Neapolitan Family March 2022 Digital Issue

MARCH 2022

COMPLIMENTARY

SAFETY TIPS For outdoors and at home HOUSING CRISIS Is it too expensive to live in SWFL? LOOK LOCAL Spring break fun and magical mermaids

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

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March 2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS

in every issue . . .

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

8

YOUR COMMUNITY

11

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE

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KIDS’ CORNER

20

OUT & ABOUT

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on the cover…

Maryn Ann Traylor is 4 years old and the daughter of Emily Brockelsby and Dan Traylor. She loves Legos, Barbies, dinosaurs, and playing tackle football with her 8-year-old brother, Jackson, and annoying her 15-year-old brother, Caden.

Her family lovingly calls her the Kraken because it is the short version of “She is a kraken masquerading as a mermaid,” after she chose violence and chaos in the bathtub once when she was a toddler.

Cover photo by Emily Brockelsby www.studioembr.com 239-331-0529

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The Housing Crisis in SWFL. Many families are being priced out of living locally.

by Andrea Stetson

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Internet Safety. Learn how to keep your kids safe online.

by Andrea Stetson

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Safety Tips. Put (some of) your fears to rest with our safety guide.

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The Book List. Celebrate Women’s History Month with books that feature bold women.

by Kate Higginbotham

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Destination: Sanibel and Captiva.

Go in search of shiny objects and the Magic Mermaid.

by Karen T. Bartlett

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INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION FOR STRUGGLING READERS • Certified Reading Specialist • Methods: Orton-Gillingham & Reading Recovery • 30 Years experience

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Typical gain in phonics skill equals one grade level for every three months of full time attendance.*

Reading Rescue of Naples, Florida *not guaranteed

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239-233-9400

readingrescuecenters@gmail.com • www.ReadingRescueCenters.com NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

This market has many people asking the question!

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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

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family

Make mental wellness a priority this year.

There’s now a FREE online resource to help you lead the way.

It’s not easy to talk about mental wellness with children and teens. The new Mind Your Mind initiative from David Lawrence Centers is a free monthly resource that comes right to your inbox. Let us help you lead those tough discussions and keep mental wellness a priority in your family all year long.

JOIN OR ACCESS FOR FREE AT:

DLCMindYourMind.org or SCAN the code with your smart phone

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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

P.O. Box 110656 Naples, FL 34108 info@neafamily.com 2021

2021

2020

2021

2020

Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Feature Writers Anna Snyder Andrea Stetson Editorial submissions are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or comment editorially on all material contributed. We cannot be responsible for return of any unsolicited materials.

Articles and advertisements in Neapolitan Family do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher nor does the publisher assume responsibility for statements made by our advertisers or editorial contributors. Acceptance of advertising by Neapolitan Family does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at distribution points throughout Collier County, as well as digitally at https://neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2022 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

THIS MONTH Safety Parents have a lot of hopes and dreams for their children, but often it’s moms who lie awake at night wondering how to keep their kids safe.

Nothing brings a mama more peace than knowing her babies of all ages are sleeping safely in their beds at night under her roof. But then, the worries creep in: Is the pool gate locked? Did they get enough healthy food to eat? Is that the smoke detector beeping? Have they talked to a stranger on the internet? Will the crossing guard stop the cars when they bike to school? Are their car tires a little low? Can we afford to live near good schools?

Starting on page 16, we offer you tips on internet safety for adults and children of all ages, plus our safety guide for some of the situations that may put (some of) your fears to rest.

For some local moms, safe at home is not a reality on any given night. The housing boom in Collier County, as well as many other areas, has caused landlords to raise rents by impossible amounts, or decide to evict their tenants and sell their rental properties in order to benefit from the current market bubble. While homelessness has always been a serious issue, now, even families with two middle-class incomes are finding themselves living in their cars while searching for affordable housing. On page 14, we feature two SWFL moms facing this frightening dilemma, and hear from local officials about what solutions could be on the horizon.

March brings spring break and wonderful weather, so it is a great time to put our safety tips into practice: Get offline, get outside, take some swimming lessons, and wear a helmet when you bike or scoot, like our cover kid Maryn Traylor. This issue has tips for local outdoor fun, and a onetank trip to Sanibel and Captiva to search for the Magic Mermaid.

Mamas, the worrying never stops. I still worry about two of my children from afar. When I see their “dots” (yes, I track my children – fight me) in their apartment and dorm at night, or better yet, in my home, I am flooded with oxytocin and a sense of well-being. We wish for you to have a safe month, an adventurous spring break, and a safe place for your whole family to sleep.

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Kid-Friendly STEMLab Opens in Miromar Outlets

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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

www.onceuponachildnaples.com

nspired by the IMAG History & Science Center of Fort Myers, STEMLab is a space where the whole family can experience and understand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Opened in February in Miromar Outlets in Estero, STEMLab offers hands-on activities and interactive exhibits for kids of all ages, including SOS Explorer (Science on a Sphere), Google Earth Wall, Animated Augmented-Reality Sandbox, DrawAlive Studio, Hurricane Simulator, and more.

STEMLab offers both day and evening programs and events for families, children, and adults in its classroom. STEMLab is located in suite 192 near WINK Playland and the rock climbing walls.

For more information visit https://miromaroutlets.com or https://theimag.org.

Send Us Your Community News!

Did your kids do something amazing? Is your organization hosting an event? Let us know, and you might see your news in print! Send photos and details to info@neafamily.com.

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NCH NAMED AS ONE OF AMERICA’S

TOP 100 HOSPITALS

BY HEALTHGRADES

NCH RANKS BETTER THAN 98% OF ALL HOSPITALS NATIONWIDE* The NCH Healthcare System has received the Healthgrades 2022 America’s 100 Best Hospitals Award™. This notable distinction places NCH in a small, elite group of hospitals who are in the top two percent of nearly 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for superior clinical care and patient outcomes for the treatment of the most common conditions and procedures as measured by Healthgrades, the leading resource that connects consumers, physicians and health systems.

For more information on the award-winning services of the NCH Healthcare System, please visit NCHmd.org.

*Statistics are based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2018 through 2020 and represent 3-year estimates for Medicare patients only.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Jennifer Kupiec

Palmetto Ridge NHS Launches Project to Aid Black Bears

B

lack bears are well known for making appearances here in Southwest Florida. And while many may not particularly welcome the site of a black bear in their home or yard, the National Honor Society at Palmetto Ridge High School, home of the Bears, may change your mind with its community involvement project.

