Neapolitan Family October 2019 Issue

October 2019 neafamily.com

COMPLIMENTARY

Annual Fall Festival Guide!

MOMentum Mom: Emily Clevenger

Simplify Your Halloween

Pack Up + Go on a Surprise Vacation

Halloween in a Florida Theme Park

Destination: Cassadaga

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

Empty Nesting in Naples1 neafamily.com

ing m Co ! n o so

SHOP EAT GIFT LOCAL Neapolitan Family is excited to announce a new partnership with TheNaplesCard Kids. This new concept is an alternative to conventional gift cards. By giving TheNaplesCard Kids, you will make a positive impact in our community by supporting local businesses.

TheNaplesCard Kids is powered by Mastercard and can be redeemed at participating local family friendly businesses to purchase everything from treats to experiences.

NO UP-FRONT COSTS FOR MERCHANTS Join TheNaplesCard Kids to gain a share of the gift card industry!

There are no up-front costs or additional training involved to be a NaplesCardKids vendor.

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

To learn more visit www.egiftcity.com/tnckids.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

The Haunted ‘Gross’ Walk October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26

Collier CollierCounty Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. NE, Naples Fairgrounds 751 39th Ave NE Open 7:30-10:30 PM Hayride starts at 8:00 PM Naples, FL 34120 Haunted Walk Tickets $15 Starts at Dark Haunted Hayrides, Cake Walk, & Food Available for Purchase

On Saturday, October 26: Trunk or treat 7:30-8:30 PM non-food treats offered for kids with allergies. #tealpumpkinproject

Costume Contest 8:00 PM Proceeds benefit the Making Life “Fair” Fund

Collier Fairgrounds CollierFair

collierfair.com

Proceeds benefit the Making Life “Fair” Fund TheThe TealTeal Pumpkin Project® and and the Teal Pumpkin Project® logologo are registered trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education Pumpkin Project® the Teal Pumpkin Project® are registered trademarks of Food Allergy Research & Education

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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October 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS

in every issue . . .

07

FROM THE PUBLISHER

08

FAMILY MOVIE PREVIEWS

12

COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

13

CITY CONNECTION

14

COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS UPDATE

15

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH

16 Pack Up + Go. Be adventurous.

Be spontaneous. Embrace the unknown.

by Leigh Ann Newman 18 Empty Nesting in Naples. Four local families talk about what life has been like since their kids flew the coop.

by Anna Snyder 20 MOMentum Mom. Meet Emily Clevenger, who makes growing her family a priority on the farm.

by Stacy Nicolau

on the cover…

22 Destination: Cassadaga. The central Florida town known as the Psychic Capital of the World is worth a visit.

by Karen T. Bartlett 34 Simplify Your Halloween.

A classic approach to Halloween will keep your budget intact and a grin on your face.

by Christina Katz Nicola Willauer is 8 years old and is in the third grade at Saint Michael Lutheran School in Fort Myers. She enjoys ballet, violin, and cartwheeling everywhere. Nicola also is in Scouts BSA and plans to follow in the footsteps of her two older brothers and achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

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

36 Spend Halloween at a Florida Theme Park. There is something for everyone, from trick or treating to being scared witless, at the major theme parks this Halloween.

38 Fall Festival Guide. We’ve rounded up the best local fall festivals, haunted houses, trunk or treats, and pumpkin patches.

Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

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

Register Now for New 2-Year-Old Class to Start in January!

Mon. & Wed. or Tues. & Thu. (one-day option available) 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Ages 2-4 years by Jan. 1

6926 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL

239.597.3464

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

Visit www.covenantnaples.com/Moms-Morning-Out 4

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Hurry! Space is limited.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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

APPLE Accredited



Gold Seal Recognized by the Department of

Children and Families 

Family Friendly Business Award Recipient



Nationally Recognized Breastfeeding Friendly Childcare Center & Gold Level Employer



Two Year FACCM Center of the Year Winner



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



Parent workshops and trainings



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



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



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 • October 2019

Find Us on Facebook!

@PCANaples 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 • October 2019

from the publisher… the parenting magazine devoted to collier county

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

Co-Publisher Stacy Nicolau snicolau@neafamily.com 239-370-5333 Co-Publisher Leigh Ann Newman lanewman@neafamily.com 239-272-0529 Travel Editor Karen T. Bartlett mostlykidsguides@gmail.com 239-595-9026 Feature 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 • October 2019

THIS MONTH: Celebrating Fall Floridians are obsessed with fall, even though October hardly seems like fall at all. We recognize all of the fall-ish signs: the pop-up Halloween stores open, the car carriers start arriving, and our favorite coffee shops smell like pumpkin spice.

Even without the crisp air and warm apple cider, we have no shortage of ways to celebrate the end of summer with fall festivals and Halloween festivities. We have done our best to organize these family friendly events into a special section that can help you fill nearly every day of your October calendar. Keep this issue handy so you don’t miss a single chance to enjoy the season, or go to our website and download our special Fall Festival and Halloween Guide. Don’t forget to turn to our regular event calendar in this issue and online to find out about all of the other events happening this month, too.

We are fortunate to live close to some of the most spectacular Halloween celebrations of all at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, and Busch Gardens in Tampa. Co-publisher Leigh Ann Newman gives us the insider tips on these special ticket events on page 36, so that you can pick the one that your family will enjoy the most. If an actual haunted hotel is more thrilling to you, check out Karen T. Bartlett’s review of the Hotel Cassadaga on page 22, which is not far from the Orlando theme parks.

For some parents, fall is no longer the start of a new school year, with Friday night lights and talk of Halloween costumes; rather, it is the beginning of the empty nest as their last child leaves for college. Anna Futrell Snyder talks to four parents on page 18 about the bittersweet feelings of a newly freed up calendar and a quiet home, and how they are reinventing themselves and their relationships in this new chapter of their lives.

Happy Halloween!

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FAMILY MOVIES

Family Movie Previews for October

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

GEMINI MAN

MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL

Rated PG for macabre and suggestive humor, and some action For kids ages 6+ In theaters 10/11

Rated PG-13 for violence and action throughout, and brief strong language For kids ages 13+ In theaters 10/11

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, violence, and language For kids ages 13+ In theaters 10/18

Will Smith stars as Henry Brogan, an elite assassin who suddenly is targeted and pursued by a mysterious young operative who seemingly can predict his every move.

Directed by Ang Lee, the movie also stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, and Benedict Wong.

Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) and Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within. The cast also includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Imelda Staunton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Harris Dickinson.

The first family of Halloween is back on the big screen in the first animated comedy about the strangest family on the block.

The Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbor. The movie features the voice talents of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Finn Wolfhard.

www.reedorthodonticsnaples.com

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Free Admission for Kids to Conservancy’s Hoots & Hisses

T

he Conservancy of Southwest Florida is throwing its annual eco-friendly Halloween party, Hoots & Hisses, on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All children 11 years old and younger will be admitted free.

The event features live animal shows (including a Creepy Creature show), face painting, Halloween activities and crafts, a Super Science Show with Mr. Glen, and other special programs.

Costumes are encouraged, and the Conservancy’s mascot, Gordon B. Eagle, is hosting a costume contest, along with a dance party.

“Fostering a connection to nature is truly one of the best ways to spark a love for conservation at early ages,” said Dr. Heather Skaza-Acosta, environmental education director at the Conservancy. “Events like these provide an opportunity for families to spend time together and inspire a love of nature, through fun, hands-on activities.”

Admission to Hoots & Hisses is free for Conservancy members and all children younger than 12. For those 12 and older, tickets are $14.95.

For additional information, call 239-262-0304 or visit www. conservancy.org/nature-center/family-fun-days.

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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9

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Rabbi Ariel Boxman Joins Temple Shalom of Naples

R

abbi Ariel Boxman has joined Temple Shalom of Naples as rabbi educator.

Rabbi Boxman is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C. Since she was ordained in 2012 and earned a Master of Arts in Jewish education in 2013 from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Rabbi Boxman has served as the assistant rabbi and then as the Rabbi Ariel Boxman rabbi educator at Temple Shalom in Plano, Texas.

As the rabbi educator, Rabbi Boxman is the director of the religious school and will oversee lifelong learning at Temple Shalom. “I love working with children and adults and guiding them along their individual Jewish journeys,” said Rabbi Boxman.

“Nothing makes me happier than seeing a child discover a passion for Judaism and a sense of pride in their faith.”

Visit naplestemple.org or call 239-455-3030.

Naples Children’s Business Fair Registration Deadline Nov. 22

A

pplications are now being accepted for the 2020 Naples Children’s Business Fair on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Gulf Coast High School. The deadline for entries is Friday, Nov. 22.

The fair is an opportunity for students ages 6-17 to sell their original products and services to the public. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and costs $15 per student business.

To register visit www.napleschamber.org/cbfapp.

Visit napleschamber.org/childrensbusinessfair.html.

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 10

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Families having fun learning American Sign Language at the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center in Fort Myers.

Free Sign Language Classes for Families in Fort Myers

T

he Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center is offering free weekly American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture instruction for families with deaf or hard-ofNEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

hearing children on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. during the school year at 1860 Boy Scout Dr., Fort Myers.

The sessions are led by a parent of a deaf child and are designed to help parents and siblings learn basic ASL to understand the needs of their deaf or hard-of-hearing family member.

“Three out of every four parents who have a deaf child do not learn sign language and have very little communication at home,” said Alicia Miller, executive director of the center. “Our goal is to help families bridge this gap by instilling the skills they need to communicate effectively. A short time after starting classes at the beginning of the last school year, our weekly attendance multiplied from just a couple of parents to nine families, including children, aunts, grandparents, and cousins.”

Parents will learn basic communication and sign language, deaf culture, and how to deal with the struggles of raising a deaf child. Siblings play and learn to communicate with their sibling with sign language. Families come together at the end of each session to practice what they learned. Guest speakers are sometimes scheduled.

For information, call voice phone 239-461-0334, video phone 239-247-5821, or visit dhhc.life.

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

Three Locations to Serve You. BONITA SPRINGS

9510 Bonita Beach Rd. Ste. 101

239.333.2990

CAPE CORAL

1508 S.E. 12th Terrace

239.322.5222

PORT CHARLOTTE

3872 Tamiami Trail, Unit D&E

941.391.8090

Most Insurances Accepted

Charlotte’s Web Now Playing at Broadway Palm Theatre

E

veryone’s favorite pig will be in the spotlight as Broadway Palm Children’s Theatre presents Charlotte’s Web on select dates from Oct. 11 through Nov. 15.

Broadway Palm presents full-scale productions for the whole family. This musical version of the classic children’s book is full of great songs, dancing, and a barnyard full of lively farm animals.

Most performances begin with a buffet at 10:30 a.m. followed by the show at 11:30 a.m. For the performances that start at noon, the show begins at 1 p.m. Tickets are $19 for all ages and include the show and buffet. Group rates are available for parties of 20 or more.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 239-2784422 or visit BroadwayPalm.com.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

Th e

G a rd e n School of Naples

Mon tessor i E a r l y E duc a t ion

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

Accepting applications for enrollment now!

www.gardenschoolnaples.com

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

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COLLIER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

By Kristine Gill

Meet the New YRD Head of Schools

T

he 2019-2020 school year is in full swing, and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) youth relations deputies (YRD) are eager to spend the next year working alongside your students to keep them safe and ensure another great school year.

Already this year, Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) has recognized the CCSO’s YRDs during a recent school board meeting.

The meeting started with a bang as members of the Barron Collier High School drum line made a special appearance. Each YRD was then called to shake hands with Superintendent Kamela Patton, school board members, and Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.

This ongoing partnership between CCSO and CCPS is just one of the ways we keep our students safe each day.

This year we have a new head of schools within our Youth Relations Bureau, Lt. Jeff Boyd.

Boyd brings to the position a comprehensive background in youth relations. He spent 10 years in the bureau, first as a deputy and later as a sergeant.

