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livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
From the
Publisher S
pring Break is over and summer vacation is just around the corner. It’s a time for family getaways, kicking back and reconnecting. Although this is generally the most carefree time of the year, the world certainly feels different to me now compared to how it did when I was growing up. There is so much uncertainty and far too many negative headlines for my liking. That’s one reason I reached out to a personal mentor for a new reoccurring feature called Family Matters. I’m excited to announce that Matt Keller, the Founder & Lead Pastor of Next Level Church, has agreed to share insight and advice on how to focus on the family and be present, not only during summer vacation, but also all year long. It’s my hope that this month’s feature will elevate your family time and provide encouragement to families that find summer a struggle. Most kids are currently planning their summer getaways and sleepovers and looking to their parents to help them make decisions, but for many of Southwest Florida’s children, their family dynamic is drastically different. Without a stable household or trustMANAGING EDITOR
Anna Gerrol As a University of Florida a l u m n a e, A n n a h a s a background in marketing and advertising, with a strong focus in journalism. Throughout her career, she has contributed to various publications across the state of Florida.
livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
worthy adult figures in their lives, many children become exposed to unthinkable situations. That is where the Children’s Advocacy Center steps in, by offering a safe place for victims of child abuse. In this issue, we take a look at the agency’s mission in our community and learn how they are utilizing dogs for therapy, both in the center as well as in the court system. This month’s cover feature is Dr. Joseph Magnant of Vein Specialists. He was the first medical professional to contribute monthly content in livinglocal® and I’m so thankful, not only for his partnership but for his friendship, too. His expertise in the field of veins is unmatched, and his passion for healing is making a difference in the lives of many. As we transition into summer, season is also coming to a close. Don’t forget that local businesses depend on your support now more than ever, so be sure to show them some love! As always, thank you for living local.
Audrey
LOCAL CONTRIBUTOR
Gina Birch Gina is a freelance writer for USA Today 10Best and a well-known TV & radio personality in SW Florida. Google her blog, “The Birch Beat” and follow her on Facebook & Twitter @GinaBirch.
side Inside this ed tion ii
Dr. Joseph Magnant
Neida White
Vein Specialists
Davidson Irrigation
Robin Powers
Theresa Clements
Craig Chasnov
Noah Fura
Matt Keller
Dr. Peter Ameglio
Clements Interior Designs
MedSpa Del Mar
Best Home Services
I-Topian Optical
Gardner Orthopedics
Family Matters
Children’s Advocacy Center
Chef Harold Balink Harold’s
Our mission at livinglocal includes spotlighting local non-profits that are making a difference in our community. In addition to sharing their story, we also provide a monetary donation on behalf of our advertisers. This month we feature the Children’s Advocacy Center, an organization that provides a safe place for victims of child abuse. Learn more about this incredible organization, and how they continue to make a lasting impact on Southwest Florida’s youth. S u b s c r i b e t o l i v i n g l o c a l a t www.LivingLocalFL.com CONNECT WITH US
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Passion Propels
Results T
he medical field is a family affair in the Magnant household. Dr. Joseph Magnant, founder of Vein Specialists, grew up in Northern Virginia as the son of a pediatrician. Of his seven siblings, all but one is a medical professional; the other is a lawyer. He says, “I didn’t know what else to do, medicine was a family business.” Growing up, there was an expectation to perform well in school and get good grades. Dr. Magnant says, “My mom is very smart and a good motivator. She had pretty high standards and pushed us to excel.” livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
by Gina Birch
at
She gave each of her children a book called The Magic of Thinking Big. “We had to make flash cards out of the lessons; she bought dozens of copies.” The binding may be falling apart but Dr. Magnant still has the book his mother gave him as a teenager. It was during clinical rotations his third year of medical school that Dr. Magnant decided to be a surgeon; “the hardest thing to do,” he says. “I went into vascular surgery because it was meticulous and there was variety,” he adds. After a two-year fellowship at Dartmouth, he went into private practice in Rome, Georgia.
“You don’t need to wait until you’re having pain... be proactive! ” Life was good. H e fell in love and married his wife, Patty, had two children, and fourteen years into a busy, demanding practice he says, “I had done enough surgery in the hospital, and thought it was time for a career shift. That’s when I shifted into the vein field, for a new focus.” His parents were already living in Southwest Florida, so he seized the opportunity to be closer to them while reinventing his career. Having no actual business experience, he opened one anyway in 2006. It was a rough road, to put it mildly.