“Around campus, we have several small wooden bear statues that have been here for years,” said Bob Scallan, National Honor Society advisor at PRHS. “The idea occurred that if we could build a number of them, we could sell them – similar to the Turtles Around Town project that was held a few years ago by the United Arts Council of Naples.”

The school began putting the word out and many answered the call. Champions For Learning, our local education foundation, provided a grant for the construction materials, and Lowe’s provided the lumber at cost. Construction Academy students at both PRHS and Immokalee Technical College built the bears, which were then “adopted” by 23 local artists who plan to paint and decorate them for auction.

“The artists are professionals,” added Scallan. “When these statues come back, they are going to be gorgeous.”

Yearbook students plan to photograph

The unfinished bears gather in front of Palmetto Ridge High School before being “adopted” by local artists who will paint and decorate them for auction. the finished bears and create a book with artists’ biographies and photos for the auction, which is expected to take place in early April. Proceeds will be donated to the Florida Wildlife Federation which will use the funds for conservation efforts for bears in SWFL. “We looked at several organizations in Southwest Florida that work on conservation efforts,” said Scallan. “It was obvious when I visited the Florida Wildlife Federation’s website that they are the organization most passionate about conserving the habitat for the Florida black bear.”

While plans for the event still are being finalized, the auction will be open to the public and available online. The PRHS Culinary Academy will offer refreshments to those attending in person.

“This project has grown far beyond what I expected,” said Scallan. “It has been a tremendous learning experience for the National Honor Society students to see the power of collaboration and the willingness and generosity of our community.”

Those interested in bidding or learning more about the project may email scallr@ collierschools.com.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

KIDS’ CORNER

By Andrea Stetson design, and flower-pounding prints. Afterward, head over to a sculpture made from 30,000 pounds of willow saplings and go inside or under the unique creation. “It’s just incredible. It is one of the most fun things,” said Jenny Fuentes, Naples Botanical Garden’s content manager. Visit www.naplesgarden.org.

Photo courtesy of Artis-Naples

 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewers is the newest traveling exhibit at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, and features a maze, pizza shooter, and more. “It focuses on teamwork and collaboration. Kids are working together to solve challenges,” said Beth Housewert, director of play and learning at C’mon. Visit https://cmon.org.  Airboat rides are available not just in Everglades City, but also on Lake Trafford in Immokalee. A boat tour with Airboats & Alligators, located at the headwaters of the Everglades, showcases hundreds of native birds and alligators. “Nine of 10 times you will see alligators and different birds – all in their natural habitat,” said owner Ski Olesky. “We are not a speed ride; we go slow, and you are able to take pictures.” Visit www.airboatsandalligators.com.

The Art of Baseball exhibit at Artis-Naples.

Look Local for Spring Break Fun W

hen you live in sunny Southwest Florida you don’t have to go far for spring break, yet Collier County offers more than sun, surf, and sand for making memories. Here are 10 places for the 10 days without school that you might not have thought about and popular attractions with new twists.

 The new playground that just opened at Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park, located next to Collier Fair, is now the largest in Collier County, and it goes way beyond swings and slides. There’s a three-story castle, a “dino-dig” play area and a mini-zip line.

There’s also a rock climbing wall in the shape of a ship and musical instruments. Venture to the top of the castle for great views before taking a giant slide to the bottom. “We call it the magic kingdom,” said Randi Hopkins, parks program supervisor for Collier Parks & Recreation. Visit www.collierparks.com.  Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s newly renovated Discovery Center keeps bringing in something new. In March the popular virtual reality exhibit features a black bear. Kids will love standing in front of the screen and watching the bear appear to walk up and sniff them. “Kids are just in awe over it,” said Kate Kintz, marketing director at Conservancy. Visit https:// conservancy.org.  Naples Botanical Garden has a lot more to do than simply look at flowers. Every day at 10:30 a.m. the garden has a W.O.N.D.E.R. drop-in program for kids. Fabulous Flowers is the theme for March, and features a dissection activity, a dream garden NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

 The Bird Gardens of Naples welcomes visitors by appointment only to experience its 235 current bird residents, including the 150 parrots from Seattle that the nonprofit recently rescued. “There is no set price for admission,” said owner Keriellen Lohrman. “We don’t want people to miss out because of budget.” On an educational tour, guests will learn fun facts, such as how parrots have bones in their tongue so they can use it like a finger, and how parrots use their beak like another set of hands. Visit https://thebirdgardensofnaples.org.  The Naples Train Museum took advantage of its pandemic closure to improve the track for its outside train. Inside, they added more scenery and more interactive buttons for children to push to move items in the display. Up to nine model trains zip around the track, including Thomas the Tank Engine and original Lionel locomotives. Right next door is the Naples Depot Museum showcasing the era of the original settlers. There are Seminole dugout canoes, a mule wagon, antique swamp buggy, and restored rail cars. Visit http://www.naplestrainmuseum.org.  The winding waterways between the mangroves behind Barefoot Beach are a nursery for young aquatic life and home to a multitude of water birds. Park rangers offer guided canoe/kayak tours every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. Ranger Jimmy Alaniz said tours are aimed at parents with children 12 years and older.  Artis-Naples is batting into action for kids during spring break with its free youth tours of Baseball Heroes. Groups of 10 or more children, ages 17 and younger (with their adult chaperones), are invited to schedule a free docent-led tour. The Art of Baseball also is the theme of this month’s Make-and-Take workshop on March 17, and is free with museum admission. Visit https://artisnaples.org.  To close out the day, head to the southern end of Fort Myers Beach off Sterling Avenue for a unique event. Every night at sunset about a dozen people blow conch shells as the sun dips into the gulf.

“Children are fascinated by it,” said participant Bobbi Kemp. neafamily.com

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

By Andrea Stetson

The Housing Crisis in SWFL

T

ania Fulmore, her teenage daughter, and her dog live in their car in Naples. Dezarae Napier, her husband, and four children just learned their landlord is selling the house they are renting in Lehigh Acres. They have to leave immediately, and finding an affordable place to rent is almost impossible. These are the faces of our community’s homeless and almost-homeless families.

Napier and her husband have good middle-class jobs. They have been responsible providers for their family of four children, ages 2-14.

Now they are one of hundreds of local families struggling to find a place to live. Their landlord, taking advantage of high selling prices, put the house on the market. Napier had been paying $1,300 a month for the four-bedroom home in Lehigh Acres. Even when she worked in Naples, she lived in Lehigh as it was more affordable, but now, nothing there is less than $2,200 a month.

