Cayman Parent Issue #4 November 2015 by Cayman Parent

Putting Yourself First + Simple Gift Giving + Christmas Table Faves

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NOV. 2015

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A Cayman Christmas

Gift giving, events and traditions

The islandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ultimate resource for families

Free Copy Take me home!

Boarding School Perspectives Inside Separation Agreements Oral hygiene imperatives

It takes a village Shomari and Nichelle Scott share their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret to finding balance

“Thanks to the vigilance of the nurses in the Maternity Ward and the dedicated care offered by a compassionate team of NICU nurses, our son’s premature birth had a happy ending.” – Anna-Lise Wisdom Our patients are our number one priority. We offer the only Maternity Ward in Cayman with caring and compassionate staff to care for you and your baby. The Women’s Health Clinic at the Cayman Islands Hospital is here to take care of you before, during and after childbirth. Our services include: • Gynaecology and Obstetrics • Parentcraft Classes • Midwifery Services • Dedicated Women’s Health Clinic • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) • Family Planning • Pre-natal Care

Preparing for your new baby Cayman Islands Health Services Authority 95 Hospital Road, Grand Cayman Tel: (345) 949-8600

Fax: (345) 949-2998

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@HSA_Cayman

Learn more about having a baby, what to expect during your pregnancy, infant CPR and more in our free Parentcraft classes. These 8 week prenatal sessions are hosted by the Women’s Health Clinic every Monday 5:30 - 7:30pm hosted by the Women’s Health Clinic. Contact 244-2649 or visit our Women’s Health Clinic for more information and class schedule.

Fourth Edition

November 2015 / Volume 1

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Contributing Writers

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Welcome

Celebrating one year under our belt Seasons Greetings! As I write this, it is the beginning of November, the Halloween decor has come down, and Cayman is abuzz with preparation for the festive season. Last year at this very time, we were readying for the launch of Cayman Parent and had recently introduced ourselves to the community at the Chamber of Commerce 2014 CayShop event. Flash forward a full year and we can’t thank you enough for all of the support and encouragement that we continually receive. We have been humbled by the amazing people that we have met and worked with over this last year. We thank you for joining us on our journey and we look forward to the future with you! This, our fourth edition, is brimming with positive stories of local families. The beautiful Scott family grace our cover. Page 9 introduces our new quarterly spotlight on teens! We celebrate the creation of Cayman Thanksgiving on pages 12 and 13 while Elkie Rose shares a bit about herself and her family in our ‘A Day in the Life‘ feature on pages 14 and 15, and our own Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell, tells stories of her blended family holiday traditions.

Speaking of the holidays...page 24 starts our Holiday section - filled with gift ideas and recipes, traditions, an events calender and a run down of the charitable giving options this season. Even with all the ‘holiday magic’ in the air, it can be a particularly stressful time for some. Head on over to page 45 where our guest columnist, Virginia Czarnocki helps us find ways to put ourselves first - all year long. Boarding Schools Perspectives on page 38 introduces you to the many factors to consider when contemplating overseas schools for your children. Sara Collins, mum of four ‘boarders’ in the UK, helps us to understand the pros and cons and outlines the process of deciding if it’s right for your family. From growing families, to contributing teens, to the joy of the festive season, this edition offers something for everyone. Please enjoy!

Heather Cassidy Publisher, SeaGrape Media Ltd. e: publisher@caymanparent.com w: caymanparent.com

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Inside this issue

Feature Series

Top picks from our Holiday Edition p20

p17

The dirty truth about tooth decay Prevention begins early

It Takes A Village Our sit-down with the Scott family

p38

p28

Christmas Table Faves From the islands’ chefs and home cooks

Boarding School Perspectives Factors to consider

p24

A Cayman Christmas Gift giving, events and traditions

p46

Cayman

Teens

Making yourself a priority Learn how to put yourself first

Story & Photos by Lindsey Turnbull

 A premier international school for children aged 2-18 years old  Approximately 550 students representing over 30 nationalities  Accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (USA)  American/International Curriculum for Pre K through Grade 12  International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for Grades 11 and 12 Director of CIS: Dr. Jeremy Moore Tel: (345) 945-4664 Fax: (345) 945-4650 Website: www.caymaninternationalschool.org Email: cis@cayintschool.ky

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We are too often quick to typecast teens, pigeon-holing them into stereotypes that aren’t particularly complementary: they’re moody, uncommunicative, dramatic, lazy and so on. So Cayman Parent has set itself on a mission to bring you two exceptional teens each edition, young people who have their heads screwed on properly, who have a clear path in their minds which they want to follow to their chosen careers. This quarter we would like to introduce you to two John Gray High School students. Teens are working to make a difference in our community. Nominate yours today by telling us who they are and what their achievements are. E-mail your nomination to publisher@caymanparent.com

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Teens often get typecast into stereotypes, here are two Cayman teens who are breaking free from the script. EYE EXAMS LENSES FRAMES SUNGLASSES CONTACT LENSES

High School. It is his intention to train to become a PE teacher. “I want to come back to John Gray High School and teach PE,” he confirms. Rashawn says his uncle Donnie Anglin has been an extremely important mentor for him, coaching him in boxing, along with his other coach Norman Wilson. “Uncle Donnie always knew I had it in me; Coach Norman urged me to continue,” he states.

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Rashawn Powery Fifteen year old Rashawn Powery is passionate about sport, whether that’s boxing, football (soccer) or basketball, and enjoys instilling that passion in others. He currently trains at the D. Dalmain Ebanks Boxing Gymnasium at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in George Town and helps out with the Gym’s after school programme for primary school aged boys (and girls) who want to learn the art of the sport. For Rashawn, boxing has been a relatively newly developed sport. “This is really my first year into boxing. I always liked the sport but I was afraid of getting injured but now that I’m into it I love it,” he confirms. Having a younger brother, Rashawn says he is used to being around younger children, and he says he really enjoys the interaction. “It’s normal for me to be around younger children. I really love helping them train at the gym and watching their passion for the sport develop as mine has. It’s one of the best feelings to see children come in and just get better and better,” he says. Rashawn is currently taking core subjects at CXC along with BTEC subjects and studies GCSE Physical Education. During his PE lessons he says he has been able to teach the fundamentals of sport to year seven students at John Gray

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Shannan Thompson is a fifteen year old bright spark who also attends John Gray High School. Shannan excels in many areas of her studies, so she says she found it quite hard to decide on one particular career path. In the end she says she wants to pursue a career in graphic design, computer programming or maths, “because I really enjoy those subjects,” she states. “I like designing programmes, such as accounting programmes, depending on what is needed.” Shannan is also pursuing her CXC exams, plus IGCSE qualifications as well, and is part of the school’s GAP (Gifted Accelerated Programme, whereby students take extra subjects both in scheduled time by the school and in their own time). Currently, Shanann has passes in eight subjects: Advance Level Communication Studies at Grade 1; CSEC (CXC) English A, English B, Mathematics, Principles of Business, Integrated Science and EDPM all at Grade 1; BTEC Music- Distinction . She also undertakes a good many extra-curricular activities to broaden her horizons and help her to refine her career goals, such as Art Club, the Minds Inspire Maths Challenge (organised by Dart) and Pathfinders (similar to Junior Cadet) . Shannan has also taken part in Junior Achievement, where she put her graphic design skills to good use as her company’s marketing person, creating their company logo. “The dedicated teachers at John Gray have really helped to motivate me, particularly on the GAP programme, where lots of late nights and lots of studying are involved. They have given me huge support,” Shannan confirms. It is Shannan’s dream to attend a United World College, and she says she will endeavor to get a good scholarship there or to any good college in the United States or Canada, or she might try and apply to Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica. “I’m still searching and researching,” she says. CP

Shannan Thompson is a bright spark.

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Traditions

Giving Thanks Creating a new tradition of gratitude Story by Faith Gealey

ayman Thanksgiving is a new local tradition that started with a simple question from a child. Kayci Rose, daughter of Samuel and Elkie Rose, was picking limes with her mother to make “swanky” (a Caymanian version of lemonade) for their family’s Sunday dinner. In 2010, Kayci asked her mother if Cayman had a thanksgiving day. The response was no there wasn’t one, which left Kayci questioning why the Cayman Islands didn’t have a day set aside to give thanks. Elkie relayed her conversation with Kayci to her husband, Samuel, extended family and close family friends. Soon after, the small group planned a day where they had their very own Thanksgiving dinner, with a Caymanian twist.

Potluck The first Sunday in December was chosen, as it was the first Sunday after hurricane season ended. The group of family and friends went to church together, and ended their day in a huge Sunday dinner, that was done potluck style. Every dish was local, with as much farm to table offerings as possible. Cayman style beef and conch stew were the headliners along with all of the favourite side dishes, such as bread kind, rice and beans, salads featuring locally grown produce, and Cayman style cornbread. The impressive meal was finished off with some traditional “heavy cakes”. Local music played in the background as the Rose family and their friends shared their meal and stories of Caymanian days past. It was a memorable and positive

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experience for all, and started the Christmas holidays off on a high note. As the Rose family got back to the regular hustle and bustle of their lives, they shared the experiences with friends and coworkers. Everyone they told was amazed by the experience and expressed a desire to participate in an experience like that. Within a few months, Samuel invited a few people who were passionate about the Caymanian experience to start a steering committee and Cayman Thanksgiving was born. The Cayman Thanksgiving steering committee knew exactly what concept they wanted Cayman Thanksgiving to embody. A designated weekend in the Cayman Islands where all members of the community had the opportunity to be a part of the Caymanian experience. It was to be a weekend of immersion in all things Caymanian – food, music, culture and service and included aspects of the old and new Cayman experience. All members of the committee agreed that the first weekend in December was the ideal time to celebrate Cayman Thanksgiving, as it marked the passage of another hurricane season, and started the Christmas season (which is also a very important celebration for many Caymanian families) off on a positive note. In December 2011, the first annual Cayman Thanksgiving was celebrated. It began with a “Homecoming” concert on Friday evening, followed by a charity canned drive and a very special Market at the Grounds on Saturday. On Sunday, the weekend culminated with worship services and the coming together of the Thanksgiving meal. The feedback and acceptance of this new holiday was astounding. Many

