Neapolitan Family November 2019 Digital Issue

November 2019 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY

A Trouble-free Thanksgiving Flying With a Toddler Hacks for Black Friday An Adoption Story Volunteer as a Family

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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Healthy futures start here.

Pediatrics From newborns and toddlers to tweens and teens, at NCH Pediatrics we provide care for young patients of all sizes. Whether your kids need a regular checkup or more specialized care, our team is standing by with the experience and compassion to help your little ones grow. Because while they may be little, their health is a big deal.

Pediatric Emergency Department • MacDonald SeaCAREium Inpatient Unit • Pediatricians

Schedule your Kid’s Appointment with our Pediatricians Today

239-624-0570 1845 Veteran’s Park Drive, #260 • Naples NCHmd.org/Pediatrics

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

Christmas Tree Sales!

Starting Friday, November 29 at 9 a.m.

Collier Fairgrounds, 731 39th Ave. N.E., Naples, under the pavilion

Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

We have the best quality trees at affordable prices.

Trees range from 5-12 feet tall.

Come early! We will be selling trees until they are gone.

Christmas Card Photo Opportunity The Collier County Agricultural Fair & Exposition, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides support for such community groups as the Collier County Sheriff’s Junior Deputy Program, Catholic Charities, 4-H Association, Open Youth of Collier County, Boy Scouts, Kiwanis Club, Naples Bears, Immokalee High School Band, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Youth Haven, and the Palmetto High School Fishing Club, Marching Band, and Band Boosters. In addition, our Making Life Fair Fund supports local individuals with life-altering illnesses or hardships.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our Big Swamp Smoke Off January 4, 2019!

Proceeds benefit the Making Life “Fair” Fund collier fair.com NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

Collier Fairgrounds

CollierFair neafamily.com

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November 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS

in every issue . . .

07

FROM THE PUBLISHER

08

FAMILY MOVIE PREVIEWS

13

COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

14

CITY CONNECTION

15

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE

23

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH

on the cover…

16 An Adoption Story. The Alexander Family shares the joys and challenges of adoption.

by Anna Snyder 20 MOMentum Moms. Meet Christina Shutter, who makes giving back to our community a priority in both her professional and personal lives.

by Stacy Nicolau 36 A Trouble-Free Thanksgiving.

8 tips for taking the stress out of Thanksgiving with kids.

by Shannon Dean 38 Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Beyond. Hacks to cash in on super holiday savings.

by Kimberly Blaker 40 How to Give Back With Your Kids.

Find opportunities to volunteer with small children.

by Sara Barry

Lillian (Lily) Hayes is the daughter of Kevyn and Travis Hayes and attends Preschool of the Arts. Next month is a big one for Lily, as she will turn 2 years old and become a big sister! She loves listening and dancing to music, being outside, and smelling flowers.

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

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42 Destination: Belize. Indulge your family with an luxurious adventure you will never forget.

by Karen T. Bartlett 44 Flying with Toddlers. Learn how to take the turbulence out of your next trip with little ones.

by Cheryl Maguire

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

CONTEST David Lawrence Center invites local middle school and high school students to let their voices be heard by participating in a multimedia contest.

Through short essay, poem, song, and video submissions, youth are encouraged to be part of the conversation about how mental health has impacted their lives directly or indirectly.

SUBMISSION PROMPT David Lawrence Center’s #StandUp campaign focuses on raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental health, including depression, anxiety, bullying, and substance use. How can you relate to #StandUp? What suggestions do you have to reduce stigma in your school or community?

Please keep essay and poetry submisisons to a maximum of 500 words, and videos and songs to a maximum of two minutes.

SUBMISSION PERIOD October 16th, 2019 - January 31st, 2020 A first and second place cash prize will be given for winners in both the middle and high school categories.

To learn more and to submit an entry, please visit www.StandUpContest.org NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

DAVIDLAWRENCECENTER.ORG

S t andU pD L C . or g neafamily.com

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Is Your Child Hurting?

Avow is Here to Help

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Activities for Your Child

Helping Hands•Caring Hearts•Healing Support

Children often mask their feelings of grief behind smiles or even unusual behaviors.

• Parent and child bereavement groups

We’ve been helping Collier’s children unmask and process grief for more than 35 years, all without charge to families.

• Individual and group meetings with professional counselors

We support children through divorce/ separation, incarceration, deportation of a family member, death of a loved one or pet, loss of a friend, and other losses that affect your child.

TM

• Grief workshops at Collier County schools

• Camp MendingHeart day and overnight camps that feature art, music, and healing activities • Teen movie nights • Book discussion groups

A Special Place for Kids

The Avow Kids program is based in Aunt Janet’s House, a comfortable and kid-friendly home on the Avow campus. It includes meeting and activity space, a grief cave, plus room for family dinners, movie nights, and therapy sessions that incorporate art and music. Ask us for a tour!

Phone: (239) 261-4404 | Email: AvowKids@avowcares.org | www.avowcares.org

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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

We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Neapolitan Family is available free of charge at more than 200 distribution points throughout Collier County as well as digitally at neafamily.com. Neapolitan Family is ©2019 by Neapolitan Family Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

THIS MONTH: Giving Thanks

It is November, and time again to reflect on all for which we are thankful. As parents, we are so grateful for our children, but that doesn’t mean we don’t experience moments (hours, weeks, years.) of frustration. In this issue, we offer a wealth of valuable advice to help you deal with your little ones during stressful situations.

Traveling during the holiday period is difficult all on its own, but throw in a toddler or two and, well, you know what can happen. I have my own horror stories, including being stranded for 14 hours in Newark Airport with a 10-month-old. I learned the hard way how to deal with a small child on an airplane, and so did writer Cheryl Maguire. But you don’t have to, as long as you read her article about traveling with toddlers on page 44.

Regardless of where you spend Thanksgiving, your tiny people will do their best to inject some chaos into your holiday. On page 36, Shannon Dean provides tips on how to avoid the most common pitfalls that can thwart a tranquil Thanksgiving.

But parenting isn’t all about avoiding disaster, especially at this time of year. We also want to instill a sense of gratitude in our children, which can be difficult with so many volunteer opportunities limited to teens and adults. Sara Barry has compiled a list of 19 easy ways to give back alongside your small children, and gives us resources to track down other ways to show our gratitude.

We are so grateful for you, our readers and advertisers. We could not produce this magazine without you. Thank you for your support all year long!

Happy Thanksgiving–

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FAMILY MOVIES

Family Movie Previews for November Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. Cynthia Erivo stars as the title character. Other cast members include Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Jennifer Nettles, Joe Alwyn, and Vondie Curtis-Hall.

CHARLIE’S ANGELS Rated PG-13 for action/violence, language, and some suggestive material In theaters 11/15

ARCTIC DOGS Rated PG for some mild action and rude humor In theaters 11/1 Swifty the Arctic fox (Jeremy Renner) works in the mailroom of the Arctic Blast Delivery Service but dreams of one day becoming a Top Dog (the Arctic’s star husky courier). To prove himself worthy, Swifty battles evil genius Otto Von Walrus (John Cleese) with the help of his friends: PB (Alec Baldwin), an introverted polar bear; Lemmy (James Franco), a scatterbrained albatross; Jade Fox (Heidi Klum), a tough as nails mechanic; Leopold (Omar Sy) and Bertha (Heidi Klum), two conspiracy theorist otters; and Magda (Anjelica Huston), the curmudgeonly boss.

PLAYING WITH FIRE Rated PG for rude humor, some suggestive material, and mild peril In theaters 11/8 When straight-laced fire superintendent Jake Carson (John Cena) and his elite team of firefighters (Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo, and Tyler Mane) come to the rescue of three siblings (Brianna Hildebrand, Christian Convery, and Finley Rose Slater), they quickly realize that no amount of training could prepare them for their most challenging job yet – babysitters.

Unable to locate the children’s parents, the firefighters have their lives, jobs, and even their fire depot turned upside down and quickly learn that kids – much like fires – are wild and unpredictable.

HARRIET

FORD V FERRARI

Rated PG-13 for some violence and bloody images, and for brief strong language In theaters 11/1

Rated PG-13 for some language and peril In theaters 11/15

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of 8

In this reboot of the 2000 movie based on the iconic 1970s television series, Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska are working for the mysterious Charles Townsend, whose security and investigative agency has expanded internationally. With the world’s smartest, bravest, and most highly trained women all over the globe, there are now teams of Angels guided by multiple Bosleys taking on the toughest jobs everywhere. The three Bosleys are played by Elizabeth Banks, Patrick Stewart, and Djimon Hounsou.

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Directed by James Mangold, the film is based on the remarkable true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and the fearless NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Not Yet Rated; likely PG In theaters 11/22 Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about kindness, love, and forgiveness from America’s most beloved neighbor.

FROZEN II

British-born driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale), who together battled corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Co. and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.

Rated PG for action/peril and some thematic elements In theaters 11/22 Why was Elsa born with magical powers?

The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven, she’ll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In Frozen, Elsa feared her powers were too

much for the world. In Frozen 2, she must hope they are enough. Songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez composed the music for this highly anticipated sequel, which again features the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

5385 Jaeger Rd Naples, FL 34109

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

RCMA Students Design Christmas Cards to Fund Programs

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NOW – NOV 16

CHILDREN’S THEATRE SELECTED MATINEES

NOW – NOV 15

NOV 21 – DEC 25 CHILDREN’S THEATRE SELECTED MATINEES

NOV 29 – DEC 24 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers

239.278.4422 • BroadwayPalm.com

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

onceuponachildnaples.com 10

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n alligator wearing a Santa hat, orange trees decorated with colorful string lights, and a wreath made of berries are just some of the Christmas card designs created by students at Redlands Christian Migrant Association’s (RCMA) schools and child development centers in Immokalee, Wimauma, and Homestead. The card are available for purchase until Dec. 13.

RCMA serves 6,500 children of rural poor and migrant families in 21 Florida counties, including Collier.

Forty designs are available for exclusive use by individuals or businesses on a first-come first-served basis, and three designs are available for everyone. Exclusive designs can include a logo and personalized message and require a minimum purchase of 100 cards for $150. For the three general designs, packs of 10 with envelopes are $15.

Every dollar raised through the Christmas card sales qualifies RCMA for up to $16 in matching state funds, meaning a $15 box of cards could entitle RCMA to another $240. Proceeds help support programs at RCMA’s 66 child development centers, three charter schools, and afterschool care programs.

The cards can be viewed and ordered at bit.ly/rcmacards. For more details, call 800-282-6540 or email Sonia.tight@ffva.com.

Above: Rosario Carranza drew her Christmas scene as a sixth grader at Redlands Christian Migrant Association’s (RCMA) Leadership Academy in Wimauma, where her favorite subject is science. She attends a summer college preparatory program in Tampa for ambitious students from lowincome families. Her father is a construction worker. Her mother is in Mexico.

Left: Nathalie Galvan attends RCMA’s Immokalee Community School. Her favorite subject is science. She likes to learn about earth and about what plants are made of. Nathalie’s family is from Guanajuato, Mexico.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony Celebrates Healing & Community

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avid Lawrence Center (DLC) is kicking off the holiday season with its inaugural Tree of Hope lighting ceremony at 6075 Bathey Lane, Naples, on Friday, Nov. 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

This family-friendly event will celebrate community, hope, and healing with the lighting of the sprawling banyan tree that was planted by on DLC’s campus by staff and clients in the late 1980s.

There also will be carolers and holiday-themed activities for children, along with a food truck. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed.

For more information, visit DavidLawrenceCenter.org, call 239-354-1445, or email donorcare@dlcmhc.com.

Scribbles Learning Center

formerly

• Serving children 1-5 years old • Degreed teachers • Low student-teacher ratio

239-597-5748

727 108th Ave. N., Naples

License #C20CO0137

Register to Pack Meals for Holidays Without Hunger

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eals of Hope is hosting Holidays Without Hunger meal packing events on Saturday, Dec. 14 at North Naples Middle School in Naples from 9-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 21 at Lee County Civic Center in Fort Myers from 9-11 a.m.

Individuals, local organizations, and businesses come together to assemble meals that are distributed for free through local schools, food pantries, and food banks. The goal this year is to pack 1 million meals. Some of meals will be sent to the Bahamas to support continuing Hurricane Dorian relief efforts.

To volunteer, register at HolidaysWithoutHunger.com.

Participation is limited to the first 3,500 volunteers. For more information, call 239-537-7775 or visit mealsofhope.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Win a Free Year’s Tuition at Creative World Info Session

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orth Naples soon will be home to a new preschool. Parents can learn more about Creative World School at an information session on Nov. 19 from 4-6 p.m. at Bounce, 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples.