“I am finding nothing,” Napier said. “Rents that were $1,300 a year ago are $2,400 now, and people that are normal middle class can’t pay that much rent. It’s hard.”

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development says renters should not pay more than 30% of their income on housing.

Napier said with today’s prices it would be more than 50% for her family. Making it even harder are the application fees that she says are at least $60 per person. They already have applied to eight places, spending more than $1,000 for residences that they might not even get.

“You can’t have an average job anymore,” Napier said. “You have to make more money. I don’t know how people are going to continue to pay these prices.”

It’s even more difficult for Fulmore. When she lost her housing in Naples in September, she and her daughter moved into her car. She had been working full time at Walmart, but recently had to quit her job because she didn’t think it was safe to leave her daughter alone in a car while she worked.

“I have been dying to go back to work, but how can I go back to work without a house?” Fulmore questioned. “My daughter; her heart is broken. There are so many problems.”

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It’s not fair Fulmore says it’s not fair that good, working people can’t afford a place to live. “I don’t take drugs. I don’t drink alcohol,” she stressed.

“Why can’t people get the help they need?”

Fulmore says she has been to churches and government agencies, but hasn’t received any help.

“I have been trying so hard,” Fulmore said as a few tears leaked from her brown eyes. “Sometimes I break down, but not in front of [my daughter] because I want her to be strong. It’s been a really hard journey. It scares me; the experience just scares me.”

Government officials and nonprofit experts are unable to offer many solutions. Angela Edison, director of housing for the Collier County Housing Authority, says the waiting list for Section 8 housing is closed because there are more than 1,000 people already on the list, and those on it can expect a wait of at least five years. Collier County recently received 78 extra emergency vouchers, but even those lucky enough to get one still aren’t finding a place to live. Landlords have raised the rents so high that the vouchers are not enough.

“The landlords have increased their rent so drastically so it has made it almost impossible to find a place,” Edison explained.

That’s what happened to Fulmore’s grown son and infant daughter. They got a voucher from Collier County and spent five months unsuccessfully looking for a place to use it, before finally giving up and moving to Texas, where housing is cheaper.

“People are making those major decisions because they have to survive,” Edison said. “It is unfortunate. It is sad that we are displacing people who have lived here all their lives.”

Edison’s only advice is be persistent. “I tell them it is the luck of the draw,” she said. “People call and are told there is a waiting list, but call again tomorrow and they might suddenly have an opening.”

She also advised people to expand their housing searches to Lee County where prices are a little lower.

“It is a tough, tough time,” Edison concluded. “We just try to encourage them as much as we can.”

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

Priced out of the market Lois Healy, chief executive officer of the nonprofit Affordable Homeownership Foundation Inc., which serves Southwest Florida, says one of the biggest problems is landlords selling the rentals to make a profit in this high-priced market.

“They don’t even try to work something out with the renter; they just file an eviction,” she said. “If they get an eviction notice, it goes on their record, and they can’t get another place to rent.” Healy noted that even people with leases who pay their rent on time can be kicked out if the owner wants to sell.

There are a few things AHF is able to do to assist those struggling to afford housing, such as providing vouchers for moving expenses and grants for training for higher paying jobs, and helping people prepare an emergency budget.

“But helping them find housing is the issue,” Healy said. “Moving out of state might be the only answer, but a lot of families don’t want to do that. We have families living in their cars and vans all the time, and they are without options. They all have jobs, but they can’t afford to live here.”

Mary Cassidy, a longtime Realtor with The Cassidy Team, part of Domain Realty in Bonita Springs, is seeing the trends in the industry that are creating this situation. She said the last few sales in Bonita Shores in northern Collier County were to investors who turned those homes into Airbnbs. Instead of remaining affordable rentals, the houses became expensive holiday spots. In Collier County, the cheapest rent she found for a two bedroom, two bathroom was $2,000.

“There is nothing under $2,000 and you would be lucky to find that,” she added. “It’s more likely to be $2,500 or $2,900.” In Naples Park, which historically has been one of the more affordable family neighborhoods, Cassidy said the cheapest rental on the market is a two bedroom listing for $2,500 a month. In the traditionally working class Naples Twin Lakes community, the least expensive was $2,700.

“I feel bad for people,” Cassidy said. “They are priced out of the market. It’s unbelievable. I have never seen anything like it.”

Cassidy’s advice is look outside the listings.

“Just ask everybody you know and drive the streets, because sometimes there is just a sign in the yard,” she advised. “The rental market is so tight. I see lots of people moving back with their parents because they have to. You have to feel sorry for those people.”

Searching for solutions Collier County Commissioner Andy Solis is trying to find solutions, but most of them will take years to be a reality.

“This is a huge problem, and it has a huge potential for having a huge impact on our economy,” Solis began.

He said the county recently approved two projects with affordable units in North Naples.

“We have done the best we can requiring developers that want to build apartments to put in as many affordable units as they can,” he said. “The bulk of the problem is that land has become so expensive in NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

Collier County it becomes unaffordable once they build the building.”

Solis also is looking at using some county-owned property to build affordable housing. But all that takes time to develop and build, and the dire need is now.

“We are doing things, but the problem is increasing at such a fast rate that it is just a drop in the bucket,” Solis admitted. “We really need to do more. [The] commissioners understand how serious a problem this is, and we are doing everything we can to try to come up with ways to address it. We are doing our best with the limited resources. I wish there was more we could do right now. It is heartbreaking. It’s a real crisis.”

Teri Lamaine, executive director of the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, feels the frustration.

“Nine out of 10 phone calls yesterday and today were: ‘I don’t know where to live. I am working, and I don’t know where to live.’ Even Cape Coral and Lehigh are getting too expensive,” she said. “People working here making $17 an hour can’t afford to live here.”

All she can do is refer them to the housing coalitions. Her organization also has paid for one-way bus tickets for people to move to North Carolina and Georgia.

“It just breaks my heart,” Lamaine said.

“Every weekend more people are living in their cars in the parking lot at Walmart. It is beyond bad. I don’t know what we are going to do. It’s just a very sad, sad situation.”

Hemi Kafle, the McKinney-Vento district liaison for Homeless Education and Foster Care for Collier County Public Schools, works to help the children victims of homelessness the best he can. Right now there are 858 students in the district identified as homeless, though that includes children living with relatives and friends. Kafle said he can help families keep their children in the school they attended prior to homelessness and assist families in enrolling their children in school even if they don’t have proof of an address. Kafle refers families to homeless shelters such as St. Matthew’s House or Providence House.