During that time, the bureau was named National School Resource Officer Model Agency in 2014 and Florida Association of School Resource Officers Model Agency in 2015.

Since 2016, Boyd has been assigned

Lt. Jeff Boyd, head of schools, Youth Relations Bureau in the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

to the Safety & Traffic Enforcement Bureau. He has also been the lieutenant over the Honor Guard since 2017 and the Marine Bureau since 2018. He served as the Emergency Response Team lieutenant from 2016 to 2018.

Boyd grew up in Collier County and is a third generation law enforcement professional. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served seven years in the Presidential Honor Guard and the Security Police. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida Gulf Coast University and a master’s degree in public administration from Barry University. He also is a graduate of the University of Louisville

Command Officers Development Course.

Boyd will serve under Captain Beth Jones, who oversees the Youth Relations Bureau.

We are thrilled to have Boyd back in the Youth Relations Bureau. If you want to contact him or any of our YRDs, call 239-252-0144.

CCSO was among the first law enforcement agencies in the country to begin stationing youth relations deputies at each school.

“With that kind of program we thought maybe we could encourage children to become productive members of society and we wouldn’t find them at 2 a.m. pulling on car door handles,” said Rambosk. “And at the same time, students develop a positive relationship with law enforcement.”

Having that program in place for years has made it easier to adapt to changing school safety tactics as well.

“We have a great relationship with the school system, and we’ve been able to build in a lot of safety measures,” said Rambosk, adding that deputies have done thorough inspections of each school and undergone extensive training for active shooter situations.

Together with CCPS, CCSO also has issued several public safety videos with messages on school safety. We plan to continue those efforts this year.

YOUTH CLASSES SATURDAYS & TUESDAYS 9am - 12pm // 1pm - 4pm OCT - MAY // AGES 5-14

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! NaplesArt.org

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(239) 262-6517

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

CITY CONNECTION PARKS DEPT.

By Laura Tichy-Smith

Laze Away Autumn Days at Naples City Parks Whether you are looking for sports, a concert, or a chance to relax in nature, the City of Naples Community Services Department and local organizations have planned the perfect activity for your family School’s Out Fun Day Need childcare when school is closed but you have to work? Fleischmann Park and River Park have you covered. They have planned fun activities for your child’s day off from school, including crafts, games, and sports. Send lunch and snacks with your child. Fun Day runs 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 9, 17, and 18. $30-$40 per child. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Call 239-213-3020. (1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples) Teen Adventure Trips Send your 12- to 15-year-old kids on a day trip they will never forget. The Naples City Parks staff are leading a trip to Rapids Water Park, the largest water park in Florida, in Riviera Beach. Oct. 18, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. $65. Preregistration and waiver required. Call 239-213-3020.

Learn to Swim The River Park Aquatic Center offers a range of options for ages 6 months to

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

adult to learn how to swim, including group classes and private lessons. New classes start Oct. 2. Call 239-213-3040.

(451 11th St. N., Naples) Open Gym (18 months and older) Instill healthy habits for life in your toddler by attending the drop-in Mommy and Me Open Gym on Wednesdays from 10-11:30 a.m. $6 per child. Call 239-2133020. (1600 Fleischmann Blvd., Naples) Free Concerts at the Bandshell

painted, play games at “pumpkin patches” staffed by local organizations, enter your pet or your parent in the costume contests, and enjoy musicians and magicians. Oct. 31 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Call 239-6928436.

Junior Play Tennis Academy The Arthur Allen Tennis Center offers weekly tennis classes for children from age 4 through middle school. Call 239213-3060 for prices, dates, and registration. (730 8th St. S., Naples).

Bring a blanket for the whole family and enjoy free concerts in Cambier Park from 2-4 p.m. on select Sundays in October.

Naples Concert Band on Oct. 13 and Naples Dixieland Band on Oct. 27. Call 239-213-3058. (755 8th Ave. S., Naples) Spooktacular Halloween Don’t be scared! Bring your family to the free party as a blocked-off Fifth Avenue is transformed into a Halloween in paradise.

Trick or treat the merchants, have your face

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COLLIER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

By Jennifer Kupiec

Project SEARCH Provides Transition to Work

P

roject SEARCH, a job skills training program for students with developmental disabilities, was launched in Collier County last year. The program, which started in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, has expanded to more than 500 sites internationally.

Through its partnership between Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) and Naples Community Hospital (NCH), Collier’s Project SEARCH focuses on employment for young adults with special abilities. “The entire NCH healthcare organization has truly embraced Project SEARCH,” said Nicole Cholka, career experience teacher at CCPS. “We have had 11 different NCH departments host interns and hope to continue expanding into additional departments to be able to provide a greater variety of experiences for the interns.”

At NCH, each department provides a mentor for the Project SEARCH interns.

CCPS staff work closely with the department supervisors and mentors to train and evaluate the interns. Areas in which an intern may receive work-based training include the stockroom, concierge, housekeeping, cafeteria, print shop, and mail room.

In addition, interns each are provided with an email “pen pal” from within the hospital or CCPS. The interns correspond

with their pen pals each week with a goal of becoming proficient in using an email system and developing professional email etiquette. “Some of the interns have never had their own email address, and it’s amazing to see them learn the email system and become so much more independent by the end of the year,” Cholka said.

In its first year, the program celebrated a 100% employment rate. Graduates are now working at businesses such as Paragon Theaters, Lowe’s, Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, and, of course, NCH. One such graduate, Caleb Caldwell, was offered a weekend job in the NCH Central Distribution department as a result of his first internship at the hospital.

With a long-term career goal of becoming a physical therapist, Caleb was hosted by the Outpatient Rehabilitation department at NCH as an intern, and he was given the opportunity to job shadow in the Inpatient Rehabilitation department. The experiences confirmed Caleb’s desire to work in the physical therapy field, and he is planning to enroll in college classes to work toward his goal while remaining employed at NCH on the weekends.

For Cholka, “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that the young adults who completed Project SEARCH are successfully

Jonatan Figueroa, now a graduate of Project SEARCH, working in the NCH mail room.

employed within the community and that the program made a difference in their lives.

I feel blessed to be part of it all.”

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239·298-5200

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Family Law & Divorce Attorneys

“Exceptional attorney who exemplifies truth, integrity and compassion” - A DIVORCED CLIENT

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH

#StandUp Contest Launched for Middle and High Schoolers

C

ollier County middle and high school students have a unique opportunity to voice their views on the mental health issues affecting them and their peers, and potentially win a prize.

David Lawrence Center (DLC), a not-for-profit mental health and addiction recovery treatment center serving children, adults, and families, is launching its #StandUp Multimedia Contest on Oct. 16 at the Let’s Talk Mental Health Family Night at the Museum, at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Road. The event will include free mental health screenings for students, interactive games and activities, a raffle, and refreshments. The night is hosted by the Leadership Collier Foundation’s Growing Associates in Naples Class of 2019 in partnership with DLC, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Kids’ Minds Matters. Proceeds benefit DLC. To enter the contest, students submit an original short essay, poem, song, or video expressing what suggestions they have to reduce stigma and increase understanding of mental health and/or substance use in their school and community. Submissions should convey how students can #StandUp for themselves, their friends, and/or others in their community.

“With 50 percent of all lifetime cases of mental illness beginning by age 14, the time is now to intervene to help our youth grow healthy minds, develop effective coping strategies, and create meaningful change in how we discuss and address mental health,” said Scott Burgess, president and chief executive officer of DLC. “This contest is a means to let our children be part of those healthy conversations and let their voices be heard on this important, lifesaving topic.” #StandUp movement Suicide, homicide, and deaths induced

by drugs and alcohol are now the leading causes of death among children and young adults ages 15 to 24. David Lawrence Center launched the #StandUp movement in 2018 to bring attention to the issues of mental and emotional health, and improve early intervention, avoid unnecessary suffering, and prevent headline-making tragedies in Southwest Florida.

The campaign is a way to engage children, parents, and neighbors in supporting one another through mental health and substance use challenges so that more people at risk can access the care they need before a crisis. #StandUp is also about education, raising awareness, developing collaborations, and increasing screening and follow-up care.

Enter and win A first and second place cash prize for the #StandUp Multimedia Contest will be awarded to winners in both the middle and high school categories. Submissions are due

by Jan. 30, 2020.

DLC is partnering with Collier County Public Schools, local pediatrician offices, and other community partners to promote the contest.

To learn more about entering, visit StandUpContest.org.

Helping parents protect the ones they love the most 4500 Executive Dr. Suite 110-4 Naples, FL 34119 (239) 314-2353

Estate Planning v Wills v Trusts v Families

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

www.albanislaw.com

Norell Albanis, Esq. neafamily.com

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TRAVEL

By Leigh Ann Newman

Embrace the Unknown: Pack Up + Go

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Photo courtesy of Pack Up + Go

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dults need more good surprises in their lives. We have more than our fair share of bad surprises: a child vomiting at 3 a.m., the air conditioner quitting the morning we leave on vacation, or being told by our children 30 minutes before school starts that they need two dozen cupcakes/a science fair project/ a giraffe costume for a play.

This is where Pack Up + Go comes in. I had never heard of this Pittsburgh-based company until my (wonderful) sister asked if I wanted to travel to a mystery destination to celebrate my 50th birthday. I was intrigued, and also excited to take a trip where I had NO responsibility for planning. I know I’m not the only one who spends countless hours reading conflicting reviews on Trip Advisor and Yelp and making zero decisions.

Pack Up + Go, which calls itself “A Surprise Travel Agency” handles all of the details – booking flights and the hotel, restaurant reservations and recommendations, and providing tips on what to see and do while you are in town. The surprise is that you don’t know your destination.

All of the trips are three days/two nights, although Pack Up will add days if requested. There are options for solo or multitravelers, along with a choice between a road trip or travel by plane or train. Plane/train trips start at $650 each, and include flights and hotel. (If there is money left over, you may receive some extras in your welcome pack. We found a $60 Uber voucher and tickets to a improv comedy show).

Once you select the type of trip, you fill out an online form, answering questions regarding your travel preferences. Pack Up wants to know your interests, what you like (and don’t like), and your travel style so that it can select the right destination for you.

Above, top: Boston Public Garden. Above, bottom: Pack Up + Go’s welcome packet. Facing page: The author’s sister, Ginger Melby, at the Make Way for Ducklings statues in Boston Public Garden.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

Your work ends once you complete the form and pay for the trip.

Pack Up + Go handles the rest.

Don’t ruin the surprise A week ahead of time, you receive an email with hints about your destination, along with a weather forecast and your flight times. Yes, you can figure out where you are going by checking for flights that match your flight times, but why ruin the fun?

A few days before departure, I received a FedEx envelope that contained my destination and travel details, including my boarding pass. My sister and I planned to open the envelopes at the same time the night before we left. My daughter, who wasn’t going on the trip, just about lost her mind because I wouldn’t let her open the envelope. Based on the hints and the forecast, we knew our initial guesses of Savannah or Memphis were wrong. If my sister didn’t live in Northern Virginia, we would have guessed Washington, D.C. Philadelphia seemed too close to D.C., which led us to Boston. Sure enough, Boston was our destination. And it was a good choice, as my last visit was 12 years ago. It was time to hit Beantown again.

We were traveling from different states, which made our travel arrangements a bit more complicated. It also meant that I had a 6:45 a.m. flight from RSW, and my return flight ended up touching down in Fort Myers at 12:45 a.m. because of delays. My sister’s flight options were much more plentiful than here in SWFL. I stated a strong preference for RSW and for a direct flight, which is what I received. On the plus side, our flights arrived in and departed from Boston within 30 minutes of each other.

The organization of the trip was excellent. We stayed at The Boxer Hotel, which was updated and comfortable, and in a location that seemed a little odd at first, but ended up being ideal.

Boston Public Market (an indoor marketplace) was less an a half mile away, and we ate several meals there. We took Uber to and from the airport, and to explore places such as Cambridge. But we also walked and walked and walked, and stopped at approximately 600 coffee houses over the three days.