Gourmet local cuisine, artisans and cameraderie is what makes Cayman’s Thanksgiving so inclusive and heartwarming. individuals, families, churches, schools and restaurants have adopted and embraced the Cayman Thanksgiving concept wholeheartedly. This “CaymanKind” holiday provides visitors, residents and members of the Caymanian Diaspora an opportunity to experience Caymanian culture and develop a deeper sense of connection to the Cayman Islands. In an interview with Samuel, he shared that “Cayman Thanksgiving showcases a mosaic of Cayman experiences that portray our Caymanian culture and values. It promotes the celebration of all things Caymanian. It’s not a celebration of exclusion but rather an inclusive one, where all people who reside in Cayman can partake in a truly Caymanian experience.” As of 2014, Cayman Thanksgiving is an officially recognized holiday in the Cayman Islands, celebrated on the first Sunday in December. When asked about the plans for Cayman Thanksgiving this year, Samuel stated that “The main focus of Cayman Thanksgiving is the coming together to share a meal and give thanks for another year that we are alive and left unscathed from the devastation of a hurricane or other natural disaster. I encourage families to patron the local farmers’ markets and use as many

locally sourced vegetables, fruits, meats and other products in the preparation of your Thanksgiving meal. It is a time for the entire community to come together and share in a wonderful Caymanian meal and fellowship with one another. We encourage Caymanians to invite friends, coworkers, and even visitors to their family gathering. As we enter into the Holiday Season, this is the perfect way to demonstrate what “CaymanKind” is all about and begin the festive season in a positive and enriching way.” The Cayman Thanksgiving Committee has a myriad of tutorials, photos and recipes on their facebook page, for those members in the community who are interested in giving a traditional Caymanian “cook-up” a whirl. Alternatively, a number of local restaurants, such as Cayman Cabana, Ortanique, Kurt’s Korner and Miss Vivene’s Kitchen all offer wonder Cayman Thanksgiving meals for all enjoy on Cayman Thanksgiving. CP This year, Cayman Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Sunday, December 6, 2015. For more information about Cayman Thanksgiving visit www.caymanthanksgiving.ky or www.facebook.com/ caymanthanksgiving. www.caymanparent.com

Feature

A Day in the Life

What is a typical day in the life of a parent like? Cayman Parent continues this series that peeks into the lives of parents here in the Cayman Islands. Meet Elkie Rose. Story by Faith Gealey

n this edition, Cayman Parent had the opportunity to talk with Elkie Rose. Elkie is a local wife, mother and attorney from Hell…Hell, West Bay that is. Elkie’s husband, Samuel Rose is a well known local figure. He currently serves as The Cabinet Secretary in the Cayman Islands Government, however, he is best known for his cultural contributions through community service and of course, through the local kitchen band, Swanky. Samuel and Elkie have three gorgeous children: Kayci (14), Joshua (9) and Naomi (5). The Rose family was the family behind the Cayman Thanksgiving concept and both Samuel and Elkie continue to offer behind-the-scenes support to help make this new national holiday one that is understood and embraced by all. Cayman Parent thought it was only fitting to get a glimpse into a family who makes inspiring the community look like a breeze! We invited the lesser-known and most important part of the dynamic Rose duo to interview with us for our “Day in the Life” segment. Elkie is a woman who works best

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behind the scenes, often serving as the silent force behind her charismatic husband, Samuel. We wanted to get to know the woman behind the man and his family. Elkie took time out of her busy attorney’s schedule to have a lunch interview with Cayman Parent. When she stepped into the restaurant, there was no doubt that this professional woman meant business, however as the conversation started flowing a very different side to this West Bay native came out. Smiles and soft dreamy eyes spoke volumes and she quietly shared her love for her family with Cayman Parent. Cayman Parent: You have three children, all at very different ages and stages in their life. What is it like trying to meet the needs of three very different children? Elkie: The only way to go about doing that effectively is to know each of your children individually. You cannot take a blanket approach with parenting. So many people think that because one strategy works for one child, it will work for the next one. That’s not going to accomplish what I think is good parenting. It has to be the result

of your individual relationship with your children and being able to meet each one of them at their individual point of need. CP: What have been the biggest rewards for you as a parent so far? Elkie: The twinkle in their eyes when they look at me and call me “Mommy”. CP: What have been the biggest challenges for you as a mother? Elkie: Teenage hormones! The emotional rollercoaster that is associated with raising girls is definitely stressful. CP: Speaking of teenaged hormones; your teenager Kayci has quite a story to tell at such a young age. Kayci was the inspiration behind Cayman Thanksgiving, which is now a recognized holiday within the Cayman Islands. What does that feel like to be the mother of such an inspiring child? Elkie: I take no credit as it relates to how amazing this little being is. I give God all the glory for who she is and who she is becoming. I am so proud of her and many times I stand in awe of God’s work in her life. Not only is she remarkable as a person, but the way she processes information is so different than most teenaged girls I know. She did think of Cayman Thanksgiving and it was the result of celebrating other countries’ holidays for many years of her life. It goes to show that just because you do something often does not mean that you don’t have the right to question it and formulate your own ideas. Furthermore, to put those ideas into fruition really takes a lot of guts. The fact that she was able to speak her mind about that issue makes me so proud and I am looking forward to seeing what other inspiring things God has in store for her in the future. CP: Your son, Joshua, was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes) as a toddler. What was that experience like? How do you and Samuel cope with that diagnosis? Elkie: Initially it was crippling for us. Any new thing that a family faces is always difficult, especially when it happens to one of your children. It is a sobering thought when at any given moment something could go drastically wrong. We have used all of that to strengthen our family unit. It has also strengthened our marriage. Samuel and I worked together to make sure that we were fully educated in regards to this disease and we remain abreast of any new developments with the intention of being able to give Joshua the best assistance

possible. We realize that we have to work as a single unit make sure that we do our part to ensure that Joshua has all the supports he needs to survive this disease. CP: You are a working mother. What is that like and how do you cope with the various responsibilities that working mothers face? Elkie: This is an incredibly difficult question to answer and any woman who can answer that deserves not only a Nobel Peace Prize but also needs a throne to sit on! Truthfully, we all like to believe that we have it all under control and that we have found the right balance. It is a balancing act every minute of every day. There is no way that we are able to be the perfect wife, or the perfect mom, or the perfect professional. My profession is extremely challenging because it is a very demanding of my time. I honestly take it one day at a time. CP: What strategies are staples in your parenting toolkit? Elkie: For me it is grace. I rely on grace more than I rely on any other tool. Dealing with the challenges that crop up, such as my son’s diabetes or my teenager’s hormones I’ve come to realize there is no greater tool. CP: What has been the best parenting advice you’ve received so far? Elkie: The best parenting advice I have received is lead by example. Many times as parents it is so easy to do the wrong thing, and take the easy way out. We need to remember we have little human beings who look to us for an example. The look at what we do, what we say, how we say it etc. By leading by example, it makes you not only a better parent but a better person as well. CP: What do you do when you want some “Mommy Time” for yourself? Elkie: I spend time with my mom in West Bay. Her love and her nurturing spirit is better than any vacation, any spa and any alone time that I could have. She is an amazing woman and she is everything that I wish I could be. CP: Any final words of advice for the parents of Cayman? Elkie: You can never love your children too much. Give them love, talk with them and form a good bond with your children. Everything else will fall into place. CP Special thanks to the Roses for allowing Cayman Parent to get to know you and for sharing your parenting story with us.

Top: On the day Elkie became an attorney. Below: The Rose children, Naomi (5), Kayci (14) and Joshua (9).

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Social Media

Oral Hygiene

Your link to other parents Story by Faith Gealey

witter, Facebook and Instagram have become staples for our media diets. As parents, social media does so much more than just allow us to post adorable pictures of our children’s latest shenanigans. It gives an outlet to seek advice, suggestions and guidance on matters relating to raising your children. There is no shortage of Mom-focused social media groups on Facebook and other sites, however, many of these groups lack the local relevance that Moms in Cayman might be looking for. Luckily for parents in Cayman there are two parenting groups who are striving to provide a local spin on social media interaction. The Facebook groups: Caymums and Cayman Mama both offer parents living and visiting the Cayman Islands with a forum to meet, interact with, and gain positive social media experiences with other local parents. Caymums initially started as a meet up for moms to enjoy a coffee and a chance to socialize. However, the group has transitioned into an interactive group of parents. On the Caymums

The dirty truth about tooth decay

page, you’ll find everything from simple advice about where to go for immunizations, to parents looking for child care services and even parents listing child related items for sale. The group is friendly and includes parents from all walks of Cayman life. The Caymums group meet at the Camana Bay Crescent on Fridays from 9am to 11am. Be sure to stop by and meet some new friends! Princess Lloyd, creator of the Cayman Mama group on Facebook took a more personal approach towards social media. Princess believes in the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child” and believes that the village should include the greater Cayman community. She set up the Cayman Mama page so that parents can vent and discuss various issues they are going through. Other local parents can chime in and offer advice and additional support. The goal of the group is to provide this support in a non-judgmental way, acknowledging that parents have different parenting styles and philosophies Her hope is that through sharing of experiences, parents within the group can learn from each other. Princess has recently begun filming and sharing short video clips of Cayman’s kid friendly hot spots and other topical information. CP

Story by Dr Sean Childers

s your child’s health is always a parent’s prime concern, it would be remiss of us to not also address a child’s oral health as this very much ties in with their overall general health and well being. According to the first-ever U.S. Surgeon General’s report on oral health published May of 2000, dental caries (tooth decay) is the “single most common childhood disease“. It is five times more common than asthma, and seven times more common than hay fever. It is also the most prevalent unmet health need among children in developed countries. Today, all experts agree that dental caries is an infectious and transmissible disease which has a multitude of factors influencing its initiation and progression. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it is also a disease that is both preventable and treatable. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a more infectious and destructive form of tooth decay that is recognized by both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as a significant health problem. Formerly termed ‘Nursing Bottle Caries’ or ‘Baby Bottle Tooth Decay’, the cause of ECC is much more complex and multifactoral making these terms obsolete.

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Story and Photos by Lindsey Turnbull How does a child acquire dental caries?

Elkie with Samuel Rose, when she passed the bar.

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T: 943-5846 E: info@ccm.ky W: caymancasamontessori.com

The AAPD recognizes Dental Caries as an “infectious disease” whose mode of transmission is, for the most part, directly from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant soon after birth and by almost anything that involves saliva transfer. This would include kissing baby on the mouth, pre-chewing food, orally

cleansing or blowing on a pacifier, sharing utensils or cups, et cetera. Transmission from siblings or other children at daycare can also occur in similar ways. The bacteria primarily responsible for dental caries is Mutans Streptococci (MS). The higher the levels of MS in parents, siblings, or primary caregivers (such as helper or nanny), the greater the risk of transmission to the infant. It is therefore of the utmost importance that all members of the family receive timely dental care and practice good oral hygiene.

When should my child’s first dental visit be? First Visit by First Birthday sums it up. Dental problems can begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Also, there are many other potential problems such as neonatal teeth, feeding/dietary habits, and growth and development concerns that require early detection and intervention. This, in conjunction with the highly destructive and progressive nature of ECC, has lead to the AAPD’s position statement that “your child’s first visit to the dental office should be soon after the eruption of the first primary teeth (typically 6-12 months of age) and no later than their 1st birthday”. With regards to ECC, by the age of two the destruction of the primary teeth is often complete, leading to what could have been an avoidable amount of pain and suffering for your child, premature loss of teeth, and subsequent space loss and crowding that may then require orthodontic interventions. So remember, prevention is key! Establish a ‘Dental Home’ for your child by the age of one. Sean A. Childers, BSc, DMD, MSc, is a FRCD© Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry.

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Katie & Abbie Hill Celebrate in December Happy 7th Birthday Katie! Happy 5th Birthday Abbie!