Parents can learn about the new school, pre-registration offers, and also have an opportunity to win free tuition for one year.

Creative World offers a unique and fun approach to learning, with age-appropriate curriculum for children from infants to VPK. The school also will provide programs for school-age students.

For more information, visit creativeworldschool.com.

Deadlines Approaching for Young Artist Competitions

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Above: L-R, Candy Winkley, Kristina Thomas, and former Neapolitan Family cover kids Jimmy Thomas and Justin Thomas at the recent STARability 3K Fun Run, Walk & Roll.

STARability Foundation Fun Run Raises Money and Awareness

ocal budding artists have two upcoming opportunities to display their original work at an art show and compete for cash prizes.

The 23rd annual Estero Fine Art Show is scheduled for Jan. 4-5 at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. Entries from children ages 5-13 must be received by Dec. 10.

The 3rd Naples Fine Art Show is scheduled for March 2829 at the Naples Italian-American Club. Students ages 9-19 are eligible to compete, and entries must be received by March 1.

At the close of each show on Sunday, $250 will be awarded to the winners. There is a $3 fee per application. Each student may submit a maximum of two entries.

Visit www.hotworks.org/applications for an application.

S

TARability Foundation raised money for and awareness about its programs at the second annual 3K Fun Run, Walk & Roll at Cambier Park in downtown Naples.

The Fun Run raised $6,500 and drew over 140 participants who ran, walked, or rolled through the finish line.

STARability supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing opportunities that emphasize teamwork and connection to the community to build awareness and respect for their individual abilities. A professional staff and more than 100 volunteers deliver programs to ensure that members, currently ages 14 to 70, have the quality of life they seek after aging out of school-supported services.

For more information visit www.STARability.org or www. facebook.com/STARabilityfoundation.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

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By Kristine Gill

No Phones in School Zones

he 2019-20 school year is in full swing, and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) youth relations deputies are eager to spend the next year working alongside your students to keep them safe and ensure another great school year.

If you’re driving through a school zone on your way to work or to drop off your child, be sure to put down your phone. Deputies are warning drivers of a new law that will take full effect next year banning the use of handheld devices while driving in school and work zones throughout Florida.

In May, Gov. Rick DeSantis signed a bill into law allowing deputies to ticket drivers for texting while driving. The law went into effect July 1, and CCSO deputies immediately began enforcing it, conducting operations targeting the behavior and handing out citations.

The second part of the law went into effect Oct. 1. Florida State Statute 316.306 prohibits handling of any communication devices while in a work or school zone. That includes texting while driving and holding the phone while talking. This part of the law pertains only to the stretches of designated construction zones and school zones while those zones are in effect. Citations for this infraction are more costly than those issued for texting while driving outside of a school or work zone.

Our deputies began warning motorists of this change beginning Oct. 1. They will begin issuing full citations on Jan. 1.

During our first operation warning motorists of the new law, deputies conducted 30 traffic stops and issued 10 warnings for use of a phone in a school zone. The detail included three deputies who patrolled the Poinciana Elementary school zone as parents and buses dropped students off. During that same detail deputies also issued three citations for failing to use a seatbelt and one citation for a suspended driver’s license. This was the first of many details that the Safety & Traffic Enforcement Bureau will conduct

leading up to Jan. 1.

Under the new texting and driving law, phones still can be used for calls and navigation outside of a school zone, as well as to read emergency messages such as weather alerts.

All drivers should follow these new laws, but it is equally important that parents follow these rules to serve as an example for their children and teenage drivers, who are more likely to drive distractedly.

If you are concerned about your teens texting while driving, enroll them in the CCSO’s Teen Driving Academy. You can find additional information on the program at colliersheriff.org.

www.reedorthodonticsnaples.com

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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CITY CONNECTION PARKS DEPT.

By Laura Tichy-Smith

November Is Family Time at Naples City Parks

Now that the weather is cooler, get out to enjoy these family events sponsored by the City of Naples Community Services Department and other local organizations.

Take a Walk From the Heart

Free Celebrations of Lights

Join the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk fundraiser, which promotes healthy living and is fun for the entire family. Nov. 2 from 8-11 a.m. at Cambier Park. Call 239-495-4905. (755 Eighth Ave. S., Naples)

Do your kids miss the snow falling at this time of the year? Then take them to the Celebration of Lights, Third Street South’s official launch of the holiday season running nightly Nov. 25-30 (except Thanksgiving Day) from 6-9 p.m. Live music and bells resound as Santa arrives. Call 239649-6707. (Third St. S. and Broad Ave.)

Free Concerts at the Bandshell Enjoy free concerts in Cambier Park at 2 p.m. Gulfcoast Big Band on Nov. 3; Naples Concert Band on Nov. 10; and Naples Dixieland Jazz Band on Nov. 17. Call 239-213-3058. (755 8th Ave. S., Naples)

Pre-Thanksgiving Holiday Camps What do you do when the kids get out of school for the whole week of Thanksgiving but you still have to work until Turkey Day?

Send them to camp! With an astonishing variety of themes offered in multiple camps, you’re sure to find a day camp to please every child in your household. The camps are both fun and educational, and include offerings such as fun days, creative arts, archery, and science. Nov. 25-27. Times, locations, and prices vary. Call 239-213-3020.

Holiday on the Bay The Village on Venetian Bay invites your family to visit on Nov. 29-30 from 5-8 p.m. for holiday festivities, including a tree lighting ceremony. Call 239-961-1955.

(4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples)

Full & Part Time Programs 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Extended Hours Available NOW ACCEPTING SUMMER VPK

239-593-6668 www.childmont.com 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr.

Naples, FL 34119 childmont101@gmail.com (Across from Super Target)

little hands...BIG achievements

Toddlers 12 - 36 mos Primary 3 yrs to Kinder VPK 4/5 yrs 14

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(239) 593-6668 2535 Northbrooke Plaza Dr. www.childmont.com Naples, FL 34119 License # C20CO0018 License # C20CO0018 NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Jennifer Kupiec

Find Help Navigating College, Career Options at CCPS

I

f you have a middle or high school student, you’ve probably ventured into the topic of college and career planning a time or two. As a parent, you may find yourself overwhelmed as you try to help your child navigate the process. That is where Naviance comes in to help.

Naviance, offered to all students in grades 5-12, is fairly new to Collier County Public Schools (CCPS). It is a system designed to assist students, parents, and schools with the following: • Researching careers, colleges, and majors; • Finding local and national scholarships and enrichment programs; • Exploring students’ career interests, learning styles, personality types, and multiple intelligences; • Building resumes and holistic portfolios for job and college applications; • Setting goals and developing personalized plans for success; • Requesting and sending electronic transcripts; and • Learning about success skills, financial planning, selfdiscovery, and building support network.

There also are “how to” videos available to parents and students through the program.

“We are excited to have this incredible resource available to students and parents in Collier County Public Schools,” said Peggy Aune, Ph.D., associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction. “This provides equity across the district as students can readily explore interests, colleges, and universities, and utilize tools to plan for their next steps after high school.”

Sounds great, right? So, by now you may be asking, “How do I find it?” Naviance is located in the CCPS Portal (www.collierschools. com/portal). Students are able to log into the portal, view Online Resources, and click on Naviance.

Parents wishing to access the program will need to do a one-time registration using a unique code associated to their child. To find the registration code, visit the CCPS Portal, log in to your parent account, take note of the registration code (located on the left-side column), and click on the Naviance icon to continue. Once on the Naviance page, click the “I need to register” link. Input your registration code and click Register. After entering your email and setting up a password, click Complete Registration to finish. Each child will have a unique code; if you have multiple children, repeat the steps for each child.

You’re now ready to take advantage of the benefits of Naviance!

“We encourage students and parents needing additional support in using Naviance to contact school counselors, as this platform is a complement to the expertise we have in each school,” added Aune.

We wish you and your child much success as you work together toward a bright and fulfilling future.

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NATIONAL ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH By Anna Snyder

The Alexander Family. Back row, L-R: Adam, Andrew, Matthew, and Allison.

Front row, L-R: Benjamin, Jonathan, and Stephen.

An Adoption Story: The Alexander Family

N

ovember is National Adoption Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, Neapolitan Family talked to Allison Alexander of Southwest Florida about her family’s experiences adopting two children from Uganda. Allison and her husband, Adam, now have five boys: Matthew (9), Andrew (7), Jonathan (6), Benjamin (4), and Stephen (3). The 16

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Alexanders adopted Benjamin and Jonathan from Uganda during separate adoptions; the boys are not biologically related.

What prompted you to pursue adoption? In our pre-marital counseling, Adam and I were encouraged to think about what we wanted our family to look like someday – to discuss when we would have kids, how many we wanted, and the

possibility of infertility, etc. Throughout those discussions, we concluded we wanted a big family and wanted both biological and adopted children. Little did we know the chaos that was coming. We had five boys join our family in six years!

Describe the adoption process for your family. It was crazy, stressful, miraculous, and fast. Adam and I felt God leading our family to adopt from a country where orphans had very little rights, provision, or protection. We started to research adoption in different countries that had high orphan populations due to sickness and war. As we figured out what countries would allow us to adopt in light of our ages, medical history, and financial situation, our list narrowed to one country: Uganda. Uganda has been torn apart by war, AIDS, corrupt government, and poverty.

We researched adoption agencies, and through our personal network we sought to connect with someone who had experienced Ugandan adoption. We applied to adopt in March 2013; this involved massive amounts of paperwork, appointments, background checks, fingerprints, fundraising, and a home study. In August 2013, we were matched with Jonathan and traveled to Uganda in November. I stayed there for six weeks with our sons and completed paper work and appointments. We came home on Dec. 24, 2013 – it was the best Christmas gift!

In December 2014, our agency contacted us to find out if we had any desire to adopt again – there was a little girl who needed a family. We started the paperwork; I had to redo everything, but it was easier the second time around because I understood the process. In January, we got news that a family member had been found and would be taking care of the little girl. We were happy about this because our desire is for the Ugandan people to help care for the vulnerable children in their midst.

In February, our agency asked us about Benjamin, and we matched with him. We finished our paperwork and fundraising quickly. Just before we traveled to Uganda in July 2015, I found out I was pregnant with our fifth child. This time, my husband and I went and left our three older boys at home. We were supposed to be there for two weeks, but the NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

process was delayed in Uganda, so Adam returned, and I stayed with Benjamin. I stayed for nine weeks and traveled home with Benjamin in September 2015.

The process to travel and start the guardianship process through the Ugandan government was multifaceted, complicated, and time consuming. It involved court dates, a mandate to live in the country for several weeks, medical appointments, an application for a Ugandan passport, and an appointment for review of the case at the U.S. Embassy, after which our children each received a visa to come to America and a green card. Our two adoptions were finalized in the U.S. after more home-study visits, paperwork, and fees. At this point, our boys were granted U.S. citizenship.

What was (and is) challenging about adoption for your family? Adding five children to our family in six years with four pregnancies (one miscarriage) and two sections of time living apart as a family in different countries was very stressful on everyone. It took about two years after our youngest was born to feel like we were living somewhat normally.

A continual challenge for us is dealing with the questions people feel entitled to ask us in front of our children, about our children. A lot of people ask if our two adopted boys are brothers – in front of them!

What the people are really asking is if they are biologically related. It doesn’t really matter if they are, and answering that question in front of our children could bring up issues about their adoptions we haven’t gotten to yet. Telling an adoption story to a child starts on day one, but it is a slow and age appropriate process. Other people are not entitled to those details and

Telling an adoption story to a child starts on day one, but it is a slow and age appropriate process. Other people are not entitled to those details, and asking those questions in front of the children can be hurtful or confusing.

–Allison Alexander asking those questions in front of the children can be hurtful or confusing.

I get asked often if “all of them are mine.” I understand what they are asking, but there are more sensitive ways to find out if we are a family. I get asked constantly if I run a daycare. I have tried to learn not be snippy, and I try to educate others on how to be more sensitive in what they ask and aware of how their phrasing comes across. I have to juggle this tension in front of my children, which is difficult.

My first priority is to protect my family, so if necessary, I will seem rude to strangers to protect my children and their story.

All adopted children come from trauma of some sort. The loss of a biological parent, in whom you were formed and grew for your first nine months of life will

never not be traumatic. There are a slew of possible additional traumas: substance abuse during pregnancy, physical abuse during pregnancy, abandonment and neglect post-birth, abuse post-birth, hunger, etc. All of these things effect brain development and have lifelong effects on people, including attachment issues, food issues, sensory disorders, developmental delays, physical delays, hurt, anger, sadness, etc.