Our welcome pack was filled with recommendations on restaurants, aforementioned coffee houses, sites to visit, and the suggestions focused on the interests we had noted in the survey.

Because I love bookstores, we had a list of the best in Boston.

We relied heavily on the recommendations, and the only one that failed was Union Square Donuts in Boston Public Market (the

donuts were so much better in theory than in practice). Pack Up + Go made a dinner reservation for our first night at Figs in Beacon Hill, and it was a great choice. Our tickets to ImprovBoston were for Saturday night, and it was a fun way to spend an evening, and an activity we probably would not have come up with ourselves.

We would have appreciated a map with Pack Up’s recommendations marked. Google Maps on foot is a frustrating experience when you aren’t familiar with a city, and we spent a lot of time trying to figure out the best way to navigate between stops.

Pack Up + Go is an ideal way to bring together friends from different parts of the country, but it also works for families. But be forewarned: Your kids may drive you crazy begging to know your destination.

Visit www.packupgo.com for more information.

Supporting Your Child’s Success Shouldn’t Break the Bank!

WWW.MATTRESSBYAPPOINTMENT.COM

SAVE 50% TO 80% OFF RETAIL STORE PRICES Call (239) 207-2556

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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PARENTING

By Anna Snyder

Empty Nesting in Naples

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or years, we parents focus all of our time, energy, and resources on raising our children. How do we confront the quiet house we come home to after dropping off that last (or only) kid at college?

None of us sets out on the journey of parenthood with the intention of creating lives that revolve around our children.

And yet, in the midst of high school band, travel soccer, competitive dance, volunteer hours, incomprehensible homework, group projects, and graduation requirements, it somehow happens. When all of those activities disappear from our planners, with what are we left? How do marriages, relationships, careers, and weekends adapt?

For some, an empty nest might seem daunting and lonely. However, a recent article published by The Huffington Post cites a recent survey of adults ages 40-70 where 95% of survey participants are excited about the additional time afforded by an empty nest. And 68% would rather lend financial help to their children than allow them to move back in. Many of us are excited about the freedom afforded by a house finally – and officially – devoid of dependents.

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Dating again For Jeff Turner of Estero, father of three grown children, the empty nest has represented an exciting new chapter of married life. “While my wife, Anna, and I both experienced feelings of loss and sadness as each of our three children left home, the void was softened by the new possibilities we found in our relationship.

We are dating again! It’s just like 38 years ago, except now we can actually afford to go to dinner and a movie.”

Time that Jeff and Anna previously spent at sporting events, school meetings, and other kid-related activities is “now time dedicated to running a business, working out together, joining a boat club, taking long walks on the beaches, or going to dinner. Empty nesting has rekindled our commitment to one another.”

Emptying a big nest Though the transition was emotional for Sharon Carnell, a Naples mom of nine children ages 18 through 36, she has enjoyed many aspects of empty nesting. “I love to travel and spend time with my husband of 39 years, visiting our kids out of town, and having them congregate at our home.”

Sharon’s now-flexible schedule has given her the opportunity to explore new interests such as yoga. “One of the kids will ask what I’m doing for the day, and occasionally I respond with: ‘Whatever I want to do!’ That was never my response when the kids were home. Never!”

Another unexpected blessing of having an empty nest is the freedom to meet needs in the community. “When needs cross my path, I’m able to do my part to meet them,” Sharon said. “For example, a friend of ours needed a home for their daughter this past a year, and we had the space to host her.”

The transition from a household bursting with children to an empty nest has been made easier for Sharon because of how she lives her life. “I wonder if some empty nesters feel lonely or bored or purposeless,” she said. “Even when all nine were home, I developed my own interests.

Having kids underfoot was a major part of my life, but not my whole life. That said, they are a treasure to me and staying in touch with the kids is important. Our family shares thoughts and pictures and events on a group chat.”

Though there have been challenges, Sharon views this new chapter of her life NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

as an adventure. “I’m only 61 years old, so I potentially have a good 40 years ahead of me! My kids are in the midst of new adventures, and I am, too.”

Preparing your kids Karen and David Wilkinson of Naples have two sons: JT, a senior at Ithaca College in New York, and Isaac, a sophomore at University of Florida (UF).

After they dropped Isaac off at UF last year, Karen and David immediately took advantage of their child-free status. “We went on an empty nester-moon to The Highlands, North Carolina,” Karen said.

“We planned activities we both enjoy: hiking, winery tours, dining out, spa appointment, and just being together.”

The changes that empty-nest life has brought for the Wilkinsons are both positive and negative. “David has a very demanding schedule, and in some ways, he was relieved,” Karen said. “He often felt sad about missing school activities and sporting events. But, he has also missed the boys more than he expected he would. He spends more time on the phone with them than I do and is beyond excited when they come home. I miss my kitchen helpers and dinner companions, and I have had to learn better time management. With too much time, I am often less productive.”

Karen’s advice for other parents is to prepare their kids and themselves well in advance for this major life change.

“As married couples, we have all been advised not to neglect our spouses throughout the journey of parenthood,” Karen said. “David and I have not been perfect with this advice, but we have put in the work to make each other a priority so that we do continue to enjoy spending time together now that our kids are in college.” She also advised parents to prepare their children for success outside of the home. “Allow your kids to manage their time with jobs, sports, homework, social time, and chores. I am glad we taught our boys to do laundry, cook for themselves, and hold down jobs so that they were not at a loss on their own.”

Bittersweet Jennifer Deiros of Naples also prioritized preparing her son, Eric, to live independently. “I made sure to teach Eric life NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

Left and above: The Wilkinson family in 2018 at the University of Florida recreating a family photo from the first day of school in 2003. L-R: Isaac, Karen, JT, and David.

Left: Eric and Jennifer dropping Eric Deiros, center, off at college for his freshman year.

Facing page: The nine children of the Carnell family.

skills that would allow him to learn how to live well with others – waiting, sharing, giving, and listening,” she said.

When Jennifer dropped her only child off for his freshman year at college in the fall of 2018, her nest emptied all at once.

“I think most parents describe this experience as bittersweet,” Jennifer said.

“And I definitely had the big, ugly cry. It was emotionally challenging to leave him in New York, yet both his dad and I knew he was ready for the next step. And Eric’s first semester was quite a stretch for him, but he rose to the challenge.”

In high school, Eric was always on the go with school and church activities, which meant Jennifer also was always on the go. “I am enjoying this slowed-down pace,” she said. “For example, I’m not rushing from work on a Friday night to

arrive at a football game to sell popcorn.

The thing I miss most is talking with Eric.

Periodic talks on the phone are okay, but they aren’t the same as sitting together.”

Jennifer’s advice to other empty nesters is to concentrate on what your children are experiencing rather than their absence.

“As your child moves to the next level – in anything – celebrate what has been accomplished and what is being accomplished,” she said. “I don’t focus on the empty nest; I celebrate what Eric is accomplishing because of the many people who encouraged him, mentored him, and invested in him over the years.”

So whether you’re 10 months or 10 years from an empty nest, take comfort knowing that an empty nest doesn’t have to be scary – it’s an exciting adventure that represents significant accomplishments for both parents and their children. neafamily.com

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MOMentum Moms

Photo by Kelsey Landis

One year later, the boys are now 3 and 2 years old, and the Clevenger family has added one more blossom to the family crops: a daughter born in August. Currently, they are preparing for their popular fall festival, which Farmer Mike delights in hosting each year.

Above: The Clevenger Family, L-R: Carter, Mike, Emily holding Avery, and Blake. Facing page, top: L-R, Carter, Avery, and Blake. Facing page, bottom: Blake and Carter check the progress of the pumpkins.

By Stacy Nicolau

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he first time I met Emily Clevenger was at Farmer Mike’s U Pick a year ago during a Neapolitan Family photo shoot in the hot and dusty corn fields of the family farm. While Emily was pointing out the best areas to photograph the newly blooming sunflowers and the still-white pumpkins, both of which she anticipated soon would be bursting with color, her toddler sons, Blake and Carter, played barefoot in the soil and sand, trailing her while stopping to observe the familiar tracts of produce. Emily apologized for her sons being so messy, but they clearly were an organic visual of what life is like growing up on a farm: delightfully dirty and sunkissed while being raised by their parents and Mother Nature.

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How did your husband and you meet? My husband and I met at a small gym run by some of his friends. I had recently gotten my Jeep Wrangler lifted, and it came back with all sorts of problems. I walked out of the gym one night and saw (another) lifted truck. I busted back in the gym saying “Whose truck is that?” Mike looked up from his workout. I asked him who did the lift. He said he did it himself. He walked outside to look at mine, and the rest is history.

What were your thoughts about marrying a farmer? I actually come from a farming family. My father is a tomato and pepper breeder, and my mother and aunt worked out in Immokalee on a farm where my sister, cousin, and I spent a lot of time growing up. When we started dating and I mentioned the Clevenger name my father was thrilled. He had known Mike and his father over the years through farming.

What is Farmer Mike’s U Pick? My father-in-law – Farmer Mike, Sr. – has been running Farmer Mike’s U Pick for over 20 years in Bonita Springs. Five years ago, my husband “Farmer Mike, Jr.” found himself going back to his roots, wanting to grow the family farm. He took over everyday operations. We quickly implemented a strategy to share the farm experience with the community and started hosting the fall festival. A little over two years ago, we started our wholesale foodservice distribution, which supplies produce and flowers straight off the farm to local supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants. We strive to grow the cleanest and freshest produce and enjoy watching the community out on the farm, excited to be picking their own produce.

What are your jobs on the farm? I currently host all the school field trips around the farm, as well as birthday parties and special events, and now run our annual Community Supported Agriculture program (see “What is a Community Supported Agriculture Program?” on page 21 for details).

How do your children help with the farm? The kids love to “help” me with field trips. They can both pretty much recite word-for-word the tour I give since they are with me every day.

My husband and father-in-law can’t wait to put them to work on the water wagon in years to come!

What would surprise us about life as a farming family? It never ends. My husband’s phone goes off at all times with problems that he must tend to. Especially during rain storms, from a light rain to a hurricane (such as recent Hurricane Dorian), he doesn’t sleep. He and my father-in-law stay on the radar until it NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

Photo by Kelsey Landis

passes. In farming you don’t really have control, Mother Nature does so it’s stressful since it is what provides for our family.

What does your family love about farm life? Being a part of an awesome family business that is constantly growing is my favorite thing. The hard work, dedication, and long hours that everyone puts in to make it successful are so humbling, and it teaches the kids great work ethics. The kids love tractor rides with Dad, running barefoot through the farm, and picking and eating everything right off the plants.

Do your kids eat their vegetables? Yes! Every night I cook multiple veggies for dinner. Broccoli, romanesco, carrots, and cauliflower are some of their favorites. Although their favorite way to eat vegetables is straight off the vine at the farm. They eat heirloom tomatoes like apples!

Have you ever lost your kids on the farm? Last year, my sister and I were running the ticket booth during the fall festival, and the boys were running around playing with another boy, per usual. I was watching them and noticed Carter (he was 1 at the time) went behind a food trailer. My kids have never been wanderers, so I wasn’t too worried. I finished my transaction and I walked back to grab Carter. He wasn’t there. Pure panic set in as it was the parking lot right behind the trailer. My husband, my sister, and I took off in separate directions looking. I frantically ran to the parking lot manager and told him stop every car before they leave and check the car for Carter. After about five minutes of frantically running through the farm looking for him, my sister saw him with the mother of the boy he was playing with 50 yards away on the pumpkin patch. I’ve never been more scared in my life. We bought tracking devices to clip to them both after that.

What are the kids going to dress as for Halloween?

They change their minds every day. Blake’s costume list: mahi, elephant, pumpkin, alligator pumpkin. Carter’s costume list: tarpon, baby shark, dinosaur.

Describe your experience going from two to three kids.

