social stories are a great tool to help prepare children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Several examples are easily found on the internet, or you can prepare a story specific to the trip your family will be taking. Pictures can help some children enhance understanding. A social story about air travel can be read frequently in the days and weeks ahead of the trip.” Autism Speaks provides a social story that you can print out from its website at www.autismspeaks. org/air-travel-resources.

“On the day of the trip, be sure to bring your child’s favorite items. Try to include items that can keep his or her interest for long periods of time. Activities may involve paper and pencils, coloring books, or electronic tools such as tablets, DVD players, or video games. For families who plan to offer electronics on the flight, don't forget extra chargers or batteries.” Westman also recommends sensory items for children: “Tools for successful air travel may also include chewy tubes, weighted blankets or vests, and your child's favorite drinks and snacks.”

Westman also encouraged parents to consider long-term goals regarding family vacations. “I would highly suggest taking pictures along the way. After your trip, you can review the pictures as a family to help your child develop positive emotional memories about your trip. This type of shared positive experience can be very powerful.”

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her son. “I have only traveled once with him to Connecticut with my parents, and it was relatively uneventful. Of course, my positive experience could be due to the fact that I had two other adults to help me. Fortunately, during that experience, we avoided all but one minor meltdown. We are planning to go away for another trip up north mid-June, and I’m concerned it won’t go so easily this time around.”

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TRAVEL

By Karen T. Bartlett

Destination: Blue Ridge Parkway

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ately I’ve been feeling nostalgic about my childhood vacations in the Great Smoky Mountains. My family spent a week there each summer until we kids got too cool or too busy to hang out with the parents. Our destination was the 177-mile southern tip of the Blue Ridge Parkway between Blowing Rock and Cherokee, North Carolina, with Asheville in the middle. With no billboards, few exits, few passing zones, lots of curves and tunnels, deer and black bear sightings, it’s nature’s own theme park ride. The speed limit is 35-45 mph, and nobody’s in a hurry. There are lots of pull-off points for scenic views or longer adventures like hiking and rafting.

In summer, the hillsides are blanketed in daisies, black-eyed Susans, buttercups, lilies and Queen Anne’s lace. Just off the Parkway are state and national parks with awesome campsites and cabins.

Daddy wasn’t the camping type, nor was our family in the luxury cabin bracket, so we “camped” in quirky vintage roadside motels. My favorite was a cluster of mini-cabins dwarfed by mistshrouded blue-green mountains. Every day began at a new milepost and a different adventure. I still can feel the icy water numbing my toes and the sun on my back as I picked my way over the

smooth, slippery rocks poking out of trout streams. I loved the trails through forests of mountain laurel and pink rhododendron, and that scary-fun wobble across Grandfather Mountain’s milehigh swinging bridge. I loved getting soaked in the mist at Bridal Veil Falls (Asheville), and picnicking at roadside tables and in wildflower-strewn meadows. A highlight of the week was Unto These Hills, an exciting and moving Cherokee Indian reenactment of the Trail of Tears. Summer nights in the outdoor amphitheater got downright cold, but being bundled in blankets under the stars enhanced the mystique.

When I took my own kids back to these favorite childhood spots, I was thrilled to find that the best stuff was still there. And it still is. Starting at the top, here are some of my faves.

Milepost 291 Blowing Rock One of the few towns actually on the Parkway, this is a great place to start your adventure, with good accommodations and restaurants. Pick up free Junior Ranger and Kids in Parks packets at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center.

Milepost 304- 305 Grandfather Mountain At 5,946 feet, it’s the second-highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is the home of the awesome mile-high swinging bridge. Heads up: some trails are so steep they have cables and ladders to reach the rugged peaks. My kids and I had the muddiest, most exhilarating hike of the decade here. The Linn Cove Viaduct at milepost 304 is like a magical 10-mile long snake writhing in mid-air around the mountain. You can walk part of it to one of North Carolina’s most stunning postcard scenes.

Milepost 316 Linville Falls The most photographed waterfall in North Carolina has been in several movies, including The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games. There are some easy trails to the falls.

Mile High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain

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Milepost 355 Mount Mitchell At 6,684 feet, it’s the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi. The scenery and trails are gorgeous, and as a state park, admission is free.

NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Mileposts 384 - 388 Asheville It’s not Cinderella’s castle but the Biltmore Estate is the real deal. With 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces, it’s America’s very own Downton Abbey. The 8,000-acre estate includes spectacular gardens, an adorable farm village, and adventures like fly fishing, mountain biking, and more at the Outdoor Adventure Center. An absolute Asheville must-do is the French Broad River, with spots for both whitewater rafting and lazy tube floats.

Milepost 408 Mount Pisgah/Pisgah National Forest Hiking, horseback riding, several waterfalls, and beautiful scenery in all directions. The iconic Sliding Rock is hugely popular with children. Too crowded for me.

Milepost 469 Cherokee The town of Cherokee was super-touristy when I was a kid, and you still can get fun selfies with the full-feathered Indians in front of teepee-roofed souvenir shops. But the top-ranked Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village, and Cherokee Bonfire have enhanced the cultural aspect. These admission-based interactive and living history experiences include stuff kids love, like war paint and dances, storytelling, mask sculpting, and canoe carving. And finally, there’s my favorite: Unto These Hills. Seriously – don’t forget to pack your blankets.