Learning how past trauma impacted our children is a daily process, and there is no textbook for it. There are incredible resources now compared to a few decades ago, for which I am very thankful. A lot of times people assume that because a child was adopted at birth or within their first month of life that there will be very little trauma, but that is so far from the truth.

Another challenge our family faces is the fact that we are a multiracial family.

We are two white parents raising two black children and three white children. We are responsible to raise these boys in a way that prepares them for the world and how it sees and interacts with black people. We have to do this with no prior knowledge, because it is not a reality we have lived. I am so thankful for friendships in our lives of other black men and women that can speak to this from personal experience and help give us insight and wisdom.

What have been some of the joys of adoption for your family? We are able to call Jonathan and Benjamin our sons. We are able to love, raise, nurture, discipline, and celebrate these two incredible boys that have been made in the image of God and reflect to us things about who God is. These are joys we would have missed

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Continued on page 18

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Continued from page 17

out on if they had not been placed in our family.

Regarding adoption, people often say that we are such a blessing to our children.

It is really hard not to roll our eyes at this statement. Adam and I fail our children time and time again. We are selfish, unkind, and disappointing often. Our hearts surge with pride, love, and sadness for all of our children at the same level. The gift of loving someone that way is something we are so blessed to experience. To see the deep friendship that our five boys share is something I don’t think the world is ready for, and it is such a joy to be able to have them under our roof.

What advice would you give other families looking to adopt? I highly recommend adoption to other families, but I do not think it is for everyone.

We can participate in caring for vulnerable children through adoption, foster care, supporting adoptive families, babysitting, dropping off groceries and diapers, serving as a guardian ad litem, and many other ways.

Wanting to provide a loving, caring, and safe home for a vulnerable child is a fabulous foundation on which to build an adoption journey. The children are a huge blessing to us and are building blocks of our family. Just like all children, though, they frustrate and disappoint us, and unconditional love is what needs to be the foundation in that relationship or else it can be a very messy and hurtful situation.

I am very passionate about the ethics of adoption. Having the proper motivation to adopt is essential, and if you are seeking to adopt a child who is truly in need of a home rather than to fill a perceived void in your family, then you will be willing to ask hard questions of your agency. Adoption can be a business.

Being a birth mother in America can be a business. There are many situations of corrupt orphanage workers and social workers in other countries that offer false promises to parents in poverty and take away their children. That is trafficking, and that is not orphan care. It is of the utmost importance to ask hard questions and be willing to do the right thing with the answers you get.

FRIENDS TODAY. CHANGEMAKERS TOMORROW.

What’s next for your family? Our family is done growing. We wanted a big family, and we got one much faster than we imagined. Life was very difficult for a few years because of the neediness of so many children in such a young age bracket. I have journeyed through depression caused by some of that craziness, I think.

I am taking medicine now, going to counseling, and have found a good support system. We still love caring for vulnerable children, though, and we are figuring out what that will look like for our family in this next season. I am in the process of becoming a volunteer with an adoption agency that develops relationships with birth mothers, helps them understand their options, and supports them if they choose to parent their children. I also plan to become a guardian ad litem when all of my children are in school.

ANNA SNYDER lives in Naples with her husband and daughter. She loves to write, read, crochet, and run. She writes about her family’s adventures at marriedtoafisherman. com.

TROOPS ARE FORMING NOW!

941-921-5358 800-232-4475 www.gsgcf.org 18

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

Providing Care for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, VPK & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS K-5th GRADE 

APPLE Accredited

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Gold Seal Recognized by the Department of

Children and Families 

Family Friendly Business Award Recipient

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Nationally Recognized Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Center & Gold Level Employer

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Two Year FACCM Center of the Year Winner

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Secure Gated Entrance, Security Cameras, and a dedicated safety trained staff

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Parent workshops and trainings

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Balanced curriculum of 38 objectives including extracurricular activities such as STEAM, Music Lessons, Soccer, Dance, Zumba, Spanish and Baby Sign Language

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On Campus Garden, STEAM Laboratory, and Library with over 4,500 books!

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Family friendly events such as Halloween Parade, Scholastic Book Fairs, Spirit Nights, Family Dinner Nights, Mothers Day Performance, Fathers Day Dance, VPK Graduation & Prom, and more!

Weekly Yoga, Music, Piano, Soccer, Dance, Zumba, Foreign Language & Sign Language Classes Monthly field trips to destinations such as the Conservancy, The Children’s Museum, the Artis Naples, Barnes and Noble, the Botanical Gardens, Naples Zoo and more!

Call today to schedule a tour! 239-261-7442 PHONE

Precious Cargo Academy 5200 Crayton Road Naples, FL 34103 WEBSITE: PreciousCargoAcademy.org

EMAIL: Leanne.badham@outlook.com

A Mission of Naples United Church of Christ NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

Find Us on Facebook!

@PCANaples neafamily.com

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Photo by Lisette Morales

MOMentum Moms

Above: Christina Shutter with two of the donated bras that will go to women in need.

Facing page: Christina sharing a moment with her son, Lucas.

By Stacy Nicolau

T

o see Christina Shutter’s social media posts, you might think her life is full of glamorous fundraiser galas, complete with the perfect dress, trendy shoes, lipstick, and star quality smiles.

You might be surprised what this single mom to 5-year-old Lucas (and dog Layla) is able to accomplish in a typical 20

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week. She is a full-time college student completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Nonprofit Management while working full time at the American Cancer Society (ACS). Many people who are employed at a nonprofit would feel that they have checked the giving back to the community box in their life, but Christina spends her free time as a volunteer affiliate director of I Support the

Girls, a nonprofit she brought to Southwest Florida after Hurricane Irma to meet the often overlooked need of feminine products for women and girls.

You might also be surprised to learn that her perfect little black dress and heels are likely to be from True Fashionistas, an upscale consignment store in North Naples, and that Christina would rather be bare-faced and barefoot at home with her boyfriend, son, and dog getting a welldeserved break from her busy weekday life.

What surprised me most about Christina was how overwhelmed she was to be featured as Neapolitan Family’s MOMentum Mom. As tears welled up in her eyes, she told me that exactly three years ago, she was starting over as a single mom and she felt “completely broken.”

As she rebuilt her personal and professional lives, she told me, it was one thing to have her performance be validated at work, but to be “validated as a mom” was just about the greatest accomplishment of all.

What is your current job and what do you love about it? I am currently the community support coordinator at the American Cancer Society Naples office. I am responsible for a lot of the back end planning and paperwork that comes with throwing our annual Bucket List Bash gala and the Relay For Life Events in Collier County and Bonita Springs/Estero. Aside from seeing successful fundraising events come to fruition after months of planning and hard work, I love interacting with patients and survivors, and guiding them to available resources. I want each and every one of them to leave feeling more hopeful.

What is I Support the Girls? What inspired you to get involved with this organization? I Support the Girls is an organization of affiliate directors located all over the United States (and recently a few in other countries) who collect and distribute essential items, including bras, new underwear, and menstrual hygiene products. Our goal is to ensure that NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

“My son is my driving force and has given me a level of direction and motivation that did not exist prior to becoming his mother. Every single tight hug, kiss, and ’I love you, Momma’ is worth all of the hard days and tears that I have shed along this journey."

–Christina Shutter

women who are experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, impoverishment, or distress are still able to stand tall with dignity. No woman should ever be faced with choosing between feeding herself or her children and being able to afford her monthly box of tampons or a new bra. It’s not uncommon for my trunk to be full of bras and tampons, and meeting women who contact me in parking lots of supermarkets because they need product to get through the month or a new bra for their teenaged daughter.

I started the SWFL chapter of I Support the Girls immediately following Hurricane Irma in September 2017. I saw our community coming together in tremendous ways to supply people with food, water, ice, etc., and it occurred to me that there were hundreds of local women who didn’t have access to menstrual products immediately following a disaster. I made a post on my personal Facebook page asking for donations of pads and tampons, and within hours, complete strangers were dropping off bags of supplies at my front door. Two days following Irma, I visited a small NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

local migrant worker community and we brought food and water and other supplies for the women and their children.

It was there that I was able to give the women our first donation of pads and tampons. The way that their faces lit up when they realized that someone had actually thought about those needs was something that I will never forget. That day inevitably changed my entire purpose in life.

What is a typical weekday like for you and your son? It probably mirrors a lot of single parent’s mornings just trying to get everyone out the door, to school/ daycare and get to work on time. I am typically at the ACS office from 9-5, Monday through Friday. [After work] I pick up Luke from daycare, stop for errands, feed him, bathe him, walk the dog, shower, catch up on emails and messages from the day, submit any school work that is due, and collapse in bed. Talk about glamorous, right?

What do you like to do for fun with your family on weekends? We are so lucky to live in a place where there are always family-friendly community events

going on, and Saturdays are Adventure Day! We also enjoy spending time at the beach, Naples Botanical Garden, local parks, splash pads, and relaxing afternoons at our neighborhood pool.

The sunset beach shot (see above) was taken by my father during his recent visit for Luke’s fifth birthday. We had gone out to the beach one evening after dinner to catch a quick sunset. The sky was absolutely beautiful, and we were at our “happy place.” Visits from my father are very special as he is a stage 4 melanoma survivor.

What other challenges have you experienced as a single mother? For me, the biggest challenge of being a single mother is the ability to swing it financially on one income (his father is a part of his life). Living in paradise can be a bit pricey, and finding affordable housing is a huge problem facing many local single moms.

My son is my driving force and has given me a level of direction and motivation that did not exist prior to becoming his mother. Every single tight hug, kiss, and “I love you, Momma” is worth all of the hard days and tears that I have shed along this journey. neafamily.com

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$ Keeping track of which restaurants offer free or discounted kids’ meals is an impossible task for parents, so we’ve done the legwork for you. Before you go, check that the restaurant hasn’t changed its Kids Eat Free date/time/purchase requirements, and remember that different locations of the same chain may have their own Kids Eat Free rules.

AGAVE FAMILY FIESTA NIGHT

D’AMICO & SONS

PERKIN’S RESTAURANT & BAKERY

2380 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples 239-598-3473 Kids receive a free meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Monday nights.

4691 9th St. N., Naples 239-430-0955 One free kid’s meal with each adult meal purchase 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays.

APPLEBEE’S

HURRICANE GRILL & WINGS

4335 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples 239-775-8200 3585 Gateway Lane, Naples 239-596-0700 27941 Crown Lake Blvd., Bonita Springs 239-498-0300 One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal every Tuesday from 4-10 p.m.

5082 Airport Pulling Rd., Naples 239-434-7744 Kids’ meals are $1.99 every Sunday.

BEEF O’BRADY’S 7385 Radio Rd., Naples 34104 239-348-2100 One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Tuesdays from 4-8 p.m.

BOB EVANS 2570 Northbrooke Plaza Dr., Naples 239-598-5255 One free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchase every Tuesday.

BURGER FI 1514 Immokalee Rd., Naples 239-631-5647 12712 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples 239-331-3606 Every Tuesday kids 12 and younger receive a free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. In-store orders only.

BURNTWOOD TAVERN 9110 Strada Pl., Naples 239-631-8964 One free kid’s meal with each adult entrée purchase every Monday.

CICIS PIZZA 2650 Immokalee Rd., Naples 239-597-0306 Kids 0-3 eat free every day.

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6345 Naples Blvd. #7, Naples 239-513-9900 One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée on Saturdays.

IGUANA MIA 28051 S. Tamiami Tr., Bonita Springs 239-949-1999 Half-priced kids’ meals all day on Sundays with each adult entrée purchase.

KRUK’S PHILLY STEAKS 6434 Naples Blvd., Naples 239-572-8128 Kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal on Tuesdays from 3-8 p.m.

LOZANO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 405 New Market Rd. E., Immokalee 239-658-9255 Purchase an adult entrée, get one kid’s meal free, Wednesdays after 3 p.m.

MILLER’S ALE HOUSE 6320 Hollywood Dr., Naples 239-591-0125 Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult meal.

MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL 6434 Naples Blvd., Naples 239-594-0065 7335 Radio Rd., Naples 239-352-1212 1016 Immokalee Rd., Naples 239-593-4993 Kids 12 and younger eat free on Sundays with the purchase of an entree.