Do you have a February to May birthday baby? Email your photo and details to photos@caymanparent.com

Chloe Ollins

Amelia Blumenthal

November 7th

November 17th

Happy 8th Birthday We love you!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Love Mom and Dad xx

Lexie Anthony January 22nd Happy 7th Birthday

Andres Ebanks November 19

Holt Riley

Happy 1st Birthday!

November 6th Happy 7th Birthday to my wonderful son!

Brandon McTaggart Tracey Campbell December 19th

January 21

Matthew Huys February 27th Happy 8th Birthday!

Happy 9th Birthday to our amazing Brandon xx

Tetsu Abe Hudson December 14th Happy 2nd Birthday Love You So Much!

Happy 11th Birthday Love Mom & Daddy

Ryan West Happy 8th Birthday! Lots of love from Mom x

Jacob “Kubuś” Sedgley November 26th Look who is 4! Love Mummy x

Lucas Balderamos

Happy Birthday Mara Love Mommy and Daddy

Happy 1st Birthday!

December 3rd Happy 2nd Birthday

Margaret Raine Addun Dumaguing December 10th

January 7th

Bryce Anthony

Isabelle & Sophia Jackson-Briggs

Amara Cullen

Karthik Adapa

November 19th

November 25th

Happy 5th Birthday!

We love you!

January 16th

Cameron Lyons Lexi Godet

Matteo

December 29th

January 11th

Happy Birthday!

Happy 3rd Birthday

February 5th

Happy 9th Birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday! With love from Mommy, Daddy, Bibi, Grandpa and tiny Tilly

With lots of love from your family xx

Baby Showers

Aidan Cassidy November 20th Happy 12th Birthday We love you! xx

event planning & styling

Children’s Birthdays Weddings Decor Rentals Handmade/Custom Stationary & Signage Custom Decor Themed Events

Cover Story

“We have our own little village and we all come together to raise our boys.” – Nichelle Scott

It Takes a Village Story by Lindsey Turnbull | Photos by Melissa Wolfe

Nichelle and Shomari Scott talk about life with Levi and Matthias

Strong family values tie Nichelle and Shomari Scott together and guide their parenting decisions with Levi and Matthias.

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ife these days seems busier than ever, so Cayman Parent decided to sit down with one Cayman family with a particularly demanding life to see how they deal with the pressures of full time jobs and full time kids! Shomari Scott is the former Cayman Islands Government Director of Tourism, now Marketing Director for Health City Cayman Islands, and his wife Nichelle plays a dual role at CUC, as the Manager of Customer Services for CUC and the CFO for the company’s subsidiary, DataLink. They have two boys, Matthias, five and Levi, two. Not only do Shomari and Nichelle hold down successful but demanding careers, they also participate in community life. Shomari has been an ambassador for the National Trust for the Cayman Islands and currently enjoys speaking to inspire the youth and coaching basketball. Last year Nichelle was part of the CISPA Numeracy Programme, which she says she really enjoyed. “This year due to a new position within my company I am unable to assist during school hours so I am hoping to participate next year, for now my extracurricular activity is assisting the Lions Club with the revitalisation of the Miss Teen pageant and joining the Cayman Prep PTA, where our son Matthias attends,” she confirms.

Both Shomari and Nichelle are past finalists for the Young Caymanian Leadership Awards and Shomari is a past recipient of the award, a huge honour because competition is always tough for this highly prized award. The YCLA is recognition by the community that the finalists and ultimately the recipient are effective role models for the next generation. The couple have, and come, from families who hold strong family values, with a rich heritage, important attributes that the couple are keen to foster among their sons.

Teamwork Nichelle says she and Shomari make a great team when it comes to the parenting. “We work well together as parents: I get stressed easily and Sho [as she calls Shomari] is my calm in the middle of the storm,” she advises. “He doesn’t anger easily and will calmly pull the facts from our five year old while I squawk in panic.” Conversely, Nichelle’s strengths are her empathy and natural maternal instincts. “I am the cuddler and the nosey parent,” she says. “I want to know everything they are doing at > see next page

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“I don’t think I truly understood the fact that your life is no longer yours once you have children and that it truly takes a village.” - Shomari Scott

school, who they are friends with and who they don’t like. If they fall and cry I run to their side while Sho calmly strolls beside me and quirks an eyebrow. He teaches me to let them be more independent and I teach him to be more hands on.” Shomari agrees that their parenting skills differ drastically. “When it comes the children, Nichelle is very detailed oriented, a worry wart, always ensuring the children are on their schedule to the exact time to eat, rest, and so on. However, she is the reason why they are well rounded, all of her worry and reading of books and relentless interviewing of any parent she can find has led to our children getting the best care from a mommy possible,” he explains. “I am more ‘go with the flow’ and everything (or the most important things to keep them alive) will occur. I also am more of the disciplinarian when it comes to that as I use methods I know worked with me however she is more “new age” in regards to timeouts, and so on.” As a mother, Nichelle says the most challenging aspect to parenthood has been the things she can’t control. “If the boys have issues making friends or adjusting to a new situation, for example. I have cried leaving the parking lots of both preschools and primary schools,” she admits. Shomari feels getting the balance of time right to be a particular tough part of parenting. “I have always had a demanding position and finding

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the right amount of time in order to spend quality time with two little active boys has been difficult. I also think one of the challenges for me is the fact that I know I listened to everything my parents said (at least that’s how I remember it); however our oldest is so strong willed and will argue or ask questions about everything (I guess he got that from mommy),” he says. On the flip side, he says the most rewarding are those moments of smiles and laugher that frequently occur at the most unexpected times, or when either make a statement. That has to be the funniest thing I have ever heard,” he says. “Those moments make all the restless nights and hard work worth it.” Nichelle says parenting has been a daily joy. “My favourite part of the day (night) is right after both boys have fallen asleep, we’ve read a story, said our prayers and I have a warm boy cuddled on each side!” she says.

Not without challenges Parenting has also thrown up some unexpected curve balls for her as well. “The most unexpected aspect of parenting has been the necessity to change my priorities,” she confirms. “I have always been extremely hard working but I have found it a challenge to balance a career and children, I want to be a great parent and a good employee. Sometimes it feels like those two desires cannot be achieved simultaneously. I always feel like I am failing in one area or the other, “working mom guilt, thy name is Nichelle”.”

Growing up, Nichelle confirms it was her mother who was her role model. “Always my mother. She juggled it all; in fact, she’s still my role model! She’s a Deputy CFO with the government and she raised me alone after my father died when I was five. She believes in family and has a strong value system that I seek to emulate,” she says. Like Nichelle, Shomari says it’s his parents to whom he looks for role models for the difficult task of parenting. “They both in their different ways provided the example of what great individuals look like. They gave me the love and the discipline I needed and then allowed me to forge my own way,” he confirms. “Outside of them I always looked up to sports stars like Magic Johnson and Dan Marino and garnered a lot from their leadership traits.” As a family, Nichelle confirms they believe in family, honesty, ethics and hard work. “Our children are constantly surrounded, my husband comes from a very loving family and his father picks up our older son three times a week. Outside of that, the boys’ teachers have met auntie, uncle, nana, Grandad and more. Our boys go to church and Sunday school every Sunday with their grandparents, usually my in-laws,” she states. Nichelle adds that, in the 21st century where career demands are high, the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” has never been more apt. “We have our own little village and we all come together to raise our boys,” she confirms. Shomari agrees: “I don’t think I truly understood the fact that your life is no longer yours once you have children and that it truly takes a village. I am not sure how we would have been able to cope without the vast network of friends and family that are there whenever we need them.”

Parenting by example Shomari says Nichelle spends time instilling their family values, by talking to their children constantly about what is right and wrong even prior to them being able to speak full sentences. “I try to do so by showing them more than talking,” he adds. “Even though I speak a lot for my work I am actually a quiet individual that doesn’t speak much. Integrity, determination and giving of your best at all times, those are the three values I am trying to instill.” Nichelle confirms that both she and Shomari hope for happiness and health for their boys, and with those two aspects, success and material items will follow. Shomari says one thing he has learned is that what they, as parents, want is irrelevant. “I wanted my sons to like certain sports for instance and they have decided what they want and like. We can only raise them right, instill values as best as possible, mold them into productive citizens and once they are happy in life and fulfilled in what they have chosen their purpose to be, we will have succeeded,” he says.CP

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HolidayFinds

Razor Delta Wing Available at Cost U Less $69.99

HP Stream Available at Office Supply A great starter laptop in fun colours $344

Ideas by Ages Babies

0-18 months Find toys that engage their curiosity and stimulate exploration. Toys such as rattles, balls, playmats, sensory toys, cuddle toys and stacking toys.

Inside Out Figurines Available at The Toy Shoppe $32.99 each

Toddlers

Finis Mermaid Fin Available at Divers World $38.00

Crayola Creativity Tub Available at Office Supply $18.88

Lego MineCraft ‘The Cave’

Smithsonian 40mm Refractor Telescope

Available The Toy Shoppe $35.99

Tobbles

Available at Book Nook $46.25

Available at Every Bloomin’ Thing $29.00

18 months-3 years The age of ACTION! Find toys that allow them to move and play. They enjoy play structures, digging tools, trikes and big plastic ride on cars. Finger paints, markers, crayons and more.

Preschoolers Ages 3-5 years

Find toys that engage their active imaginations. Kids this age enjoy playing dress-up, kitchens, puppets, stuffed animals, villages and farms.

Leapster GS Explorer with Camera Available at Little Darlings $104.38

School Age

Huffy Pedal Bikes (variety sizes/prices)

Ages 6-9 years

Available at Kirk Home Centre

They are thirsty to learn often enjoying activities that are more challenging. This age loves science and model kits, board games and chapter books.

Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe

Vtech KidiZoom Action Cam

Available at Little Darlings $122.80

Available at Cost U Less $69.99

Tween

Ages 9-12 years Similar to the teen age bracket, they are increasingly harder to buy for. This age group is best with hobby related gifts, electonic and experience gifts.

Lazer ZAP Skimboards Available at Divers World Various sizes for different ages $137 thru $399

Simplified Gift Giving

Teens, 13+

1 Something

They Want.

2 Something

They Need.

Simplify your life and your budget with these four guidelines. 24

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3 Something

They Wear.

4 Something

They Read.

This age group is often considered the hardest to buy for. Shop for their interests and hobbies. If the have favourite stores, give gift vouchers. Sports equipment, books, magazines, experience gifts and cash are also popular with this age group. All items in stock at press time. Prices not guarenteed. www.caymanparent.com

Holidays

A blended Cayman Christmas C

The holidays can be a balancing act...