He started his new practice with his wife and two staff members, but unfortunately was missing the most important piece of the business: patients. The determined doctor went door-to-door introducing himself to other physicians who might refer patients with venous disease. Not all showed him professional courtesy, but he was persistent. Fast forward twelve years and Vein Specialists now employs more than 35 people and has set the standard in the field of venous care in Southwest Florida. Dr. Magnant and his associate, Dr. Patrick Nero, offer the newest and livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
Joseph G. Magnant & Patrick A. Nero latest technology and treatments with a strong emphasis on training and educating to both their patients as well as other physicians. They are still knocking on doors and reaching out to other doctors on a daily basis with letters, texts and emails; doing their best to improve communication regarding patient care. They call to share important information and follow up on the progress of patients. They even personally call their patients on occasion to check on them; an individual touch often missing in medicine today. Venous disease affects about 40 million adults in the U.S. according to Dr. Magnant, which is about 20% of the population. He says, “A lot of people are in denial, both patients and physicians, about when they should do something about it. You don’t need to wait until you’re having pain. You should be proactive. Venous disease is a medical livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
MD, FACS, RPVI MD, FACS, RPVI
condition like hypertension and high cholesterol. You don’t wait until you’re having a problem to treat it.” Age, weight, pregnancy, and standing occupations can exacerbate venous disease, however, Dr. Magnant says, “It’s mostly hereditary; you can’t run from who your parents and grandparents are.” Some of the most common venous problems Dr. Magnant and Dr. Nero encounter include varicose veins, swollen legs, discolored and inflamed skin, and even wounds that won’t heal. They also treat iliac vein compression syndrome. He says, “Our focus on vein disease is the distinguishing aspect of our practice. We are board certified surgeons, registered vascular technologists and advanced registered nurse practitioners working as a team, 100% focused and dedicated to venous disease. It’s not
“Our focus on vein disease is the
distinguishing aspect
of our practice.”
something we do part time, or as another stream of revenue. This is our passion!” Dr. Magnant has made a significant impact on improving the lives of Southwest Floridians suffering from venous disease. What keeps the caring and approachable doctor going every day? He’ll tell you, “Meeting people with different stories and problems I can potentially help them with, and to share to some degree our spirituality in terms of how we manage people. It’s not just doing a procedure, it’s interacting with each patient in a personal way while treating their problem in an effort to improve their quality of life.”
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You’re skin is one of the first things people notice when they look at you, and it can give your age away in an instant. Skin and beauty are two things Robin Powers has dedicated her career to at MedSpa del Mar on Fifth Avenue South in Naples. As an aesthetician, she performs luxurious and rejuvenating facials as well as more powerful laser treatments to repair aging, sun-damaged skin, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. She went to school for graphic design and worked in the Boston area for 15 years, saying, “I always liked the art field and that led me to makeup, which then led me to medical spas and working with skin.” As an aesthetician, Robin is certified to perform many different types of medical aesthetic treatments. Her extensive training and knowledge of skin gives her the ability to create customized treatments resulting in younger, healthy and more vibrant skin. Not only does Powers administer facials and chemical peels at MedSpa del Mar, she is also an expert in many areas, from eye lash extensions to the most advanced and powerful laser treatments available. With her certification, Robin is the “go to girl” in SWFL for Icon laser treatments that repair aging, sun-damaged skin. One of her favorite treatments to perform is micro-needling that she says, “creates micro channels in your skin; the healing process producing new collagen and elastin.”
Denise Morris, owner of MedSpa del Mar, says, “Robin is one of our very talented and experienced aestheticians. She is caring, conservative and great at what she does. She is that person who will always do the right thing by her clients.”
Sun damage is one of the most common skin issues she deals with, explaining, “People say ‘I don’t spend time in the sun’ but when they walk their dog or drive a car, they are in the sun. Sunscreen is so important, which is why we only offer ZO Skin Health by Dr. Obagi, Neocutis and SkinCeuticals sunscreen and skin care at MedSpa del Mar.”