PINCHERS CRAB SHACK 1200 5th Ave. S., Naples 239-434-6616 28580 Bonita Crossings Blvd., Bonita Springs 239-948-1313 One free kid’s meal every day with the purchase of adult entrée $15.99 or more.

RIB CITY 9191 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples 239-591-3500 3871 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples 239-417-9090 Kids under 4 years old receive a free meal with the purchase of each adult meal every day. Dine-in only.

STEAK ’N’ SHAKE 2620 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples 239-262-1039 Kids eat free Saturdays and Sundays.

Dine-in only with the purchase of an adult entrée over $9.

STEVIE TOMATO’S SPORTS PAGE 15215 Collier Blvd., Naples 34119 239-352-4266 One free kid’s meal with the purchase of a full-priced adult meal every Monday.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH

N

By Jorge L. Camina, Jr., MD, FAAP, Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida

How to Help Your Child Manage Diabetes

ovember is National Diabetes Awareness Month. The American Diabetes Association estimates 193,000 Americans under age 20 have diagnosed diabetes. For parents, a diabetes diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s important to know that help is available and that diabetes will not prevent your child from achieving his or her goals. As a pediatrician, I wanted to answer a few common questions parents have about the disease.

How can I help my child understand a diabetes diagnosis? It is important to talk openly and honestly with children about their diabetes diagnosis and encourage them to do them same. Conversations should vary based on the child’s age and comprehension level. There are many resources available that can make explaining diabetes to your child easier.

For young children, there are several storybooks specifically designed to help kids understand their disease by addressing and answering their medical questions. For older children, online sites such as Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and American Diabetes Association are excellent resources (see sidebar).

Conversations should be honest and positive. Children will have setbacks. It is understandable to be concerned, but try to avoid being overly critical. They may become less honest with you about care and readings if they feel judged. Eliminate comments such as “being bad” or “bad” glucose; instead use terms like “high” and “low” glucose.

Through positive conversations you can help your children understand their disease and empower them to manage it.

How do I help my child overcome a fear of needles? Needle anxiety is very common in both adults and children. To help reduce anxiety it is important that you show empathy for the fear. Once again, be honest.

You will lose credibility and trust if you are not truthful with your child. Reassure your child by saying “It may hurt but it will be NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

Additional Resources Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation 239-591-2825 • floridasuncoast.jdrf.org Raises funds for diabetes research, provides educational and informational materials, and provides support services to those affected by diabetes.

Help a Diabetic Child Foundation 239-821-5051 • helpadiabeticchild.org • hlpdiabeticchild@aol.com Dedicated to purchasing diabetes supplies and insulin for children and college students unable to get these supplies because of financial difficulties.

Call about diabetes day camps for the summer.

American Diabetes Association 800-DIABETES • diabetes.org/resources • askada@diabetes.org Provides resources for adults with diabetes and parents of diabetic children regarding schools, health insurance, and current research. over quick.” or “I am with you.” Stay positive; if you appear upset or angry your child likely will become anxious. Always provide encouragement and support after every injection, such as: “I can tell you are trying your best!” or “You are getting so brave.” or “You did such a good job holding still.”

Other tactics to consider: • Talking about the injection process before or during can help reduce anxiety, because your child will understand what is happening.

• Involving children in the process empowers them. Ask them which finger to prick or where they want the injection.

• Icing the injection site or use creams to numb area in advance to help reduce the pain.

• Distracting your child with comic books, video games, favorite toys, music, or meditation – anything to keep a positive mindset.

• Holding your child on your lap (never pin down) provides comfort and reduces anxiety.

• Administering the injection as quickly as possible.

If all else fails, speak to your pediatrician about other injection options, such as an insulin pump or injection pens.

When can my child be responsible for managing diabetes? There is no exact age for when children should be responsible for managing their diabetes. Their ability to perform self-care will depend on their individual capabilities and understanding.

However, you can begin to prepare them for this responsibility by asking them to talk you step-by-step though their care tasks. When they are able to consistently and correctly communicate the process you may then encourage them to administer self-diabetic care under your supervision. As your child grows older and becomes more independent you should discuss their full self-diabetes management plan with them and their medical provider.

Should I encourage my child to talk to others about diabetes? Kids don’t like to feel different from their peers so they may be hesitant to speak to friends about their diagnosis at first. Be supportive of their decision, but help them understand that having diabetes is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Having a friend to talk with about their diagnosis may be helpful.

Parents should notify caretakers and school staff, such as nurses and teachers. This will help them act accordingly in case a diabetic emergency should occur. neafamily.com

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sunday

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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9:00 a.m. Naples Zoo Veterans Appreciation Weekend. Free admission to active and retired military service members during Veterans Day Weekend.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd., Naples. Check napleszoo.org or call 239262-5409.

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10:00 a.m. Diabetes & Wellness Conference. For individuals of all ages who are affected by diabetes.

Florida SouthWestern State College, 7505 Grand Lely Dr., Naples. Call 239-8215051 or check FLDiabetes. com.

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monday

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5:45 p.m. Kickboxing Class. Focuses on correct form and techniques. Lose weight, tone muscles, reduce fat, increase strength, meet others, and have fun.

North Collier Regional Park, 15000 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239252-4000 or check www. colliercountyfl.gov.

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5:15 p.m. Singing Birds & Ukulele for All Abilities.

Children learn basic ukulele chords in an interactive way, promoting communication, social, and behavioral skills with the guidance of instructors. Endless Brain, 11100 Bonita Springs Rd. S.E., Bonita Springs. Call 850-629-9313 or check endlessbrain.org. 12

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6:00 p.m. Kids’ Night Out. Kids get an exciting night of games and events while parents get the night off. Ages 9-11. Located at East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Dr., Naples. Check www. colliercountyfl.gov or call 239-252-4414.

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10:00 a.m. Le Leche League Monthly Meeting.

All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be who are interested in breastfeeding are welcome. Located at Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Visit www. llsunshinestate.org.

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2:00 p.m. Pony Fun Day. Learn to safely ride a pony during horse-related games, crafts, and activities. Ages 5+. No riding experience required. Cornerstone Farm South, 3375 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Visit cornerstonefarmsouth.com or call 239-595-7618.

10:00 a.m. Grand Opening of We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym. A funfilled day at this new sensory safe gym for children of all abilities. Face painting, music, raffles, and treats.

We Rock the Spectrum, 17640 Tamiami Tr. S., Fort Myers. Check werockthespectrumfortmyers.com or call 818-996-6620. 9

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9:00 a.m. Florida Panther Festival and Free Zoo Admission. Celebrate local wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther, for free for Collier County residents. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or visit napleszoo.org or floridapantherfestival.com.

11:30 a.m. Charlotte’s Web. Select dates through Nov. 15. The classic book brought to life on stage.

Buffet lunch offered one hour before showtime. $19 includes show and lunch.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check broadwaypalm.com.

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saturday

friday

8:00 a.m. Yoga at the Naples Art Association. $12. Led by Elizabeth Coyle-Veren every Tuesday and Thursday. Bring your own mat. Naples Art Association, 585 Park St., Naples. Check naplesart. org or call 239-262-6517.

3:30 p.m. A Visit from the Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Fairy will be here with stories, activities, and information on how to take care of your teeth. Ages 4-7.

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

5:00 p.m. Scoopie Night.

Every Wednesday. Face painting, balloon animals, and crafts. Culver’s of Naples, 5102 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-732-5025 or check culvers.com.

9:15 a.m. Circle Time.

Sing, read a book, and do a craft or activity. Each class will be based on a different story and learning objective. Reservations required. InPlay Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239963-9716 or check www. inplayfamilyfun.com.

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thursday

wednesday

Best Bets

tuesday

November

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10:30 a.m. Baby Rhyme Time. For children up to 18 months. You and your baby will learn new nursery rhymes and fingerplays, interact with puppets, sing, read books, and dance.

Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

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3:00 p.m. Lego Club.

Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Bricks provided.

All ages. Registration is not required. Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Check www. collierlibrary.org or call 239-657-2882.

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11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

Sounds of Christmas.

A joyous musical revue centered on a family celebrating the spirit of the season. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check broadwaypalm. com.

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12:00 p.m. The Elves and the Shoemaker. An irresistible, musical adaptation of the popular children’s story. $19 includes lunch and show. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check broadwaypalm. com.

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5:30 p.m. Tree of Hope Lighting. A celebration of community, hope, and healing, this free event features activities for children and families. David Lawrence Center, 6075 Bathey Lane, Naples. Call 239-304-3505 or check davidlawrencecenter.org.

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1:00 p.m. Cathedral Cookies. Join us in creating a holiday treat that is fudgy deliciousness. Your kids can help with this fun recipe that takes only 15 minutes to make. Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org.

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11:00 a.m. Fall Harvest Market. Bring your family and enjoy a festive fall day.

Vendors, farmers market, games, food trucks, and a food drive. Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1955 Curling Ave., Naples. Call 239-597-4091 or check oursaviorfl.org.

ZOOBY

239.592.0800

Exclusively marketed by Denticator™

Naples Pediatric Dentistry goodcheckup.com

Happy kids. Sparkly smiles.

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5:00 p.m. Sensory Night.

For children on the autism spectrum and/or with other sensory integration disorders. Registration required.

Limited participation.

C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Visit cmon. org.

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4:00 p.m. Creative World School Information Session. Coming to soon North Naples. Learn about our programs for infants to VPK as well as school-age children, and how to win a year of free tuition. Located at Bounce, 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples.

Check creativeworldschool. com.

Try it at our office.

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3:30 p.m. Family Game Time. Join us for board games, scavenger hunts, snacks, and prizes. All ages welcome. Registration is not required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

Dr. Marilyn C. Sandor, DDS, MS, PA

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9:30 a.m. Alateen Meetings. Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. 24 Hour Club, 1509 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-263-5907 or check www.naplesAl-Anon.org for other meeting days and locations.

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9:30 a.m. Zoo Yoga. Start your day with an animalthemed yoga class for all ages. Breathe, stretch, and relax in nature. Naples Zoo, 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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YOUR COMMUNITY NOVEMBER 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 we do not enter all calendar data, we cannot guarantee its accuracy.

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1 FRIDAY 9:00 a.m. Find It Fridays. Kids enjoy a scavenger hunt all day. Located at Everglades Wonder Gardens, 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-992-2591 or visit evergladeswondergardens.com.

10:00 a.m. Guided Tours of the Historic Koreshan Settlement. Learn about the idealistic Koreshan pioneers and their utopian community. Located at Koreshan State Park, 3800 Corkscrew Rd., Estero.

Call 239-992-0311 or check friendsofkoreshan.org.

10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Mini Wonders. Every Thursday and Friday. Toddler fun and activities dedicated to ages 5 and younger. Located at C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org.

10:30 a.m. W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden. Learn how we take care of our vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more. You’ll even get to find out how to grow plants from cuttings, and pot up your own little piece of the garden for home. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Visit naplesgarden.org.

11:15 a.m. Daily Programs for Kids. Be a Biologist at 11:15 a.m. Scales & Tales at 12:15 p.m. Ocean Discoveries at 1:15 p.m. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.

Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

11:30 a.m. Charlotte’s Web. Select dates through Nov. 15. The classic book brought to life on stage.

Buffet lunch offered one hour before showtime. $19 for kids of all ages. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239278-4422 or check broadwaypalm.com.

3:30 p.m. Cookie Monster Celebration. Join us for a scavenger hunt, crafts and cookies. Registration is required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

4:00 p.m. Family Night. $7 per child. Located at Whiz Kids, 1050 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Visit www. whizkidsnaples.com or call 239-263-7017.

5:30 p.m. Finding Neverland. Through Nov. 16.

The incredible true story behind the creation of one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check broadwaypalm.com.

6:00 p.m. Family Open Gym. Ages 6 and younger.

Parents must stay. $9. Located at Gymnastic World, 2187 Trade Center Way, Naples. Check gwnaples.com or call 239-592-0608.

6:00 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. Kids will enjoy games and activities in a safe environment. Dinner provided.

Pre-registration required. Ages 5-12. Located at Vineyards Community Park, 6231 Arbor Blvd., Naples.

Call 239-252-4105 or check colliercountyfl.gov.

6:30 p.m. Glow Volleyball Party. A night of fun volleyball games and competitions. Wear glow necklaces and tie-dye and get ready to party. Located at

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

LittlePeoplesSchool.info

Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-963-3775 or check greaternaplesymca.org.

7:30 p.m. Haunted Walk. Expect the fright of your life as you try to make your way through the swampy woods taken over by strange, mutant half-human-half-animal and other eerie creatures. Located at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, 3450 Ortiz Ave., Fort Myers. Check calusanature.org.