“I look at the whole family component,” he explained. “We provide essentials: laptops, shampoo, [as well as] anything the student needs to do well in school, [such as] tutoring, uniforms, internet hot spots.”

What he can’t do is find a solution to their housing crisis.

“The number increases every day,” he said. “We don’t have housing. There is no room at the hotels. The housing shelters are full. They are basically going to Lee County. They are sharing housing, doubling up. Our society has normalized the idea that that is how things are. Families living crowded together – that is normalizing how people are living.”

Fulmore says there is nothing normal about living in her car with her daughter. She spends her days looking for that impossible affordable place to stay.

“There are no places in Naples. It is so difficult,” she said.

It’s also a vicious cycle. She can’t work and leave her daughter alone in the car. But she can’t earn money to rent a place without work.

“That’s why so many people stayed homeless, because they can’t get themselves back up,” Fulmore said. “It’s a tough situation, but I pray that something will happen. We will get through it.” neafamily.com

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How to Keep Kids Safe As parents, we’re constantly worried about the safety of our children, but there is so much information out there about what to watch out for that we can get overwhelmed. On the following pages, we offer safety tips on everything from water to sleep. One of the most significant issues facing our children – from toddlers to teens – is online safety, and we asked the experts for advice on how to help your kids navigate the internet safely.

By Andrea Stetson

T

he Naples boy was just 9 years old when he went into the bathroom in his home and posted nude videos on YouTube. Those videos eventually ended up in a global trading network and on a computer file of a predator in Australia.

“It happened right in the bathroom of their own home,” said Sgt. Wade Williams of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Special Crimes Bureau and Internet Crimes Against Children’s Task Force. Parents “would not let a person off the street into their home, but they do [exactly that] when they let a child have a device without any restrictions.”

Williams said he has seen local children as young as 6 become a victim online.

“Younger kids are not able to command operation of social media, but they [are able to] post videos on YouTube,” he explained.

For tweens, Williams tells the story of an 11-year-old from Naples who was befriended by an adult man in Missouri, who wanted her to travel by bus to meet him. Fortunately, he was identified and caught before the girl left Naples.

Williams has story after story like these

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of Collier County children, and says it all begins at home.

“The number one place of self-produced videos by the child is in the safety of their [own] bedroom or bathroom,” he said.

Children becoming social media victims goes beyond predators stalking the internet.

Williams said the most significant threat can be a child’s peers who gain access to videos or photos and post them or bully the victim with the threat of posting something.

What parents can do While this is alarming for any parent, there are steps you can take to keep your kid safe. According to Williams, the most effective actions a parent can take are: • Prohibit all electronic devices in a child’s room at night, or ever in the bathroom. “There is no reason a child needs a device at 2 a.m. in their bedroom or in the bathroom,” he stressed.

• Set up parental controls on all devices. “Nothing is 100%, but there are parental devices that do a lot. Some of them are free; some of them cost $6 a month.”

• Talk to your kids. “The first conver-

sation should not be on a device, it should be with your kid,” Williams said. “It should be with the parent, not with a predator.”

Digital citizenship Technology teachers in Collier County Public Schools begin teaching internet safety in kindergarten.

“It is to put the foundation in place so our students are safe online,” said Lindy George, TSA (teacher on special assignment), digital innovation/STEAM specialist with CCPS. “We try to give them a very well rounded education in digital citizenship.”

Students are taught how to avoid cyberbullying, and how to leave a positive digital footprint. Teachers focus on what is safe to do online, rather than overwhelm students with a multitude of rules about what not to do, George said.

Students also are taught how to find reliable websites. “The challenge is [that] there is overwhelming information on the internet. They need to learn what is relevant and accurate,” added Jonathan Woofter, coordinator of professional learning and continued on page 18 NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

Bike and Scooter Safety

Water Safety

Home Alone

1. Before your child hops on their bicycle or scooter, make sure all parts are secure and working properly. Inflate tires, and check that the brakes work.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in Florida for children ages 1-4. Here are some tips for keeping your family safe in and around water.

1. Adult supervision. Children should never be in a bathtub, pool, or other body of water without the undistracted, direct supervision of an adult. Don’t rely on lifeguards or older siblings.

2. Swimming lessons. Children as young as 6 months old can learn to float. Ask your pediatrician and friends for instructor recommendations.

3. Physical barriers and alarms. Pool fences save lives. Any door or window that leads to the pool should have an alarm. NCH Safe & Healthy Kids Coalition offers free alarms, and is a great resource for information on water safety: www.safehealthychildren.org.

4. Learn first aid and CPR. Be prepared in case of an accident.

5. Remove temptation. When you are done swimming for the day, take the toys out of the pool.

5. Get in the water. You’ll have a blast with your kids in the water.

Is your child ready to stay home alone or babysit? It’s not the numerical age of the child, according to Emma Handsel, women and children’s community educator at NCH in Naples. She provided some tips for determining when your child is ready: 1. Know how well your child is able to take care of themselves.

2. Make sure they know what to do in certain situations, such as when the power goes out, and when to ask for help.

3. Be confident that they can follow instructions accurately.

4. Ensure that the child knows first aid. If they are babysitting they should know CPR and how to handle a choking child.

5. Start by leaving the child alone for short periods when you are nearby, and gradually move to longer times and distances.

6. Have the child take a safe sitter class at NCH. The class is offered every other month, and the next class is April 2. Go to https://nchmd.org.

Download the free booklet Safe at Home Alone from https://safekidsgf.com.

By Leigh Ann Newman

By Andrea Stetson

2. A properly fitted helmet is essential. A helmet can save your child’s life.

3. Ensure the bike fits your child. Have your child stand over the bike, and ensure that there are 1-2 inches between your kid and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3-4 inches for a mountain bike. The seat should be level front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar should be level with the seat.

4. Wearing white has not been shown to make you more visible. Rather, have your kid wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when riding day or night. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights.

Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

6. Always ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. Books and other items should be in a bicycle carrier or backpack.

7. Watch for and avoid road hazards. Be on the lookout for potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves, and dogs. Any of these hazards can cause a crash.

8. Avoid riding at night. It is far more dangerous to ride at night than during the day, because cyclists are harder for others to see. If your older child has to ride at night, have them wear something that reflects light, such reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Make sure there are reflectors on the front and rear of the bicycle (white lights on the front and red rear reflectors are required by law in many states), in addition to reflectors on the tires, so others can see the bike.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

Sleep Safety There is nothing more beautiful than a sleeping baby, especially for parents who often are tired themselves. By following a few simple sleep safety tips, you can create a safe place for your baby to sleep and nap.