“I love seeing positive changes in someone’s skin,” says Powers. “It’s like being a detective, uncovering what’s going on and then fixing it. It’s very rewarding.”
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livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
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livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
BEST Home Services, Southwest
F l o r i d a’s l e a d i n g h o m e s e r v i ce company providing exceptional air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing services to residents from Naples to Bradenton for the last 38 years, is pleased to recognize electrical technician Noah Fura and his 5 years of service with the company. Noah became a part of the Best Home Services family in December of 2012. Noah has seen and been a part of the rapid growth and development of Best Home Services in the Southwest Florida area. He feels that the word “advantaged” is the best way to describe the company. “We are there when others are not,” he says, and “we have become ubiquitous in the Southwest Florida area”. Noah also feels that “the owners share a thought process of achieving [the] pinnacle [of] respect [and] congruity,” stating that what they’ve built is a company that you can rely on- whether you are a customer or an employee.
We asked Noah, as an electrician, what advice he has for homeowners in Southwest Florida. Noah stressed the importance of LED lighting within the home. He says that LED lights are not only much more energy efficient (they use up to 75% less energy than incandescent, according to the Department of Energy), but they are also safer to use. LED lighting emits very little heat. You may remember accidentally touching a lightbulb in a lamp that had been on for a while - it got very hot! With LEDs, you need not worry about small children touching burning hot bulbs. Being a new father himself, Noah is a firm believer in LEDs for his home. Not only are LEDs safer and more efficient, they also are more visually pleasing. The light does not flicker like many incandescent bulbs do, and it is often a truer white light. LEDs also last up to 25 times longer than your regular bulbs, according to the Department of Energy. Consider using LED lights when decorating your home around Christmas. It will save you money and
AIR CONDITIONING • ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • DRAINS livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
BEST HOME SERVICES
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reduce your risk for fires. Also, since LEDs aren’t made of glass, you’ll find it much harder to break a bulb! Noah is happily married to his wife, Erica, with whom he just celebrated his 11-year anniversary. Together they have a son and daughter, aged 2 and 6. Originally hailing from New York, Noah moved to the Southwest Florida area in 2009 and continues to call it home. Noah is a dedicated employee and spends much of his time ensuring all of his customers are treated like family and taken care of. When he is not working, the new father is at home, spending time with his family and “enjoying the splendid nature of young children”. Best Home Services is a local, family owned and operated company that is focused on caring for their customers and the community. Their team relentlessly works to continuously improve their service in order to make Southwest Florida homes safer, more comfortable, and more efficient-one job at a time! To learn more about Best Home Services’ story and their Best Home Services Guarantee, please call 239-217-1698.
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livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
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livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
DOES YOUR KNEE STILL HURT AFTER A REPLACEMENT?
It Might Be An Allergy By Gina Birch
I
f you’ve had a knee replacement and are still in pain, you might be allergic to the metals used to stabilize the joint. It’s something Dr. Peter Ameglio and the entire team at Gardner Orthopedics is putting on their radar, but it’s a theory that is not without controversy. “Some physicians don’t believe it is a real thing,” says Dr. Ameglio about the metal allergy. He continues, “It’s a diagnosis of exclusion. If someone comes in with a painful swollen knee, you have to rule out a low-grade infection or instability of the knee replacement, among other reasons.”
Knee replacement surgery is more of a resurfacing rather than a replacing. Dr. Ameglio compares it to capping a tooth, saying, “If you put in a new surface and the ligaments are nicely balanced, the painful joint surface is gone. It should not hurt.” Between 10-15% of the population has a sensitivity to metal with nickel being the most prevalent, according to the surgeon. Nickel is commonly contained in knee replacements along with cobalt and chromium. Have you ever tried on costume jewelry that causes your skin to turn red, and burns or itches? It’s likely you have a sensitivity or allergy to that metal.