Honestly, it has been the easiest transition for me. I run a tight ship with rules, routine, and high expectations of their behaviors, which has made the transition easy, because essentially nothing has changed; there is just a little girl tagging along. We have resumed our normal daily routine with play dates and errands as we wait for field trips to start up in October.

What is a Community Supported Agriculture Program?

C

ommunity Supported Agriculture programs are cooperative relationships between the farmer and the community. The members in the Community pay in advance for a share of the farm’s seasonal harvest. The members Support the farm (Agriculture) by providing an early source of revenue to help the farm with supplies and the labor to grow crops for you to enjoy. Members receive weekly shares of the

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

harvest and flowers, plus discounts on additional purchases and events.

Fall festival For additional information about the farm go to www.farmermikesupick.com. For details about Farmer Mike’s U Pick Fall Festival, Corn Mazes, & Haunted Attractions, turn to our fall festival guide starting on page 38. neafamily.com

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TRAVEL

By Karen T. Bartlett

Destination: Cassadaga

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hough not far off I-4, 40 miles east of Orlando, it’s easy to miss what The Twilight Zone’s Rod Sterling called “the signpost up ahead. “ The signpost says, simply, Cassadaga. The residents (and quite a few otherworldly spirits, it’s said) live in Victorian cottages with the peeling vestiges of white and sun-bleached pastel paint, where verandas sag and tendrils of vines creep along windowsills and picket fences. There are the requisite tin roofs, garden gates that have settled in at odd angles over the past century, and an assortment of stained glass windows and wind chimes. There are cats, of course, and the pièce de résistance, the haunted Cassadaga Hotel.

No, it’s not another Disney project. A young clairvoyant famous for his séances carved The Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp (which is a village, not a camping camp) out of the untamed Central Florida landscape 125 years ago, before Walt Disney was born. And don’t bother scouring the real estate ads for a charming fixer-upper, because only certified mediums and spiritualist healers may buy here. According to cassadaga.org, mediums can communicate with spirits of people who have passed on, while spiritualists “channel God’s energy for emotional and physical healing through the laying on of hands.”

Believers, skeptics, and paranormal researchers come to absorb the essence of the camp and the hotel, which is in the town but privately owned, with its own psychics and readers. Some hope to get

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a message from a departed loved one, have their dreams interpreted, or take one of many classes. Me, I hope to encounter the hotel’s sassy cigar-smoking, gin-drinking Irish ghost named Arthur.

On my last visit years ago, I booked Room 22, Arthur’s favorite haunt. The place exceeded my expectations, with its dark and creaky hallways, miniscule rooms with toilet-shower closets, an outrageous assortment of mismatched furnishings, and bumps in the night. Alas, Arthur didn’t appear, but we’re told he’s still around, so here we are.

On this recent hot Saturday afternoon, Cassadaga appears to be in a deep trance. The hotel looks the same except for a sign advertising, incongruously, Sinatra’s Ristorante and Piano Bar. It looks movie-set perfect: vintage and millennial-hip. Currently, the only action is happening in the hotel’s tiny gift shop at the reservations/ reception/psychic and astrologer booking/desk. While waiting our turn, my boyfriend, Randy, and I peruse the well-curated merchandise one might expect: love and prosperity potions (fragrant oils for sprinkling around) candles, handmade jewelry, and objets d’art.

Room 22 apparently has been painted in the past decade, and there’s a vastly improved, comfy-looking bed. But to my joy, the spookiness remains. No TV, no phone, Victorian fringed lamps, and lace curtains. Though Randy prefers a different level of comfort, he’s being an excellent sport.

In the camp’s Education Center and bookstore across the NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

street, we check today’s list of certified mediums and healers on call, and flip through a well-worn binder reading their bios. The point is to feel the vibe of the right one for you. But we’re feeling a much stronger vibe for the two-hour Encounter Spirits Night Tour, $25.

(Bring your cameras, our guide Dawn Medley advises, to capture the ghostly lights called orbs that aren’t visible to the naked eye.)

Fairy Trail You could walk the entire village end-to-end in about eight minutes – or 45 if you detour onto the tiny forest path called the Fairy Trail. Beads, bangles and various glittery things hang from tree branches. Beneath them, gnomes, fairies, mermaids, dragonflies, and other whimsical creatures coexist in pure Cassadaga-style of mystical dishevelment. Visitors sometimes add small items of their own. There are random benches, and the path ends at a beautiful seven-foot tall butterfly wing sculpture, one of a series by renowned regional artist Erica Group.

Orbs At dusk, a small group gathers in the Education Center.

Dawn Medley gets us in the spirit with stories of unexplained phenomena, passing around grainy photos showing apparitions lurking about. She’s brought her EMF detector – a ghosthunter’s must-have – which dances with lights when she invites any attending spirits to make their presence known. Seems like the effect of a loose light bulb to me, but the others are delighted. Then, we’re off in pursuit of orbs, trailed by one black cat and a black and white one. We’re encouraged to take lots of pictures: houses, gardens, walls, and each other. On one particular spot beneath giant oak trees, we each get a turn to stand for photo ops where the orbs are especially active. They do not disappoint. Tiny circles of white and occasionally green or red light glow around us in everyone’s pictures, most shot by cell phones and pocket cameras.

Randy attracts lots of orbs. My regular DSLR camera (with no flash) catches only a few. Some say it’s bugs caught in a camera’s flash. I wonder if it’s more about light refraction and dust in front of the lens. Still, it’s fun. While no children joined this tour, it could be a cool offbeat family experience, especially with teens.

Facing page: The Hotel Cassadaga. Above: A stop along the whimsical Fairy Trail. Below: One of the houses in Cassadaga that you cannot buy unless you are a certified medium or spiritualist healer. Photos by Karen T. Bartlett.

The kids Knowing we’d miss the restaurant serving hours, we’ve preordered from Sinatra’s extensive menu. It is perfectly prepared and ready for us to enjoy beneath a midnight black sky at our private veranda table. While Randy returns our trays to the dining room, I ask a passing staffer about Arthur. “I haven’t heard anything from him recently,” she says, barely stopping. Then she adds over her shoulder, “but the kids are really active this week.”

In the morning, I step out to grab a coffee before heading to the church service, and have to squint at the small green thing lying just beyond the threshold. It’s a plastic superhero, toppled over on its back, arms wide in supplication. Then I notice more of them strewn about. A housekeeper is approaching, picking up a fire truck and some toy cars along the way. She stuffs them into an open niche in the wall next to the fire extinguisher. “Those kids!” she says. They must have played all night.”

Ghostly kids who like to play? Even better than Arthur!

Visit cassadaga.org or hotelcassadaga.com.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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

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5:30 p.m. Fall Festival & Silent Auction. Food, games, crafts, bounce house, face painting, balloon twisters, and more.

Free admission. First Presbyterian Church of Naples, 250 6th St. S., Naples. Call 239-262-1311 or visit fpcnaples.org.

7:00 p.m. Movies on the Lawn: Hotel Transylvania 3. Free. Well-behaved pets are welcome. No coolers.

Food and beverages available for purchase. Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Naples.

Visit mercatoshops.com.

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5:30 p.m. Family Fun Fest. Fun for the entire family. Wear your costume. Learn about live baby alligators, snakes, and tarantulas. Crafts, face painting, and sweet treats.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Rd. W., Naples. Call 239-348-9151 or check www.corkscrew. audubon.org.

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3:00 p.m. Halloween Cookie Decorating. Drop in to decorate a festive cookie, while supplies last.

All ages. Registration is not required. Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd.

W., Naples. Call 239-4558088 or check collierlibrary. org.

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7:30 p.m. Haunted Gross House. Through Oct. 26. While the haunted house is not recommended for young children, the whole family can enjoy haunted hay rides, trunk or treat, the cake walk, and more. Collier Fairgrounds, 751 39th Ave. NE, Naples.

Call 239-455-1444 or visit collierfair.com.

11 3:30 p.m. Firefighters: Heroes of our Neighborhood. Get to know our local firefighters during National Fire Prevention Week. Hear stories and safety tips and see the fire truck. Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.

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2:30 p.m. Yom Kippur Family Service. An inspiring family service for those with young children, specifically designed to engage children with the meanings and messages of Yom Kippur. Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239455-3030 or check www. naplestemple.org.

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10:00 a.m. Safari Squad: Creepy Crawlies. Also Oct. 9 & 12. Investigate the unique, misunderstood, but very important creepy crawly critters that lurk around us. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.

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10:00 a.m. Pioneer Pumpkin Palooza. Enjoy fun pioneer-themed activities for all ages, including a hay maze, scavenger hunt, face painting, hayrides, games, arts & crafts, and more. Free. Roberts Ranch, 1215 Roberts Ave., Immokalee. Call 239-252-2611 or check colliermuseums. com.

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10:00 a.m. Dora and Diego. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit from Dora and Diego, who will be available for photos until 3 p.m.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 GoodletteFrank Rd., Naples. Call 239- 262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.

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2:00 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

See a lively demonstration of Aztec ritual dancing, make a craft, and share some refreshments. All ages.

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

3:00 p.m. Pumpkin Patch. Through Oct. 31.

Pumpkins of all sizes, corn stalks, and gourds for sale.

Weekdays from 3-7 p.m.; weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. North Naples Church, 6000 Goodlette Rd. N., Naples. Call 239593-7600 or check www. northnapleschurch.org.

9:00 a.m. Fall Festival, Corn Mazes, & Haunted Attractions.

Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 27. Corn mazes, hayrides, activities, and more.

Farmer Mike’s U Pick, 26031 Morton Ave., Bonita Springs. Call 239-498-4576 or check farmermikesupick.com.

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 239-597-2255 to schedule a private tour. Montessori Academy of Naples, 2655 Northbrooke Dr., Naples.

Check naplesmontessori. org.

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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 songs. Endless Brain, 11100 Bonita Springs Rd. SE, Bonita Springs. Call 850-629-9313 or check endlessbrain.org.

saturday

friday

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Best Bets

tuesday

October

7:30 a.m. Yoga on the Farm. Kids and adults of all ages welcome. Spend your morning relaxing and stretching with the sounds of the farm in the background. $20. Alyssa’s Animal Sanctuary, Six L’s Farm Rd., Naples. Call 239-3046412 or visit facebook.com/ alyssasanimalsanctuary.

neafamily.com

3:30 p.m. Haunted Hallway. Come to the library wearing your costume, experience our behindthe-scenes, frightfully fun Haunted Hallway, and pick up a treat. Ages 2+.

Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org.

9:00 a.m. Boo at the Zoo. Friday-Sunday. Trick or treat, education stations, games, and a daily costume contest with prizes.

Children 12 and younger in costume receive free admission. Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.

ZOOBY

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6:30 p.m. Trunk or Treat. Free. A fun and safe night with food, games, and lots of candy. First Baptist Church of Naples, 3000 Orange Bl o s s o m Dr. , Na p l e s Call 239-596-8600 or check fbcn.org.

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6:00 p.m. Lakes Park Fall Festival. Halloween Express Train ride, pumpkins, bounce houses, inflatables, hayrides, games, haunted maze, scarecrow contest displays, and more.

Lakes Park, 7330 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers.

Call 239-332-2453 or visit fortmyerspumpkinpatch. com.

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10:00 a.m. Little Boo. Wear your Halloween costume and enjoy the story of how a little pumpkin seed can’t wait to grow up and be a scary jack-o’-lantern. Make a spooky Halloween craft.

Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

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2:00 & 6:00 p.m. Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party.

Jump to the beat with your friends on Sesame Street.

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center, 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers.

Check bbmannpah.com.

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4:30 p.m. Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat. Games, piz z a, bo u n c e ho u s e , photo station, trunk or treat, activities, and more.

Precious Cargo, Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Rd., Naples.

Visit preciouscargoacademy. org or call 239-261-7442.