1. Place babies on their backs for naps and at night until they are 1 year old. Make sure babies sleep on a firm, flat surface in their own crib, bassinet, or play yard.

2. Choose a firm mattress and fitted sheet for baby’s crib. Remove all toys, blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and other accessories from the crib.

3. Dress baby in a wearable blanket, onesie, or similar clothing for every sleep. A loose blanket could cover the baby’s airway or make their body temperature too high.

4. Share your room, not your bed. Place baby’s crib or bassinet in your bedroom instead of letting the baby sleep in the same bed with you.

5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble your crib. Make sure to complete and submit the product registration card to learn about any recalls or safety updates.

Source: SafeKids Worldwide. Visit www.safekids.org. neafamily.com

17

continued from page 16

instructional innovation at CCPS. Teachers stress the importance of each child’s digital footprint. “Once you put it online, you just can’t delete it,” George said. “What is that persona you want to create online? Don’t post anything you are not proud of.”

In 2019 the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received 16.9 million cyber tips on the exploitation of children. That same year CCSO worked hundreds of cyber tips that included suspects exploiting local children. CCSO says many more go unreported. Most child victims are exploited on an electronic device that was provided by their parents, in the safety of their own home – many times when their parents were in the next room.

Officers recommend parents check their child’s device, read messages, and view web activity at least once a week.

The experts also offered the following advice for parents to share with your kids: • Make all accounts private.

• Never meet someone in real life whom you met online.

• Don’t accept any “friends” or followers that you don’t know in real life.

• Never share personal problems online; bad people can use these against you.

• Never share your passwords with anyone, except your parents, even if you think it is one of your friends, as accounts can be hacked.

• Never share personal information such as your birthdate, phone number, school name, or address with anyone online without parental approval.

• Don’t create or send any inappropriate images or videos of yourself; they can be used to threaten or bully you.

Pedestrian Safety

Fire Safety

Whether your kids are walking to school, the park, or a friend’s house, here are a few simple tips to make sure they arrive safely.

1. Teach kids at an early age to look left, then right, and then left again before crossing the street. Remind them to continue looking until safely across.

2. Teach kids to put phones, headphones, and devices down when crossing the street.

It is particularly important to reinforce this message with teenagers.

3. It is always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic, as far to the left as possible.

4. Children younger than 10 need to cross the street with an adult. Every child is different, but developmentally, most kids are unable to judge the speed and distance of oncoming cars until age 10.

5. Set a good example by putting your phone, headphones, and devices down when walking around cars.

Home fires can start and spread quickly, and just a little bit of planning can make a big difference in the outcome for your family. Create a home fire escape plan, and practice it regularly.

1. Make sure there is a working smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and near sleeping areas. Test them every month and replace every 10 years. Replace batteries annually. Working smoke alarms reduce the chances of dying in a reported home fire by 50%.

2. Create a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room. Choose a place to meet outside that is a safe distance away from your home.

3. Practice a home fire drill with your family during the day and night at least twice a year. Practice escaping in under 2 minutes.

Sometimes that is all the time you will have to get out of the house safely.

4. If there is a fire, leave home immediately. If there is a lot of smoke, get low and crawl out of the house as quickly as possible. Call 911 after you are a safe distance away from your home.

Source: SafeKids Worldwide. Visit www.safekids.org.

Source: SafeKids Worldwide. Visit www.safekids.org.

• Tell a trusted adult, like a parent, relative, counselor, or police officer, if anything inappropriate happens online, such as things that you think are wrong or that make you feel sad or scared.

CCSO advises that if you believe your child is a victim of internet exploitation, take their devices immediately, prohibit all access to any electronic devices, and immediately make a report to law enforcement.

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Bold Women in Books to Celebrate WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

THE BOOK LIST

By Kate Higginbotham

This month’s recommendations feature bold women (both real and fictional) whose stories will inspire and empower growing girls to reach for the stars.

Firebird by Misty Copeland Penned by legendary ballerina Misty Copeland, Firebird is a story about how hard work, determination, and perseverance can make you into anything you want to be – even a firebird.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly This picture book recounts the hidden history of NASA and the four incredible African American women who launched the United States into space. Alongside beautiful illustrations, this book contains extra historical information and a glossary for further learning.

Photo by Emily Brockelsby

Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo This is a jam-packed anthology containing 100 true stories about 100 incredible women and illustrated by more than 60 female artists from around the world.

Featuring past and present ground breakers, Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls is proof that women can change the world.

I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition) by Malala Yousafzai When the Taliban took over Malala’s once peaceful region in Pakistan, it insisted that educating women was a crime. Women weren’t allowed to go to the market, let alone a school. Malala continued to fight for her right to education, and for her defiance, she was shot point-blank by the Taliban on her way home from school. Against all odds, Malala survived and dedicated her life to fighting for what she believes in. This is her story.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks Zoe Washington is a bright young girl with a talent for writing and an appetite for justice, and when her absent father is convicted of a crime he says he didn’t commit, she’s determined to uncover the truth. Amid investigations and a baking internship that could help her accomplish her dreams, Zoe learns how to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and chase after what she thinks is right.

Cover girl Maryn Traylor received Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls from her Aunt Lortney, her personal bold woman role model. “The book is really special to her,” said Emily Brockelsby, Maryn’s mom. We read it all the time.”

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary Beverly Cleary’s Ramona Quimby, Age 8 is a Newberry Honor Book and Young Readers classic. To read Ramona is to grow up with her, learning to be brave, to be kind, and to take on responsibility.

KATE HIGGINBOTHAM is a writer, reader, and editor from North Alabama. After self-publishing several young adult novels, spending a considerable amount of time abroad, and graduating from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Kate moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where she spends her time elbow-deep in literature of all kinds.

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19

OUT & ABOUT

1

TUESDAY

3:30 p.m. Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Ages 2-11. Cat in the Hat storytime followed by more stories, crafts, and a treat at 4 p.m. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-252-7073 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

12 p.m. Adaptive Sailing. People with special needs learn to sail. Located at Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Dr., Naples. Call 239-263-2377 or check https://freedomwatersfoundation.org.

2

WEDNESDAY

in March 2022

Photo by Peggy Farren

9 a.m. Safari Squad. For ages 3-5 and an adult. Animal encounter, storytime, creative art, and play stations. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check www.napleszoo.org.