2 SATURDAY Library Hours. Kids Coloring. A variety of coloring activities will be available.

Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.

8:45 a.m. Additional Needs Bounce Session. The first Saturday and second Sunday of each month. Music is played at a low volume or not at all. Children are monitored both by parents and Bounce employees. Located at Bounce, 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-302-3848 or visit additionalneeds.info.

9:00 a.m. Florida Panther Festival & Free Zoo Admission. Celebrate our local wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther, for free for Collier County residents with identification. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org or floridapantherfestival.com.

9:00 a.m. Kids Workshops. A new craft each month. All kids must be accompanied by an adult. Recommended for ages 5-12. Located at Home Depot, 2251 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Visit homedepot.com.

9:00 a.m. Zumbini with Miss Lesly. Bring your little ones in to enjoy music, dance, and interaction. Located at InPlay! Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239-963-9716 or check inplayfamilyfun.com.

10:00 a.m. Beginning Crochet. Learn the basics of crochet and provide patterns for several simple bookmarkers. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check collierlibrary.org.

10:00 a.m. Day for Kids. An indoor/outdoor family event. Free goodies, games, free food, and loads of fun. Located at Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, 7500 Davis Blvd., Naples. Call 239-325-1773 or check bgccc.com.

10:00 a.m. Family Activity Days. Families will create exciting art projects to take home. Located at Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs.

Check artcenterbonita.org.

10:00 a.m. Free Kids’ Fishing. We supply the rods, reels, bait, and knowledge.

Located at Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. Call 239-4617800 or check basspro.com.

10:30 a.m. Pups ’n’ Books. Practice your reading skills with our furry friends.

Dogs are provided by Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit collierlibrary.org.

11:00 a.m. Drop-in Bilingual Storytime for Singing Birds. Sing along while learning Spanish children’s songs. Ages 2-5. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7369 or check collierlibrary.org for additional information.

11:00 a.m. Mother Goose Olympics. Drop in to play indoor games based on nursery rhymes. Ages 2-5. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org.

1:00 p.m. Autism Spectrum Play Group. Children’s play group open to ages 5-16. $10 per child. A safe, structured, and supervised place for your child to interact with others. Located at Christ Community Church, 4050 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Check fi-florida.org.

2:00 p.m. Dia de los Muertos. Learn about the traditional Mexican festival honoring the memories of departed relatives and friends. Decorate sugar skulls and spend time reminiscing. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

5:00 p.m. Montessori Open House. Learn about school-year and summer programs that serve students from 2 months through 9 years old. Or call 239-5972255 to schedule a private tour. Located at Montessori Academy of Naples, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples. Check naplesmontessori.org.

5:30 p.m. Teen Night Pool Party. A great opportunity for all Collier County high schools to make new friends. Located at Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239-252-6128 or check colliercountyfl.gov.

6:00 p.m. Parents’ Night Out. Drop off the kids for A fun night of games and activities. Located at Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 14181 S. Tamiami Tr., Fort Myers. Check skyzone.com.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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St. Elizabeth Seton CatholicSchool School St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic You’re Invited!

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27

3 SUNDAY

5 TUESDAY

9:00 a.m. Sensory Sensitive Sundays. Fewer people, dimmed lighting, muted music, limited character appearances, and full menu. Located at Chuck E. Cheese’s, 5020 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-334-0563 or check chuckecheese.com.

9:30 a.m. Alateen Meetings. Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Located at 24 Hour Club, 1509 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-263-5907 or visit naplesAl-Anon.org for other meeting days and locations.

10:00 a.m. Diabetes & Wellness Conference. For individuals of all ages who are impacted by diabetes. Located at Florida SouthWestern State College, 7505 Grand Lely Dr., Naples. Call 239-821-5051 or check FLDiabetes.com.

12:00 p.m. Sunday Programs. Join us for a day of themed activities. Included with price of admission. Located at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon), 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Call 239-514-0084 or check cmon.org.

9:15 a.m. Circle Time. Sing, read a book, do a craft or activity. Each class will be based on a different story and learning objective. Reservations required. Located at InPlay Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239-963-9716 or check inplayfamilyfun.com.

10:00 a.m. Storytime with Miss Mary Ellen. Join us for reading, singing, and coloring in a fun-filled atmosphere of learning and lots of laughter. All ages.

Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-598-5200 or check stores.barnesandnoble.com.

12:00 p.m. Preschool Open Gym. Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Bring your children ages 6 and under. This is not a drop-off open gym. $9. Located at Gymnastic World Naples, 2187 Trade Center Way, Naples. Call 239-592-0608 or check gwnaples. com.

5:00 p.m. Scoopie Kid’s Night. Every Tuesday. Face painting, balloon animals, and crafts. Located at Culver’s of Naples, 5775 Airport Pulling Rd., Naples. Call 239-596-4640 or check culvers.com.

5:15 p.m. Singing Birds & Ukulele for All Abilities. Children learn basic ukulele chords in an interactive and fun way, promoting communication, social, and behavioral skills. Located at Endless Brain, 11100 Bonita Springs Rd. S.E., Bonita Springs.

Call 850-629-9313 or check endlessbrain.org.

6:15 p.m. Happy Drummers for All Abilities (Ages 5-14). Children learn fun percussion patterns while exploring the sound of African drumming and singing popular songs with their friends. Located at Endless Brain, 11100 Bonita Springs Rd. S.E., Bonita Springs. Call 850-629-9313 or check endlessbrain.org.

4 MONDAY 11:00 a.m. Bereaved Moms Grief Support Group. Under the direction of a professional counselor, discover ways to cope with the very difficult loss of your child.

Located at Hope Healthcare, 9470 HealthPark Cr., Fort Myers. Call 239-985-7716 or check HopeHCS.org.

3:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Located at Lely Presbyterian Church, 110 St. Andrews Blvd., Naples. Visit mealsofhope.org.

4:30 p.m. Golden PAWS Readers. Practice reading aloud to these special dogs. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check collierlibrary.org.

5:30 p.m. Diabetes Prevention Program. A free program designed to help you cut your risk of type 2 diabetes by more than half. Located at Lee Health, 12550 New Brittany Blvd., Suite 100, Fort Myers. Call 239-424-3127 or visit leehealth.org.

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6 WEDNESDAY 10:00 a.m. Free Kids Crafts. Kids from toddlers to 12 enjoy fun activities in WINK Playland. Located at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Rd., Estero. Call 239-9483766 or check miromaroutlets.com.

WELCOMES AUTHOR & ULTRARUNNER “THE MIRNAVATOR” TO SPEAK ON CHANGING OUR BODY IMAGE NARRATIVE

NNNNNOVEMBER 2019 | 5:30 – 8:30 P.M. | VENUE wellfitgirls.org19, | 239.529.0366 | info@wellfitgirls.org Wellfit Girls isultrarunner a 501(c)(3)and nonprofit based in Southwest Florida. of Wellfit Girls is to NAPLESSSSSS JOIN US as author, motivational $150The VIPmission TICKETS

inspire, challenge, and shares empower all areas of life through speaker Mirna “The Mirnavator” Valerio her teen girls to climb high 5:30inP.M. Meet-n-Greet, Catered Cocktail transformational leadership programs.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit inspiring story of first-time racer to ultramarathoner.

Reception, PresentationWellfit & BookGirls.

Signing Mirna’s book, A Beautiful Work in Progress is a 28 neafamily.com NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019 $50 GENERAL ADMISSION prejudice-busting, body-positive memoir told with raw 7:00 P.M. Presentation & Book Signing honesty, an adventurous spirit and a sharp sense of humor.

3:00 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Located at Max A. Hasse Community Park, 3390 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Check mealsofhope.org.

3:30 p.m. Teen Support Group: Coping with Anxiety & Depression. Ages 13-17. For those experiencing anxiety, depression, and/or emotional distress.

Located at Sunshine State Counseling Center, 3575 Bonita Beach Rd., Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-7722 or check sscc.center.

4:00 p.m. Game Challenge. Games change every week and can be based on participant request. Card and board games, trivia challenges, and more. Snacks available.

Ages 12-18. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples.

Call 239-252-7369 or check collierlibrary.org.

4:00 p.m. Lego Club. An hour of creative and engaging fun. Bricks provided. Ages 8-14. Registration required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check collierlibrary.org.

5:00 p.m. Scoopie Night. Every Wednesday. Face painting, balloon animals, and crafts. Located at Culver’s of Naples, 5102 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-7325025 or check culvers.com.

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

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7 THURSDAY 8:00 a.m. Yoga at the Naples Art Association. $12. Led by Elizabeth Coyle-Veren every Tuesday and Thursday. Located at Naples Art Association, 585 Park St., Naples. Check naplesart.org or call 239-262-6517.

10:00 a.m. Introduction to 3D Printers. Teens and adults are invited to learn about the endless capabilities of 3D Printers and how they are changing manufacturing today. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.

10:00 a.m. Johnny Longlegs. Read the story of a young great blue heron and how he learns to hunt for his own food. Let’s imagine we’re great blue herons and try to gather our own food, followed by a paper craft. Ages 5 and younger. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

2:00 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Located at Golden Gate Senior Center, 4898 Coronado Pkwy., Naples. Check mealsofhope. org.

3:30 p.m. Lego Club. Be creative, make new friends, and have fun. Bricks will be provided. Ages 5-11. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239- 394-3272 or check collierlibrary.org.

3:30 p.m. A Visit from the Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Fairy will be here with stories, activities, and information on how to take care of your teeth. Ages 4-7. Registration is not required. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.

6:00 p.m. Dogs’ Night Out. Enjoy activities, vendors, and walks with your pet.

Located at Coconut Point Mall, 23106 Fashion Dr., Estero. Call 239-992-9966 or check simon.com/mall/coconut-point.

7:30 p.m. Alateen Meetings. Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Located at Habitat for Humanity Tutor House, 5250 Floridan Ave., Naples. Call 239-263-5907 or check NaplesAl-Anon.org for other meeting days and locations.

Most Insurances Accepted

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8 FRIDAY 10:00 a.m. Le Leche League Monthly Meeting. All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding are welcome. Or call one of our leaders for breastfeeding help. Located at Center Point Community Church, 6590 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Visit lllsunshinestate.org.

7:00 p.m. Middle School Dance. Dance the night away with your friends. Refreshments provided. Ages 10-14. Located at Immokalee Community Park, 321 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-252-4449 or check colliercountyfl.gov.

9 SATURDAY 9:00 a.m. Science Saturdays. Free for kids under 5. Unleash your inner scientist or marine biologist with hands-on discovery labs for all ages. Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check rookerybay.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

The all-new Second Edition is the perfect guide for visitors, local families, classrooms, homeschool groups and libraries. Twice as many colorful photos and illustrations...more super-fun attractions and experiences... more freaky factoids and inside tips. Plus, all the websites and phone numbers you need. It’s absolutely, positively not just for kids! Available in the best bookstores, gift shops, and on amazon.com. neafamily.com

29

9:00 a.m. Veterans Appreciation Weekend. Free admission to active and retired military service members during Veterans Day Weekend. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Check napleszoo.org.

10:00 a.m. Grand Opening of We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym. A fun-filled day for the whole family at this brand new sensory-safe gym for children of all abilities. Face painting, music, raffles, and treats. Located at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, 17640 Tamiami Tr. S., Suite 309, Fort Myers. Call 818-996-6620 or check werockthespectrumfortmyers.com.

11:00 a.m. Kids Zone. A new craft every month. There is a special Disney event in November. Kids also receive an ID badge, lanyard, and collector’s pins. Located at JCPenney at Coastland Center Mall, 2076 9th St. N., Naples. Call 239-261-6010 or check jcpenney.com.

11:00 a.m. Local Author Book Fair. A fun-filled afternoon of browsing local author booths and discovering your next favorite read. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www. collierlibrary.org.

11:00 a.m. Mini Moo Petting Zoo. Pet and feed a variety of animals. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit www.collierlibrary.org.

11:00 a.m. We Love Leaves. Use markers to decorate color diffusing leaves. We have 200 so there will be plenty to go around. All ages welcome. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7369 or check collierlibrary.org.

1:00 p.m. Pop-Up Play. Free. Children use their imagination and creativity while playing with a variety of materials including cardboard boxes and tubes, plastic crates, egg cartons, fabric, and more. Located at Florida SouthWestern State College, Thomas Edison Campus Practice Field, Fort Myers. Check popupadventureplaygrounds.wordpress.com.

1:00 p.m. Saturday Movie Matinee. The Secret Life of Pets 2. Rated PG. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org.