The holidays can be a balancing act

Column By Elke O’Donnell

hristmas time in Grand Cayman with my family is a mixture of old traditions and new ones, changes made through marriage over the years. As a child, my mother and I visited my aunt’s house, who’s the cook in the family and the one with a new house and room to fit family and friends. The gatherings involved traditional dishes of rice and bean, baked macaroni and cheese, potato salad, spicy local beef, bread kind, and the dreaded fruit cake my aunt made each year and insisted everyone take home a slice or even two. The party started at noon but the food wasn’t served until sometimes as late as 4 o’clock and between the well-stock bar and music setup in the carport, everyone was in good spirits and ready to eat and party long past sunrise. Kids danced and played on the grass lawn and listened to ‘old time’ stories about the storm of ’32 and how bad the mosquitos were in their day, and how much Cayman has changed from when they grew up. Presents were exchanged and opened, as laughter echoed inside and outside my aunt’s house. When my mother married my step-father, we collected new traditions, and started a few of our own. My father loves turkey, so we added it to the list of

Packaging

95 29.99

Bay Town Plaza (drive-thru available) 36 West Bay Road

Downtown

14 Shedden Road (behind the Natl. Museum)

The Strand

Canal Point Road

www.kfccayman.com facebook.com/KFC.Cayman

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food on the table along with steam vegetables and my dad’s famous spicy stuffing. While we didn’t have Christmas stockings, we had a stunning SHIP, MAIL & PRINT WITH US, plastic tree laden with ornaments, then sit back and enjoy them! lights, and tinsel that remained bonded Ship, Mail & Print with us to the fake stems long after being dismantled, waiting until the next Then sit back and enjoy the holidays. Christmas. New traditions came when Ship,I Mail & Print with us Ship,purchases Mail & Print us We ship your online toewith Cayman s got married and started a family. purchas e n li Then sit back and enjoy the holidays.- Low shipping rates n o from onlyback $6.95 and enjoy the holidays. our sit My husband came from Texas ship yThen Weour 6.95 - Sign up on website n a and with his own family traditions, m m only $ s froonline to Cay Weinship te a r your purchases to Cayman g We ship your online purchases to Cayman ipp and melding them with my family e - Low sh - Lowou ebsit w r shipping rates from only $6.95 n o Low shipping rates from only $6.95 Send Gifts & Cards Overseas became an interesting learning - Sign up- Sign up on our website as Oversestamps - Signwith up on our website - Express courier, parcel experience for both of us filled Car&dspostage &post s s t p if m G ta d s Sen & Send pos&t,Cards compromises and long discussions - Boxes, pouches packing elmaterials terials Overseas , parcGifts cking ma a p - Courie-rExpress & about what we wanted to Send pass unto Gifts & Cards Overseas s e stamps uch courier, parcel post & postage oxes, poFlyers & more more Invitations,- BCards, our kids. We settled on stockings, ers &materials - Express courier, parcel post & postage stamps - Boxes, pouches &Fly packing , s d r , Caday turnaround ays - In-house printing which became a fun buying expedition ationas1-3 - Boxes, pouches & packing materials in 1-3 dFlyers Invitwith ting Cards, in Invitations, & more r p e s o and quality time for my husband and I. u - Visit our website for a print quote a qu te - In-ho- In-house ite for with a 1-3 day turnaround ebsprinting w r u o We added mash potatoes, but kept the Invitations, Cards, Flyers & more it - Vis - Visit our website for a print quote potato salad. He happily compromised - In-house printing with a 1-3 day turnaround on my dad’s spicy stuffing. No surprise - Visit our website for a print quote there. My parents and I alternate hosting Christmas lunch at our houses, and Market Street, Camana Bay my husband’s parents visited us every Market Street, Camana Bay Tel: 745-1400 Email: info@mbe.ky other holiday, and we visited them, Tel: 745-1400 Email: info@mbe.ky www.mbe.ky www.mbe.ky giving the kids a different experience Address Mailboxes Printing US Address Shipping Market Street, Camana Bay Mailboxes Printing each year. They enjoy Packaging the switch, Shipping USPackaging Tel: 745-1400 Email: info@mbe.ky different food, and of course being www.mbe.ky spoiled by their other grandparents. USson Address and I saw and enjoyed snow Shipping My Mailboxes Printing before my daughter’s birth, and my son learned the hard lesson he couldn’t go outside in the snow with only shorts and a sweater. Being part of a mixed family both with my parents and my own marriage has taken me away from a more traditional Caymanian Christmas, but the journey has been one I enjoy and would never change as it forced me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow with patience and understanding of someone else’s culture and traditions, a skill I hope to How to Send a Letter to Santa pass unto my kids as they make their All proceeds to benefit: 1. Purchase a special $1 stamp from way in a world growing diversely every Mail Boxes Etc. day. 2. Address the envelope to: Creating new Christmas traditions Santa Claus, North Pole $1 is important for all families, and a bit feedourfuturecayman.org 3. Drop your letter in the red mailbox like merging two families with different located at Mail Boxes Etc. religions. Each religion boasts their own beliefs and way of doing things, but at the end of the day their core values are often the same: love, and Write your letter at home, school or at wanting what’s best for their family. Mail Boxes Etc. Your stamp purchase of The merge is challenging, and many only $1 will help provide healthy meals times frustrating, but the rewards are for children in need in Cayman’s schools. boundless when your family find their www.mbe.ky Market Street, Camana Bay happy medium and create experiences you and your kids will cherish. CP

PI ECES OF CH ICKEN 4 BISCUITS 2 MD. SIDES 1 (2) LTR. PEPSI/7 UP

The holidays can be a balancing act

LETTERS toforSANTA charity

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Christmas Table

From sumptuous entrées to delicious sides, these homespun recipes are sure to whet your appetite.

faves CONTEST WINNER

Dine & Dish Recipe of the Month

Spatch-Cock Turkey

Courtesy of Virginia Czarnocki, Moozlers Note: Chicken is pictured above to illustrate process

A spatch-cock turkey is easy to carve too, as you can easily get into the thighs and the breast.

Spatch-cock means to split open and prepare your bird for grilling. It takes approximately a quarter of the time to cook and is always moist!

If you fancy the turkey Caribbean style, rub it with dry jerk seasoning before cooking.

• Pat the turkey dry. • Place it breast down on a chopping board. • Cut out the back bone with sharp scissors (keep the bone and use it to make stock). • Turn the turkey over. • Press down hard on the breastbones using your hand or a heavy saucepan until the bones crack. • Pull the thighs outward so the turkey lies flat, with the wings facing inward and tuck the wing tips under. • Heat the oven to 450 degrees. • Lay the turkey, carcass side down, in a roasting tin. • Brush oil or melted butter over the skin. • Rain salt over the top of the turkey.

Dry Jerk Seasoning

Timings are based on a 10 to 12lb turkey. • Place the turkey in the roasting tin in the oven and roast for 1 hour and 20 minutes until the inside temperature of the meat (as its thickest point) reaches 165 to 170 degrees. • Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil and allow it to sit for around 20 minutes before carving.

Ingredients: 2 teaspoons of garlic powder 2 teaspoons of onion powder 2 teaspoons of dried thyme 1 to 3 teaspoons of cayenne pepper (1 is mild and kid friendly and 3 is hot) 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika 1 teaspoon of Jamaican allspice 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon 1 teaspoon of crushed rosemary 2 teaspoons of salt 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (more if you like it hot. 1/2 suits the kids and it still has a kick) 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger

Mix together and use as needed. Store the balance in an airtight container

Courtesy of Chef Maureen Cubbon

Ingredients: 3 1/2 teaspoons EVOO 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced 2-3 bunches of fresh local kale, stems removed and chopped 1 teaspoon sherry vinegar

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Curried Butternut Soup with Coconut Toast

Courtesy of Chef Tanya Foster, Foster’s Food Fair – IGA

Soup Ingredients: 1 2 lb butternut squash (4 cups peeled, seeded & diced) 1 medium white onion (chopped) 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon coriander pinch cayenne pepper (optional) 2 tablespoons curry powder salt and pepper to taste 4 cups water or chicken broth 1 cup coconut milk

Coconut Toast 4 slices crusty bread (toasted) 1/2 tablespoon coconut spread

Directions 1. In a thick bottomed stock pot heat the oil on medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally until softened. Add curry powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes. 2. Add the butternut squash to the pot and cover with water. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 40 minutes or until the squash is completely tender. 3. Use a hand blender (immersion blender) to achieve a smooth consistency. Add coconut milk and stir until well mixed. Add more salt to taste if needed. 4. Evenly spread the coconut spread on the toast and place in the oven on high broil for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.

Dine & Dish Recipe Contest is kindly sponsored by Foster’s! Like our Facebook page for contest details.

Ingredients: 2 turkey bacon slices, roughly chopped up 4 large shallots, thinly sliced 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 1 cup low sodium vegetable stock 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Coconut oil Cooking spray 1 (2-ounce) slice whole grain French baguette 3 tablespoons butter

Directions 1. Preheat broiler; if you are able to choose the setting of the broiling select Low. 2 Cook bacon with a small drop of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and let cool. Add shallots to oil in pan; sauté for 2 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally and adding a teaspoon or two of coconut oil as needed. Add Brussels sprouts and 1 cup veggie stock; bring to a boil. Cover pan loosely with aluminum foil; cook 6 minutes or until Brussel sprouts are almost tender. Uncover and remove from heat. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper; toss to combine. Spoon Brussels sprouts mixture into a 2-quart broiler-safe glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray. 3. Place bread in a food processor, and process until finely ground. Melt butter in skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to pan; sauté for 2 minutes or until toasted, stirring frequently. Add cooked, crumbled bacon to toasted breadcrumb mixture. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over Brussels sprouts mixture. Broil 3 minutes or until golden and thoroughly heated.

Spiced Sorrel Garlicky Local Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Smash Courtesy of Chef Maureen Cubbon

Directions

Courtesy of Chef Maureen Cubbon

1 garlic bulb, unpeeled, cloves separated Olive Oil 1-2 pounds of sweet potatoes, peeled, chopped 1 – 2 pounds of local pumpkin, peeled, chopped 2 tablespoons milk 1 stick of cold butter, chopped up 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Roasted Local Garlic Kale

1. Arrange oven racks in center and lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 425°. Place a large jelly-roll pan in oven for 5 minutes. 2. Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; toss to coat. Place kale mixture on hot pan, spreading with a silicone spatula to separate leaves. Bake at 425° for 7 minutes. Stir kale. Bake an additional 5 minutes or until edges of leaves are crisp and kale is tender. 3. Place kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinegar; toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Brussel Sprouts Gratin

1. Take garlic bulb and drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast garlic in an oven at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender. Stand for 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Squeeze garlic from skins. Discard skins. 2. Meanwhile, cook sweet potato and pumpkin in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water for 10 minutes or until tender. Drain. Return to pan. Add garlic. Smash until almost smooth but still a bit lumpy. You can also mash finely or put in a food processor if you like a very smooth consistency however don’t over process or else it will be runny like soup! Add milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Serve sprinkled with parsley.

Courtesy of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association as featured on The Deep Dish Cayman 1 lb sorrel sepals 1” of ginger, minced and crushed 1 tsp cloves 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tbsp orange zest 2 litres of water 8 tbsp sugar Optional: White rum

Directions 1. Separate sepals from seeds and rinse 2. Add sorrel, ginger, orange zest into large container (or 6 canning jars, if you’re like me) 3. Pour in boiling water and cover with cloth. Set aside for at least 24 hours 4. Add sugar (and rum) to taste. Set aside for another 24 hours. Bottle and chill!