7:30 p.m. Mary Poppins. Select dates through April 3. Sensory-friendly performance on March 15. A classic show the whole family will enjoy. Located at The

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3

THURSDAY

4:30 p.m. Avow Kids Open Bereavement Group. Provides emotional support and education about grief to children every Thursday. Free. Located at Avow, 1301 Whippoorwill Ln., Naples. Call 239261-4404 or visit https://avowcares.org.

4

FRIDAY

9 a.m. Free Admission for Collier Residents. Present qualifying ID for free entry. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239266-2830 or check www.napleszoo.org.

6 p.m. Sham-Rock & Roll. From Adaptive Inclusion Recreation. Dancing, music, food, and fun. All abilities and ages. Registration required. $5. Located at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239252-3527 or visit www.collierparks.com.

­

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Naples Players, 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples.

Check https://naplesplayers.org or call 239-263-7990.

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

5

SATURDAY

9 a.m. Kids’ Fishing Clinic. Kids ages 5-15 learn the fundamentals of saltwater fishing. Located at Naples Pier, 25 12th Ave. S., Naples. Check www.miacc.org or call 239-682-0900.

10 a.m. SWFL Reading Festival. For all ages. Best-selling authors, contests, activities, storytelling, youth writing contests, and a free book for every child and teen. Located at Fort Myers Regional Library, 2450 First St., Fort Myers. Check www.ReadFest.org.

5 p.m. Kids’ Night. Face painting and balloon twisting every Saturday. Located at Scoops Ice Cream, 2378 Immokalee Rd., Naples. Check www.scoopsofnaples.com or call 239-734-3403.

9

WEDNESDAY

Happy kids.

Sparkly smiles.

Dr. Sandor.

5:30 p.m. Purim Celebration. Dress in costume, listen to stories, make noise, create crafts, and enjoy a puppet show. All ages.

Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Check www.collierlibrary.org or call 239-252-7371.

10 THURSDAY 10 a.m. Little Explorers. For 18 months to 5 years old. Today’s theme is Bugs Bugs Bugs. Interactive activities, stories, and crafts.

Located at Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check https://conservancy.org.

Download & call today!

A lifelong joy of learning, An education for life.

INFANT TODDLER CHILDREN’S HOUSE VPK ELEMENTARY

Call to schedule a private tour

239-597-2255

More information can be found on our website

www.naplesmontessori.org 2655 Northbrooke Drive Naples, Florida 34119 License #C20CO0132

Daily hours from 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

Naples Pediatric Dentistry

239.592.0800 www.drmarilynsandor.com neafamily.com

21

4 p.m. Lego Fun. Bricks provided. Your creation will be put on display. Ages 4-11. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-2527109 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

NEW! INFANT CLASS OPENING JUNE 2022

11 FRIDAY 7:30 a.m. No School Camp. A day filled with fun activities. $17 per day per child. Preregistration required. Located at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples.

Visit www.collierparks.com or call 239-252-3527.

12 SATURDAY Your child deserves the BEST! Creative Learning Outstanding Education Nurturing Environment For more information or to schedule a tour: 239-455-3227 preschool@naplestemple.org

9 a.m. Open Farm Saturdays. Meet the animals, play games, and enjoy activities. $15 donation per person. Located at Alyssa’s Animal Sanctuary, 11280 Laakso Lane. Naples. Call 239-3046412 or check https://alyssasanimalsanctuary.com.

Music - Art - Storyland Science - Mini Market Gymnastics - Playground Outdoor Classroom - VPK Baby & Me Temple Shalom Preschool 4630 Pine Ridge Road Naples, FL 34119

WWW.TEMPLESHALOMPRESCHOOLNAPLES.ORG

11 a.m. LGBTQ+ Youth Group. A safe space for grades 6-12.

Located at Naples Pride Center, 2248 Airport-Pulling Rd. S., Naples. Call 239-304-9407 or check www.naplespride.org.

11 a.m. St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This Naples tradition draws more than 40,000 people each year. The parade starts at the corner of 3rd Street South and 10th Avenue and finishes in front of the Naples City Hall. Located at Fifth Avenue South, Naples. Check www.naplesparade.com.

Camp Collier A Sweet Theme Each Week!

3 Musketeers • Jolly Ranchers • Milky Way • Baby Ruth Nerds & Smarties • Life Savers • Peppermint Patty Gummy Bears • Now & Later Elementary School Day Camp (children grades K – 5th Grade) Middle School Day Camp (children grades 6th – 8th Grade) Day Camps - Monday, June 6 – Friday, August 5, 2022 Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm Cost is $85 per week Discounted cost for the full 9 weeks is $600 (Payment plan is available in four payments of $150) (Siblings are offered a 10% discount four payments of $135) Before & After Camp - 7:15am – 9:00am and 5:00pm – 6:00pm Cost is $15 per week Register Online For Collier County Parks & Recreation Summer Camps •Register online, go to collierparks.com and click on “Browse & Register for Activites Search” •Sign in or create an account •If you don’t have an account, you can refer to “Online Registration How To’s”, available online by clicking the “Programs & Registration” Link

Online Registration Available Now In Person Registration Begins April 1, 2022 For more information visit collierparks.com or call (239)252-4000

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Elementary School Day Camp Locations Middle School Day Camp Locations •Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park •Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park •East Naples Community Park •Golden Gate Community Center •Immokalee Community Park •Immokalee South Park •Max A. Hasse Jr. Community Park •North Collier Regional Park (Low Ratio Camp) •Veterans Community Park •Vineyards Community Park

•East Naples Community Park •Golden Gate Community Center •North Collier Regional Park

Specialty Camps

•Sailing - Sugden Regional Park •Skiing - Sugden Regional Park •Pee Wee Sports - Vineyards Community Park •Sports - North Collier Regional Park

Adaptive Inclusive Recreation Day Camp •Golden Gate Community Park

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

15 TUESDAY

9 a.m. Marine Science Day Camp. Grades 8-10. $75 per day. March 15-17. Half-day camp for those interested in marine science. Rookery Bay ELC, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-5305972 or visit https://rookerybay.org.

7:45 p.m. Movies on the Lawn: Space Jam – A New Legacy. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. Free. Located at Mercato Shops, Naples. Call 239-254-1080 or visit www.mercatoshops.com.

16 WEDNESDAY 10 a.m. Preschool Program: Tremendous Trains. Trainthemed crafts and STEM-inspired activities, train storytime, and dance party. Located at Naples Depot Museum, 1051 5th Ave. S., Naples. Check https://colliermuseums.com or call 239-252-8419.