2:00 p.m. Celebrate International Games Week. Lots of different games to play for all ages. Refreshments will be served. Registration is suggested. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.

5:00 p.m. YMCA Kid’s Night Out. Parents can enjoy a night our while the kids have fun in a safe and secure environment. Dinner included. Ages 6 months to 12 years. Pre-registration is required. Located at Greater Naples YMCA, 5450 YMCA Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-3148 or check greaternaplesymca.org.

10 SUNDAY 8:45 a.m. Additional Needs Bounce Session. The first Saturday and second Sunday of each month. Music is played at a low volume or not at all. Located at Bounce Naples, 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-302-3848 or check www. additionalneeds.info.

11 MONDAY 10:30 a.m. W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden. Discover the magic of seeds as we discuss where they come from, where they go, and what they need to grow. Located at Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Visit naplesgarden.org.

11:00 a.m. Cape Coral Veterans Day Parade. Join us as our community pays tribute to those who lost their lives, those who served honorably and those who currently are proudly serving our country. Located at Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral.

Check capecoral.net.

Promote Your Events for Kids and Families for FREE! Neapolitan Family’s online and print calendars are the go-to-resource for families in SWFL, and you can include your events for FREE! Simply go to neafamily.com, click on Calendar, and look for the blue button "Add Event".

You can even post photos. All for free! neafamily.com/calendar 30

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

12 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Safari Squad: Animal Tracks. Also Nov. 13 & 16. Put on your detective hats as we search for animals using the signs that they leave behind. Create your very own animal track to bring home. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.

13 WEDNESDAY 11:00 a.m. Lego Club. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Test out your creation on our super-fast test track. Bricks will be provided and your creation will be displayed. Ages 4-11. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org.

3:30 p.m. STEAM: Science. Create your own dinosaur fossil. Grades 3-5.

Registration is required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

14 THURSDAY 10:00 a.m. Little Owl Lost. Little Owl has fallen from his nest and can’t find his mommy. After the story, we’ll learn even more about owls, sing an owl song, and make an owl craft to take home. Ages 5 and younger. Located at Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

2:00 p.m. Thursday Matinee. Little Women. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.

3:30 p.m. Paper Quilting. Local quilting artist Jean Dunn will show us some of her quilts and tell us how she makes them. There also will be a craft. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.

4:00 p.m. Fuse Beading. Create a star, horse, flower, and other fun shapes. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

5:30 p.m. Children’s Bereavement Groups. Avow offers children’s bereavement groups for children ages 6-11 and their parents every second and fourth Thursday of the month. Located at Lyon Center, 1223 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. Call 239646-3191 or check avowcares.org/avowkids.

6:30 p.m. Evening on Fifth. Live musical performances, dining, shopping, and more. Located at Fifth Avenue South, Naples. Check fifthavenuesouth.com.

7:00 p.m. YA Book Club. Join us every second Thursday of the month to discuss compelling stories and characters with our booksellers and fellow YA fans. Located at Barnes & Noble, 5377 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Call 239-598-5200 or check www. stores.barnesandnoble.com.

15 FRIDAY 9:30 a.m. Free Autism Screening. For toddlers 18 months to five years. Located at McDonald’s, 12290 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239-343-6838 or check GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

10:00 a.m. Art Smarts. Ages 2-5 years. Join us for a special story time focusing on process art. Wear old clothes. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7369 or check collierlibrary.org.

5:00 p.m. Wellfit Girls Open House. Learn about our new programs for teen girls, meet coaches and program directors, get scholarship information, and hear from alumni. Located at Neubek Photographers Gallery, 6240 Shirley St., #205, Naples.

Visit wellfitgirls.org.

6:00 p.m. Kids’ Night Out. Kids get an exciting night of games and events while parents get the night off. Ages 9-11. Located at East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-4414 or check colliercountyfl.gov.

16 SATURDAY 8:00 a.m. CCPS 5K Walk-Run. The event is designed to bring a focus of health and wellness to Collier County students, teachers, school staff, and the community.

Located at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Administrative Center, 5775 Osceola Tr., Naples. Call 239-377-0001 or check collierschools.com/ccps5k.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

SHALOM YELADIM! A free program for parents and children ages 2-4.

Through crafts, play, yoga, music and fun, kids will begin to learn about Judaism.

Temple Shalom membership is not required.

Interfaith families welcome!

Sundays - 9:00am - 11:30am 10/27, 11/17, 12/8, 1/26, 2/23, 3/22, 4/26 Register at tinyurl.com/shalomyeladim

This program is generously supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples

4630 Pine Ridge Rd. • Naples, FL 34119 239-455-3030 • ReligiousSchool@naplestemple.org

Keeping kids healthy!

Emily Belanus, PA, is now accepting new patients.

To schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000 or visit www.healthcareswfl.org 1008 Goodlette-Frank Road, Suite 100 | Naples, FL 34102 Providing Quality Healthcare for All Since 1977

neafamily.com

31

TOBYE STUDIO THEATRE

PRESENTS

DEC 07-09 2019

TICKETS: $20

MEDIA SPONSOR:

CHILDREN & EDUCATORS: $10

9:00 a.m. Classic Car Show. Includes a display of early 20th century car mascots.

Located at Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd., Naples. Call 239-530-5940 or check www.rookerybay.org.

1:00 p.m. Classical Concert. An afternoon of classical music with violist David Pedraza. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

1:00 p.m. Sea Turtles of Rookery Bay. Learn about the sea turtles that migrate to SWFL every year. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org.

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 239-252-7369 or check collierlibrary.org.

2:00 p.m. Pony Fun Day. Learn to safely ride a pony during horse-related games, crafts, and activities. Ages 5+. No riding experience required. Located at Cornerstone Farm South, 3375 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-595-7618 or check cornerstonefarmsouth.com.

2:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Craft. Get an early start on your Thanksgiving decorations. All supplies provided. Registration required. Ages 5-11. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check collierlibrary.org.

7:00 p.m. Glow Run. Participants will be given glow sticks to wear while they run. First 100 registered receive a T-shirt. Located at Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-252-3527 or check colliercountyfl.gov.

17 SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. Zoo Yoga. Start your day with an animal-themed yoga class for all ages.

Breathe, stretch, and relax in nature. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.

18 MONDAY 3:30 p.m. Family Game Night. Join us for a night of board games, scavenger hunts, snacks, and prizes. All ages welcome. Registration is not required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

19 TUESDAY 3:30 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. 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. Visit mealsofhope.org.

4:00 p.m. New Preschool Information Session for Creative World. Coming to soon North Naples. We are dedicated to the education and development of young children, and offer programs for infants to VPK, as well as school-age children.

Register to win a year of free tuition. Located at Bounce, 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Check creativeworldschool.com.

5:30 p.m. “The Mirnavator”. Ultrarunner and author Mirna “The Mirnavator” Valerio will share her inspiring story of going from first-time racer to ultramarathoner. Located at Venue Naples, 13240 Tamiami Tr. N., Suite 205, Naples.

Call 239-292-1529 or check wellfitgirls.org.

6:00 p.m. Lego Club. Join us for a short story and building challenges. Bricks provided. For grades K-5. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

20 WEDNESDAY

239.263.7990

NAPLESPLAYERS.ORG THE NAPLES PLAYERS • 701 5TH AVE SOUTH

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11:00 a.m. Make and Take Craft. Make a craft inspired by some of our favorite children’s picture books featuring our story time theme. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit collierlibrary. org.

3:00 p.m. Lego Club. Share ideas, be creative, and have fun. Bricks provided. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

3:30 p.m. STEAM: Art. Learn about art from around the world and create some

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

of your own. Ages 8+. Registration is required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

21 THURSDAY 10:00 a.m. Are You My Mother? Join us on a baby bird’s journey to find his mother. Play a matching game, create your own baby bird finger puppet, and learn how to help baby birds out in the wild. Ages 5 and younger. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

10:00 a.m. Friendsgiving. InPlay is having a Friendsgiving celebration to show our appreciation for everyone. Free food and reduced admission. $5 face painting.

Located at InPlay Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239-9639716 or check inplayfamilyfun.com.

11:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sounds of Christmas. A joyous musical revue centered on a family celebrating the spirit of the season. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check www. broadwaypalm.com.

2:00 p.m. Book Bingo. Bring a friend and win some prizes. All Ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

3:30 p.m. Lego Club. Share ideas, be creative, make new friends, and have fun.

Bricks will be provided and your creation will be put on display. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

4:30 p.m. Teens: DIY Project. Join us after school for a fun craft. Grades 6-12.

Supplies are limited to first come, first served. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit collierlibrary.org.

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. Visit pflagnaples.org or call 239-963-4670 for location.

22 FRIDAY 5:00 p.m. Naples Balloon Glow. Hot air balloons glowing at dusk and tethered rides also available (weather permitting). Event also features food vendors, retail vendors, kid activities, and more. Located at Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. NE, Naples. Check eventbrite.com.

5:30 p.m. Tree of Hope Lighting. A celebration of community, hope, and healing, this free event features activities for children and families. Located at David Lawrence Center, 6075 Bathey Lane, Naples. Check davidlawrencecenter.org or call 239-304-3505.

23 SATURDAY 11:00 a.m. Fall Harvest Market. Bring your family and enjoy a festive fall day.

Vendors, farmers market, games, food trucks, and a food drive. Located at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1955 Curling Ave., Naples. Call 239-597-4091 or check oursaviorfl.org.

2:00 p.m. Crafternoon. Learn how to make an engaging, environmentally friendly craft. All ages. No registration required, but arrive early because supplies are limited.

Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit collierlibrary.org.

2:00 p.m. Makerspace Saturday. Join us at the library for an afternoon of creativity and fun. We supply the materials to make whatever your imagination comes up with. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

3:00 p.m. Reading with Maggie. Practice your reading skills with our furry friend, Maggie, a friendly and insured black lab who loves children and enjoys reading. All ages. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check collierlibrary.org.

ing Com ! n soo

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For more information, contact Eric Altoe at info@thenaplescard.com or 877-445-1492.

To learn more visit thenaplescard.com/ kids.

25 MONDAY 8:30 a.m. Teens Leadership Training. For your middle schooler. Nine hours of hands-on training individualized for each student. For details, call 239-777-5714 or email LiveConnectedMelissaRocchio@gmail.com.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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Interested learning more more Interested in learning about about photography? photography?

Photographing Through a Fence     

Open your aperture as wide as possible.

Zoom as much as possible.

The fence needs to be far from the animal.

You need to be close to the fence.

Use manual focus.

6:30 p.m. Art & Games After Dark. Use several mediums to design glowing pieces, create some shimmering games, and have lots of iridescent fun. Ages 5-12.

Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239252-7369 or check collierlibrary.org.

26 TUESDAY 1:00 p.m. No School Fun Film. Toy Story 4. Rated G. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org.

3:00 p.m. Meals of Hope Food Pantry. Frozen food, fresh produce, and canned goods will be given away to families in need. Everyone is welcome. Located at East Naples Community Park, 3500 Thomasson Dr., Naples. Visit mealsofhope.org.

4:00 p.m. Teens: Movie @ the Library. Celebrate fall break with a movie and snacks (while supplies last). Grades 6-12. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit collierlibrary.org.

5:00 p.m. Sensory Night. For children on the autism spectrum and/or with other sensory integration disorders. Limited participation. Registration required. Located at C’mon, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples. Visit cmon.org.

5:00 p.m. Wellfit Girls Open House. Learn about our new programs for teen girls, meet coaches and program directors, get scholarship information, and hear from alumni. Located at Neubek Photographers Gallery, 6240 Shirley St., #205, Naples.

Visit wellfitgirls.org.

27 WEDNESDAY 10:30 a.m. Baby Rhyme Time. For children up to 18 months. You and your baby will learn new nursery rhymes and fingerplays, interact with puppets, sing, read books, and dance. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

2:00 p.m. Movie Afternoon. Aladdin. Rated PG. Spend your day off from school at the library with a movie and popcorn. All ages. Registration is not required.

Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

28 THURSDAY 6:30 a.m. 6th Annual Gulf Coast Runners Thanksgiving 5K. The course winds through downtown Naples with festivities staged at Cambier Park. Pumpkin pie and apple cider served after the race. Located at Cambier Park, 755 8th Ave. S., Naples. Check gcrunner.org.

7:30 a.m. 40th Annual Turkey Trot 5K. Also one-mile fun run and tot trot.

Located at Wellness Center of Cape Coral, 609 SE 13th Ct., Cape Coral. Check ftmyerstrackclub.com.