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HolidayEvents

The Holidays

Tis’ the Reason for the Season

Cayman ARK- “Giving is Receiving”

Feed our Future “Letters to Santa” By purchasing a special stamp from Mailboxes Etc., your child can send his or her letter directly to Santa. Your stamp purchase of $1.00 will help provide healthy

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It’s easy to make giving back a part of your holiday traditions at Camana Bay! As a thank you for your generosity, Camana Bay will match all Camana Bay Christmas Give contributions.

Cayman Islands have countless events throughout the holiday season for you and your family and visitors to enjoy. Check www.camanabay.com/holidays for the most current happenings at Camana Bay.Be sure to check with your local churches for their festive schedules.

• Share the magic of giving with your children by writing what you’re thankful for on a gratitude note (using provided materials) and dropping it into the Gratitude Jar next to the Gingerbread House at the Discovery Centre.

• Donate using the coin donation box at Starfish Village. Kids can have a coin race using the cascade feature or donate cash to ensure all children across Cayman enjoy a school lunch with Feed Our Future.

Beginning November 2

Beginning the first week of November- onwards

Camana Bay “Christmas Give” Events

November 21

• Purchase a photo package with Santa Claus (choose from our traditional Santa or Caribbean Santa photo session events) and “Picture This“ will donate $1.00 to the Camana Bay Christmas Give fund.

With the Christmas season soon upon us, Cayman once again has a heart-warming line-up of fundraising events to get you into the spirit of giving! While efforts have been made to make contact with each and every charitable organization on island, please don’t consider this to be the “List of All Lists”. Although we have been making our list and checking it twice, we certainly may have unintentionally missed a few. Looking forward to seeing you out there, giving a little (or a lot) back to this beautiful island we call home!

ARK’s 7th annual campaign will be changing a bit this year to meet the needs of hundreds of families in Cayman. This Christmas, ARK would like to give the “Gift of Choice”, where in place of Blue Bags, ARK will deliver BLUE ENVELOPES, giving you an option to donate food vouchers and/or cash donations to this special cause. Envelopes will then be delivered island wide to previously identified families in need, collaborating with local schools, Canteen Staff, The Crisis Center, local churches and other organizations that work closely within the community. If you would like to get involved in this great cause, please email ARK at info@ arkcayman.com.

Get into the festive spirit!

Beginning November 21

meals for children in need in Cayman schools. Letters can be mailed directly to Santa from special mailboxes within Camana Bay.

heffernan@st-ignatius.com or the St. Ignatius School Office at 949-9250.

Late November through mid December

Help make Christmas morning magical for a family in need this Christmas. By choosing a tag from the Giving Tree, you will be provided with the details (age/ gender) of an adult or child in need this Christmas. Participants then place the gift, with the tag attached, under the Giving Tree. Additional items, such as new toiletries for men and women are always much appreciated. For further details or to participate, please contact O’Neil Miller at the Parish Office at 949-6797.

St. Ignatius School- “Christmas Hampers” In co-ordination with Social Services (DCFS), St. Ignatius is once again making their annual Christmas Hamper appeal. Each year St. Ignatius delivers over 30 hampers to families in need and your spirit and generosity can help make a much brighter Christmas for the less fortunate in Cayman! If you would like to take part in the program this year, please contact Veronica Heffernan at vernonica.

St. Ignatius Church and School“Annual Giving Tree”

9th Annual Tree Lighting 4pm Holiday Craft Market; 6-8pm The Crescent, Camana Bay

for the season. You can also support the National Trust by purchasing Christmas

• Participate in the Santa Run on November 28th at 6:30am and dash through the Town Centre in red-and-white regalia. Part of your registration fee will be donated to the Camana Bay Christmas Give fund.

tree ornaments with original designs by

• Have your pet take a photo with Santa at Santa Paws on December 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Gardenia Court. “Picture This” will be donating their photography services and funds raised will be donated to the Cayman Islands Humane Society.

Christmas at Mission House. These items

*Watch a special Moonlight & Movies showing of Max (2015, PG) and visit the Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts (C.A.R.E.) booth on Thursday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m. in Gardenia Court. For more information on how you can lend your support over the holidays, visit The Discovery Centre or call 640-4000.

December 21 to 23 The National Trust- “Christmas Lights Tour” Join the National Trust’s Christmas Lights Bus Tour and recapture the reason for the season as passengers tour historic Mission House sparkling against the night sky. Sample Cayman style Christmas beef and cassava cake to fuel you along the way while you visit local yards decked out

art collective, 3 Girls and a Kiln, depicting Nurse Leila’s Home in West Bay as well as Christmas cards by local photographer Courtney Platt, picturing a traditional will be available for purchase at the Trust’s merchandise store beginning in early December. For more information email dbodden@nationaltrust.org.ky or call 7491121.

November 28 from 2pm- 5pm Pink Ladies Annual Christmas Bazaar ARC Camana Bay Tickets: $5.00

Camana Bay transforms into a sparkling wonderland with a majestic Christmas tree, inspiring musical performances, a Christmas craft market and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Tuesdays at 7pm from November 24 Moonlight & Movies Christmas Series, Gardenia Court, Camana Bay, From 7pm Families can cuddle up in the festively lit courtyard to enjoy their favourite Christmas films on a giant outdoor screen. November 24 The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993 PG) December 1 The Santa Clause (1994 PG) December 8, Kiddie Flicks Elf (2003 PG) December 15 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 PG) December 17 MAX - FUNDRAISER (C.A.R.E.) (2015 PG)

Come out for an afternoon filled with

December 22 Home Alone 1 (1990 PG)

live Christmas music and home-baked

November 28

goodies all in aid of the various nonprofit initiatives here in Cayman that The Pink Ladies support throughout the year! Amongst the various vendors, you are sure to find everything from plants, to handmade items, books and treasures galore. Plenty of prizes and raffles to be won!

Santa Run | 6:30am The Crescent, Camana Bay Runners dressed in red-and-white regalia race through the Town Centre to raise funds for the Camana Bay Christmas Give. > see next page

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November 28, 29 6:30pm

December 5

December 12 and 19

The Singing Christmas Tree at the First Assembly of God, Old Crewe Road

Cayman 27’s Parade of Lights 4pm The Festival Green, Camana Bay

Gingerbread House Workshops at The Ritz

The Singing Christmas Tree highlights the story of Jesus’ birth depicted through a 25 foot Christmas tree encased with over 5,000 lights and 60 local and international performers. Free event - all welcome!

Boats aglow with thousands of brightly coloured lights parade through The Harbour against a soundtrack of choirs while a Christmas market charms with local food and crafts.

December 1

December 9

Cayman Hospice Care’s Light Up a Life 5:30 to 7pm

Christmas at the Fort National Trust

This workshop is a “make and take” activity for families to enjoy. We provide a preassembled gingerbread house per family, frosting and candies to decorate it, seasonally inspired marshmallows and hot cocoa for the children. You supply the creativity and holiday spirit! From 2pm. Cost $55 per house. Limited Availability- call 815-6912.

Cassia Court, Camana Bay

Celebrate loved ones who will be with us only in spirit this holiday season by adding a light to the community memorial tree.

December 1-19

An end of year musical concert with well known local artists. Come join us at 6:00pm at historic Fort George for a night of Christmas lights and music. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling 345-749-1121. Suggested donation: $10.

December 12

Christmas Crafts/Activities Workshops at Starfish Village, Camana Bay Wreath decorating, ornament making, cookie baking, Gingerbread houses and more! See Facebook /starfishvillage for details.

Santa Paws 10am-12pm, Gardenia Court Pets and their owners can take photos with Santa and shop for holiday gifts to support the Cayman Islands Humane Society as part of the Camana Bay Christmas Give.

12 DAYS

Christmas Crafts & Activities Workshops

December 13 Annual Jingle Bell Walk/Run 7am, Holiday Inn Grand Cayman Cayman Islands Crisis Centre 13th Annual Jingle Bell Walk/Run which has quickly become the family event of the holiday season! All members of the family, from the youngest to the oldest person, can participate in this family fun Walk/Run. The Jingle Bell Walk/Run includes a full breakfast on the beach, prizes for all age levels and a special visit from Santa Claus!

> see next page

1st December

3rd December

4th December

Christmas Cards & Santa Letters

Christmas Canvas Painting

Christmas Wreath Decorating

3:30pm - 4:30pm

$15

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Email: litdarl@candw.ky Bodden Place, Shedden Road

$15

10th December

Christmas Ornament Decorating

Homemade Wrapping Paper

Christmas Crafts

2:00pm - 4:00pm

3:30pm - 4:30pm

$25

$15

3:30pm - 4:30pm

$15

11th December

12th December

15th December

Edible Gifts in a Mason Jar

Christmas Baking (Cookies)

Reindeer Lolly Bags

$15

2:00pm - 4:00pm

$25

17th December

18th December

‘Winter Day’ Snowman Making

Christmas Gifts

CHRISTMAS CAMP

Fun Christmas themed camp for ages 3-12

Dec. 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th (half day) Dec. 29th, 30th, 31st (half day) Half day $40 | Full day $80

$15

Decorating

Gingerbread Houses

6:30pm - 7:30pm $15

3:30pm - 4:30pm

19th December $15

– Workshop prices include all supplies –

949-2580

6:30pm - 7:30pm

8th December

3:30pm - 4:30pm

ALL THE HOTTEST TOYS FOR YOUR LITTLE DARLINGS! - FREE GIFT WRAPPING - GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

HAPPILY SERVING CAYMAN PARENTS FOR OVER 40 YEARS! Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 7pm

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5th December

6:30pm - 7:30pm

Your one stop shop for all of your Christmas needs!

3:30pm - 4:30pm

2:00pm - 4:00pm

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December 15 Santa Story Time 11am, Regal Cinemas A special holiday-themed Story Time featuring classic Christmas tales read by the Jolly Old Elf himself.

See what happens when the magic of Christmas meets a child’s tea party where you get to decorate your own Gingerbread Man station. Indulge in tiny sandwiches and a tower of sweets before succumbing to the magic of Santa and his friends around the Christmas tree. Call 815-6912 to book.

December 19

December 17

Drum Circle End-of-Year Jam 4-6pm, The Crescent

Moonlight & Movies for C.A.R.E. 6:30pm, Gardenia Court Guests are invited to bring their furry family friends to a special canine-friendly screening of Moonlight & Movies to raise awareness and funds for Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts (C.A.R.E.).

December 18

Local musicians celebrate a vibrant year with a drum choral unlike any Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum you’ve ever heard.

December 22, 2015 to January 2, 2016

5pm - 9pm The Ritz Andiamo/ Harbour Club

Relax under the starts with kids favorite’s served from the buffet and Christmas movies playing at our outdoor theater. $20.00 per children. Call 815-6912 to book.

December 19 to 24

December 21 to 23

Gingerbread Man Tea at The Ritz

Christmas Lights Bus Tour

Seatings: 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm ParentMagazineNov15c.pdf at the Silver Palm Lounge

Join 4:01the PM National Trust tour guide as we visit modern homes decked out for the Christmas

10/14/15

VISIT OUR WEBSITE caymanparent.com. season in thousands of twinkling lights. Call 345-749-1123 for reservation to guarantee your seat. Cost is CI$35 for non-members or CI$20 for members of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. 6 to 9pm

A Christmas Recital, The Crescent

Don your best winter whites and dance the night away at the hottest party of the season with DJ Lin in aid of Aimee’s Angels.