In some cases, the pain is actually coming from somewhere other than the knee. Most The theory is the same when considering commonly a hip disorder refers pain to metals used on the knee. Dr. Ameglio says, “Some people have trouble sleeping. They the knee. start having joint pain in other areas of the “Of the people who have had total knee body. Some are so desperate they come replacements, up to 20% are dissatisfied. in saying, ‘I just want it out of my body’.” This is one of most successful orthopedic surgeries we perform, but so many people There are no guidelines or evidenceare still dissatisfied. Why is that?” asks Dr. based treatment for metal allergies in Ameglio. livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
regards to knee replacement and that is material such as titanium or zirconium, a ceramic-coated implant. what many physicians rely on. Dermatitis or eczema on the skin around the knee gives a clear indication of an allergy. However, if someone comes in with a painful, swollen knee, the diagnosis is not so simple. It requires an extensive workup with bone scans and blood work.
There are no guarantees on the success of a revision surgery, given the lack of evidence-based guidelines for surgeons to follow. Due to this shortage of patient studies, surgeons are left to make decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Unfortunately, pre-screening for metal allergies is not an option, according to Dr. Ameglio, who says you have to be exposed to the allergen before you can test positive for it. If a metal allergy is thought to be the reason for your pain, the solution is a replacement of the original knee replacement, using an alternative
People may go from doctor to doctor being told they are fine, but it’s not fine if the knee still hurts. This is a real thing that should be investigated,� says Dr. Ameglio. If you have had a hip or knee replacement and are still in pain, talk to your surgeon about metal allergies or call Gardner Orthopedics at 239-277-7070 for a consultation.
Ronald Gardner, M.D.
3033 Winkler Avenue Ft Myers (239)277-7070
www.GardnerOrthopedics.com @moreoptionslessrisk
@gardnerorthopedics livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
The Best of Florida is Here! Fresh Citrus, Freshly Squeezed Juice,
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Recipe month of the
FROM
CHEF HAROLD BALINK’S KITCHEN
Buffalo Cauliflower
INGREDIENTS 1 head Cauliflower, broken into large pieces 1 cup sifted chick pea flour 1 Tbsp sea salt 1 Tbsp granulated garlic ¼ Tbsp white pepper ¾ C cold water livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
Chef Harold Balink was raised in the restaurant business, having the opportunity to travel while becoming exposed to great cuisine and wine. Originally from Boulder, Colorado, Chef Balink holds a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University, a bachelor’s degree in Hotel Restaurant Management from Boston University, as well as his Advanced Level Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. He’s even completed apprenticeships at Le Cirque in New York, The Flagstaff House in Colorado and The Greenbrier in West Virginia. As one of the most desired chefs in Southwest Florida, Chef Balink decided it was time for a change, downsizing to a smaller operation. He opened his own restaurant, Harold’s, a small upscale restaurant serving creative American cuisine, built in alignment with the farm-to-table movement.
DIRECTIONS • Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and slowly add water until batter is the thickness of pancake batter. • Dip the cauliflower into the batter, fully coating each piece. Then place on lined baking sheet. • Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool until ready to serve. • Turn oven up to 500 degrees and cook the cauliflower for 5-8 minutes until crisp. • When done, toss with preferred hot sauce and serve immediately with choice of dipping condiments.
Theresa’s Tip of the Month
When accessorizing and applying finishing touches to a room, remember that bright metallic finishes can add instant sparkle. There’s gleam and glamour to mixing metals, and when properly balanced they can highlight any space. – Theresa Clements INTERIOR DESIGNER
H
ave you ever watched a home improvement show on television and wished someone could help you freshen up your space, or fix the things that just don’t work? That’s exactly what Theresa Clements does at Clements Interior Design. Clements has been in the interior design business for more than 25 years, and was even featured on HGTV. Originally an owner of Galloway’s, Clements and Associates in Royal Palm Square, she had what she calls ‘a dream team’ of architects, designers, builders and contractors, all ready to work on major projects. Clements Interior Design is a spinoff of sorts, targeting the everyday homeowner who wants to make a home update but needs the help of an expert. She says, “I’m trying to reach people who wouldn’t think of a calling a designer.” Although the name has recently changed, the Fast & Frugal concept continues to be a service we extend to our clients. If a home consultation is all you have the budget for, she’ll come in and decide on a game plan, giving you a road map of where to go and how to achieve exactly what you want. If you need more direct assistance, the designer says, “Get on your running shoes, we’re gonna work.” She’ll take you to furniture, consignment and home improvement stores to find the perfect pieces, paint colors and more, all within your budget.