29 FRIDAY

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12:00 p.m. The Elves and the Shoemaker. A poor cobbler and his wife learn the true meaning of the Golden Rule in this irresistible, musical adaptation of the popular children’s story. $19 includes lunch and show. Located at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-278-4422 or check broadwaypalm.com.

30 SATURDAY 8:30 a.m. Pony Pals Club. Riding instruction and curriculum, horse care, crafts, and games. Ages 5-17. Located at Providence Equestrian Center, 13731 E. Terry St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-948-7669 or check providenceequestriancenter.com.

1:00 p.m. Cathedral Cookies. Join us in creating a holiday treat that is fudgy deliciousness. This is a fun recipe for kids to help with, and takes only take 15 minutes to make. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples.

Call 239-455-8088 or check collierlibrary.org.

2:00 p.m. Movie Afternoon. Spider-Man: Far from Home. Rated PG-13. Spend your day at the library with a movie and popcorn. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

SHOOTOUT

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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PARENTING

By Shannon Dean

8 Tricks to a Trouble-Free Thanksgiving With Kids

T

hanksgiving is the country’s second favorite holiday, according to several polls, right behind Christmas. Many of us love the holiday so much that we romanticize it and then set the bar very high. Understandably, we want our kids to experience warm holiday traditions that they will pass on to their own families. So we envision a sumptuous meal, a beautiful table, and loving conversation. Unfortunately, reality may fall short of expectations. Kids may melt down. Your covered dish may be a disaster. Disappointment may creep into the day. Although it sometimes seems impossible to have a perfect Thanksgiving Day with children, perfection is not required for a happy, memorable holiday. Below are tips to avoid the most common pitfalls that can thwart a tranquil Thanksgiving.

Use politeness to downplay picky eating. Thanksgiving often centers on a formal meal that requires a significant amount of work. Many parents worry about offending the chef when a kid rejects a world-famous dish. Politeness is key. If your children are young, try to introduce Thanksgiving staples before November. Make sure they understand the importance of keeping negative comments about the food to themselves, saying please and thank you, and attempting polite conversation. Most of the time, guests won’t notice that your picky eater only has a roll and macaroni and cheese on his plate as long as he’s pleasant. Don’t be shy about providing dishes you know your children enjoy.

Keep kids busy. Many experts suggest involving kids in Thanksgiving preparation or giving them age-appropriate activities to keep them busy. Let them make placemats, set the table, or complete a Thanksgiving Day project. It’s unrealistic to expect them to remain seated and in good spirits for extended periods without an outlet. Try to find time to take a walk, throw a ball, or play a game to blow off steam. Invite others to join you so that you can talk and bond while the kids are playing.

Lower expectations. We often inform our kids about what to expect, but we don’t set our own intentions. Daisy Sutherland, author of 21 Ways to Enjoy A Stress-Free Holiday Season, says it’s very important “to remember that a great deal of the stress we feel at the holidays is of our creation.” In truth, very few of us have a Thanksgiving like those portrayed on commercials or in magazines. But by embracing imperfection, we still can have a wonderful holiday. Focus on what you value the most and let the rest go.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019 Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

Roll with the unexpected and watch your enjoyment increase and your stress decrease.

Disarm dysfunction. Your kids may be on their best behavior, but other guests may have forgotten their manners. Do your best to shake off any drama. You have no control over the behavior of others, but you can control your own reaction. Try to remember that your goal is to connect with family, so respond with kindness and deflection. Your kids are learning how to diffuse tension by watching you, so teach them to look at the big picture rather than overreacting to small annoyances. Losing your cool on a holiday that focuses on gratitude isn’t worth it.

Be proud of your parenting. A recent survey out of the University of Michigan found that nearly two-thirds of mothers felt criticized for their parenting, with the most concerns coming from family. On a day that brings many generations together, you may receive unsolicited parenting advice. Try to remember that the concerned family member is probably trying to gain involvement in your child’s life, however awkwardly. Because you may see this person only on special occasions, be careful that your response doesn’t divide a family already separated by physical distance. Alissa Marquess, author of Bounce Back Parenting: A Field Guide for Creating Connection, Not Perfection, suggests a quick, light response like, “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” This restraint honors your love for the other person but makes it clear that you don’t intend to debate your choices. Know you are doing a great job, and change the subject to something more pleasant.

Focus on family. No matter what the day brings, being with those we love can be a rare blessing. It’s not every day that everyone is together at the same table, so pause and take it in. Sure, parts of the day may bring challenges. But take a step back from all of the work and juggling to see the day for what it is – an opportunity to see the people we value the most, some of whom may not live close by. Now is the time to share, catch up, and enjoy one another, warts and all.

Give back. Whether you deliver a pie to a neighbor, invite another family to dinner, rake leaves at a community center, or volunteer at a local shelter, do something nice for someone else as a family. The act of giving during the holiday season is likely to increase your own family’s genuine joy.

Cap it off with gratitude. After most of the activities have died down, talk to your child about gratitude, and remind her that the purpose of Thanksgiving is to count one’s blessings with those

we love. Ask her to list a few things she is most grateful for and share some of your own to stress the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Your table may not look like Martha Stewart’s, and your kids may shun the cranberry sauce, but that’s perfectly fine. Perhaps we put so much pressure on Thanksgiving because we want to recreate the nostalgia we’ve carried from childhood. The good news is that our kids will have similar special memories, and we need only to relax and let it happen. We may not remember every table setting or dish from our childhood Thanksgiving, but we remember the love and the warmth. So will our kids.

SHANNON DEAN is the mother of two. Following her son’s birth, five generations of family gathered at the Thanksgiving table.

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MONEY MATTERS

By Kimberly Blaker

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, & Beyond

Hacks to Cash in on $uper Holiday $avings

W

hether you’re a Black Friday enthusiast or hater, there are ample ways to cash in on super holiday savings throughout the season. So follow these tips for deep discounts on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond.

Subscribe to store email lists. Decide on which stores you want to shop at least a couple of weeks in advance. Then visit each store’s website, and subscribe to its email list. Early sign-up will ensure you receive all promotional emails for the season’s big Black Friday and Cyber Monday events as well as ongoing savings right on through Christmas Eve. Buy discounted gift cards. Visit Raise.com and order discounted gift cards for the stores from which you know you’ll purchase. You can use these cards to buy sale and special-buy items for added savings. Make sure the gift cards are for stores you’ll definitely shop at so you don’t blow your savings. Discounted gift cards also make great gifts.

Begin collecting Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals that show up in your newspaper, mailbox, and email. Also, visit your favorite stores online a few days in advance to see what kind of deals they will offer. Print any coupons you find and store them together in a safe place.

Organize for the big day. Once you’ve collected all the

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deals, sort through and match them up to your holiday shopping list. Compare deals and determine when the sales or doorbusters begin, and if there will be limited quantities. If you can’t stand in line for hours for a limited quantity doorbuster, skip it and focus on other deals that are easier to fetch.

Prepare a ‘second best’ list. You can’t be everywhere at once, and you are sure to miss a deal or two. Prepare in advance for that possibility and know where to go and what to look for as an alternative.

Watch for early bird freebies. Many stores offer free gifts to the first 25 or 100 people in their store. It’s true – there are some pretty nice prizes to be had. But many will require you to arrive well before the crack of dawn and spend hours waiting in line.

Before you succumb to these lures, consider whether it’s worth the risk of losing out on savings elsewhere.

Black Friday isn’t always the best day for hot bargains.

Do your research. Stores tout their Black Friday deals to get consumers into a buying frenzy early in the season. Some even offer their super deals on Thanksgiving evening and start to reduce prices on Wednesday. Keep in mind, all those Black Friday deals also often can be found online on Cyber Monday. In fact, many hot deals – and some better deals – stretch well into December.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

Shop late in the day. If you are like many, you wouldn’t even consider shopping on Black Friday simply because of the chaos. But on Black Friday the vast majority of shoppers start at the crack of dawn or earlier. By 5 p.m. early birds are beat, and malls and stores are dead quiet. So Black Friday evening is a great time to get in some peaceful, early shopping with plenty of great deals still going on.

Shop online. This is another option if you don’t want to participate in the madhouse. Many stores offer the same deals online as they do in their stores. In fact, many online stores don’t even have storefronts. Keep in mind supplies are often limited, even online. By the time you reach checkout, an item in your basket might be sold out. If you’re shopping for multiple items from a store, do multiple checkouts, so the items in your basket don’t disappear while you shop.

More holiday shopping tips Arrange your finances in advance. If you intend to pay by credit card, plan well in advance, so the credit is available to you.

Make your credit card payments at least two weeks in advance to allow time for processing. Use your credit cards that offer cash back or reward points to increase your savings. If paying with a debit card, check your balance before you head out to avoid an unwelcome surprise. Also, avoid carrying cash in chaotic crowds because of the increased risk of pickpockets and purse snatchers.

Leave the kids at home. The chaos of the holiday shopping season, especially Black Friday, poses risks to children. Although the chance is slim, there is a potential risk of trampling by crazed crowds on Black Friday. Your child also could get lost among the mob. Besides, shopping for long hours is stressful and exhausting for kids. Not to mention, it will increase your own stress level and deplete your energy.

Avoid carts. On Black Friday, carry shopping bags or totes instead unless you plan to buy heavy items. Carts will slow you down in crowds that are unwilling to budge for you.

Hold off on toy purchases. Black Friday doesn’t offer the best deals on toys. The first week of December usually provides more significant savings on these items.

Use social media for extra savings. Many retailers offer exclusive coupons and discounts to people who like them on Facebook or other social media. Check the social media accounts of

the stores where you plan to shop.

Check return policies. Most, but not all, major retailers have liberal return policies. Do your homework before you make purchases. Also, ask for gift receipts to make exchanges and returns easy for your gift recipients.

Avoid impulse buying. Many shoppers’ savings go right down the drain because they grab unnecessary “great buys” in the spur of the moment. Prepare yourself mentally for the temptation before you head out.

Net extra savings with instant store credit. Most stores offer 10-25% savings by opening a store credit card at checkout. If you pay your charges off immediately and don’t use the card for unnecessary purchases, it is well worth the savings. Otherwise, the long-term cost of interest will exceed your savings.

Make sure a sale is really a sale. Some stores mark up merchandise before they reduce it to make it look like a great bargain.

Furniture stores in particular are known for this tactic. But many other stores do it as well on select merchandise. Do your homework.

Don’t waste time trying to price match. On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, stores typically don’t honor price matching.

The rest of the year, it is worth your time to do so.

Be prepared to wait. Before you head out, add your email account, music, audiobooks, or video games to your phone, so you have entertainment for the long wait in line. Better yet, spend your time in line visiting online stores and watch for rotating deals. Also, download a Black Friday deals app such as Dealnews, Slickdeals, Shopkick, Flipp, or The Coupons App. Organize yourself for rebates. Print rebate forms in advance so you don’t lose track of them. Also, request duplicate receipts for rebate purchases, and store them in a safe place in your wallet or purse. If you shop online, download the Ebates app for automatic rebates when you buy on participating websites.

Forego extended warranties. With a few exceptions, extended warranties are a waste of money. Most electronics already come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty. Defects usually show up within the scope of the manufacturer’s warranty. Accidental damage that might be covered under a store’s extended warranty tends to occur rarely. Cell phones or small personal electronics people carry with them that are likely to get dropped, lost, or run through the washing machine are the exception.

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39

VOLUNTEERING

By Sara Barry

How to Give Back With Your Kids

Y

ou want your kids to be kind, give back to their community, and contribute to the world, but it can be hard to find ways to be involved with young kids. How do you give back as a family? With a little creativity, you can do meaningful good deeds and set your kids off right.

As you seek opportunities, keep a few things in mind.

Make it meaningful. Look for opportunities where your work really makes a difference. Giving back might mean showing up at an event to build awareness, creating something useful, or raising money. For young kids, creating or giving something physical clicks the most, but any of these activities can spur conversations and show kids that you value helping others or doing things to make the world a better place.

Keep it relatable. The Boston-area organization Kid Kindness ran an event where families came together to make birthday cards for kids in the hospital. It was one of their most successful events. Why? Kids could relate to the idea of birthdays, and all ages easily could take part in the project.

Tap into kids’ interests. Lots of children are animal lovers, so Kid Kindness held an event with a service dog organization. Families got to meet the dogs, learn how to approach a working dog, and make tug toys for the dogs. There was even 40

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a dog kissing booth! What would get your kids excited to be involved?