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10:00 a.m. Hoots & Hisses. Features Super Science Show with Mr. Glen, Creepy Creature Show, spooky scavenger hunt, face painting, costume contest, Halloween crafts and games, and more. Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

Naples Pediatric Dentistry goodcheckup.com

Happy kids. Sparkly smiles.

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9:00 a.m. Halloween Crafts. During library hours Oct. 21-31. Make some “fab-BOO-lous” crafts. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check collierlibrary.org.

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6:30 p.m. Not Your Mummy’s Magic Show.

The show features magic, comedy, music, and eyepopping balloon creations in a twisted air adventure.

Ages 5-11. Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org.

Try it at our office.

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3:00 p.m. Get Involved Collier! 2019 Volunteer Expo. Meet with representatives from 60 nonprofit organizations in Collier County in need of volunteers. Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Check naplesflcoc. wliinc14.com.

6:00 p.m. Fall Walk. Enjoy fall, Florida style, with an evening stroll featuring lights, live music, and activities for the whole family.

Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Dr., Naples. Call 239-643-7275 or check Naplesgarden.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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YOUR COMMUNITY OCTOBER 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.

1 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. The Very Busy Spider. Also Oct. 3.

Come find out just how busy the spider actually is. Meet all of her friends along the way, and bring home your very own spider web dream catcher. Ages 5 and younger. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

4:00 p.m. Star Wars Reads Month Kickoff Celebration. Dress as your favorite Star Wars character.

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

5:15 p.m. Singing Birds & Ukulele for All Abilities. Children learn basic ukulele chords and sing along with their friends, promoting communication, social, and behavioral skills. Located at Endless Brain, 11100 Bonita Springs Rd. SE, Bonita Springs.

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

6:00 p.m. Kid Craft-Palooza. Create your next artistic masterpiece with our cool crafting supplies. All materials provided. For grades K-5. Registration is not required. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

6:00 p.m. Tech-tachular Tuesdays. Tweens and teens will receive an introduction to new technology and coding languages. Use iPads to create an animation

FRIENDS TODAY. CHANGEMAKERS TOMORROW.

or game at this month’s program. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-479-4636 or check leegov.com/ library.

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

2 WEDNESDAY 9:00 a.m. Pee Wee Play Dates. Wednesdays. Ages 9 months to preK. Have fun with toys and games and listen to music. Drop-in program, no registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7369 or visit collierlibrary.org.

9:30 a.m. Art Classes with Miss Lexi. A different theme every month. Call reserve a spot. Located at InPlay Family Fun, 4035 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. Call 239-963-9716 or check inplayfamilyfun.com.

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 239-948-3766 or check miromaroutlets.com.

3:00 p.m. Meals of Hope Mobile Food Pantry.

TROOPS ARE FORMING NOW!

941-921-5358 800-232-4475 www.gsgcf.org 26

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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.

3:00 p.m. Robot Workshop. Also Oct. 3, 7, & 10. Play, experiment, and code with different robots during our fun STEAM workshop. Ages 8+. 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. Teen Support Group: Coping with Anxiety & Depression. Ages 1317. 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. Lego Club. This month’s theme is monsters. 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 www. 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.

6:00 p.m. Color Wars. Which color team will you be on? Will your team have what it takes to be the highest scoring? Gather your friends, sign up, and prepare to wage “war” on the opposing teams. Snacks will be available. Ages 12-18. Registration is required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

3 THURSDAY 1:00 p.m. & 7:30 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.

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.

4:30 p.m. Teens: DIY Project. Make a watercolor art piece with shaving cream.

Ages 11-17. Supplies are limited to first come, first served. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239252-5135 or visit 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.

5:30 p.m. Girl Scout Back-to-School Troop Building Night. Learn about the exciting things a girl can do in Girl Scouts and the ways for adults to volunteer. Located at Peace Lutheran Church (Fellowship Hall), 9850 Immokalee Rd., Naples.

Call 800-232-4475 or check gsgcf.org.

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.

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

4 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. 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.

12:15 p.m. Scales and Tails. Learn about alligators, snakes, sea turtles, and other reptiles. Located at Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples.

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

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

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.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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7:00 p.m. School Age Open Gym. For kids in grades K-8. Supervised but not structured. No parents. $10 per child. Located at Naples Progressive Gymnastics, 4795 Mercantile Ave., #3, Naples. Call 239-455-3700.

5 SATURDAY 7:30 a.m. Walk For Wishes. Help make wishes come true one step at a time.

Located at Florida Gulf Coast University, Recreation Field, 10501 FGCU Blvd.

S., Fort Myers. Call 239-992-9474 ext. 24 or check secure2.wish.org.

9:00 a.m. Free Zoo Admission. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month for Collier County residents with identification. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.

9:00 a.m. Zumbini with Miss Lesly. Get active with Zumbini every Saturday.

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 www. inplayfamilyfun.com.

10:00 a.m. Family Activity Days. Families will create exciting art projects to take home. Get inspired by our Small Wonders: Insects in Focus exhibition and create your own art based on insects. Located at Center for Visual Arts, 26100 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. Check artcenterbonita.org.

10:00 a.m. Community Safety Resource Expo. Join us for safety ideas for you, your family, your home, and even your pet. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org.

10:00 a.m. Table Tennis for Everyone. Join Coach Purvi and the Estero Table Tennis League as they share the benefits of playing table tennis, demonstrate strokes, and give everyone the opportunity to play. Equipment provided. Located at South County Regional Library, 21100 Three Oaks Pkwy., Estero. Call 239479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

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.

1:00 p.m. First Saturday Films. Enjoy a first-run children’s film on the first Saturday of every month. All films will be rated G, PG, or PG-13. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check collierlibrary.org.

2:00 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. See a lively demonstration of Aztec ritual dancing, make a craft, and share some refreshments. All ages. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.

3:00 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.

6 SUNDAY 7:30 a.m. Yoga on the Farm. Kids and adults of all ages welcome. Spend your morning relaxing and stretching with the sounds of the farm in the background. $20. Located at Alyssa’s Animal Sanctuary, Six L’s Farm Rd., Naples. Call 239304-6412 or check facebook.com/alyssasanimalsanctuary.

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.

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

7 MONDAY 9:00 a.m. World Habitat Day. Celebrate with buy-one-get-one free admission.

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

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 239985-7716 or check HopeHCS.org.

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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 www.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.

8 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Creepy Crawlies. Also Oct. 9 & 12. Investigate with us the unique, misunderstood, but very important critters that lurk around us. Located at Naples Zoo, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239-262-5409 or check napleszoo.org.

6:00 p.m. Artify with Ms. Sharon. This month’s project and technique will be glazed watercolor paintings. Grades K-5. All materials provided. Dress for mess.

Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs.

Call 239-479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

6:00 p.m. Teen Gaming Night. Play with an assortment of board games and the video game center. For grades 6+. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

9 WEDNESDAY 10:00 a.m. Volunteer Tutors Needed. Tutors needed to help adults and children learn to speak, read, and write English. No language other than English is needed.

Located at Literacy Volunteers of Collier County, 8833 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples.

Call 239-262-4448 or check collierliteracyvolunteers.org.

10:00 a.m. Color Me Amazing Wednesday. Join us for a fun and relaxing hour of coloring intricate designs and patterns while listening to soothing music. You will be surprised by how relaxing coloring is. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check collierlibrary.org.

2:00 p.m. Game Challenge. We’ll play either small team competitive games or trivia, based on participant choice. Snacks will be served. Registration is required.

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

2:00 p.m. Shy Wolf Sanctuary. Meet some four-legged furry residents of Shy Wolf Sanctuary. Seating is limited. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

2:30 p.m. Yom Kippur Family Service. An inspiring family service for those with young children, specifically designed to engage children with the meanings and messages of Yom Kippur. Located at Temple Shalom, 4630 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. Call 239-455-3030 or check naplestemple.org.

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

4:00 p.m. Teen Book Club. Join our discussion of The Odd Sisters by Serena Valentino. Ages 12-18. Registration is required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

10 THURSDAY 10:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Mini Wonders. Every Thursday. 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. Family Story Time. Enjoy stories, songs, activities, and a craft for children and an adult. Located at Marco Island Library, 210 S. Heathwood Dr., Marco Island. Call 239-394-3272 or check collierlibrary.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. Visit mealsofhope.org.

3:30 p.m. Firefighters: Heroes of our Neighborhood. Get to know our local firefighters during National Fire Prevention Week. Hear stories and safety tips and see the fire truck. Located at Golden Gate Library, 2432 Lucerne Rd., Naples. Call 239-252-4542 or check collierlibrary.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

11 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.

11:00 a.m. Color Me Amazing Friday. A fun and relaxing hour of coloring intricate designs and patterns. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

11:30 a.m. Charlotte’s Web. 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 239-278-4422 or check broadwaypalm.com.

1:15 p.m. Ocean Discoveries. Features the area’s only loggerhead sea turtle, a moray eel, and dozens of fish. You’ll even see a fishy feeding. Located at Conservancy, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

12 SATURDAY 7:30 a.m. Kowiachobee Animal Preserve at Farmer’s Market. Visit us at the farmer’s market the second Saturday of each month through October. Located at Third Street South, Naples. Check thirdstreetsouth.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. 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.

9:30 a.m. Yoga Cruises. Improve core strength, flexibility, and balance along the soft white sand beach of Keewaydin Island. Located at Pure Florida at Tin City, 1200 5th Ave. S., Naples. Call 239-263-4949 or check purefl.com.

10:00 a.m. Dora and Diego. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit from Dora and Diego. Located at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Naples. Call 239- 262-5409 or check napleszoo.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.

10:00 a.m. Make Your Own Scary Story. Booklets and craft materials will be supplied for you to use your imagination and become an author for a day. Ages 5-11. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

1:00 p.m. Paws to Read with K-9 Caring Angels Therapy Dogs. Practice your reading skills during this monthly visit from our therapy dog friends. For grades K-5. No registration required. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

13 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. Children are safe and monitored both by parents and Bounce employees. Located at Bounce Naples, 2320 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-302-3848 or visit additionalneeds.info.

14 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.

15 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Stellaluna. Also Oct. 17. Adventure waits in an epic story about a baby fruit bat that is separated from her mother. Learn about fruit bat behavior and diet and create your own bat craft. Ages 5 and younger. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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FOR

REGISTER NOW WINTER

CLASSES!

Acting, Singing, Dancing, Improv & More!

Advanced & Inclusive Classes For All Abilities

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

11:00 a.m. Walk-in Preschool Story Time. Ages 3-5 years. Stories, songs, fingerplays, and a craft or activity every week. Registration is not required. Stop by the children’s desk 15 minutes before class to ask for a number. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www.collierlibrary.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.

6:00 p.m. Spooky Storytelling for Teens. Take on a role, collaborate to build one from scratch, and maybe even tell a tale or two yourself. Registration is required. For grades 6+. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

7:00 p.m. Movies on the Lawn: Hotel Transylvania 3. Well-behaved pets are welcome. No coolers. Food available for purchase. Located at Mercato, 9132 Strada Pl., Naples. Visit mercatoshops.com.

16 WEDNESDAY 11:00 a.m. Stuffed Animal Sleepover. Drop off your stuffed animal at the library any time today, then pick them up the next day to see what they got up to overnight. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit collierlibrary.org.

11:15 a.m. Be a Biologist. Step into the shoes of our science and research team members as you learn about their current projects. Located at Conservancy of SWFL, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.org.

12:00 p.m. Preschool Open Gym. Also Wednesdays. For children ages 6 and younger. 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.

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.

17 THURSDAY 2:00 p.m. Live Animals of Kowiachobee Preserve. Enjoy live animals and learn how the Kowiachobee Preserve takes care of exotic, endangered, and domestic animals. 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. Halloween Cookie Decorating. Drop in to decorate a festive cookie.

While supplies last. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Estates Library, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W., Naples. Call 239-455-8088 or check www. collierlibrary.org.