Submit it to our publisher@caymanparent.com for inclusion in print and/or online.

December 23

Children’s Buffet and Movies Under the Stars

8th Annual Mistletoe White Party 5pm-2am, Abacus

Have an upcoming event?

Visions of sugar plum fairies under the stars; students from Miss Jackie’s School of Dance perform holiday classics.

New Year’s Eve December 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration | 7pm & 12am Fireworks | 6pm-1:30am No Resolutions Party, The Crescent With two spectacular fireworks displays and a rockin’ New Year’s Eve party, Camana Bay is ringing in 2016 with festivities for all ages.

Something to Read

Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin Review by Elke (Feuer) O’Donnell A charming book to curl up with and escape-leaving you content, warm, and smiley-ready to kick of the Christmas Holidays. Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with twinkling fairy lights and spectacular views over the seaside town of White Cliff Bay. She creates breathtaking sculptures as an ice-carver, but her personal life is frozen. When Henry and his daughter Daisy rent her cottage, Penny is determined to welcome them. Daisy is friendly, but Henry

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gentle holiday love story with meddling but loving neighbors who will make you giggle. The descriptions of the cottage and village pulls you into White Cliff, and will melt your heart so you can’t put it down and have you looking forward to the Christmas Holidays. CP

Best Bets for Your Children Pre-School The Day the Crayons Quit by Oliver Jeffers

Minion’s Snow Day by Brandon T Snider and Ed Miller

Little Elliot, Big Family

Teens

Middle School

(Divergent Series)

The Case of the Florida Freeze

The Christmas Company

(Santa Claus: Super Spy Book 1) by Ryan Jacobson

(Snowflake Triplet #3) By Alexandra Lanc

The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree Nightbird

Carry On

by Mike Curato

by Alice Hoffman

Ninja Red Riding Hood

My Life as a Gamer

by Corey Rosen Schwartz

(The My Life Series) by Janet Tashjian

A Pirate’s Twelve Day of Christmas

Gone Crazy in Alabama

by Philip Yates and Sebastia Serra

is guarded. As Penny gets to know Henry, she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye, and soon their connection is too strong to ignore. Henry and Penny hide the pains from their past, each behind their own self-made façade, albeit differently. But, as they share funny, heart-breaking, and fierce moments between the ice sculpting competition and the Christmas Eve ball, their passionate attraction begins to melts the ice around their hearts. Will Penny finally get the Christmas she’s been dreaming of? And will two broken hearts find love again? Christmas at Lilac Cottage is a sweet and

by Rainbow Rowell

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles) by Marissa Meyer

The Rose Society (Young Elites Book 2) by Marie Lu

Astra by M.C. Frank

by Rita Williams-Garcia

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Spotlight

Innovative new designs for Cayman’s school playgrounds “Play is an integral component of a child’s development.”

he United States and the Caribbean are currently experiencing a recreational renaissance. Both realise that recreational parks and playgrounds do more than simply offer fun play opportunities; they provide learning, fitness, and community building. The Cayman Islands has not been overlooked when it comes to enjoying this new surge of enthusiasm, and Cayman’s primary schools have recently seen a rejuvenation when it comes to the quality of play areas for their students, thanks to the high quality products and professionalism of American Parks Company, a Texas-based company which sells America’s most trusted commercial park and playground equipment. American Parks Company is at the forefront of park and play area products in the United States and has brought its expertise down to the Cayman Islands so students at a variety of Government primary schools have greatly benefitted from their enhanced

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new playgrounds. Students at Creek Primary School and Spot Bay Primary School on Cayman Brac, and Grand Cayman’s East End Primary School, Edna M. Moyle Primary School, Red Bay Primary School, Savannah Primary School and Sir John A. Cumber Primary School, have all enjoyed these brand new, top quality recreational facilities. A family-owned company headquartered in McKinney, Texas, American Parks Company sells commercial park and playground equipment. All products are made in the U.S. and meet and/or exceed all the important national safety guidelines for play equipment. The company is also an International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) Associate Member. The business was started in 2004 and operates under Martin Chad McNeill, President, and Chuck Wellenberger, Executive Vice President, and has had a broad reach when it comes to its goods and services,

having provided playground equipment to entities in all 50 American states, as well as eight countries. They are the leader in online playground sales and installation services as well “We have helped tens of thousands of public and private institutions build engaging indoor and outdoor recreational spaces, and we are committed to seeing more healthy families and children outdoors, making new friends and creating great memories,” Mr McNeill confirms. “Play is an integral component of a child’s development and as a company we love that we offer products that fundamentally shape the growth of future generations,” Mr McNeill adds. In Cayman, American Parks Company was involved with the school projects right from the beginning. They took part in the planning, custom design, site preparation, and finally, clean-up. Mr McNeill says it has been a pleasure to assist Cayman’s primary schools in their quest for improved recreational facilities for students. “We’ve enjoyed helping the schools tailor-make their playgrounds to suit the needs of their students, working with Cayman’s unique topography” he confirms. “In particular, there were some unique elements in the design and construction of Cayman’s school playgrounds. For example, because of the rocky soil conditions, we were able to create a custom

incorporated shade design in the playground structure, reducing the overall footprint and installation expenses, while providing a safe play environment.” Thomas C. Ebanks Jr. is the Facilities/Project Manager with the Government’s Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs. He describes American Parks Company’s role in the construction of the primary school playgrounds. “The works entailed supplying and installing four playground structures and rubber tiled safe play zones for West End Primary School, East End Primary School, Savannah Primary School and Edna M. Moyle Primary School. Rubber tiled safe play zones were also installed under the existing playgrounds at Sir John A Cumber Primary School and Red Bay Primary School,” he advises. Government conducted a departmental public open tender process and after evaluation of the tenders, it was Casa Montessori Structures that was the successful tender. They used a playground system supplied by American Parks Company, he says. The fact that their particular offering was Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant was a very good feature, he confirms, and the vast colour selection of the playgrounds options was a really nice feature, too. Mr Ebanks has nothing but praise for the efficiency of the work undertaken. “American Parks Company performed well on this project, and it was a pleasure working with them in delivering these projects for the students and faculty at each school,” Mr Ebanks says. Marcia Rennie, Principal at Edna M. Moyle Primary School, confirms that their work was completed satisfactorily and efficiently, and the installers were professional and cleaned up the site each day. “The product offers a safe place for play and the children enjoy the cushioned bounce as well as the game areas, for hopscotch and tic-tac-toe, that were incorporated,” she adds. At the moment, the company has a number of new projects on the go in the Cayman Islands, including working with the Ministry of Education. A daycare and private school are currently in the planning stages for shades, playgrounds and bleachers as well. “It’s been a straightforward process from start to finish and we are delighted that we are able to bring our expertise and our quality products to the Cayman Islands for the benefit of the country’s school students,” Mr McNeill says. “We look forward to continuing and strengthening our relationship with the island and the Caribbean as a whole in the months to come.” If you need the expertise of American Parks Company contact them on 1-800-381-4491, email: sales@ americanparkscompany.com, visit or write to them at: 225 E. Virginia Street, Suite 1, McKinney, Texas 75069, USA or visit their website at www.AmericanParksCompany.com www.caymanparent.com

Boarding School Perspectives

nationalities. As a result, they’re not merely encouraged to be tolerant and open-minded, they will know no other way of being. This will equip them to negotiate across borders, to understand the need for deep connections with other people across cultural, racial and religious barriers and hopefully to see beyond their own narrow domestic circumstances. Children at boarding schools spend more time in class (including Saturday school for many). However, this does not mean that the typical boarding school schedule is one of unrelenting academic grind. There is also more time for play. The countless hours previously spent traveling to and from activities or lounging around at home can be devoted instead to a wider range of opportunities in sport, music, drama and other activities than a small hometown might be able to offer. In addition to Mandarin and fencing and Greek, however, there are also chances to hear from renowned authors, leading business people, famous musicians and sports personalities and to understand that this level of attainment is also within the students’ reach. The most important lesson for parents may be to understand and respect the merits of either choice. There are excellent schools in

To board or not to board Column By Sara Collins

odern parenting can be a minefield. From the moment of birth, decisions must be made about one hotly debated matter after another: bottle or breast, co-sleeping or crib, ‘vaxxer’ or ‘anti-vaxxer’ and on and on. Ours is the generation that came to think of parenting as a vocation; mothers especially (but a few fathers too) are increasingly giving up high flying careers to apply the same extreme professionalism and competitiveness to raising their children, or choosing to skip the working world entirely in order to invest all of their education, skills and talent into ‘the greatest job on earth’. The modern parent is also far more likely to weigh in on each other’s choices with the zeal of opponents in a hard fought election campaign. In that context, boarding school is one of the most

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polarising choices a parent can make. Yet, many parents in Cayman are making this choice, for a number of good reasons. Every September, British Airways, Air Canada and American Airlines whisk children back to their campuses in England, Canada and the USA, leaving their parents behind to try to get used to their empty nests until the next school holiday. Why would any parent do this to themselves, let alone their children? For a start, they know that when the plane doors open for their children at the other end, so will many other doors, stretching far into the future. The fact that a good boarding school will provide a world-class education, and access to the world’s best universities, is a given. Above and beyond this, students at boarding schools develop self-sufficiency and independence. The world shrinks, and begins to seem much less vast and intimidating. They live, work and play with friends of all

Since 1836

Bishop’s College School

Cayman, with a large number of extracurricular options that were simply not available even ten years ago. Many of those schools are more than equipped to obtain excellent results for bright children, and have a long track record of doing so. There is also no shortage of healthy competition: from numerous inter-school sporting competitions to the NCFA, as well as the many teams who travel to tournaments in the USA and further afield. However, there are as many reasons for the decision to board as children who do so. Some children may benefit from opportunities that are not available locally (for specialist sports or music schools, for example); some parents may be expats who want their children to spend time in their home country; others may want their children to develop an expanded worldview and enhanced self-confidence. Most parents of boarders will tell you that the experience is one of the many acts of selflessness parenthood requires; they endure the heartache of separation in order to do what they think is right for their child. Many also believe that the boarding experience results in the strengthening of family ties rather than their erosion, because > see next page

The most important lesson for parents may be to understand and respect the merits of either choice.

Where learning lives and leaders grow.

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Students thrive in our unique environment: > 150 km from Montreal on a 240-acre campus > Diverse student body representing over 34 countries > Optional bilingual program > Leadership opportunities both on campus and abroad > Financial assistance available

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time together is so precious and cannot be

Boarding School Perspectives

taken for granted.

DORM & DAY Finding the right fit for your child Offering Schools Placement Advisory Services in the Cayman Islands for education at home and overseas. • • • • • • • •

Personal service for every family Independent advice and first hand knowledge Day school advice for new residents Reviewing transcripts and applications Arranging boarding school visits Guidance through the admissions process Preparing shortlist of boarding schools in USA, Canada and UK Help in finding scholarships and financial aid

Trinity College School and students

Parents naturally want to keep their children with them for as long as possible, because they love them. However, many boarders’ parents will tell you they have sent their children to boarding school for precisely the same reason: because they love them. CP Writer Sara Collins was described by Chambers and Partners as “the pre-eminent trusts litigator in Cayman” before retiring in 2010. Her eldest child is at university and her four younger children are at boarding school.