About her job, Clements says, “It’s exciting for me to open new doors to clients and give them a way to solve what they thought was a huge problem.” She continues, “Once you see their vision, the fun thing is giving them the best version of that vision.”
@fastandfrugal
1637 Hendry Street • Fort Myers • livinglocalfl. 239-936-1231 com | MAY 2018
Blinds & Shutters
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For All Your Eye Care Needs
SPECIALIZING IN Cataract, LASIK and Corneal Surgery Comprehensive Eye Exams Oculoplastic and Cosmetic Surgery Custom Contact Lens Fittings Call today to schedule an appointment.
239.936.4706 www.CollinsVision.com
6900 International Center Blvd. • Fort Myers 860 111th Avenue North • Naples
Nicole Alessi, OD • Jay Rosen, OD, FAAO • Michael Collins, MD, FACS • Stephen Jones, DO
livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
Groundbreaking
TECHNOLOGY Helping You to See Better
By Gina Birch “It’s a bigger deal than can you imagine. I have goose bumps talking about it,” says Craig Chasnov, owner of I-Topian O pt ical. H e’s talking abou t new equipment that takes customizing your glasses to a whole new level. For nearly 20 years, I-Topian has been the leader in Southwest Florida when it comes to high fashion, high quality, hi-tech eyewear. That status has now skyrocketed to among the best in the nation, thanks in part to industrial grade equipment that arrived last month. There are two essential parts to making glasses: creating a lens and getting it into the frame. Chasnov says, “This machine is the best in the world when finishing custom eyewear and mounting
livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
the lens into the frame. The best equipment produces the best product.” Until now, this type of technology was reserved for industrial use. He says, “We are one of the only luxury dealers in the country to have it in a retail setting, it’s a 1,000 pound monster.” Of the manufactures that do have the machine, they use it in a factory setting, never realizing its full potential. Chasnov says, “Anyone can buy a race car but can’t drive around the track at 200mph without killing themselves. Anyone can take a picture with their iPhone but it doesn’t mean they’re a photographer.” He has become the racecar driver in this analogy. He’s spent countless hours and energy creating new software to operate the machine in ways he says, “the average users never even knew or thought possible.” His software will soon become the standard for businesses purchasing this equipment worldwide. So what does this mean for you?
Ever y pair of lenses at I -Topian is customized for your unique face, your eyes and your prescription. The new technology is “100% consistent” in getting the best results possible with every single pair of glasses according to Chasnov. If you buy your glasses through a big chain, chances are you will never see as clearly as you will by choosing I-Topian, even with the same prescription; largely because of the unparalleled attention to detail you receive at this local business. Chasnov could af fec tionately be considered a technology geek, and his customers benefit in ways that are hard to put into words. It’s something you need to literally SEE to believe. The excited business owner says, “I already had the best equipment for the last 15 years, but the best was marginal to what I can do now. It makes a big
difference from low prescriptions to extreme cases like for people who have higher prescriptions. It takes what we can do on custom work and extremes to a whole new level that never existed.”
FREE FRAME with purchase of prescription lenses 250+ select frames to choose from!
New or existing clients. One time use only. Not valid on previous purchases. Must present offer at time of purchase. No cash value. See store for details. Some restrictions apply. EXPIRES 5/31/18 Care Credit accepted • Use your FSA & HSA money Authorized Out of Network Provider for most insurances
(239) 689-6551
15245 S. Tamiami Tr. • Suite #6 • Shops at Jamaica Bay
itopian.com
livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
Neida White
LEADING A MALE certainly appreciates and understands the dedication and hard work it has taken her to reach this point.
To say that Neida White, owner of Davidson Irrigation, is passionate about educating local contractors and the general public regarding water usage in Florida would be an understatement. If you've ever had the opportunity to meet Neida in person, you would understand why.