Remember it’s not about you. Sometimes parents lose sight of the goal when the vision they hold for serving doesn’t match an organization’s needs or rules. Erin Cooper, founder of Kid Kindness, says, “Not everything is a fit. Check with the organization to see if volunteering with your kids is going to work. If they aren’t enthusiastic, look for another opportunity.”

Finding an situation where your kids are welcome will provide a more positive experience for everyone.

Finally, maintain a fun, positive experience for kids. That means choosing activities that are developmentally appropriate for your kids, are interesting or appealing in some way (like those birthday cards), and don’t last too long. If something isn’t clicking, it’s okay to look for a different way to give back.

Finding family-friendly volunteer opportunities National databases like VolunteerMatch.org and Idealist.org can help families find local opportunities. You also can check out Neapolitan Family’s list of 100 nonprofits in Southwest Florida at www.neafamily.com. And family-focused organizations like Kid Kindness and Ohio-based Caring Cubs specifically help connect NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

families with young children with philanthropic opportunities.

If there isn’t a group nearby, you could start one. Cooper started Kid Kindness after finding it challenging to locate activities she could participate in with her young children.

Even if you can’t make it to family-focused giving events, you can use organizations like Kid Kindness and Caring Cubs to get ideas of things to do as a family. You also can check in with local religious and civic organizations for upcoming events. Ask specifically if there are ways for families to get involved.

Cooper loves giving families opportunities to work on a variety of causes and participate in a variety of events. As much as she wants people to take part in Kid Caring events, she hopes people will find what their family is passionate about and dig in.

Look at your family values and interests. If you are animal lovers, see how you can volunteer at or support a shelter. If you’re passionate about nature, talk to local conservancy groups to see how your family could get involved or pick up litter when you are out hiking. Start with whatever your family feels strongly about and dive in.

As your kids grow, how you give of your time and resources will change, but you can get a good start at any age by working with organizations that welcome family support or by being creative with how you give back.

SARA BARRY is a writer who has volunteered with her kids to make cards for sick kids and seniors, animal toys for a shelter, and cloth shopping bags for a community store.

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19 Easy Ways to Give Back With Your Kids

ometimes volunteering or giving back means signing up with an organization, but it can be as simple as doing something kind for a neighbor. Help your kids understand that kindness and giving take many forms.

Try some of these: ① Donate clothes or toys. Make sure they are in good condition and are materials accepted by the group you donate to. ② Donate to a food pantry. Shop together and let kids help pick out foods. ③ Visit an older or lonely neighbor. ④ Collect things needed by an animal shelter. Many need things like towels, treats, and tug toys. Check their website for wish lists and specific items they accept. ⑤ Send cards to nursing homes. Make several to deliver for a holiday or pick me up – or see if you can become a pen pal with a specific resident. ⑥ Pick up trash. Wear gloves and talk about safety of not picking up sharp things. ⑦ Make a meal for a shelter, Ronald MacDonald house, or similar housing. Check with organizers about signing up and specifications. ⑧ Plant flowers at a local park. Get permission first. ⑨ Make birthday cards for sick kids. Talk to hospital NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

social workers or child-life specialists to see how they can be delivered. ⑩ Participate in an awareness walk for an issue you believe in. Have kids make signs, and talk about why you are doing it. ⑪ Make kindness rocks. Paint positive images and words on stones and add clear coat so the paint won’t wash off. Leave around your community for people to find and enjoy. ⑫ Work in a community garden that grows food for the hungry. ⑬ Have a tag sale or other fundraiser and donate proceeds to an organization. Let kids help choose where to donate the money. ⑭ Write thank you notes to people in your community. ⑮ Make food to bring to somebody who is sick. ⑯ Collect extra Halloween candy and other small, shippable items to send to our troops. ⑰ Adopt a family during the holidays. Involve your whole family in prepping a meal, choosing gifts, etc. ⑱ Collect small toiletries, socks, and other necessities for the homeless. ⑲ Pick up extra school supplies to donate to a backpack drive or school. neafamily.com

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TRAVEL

By Karen T. Bartlett

Destination: Belize H

ere’s the scenario. Our 14-passenger Cessna lands on San Pedro Island in Belize, disgorging a mix of fishermen and divers bound for Ambergris Cay and adventurers headed into the Belizean jungle. A young gentleman in khaki and sky blue stands out from the waiting crowd, holding a discreet card with our names. He’s our escort into a three-day unabashed fantasy island moment in time.

Soon, we’re skimming across impossibly clear aquamarine waters aboard our private boat toward Cayo Espanto, a tiny palm-fringed atoll floating at the edge of the second-longest coral reef in the world.

We skirt the little island, which displays sultry hints of Caribbean villas tucked between jungle and sand, like a peek at a Victorian lady’s ankles.

German, our boat captain (also the island’s dive master) expertly choreographs his approach to our villa for the maximum oooh/aaah response. Lined up at the end of our private dock to greet us (like it’s done at Downton Abbey) are guest services specialist Erika, personal chef Richard, massage therapists Esmeralda and Dianelly, and our dedicated housemen, Obed and

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Above, top: Erick and Viviannie (children of guest services specialist Erika) float in front of a villa.

Above: Celebrate any occasion with a bonfire on the beach.

Facing page, left: Erick and Viviannie dig up pirate treasure.

Facing page, right: A houseman offers guests the signature welcome drink, the Espanto Wave.

Facing page, bottom: Nurse sharks at the Belize Barrier Reef.

Photos by Karen T. Bartlett.

Kevin, who will attend to our every need and desire, starting with perfectly chilled glasses of the signature welcome beverage, Espanto Wave.

I recently read an article describing Cayo Espanto as a “best place in the world to spend Thanksgiving without your family.” Okay, point taken. It’s honeymoon material for sure. But indulge me, please, as I present my counterpoint: 11 reasons why its one of the best places in the world to spend Thanksgiving with your family.

Especially if you have school-age kids who will be grown up in the blink of an eye. It’s also a grandparents/kids bonding fantasy: all adventure and luxury, where all you have to do is unpack.

1. Seven private villas. That’s it. No club, no restaurant, no gift shop. Our villa, Casa Olita, comes with its own secluded beach, dock, hammock deck, walled garden with outdoor shower, and disappearing walls to catch the trade winds and panoramic sea views. Perfect for families are the two-story villas: Casa Aurora, 2,100 square feet and the island’s largest personal pool; and the grand villa, Casa Estrella, at 2,500 square feet.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

Oh, and no kitchens. Seriously, you do not want a kitchen. Before arrival, the culinary team already knows every family member’s food cravings and restrictions.

Your butler’s pantry will magically replenish itself with only your fave snacks (and a few surprises). Chef Richard checks in with you twice daily with menu suggestions curated for each of you.

2. Your wish is their command.

Whether it’s a mid-afternoon pizza or freshbaked chocolate chip cookies, an excursion to the Mayan ruins, or kayaks and a picnic basket for your paddle to that desert island in the distance, your personal housemen magically make it happen. They set up your lunches and dinners in picturesque spots in

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

and around your villa; each time a different experience. And your every wish is a note or walkie-talkie away from fulfillment.

3. Sharks and angelfish. The 185mile Belize Barrier Reef is home to more than 500 species of tropical fish, over 75 species of hard and soft coral, the spectacular Ice Age era Blue Hole, and (my favorites) the curious giant rays and gentle nurse sharks in the Hoi Chan Marine Reserve.

Dive guide German takes you there. Put on your snorkel and jump right in!

4. Bonfire. The kids won’t forget their birthday (or Thanksgiving, or no-occasion) feast set up just for them by the light of a crackling bonfire.

5. Pirate treasure. A whispered word to your housemen, and an old rum bottle will float up to the water’s edge. Inside: a weathered pirate map. X marks the spot for the buried treasure chest filled with eye patches, jewels, and ancient coins.

6. Games and beach toys. Want a float? Board games? Trampoline? Paddleboards? Jet Skis for the teens or pool toys for the little ones? Done.

7. No dressing up. Your housemen dress for dinner, but you don’t. Unless you feel like it.

8. Deep jungle adventures. How about a boat ride to the mainland to catch a Mayan ruins tour, with zip lining and cave tubing? Done.

9. Family fishing experience. You can fly fish right off your dock. For a family day of reef, flats, or deep-sea fishing, your Cayo Espanto guide knows the best spots.

10. Two hours, six minutes. That’s

the flying time from Miami to Belize City, saving two days of travel and a bucket of money compared with flights to that “other” barrier reef in Australia.

11. Reserve the whole island. I’m not saying it’s in my personal budget, but to whom it may concern: imagine the family reunion of a lifetime if your clan pools their resources to rent all seven villas. Just saying.

Visit aprivateisland.com.

Travel Editor KAREN T. BARTLETT explores Florida and the world in search of unique family experiences for all tastes and budgets.

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TRAVEL

By Cheryl Maguire

8 Mistakes I Made When Flying With Toddlers

T

he woman across from me on the airplane had a toddler squirming on her lap. She was desperately trying to get him to watch the onboard movie screen. The boy eyed the long empty aisle in front of him. Clearly, he was more interested in sprinting down the aisle than watching a movie on Mom’s lap.

I sympathized with this woman because I found myself in a similar situation the first time I flew with my twin toddlers. After flying regularly with them, I’ve learned a few tricks that I wish I

knew then. I’m going to share my mistakes with you, so you don’t have to learn the hard way as I did.

1. Not buying a seat. Flying is expensive. Since my twins were under the age of 2 I thought that saving the money by not buying two seats would be worth it. What I didn’t stop to think about is my twins have never sat quietly on my lap for three hours, so why would they start doing so on an airplane? Like the boy I

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NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

saw on the airplane, all they wanted to do was run up and down that aisle.

2. Not bringing a car seat. Since I didn’t purchase seats, I couldn’t bring a car seat for them to sit in. If I had, they would have been buckled in like in a car ride, unable to wiggle on my lap or run down the aisle. For their next flight, I did bring the car seats, and I was shocked to see both kids sleeping for most of the flight. It was well worth the extra cost of the tickets.

3. Not booking a nonstop flight. Before having kids, my husband I always flew the least expensive method, which usually meant at least one stopover. Since we never had issues doing so before, we had a stopover with our first flight with twin toddlers.

What I didn’t consider was how difficult it is to transport two little ones and all their belongings to another plane. Plus, the extra time added to the travel was exhausting.

4. Letting them bring their own backpacks. I let each of my kids pack their own backpacks as a fun way for them to get excited about traveling. That worked. What didn’t work was them carrying their own backpacks. They either kept forgetting it or they were too heavy and either my husband or I ended up carrying it. On future flights it was much easier to pack all of their things in a carry-on bag with wheels.

5. Not bringing fun snacks. The first time I traveled with them, I brought the usual boring snacks like Cheerios. They didn’t get very excited about them. The next time I tried bringing snacks that they don’t eat often but I knew they liked. This entertained them for a little while.

6. Not bringing lots of changes of clothes. I always bring at least one change of clothes, but I didn’t anticipate needing more than one. Toddlers make messes and have accidents, so bringing multiple changes of clothes often is necessary. I was lucky because I brought one change of clothes for each kid, so when the one child needed two outfit changes, I was able to accommodate him. For future flights I always packed at least three sets of clothes for each child.

7. Relying on electronics. iPads and onboard movies often don’t work or deplete the battery before the flight is over.

Plus toddlers can become easily bored with electronics. On future flights, I packed coloring books or activities and games that they had never seen before, so it was new and exciting for them.

8. Not being prepared for ear popping. Both of my kids had trouble with the air pressure changes on the plane. They were too young to chew gum, and I didn’t know how to help their pain.

I later learned that yawning or sucking on a straw or lollipop can reduce the pain.

Lessen the stress That first flight with my toddlers was a nightmare. But by learning from my mistakes I was able to experience relatively stress-free trips on future flights, and you can too.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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lion cubs Now on exhibit

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Traveling Art Exhibition Coming to Naples Zoo Over 50 Large Format Images

11/16/19 - 4/19/20 Free with paid Zoo admission.

This Exhibition is organized by the National Geographic Society and the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha. © Photos by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark.

NEAPOLITANfamily • November 2019

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ilys! a D m w ra Nerog P

Who cooks for you?

The barred owl is sometimes called the laughing owl due to the many sounds it makes. Its call sounds like, “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?”

Come see our barred owl, Olive, at the Conservancy Nature Center.

NATURE CENTER OPEN MONDAY THRU SATURDAY, 9:30• AM - 2019 4 PM 48 neafamily.com

NEAPOLITANfamily November 1495 Smith Preserve Way I Naples, FL 34102 I www.conservancy.org