6:30 p.m. Chesstival. We’ll start with a brief explanation of chess, continue with hands-on chess instruction, and end with time to participate in a match. There will be snacks and a grand prize drawing finale. For students entering grades K-12.

Registration is not required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check 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.

18 FRIDAY

(239) 434-7340 EXT. 103

NAPLESPLAYERS.ORG 701 5TH AVENUE SOUTH • NAPLES, FL 34102 30

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9:30 a.m. Free Autism Screening. For toddlers 18 months to five years. Located at New Life Assembly, 5146 Leonard Blvd., Lehigh Acres. Call 239-343-6838 or check GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

1:00 p.m. Stuffed Animal Costume Design. Bring your favorite stuffed animal and create a Halloween costume just for them. Registration is required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

3:30 p.m. Graphic Novels Club. Share your favorite graphic novel and manga titles and learn about new ones. Ages 12-18. Registration is required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

7:00 p.m. The Hobbit. Performances through Oct. 20. Presented by the CFAB Youth Theater. Centers for the Arts of Bonita Springs, 10150 Bonita Beach Rd. SE, Bonita Springs. Call 239-495-8989 or check artcenterbonita.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

19 SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. Art Smarts. Ages 2-5 years. Join us for a special story time focusing on process art. Wear old clothes because we’ll get creative with an edible Halloween art piece. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-252-7369 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. Jewelry Making. A creative class using beads and other items to make necklaces or bracelets. Snacks will be served. Ages 12-18. Registration is required.

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

2:00 p.m. Not Your Mummy’s Magic Show. Master Magician Joey Evans will take you on a hilarious journey through some of Halloween’s greatest characters and stories. The show features magic, comedy, music, and eye-popping balloon creations in a twisted air adventure. Registration required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check www. collierlibrary.org.

20 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.

12:00 p.m. Drum Circle for All Abilities. Come and drum with an accepting and welcoming circle of loving people. Drums are provided. Autism and special needs friendly, trained volunteers are waiting for all children to relax. Located at Jaycee Park, 4125 SE 20th Pl., Cape Coral. Check endlessbrain.org or call 850629-9313.

5:30 p.m. Halloween Ghost Train. A comical murder mystery show that plays out in the aisles of each dining car in between the courses. Located at Murder Mystery Dinner Train, 2805 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Call 239-275-8487 or check semgulf.com.

7:00 p.m. Danny Gokey. VIP ticket includes a pre-show photo opportunity with Danny Gokey and first entry into the venue for access to the best seats. Located at First Baptist Church Naples, 3000 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-5976057 or check fbcn.org.

21 MONDAY 9:00 a.m. Halloween Crafts. During library hours through Oct. 31. Stop by to make some “fab-BOO-lous” crafts to share with your friends. All ages. Registration is not required. Located at Vanderbilt Beach Library, 788 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples. Call 239-597-8444 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

3:00 p.m. Get Involved Collier! 2019 Volunteer Expo. Meet with representatives from 60 non-profit organizations in Collier County that need volunteers.

Located at Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Tr. N., Naples. Check naplesflcoc. wliinc14.com.

St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School Catholic Education in the Heart of Naples Since 1981 Fully accredited by Florida Catholic Conference

www.SaintElizabethSeton.com

Academic, social and spiritual formation for PreK-3 to Grade 8

2730 53rd Terrace SW • Naples, FL 34116 • 239-455-2262

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

22 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.

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.

6:00 p.m. Happy Hallow-teen. Get into the Hallow-teen spirit with a spooky craft. For grades 6+. Registration required. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-479-4636 or visit leegov.com/library.

6:00 p.m. Kids’ Open Game Night. Play card and board games in the Youth Services room. For grades K-5. Registration is not required. Located at Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. Call 239-479-4636 or check leegov.com/library.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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

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The Most Awesome Family Guidebook on the Planet!

6:30 p.m. Not Your Mummy’s Magic Show. Master Magician Joey Evans will take you on a hilarious journey through some of Halloween’s greatest characters and stories. The show features magic, comedy, music, and eye-popping balloon creations in a twisted air adventure. Ages 5-11. Registration required. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

23 WEDNESDAY 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.

10:00 a.m. Family Forum on Housing Solutions. The forum will address regional and state-wide housing options and emerging solutions for individuals with developmental disabilities. Located at Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, 206 Ridge Drive, Naples. Check starability.org.

24 THURSDAY

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.

2:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party. Join the fun with an interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood. Located at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center, 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. Check bbmannpah.com.

2:30 p.m. Dare to Escape Room. Join us for this scary 3 day event. You must preregister. This event will be scary so there is an age limit. Ages 8+ with a maximum of eight people per team. Located at Immokalee Library, 417 N. First St., Immokalee. Call 239-657-2882 or check collierlibrary.org.

5:00 p.m. BTC Academy Shark Tank Jr. Does you child like to create new ideas? Time to turn their inventions into a fun business. Located at BTC Academy, LLC, 26721 Dublin Woods Cr., Bonita Springs. Call 260-750-4075 or check thebtcacademy.com.

25 FRIDAY 7:00 p.m. Happy Homeschooling. Are you homeschooling or thinking about homeschooling? This session is all about the long-range vision to enjoy homeschooling. Located at Center Point Community Church, 65690 Golden Gate Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-435-8758 or check cheacc.org.

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7:00 a.m. 7th Annual 13th Avenue South Skim Jam. A day of family fun. Skim board contest, giveaways, games, and more. All ages and abilities welcome. Located at Naples Beach, 13th Ave. S., Naples. Check oldnaplessurfshop.com.

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. Autism Spectrum Playgroup. Saturdays. Open to ages 5-16. $10 per child. Located at Christ Community Church, 4050 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

Call 239-910-0712 or visit fi-florida.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 239-2525135 or visit 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.

27 SUNDAY 9:00 a.m. Sensory Sensitive Sundays. Less crowding and quieter, dimmed lighting, shows and music turned down or off, limited character appearances, and full menu. Located at Chuck E. Cheese’s, 5020 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Call 239334-0563 or check chuckecheese.com.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

28 MONDAY 5:00 p.m. Zine Workshop. Learn the art and technique behind Zine making.

Ages 12-18. Your creations will be displayed. Registration is required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check collierlibrary.org.

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

29 TUESDAY 10:00 a.m. Little Boo. Also Oct. 31. Wear your Halloween costume and join us for the story of how one little pumpkin seed can’t wait to grow up and be a scary jack-o’-lantern. Stick around after the story to make a spooky Halloween craft.

Ages 5 and younger. Located at Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-262-0304 or check conservancy.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.

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.

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.

30 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.

11:00 a.m. Make and Take Halloween Craft. Some of our favorite children’s picture books featuring our story time theme will be displayed for you to check out or read at your own pace at the library. Then complete a craft while you are here, or take it home to finish. While supplies last. All ages. Registration is not required.

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

4:00 p.m. Haunted Hallway. Back by popular demand, our behind-the-scenes, frightfully fun Haunted Hallway. Come to the library wearing your costume, experience the hallway, and pick up a treat. Ages 2+. Located at Headquarters Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. Call 239-593-0334 or check collierlibrary.org.

4:30 p.m. Candy Taste Test for Teens. Vote on your favorite (and least favorite) candies, cookies, and sweet treats. Ages 11-17. Registration is not required.

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

31 THURSDAY 9:00 a.m. Trick or Treat. Come for spooky, scary, and silly things. Coloring pages, stickers, and sweet treats will be provided, while supplies last. All ages.

Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

9:00 a.m. Trick or Treat. Come for spooky, scary, and silly things. Coloring pages, stickers, and sweet treats will be provided, while supplies last. All ages. Located at Naples Regional Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples. Call 239-252-5135 or visit collierlibrary.org.

10:30 a.m. Spooky and Silly Story Time. Enjoy spooky stories and silly crafts.

All ages. Registration not required. Located at East Naples Library, 8787 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples. Call 239-775-5592 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

1:00 p.m. Trick or Treat. Come for spooky, scary, and silly things. Coloring pages, stickers, and sweet treats will be provided, while supplies last. All ages. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or visit collierlibrary.org.

4:00 p.m. Not So Scary Story Time. Join Miss Amanda for a special story time for all ages. Registration is not required. Located at South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Pkwy., Naples. Call 239-252-7542 or check www.collierlibrary.org.

6:00 p.m. Fall Festival. Bounce house, dunk tank, trunk or treat, music, balloon artist, food, and more. Located at Cape Coral First Kids, 4118 Coronado Pkwy., Cape Coral. Check www.capecoralfirst.org.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

AtUnderstand Understand Photography, At Photography, We Simplify the Technical!

We Simplify the Technical!

Check out our classes, tips and Check photo tours.out our classes,

tips and photo tours.

Complete Completeinstructions instructions on on our our blog. blog. www.UnderstandPhotography.com www.UnderstandPhotography.com neafamily.com

33

HALLOWEEN

By Christina Katz

Simplify Your Halloween and Savor Every Spooky Moment Halloween becomes more commercialized every year. But a classic approach to Halloween will keep your budget intact and a grin on your face throughout the spookiest time of year. If you want to restore the playful spirit of Halloween and spend more quality time with your family, let these reminders help you center your celebration on old-fashioned, frightening fun. Make memories this Halloween, rather than too many trips to the store. đ&#x;Žƒđ&#x;ŽƒRoswell

aliens and white horror movie đ&#x;ŽƒTransylvania vampires đ&#x;ŽƒZombie apocalypse đ&#x;ŽƒShakespearean tragedies đ&#x;ŽƒDancing skeletons đ&#x;ŽƒWizard school đ&#x;ŽƒMystical journey đ&#x;Žƒđ&#x;ŽƒBlack đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ

Pump up your pumpkin power What’s Halloween without those bright orange globes of autumn spirit? I’m referring to pumpkins, of course. Set a date for that trip to the pumpkin patch where family members can each select a choice carving pumpkin. Then set aside a few hours one week before Halloween for jack-o’-lantern carving. Here are some classic pumpkin designs to inspire you. đ&#x;ŽƒSmiling Jack đ&#x;ŽƒEvil grin đ&#x;ŽƒCat in profile đ&#x;ŽƒFlying bat đ&#x;ŽƒSpider with web đ&#x;ŽƒWise owl đ&#x;ŽƒSpooky ghost đ&#x;ŽƒPuking pumpkin đ&#x;ŽƒYour family’s name đ&#x;ŽƒHalloween words đ&#x;Žƒ

Go green with costumes When it comes time to brainstorm costume ideas, challenge your kids to pull costumes together from scratch rather than purchasing pre-made. Try to inspire more creative self-expression from them and less you making it all happen for them. You’ll find ample tutorials on the internet and lots of costume accessories to choose from at your local resale shop. Here is a list of costume types to get the ideas popping.

Animals đ&#x;Žƒ Bugs đ&#x;Žƒ Heroes đ&#x;Žƒ Celebrities đ&#x;Žƒ Monsters đ&#x;Žƒ Magical Creatures đ&#x;Žƒ Professions đ&#x;Žƒ Foods đ&#x;Žƒ Cartoons đ&#x;Žƒ Fictional Characters đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ

đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ

đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ

Brainstorm Imaginative Party Themes Hosting a Halloween party? Keep it simple with classic Halloween party themes. Here are some ideas to get you brainstorming. Search online for easy homemade dĂŠcor ideas.

Salem witches đ&#x;Žƒ Sleepy hollow headless haunts đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

Use down to earth dÊcor Don’t go over the top with Halloween dÊcor. Often a few natural-looking items added to a front porch are all you need. Or search online for easy craft tutorials related to the following images. Build up a repertoire of decorations that you expand gradually over the years rather than going over the top with Halloween dÊcor.

Bats đ&#x;Žƒ Crows đ&#x;Žƒ Pumpkins đ&#x;Žƒ Spider webs đ&#x;Žƒ Ghosts đ&#x;Žƒ Skeletons đ&#x;Žƒ Witches đ&#x;Žƒ Cats đ&#x;Žƒ Owls đ&#x;Žƒ Branches đ&#x;Žƒ Tombstones đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ

and choose the wreath style that matches your level of ambition.