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

#1 Must-have Besides the blanket, the best piece of gear I’m taking this year is my new Picture Keeper Connect. This two-inch gadget plugs into

KAREN T. BARTLETT, travel editor of Neapolitan Family and publisher of the popular guidebooks, Mostly Kids’ Guides, has authored 11 destination travel books.

my phone and downloads all my pictures and videos so the phone never runs out of storage. I mean, imagine this: there’s a big black bear scoping out a picnic table right on the Parkway. What are you going to do – drive on, or take gazillion videos? Right! You also can use it to view everybody else’s phone pictures and grab what you want. I received the 16 GB review sample from picturekeeper. com. It retails for $60-75.

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HAPPY, HEALTHY FAMILY By Anna Snyder

Make Your Own Baby Food: Tips and Tricks M

any parents in Southwest Florida want to provide fresh, whole foods to their babies but shy away from making their own baby food, certain it’s too much time and trouble. However, the process of making your own baby food is relatively simple and can be done days and even weeks ahead of time. Lots of families in our area have made their own baby food for each of their children, and they have lots of advice and tips to share.

Why make your own?

There are lots of products available to parents of little ones, including baby food blends, squeeze pouches, and puffs that take the guesswork out of feeding babies. These products are easily accessible in a variety of flavors, and almost all are available as USDA certified organic products. Why, then, make your own baby food? Our family chose that route to save money. Even though many of these products are $1-$3 each, babies go through lots of food when they are just beginning to eat solids, particularly after they reach the one-yearold mark. We were able to create baby food squeeze pouches and small containers of food for much less per serving than anything we could find at the grocery store.

Buying fruits and vegetables in season and freezing them in easily accessible small containers made it possible for us to feed our baby fresh, whole, organically grown food.

Another reason families choose to make their own baby food is so that they know exactly what they are putting into their children’s bodies in terms of nutrition. “Jarred baby food is cooked at high temperatures in order to preserve its shelf life, which removes many of the nutrients and can change the taste of the food,” explained Ashley McLean, a Naples mom of three. “I love that I’ve been able to give my babies whole food nutrition, and that their taste buds are growing accustomed to what the rest of our family is eating.”

Making baby food also is gentle on the environment. Reusable container systems (either specifically made for baby food or regular food storage) offer eco-conscious parents the opportunity to reduce the amount of waste created.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

Additionally, parents using whole foods to feed their babies are not relying on others to make, process, and ship food; rather, they are completing this process themselves. Making baby food is, in short, an efficient use of resources overall.

Homemade purees created out of what your family already is eating allow your baby to get used to the taste of your family’s food and makes the transition from purees to table food easier. Pureed broccoli, bananas, avocado, spinach, and sweet potatoes are staples in our home – our daughter was already accustomed to the taste of those foods before we put them on her plate in their whole form.

Tips and tricks As parents, many of us need ways to make our lives easier, not more complicated. Making your own baby food on a regular basis would seem more time consuming and difficult. But here are some tips from local families to make the process manageable.

• “When my boys were babies, I made big batches of soup for our family. I would puree portions for them. It made it easier on me to only have to make one meal.” Freedom Teague, Naples.

• “I made a lot of smoothies for my kids when they were babies and put them in sippy cups. I made steamed zucchini, spinach, and banana smoothies, and I always tried to be sneaky and add in leafy greens whenever possible. ” Therese McLean, Naples.

• “I used two books with my first: The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet by Karin Knight and Ruggiero and Starting Solids

by Annabel Karmel. With my second, we didn’t do purees for very long; she ended up eating mostly what we ate.” Jenna Shaffer, Naples.

• “I take whatever fruits or vegetables we are eating that meal and blend them up for my babies.” Sally Carpenter, Naples.

• “The Vitamix blender is the best; it can make baby food, soups, and smoothies; it makes life easy when trying to accommodate an entire family.” Skye Leber, Naples.

• “When babies get bigger, make big batches of baby food and freeze them in tiny mason jars; they’re much bigger and more convenient than ice tray portions.” Adriana Gammiero, Naples.

• “Rather than making purees, we fed my daughter soft foods we already had in the house – bananas, avocados, peas, steamed vegetables, etc.” Ashley Justice, Naples.

• “The Beaba Babycook Pro is life-changing. We make purees of all kinds and freeze in ice cube trays. We keep the cubes in freezer bags in the freezer. My son loves everything because we just blend up whatever we make for dinner.” Amy McGowan, Naples.

• “The website wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com was really helpful. I got silicon ice cube trays to freeze purees. They’re a lot easier than plastic trays to get baby food out once frozen.” Sandra Jean, Naples.

Taking it one step further For families in Southwest Florida looking to take advantage of our extended growing season and who want to be even more ecofriendly and self-reliant, building and maintaining a backyard garden is a no brainer! Emily Denlinger and her fiancé, Gabe Green, planted a large vegetable garden in their backyard after the birth of their son.

“We started a vegetable garden after Wilder was born (now 14 months old). We spend time in it with him every day. He loves digging in the dirt and helping water the plants. We feed him some of the food we harvest, but I want him to make the connection that we are growing NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2017

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food. Occasionally when we are playing in the garden, I let him pull off a piece of kale or lettuce leaf and take a bite,” Denlinger said.

Josh and Alex Chaney have two girls, Willow (two) and Charlie (seven months) and wanted to make fresh, whole food nutrition available to their children from the very beginning.

“We’ve begun our own garden with lots of veggies and some fruits that Willow loves to tend. It’s pretty cool to see her learn the process of growing food rather than buying it at the store. One of her favorite activities was collecting cherry tomatoes,” Alex Chaney said.

However you choose to feed your babies, know that there are options and ways to make it even easier on yourself. Enjoy your meals together as a family this summer. neafamily.com

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