F
or the past 27 years, Neida White has turned her passion for owning her own irrigation business into one of Lee and Collier County's most successful enterprises. In fact, she is the only local business owner in her industry to be both female and a veteran, having served as vice-president for the Florida Irrigation Society for the past two years, and most recently named President for 2017. The path to success hasn' t always been an easy one for Neida, and she
LS#02-00159
"My step-father owned a marine salvage company back in Virginia and I worked for him between the ages of nine and 18," Neida recalls. "It was there at such a young age that I learned how to work on boat motors, x pumps, and even learned how to weld." By the time she was 18, she decided that she wanted to attend college. Knowing that by joining the service she could help pay for the cost of her education, she proudly signed up for the United States Coast Guard. With her experience at the salvage company, she made a natural transition in the Coast Guard as a diesel mechanic. "After proudly serving my country for four years, I started out in the lawn care business here in Fort Myers in 1989," Neida said. "By the year 2000, I decided to expand into irrigation and by 2002 I received my contractors license."
www.DavidsonIrrigation.com
livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
DOMINATED INDUSTRY T
oday, Davidson Irrigation prides itself on living up to their stellar reputation with each customer. They are a full-service irrigation company offering professional inspections and repairs on sprinkler heads, rain sensors, timers, and leaks. They also offer regular service contracts and scheduled maintenance that will keep your watering system working correctly while saving you some green. "If your irrigation system is not installed correctly, it's like having a car that's a lemon," Neida explains. "It will irritate you forever. But if the job is done correctly, your yard will be lush and easy to maintain. Many times, it's just a small repair that's needed, not a total replacement. Our company's promise is to protect your landscaping one drop at a time." In addition to the above services, Davidson Irrigation is also a landscape lighting contractor. They are experts in layout and design, safety requirements and prop-
er voltage. By creating beautiful custom waterfalls and ponds, their team can really bring your yard to live. "I knew from the first time I started in business for myself, I would always be in business for myself," she states. "I have wonderful resources and customers that feel like my extended family. I have three children with one of my sons working full-time with our company, I wouldn't change a thing - I absolutely love what I do!" Have questions regarding landscaping, lighting, or water usage? Give Neida a call.
This month they are offering a 12-point inspection & tune up for only $49 (regularly $129/repair, parts and labor are additional).
LEE COUNTY
Hours of Operation MONDAY - FRIDAY 7 A.M. – 5 P.M. SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT CLOSED SUNDAY
(239)275-8569 COLLIER COUNTY
(239)498-1900 | livinglocalfl.com
MAY 2018
AUTHENTIC CHINESE CUISINE Traditional H.K. Style BBQ and Dim Sum
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239-689-3113 www.GingerBistroUSA.com
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LARGE SELECTION OF PET FOOD, SUPPLEMENTS & ACCESSORIES
239-947-2222 9114 Bonita Beach Road (located in the Sunshine Ace Plaza)
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livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
ANY STORE PURCHASE
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Come to our complimentary seminar to meet our team of providers for an intimate Q&A session. Bonita Springs/Naples • Monday, May 7th at 4:30pm Fort Myers • Tuesday, May 22nd at 4:30pm
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livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
Family Matters Make the most of the moments! by Matt Keller
Summer’s almost here! Schedules change and with it comes the opportunity for our families! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got kids who are growing up too fast and a desire in your heart to make the most of the time. You’re probably wondering, “How do we make the most of this fleeting time together?”
i
Matt Keller is the Lead Pastor of Next Level Church in SWFL. He is 21 years into his marriage with Sarah and they have 2 boys, Will (17) & Drew (15).
@matthewwkeller @nextlevelswfl livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
Here are four ways to make the most of the family moments this summer: 1
Collect experiences, not just stuff.
For the last 15 years, Sarah and I have tried to not just get “things” for our kids, but to collect experiences together. We’ve found that memories of experiences stick long after devices have been thrown in the back of the closet. We love to travel, so our boys have many memories of ballgames, kayaking in freezing weather and pictures in unique places. But even if you don’t travel, there are still a million ways to collect experiences. We live in paradise after all. Take some time this summer and explore a beach you’ve never been to before or visit a park, or hike a trail or hunt for shells. Get outside and experience something together. Trust me, the hassle is worth it.
2
Go Screen-Free.
We live in a device-driven world but I challenge you, before you set out, to set out an expectation with your kids that for 3 hours or 3 days, to not be on your devices. No video games, social media or texting people who are not here! I know it sounds impossible, but I assure you, it is possible! After the initial shock and protesting wears off, incredible conversations and moments together will emerge. One word of direction on this: Mom and Dad… you have to go first! You can’t expect your kids to not have their face in a screen if you aren’t willing to play by the same rules! Parents, what if you weren’t checking email and texting or posting to Facebook for a few days as well? Be. All. There. If you will go “screen free” your kids will likely follow.