Here are some candies that can add visual sweetness minus the calories and cavities. đ&#x;Žƒđ&#x;ŽƒCandy

corn pumpkins đ&#x;ŽƒBlack and orange Mary Janes đ&#x;ŽƒAutumn colored gummies đ&#x;ŽƒAutumn wrapped candy đ&#x;ŽƒJelly Belly autumn mix đ&#x;ŽƒChocolate eyeballs đ&#x;ŽƒBlack and orange hard candy sticks đ&#x;ŽƒCaramel apple lollipops đ&#x;ŽƒHarvest blend M&Ms đ&#x;ŽƒGummy worms. đ&#x;Žƒđ&#x;ŽƒCandy đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ đ&#x;Žƒ

Transform candy into dÊcor Halloween candy isn’t merely for eating. Display some classic candy choices in glass jars from the dollar store to inspire seasonal fun. Or use classic candy to decorate a wreath form to hang on your front door during trick or treating. Search for photos online

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

CHRISTINA KATZ thinks of Halloween as the kickoff to the busy holiday season, followed swiftly by Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. So she tries to take it slow and simplify as much as she can.

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Halloween at the Park

Visit www.covenantnaples.com/Moms-Morning-Out 36

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019 Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

©2018 Universal Orlando. All Rights Reserved.

L

Facing page: Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Above: The Marathon of Mayhem show at Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween Horror Night. Below: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Howl-O-Scream.

Photo courtesy of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

iving driving distance from the theme park capital of the world has its perks. Experiencing the special Halloween events at any of three major parks is definitely one of them.

Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios Florida, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay all celebrate Halloween in style each year, and offer separately ticketed evenings on select nights through early November. Separately ticketed means that if you plan go to the park during the day and the event at night, you will need to purchase two tickets, although you can buy a ticket just for the special event. It also means that the park closes early to regular ticket holders on these special nights.

The parks go all in for Halloween, with special attractions, entertainment, and even themed food. Some (but not all) rides and attractions run during the Halloween nights. Typically, ride lines are shorter during the event hours.

If this seems like the perfect opportunity for you to wear a costume, you may be out of luck. Only Disney permits costumes during Halloween nights, and the Magic Kingdom has very specific rules as to what is acceptable; for example, anyone 14 and older cannot wear a mask of any kind. Check the park’s website for details.

Both Universal and Busch Gardens have a no-costume policy.

If scary is not your thing and you have kids younger than 13, your best bet is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom, which runs on select dates (including every Thursday and Friday in October) through Nov. 1 from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Kids of all ages can trick or treat throughout the park. If your child has a food allergy, ask a cast member for a tealcolored treat bag. Selected rides receive special overlays and enhancements for Halloween, including Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mad Tea Party, and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.

The new Not-So-Spooky Spectacular and the Hocus Pocus Villains Spectacular feature fireworks, projections, and special effects. Two parades run each night.

For details visit disneyworld.com.

Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) are for families with older children (recommended

for 13+) or adults on a kid-free night out.

HHN runs through Nov. 2 on Wednesdays through Sundays from 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. (with the exception of Oct. 2 and 29, 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. No event on Oct. 16.).

This year’s theme is the 1980s, and pulls from movies and television series such as Stranger Things and Ghostbusters. There are 10 haunted houses, five scare zones, and live entertainment. In this year’s new haunted house, you walk into Hawkins, Indiana, and through scenes from Stranger Things 2 and 3, visiting Chief Hopper’s cabin and Starcourt Mall. Also new this

year is the Halloween Marathon of Mayhem nighttime show at the lagoon.

For details call 407-224-7840 or visit halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando.

Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream: 20 Years of Fear runs Oct. 4 to Nov. 2 on Thursdays through Sundays from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Busch Garden’s official policy states that Howl-O-Scream “is not intended for children” but it will admit children.

Howl-O-Scream features haunted houses and scare zones, as well as roaming (and hiding) ghouls.

For details visit buschgardens.com. neafamily.com

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Fall Festivals & Halloween Events

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NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

Event dates, times, and details are subject to change. Please verify before attending.

Pumpkin Patches

FARMER MIKE’S U PICK 26031 MORTON AVE., BONITA SPRINGS 239-498-4576 • FARMERMIKESUPICK.COM Pick-your-own pumpkins and sunflowers. Also for sale are fresh gourds, fall hard squash, and fall decorations. Open Thursday-Sunday from Oct. 3-27.

Hours: Thursday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

NORTH NAPLES CHURCH 6000 GOODLETTE RD. N., NAPLES 239-593-7600 • NORTHNAPLESCHURCH.ORG Oct. 4-31. Pumpkins of all sizes, corn stalks, and gourds for sale. Weekdays from 3-7 p.m.; weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fall Festivals

ALVA PUMPKIN PATCH FESTIVAL 31 PRODUCE 8672 STATE ROAD 31, ALVA 239-313-8213 • 31PRODUCE.COM Vendors, food trucks, pumpkin patch, hay rides, petting zoo, face painting, balloon twisting, and more. Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CAPE CORAL OKTOBERFEST GERMAN AMERICAN SOCIAL CLUB 2101 SW PINE ISLAND RD., CAPE CORAL 239-283-1400 • CAPECORALOKTOBERFEST.COM German food, beer, live music, dancing, and more. Carnival area for kids with rides and games. Oct. 18-20 and 25-27.

COWBOY UP BONITA FEST ARC OF LIFE FAMILY SPINAL CARE 26731 DUBLIN WOODS CR., SUITE 2, BONITA SPRINGS 239-200-7248 • UCARCOFLIFE.COM Free games and fun. Wear your best western duds. Bouncy houses, games, pumpkin patch, raffle prizes, food trucks, and more. Admission is free with a donation of two nonperishable items per person. Saturday, Oct. 12 from 1-4 p.m.

DING DARLING DAY 1 WILDLIFE DR., SANIBEL ISLAND 239-472-1100 • DINGDARLINGDAYS.COM Eco-activities with refuge tram tours, live wildlife presentations, kids’ activities, birding, biking, nature walks, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.

Sunday, Oct. 20, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

FALL FEST EMMANUEL COMMUNITY PARK 2770 OIL WELL RD., NAPLES 239-261-0894 x315 • EMMANUELPARK.ORG Fun activities for all ages, including games, music, bounce house, contests, neafamily.com 39 pumpkin patch, and more. Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FALL FESTIVAL ESTERO COMMUNITY PARK 9200 CORKSCREW PALMS BLVD., ESTERO LOCALLADIESSOUTHFLORIDA.COM Live music, food trucks, crafts, local artists, face painting, and Halloween costume parade for ages 12 and under with prizes. Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FALL FESTIVAL, CORN MAZES, & HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS FARMER MIKE’S U PICK 26031 MORTON AVE., BONITA SPRINGS 239-498-4576 • FARMERMIKESUPICK.COM Corn mazes, hayrides, activities, and more. Thursday-Sunday from Oct. 3-27. Hours: Thursday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

FALL FESTIVAL & SILENT AUCTION FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NAPLES 250 SIXTH ST. S., NAPLES 239-262-1311 • FPCNAPLES.ORG Food, games, crafts, bounce house, face painting, balloon twisters, and more. Free admission. Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

FALL FESTIVAL AT SOUTHERN FRESH FARM 8500 PENZANCE BLVD., FORT MYERS 239-768-0309 • SOUTHERNFRESH.FARM

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Pumpkins, hayrides, farmers market, vendors, food trucks, barnyard petting zoo, and feeding pond. Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FALL FESTIVAL ON THE FARM ALYSSA’S ANIMAL SANCTUARY SIX L’S FARM RD., NAPLES 239-304-6412 FACEBOOK.COM/ALYSSASANIMALSANCTUARY Trick or treating, stall and animal decorating contests from business sponsors, vendors, crafts, food, face painting, prizes, raffles, and much more. Saturday, Oct. 19 from 4-8 p.m.

FALL FESTIVAL & TRUNK OR TREAT PRECIOUS CARGO NAPLES UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 5200 CRAYTON RD., NAPLES 239-261-7442 • PRECIOUSCARGOACADEMY.ORG Games, pizza, bounce house, photo station, trunk or treating, activities, and more. Friday, Oct. 25 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL ROYAL PALM ACADEMY 6100 LIVINGSTON RD., NAPLES 239-594-9888 • ROYALPALMACADEMY.COM Bounce houses, slides, games, stilt walker, face painting, food, activities, and more. Friday, Oct. 18 from 3:30-8 p.m.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL KORESHAN STATE PARK 3800 CORKSCREW RD., ESTERO 239-992-0311 • FLORIDASTATEPARKS.ORG Hayrides, games, trunk or treat, live music, and story time.

Saturday, Oct. 12 from 4-7 p.m.

LAKES PARK FALL FESTIVAL 7330 GLADIOLUS DR., FORT MYERS 239-332-2453 FORTMYERSPUMPKINPATCH.COM Halloween Express Train ride, pumpkins, bounce houses, inflatables, hayrides, games, haunted maze, scarecrow contest displays, and more. Oct. 11-13 and 18-27. Monday to Friday from 6-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

MUERTOS MONSTER MASH SHANGRI-LA SPRINGS 27750 OLD 41 RD., BONITA SPRINGS 239-949-0749 • SHANGRILASPRINGS.COM Celebrate Day of the Dead with trick or treating, kids’ zone, haunted house, photo booth, arts & crafts, face painting, mariachi, live music, and more. Thursday, Oct. 31 from 6-9 p.m.

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PIONEER PUMPKIN PALOOZA ROBERTS RANCH 1215 ROBERTS AVE., IMMOKALEE 239-252-2611 • COLLIERMUSEUMS.COM Wind your way through the hay maze to the pumpkin patch.

Enjoy fun pioneer-themed activities for all ages, including a scavenger hunt, face painting, hayrides, games, arts & crafts, and more. Free. Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PUNKIN’ PALOOZA 4135 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD., FORT MYERS 239-334-7001 • FLEAMALL.COM Pick out a pumpkin from the Great Pumpkin Patch to decorate and take home and enjoy a special performance by the Hafenkapella German Festival Band. Friday-Sunday, Oct. 11-20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SWFL PRIDE FEST ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS 10091 MCGREGOR BLVD., FORT MYERS 239-939-2787 PRIDESWFL.ORG A family friendly event featuring vendors, games and activities, shopping, and food and drinks. Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

STONE CRAB FESTIVAL TIN CITY & BAYFRONT, NAPLES STONECRABFESTIVAL.ORG Seafood, arts & crafts vendors, live entertainment, and kids’ activities. Free admission. Oct. 25-27. Check website for times.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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We thank the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples for grant support.

office@bethtikvah.us

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Haunted Houses & Halloween Events A lifelong joy of learning, An education for life.

INFANT * TODDLER CHILDREN’S HOUSE * VPK ELEMENTARY

Come see us in our new home at

2655 Northbrooke Drive Wednesday, October 2, 2019 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

or

Call to schedule a private tour

239-597-2255

More information can be found on our website

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

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

BOO AT THE ZOO NAPLES ZOO 1590 GOODLETTE-FRANK RD., NAPLES 239-262-5409 NAPLESZOO.COM Activities include trick or treating, education stations, games, and a daily costume contest with prizes. Children 12 and younger in costume receive free admission. Only adults accompanied by children are permitted to wear costumes.

Oct. 25-27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BOO BASH WATERSIDE SHOPS 5415 TAMIAMI TR. N., NAPLES 239-598-1605 • WATERSIDESHOPS.COM Trick or treating, fantasy characters, live music, party favors, and more. $15 per child (children under 1 year are free).

Reservations are required. Saturday, Oct. 26 from 9:3010:30 a.m.