17 THURSDAY 2 p.m. Make-and-Take. Kids create art inspired by The Art of Baseball exhibit. Located at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. Call 239-597-1900 or visit https://artisnaples.org.

3:30 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day Fun. Ages 5-11. Wear green and celebrate with crafty creations. Registration not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-252-7073 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

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

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23

6 p.m. Opening Day of Collier Fair.

Through March 27. Rides, games, fair food, livestock, family living, and much more during 11 jam-packed days of fun. Megapasses are $35 and available online only until the fair opens. Located at Collier Fair, 751 39th Ave. N.E., Naples. Check www. collierfair.com or call 239-455-1444.

18 FRIDAY 6 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. Kids will enjoy games and activities in a safe environment. Dinner provided. Preregistration required. Grades K-5. $20. Located at Veterans Community Park, 1895 Veterans Park Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-4682 or check www.collierparks.com.

19 SATURDAY 5 p.m. Family Camp Out. Enjoy the outdoors with your family This is a non-campfire campout. Bring your own camping gear. $35 per campsite. Located at Rookery Bay ELC, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Check https://rookerybay.org or call 239-530-5972.

24

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Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-0144 or check www.colliersheriff.org.

3 p.m. Mini Moo Petting Zoo. Goats, rabbits, chickens, and more. Registration not required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-2524549 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

Collier Fair

22 TUESDAY

5:30 p.m. Exceptional Night. For children with physical and/or neurological disabilities, autism, and other sensory disorders. Muted Lighting and sounds, cooldown spaces, and limited numbers. Located at C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples.

Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org.

24 THURSDAY 5 p.m. Teen Driver Challenge. This Collier County Sheriff’s Office course provides teens with the knowledge and experience needed to be safer drivers. Located at First Baptist Academy, 3000 Orange

26 SATURDAY 9 a.m. Immokalee Cattle Drive & Jamboree. A full day of fun. Food, music, horse dancing, alligator wrestling, and more. Located at Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave., Immokalee. Call 239-252-2611 or check https://colliermuseums.com.

2 p.m. Spring Egg Hunt. Ages 3-8.

Crafts, music, and egg hunt. Bring your own basket. Registration required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-7160 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

4 p.m. Sensory-friendly Saturday.

For children with autism spectrum or other

NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

a

Scan here for even more family-friendly events. sensory processing needs and their families. Registration required.

Free from 4-6 p.m. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Check www.naplesgarden.org or call 239643-7275.

Bloom where you are Planted

6 p.m. Spring Fling. Easter egg hunt (ages 2-12), Easter-themed games, music, dancing, food, and more. Located at Golden Gate Community Center, 4701 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239252-8419 or check www.collierparks.com.

7:30 a.m. No School Camp. A day filled with fun indoor and outdoor activities. Camp will run until 6 p.m. $17 per day. Preregistration required. Register online; activity code 23717. Located at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Visit www.collierparks.com or call 239-252-3527.

Let the Albert Real Estate Team take care of all your real estate needs. Contact us to start your homebuying journey!

NACS Naples Adventist Christian School

We are a K-8th grade school centrally located in Naples. We are proud to have a committed staff teaching a nationally certified and accredited curriculum in a Christ-filled environment. We accept Step Up For Students and Florida Empowerment scholarships. The NACS family exists to show children Jesus, teach them to think, and empower them to serve. All students are welcome!

Contact us to schedule a visit, or explore online.

2629 S. Horseshoe Drive, Naples, FL 34104 239-261-NACS (6227) • nacs@flcoe.org www.NaplesACS.org NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

T RACEY ALB ERT R E A LT O R ®

(239) 572-8643 Tracey@LiveParadiseLiveNaples.com LiveParadiseLiveNaples.com

D O W N I N G - F R Y E R E A LT Y, I N C .

8950 FONTANA DEL SOL WAY, SUITE 100, NAPLES, FL 34109 neafamily.com

25

TRAVEL

By Karen T. Bartlett

Shiny Objects A Skeleton with Attitude and a Magical Mermaid

T

Above: The Magical Mermaid, keeper of secrets.

Facing page: Morgan, 9, checks out the anatomy of a manatee at Manatee Park.

Photos by Karen T. Bartlett

he world is divided into two kinds of travelers: those who make must-see lists (me) and those who chase shiny objects (also me). At home, I love the exhilaration that comes with that bold sweep of the pen when I check off another line, but as a travel writer, it’s the distraction of shiny objects that help me bring a destination to life. I once fell in behind a ragtag brass band marching to the top of an Italian mountain village, not just because it was totally random but also to find out where they were going and why.

I’ve forgotten the “why,” and also whatever cathedral tour I probably missed, but I can’t forget my animated chat with the musicians afterward without benefit of translation.

These moments happen when you’re open to infinite possibilities. For example, here’s my trajectory on a single afternoon last weekend: First on list: Deliver a fresh supply of my family guidebooks* to Bailey’s General Store, Sanibel. Check!

Second on list: Head to Jensen’s Marina on Captiva Island to confirm that Joey’s Famous hot dog and ice cream boat is good to go for another winter season. It is! The iconic pontoon boat cruises from Pine Island Sound, around the tip of Captiva and along the gulf beaches between South Seas Island Resort and the Mucky Duck restaurant. Fans queue up knee deep in the surf for grilled and chilled treats. P.S. There’s no Joey. That’s Captain Tommy at the grill. Check!

Shiny Object. A skeleton in a fisherman’s cap is lounging on a bench near the bait cooler. It’s the Jensen family’s inside joke on fishermen who think they must wait for big shrimp for a successful catch. The elderly skeleton that had waited around like a boss for over a decade (minus various ribs, arms, and feet) has retired. The spiffy new guy, still young enough to have all his appendages, is my favorite Captiva selfie spot.

While I’m greeting the skeleton, there’s a buzzing overhead. A sleek white seaplane makes a frothy landing in the bay near the end of the dock. Shiny object alert! A seaplane on Captiva? I don’t know who owns that one, but Google directs me to the Lucky Lindy Adventure, a vacation package at Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, just around the bend. The hook is that Charles Lindbergh supposedly landed his plane a few times on the beach in front of the historic inn. So for just $2,799 you get three days and nights in the quaint seaside cottage bearing his name, plus a $100 dining card, kayak adventure and … drumroll, please … a private 45-minute Salt Island Seaplane journey over Captiva and the barrier islands (October-April only).