Key tips Research student visa requirements well ahead of time.

Ensure that any school selected is equipped to handle special medical requirements.

Albert College offers a

H ome away fr o m h o me for boarding students in Grades 7 to 12 from 20 nations Students are inspired to reach their highest potential in Albert’s 5 ‘A’s: Academics | Arts | Athletics | Active Citizenship | Adventure

Consider whether you will need a friend or family member who lives near the school to act as a guardian. In North America, many schools are willing to appoint a teacher or houseparent. Most British schools require you to appoint someone outside the school.

Ask whether the school is a full boarding school. Some schools can feel very empty on weekends if large numbers of children who live nearby regularly go home, leaving international students feeling isolated and lonely.

APPLY NOW

Visit A L B E R T C O L L E G E . C A Co-educational boarding and day school. info@albertcollege.ca | 1-800-952-5237 Belleville, Ontario, Canada 40

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Boarding School Perspectives Deciding to send your child to boarding school is a personal family decision Story by Sara Collins

From ‘what is the ideal age’ to ‘how can I afford it’? Here are some considerations for every family.

any young Caymanians and students living in Cayman benefit from the excellent education and extracurricular activities available at local high schools. However, a number of them are making the decision to complete their high school education by leaving home and studying at boarding schools in North America and the U.K. It’s a decision many Cayman-based families wrestle with. In deciding what is best for your child, it’s often helpful to consider the perspectives of other families -- those who board and those who don’t -- as well as professionals with years of experience in a boarding school environment. We interviewed a number of them about some frequently asked questions.

What is the ideal age? It seems to be far more common for students heading to boarding schools in North America to do so right at the start of high school, or to leave for the final two years of high school. Most senior boarding schools in England will start at year 9 (age 13+). However, Richard Foster, headmaster of Windlesham House School in England, pointed out that it is important to prepare children ready for pre-testing for many of the top senior schools in England, which can happen as early as year 6 (at around age 11). In his view, “Parents should give some thought to children having some boarding experience before they reach their adolescent years, so that they > see next page

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are able to benefit from the academic stimulus, as well as the all important social skills, self-confidence and interview practice that a good prep school can provide.”

An academic approach as unique as each student...

What about pastoral care? Subjects:

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Pastoral care is a very important feature of any boarding environment. Parents should ensure that they are familiar with the quality of accommodation and food on offer. It is essential that you and your child should visit any school he/she may attend. This will give you a chance to meet prospective house parents, who are the all important links between boarders and their parents. Frequent and open communication with them is essential: from finding out about your child’s successes during the week, to whether or not there are any signs of homesickness or any other problems, to arranging medical care and visits -- and anything else a parent will want to be informed about. Ms. Vicky Burford, housemistress of Nugent House at Eastbourne College in England remarked that living as part of a house community is one of the key advantages of the boarding experience, allowing students to develop “independence, resilience, exposure to other cultures and the opportunity to experience a range of extracurricular activities under one roof.” She identified the priority for ensuring good pastoral care as ‘consistency’: ensuring that boundaries are set, even if teenagers sometimes rattle the cage of authority, as is natural. She also singled out an effective tutor system, and encouraging older students to take on

Most Popular Overseas Schools

Ali Finlason pointed out that the quality of high school education is excellent in Cayman, but many children find that special interests cannot be adequately catered to in the Islands as they grow older. She said that her family’s decision was driven by: “one word: exposure.” Her son is now attending a school in Canada with a reputation for world-class ice hockey

USA Many Caymanian students have enrolled at Darlington School and Rabun Gap in Georgia, among others.

Canada Trinity College School in Port Hope has a large number of Caymanian students currently enrolled. Ridley College in St Catharines is also a popular choice and Caymanian students have attended Appleby College in Oakville and Bishop Strachan, among others.

England and Scotland Students attend (or have attended) Harrow, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Sevenoaks, King’s Canterbury and Eastbourne College, among others. On the prep school side, Windlesham House, Ashdown House and Port Regis have been popular choices.

facilities. Both mothers report that their children have “never been happier” since starting boarding school.

How can we afford it? Amanda Roberts of Dorm & Day in the Cayman Islands advises parents who are worried about cost to remember that many schools offer Financial Aid in the form of bursaries, merit scholarships for academics, arts and sports and, in some circumstances, ‘needs blind’ funding. She says it is only necessary to “dig a little to find some less well known, more affordable boarding schools out there which also have very good academic, athletic and pastoral records.” On the other side of the coin, Gelia van Genderen’s daughter has chosen to remain at one of the island’s top high schools, observing that not everyone is lucky enough to attend high school in paradise. Gelia and her husband stated that, “Our family has full confidence in the quality of the education and extracurricular activities available in the local high school she attends”. They highlighted the importance for them of ensuring that their daughter feels a strong connection to the Cayman Islands as her home. Rashada Clarke’s daughter also attends a local high school. In her view, the adolescent years are among the most crucial to a child’s development and she wants to be present for her daughter throughout the transitions and changes that occur during this period. She perhaps summed it up best when she said: “It’s truly an individual choice, one we make based on the needs (and wants) of our individual children.” CP

leadership roles.

Should they stay or should they go?

Deborah

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Kerri

A common theme for most parents is that the decision was ultimately driven by the child. Lydia Booker, whose daughter is at a top boarding school just outside Toronto, Canada said, “Our daughter was the one who came to us with a proposal of why she wanted to go. Her main reasons were to get more out of her high school experience, especially for athletics, and she also wanted a bigger social pool and more course selection.”

This holiday season, why not give the gift of water?

Water Authority - Cayman “Suppliers of the World’s Most Popular Drink”

The Water Authority offers gift certificates for CI$10, CI$25 and CI$50, which can be redeemed towards the payment of water and/or sewerage bills. These gift certificates make unique presents for friends or family, and are also a practical way to give back to local charities. www.caymanparent.com

The Kirkaldys

Balance

One family’s boarding school perspective

Interview By Sara Collins

ack to school season for the Kirkaldy family meant a trip to Port Hope, Canada this past September. David and Christina dropped their son, Ryan (16), and their daughter, Taylor (14), off at Trinity College School; it was the start of Ryan’s third year, but the beginning of a brand new experience for Taylor. It also left David and Christina with a temporarily empty nest for the first time. Cayman Parent spoke with them about the experience.

What were your reasons for sending Ryan and Taylor to boarding school? David: Christina went to boarding school but I did not, so the decision to ‘send’ the kids to boarding school was one taken from two different perspectives as parents. I am always careful, though, not to use the word ‘send’ as it has a negative connotation. The conversations that led to our children ultimately attending boarding school were (in both instances) initiated by the children themselves. Because of this we prefer to view the decision as one that supports their desire to expand their educational, cultural and sporting opportunities.

What were the positive aspects of the experience? David: For us as parents the positive aspects are the wide variety of courses and experiences available to our children. We both attended the Cayman Prep school as kids, and I continued to the Cayman Islands High School. We had and have every confidence in the education the kids would have continued to receive here. After all, we turned out ok, right? What the boarding school environment does is allow the educational, sporting and interpersonal experience to be conducted over a 24/7 time-frame as opposed to the standard 7 hour day. As an example, students dive deeper into a greater variety of sporting activities.

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Christina: Our son, Ryan, attends Trinity College School. He is in grade 11 and is in his third year at TCS. He reports that, “my years at boarding school have been the best years of my life and I am very thankful for this opportunity. Boarding school is very good in the sense that it prepares you for college and being away from home so you aren’t hit with it all in university. I have made lifelong friendships in the two years I have been here and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Our daughter, Taylor, also started at Trinity in grade 9 this September. In her words, “some good things are making new friends and getting to learn how to be independent and not ask your parents for everything. I think I will strive a lot more here than I would back home because there are more opportunities and more people to help. Everyone is so supportive.”

What were the negative aspects of the experience? Christina: The negatives for the kids seem to fade as time goes on. The challenges seem to be more around apprehension and emotion. Part of the independence I presume. Ryan says that “going to school overseas is hard because you have all these questions about who will your roommate be and what will happen to the relationships with your friends back home.” He added, “honestly, when I came to school I was very scared to be away from home but also very excited for what was to come.” For Taylor, she observed that “the bad thing is that I can’t always see my parents. If ever I’m sad I don’t have my parents here to comfort me.”

Do you think there are any challenges unique to Cayman based parents in sending children overseas to boarding school? David: There are many challenges, and

Putting Yourself First Taylor and Ryan Kirkaldy both attend Trinity College School in Port Hope, Canada. many that are not unique to Cayman. Let’s face it, boarding school is expensive. It is a serious financial strain for many parents to be able to do this for their children. Also, unless you end up at a school in Florida you will generally spend anywhere from 12 hours or a whole day or more of travelling time to visit your kids, attend a game or science fair, or attend the school reporting sessions. Travel is a huge hidden cost. Finally, for parents, as with the kids, there is an emotional toll. We are now the proverbial ‘empty-nesters’ and the change in our daily and weekly routine cannot be understated. We miss them. For 16 years our lives have revolved around the care, feeding and sporting activities of two in our lives who are now away for most of the year. As parents we have to work on being just a couple again. However, as with the kids’ negatives, we feel that this will fade away over time as we observe our children grow into confident, independent, socially and culturally sensitive adults, ready to start the next phase of their lives. CP

COLUMN By Virginia Czarnocki

et me ask you a question. A simple question. Only when you have answered the question, can you continue reading. Now here’s the question……. How are you? Did you answer “busy” or “exhausted” or stressed” or did you just sigh at the sheer magnitude of that question? Every day we are pulled in so many directions; from our jobs to our families to the general pressure of managing our every day lives. We are all living our lives at 100mph subconsciously trying to be superman/woman and doing it all. It’s draining and leaves us all with absolutely no time for ourselves. If someone suggested exercising you’d be forced to ask where the extra hour in your day would come from. I’m not going to tell you that if you think positive thoughts every day, a crock of gold will land on your doorstep and you’ll be catapulted into bliss. We live in an age where 110 per cent is expected in every aspect of our lives and we are all conditioned to accept that and to strive towards it. Life isn’t easy but in everything you do, you have a choice. If you want some semblance of control and balance and good health, you have to adapt, and to adapt you have to put yourself first. If you don’t look after yourself and put yourself first, you will be of no use to yourself never mind those around you. Does this resonate with you? The reality is that if you put yourself first, everyone else benefits so you’re not being selfish

at all. By putting myself first, I let go of stressors in life and focused on what mattered to me. As a result, I was able to find my true calling and spend way more time with my family. I’m not suggesting that for eternal happiness and balance, we all have to give up our day jobs and follow our dreams. That’s what I chose to do. We’re all different but what we do have in common is that we all have the ability to feel and to choose how we live our lives. I chose to return to law when we moved to Cayman but I also chose for that return to law to be a job and not a way of life as it had been in Scotland. If you want balance and happiness and a healthy body and mind then you have to actually move in that direction. It’s no use saying you don’t have time, you have to make time. CP Virginia is an attorney turned performance coach and motivational speaker. She now spends her days helping people realign themselves from a nutritional, physical, mental and general well being perspective. Virginia has a passion for easy, healthy eating and to that end, she created the food blog Moozlers.com where she shares her recipes and motivational tips. She is a mother of three children and the owner of 2 horses, 3 dogs, 1 fish and a load of stray cats. If she’s not coaching people, writing, looking after kids and animals, or cooking, she’s in the gym weightlifting or teaching high intensity interval training. She is currently training with a view to stepping on stage in a Master’s figure competition.