CANDY HAUNTED HOUSE CREATIONS VINEYARDS COMMUNITY PARK 6231 ARBOR RD., NAPLES 239-363-9669 • COLLIERPARKS.COM Use an assortment of candy, frosting, and cookies to design a haunted candy house. Ages 4-11. $12. Friday, Oct. 18 from 5-6:30 p.m.

FALL WALK AT NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN 4820 BAYSHORE DR., NAPLES 239-643-7275 • NAPLESGARDEN.ORG Enjoy fall, Florida style, with an evening stroll featuring lights, live music, and activities for the whole family. Oct. 12-20 from 6-9 p.m.

FAMILY FUN FEST CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY 375 SANCTUARY RD. W., NAPLES 239-348-9151 • CORKSCREW.AUDUBON.ORG Wear your costume and experience the boardwalk in the evening light. Learn about live baby alligators, snakes, and tarantulas. There also will be crafts, face painting, and sweet treats. Friday, Oct. 18 from 5:30-9 p.m.

OCT 3 – NOV 16

CHILDREN’S THEATRE SELECTED MATINEES

OCT 11 – NOV 15 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers

239.278.4422 • BroadwayPalm.com 42

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FAMILY HALLOWEEN EVENT GOLDEN GATE COMMUNITY CENTER 4701 GOLDEN GATE PKWY., NAPLES 239-252-4180 • COLLIERPARKS.COM Dancing, music, games, and treats. All guests must be in family friendly costumes to attend. All ages. $3. Friday, Oct. 18 from 6-8 p.m.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

FREE SPOOKY CONCERT ARTIS-NAPLES 5833 PELICAN BAY BLVD., NAPLES 239-597-1900 • ARTIS-NAPLES.ORG Naples Ballet and the Naples Philharmonic perform spooky works. Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3 p.m.

FRIGHTMARE ON 78 GATOR MIKE’S FAMILY FUN PARK 35 NE PINE ISLAND RD., CAPE CORAL 239-574-4386 • GATORMIKES.COM A winding and twirling trail that will test your fears, phobias, and mental strength with frights around every corner.

All ages are allowed, but parental permission is strongly suggested for children 13 and under. The haunted hike is intended to be scary and may not be suitable for all ages.

Selected dates through Nov. 2.

FORT MYERS NIGHTMARE ON THIRD STREET 13431 THIRD ST., FORT MYERS SHORES ANIGHTMAREONTHIRDSTREET.COM Free to the public, but donations are appreciated. Not recommended for small children. The haunted walk contains startling nightmare scares, blood, gore, and intense themes.

Front yard cemetery display with animated props and a haunted house. Oct. 26 and 31 and Nov. 1 from 7-11 p.m.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

HALLOWEEN HOWL EAST NAPLES COMMUNITY PARK 3500 THOMASSON DR., NAPLES 239-252-4414 COLLIERPARKS.COM An evening of tricks and treats for the whole family. Admission price of $10 per family includes a costume contest for all ages, games, bounce houses, and prizes. Saturday, Oct. 19 from 6-9 p.m.

HALLOWEEN HOWL VETERANS COMMUNITY PARK 1895 VETERANS PARK DR., NAPLES 239-252-4682 COLLIERPARKS.COM Come out in your best Halloween costume and enjoy snacks, games, and fun. Ages 4-6. $12. Friday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR FIFTH AVENUE SOUTH, NAPLES 239-692-8436 FIFTHAVENUESOUTH.COM Costume contests, live music, games, street dances, spooky movies, and trick or treating. Thursday, Oct. 31 from 4-7 p.m.

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HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR MARCO ISLAND MACKLE PARK 1361 ANDALUSIA TERRACE, MARCO ISLAND 239-642-0575 CITYOFMARCOISLAND.COM Games, Halloween music, arts & crafts, food for purchase, balloon artist, inflatables, critter show, and a haunted house for ages 10+. Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m.

HAUNTED WALK CALUSA NATURE CENTER & PLANETARIUM 3450 ORTIZ AVE., FORT MYERS 239-275-3435 • CALUSANATURE.ORG For visitors 16+. 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-animals and even eerier creatures prowling the grounds. Through Nov. 2, Friday through Sunday (plus Oct. 24 and 31) from 7:30-11 p.m.

HAUNTED GROSS HOUSE AT THE COLLIER FAIRGROUNDS 751 39TH AVE. NE, NAPLES 239-455-1444 COLLIERFAIR.COM The Haunted Gross House is back for the last three weekends in October. Admission is $15 per person for one walk through. Not recommended for young children or sensitive people. Enjoy haunted hay rides, trunk or treat, cake walk, and food vendors. Proceeds benefit the Making Life “Fair” Fund. Collier Fair participates in the Teal Pumpkin Project, which means non-food treats are offered for children with allergies. Starts Friday, Oct. 11 and runs 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday through Oct. 26. On Saturday, Oct. 26, trunk or treat is from 7:30-8:30 p.m., and the costume contest is at 8 p.m.

A HOGWARTS HALLOWEEN BARBARA B. MANN PERFORMING ARTS HALL 13350 FSW PKWY., FORT MYERS 239-481-4849 • GULFCOASTSYMPHONY.ORG Join us for a “not-so-spooky” Halloween concert. Come dressed for a costume contest, trick or treat, and try out different instruments. $10. Sunday, Oct. 27 at 1 p.m.

HOOTS & HISSES AT THE CONSERVANCY 1495 SMITH PRESERVE WAY, NAPLES 239-262-0304 • CONSERVANCY.ORG A family fun event featuring Super Science Show with Mr. Glen, Creepy Creature Show, spooky scavenger hunt, face painting, costume contest, Halloween crafts and games, and more. Free admission for children and members. Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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 44

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

MALL-O-WEEN MIROMAR OUTLETS 10801 CORKSCREW RD., ESTERO 239-948-3766 • MIROMAROUTLETS.COM Trick or treat at participating stores (while supplies last) or trunk or treat. Costume contest for kids 0-12 years at 6:30 p.m. Costume contest for pets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 6-8 p.m.

MONSTER MASH THE VILLAGE SHOPS ON VENETIAN BAY 4200 GULF SHORE BLVD. N., NAPLES 239-261-6100 • VENETIANVILLAGE.COM Wear your spookiest attire and trick or treat at participating retailers. Complimentary photos, face painting, balloon art, pumpkin decorating, arts & crafts, and more. Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Trunk or Treat TRUNK & TREAT AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 3000 ORANGE BLOSSOM DR., NAPLES 239-596-8600 • FBCN.ORG A fun and safe night with food, games, and lots of candy.

Free. Wednesday, Oct. 30 from 6:30-8 p.m.

TRUNK OR TREAT AT IMMOKALEE COMMUNITY PARK 321 N. FIRST ST., IMMOKALEE 239-252-4449 • COLLIERPARKS.COM Have the joys of trick or treating all in one spot. Music, face painting, bounce houses, food, costume contest, and tons of spooky fun. $5 per family. Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m.

TRUNK OR TREAT AT MAX HASSE PARK 3390 GOLDEN GATE BLVD. W., NAPLES 239-252-4200 • COLLIERPARKS.COM Trick or treating, music, face painting, bounce houses, food, and a costume contest. $5 per family. Friday, Oct. 25 from 6-8:30 p.m.

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION FOR STRUGGLING READERS • Certified Reading Specialist • 30 Years Experience • Methods: Orton Gillingham & Reading Recovery • Children with Dyslexia, ADD and other challenges

239-233-9400 501 Goodlette-Frank Rd., Suite B300, Naples info@ReadingRescueCenters.com • ReadingRescueCenters.com

TRUNK OR TREAT AT OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH 1955 CURLING AVE., NAPLES 239-597-4091 OSLCNAPLES.ORG Costume party, games, giant slide, and treats followed by trunk or treat. Sunday, Oct. 27 from 4-7 p.m.

TRUNK OR TREAT & HALLOWEEN PARTY AT ST. MONICA’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 7070 IMMOKALEE RD., NAPLES 239-591-4550 STMONICASNAPLES.ORG Trunk or treat, games, activities, and more. Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 4-7 p.m.

TRUNK OR TREAT WESLEY MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 4141 DELEON ST., FORT MYERS 239-936-2200 WESLEYMEMUMC.COM This free family friendly event is open to the community and will include activities, bounce house, free food (while supplies last), face painting, balloon artist, arts & crafts, and trick or treating in the church parking lot.

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

Now accepting applications for enrollment, ages 2-5!

Come Grow With Us!

VPK Provider No Wrap-Around Fees Creative Arts Letter People Handwriting without Tears

791 Harbour Drive, Naples, FL 34103 NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

Hands-On Learning Small Class Size Chapel Discovery & Exploration S.T.E.A.M.

www.mooringspreschool.org

(239) 649-1811 neafamily.com

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Brazilian Secret Spa 2661 Airport Rd., Suite B108 Naples (Court Plaza)

(239) 200-6892

You can raise your BARRE, or you can LOWER it!

ADULTS: Studio Barre Fitness

ADULTS: Studio Barre Fitness

KIDS: Dance Technique Training KIDS: Dance Technique Training

FUN: Tutu & Tiara Birthday Parties

FUN: Tutu & Tiara Birthday Parties www.TriToneFit.com Feel the fire of the LOWER BARRE burn Adults: Studio Barre Fitness

ONLY on our Patent-pending Triple Barre toning system

f the LOWER BARRE burn

Al-Anon/Alateen t-pending Triple Barre toning system

239-263-5907 NaplesAl-Anon.org CHILD CARE SERVICES

Masters Degree CPR, First Aid Certified Clean driving and FBI record Day/Evening/Overnight 239-631-3041

Ms. Lorel

Kids: Training w w wDance . T r Technique iToneF it.com 1 8Fun: 2 0Tutu T a& m i aBirthday m i T rParties ail E. Tiara Naples, FL 34102

www.TriToneFit.com

1 8 2 0 T a m i a m i T r a i l is E. Naples, FL 34102

3 FOR $30

Help & hope are just a phone call away.

DANCE WITH US, NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR WAISTLINE

someone’s drinking?

3 FOR $30

our BARRE,Are or you LOWER youcan troubled by it!

DANCE WITH US, NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR WAISTLINE

• Phyto-HydroFacial • Hydrafacial • Weight-loss Massage • Hydro-Acne Treatment • Massage & Body Treatments • Whitening in intimate & dark areas • Reflexology • Eyelash Extension & Lifting • Make Up • Microdermabrasion • Peeling treatment • Manicure & Pedicure

happy to introduce a complete

Children’s Birthday

Package!!!

239-404-1034

1820 Tamiami Tr. E., Naples

Will your kids be bored this weekend?

We will furnish:

18 Holes of Golf Plates, forks, napkins & candles Tables & Chairs Drinks: Coke, Sprite, etc.

Not if we can help it!

Only $10.00 per person Bi (the Birthday Child is Free and gets 1 year of free golf) These figures are based upon a minimum of 10 people. We will require 10 days notice.

Thank you!

Neapolitan Family’s Weekly E-News puts an end to weekend boredom. Find the best bets for local family entertainment.

2205 E. Tamiami Trail Naples, FL 34112

SIGN UP TODAY

(239) 793-4999 www.coralcaygolf.com

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PremierMartialArts.com

239-263-7017 46

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One month of FREE classes, with a regular membership, when you mention this ad!

Classes available for ages 3 to adult.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

Buy one adult admission & get one child admission FREE now through October 31st!

Cannot be used w/ other offers or online tickets.

Exp. 10/31/19

lion cubs Now on exhibit NAPLESZOO.ORG NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019

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E !

E R N F S SIO D S KI MI AD

Saturday, October 26 10 AM - 4 PM

S U P E R S C I E N C E S H OW w i t h M R . G L E N

CREEPY CREATURES SHOW • SPOOKY SCAVENGER HUNT

FACE PAINTING • COSTUME CONTEST

HALLOWEEN CRAFTS & GAMES

48

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Just south of Naples Zoo off Goodlette-Frank Rd.

NEAPOLITANfamily • October 2019