In full pursuit of this newest shiny object, I now search Salt Island Seaplanes, which turns out to be headquartered in Naples. I ask Jon Rector, the CEO/pilot, if he offers perhaps a teensy bit less expensive seaplane experience. Yes, he does! For just $350 I can

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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

take up to three of my besties on a 30-minute flight aboard one of his bright orange and white Cessna amphibious seaplanes over the Naples/ Marco coastline, complete with a water landing. Or, for $700, we’d get a 90-minute adventure, flying over the Ten Thousand Islands with a water landing and picnic time on White Horse Key. BYOP (bring your own picnic). Note to self: add to must-do list.

Shiny Object. Before heading home, I decide to tool around Sanibel to see what new artistic mailboxes have sprouted up lately. The first one I notice is a manatee. Manatee mailboxes are fairly common, but there’s a mystical aura around this one. She’s painted a soft ocean blue and draped in flowery vines. There’s also some kind of script. I hop out of the car and read: Write your secrets in the sand and trust them to a mermaid.

The manatee/mermaid backstory is that ancient mariners, at sea for months on end, are said to have spotted manatees through rum-bleary eyes and mistaken them for mermaids. I’m so enchanted by the art on this mailbox that I almost miss the faded hand-scrawled message taped to the letter door: Open this mailbox to write something to the Magical Mermaid. Inside are two clear plastic boxes and some pens. One box holds small blank squares of notepaper and the other one is packed with notes already written. The one I pull out at random reads: Dear Mermaid, please keep our island safe from Hurricane Elsa. She did!

Others are more personal, and I suspect there are some true secrets here.

I choose a pen and write my own secret, placing it deep in the center of the stack. I’m not revealing the location of the Magical Mermaid, because the joy is in the discovery. I hope you find her.

Shiny Object. Now it’s late afternoon, but with manatees on my mind, there’s nothing to be done except drive 30 minutes north to Manatee Park in Fort Myers. Hundreds of manatees, like snowbirds, start migrating into the Orange River and the cozy lagoon warmed by the Florida Power & Light Co. power plant when gulf temperatures drop.

The park is beautiful with its spreading oak trees, picnic areas, playground, winding trails, vegetation, manatee observation decks and well-placed displays throughout. The manatees apparently are tucked in for the night; only a few noses pop up here and there, but several human families are enjoying the peacefulness as the sun begins its descent.

The best way to see the manatees up close is by kayak. I plan to come early one morning, rent a kayak on site, and spend the day hanging out with the mermaids. I mean manatees. It’s already on the list. *Travel Editor KAREN T. BARTLETT is the author of “A (mostly) Kids’ Guide to Naples, Marco Island & The Everglades” and “A (mostly) Kids’ Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands and the Fort Myers Coast.”

DISCOVER IRISH DANCE

Where dance is an adventure

Ages 4+

FIRST MONTH FREE! The Naples School of Irish Dance 875 94th Ave. N., Naples FL 34108 Call 239-438-6226 or 516-314-7404 or email NaplesIrishDance@gmail.com

Scuba ScubaSummer SummerCamps Camps Scuba Summer Camps PADI Seal Team: Ages 8-11 PADI Seal Team: Ages 8-11 PADI Seal Team: Ages 8-11

Junior Open Water Camp: Ages 10-17 Junior Open Water Camp: Ages 10-17 Junior Open Water Camp: Ages 10-17 239-280-5500 239-280-5500 239-280-5500 Info@ScubaOut.com Info@ScubaOut.com Info@ScubaOut.com ScubaOutfittersNaples.com ScubaOutfittersNaples.com ScubaOutfittersNaples.com NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2022

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Saturday, April 9

10AM TO 1PM

Your one-stop shop to 20+ summer camps and programs!

Banish boredom and enrich your child’s summer.

Art | Dance | Golf | Science | Aquatic | Nature | Music | Theatre | & MORE Come check out the free Kid Zone with bounce house, lawn games, face painting & balloon artistry

he -in at t Check ra tent fo ote entry t entary r m i l p m co registe d n a g ba ! to WIN

LOCATION The lawn across from Silverspot Cinema

SPONSORED BY

239.254.1080 | MercatoShops.com | LOCATED JUST NORTH OF VANDERBILT BEACH ROAD ON U.S. 41

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Expo is Back!

Tracey Ansteth Albert

TUTORING Former CCPS Teacher for 10 Years Golden Apple Award Recipient

239-572-8643 TA1019@aol.com

Tutoring for Struggling Readers

Susan Atchison

reading, language arts, organizational skills

I n P e r s o n K-5 V e t e ra n T e a c h e r W i l s o n R e a di n g C e r t i f i e d O r t on -G i l l i n g h am T r a i n e d F l e x i b l e H o u r s /L o c a t i o n (330) 620-6892 tutoringstrugglingreaders.com

Saturday, August 6, 2022 Stay tuned for more details

Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, Organizational Skills, and Homework Assistance

• Grades K-3 • Flexible hours • Clean, calm, positive environment Elite Concierge Speech and Language Services Private, in-home speech therapy services on days, evenings, and weekends. We combine our expertise with your goals and scheduling preferences to create the perfect therapy plan for your family. Immediate availability for children and adults in the Naples area.

(239) 544-2287 • information@eliteconciergespeech.com https://eliteconciergespeech.com

Calling All Kid Entrepreneurs!

Kids ages 7-17, bring your unique creations and ideas to the inaugural

BIZ KIDZ EXPO! Saturday, April 16, 2022 New Hope Event Center 7675 Davis Blvd., Naples Registration closes April 9 Media Sponsor

For details and to register, go to https://BizKidzExpo.com 30

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NAPLESZOO.ORG

HOW NAPLES ZOO DOES

FACETIME

Traveling Exhibit at NAPLES ZOO!

Over 35 Toy-Brick Sculptures On Exhibit Now through April 17, 2022.

Free with paid Zoo admission.

TO kAY GECKO BRICKLIVE SUPERSIZED

Hours to Build: 190 Weight: 606 lbs.

Toy Brick Count: 73,657

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NEW

DISCOVERIES SEE THE WORLD IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

We are open for new discoveries at the Conservancy Nature Center!

Come join us in our newly expanded Dalton Discovery Center and the John & Carol Walter Discovery Wing to observe, explore, and investigate.

NEW EXHIBITS: Augmented Reality Wildlife Encounter Science-On-A-Sphere Mangrove Wave Tank Burmese Python and much more!

HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Closed Sunday & Monday 32

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1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL 34102 • 239.262.0304 • www.conservancy.org