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Health

Making yourself a priority Prioritise yourself: Decide what makes you happy and build it into your weekly plan. If it’s exercise, then program that into your diary each week. This way you will know that on each Tuesday morning at 6am you do Crossfit or yoga or whatever. If your priority is reading a book, fit that time in too. Choice: You have the choice and always remember that. If someone asks you to do something and it conflicts with your programmed activity, it’s simple, say no. No need to explain why. If the phone rings at 8.30pm, it’s your choice as to whether or not to answer it. Use your time wisely Don’t let it be stolen from you: • Prep meals and food at the weekend. • Write up to do lists and post wherever you will see them. • Read the to do list regularly and tick things off. • Delegate tasks. • Write up a weekly meal plan • If you are waiting for your kids whilst they are doing an activity, don’t sit and chat unless that’s what you really want to do. Take the time to exercise or pick up any groceries

you need or even just to read a book or listen to some music. Schedule time to browse through social media and limit it. Rest and get adequate sleep: Not enough sleep stresses the body and can make us ill. If all of your energy is going out and you don’t do anything to replenish it, how can you ever be healthy and happy. Change your thought process: If it all gets too much, don’t keep thinking about it. If you think downhill, downhill it will go. Laugh off whatever happened and create a positive environment. Smile and be grateful: When someone asks how you are, say “great” and smile. Think of all the things in your life you have to be grateful for and smile because it makes you feel good and it’s contagious. Watch how other people react. They’ll either look at you as though your stupid (which will make you smile all the more) or they’ll smile back. You’ve then made someone else’s day too.

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Ask the Doctor Doctors get countless queries each day from parents about their child’s health. Each edition we present some of the most common questions from paediatrician Dr. Christine Chen.

What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)? Hand Foot and Mouth Disease is a common viral infection occurring most commonly in children less than 10 years of age during the summer and fall months. It is very contagious and outbreaks are common in child care settings and preschools. This infection is different from Foot and Mouth disease that affects cattle and sheep. The causative agents include strains of the coxsackie virus and enterovirus which are easily spread by droplets expelled from the nose or mouth of infected persons during sneezing and coughing or via the stool of an infected person which may then contaminate food or objects such as toys, tabletops or door knobs when proper hygiene is not observed or via contact with fluid from burst blisters. About 3 to 7 days after exposure, symptoms may begin, which may include a fever lasting 1 or 2 days, a runny nose, cough, sore throat or occasionally tummy pain and vomiting, followed by painful blister like lesions in the mouth leading to fussiness, drooling and decreased oral intake. A non itchy rash may also develop consisting of flat red spots that may evolve into blisters on the hands, feet, knees, elbows, limbs or buttocks. Your child could have all of these symptoms or only a few. The blisters may take up to 7 to 10 days to go away without leaving any scars. Infected persons are most contagious during the first week of the illness but can still be contagious for several weeks after, as the virus may continue to be shed in their saliva or stools during this time although they do not seem sick. For this reason it is very important to keep your child at home during at least the first week of the illness to decrease the chance of infecting others and it is important to observe good hygiene such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, and after handling anything contaminated with stool or secretions from the nose or mouth. Frequent disinfection of diapering areas, potties, toilets, sinks, toys, tables etc should also be observed. Older children and adults are encouraged to cover

their nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing and to dispose of used tissue appropriately. Infected individuals should not share food, drink or eating utensils with others either. There is no vaccine to prevent the spread of HFMD and as it is due to a virus, antibiotics will not help. Symptomatic treatment involves acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever or pain, sometimes analgesic mouth solutions, and encouraging a soft diet along with cool liquids, yogurt, smoothies and popsicles to keep your child hydrated until the virus runs it’s course. Very rarely, HFMD can lead to complications such as viral meningitis or encephalitis which will present with high fever, headache, neck stiffness, and back pain. As the illness may be caused by several strains of viruses, it is possible to catch HFMD more than once. Most adults are immune to HFMD as they most likely had the infection as a child, but if non-immune adults become infected with these same viruses, however, they will not present with oral lesions and a rash but instead may get fever, runny nose or sore throat or they may even be asymptomatic but still spread the virus. If a pregnant non immune woman gets HFMD, the risk to the unborn baby is very low but in very rare cases there have been reports of miscarriages during the first trimester due to high maternal fever. An infection acquired shortly before giving birth can be passed on to the baby, usually producing mild symptoms. CP Got a question for the doctor? Dr. Christine Chen is a paediatrician at TrinCay Medical Centre & Urgent Care located in Camana Bay. She is actively involved with The Children’s Health Task Force/Cayman Heart Fund and is the founder of Get Active and The Get Active Challenge programs which serve to raise awareness and tackle the problem of childhood obesity in Cayman. Feel free to contact Dr Chen at 345-943-4633 or through Facebook/ Get Active Cayman.

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Family Law

Is Divorce the only option? Column by Kerrie Cox

pon the breakdown of a marriage, the natural instinct for most couples is to consider divorce as the most obvious method of bringing their marriage to an end. However, for a jurisdiction such as the Cayman Islands which requires fault-based grounds to be proved before a Decree of Divorce is obtained, the benefits of an alternative route such as a Separation Agreement should not be overlooked.

What is fault-based‘Divorce’? In short, the Matrimonial Causes Law (2005 Revision) (“MCL”) principally requires that a degree of ‘blame’ is apportioned to one party as the reason for the marriage being over. For an immediate Petition for divorce to succeed after marriage break-up, a Petition has to be founded on one of the specified grounds of adultery, unreasonable behaviour or desertion. This part of the legislation ignores the fact that sometimes, couples merely ‘fall out of love with each other’ or simply do not wish to escalate a situation by embarking upon an exercise in culpability which may ultimately cause further acrimony. Indeed, the 2011 Law Commission Paper on family reform emphasised this anomaly and exampled the potential impact on children of divorcing couples. To avoid allegations demonstrating unreasonable behaviour, Section 10(1)(d) MCL provides some respite in the alternative ground: “The parties to a marriage have lived apart for a continuous period of at least two years

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immediately preceding the presentation of the Petition and the Respondent consents to the decree being pronounced”. The section acknowledges that by a couple living separate lives over a two year period, there is little prospect of reconciliation and as long as each party agrees to a divorce, the legislation (and thereby the jurisdiction of the court) attempts to minimise any interference with a married couple’s decision to divorce.

and maintenance by the non-resident spouse etc). Most couples will see the main advantage of a Divorce as one of finality and certainty. This is certainly true in circumstances where the couple cannot agree on the main issues or where assets are opaque and there is mistrust. But if the parties have a clear and agreeable understanding of each other’s position, there is little reason why the alternative of a Separation Agreement should not be considered.

The advantages of Separation and a corresponding Deed of Separation n The court is not concerned with the reasons for the separation, nor who was allegedly responsible for the marital split; n If arrangements for finances and children are agreed, then a properly drafted Deed of Separation can set out those terms to provide certainty to both parties; n There is no involvement of the court at this stage and therefore a Deed of Separation is not a Court Order. However, each party agrees to be bound by its terms which indicates a trong intention to the court in the event of any breach;

n Provision should be made in the agreement that after the expiry of two years from the date of separation, ‘Consent’ is already provided to permit either party to Petition for divorce under Section 10(1) (d) MCL thereby averting any necessary allegations of blame; n A Certificate of legal advice appended to the Deed will indicate to the court that each party has taken independent legal advice, understood the rights which he/she is surrendering or acquiring and has voluntarily submitted to its terms; n At the time either party petitions for divorce, the Court is likely to follow the terms of the Deed unless the provisionsfor any children are considered unsatisfactory by the Judge; n The court is invited to incorporate the terms of the Deed into a final Order which will avoid the presentation of further evidence and minimise court attendance. Suggested terms of a Deed of Separation It is important to understand that the principle reason to execute such an agreement is to bring clarity and certainty to the terms upon which a separating couple are committing to; not only for the present, but for the future. A second objective is to

incorporate the agreed terms into a final order by the court upon a future divorce. Consequently, the Deed should be drafted in a manner appreciative of the fact that a Judge will eventually read its contents and will determine its acceptability to the court. The Recitals to the Deed are an opportunity for the parties to acknowledge the basis of their agreement and to indicate good faith and co-operation. They set the scene to show willingness to ‘work together’ in the hopeful anticipation that the couples’ future relationship will remain, at the very least, courteous and reasonable. Where children are involved, there is an opportunity for both parties to express and acknowledge that the manner in which they relate to each other in the future, will influence the children in one way or another, and at all times, the children’s needs should come first.

What should the main terms of the Deed cover? The following is a non-exhaustive list to merely give guidance on the basic terms which should be considered: n An acceptance that the marriage is > see next page

“Separation” or Divorce As set out previously, an immediate Petition for divorce upon the break-up of a marriage requires grounds to be based on elements of fault. Once the court is satisfied that the grounds for divorce are ‘proved’, the court will also determine an equitable division of assets and finances and, issues in respect of any children such as residence, maintenance and contact. This is not to say that any of the above cannot be agreed by the Parties. Most commonly, divorcing couples will receive advice from their attorneys as to each of their respective legal rights and eventually come to an agreement whereby a ‘Consent Order is presented to the Judge. As long as he/she is satisfied that the Order is fair and the needs of any children are sufficiently met, an Order will be made as an Order by consent on those terms. Where the parties cannot reach any such Consent agreement, then it will be role of the Judge to make findings of fact and ultimately give judgement (i.e. determine the value of assets and then apportion the division according to legal principles, & decide the appropriate level of contact

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Kerrie Cox is a Barrister and Attorney-at-Law with Diamond Law Attorneys, specializing in family law.

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over and neither party will interfere in the life of the other. Further, ‘Consent’ is given for either party to petition for divorce upon the expiry of 2 years’ from the date of separation; n An acknowledgment that each party has fully disclosed to the other all his/her financial assets and income upon which the financial terms have been agreed; n That in the event that the terms of the Deed are fully implemented, neither party will make any further financial claims against the other upon divorce; n Terms setting out the division of any assets, lump sum payments and/or periodic payments; n The transfer of any shares, policies or pensions; or, any associated nominated beneficiary provisions to protect a party in the event of death or disability; n Inflationary protected agreed sums for the maintenance of any children, preferably to the completion of tertiary education; n The residence of any children and corresponding contact arrangements for the non-resident parent.

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