3
Relive the Memories.
One of the greatest ways to remember the memories of your family times together is to relive ones from prior years! We love doing this as a family! Last year on vacation, at dinner each night, we chose a different year (2012, 2013, etc) and relived as many memories as we could from that year. Once we got the boys going, we were blown away at how many memories they could remember! See, when your kids are grown and gone, the thing that will take with them is not the things, but the memories! They will remember them more vividly if you’ve been reliving them periodically together.
4
Show each other a bunch of Grace.
I get it… spending time with family can be stressful and emotionally on edge (especially if you are trapped in a minivan on a road trip for 8 hours!). That means we have to show each other grace... lots of grace! We call our family times, “the practice field.” There’s no better place to teach our kids about how we are going to “be” together than while we are together. I know seeking out experiences can be a lot of trouble, but I promise you it’s not “more-trouble-than-its-worth.” Because a few years from now, long after the pain and struggle of the pain and struggle have ended, when your kids are older and busier than they are today, you’ll be glad you took the time to make the most of the moments together. livinglocalfl. com | MAY 2018
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livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
A Safe Place For The Most
Vulnerable-Abused
Noelle Branning & Jill Turner
By Gina Birch
“
We are a safe place for child victims of abuse to come and be heard,” says Jill Turner, CEO of the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). It’s a sad reality that not only is an organization like this needed, but that it has also served nearly 8,000 people over the last year.
”
Turner founded the CAC in 1981 while working as a supervisor for what was then the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. When a child in Southwest Florida is abused and it is reported, they are
referred to the child protection team for forensic interviews, and medical exams. The center has three full time nurse practitioners and a part time pediatrician. They also help family members, siblings and non-offending caregivers with therapy, parenting programs, and a range of services including case management and food. Victims and their family can always return to the center, even years later. Noelle Branning, Lee County Chief Deput y Tax Collec tor and Board President of the Children’s Advocacy Center, first learned of the center while working as a criminal defense attorney, of ten times representing people accused of abuse. She toured the facility three ago and it changed her life. With tears welling, she explains, “To walk through these doors and to understand everything that the children experiences, I had this broadened perspective and knew from that moment that I wanted to be involved.” Turner had a dream of instituting a therapy dog program in the court
3830 Evans Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
(239) 939-2808
Child ren “For A Greater Cause” is a monthly initiative of livinglocal, spotlighting a local nonprofit that is making a difference in our community. livinglocal also makes a monetary donation to the nonprofit on the behalf of its advertising partners.
system; Branning is married to Circuit Court Judge Robert Branning. It was the perfect storm. For children waiting to testify, as well as their families, these dogs act as a calming agent to relieve some of the stress that it undeniably felt in these difficult situations. The judicial personnel also benefit from being with the dogs. How could you not feel better after spending time with Fansee, a dog that plays a portable piano, or a lazy 150 pound Great Pyrenees who happily lets children lay all over her. Sometimes children talk to the dogs before they meet with their therapists. Branning says, “Kids who are shutting down feel they have someone to talk to if they are fearful of adults at the moment.” Tu r n e r a d d s , “ D o g s a re n o t judgmental, they don’t have an expression when you tell them something. Sometimes adults when hearing about abuse from a child victim react because it is so horrifying to hear.”
www.cac-swfl.org,
No one likes to think about the need for an organization like the Children’s Advocacy Center, the number of abused children who come through the door, or the numbers who never seek help. Branning says, “Jill’s life’s work has helped this community so much, helped so many people. It’s amazing.” Turner answers, “I feel it’s all of us, not just me. It’s tough stuff. It’s hard to hear what you hear day in and day out.” Success to Turner would be if the center closed it s doors. That would mean children in our community are safe. You can support the C AC by donating new teddy bears, new clothing and even hygiene items.
www.Facebook.com/cacswfl
livinglocalfl.com | MAY 2018
FORT MYERS • ESTERO • BONITA • NAPLES Brooks Infinity, Inc., Publisher • 239.245.7365
12565 New Brittany Blvd., #24 • Ft Myers, FL 33907
POSTMASTER: TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL - PLEASE DELIVER APRIL 27-30